By Brandon Lombardino

My last blog talked about my pre-season training.

Since then, I’ve made several improvements. I started off the season with a new PR in the shot put, 58ft. 6in.

The next 3 weeks afterwards, I continued to PR with a 59ft. 9in. throw at the Joe Scarpino ABC Invitational in Buffalo Grove on March 2nd and then a throw of 61ft. 1in. at the Lake Michigan Invitational at Carthage College on March 16th. Something different that I’ve been doing this year that I haven’t done in previous years is throwing the 16lb shot a lot.

 
Since I have practice Monday through Friday with a meet on Saturday every week in the indoor season, I like to throw the heavier shot Monday through Thursday. During practice on these days I perform different types of throws in sets of 10. For these 10 throws, I use the 16lb shot for the first 5 and the 12lb shot for the second 5. I feel that doing rotational movements with the heavier weight helps speed up my throw when I go back to using the lighter weight. The heavier shot also helps me stay back on my right foot when getting into my power position (stand position) during my full throw.

On Friday I only use the 12lb shot because I don’t want to overwork myself the day before a meet.

 
Looking at my throws right now, I can see several aspects that need improvement. I’m going to continue to train hard this week for the Illinois Top Times Meet (unofficial indoor state).

I’m hoping to place first and maybe even break the meet record. It’s going to be an exciting week!