Go heavier?

[Tom M-W]

Hi, I've been thinking about my next step in GS. I've been focussed on the LC 16kgx2, and after the next comp I'm probably ready to move up a weight 20kgx2. However, recently I've tested out my GS snatch & jerks with the 16's (trad. bi-ath.) and was surprised to find how weak I am in those events, especially my grip / hands (either strength or pain.) I'm not sure I could do 10mins with either- nor could I do both within an hour. So perhaps the next step is a focus on the traditional events to be performed within an hour, which then would probably have me better placed for the LC20kgx2. Also on comp day I'd have 2 or 3 events to perform, rather than one!

Any thoughs!

I did a rough 75% test LC 20kgx2 yesterday: 30 reps in 5min - wouldn't have made 10min, maybe 100% = 43rep 7-8min.

Tom

[Paul in Hobart]

Hey Tom , general wisdom is that biathlon is a prequel to long cycle. LC is a more complex movement (though all is over in 10mins as opposed to 2 events in the biathlon). But short cycle jerks really teach the ability to rest in the rack and how to deliver the precise quantity of power , as well as timing with each rep. And snatches develop the grip more effectively than just sticking to LC. All that , and the assistance exercises too!

LC is where you put it all together , but after the other skills have been robotically ingrained . Particularly with heavier bells , loose LC technique will rapidly lead to fatigue - I reckon its akin to loose wheel nuts - a wobble develops then it falls off!

Of course some people struggle with holding the rack in SC jerks but until all possibilities have been explored it is worth persisting. And as is well known the pre-denisov heavyweight champ Mishin had no comfortable rack - he just lifted quickly and gained aerobic fitness with lots of running. If you can run , do so. It uses the leg muscles which are your engine in the jerks.

Like any activity , conditioning drops off quickly if you take a break , but with the magic of muscle memory it becomes easier to regain peak conditioning the next time around. Fundamentally though success rests with discipline and a measured approach.
cheers , Paul

[Emily]

Cate's take on this is that biathlon training will have good carry over to long cycle, but long cycle doesn't carry over that well to biathlon. Certainly worked for me, and I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be true for the double drills.

[Tom M-W]

Thanks, that all makes perfect sense. I guess I found out myself by my little test re: I can comfortably lift 10min LC 16kgx2 but had a hard time with the biathlon events for 5mins.
I think I'll start focussing on the biathlon, after the 28 Nov comp (I'll have one more crack at a new pb-113+). One really good thing is that my snatch corkscrew problem has ceased.

With the biathlon events the problem was my hands, not conditioning, or even technique (?) but just very painful crampy hands. There isn't anywhere near the same variety of hand holds / movement to get some blood back I them- this you know!! It would be interesting to test the biathlon with more rest, less fatigue, etc.

My test session looked like this:

LC 20kgx2: 5min (my longest 20kgx2 LC set)
jerk 16kgx2: 5min
snatch 16kg: 5min
LC 16kgx2: 5min (very comfortable)

40mins (5min work / 5min rest)

Thanks for the comments.

Tom