I haven’t trained in almost three weeks. It was supposed to be a week of rest after nationals, but covid had other plans for me. In a surprising twist, I got it from my wife when I got home from Huntsville. I’ve thanked her several times for such a wonderful gift.
Now it’s finally gone and I can commence offseason training! But not before closing the door on my fourth season with a review and look at what’s to come.
The Chase Isn't Over, But I'm Gaining On It
This track season was a wild ride of highs and frustrating lows, but the most important part is that I ended it exactly where I wanted to be: 100% healthy. After all the energy I've put into kicking covid’s ass, I'm finally ready to start the next phase of work and move closer to achieving my performance goals.
I saw some really important signs this year that confirmed I’m not expecting too much of myself. My goals are very reasonable.
Unfinished Business: Long Jump
The long jump was easily the most frustrating part of my season. I know I'm so much better than my official marks, and outdoor nationals was a perfect example of that.
I fouled five of six jumps, and any of the last four could have been a new PR. The only legal one was one of the two jumps where I chopped my steps and slowed down at the board.
The biggest positive was I finally sprinted through takeoff in competition. I did it on the last four attempts, but none of that counted. The real story is in the results, and what could've been doesn't matter.
On my final jump, I was in peak performance mode and feeling super amped. I knew from my skip step checkmark that I was going to be at the same spot on the board despite moving back a foot. I even knew it was a foul when I took off. I tried to keep some hope, but when I turned around, I saw the white flag and sank into the sand.
I don't enjoy feeling like a habitual under-performer. I've gotten medals and still felt like I fell short of my potential. I'm having fun and enjoying being healthy, but I'm doing this because I have goals. There is a finish line. It doesn’t mean I’ll quit track, but I'll be satisfied when I finally jump 6.45m (21’2).
The chase will be over because I will have proved to myself what I’ve wanted to this whole time.
An Unexpected Triumph: Triple Jump
On the flip side, the triple jump gave me a huge confidence boost at outdoor nationals — especially considering I jumped from a short approach. My series was super consistent, and I handled the (minimal) speed really well. But I can’t stop thinking about the last jump.
It was so far. Like monstrously further than anything I’ve jumped these past four years.
I have no idea why I made an imprint in the sand so far behind where the rest of my body landed. I lost probably three feet, maybe more. I can see it in my mind as if I’m in the sand right now.
What’s even more impressive is that I hadn’t triple jumped since the Indoor World’s in March. I didn’t do it at all during the outdoor season and only messed around with it in practice twice, and it was ugly. All my energy had been dedicated to the long jump.
But after seeing what I can do from a short approach with almost no practice, I believe I can jump 13.00m (42’7). In fact, I’ll do it multiple times. I felt everything from the takeoff body position through the step phase, where I normally struggle. So I know it’s there and have seen the unofficial evidence.
Refining the Craft: Technical Focus
My offseason isn't just about building a stronger engine (core strength and mobility); it's about fine-tuning the mechanics.
For the long jump, my primary goal is to address the fouls and gain control in the air. This means drilling and instilling the habit of sprinting through the takeoff board and getting my last step down quickly to avoid over-striding. I'm also going to work on my in-air technique.
I wanna get away from what I call “the hectic hitch” into something more controlled. It's about slowing down my motion in the air to create a smoother, more powerful landing rather than just doing something to pass the time in the air so I don’t drop my legs too soon.
In the triple jump, my focus will be on cleaning up the phases. The "drop leg" after takeoff is something I’ve never gotten the hang of, but mastering it will be key to a more fluid transition into the step phase.
I also need to fix my approach into the sand during the jump phase. I often don't swing my arms through and up, which costs me valuable momentum. Doing that and briefly holding them there will help carry me further and make it easier to get my legs through for a clean landing.
The Offseason Blueprint
With these technical and physical areas identified, my offseason plan is clear. I'm focusing on core strength for better body control in the air and holding positions during triple jump phases.
I'm also targeting mobility to improve my knee drive, hip extension, and overall end-range movement. These two areas are the physical foundation that will allow me to execute the technical changes I need to achieve my goals.
I’m enjoying the journey, but I eventually wanna reach the destination.
R