Tired but Happy

So it was back to Streb tonight for a night of flying -- typical warm ups, a few swings, a couple of returns to the board followed by up and downs (uprise then down, repeat until there isn't enough height or you're exhausted), then mods. The mod is (once again) getting better - I can actually feel the trick, and think about the release, whereas before it was just happening by instinct and not thought, and almost as likely as not, it would be a back hip circle, with me still on the bar, instead of releasing.

The catch, though, is still the tricky part. I see someone in the catch trap, and I don't go. Probably because I still don't have enough confidence in the trick. But I keep inching my way closer each time I go up and try it.

Anyway, then it was time to practice some layouts. Right now, they kind of are where the mod was for a long time - I keep trying to change parts of it, but it still isn't part of me, and I can't adjust it mid trick.

So the first time I went up and came down, then reviewed the video, the one glaring thing that I noticed was how loose I was in the sweeps in the swing. Here, check it out:



So the next time, I went up, I tried focusing on that. While not altogether successful, improvements were made:



But it's easy to see that the layout is still whippy - I'm pinching the bar, which in this context means that instead of locking out my arms in a handstand position when I drive forward, I bring them down almost into a 7. (Plus, the set is too high, and I'm breaking early) I've managed to lock my hips a little more than before, but can't figure out how to get my arms to listen. If anyone has suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

Anyway, when Manny went up to catch, I was really, really tempted to throw planches - I can get them caught and work on the return instead of trying mods which I haven't had any success with, though I've been getting closer.

First time, as usual, I wouldn't release on the first time out. Second time, I clipped Manny:



The third time was a charm - it got caught! I was stunned, because I didn't see Manny until the last second. Anyway, I don't think I'm stalling it out when I throw to catch, which will help with whippiness. But, hey, I'll take any catch at this point, after choking on it for so long. Before, though, part of me was telling myself that I was scared when there was a catcher there, so the last two, while I was getting ready to catch it, I was telling myself: "I really want Manny to catch my mod" and it worked. Same thing that I did when I was afraid to release from my planche at Getaway in September, tell myself, repeatedly what I consciously wanted rather than letting my fear dictate what I'd do. I don't deny that the fear is there, but just tell myself that even though it is there, I really want (insert the desire), and it helps a lot. I think I'll try it on my returns!

Funny trick, the mod - I had it, then lost it, then had it again, and lost it yet again. I think if I really get it this time, I'm going to hold on very, very tightly and not let go. It is by far and away my favorite trick to date.

ALEX: Thank you SO MUCH for taking video, and great progress on the turn arounds! Colleen, hope you're feeling better. Congrats to Maggie on her round trip.

Three straight days of flying is a lot, though, and I'm really feeling it (both the good and bad) right now. I'm headed to bed, pleased with the progress that's been made, and kind of glad that tomorrow I'll be taking a day off for my body and hands to recover!