Friday
Ran without the dogs this morning because:
1. Zeke's bad leg (from the car accident) seemed to be sore
2. Yesterday Zoe got bit by another dog when we ran by, and I didn't want to deal
3. I thought I'd go alone so I could do my own pace
So it was a good jog, and I pushed myself well.
And when I got home at 11pm last night from work, I found a jump rope from my wife! Isn't that sweet? It's a Reebok rope, and all plastic, no threaded rope. I tried it out this morning, and it works great! However, I could barely jump. At least I don't need to do the net-touch jumps, b/c those were annoying. Now I'll just jump rope. Mickey said 5 minutes of jumprope equals 15 minutes of a jog...I believe it.
I've been watching too many dunk videos on youtube lately, like James White and Ladyman. Ladyman looks like he's hung on support cables, it's unreal. Seeing all these videos gets a little disheartening, because it makes me feel like everyone can dunk, and it's super easy.... but it's not! So I need to just stay in the moment and focus on training as much as possible.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Day 12
Thursday
I'm gonna pontificate today, but first, my workout summary:
Felt good, until I did my sprint drills, where i successfuly strained both of my upper quads (the sprint drill is where I fast-jog 100 yards, then sprint 50 yards, and repeat 4 times). Oops! Looks like, if I heal, I won't be doing those EVERY day. Again, at 34, one of my biggest obstacles is injury. At least my left knee is getting better! I was distracted by the quad injuries, so i forgot to do my stability squats, which are really cool. I think they will be very helpful.
WHAT IS A DUNK?
Even if I were to get an injury, I can still visualize the act of dunking. Research has shown this to be helpful (even non - "The Secret: Laws of Attraction" research). Just thinking about my eventual dunk puts me in a positive, hopeful mood. But what is this dunk that I think of?
First, even in my head, the dunk is realistic. I'm not flailing and flying like Kenny "Sky" Walker. I rise up, my right dunking arm extends and arches slightly behind my head, and my legs are together, arching behind me as well -- so that my whole body forms a subtle "C". My dunk is a vastly toned down blend between the styles of Shawn Kemp and Dominique Wilkins. By the way, 'Nique totally got robbed of that dunk title against Jordan. I thought so back then, and it's even more obvious now -- the windmill, the tomohawk? Not even close.
Anyways, that's my inspiration, and I'd love it if I wasn't completely stiff. But first, I just need to get the ball in the hole, something I could never do in HIGH SCHOOL. So that brings us to:
What is a dunk?
What do I have to do, in order to pass the agreed upon, true baller, acceptable minimum dunk? And this may be more easily defined by what is NOT a dunk. Like this. In other words, it can't look like a woman dunking. Every "dunk" by a woman I've seen on Sportscenter required multiple TIVO rewinds in order to convince myself it wasn't a layup.
Maybe I just need to hang on the rim.
I'm gonna pontificate today, but first, my workout summary:
Felt good, until I did my sprint drills, where i successfuly strained both of my upper quads (the sprint drill is where I fast-jog 100 yards, then sprint 50 yards, and repeat 4 times). Oops! Looks like, if I heal, I won't be doing those EVERY day. Again, at 34, one of my biggest obstacles is injury. At least my left knee is getting better! I was distracted by the quad injuries, so i forgot to do my stability squats, which are really cool. I think they will be very helpful.
WHAT IS A DUNK?
Even if I were to get an injury, I can still visualize the act of dunking. Research has shown this to be helpful (even non - "The Secret: Laws of Attraction" research). Just thinking about my eventual dunk puts me in a positive, hopeful mood. But what is this dunk that I think of?
First, even in my head, the dunk is realistic. I'm not flailing and flying like Kenny "Sky" Walker. I rise up, my right dunking arm extends and arches slightly behind my head, and my legs are together, arching behind me as well -- so that my whole body forms a subtle "C". My dunk is a vastly toned down blend between the styles of Shawn Kemp and Dominique Wilkins. By the way, 'Nique totally got robbed of that dunk title against Jordan. I thought so back then, and it's even more obvious now -- the windmill, the tomohawk? Not even close.
Anyways, that's my inspiration, and I'd love it if I wasn't completely stiff. But first, I just need to get the ball in the hole, something I could never do in HIGH SCHOOL. So that brings us to:
What is a dunk?
What do I have to do, in order to pass the agreed upon, true baller, acceptable minimum dunk? And this may be more easily defined by what is NOT a dunk. Like this. In other words, it can't look like a woman dunking. Every "dunk" by a woman I've seen on Sportscenter required multiple TIVO rewinds in order to convince myself it wasn't a layup.
Maybe I just need to hang on the rim.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Day 11
Wednesday
Less energy today. Essentially, I'm breaking my body down so I can build it back up...I hope!
Looks like work is gonna start getting crazy. Been there till at least 9 the last couple of nights. I can't let this derail my more important quest.
People are very supportive of my quest, which is awesome. I can't tell if it's a novel thing or not. Like I thought when I went to Costa Rica, it was somewhat adventurous. Turns out everyone's been to Costa Rica. But there is something special about the dunk, like a home run.
Push on....
Less energy today. Essentially, I'm breaking my body down so I can build it back up...I hope!
Looks like work is gonna start getting crazy. Been there till at least 9 the last couple of nights. I can't let this derail my more important quest.
People are very supportive of my quest, which is awesome. I can't tell if it's a novel thing or not. Like I thought when I went to Costa Rica, it was somewhat adventurous. Turns out everyone's been to Costa Rica. But there is something special about the dunk, like a home run.
Push on....
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Day 9-10
Monday
The consensus was I should take a break after a tough Sunday, so I just did situps and pushups.
-------------------------------------
Tuesday
My legs are so sore it's difficult to walk. Today I continued the more jumping based workout, but I still ran three miles. My knee is still a little sore, however today's workout didn't make it worse.
Made contact with the API guys, and they were open to giving me a few workouts, and letting me film it! This could be invaluable.
I'm weighing myself a lot now, and noticing my weight fluctuates up to 7 pounds. A lady at work said she read in a girl mag that one should weigh themselves in the morning after going to the bathroom. Works for me.
The consensus was I should take a break after a tough Sunday, so I just did situps and pushups.
-------------------------------------
Tuesday
My legs are so sore it's difficult to walk. Today I continued the more jumping based workout, but I still ran three miles. My knee is still a little sore, however today's workout didn't make it worse.
Made contact with the API guys, and they were open to giving me a few workouts, and letting me film it! This could be invaluable.
I'm weighing myself a lot now, and noticing my weight fluctuates up to 7 pounds. A lady at work said she read in a girl mag that one should weigh themselves in the morning after going to the bathroom. Works for me.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Day 8
Sunday
Benchmark day.
Mickey met up with me, and we did new drills, a lot more work. Then I went on a 1 hour hike with the wife and dogs. My knee is sore, not painful, but I'm concerned.
The day is summarized in the video below...I'll repost the first one right below it...
Week 2
Week 1
Benchmark day.
Mickey met up with me, and we did new drills, a lot more work. Then I went on a 1 hour hike with the wife and dogs. My knee is sore, not painful, but I'm concerned.
The day is summarized in the video below...I'll repost the first one right below it...
Week 2
Week 1
Day 7
Saturday
Took a "day off", but still hiked an hour in Griffith Park with dogs and my wife, Sarah.
Tomorrow is benchmark day, and we're supposed to get this party started with real training. Only, we haven't found out what we should do. Calls to profesisonal trainers aren't being returned. I think this is a stage where many people falter at the beginning of a quest. We fight on, and will do the basic drills we remember from highschool : jump different heights in different sets.
I hope I gain at least an inch, just from being in a little better shape. However, I think I've gained weight somehow. Stay tuned...
Took a "day off", but still hiked an hour in Griffith Park with dogs and my wife, Sarah.
Tomorrow is benchmark day, and we're supposed to get this party started with real training. Only, we haven't found out what we should do. Calls to profesisonal trainers aren't being returned. I think this is a stage where many people falter at the beginning of a quest. We fight on, and will do the basic drills we remember from highschool : jump different heights in different sets.
I hope I gain at least an inch, just from being in a little better shape. However, I think I've gained weight somehow. Stay tuned...
Friday, March 23, 2007
Day 6
Friday
Best jog yet today. Strangely, my pushups are lagging.
Good developments in training regimen. I may actually train at API (where the NFL and NBA guys go)! It would only be a few times because it's expensive and I have a job. But this could be amazing. I would spread the sessions out over a month to maximize their knowledge.
Meanwhile, we haven't settled on a regimen. We'll wing it for now. As long as I'm doing different sets of jumping, I should be fine for now....
Best jog yet today. Strangely, my pushups are lagging.
Good developments in training regimen. I may actually train at API (where the NFL and NBA guys go)! It would only be a few times because it's expensive and I have a job. But this could be amazing. I would spread the sessions out over a month to maximize their knowledge.
Meanwhile, we haven't settled on a regimen. We'll wing it for now. As long as I'm doing different sets of jumping, I should be fine for now....
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Day 5
Thursday
My jog started off sluggish, but for the last half mile (of 3.5), my legs finally found that 2nd gear. It felt great, and the dogs were impressed. Also, I felt more coordinated in my basic jump drills (jumping onto a step).
I can tell I'm already losing weight. But I expected all this. I'm banking on the fact that my muscle memory will return me close to my old vertical, and my workouts should drop my weight quickly back to 10 pounds over highschool. Naive? We'll see. I have good genetics in the weight department, though not in leaping department. How often do you hear "Wow, that Jew can really sky!"
I still can't get through to the dunknow website. It seems scheisty. Meanwhile, I remembered that my cousin here in LA is an NFL agent. Certainly he must know some good trainers who can advise me on jump drills! They're all probably really busy getting the players ready for the draft, but I'm hoping for an interview.
Mickey, my trainer, gave me one of those handgrip squeezy things, to use when I drive. One hand per song. Right now I can barely squeeze it, and it hurts. In two months, I'll crush that ball like an egg.
My jog started off sluggish, but for the last half mile (of 3.5), my legs finally found that 2nd gear. It felt great, and the dogs were impressed. Also, I felt more coordinated in my basic jump drills (jumping onto a step).
I can tell I'm already losing weight. But I expected all this. I'm banking on the fact that my muscle memory will return me close to my old vertical, and my workouts should drop my weight quickly back to 10 pounds over highschool. Naive? We'll see. I have good genetics in the weight department, though not in leaping department. How often do you hear "Wow, that Jew can really sky!"
I still can't get through to the dunknow website. It seems scheisty. Meanwhile, I remembered that my cousin here in LA is an NFL agent. Certainly he must know some good trainers who can advise me on jump drills! They're all probably really busy getting the players ready for the draft, but I'm hoping for an interview.
Mickey, my trainer, gave me one of those handgrip squeezy things, to use when I drive. One hand per song. Right now I can barely squeeze it, and it hurts. In two months, I'll crush that ball like an egg.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Day 4
Wednesday
This morning workout was hard, as my muscles are broken down. I have actually run 4 days in a row before(post college), and the 4th day is always exhilirating. So I'm hoping for that tomorrow morning.
I was about to eat Del Taco for lunch, but Mickey stopped me. I sulked, and went to Ralphs and got a salad. I hate salads. But it occurs to me that I should really explore this nutrition thing. I know the basics like salad good, sugar bad, grease bad. I just need to know what's best for weight loss and power.
I also need to settle on a workout for leaping. Surprised I didn't have one to start? Well, if i waited for that research to start and finish, i'd never have done this quest.......I have explored some plyometric sites like this: leg strengthening exercises , or the Gerard Butler's "Spartan 300" workout . Of course Mickey has ideas, as does one of my producers who's dad is a trainer. His dad says i need to do stability training before even starting the leaping training. Increasing my stability will lay a foundation for higher leaping.
I'm also interested in this site's product dunknow , which says I would increase my vertical by 14". But everything about them, including when i called, makes me feel like I'm in a Gondry/Charlie Kauffman movie. It's just weird, like I'll end up in Malkovich's head while caught in my memories of childhood when I was eaten by a crocodile owned by Chris Cunningham. It's also $30, but i might buy it for the cause.
This morning workout was hard, as my muscles are broken down. I have actually run 4 days in a row before(post college), and the 4th day is always exhilirating. So I'm hoping for that tomorrow morning.
I was about to eat Del Taco for lunch, but Mickey stopped me. I sulked, and went to Ralphs and got a salad. I hate salads. But it occurs to me that I should really explore this nutrition thing. I know the basics like salad good, sugar bad, grease bad. I just need to know what's best for weight loss and power.
I also need to settle on a workout for leaping. Surprised I didn't have one to start? Well, if i waited for that research to start and finish, i'd never have done this quest.......I have explored some plyometric sites like this: leg strengthening exercises , or the Gerard Butler's "Spartan 300" workout . Of course Mickey has ideas, as does one of my producers who's dad is a trainer. His dad says i need to do stability training before even starting the leaping training. Increasing my stability will lay a foundation for higher leaping.
I'm also interested in this site's product dunknow , which says I would increase my vertical by 14". But everything about them, including when i called, makes me feel like I'm in a Gondry/Charlie Kauffman movie. It's just weird, like I'll end up in Malkovich's head while caught in my memories of childhood when I was eaten by a crocodile owned by Chris Cunningham. It's also $30, but i might buy it for the cause.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Day 3
Tuesday
Didn't workout this morning because I had a 7am dentist appointment. I always schedule them early so that I don't miss work. Here's the good news though. Since I left my hellish-hours job last month, I'm now at a better freelance gig where they work normal days (8-10 hours). This will be perfect for my quest, as I won't be pulling all-nighters or anything.
I'm not sure which direction to go in my career right now, so I'm carpe-ing the diem with my quest. Murphy's Law is strong with me, so I'll probably get a U2 video or something when i'm one inch away from dunking...
Anyways, I left work at 6:30 (unheard of!) and did my workout this evening.
I am sore all over -arms, abs...not as much in legs...that won't be till next week once i'm in shape...
Didn't workout this morning because I had a 7am dentist appointment. I always schedule them early so that I don't miss work. Here's the good news though. Since I left my hellish-hours job last month, I'm now at a better freelance gig where they work normal days (8-10 hours). This will be perfect for my quest, as I won't be pulling all-nighters or anything.
I'm not sure which direction to go in my career right now, so I'm carpe-ing the diem with my quest. Murphy's Law is strong with me, so I'll probably get a U2 video or something when i'm one inch away from dunking...
Anyways, I left work at 6:30 (unheard of!) and did my workout this evening.
I am sore all over -arms, abs...not as much in legs...that won't be till next week once i'm in shape...
Day 2
Monday
Filled with motivation, I successfully got up at 7:30 am and did my workout. I always jog with my dogs, which is nice. I'll try to get some footage of that soon.
Filled with motivation, I successfully got up at 7:30 am and did my workout. I always jog with my dogs, which is nice. I'll try to get some footage of that soon.
Day 1
Hi, my name is Joel Lava, and I want to dunk.
Standing 6ft, 2in, I started at forward for my highschool varsity team, but that was mostly for my hustle play, good D(efense) and rebounding. I had horrible jump mechanics, as I could only leap from both feet. That said, I still got the rim with the base of my hand -- but not high enough to dunk. So not only will I be working on my strength and explosiveness, I will also work on taking off from one leg at full speed. I can just palm the ball, so I'll strengthen my grip too.
Today is only to see where I am with my vertical, and do some basic jump drills. I have decided just to do normal workouts and get in shape for the first week. No sense in breaking or tearing anything right out of the gate.
The most I have worked out in the last 15 years is 3 times a week. I will now attempt to workout at least 6 times a week. I need to lose about 15 pounds (from 200 to 185) -- i'm not even gonna try to get to my highschool 175 pounds. But 15 pounds should lighten the payload for orbit.
Workout = jog 3.5 miles, jump drills, pushups, situps. I want to dunk Herschel Walker style, ie; without weights or a gym membership. I may even do pushups with my wife on my back.
Now let's get acquainted with my weekly video blog:
Standing 6ft, 2in, I started at forward for my highschool varsity team, but that was mostly for my hustle play, good D(efense) and rebounding. I had horrible jump mechanics, as I could only leap from both feet. That said, I still got the rim with the base of my hand -- but not high enough to dunk. So not only will I be working on my strength and explosiveness, I will also work on taking off from one leg at full speed. I can just palm the ball, so I'll strengthen my grip too.
Today is only to see where I am with my vertical, and do some basic jump drills. I have decided just to do normal workouts and get in shape for the first week. No sense in breaking or tearing anything right out of the gate.
The most I have worked out in the last 15 years is 3 times a week. I will now attempt to workout at least 6 times a week. I need to lose about 15 pounds (from 200 to 185) -- i'm not even gonna try to get to my highschool 175 pounds. But 15 pounds should lighten the payload for orbit.
Workout = jog 3.5 miles, jump drills, pushups, situps. I want to dunk Herschel Walker style, ie; without weights or a gym membership. I may even do pushups with my wife on my back.
Now let's get acquainted with my weekly video blog:
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