Monday, May 31, 2010

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Daegu and Sacramento

Have I ever mentioned to you all that I love throwing the hammer? I know it might be obvious, but I really do love this event. Its provided me the opportunity to travel to places I never even dreamed of going and to experience different things all over the world. My latest escapades took me first to Daegu, South Korea. That was one of the longest flights I've ever been on in my life! But I flew on Korean Air, and they're customer service is top notch so I was plesantly surprised. When we arrived at the airport we were greeted by translators provided by the meet organizers to direct us to our limo bus with the most comfortable seats I've ever put my behind in! LOL!! Our hotel was a really nice 5 star resort with every amenity you can think of, and I even lucked up on a private room. (most people doubled up) The competition was short sweet and straight to the point in its format. We each took four throws with no finals instead of the usual six. I started off a lot stronger than I did in Dakar and my throws felt better. My best was my third throw at 69.01 for 7th place. I felt a lot better finishing 7th in this competition than in Dakar because everyone was throwing farther. So again I'm encouraged that every time I'm seeing these women that are leading the world, I'm throwing better and better against them so when it comes time for world championships next year and the Olympics in 2012 I fully intend to be in the medal hunt.

Yesterday I competed in the California Relays. It didn't have all of the glitz and glam of the meet in Daegu but I got to see a lot of my friends from the US throws world that I haven't got to see much this year. So that's always a lot of fun. Even more fun is setting a new personal best of 71.94 on my first throw of the meet!!!! Then I followed that up with two more throws of 71.27 and 71.51, so it was hands down my best throws ever! As an icing on the cake runnerspace.com was there with some amazing coverage. If you go to their website and click on the California Invitational Relays you can get a list of the full results including VIDEO! And not just a video, but like five of them so big shout out to runnerspace.com!

My next meet will be Saturday June 5 in Myrtle Beach, SC at Doug Shaw Stadium at 2pm. So if you happen to be in the area stop by and hangout for a good time and some long throws. Or just to wish me a happy 29th birthday, LOL! Love you all!

Peace and Blessings,
Amber

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

On To The Next One

Dakar was amazing! I had the chance to go head to head with some of the best women in the world. I didn't throw as far as I had hoped, but the experience I took away was invaluable. I learned what steps I need to take to be successful even when I don't have the most optimal travel conditions. So I'm looking forward to the next trip which happens to be coming up in Daegu, Korea on May 19th. Its a long flight, but I'm looking forward to the competition. Not only do I get another chance to compete overseas, but this is also the site of next years World Championships. As you might be able to tell, I'm pretty excited. This season is shaping up to be one of the best ever.

Until next time, love and blessings!
Amber

*Pics from the trip to follow as soon as I can figure out the easiest way to upload them all*

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Throws Information

Throwing formats
In Olympic throwing events -- men's and women's shot put, discus, hammer and javelin -- the competition begins with a qualifying round in which the entire field is divided into two or more groups. In this round, competitors take turns attempting to reach a pre-set distance that automatically advances them to the final. If fewer than 12 athletes meet the distance required from direct qualification, the 12 competitors with the best throws, plus any athletes tying for 12th, advance to the final. In the final round, competitors take turns until each has attempted three throws. At this point, the top eight-ranked competitors (plus ties) receive three more throws. The best throw of the six is counted and the athlete with the longest throw is declared the winner. In case of a tie, the second-best throw is consulted.

Amber In her MJOLNIR Armor

Amber In her MJOLNIR Armor
Amber takes Gold at the Indoor Nationals

Olympic Trials 2008

Celebrating with the Campbell's

Indoor Championship 2009