Road to Dublin: Training Update 1

As of right now I'm 5 weeks into my training for World Championships. After having the chance to meet with Ivan Denisov, I have a few things to work on. Biggest thing is to get my numbers up for jerk. So the last few weeks I've been training hard focusing on improving technique and endurance in the lift. The other biggest challenge I face again is the weight loss. I'm going from 165lbs down to 149.6lbs (75kg to 68kg). Its probably the toughest part of my training.
How will I be making the transition from one weight class to another: caloric tracking (intake and usage). I use My Fitness Pal to track calories and Polar Heart Rate monitor to track how much I burn during my workouts and runs. These two applications help make the weight loss easier to handle. I can see exactly what it is I can have and how much food I can eat. Also If I want to have a cheat meal or food I can make sure it works into my daily caloric intake.
As far as training has been going things are working. I'm definitely getting pushed. My technique is getting better in Kettlebell Jerk. Two weeks ago (Sept 26th) I performed some test sets to see where my training is taking me. I was excited with the results. Here is the video:


One big thing in Kettlebell Jerk technique that I'm working on is my balance. I still have a horizontal sway back and forth. It's something I was doing to generate power to get the bells up. What I need to do is remain still until it is time for a rep. Then start the lift without the rocking forward. More on that later.
I'll try to update more often leading up to World Championships. With only 5 weeks left of training until competition things will get more intense.

Recap from NJ Iron Bell Challenge 2015

This past weekend I competed at the NJ Iron Bell Challenge that was hosted by Art of Strength in Warren, NJ. It was a small event but it was a test for me to see where I am with the 32kg bells. I competed in the 73kg weight class. I wanted to lift in the 68kg class but didn't have enough time to make the cut. I will be trying to make the cut for Nationals in August but more on that later.
The meet was a great event as always. I competed in it last year and made CMS. There were lifters from all over in attendance. Sara Nelson and Steve from the Ice Chamber came over. Chris Duffey from Boston came down along with lifters from NY, NJ and PA. The crowd was great and supporting to everyone on the platforms!
My game plan was to come in as light as possible close to 68kg as possible and see what I can do with the goal of lasting the full 10 minutes in Jerk. I was looking to maintain 6rpm. Jerk is not my strong lift so I understand that is where I need the most work but can't forget about Snatch. I'm stronger in that lift.
Here are my lifts from this weekend.

Kettlebell Jerk


Kettlebell Snatch


Results again weren't my best but they are okay for where I am now. I worked to maintain a 6rpm for jerk and a 15rpm for snatch. I will improve from here on. Results: Jerk- 36 reps, Snatch 85 reps.
Next stop US Nationals!! Goals are set and now it's time to put the work in. 47 days to be focused and make the work count.
Results-

Made it through!!

Made it through a tough week of training. A lot of mental and physical training happening this week as I prepare for the Punch Kettlebell Sport Championship in 2 weeks. This competition will show what I can accomplish with training being consistent. The 28kg bell is tough but using it in just about every training session I am getting comfortable with it. Some of the issues I do have come from the smaller details. Still working on straightening the legs in rack especially when going into the longer sets. Sticking to a pace in snatch that I can do for the entire 10 mins, and most important of all sticking to a breathing pattern that I can be consistent with. All of these actions come along with training. I'm excited to get back on the platform again!!
Wednesday's training session (snatch)


Thursday's training session (jerk)


Friday's training session (snatch)


Countdown 14 day until in Sarasota Fl!!

Countdown to Punch Kettlebell Sport Championship (SRQ)

In preparation for the upcoming Punch Kettlebell Sport competition in Sarasota, Fl I have been trying to get my training to be a lot more consistent. With the recent changes to my job to allow for more time to train things have really been turning for the better. Its been a while since I lifted the 28kg bells in competition so I have been preparing to get back to the 28s and 32s. This will be the competition to see where I am at with my training. Consistency is key at making improvements! Leading up to this week in training I have been going steady for the past few weeks. I know I still have things to continue to improve but progress is great when it happens. I still have some work in Jerk but Snatch is starting to feel pretty good. Here is what my 2 training sessions this week look like.
Monday-2x20 Jerks 9,9/ 2 min rest/ 2x24 Jerks 9,9/ 2 min rest/ 2x28 Jerks 7,8,7,8,7,8/ 3 min rest/ 2x26 Jerks 8,8,8

Tuesday -24 kg snatch 30/30 /3 min rest/ 28kg 8 minutes 15rpms

So far the week has gone well but the real check is on the platform in Sarasota. It'll be my 3rd year there so I am excited to compete there and put up some good numbers.

Brittany VS taking the Cali Open by storm!!

At the end of the February Brittany and her KOR Kettlebell Sport team competed at the OKC Cali Open and had some great results. I wanted to share her sets with you because as a Coach and athlete she is continuing to grow and excel in the sport. This was her second time lifting the 24kg bell in Snatch and her first time along with other ladies lifting the two bells in Long Cycle. Here are both of her sets take a look at her technique and pacing through out. She achieved Master of Sport in Snatch and completed the 10 minutes in the two bell Long Cycle.






Enjoy both and take notes!!!