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Last night I fell asleep visualising my jerk, I even started to breathe like you do in the jerk. It took me a while to get to sleep, maybe that was because of the bed. However, I think it was more to do with the fact that I couldn't stop thinking about my lifting! All of those techniques and changes were racing through my head. Man, I even dreamt about the lifts, when I finally got to sleep!
7.20am local time and before my alarm went I was up and off to breakfast. How was I feeling? Like I'd done a lot of kettlebell lifting obviously! My body didn’t feel stiff, just completely fatigued. So at this point I was a little unsure as to how much I would be able to do. The walk to the gym was a chance to get my head in the game and man up. I had one more day to learn and I wanted to get the most out of this day. So after a quick warm up I got straight back into the jerks. My body was shattered but my technique was getting there. Things were starting to set in, the little refinements we'd made yesterday were fitting in with the larger, important parts of the jerk. Finally, well at least for a few minutes the jerk felt really good, the fatigue was getting me but I was starting to put things together in my head.
We did a couple more sets of jerks, with different tempos and weights and this was the real turning point. The point where I felt the right things happening at the right times, it was like a switch in the brain suddenly went... 'Oh that's how you do it!!!
Now whether it was all that dreaming last night or just that I have been working with a great coach, whatever it was I was feeling like the pain and disappointment of yesterday was over me. I knew a guy who played rugby to a pretty high level. He used to sleep with a rugby ball every night. Perhaps I should sleep with a kettlebell every night!
So I had cracked the jerk, well at least I'd got a heck of a lot better! There is still a lot more to do and my technique needs a lot of work. Sorry to piss on your bonfire, but if you want to perfect your technique it takes a lot longer than 2 days. Gregor usually likes students to spend 3 days with him, unfortunately I didn't have the time to do that, but I can see why he does this. That 3rd day would make such a big difference.
Now it was time for the snatches and straight to the 24's, the aim was to focus on technique with the 24, which yesterday I couldn't do. Oh and go for as long as possible! So I picked the bell up and started, my hands felt like they were going rip to shreds. Not a great start when you're trying to go for 8 minutes. Thankfully as I worked on my technique the hands started to ease (they took a battering yesterday) and this allowed me to work more on my technique. I was hearing good things from Greogor, so things must have been going in the right direction; in this case the direction was up! Unfortunately my right hand didn't have much and I was losing it by 3 minutes, so I did the sensible thing and change. I didn't fancy ruining my hands for Sunday's competition. I was slightly annoyed though as I felt good everywhere else. 3 minutes on my left went by reasonably well and that was the end of my snatch set.

We did a few different assistant exercises to finish off with and by that time although I had some energy left, my hands were telling me to stop, NOW! So we did and went for a coffee down the road. But this wasn't a chance for me to relax, oh no! This was Gregor's chance to set my training program, firstly a quick one for the next couple of days to prepare me for the competition and secondly a full weekly program. The aim of the weekly training program is simple, test yourself constantly and increase your reps consistently. There is no opportunity here for relaxing, this program is going to take all of my mental strength. Running a business is challenging and now I have my own mental challenge to add to this. I just sincerely hope that I will keep it up, letting Gregor down right now doesn't feel like an option! He totally believes in what he says, which gave me great confidence just to trust him and go with this program. It's now up to me to put my mind to it, keep my motivation up and achieve some results. Gregor thinks that I should be hitting rank 1 in 3 weeks, 'no problem at all' he says! I say 'watch this space'!

So after feeling hugely motivated and ready to rock and roll, or should I say 'Jerk and Snatch', I said my goodbyes to Gregor and went to find some food. I had plenty of time in the afternoon before my flight so as I wanted to get as much training in as possible I went back to the gym and worked on my technique.

So here I am sitting in the airport reflecting on the last two days. The first thought that comes into my head is that I wasn't even planning to come out here, I had some flights to use up before the end of September and BJ suggested it. Because of BJ I find myself sitting in the airport in Slovenia, I guess I should thank him, but we've never been ones for compliments or gratitude! Thanks mate!!

What have I taken from the last two days? Too much, everything, all sorts, I'm afraid I can't write it all down. But I will try to summarise it.
If you're looking for an inspirational learning experience that will push your limits and inevitably make you a better lifter, then this is it. If you're looking for knowledge, development and technique, then this is it. This has been the greatest 2 days of kettlebell lifting I have ever had. I now see those big numbers coming my way. I now believe I can achieve those high ranks. It is now up to me to put in the hard hours and bring home the bacon!
If you think this is tough, then you'd be right. But who doesn't thrive on a challenge, I know I do!
This is Kettlebell Sport, are you man enough?

How can you get involved in Kettlebell Sport?
The Trojans Lifting Club is a great place to learn, train and compete. If you're interested in trying kettlebell sport or just need to train with like minded people then come to the Trojans. We'll get you lifting!
If you are a lifter already and would like to spend some time with Gregor, please contact him
We are planning to get Gregor over to the UK at some point in 2010, so keep looking out for this, as it will be great opportunity to learn from the best.
If anyone is interested in following what Gregor Sobocan does please use the following links.
http://www.kettlebells.si/
http://www.youtube.com/user/SloveniaKettlebells

To come and watch the Trojans and other lifters compete this Sunday please contact info@optimallifefitness.com or click here for information

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