Annie+Grace+Fran+Helen
Rinse, Wash, Repeat.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to take the trek out to San Ramon to lift at Cal Strength with Charlie from Warriorz CF and Camilo from Midtown Strength and Conditioning. Cal Strength is home to weightlifting coach Glenn Pendlay (recognize the name?) and caters to athletes aiming to improve power and strength (aka they're a weightlifting gym). Though top lifter Donny Shankle (who is bigger than you; click the link to get the reference) wasn't around for the day, I witnessed several amazing feats from lifters such as Jon North and Spencer Moorman including snatches in the 300s (even more amazing when you consider that Jon only looks to weigh about 2 bills).
After having set a snatch PR last week I looked forward to being in an environment that would really push me out of my comfort zone…it worked. It was very intimidating working with a group that is at such a high level. Coach Pendlay also has a very intimidating demeanor that I think brings out the best in his athletes. You can tell when he is watching you but he won't say a word until after you've lifted (and made a mistake). Actually, the first thing he told me was, "How are you ever going to reproduce if you don't open your hips?" Point taken. Nonetheless, he and the whole crew were extremely helpful and inviting. As far as my lifting session went…I was demoted to working on some basic setup and first and second pull drills to better understand snatch positioning. I once again learned that I have A LOT of work to do and practicing the drills with perfect form (and low intensity) is the step necessary to improve.
One Last Thought– this is why being disciplined in your warmup is so important. This is your opportunity to practice the movements at a pace that will allow you to consider form so that it will come naturally when it's go time. This not only applies to barbell lifts but also the movements that folks struggle with such as toes-2-bar, rope climbs, and squat therapy. Practice does not make perfect…Practice Makes Permanent.
How's my grammar today? Everybody's a critic.
Matt P
Blake- you like to write a lot? Do you feel the need to insert asides and snide
comments in the middle of paragraphs?^1 Do you love to do things late at night and last minute? I think it’s time for you to go to law school.
^1 By the way those snide comments and aside should probably go in footnotes. You’d be amazed at the kinds of things you can throw into a footnote.
Jamie P
Impromptu gathering??! This Sunday, 4/29. Matt, the girls & I will be at Bertha Henschel Park (160 45th St.) at 9 am. We’ll have some mimosas and donuts….why don’t you join us? Bring something to share, bring your kids/dogs! Oh, and a lawn chair.
Justin Riley
Wow, I way about 2 bills but only snatch 225.
Olga B
Blake, I love this post – totally agree with focusing on perfecting the form before intensity, and all kittens are alive today.
Scott
Blake: I guess I should have read this post before I did Grace.
Tashnelson
Blake, for loose hips, pick a song and I will meet you on K street:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib3Duz_6a9M
Blake
Matt: I do feel the need for asides. However, my concern with footnotes is that no one will ever read them, I know I never did (and it would be a terrible thing for all of you if you didn’t read my comments).
Scott: haha yeah guess not. But you redeemed yourself with the quote of the day.
Olga: But there is a time when pushing the intensity is the only way you’ll improve 😉
Justin: I saw Jon’s unofficial American Record on vid in which he snatched 360. He may soon challenge our combined effort on top of the snatch leaderboard (my name goes first due to the extra ROM).
Tash: That’s great, count me in.
Steller
Hey peeps, if you walked out this morning wearing a black zip up CFES sweatshirt that you eventually realized wasn’t yours because you found an asthma inhaler in the pocket, it’s Trey’s. If you could drop it off in the cubbies at your earliest convenience, we’d appreciate it. He needs the inhaler to breathe during WODs. Thanks!