The Right Place at the Right Time

One of the most controversial events in Kettlebell Sport today is the women’s One Arm Long Cycle (OALC).  So far, several (four that I can count on the top of my head) different organizations host meets in the US, which is great for the growth of the sport, however, since each has their own set of rules and scoring systems, what remains to be seen is how the OALC will develop over time because this is the first time in known history that women are being given an opportunity to earn high level ranks for it under ANY system.

What my team discovered in training for rank under the WKC throughout 2009 is the OALC is a fast tempo middle-distance, endurance sprint — with no room for error when you’re traveling between 11-13 rpm for 10 full minutes.  To give you an idea of what that means with a 20-24kg kettlebell (depending on your rank), imagine the difference for male competitors who’ve been participating in this event for decades.  Men use double the weight that women do, but their 5-8 rpm average is significantly slower to accommodate the load.  Therefore, I understand the rationale to close the gap by adding that brutal pace for women, but it does change the game, too.  Also, since the WKC instated a low-hand scoring system, our team patiently began training for both arms to be perfectly balanced.  So under these conditions when the OALC is at its best, it becomes a rhythmic and monotonous experience because if panic sets in when you don’t get that perfectly timed breath, you’re in deep trouble…  but, if things fall into place and you remain calm, centered, and focused the entire time, it’s exhilarating to finish a race against the clock that fast.

…at least that’s how my ICKB teammates, Sara and Surya, both described it after earning their Master of Sport rank in the OALC before our Head Coaches, Valery Fedorenko and Catherine Imes at the 2010 Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio!  Since we decided to test for rank outside of official competition, the attempts had to be made amidst the chaos of the Expo in the main pavilion.  The AKC booth was located directly across from the UFC’s cage which meant hundreds of spectators immediately crowded the area on Friday morning.   Also amongst the crowd were some familiar faces [thank the heavens] and eager passersby in line to test for the Strongman contest, but the sensory overload from the fluorescent lights, flashing cameras, synthetic sounds, spray tans, and dysfunctional opportunists didn’t make for an optimal lifting environment AT ALL.  I was worried and kept getting increasingly freaked out as thousands more people, some in full costume, kept piling into the pavilion.

The best decision we made was to retreat to the inconvenient upper level sky bridge, which gave us some much needed privacy and natural sunlight to restore our senses.  By midday, I was amazed when Sara and Surya were even able to nap there peacefully!  Their incredible ability to relax under these stressful circumstances is undoubtedly a reflection of the time, energy, and experience they have spent competing over the past two years.

When asked, those two were ready to deliver!  Instead of being just one rep away, this time Surya hit her last rep stronger than the one before it.  Nothing rattled her confidence, not even Valery’s commentary about making full use of her legs, which I should mention is a nerve-racking, but perfect reason why we continue to admire Valery as much as we do. [He never plays favorites and remains steadfast on helping everyone, regardless of rank, refine their technique in order to reach their highest potential.]  Unlike her previous attempts, Surya seemed to welcome the challenges presented by the unique situation this time around.  When the window of opportunity opened, she even volunteered to go first!  Surya was like a rock incapable of crumbling.

Leading up to the moment, Sara Bear-Bear was nervous and nauseous, but she fired off her set with classic well-trained speed strength and I didn’t see an ounce of doubt after rep one.  I have studied her powerful hip extension on the jerk, but lately, I’m in awe of her knees on the triple.

For Sara, jerks feel as natural as walking and running do for most of us so she doesn’t “think” about them, she just “feels” the movement, which makes her technique that much more impressive.  Sara’s ability to control the 20 kg kettlebell overhead is another reason she shines as a lifter and it was beautiful to see all these elements come together for her on the platform.

Congratulations to my amazing ICKB Teammates, Sara Bear-Bear and Surya!  Enjoy this edited video of their full-length effort.  Keep in mind that both ladies finished in just under ten minutes.

Best,
Maya

p.s. I attempted, but did not successfully make rank.  Of course there will be more on that to come at a more appropriate time…

Tagged as: American Kettlebell Club, Ice Chamber Kettlebell Girls, ICKB Girls, Master of Sport, Sara Nelson, Surya Voinar-Fowler, World Kettlebell Club