Don’t Tire too easily
I got back from DC a little early and squeezed in a workout while Laura went to Gold’s Gym.
I adjusted the harness on my tire just a little bit, the consequences were unexpected. I gave it about 3 feet more of slack, as a result the tire has better contact witht he ground and thus considerably more friction to overcome. I started out the same as last time, run one length of the field, use the rest of the lap at a walk to recover. 9 minutes on the first lap. Second lap I really started to feel that friction, same routine as before but 12 minutes this time. The third lap, as I tried to run the length I could barely pick up my legs. I had to stop. I parked the tire at the far end of the field, I decided it was time for something different.
I went to the car and got another 45lb plate and my 2″ dumbell (made from pipe so it’s hollow inside). I strung the pulling rope through the pipe and threw the extra plate on the tire. Now I was pulling a the tire facing backward using a 2″ handle. It took ten attempts to get it across the field, my hands were shot and my legs were sluggish with the pump caused by it. Want big quads, try that exercise.
I did run across one idea that I have considered before. Unfortunately I didn’t start it already. An annual or semi annual test. It would be composed of things I don’t train directly but get trained indirectly. The standing high jump, standing long jump, 40m dash, that kind of stuff. Any other ideas?
Anvil or Hammer 
on January 29, 2007 on 12:57 am
Might as well throw in the shot putt in your testing while your at it. Sounds like my track season testing from Dale Harders book only I plan to try a few more events with runs up to 400meters – barf!
on January 29, 2007 on 6:37 am
Chris,
Good thought, I had thought of shot put but forgotten it by the time I wrote the list. I was planning on probably subbing in a kettlebell for a shot, 8K. I was also going to make it the “standing put” probably. I don’t know the proper technique to put a shot and I would hate for learning that technique or even some of it to effect what is meant to be a test of generated force.
Ouch on the 400m run. Which Dale harder book is that?
on January 29, 2007 on 10:51 am
Dale has some fun books – he has records for things I hardly knew existed but he also has records for T&F with age groups etc. He compares Apples to Oranges as far as sports performance goes – his stuff is a real fun read.
http://www.strengthopedia.com/
As far as learning the shot putt – just watch a few videos of the “glide” technique and you’ll catch on enough to add a few feet pretty easily. Spinning is a lot more complicated of course.
on January 29, 2007 on 11:23 am
Thanks Chris, I will look into the glide technique. I think I have heard of some Dale Harder’s books. Isn’t he responsible for Strong, Stronger, Strongest?