More Recognition for Kamloops Throwers

The Kamloops training center was recently named a National High Performance Training Centre by Athletics Canada.  Athletics Canada is the national governing body for track and field in Canada.  They named six training centers, each with a focus on different events.  Thanks to the efforts of club president Judy Armstrong, the Kamloops training center will now be Canada’s new national throws center.  This not only gives further distinction to our training group, but it also will give the local track club more resources to continue its support of elite athletes in their quest for the 2012 Olympics.  There will be a press conference and celebration at 10:30 am on Friday at Kamloop’s Tournament Capital Centre for those interested.

My own training has been fairly uneventful for the past month.  After a high-volume training program in January and early February, I have been throwing only lightweight hammers for the past few weeks.  I have also taken a break from normal weight lifting in lieu of more bodyweight exercises.  Dr. Bondarchuk is trying to give my body a little active rest.  This should allow me to translate my recent strength gains into speed gains.  Perhaps the biggest recent revelation is that I’ve switched from using Nike shoes to using Mizuno shoes.  While the Nike shoes were much faster, I like the slipper-like feel and control of the Mizuno shoes.  For throwing shoes, the Mizuno shoes are also about as stylish as they come.  Also noteworthy is that one of my training partners, Vanessa Wilhelm, will be moving back to Los Angeles.  Vanessa is a native of Joyce, Washington and a two-time U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier.  She will be missed.