One Last Step

1.   In your opinion, what was the purpose of this blogging activity? (Why did I choose to do blogging instead of more traditional writing activities?)

I think that you choose us to write blogs, was for many reasons. For one, it let us write about things that we sparked an interest to. Two, it enabled our own writing to be featured on the web, and three, we got to learn how to use other technologies that differed from pencil and paper

For my blog, I picked the topic of “Track and field.” I blogged on the many events that this amazing sport is made up of; shot put, javelin, long jump, and many others. I found it so interesting to write about this topic because, being an athlete myself; I got to write about the events that I participate in. I thought that blogging was a great way to express the information, and my opinions on such a great sport, because it is featured on a public site so that everybody can see/enjoy it.

I think that it is very important to have the knowledge of different technologies, and blogging helps you understand that there are other things then pencils and paper. In all of my classes, a piece of paper and pen are used to do everything. However, blogging has given me the chance to experience the web, in a new, fun way…. and it is still writing!

2.    What have you accomplished during your blogging?

Throughout this process of  blogging I was able to learn more about technology, writing, and track and field. Using the blogs, has really made me become better at these things too. I have never been that tech savvy kid who has the ability to work a   computer. But the blogs have given me the chance to experiment with different sites, commands, and programs, all of which have helped me in other classes. Knowing how to use the computer is very important, seeing that the world is becoming more and more technological. The blogs have also let me experiment with different “components” of writing such as, sentence structure, and word choice. In our classes, we have focused on these things, and writing blog entries was just one of the many activities that helped exercise this “skill.” However, above all, I have learned so much about track and field. Each of my blog posts was about an event in track, and each post required research. I have benefitted from the information so much, and it has helped me perform the events better.

3.   What key concepts have you learned while blogging? (This can be about writing, research or technology ect.)

Blogging has helped me in many ways, but it has showed me that when I write, I have to think about the audience who is reading my piece. Before this school year, and really before blogging, I was writing to myself. What I mean is that I was writing for the enjoyment of myself, and not considering others around me. For instance, in one piece of work, I started writing as if I was talking. This meant I used terms that I would usually only use, whilst talking to friends. This has always been an issue for me, and has been something that I have been trying to stray away from. However, blogging has slowly helped me move away from this writing style. In blogging, your main goal is to build up “reading audience.” This audience is made up of many different people around the world who all, evidently, enjoy your work. This means that your work has to please all of them. To do this, I learned that you have to be yourself, and talk as if you are “apart” of the piece. All throughout blogging, I have tried to make sure that my posts include my voice, and style, but still stray away from that feel of a conversation.

4.   Based on the skills you learned while blogging, how will this benefit you in the future? This may be inside or outside school.

From blogging, I think that the only new skill that I have learned, that I can be benefit from, would be all of the new computer skills. Having this new knowledge will help me in other classes, situations, and just in general. One of the skills I have learned is tagging and imbedding videos, and photos. Adding visual affects to your work makes your piece more interesting, as well as just fun. I was surprised at how easy it was to do, and I will for sure use this skill in other pieces of work. As I said earlier, knowing how to work a computer is very important seeing that the world is becoming more high -tech. Overall, I have enjoyed blogging, and I hope to continue using it as a tool to promote my writing.  

 *http://www.midohiolaser.com/clipart/track.jpg

“Healthiness”

As the world is becoming more and futuristic, with the promises of flying chairs, high tech video games, and personal robots, we must stand back and realize what these promises will do to us. These “luxury”, “must have” items, are making us humans, more and more unhealthy. Unhealthy by advertising things that are not active, or by showing us false pictures of beautiful, fit, happy people, to make us want the product even more. What happened to advertising running, or swimming? New ways to make a salad? These things are what should be advertised, instead of these un-active things.

 Fortunately, I am apart of a happy family, and within a great group of friends, who all support fitness, and eating healthy. We all workout, eat good food, but yet still have time to do homework, and other important things. But to be healthy and truly happy, you do not have to run everyday, or eat strictly veggies. To be healthy, all you have to do is be active, whether it be taking your dog out for a walk or just going outside to run for 3 minutes, simple huh? To be healthy, you must also eat healthy. Balance your diet; eat fast food once a week instead for 4, have a bowl of fresh fruit a day in replacement for that candy bar in your pocket. Take a look at the food pyramid. It doesn’t take that much work. So why is it that our community is overlooking these things that make THEIR life BETTER? How is it that we make things that go against the true meaning of being happy?

Laziness, obesity, and money; 3 words that define this unfortunate event. The 3 causes of the number one problem in America. How could we? Be so full of our selves to the point where we make each other become sick, or entitled to such a word. From what seemed a rare occurrence in the past, to a common word, none less a common physical appearance. Shouldn’t we care more about the well being of others, and ourselves instead of focusing on the materialistic wants of others and ourselves? I would be proud to express my feelings about such a topic around the world, and you should too. I want to make the world healthy and happy. I want to keep being fit. I want to make sure the youth of today, become aware, and participate in healthy practices. I want to live a happy, healthy life. These are the types of wants we should be hearing and not the ones that express the need for newest cell phone, or latest laptop.

  We need to, as a community, make people aware of the steps to become healthy, and push the ones who are, to continue.

*http://ylenialemos.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/food-pyramid.jpg

*http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.

Pole vaulting Video

Pole-Vaulting

Pole-vaulting is one of the 4 types of jumps in track and field. Pole-vaulting to me is one the only sports in which I am scared of, besides javelin! Pole-vaulting is where an athlete uses a long pole, to help get his or herself, over a higher positioned bar. Today, pole vaulting, is spectated by many at the Olympics, and in other sporting events.

9 years ago, pole-vaulting for both men, and women, wasn’t apart of the modern-day Olympic games. Men, have been vaulting in the Olympics since 1896, but women only got their place, in 2000.

Before the time of computers, Oprah, and any other modern-day civilization, the pole vault was used as a tool to make life easier. In early times, the pole was used in The Netherlands, places along the North Sea, and in multiple areas around Europe and Asia. The people of this time used the pole to help cross muddy swamps, marshes, and canals. To cross, men would stick their poles in the ground, and jump from one pole, to another. This made sure their goods, or selves could not get wet. Later on, the use of  “jumping poles” became more sport-like then anything, and many came to watch, as men would try to jump to and from the most poles. These “jumping” poles were made out of aluminum, or bamboo, because they weighed less compared to steel, or wood. This enabled, a longer distance to be jumped. Today, poles are made out of fiberglass, and used to jump higher, instead of further.

Overall, the pole vault is the hardest event to master. In pole-vaulting, skill is at the top of the list for priorities. However, an athlete must also be able to use leg, arm, and stomach strength, as well as being able to run at a heavy speed.  To pole vault, five main steps are taken in order to pass over the bar, approach, plant and take-off, extension, turn, and the fly away. Below I will briefly explain.

Approach- In vaulting, the jumper runs toward the “pit,” holding the pole up in the air. The jumper, runs, using large strides, to enable a more consistent run

Plant and take-off- After the approach, vaulters will stick their pole into a “pit.” Here, the jumper will then hold onto the pole, and use the force of the approach to create enough momentum for the take-off.

Extension- Once air born, the jumper will extend his of her hip outward, and lengthen their bodies so that they are upside down.

Turn- As soon as the vaulter reaches the “upside down stage,” he or she turns 180 degrees so that the body is facing the ground. He or she then arches to get over the bar.

Fly-away- The fly-away is when the jumper pushes off from the pole, and lands on the mat. Here, the athlete should land face-up onto the mat.

* wikipedia.com

*http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTZoHjCz-qc

*http://www.neovault.com/alan_launders/images/figures/cont_chain_figures2.jpg

javelin world records

Javelin

Ever since the start of  the early civilizations, the javelin was used as a tool for hunting and a  item of war. Today, the javelin is no longer used for combat, but rather used in an Olympic event.

Javelin: The Javelin is a light, speared rod, that is thrown by hand. No longer consisting of stick, and arrow-head, the javelin is made of a metal head, and a light-weight body. Having the length of about 2-2.7 meters, this spear is used by men and women to be thrown over long distances.  However being mainly used in sporting events today, the javelin also gives use in hunting for present-day Indians, and Eskimos.

Rules of competition: As in any sport, rules are applied to the athlete, and the action to which he or she is participating in. Surprisingly, there is a correct way to throw a javelin in competition. To throw the javelin, the thrower must have his or her back always turned in the opposite direction of the landing are. This, prevents the curve or turning of the javelin, making sure that no one out side of the range, is in danger. The thrower, must also throw the spear, overhand, and over his or her should. Lastly, the athlete, can only run, or start up, with the length of the runway given. The runway, usually 30 meters in length, is the place where the throw is measured. The throw is measured from the tip of the runway, to the spot where the javelin ids thrown.

Olympics:  The javelin throw has ever been included in the Summer Olympics since 1906. The javelin is categorized with the other throwing events, shot-put, hammer, and discus. The javelin has also had records in being included in the ancient Olympics, which the competitiors would probably aim at an object before the spear is thrown. Today, the javelin’s length weight, and size, is regulated by an athletic organization called the IAAF. The IAAF, have strict “allowments” for this sport, as well as any other Olympic sport.

“Essentials”:  Unlike any other throwing event, javelin, requires different areas of athleticism. In javelin, it is essential for the competitior to have a strong upper body, and a good sense of agility.  This is because, the athlete has to be able too collect speed over the course of 30 meters (length of the runway.) Therefore, javelin throwers have the overall physique or physical ability of runners, compared to those of other throwers (such as shot-putters.) I have noticed this difference when looking at the pictures of javelin athletes, compared to hammer, or shot-put throwers. You could notice that a javelin athlete was much “smaller” looking.

  Interesting Facts:

·      When thrown, a javelin can reach speeds of up to 70 mph!

·      The best recored throw ever made was by a man named Jan Zelezny of Germany. He threw his javelin 98.48 meters!

·      Javelin was banned in Virginia because a person was killed by being speared.

·      A women’s best record for throwing distance was 72.28 meters! This record was set by Barbora Spotakova of Germany. 

Javeline thrower

 Shot Putter   (See the difference?)

* Wikipedia.com

*http://www.iaaf.org/mm/photo/competitions/competition/vili4×6_2812_full-prt.jpg

*http://www.buzzcritic.com/images/trends/leryn_franco.jpg

*http://www.buzzcritic.com/images/trends/leryn_franco.jp

The high jump is the second type of jump in Track and Field. The high jump, consists of a jumper, jumping over a parallel bar that is raised every round. Each round, the bar is raised to a higher height, at which competitors try not to bump or touch the bar when jumping. The bar, a cylindrical pole about 1-1 1/2 inches, is rested on two small “ledges” that are connected to two sturdy poles. When bumped, the bar falls off these ledges, that are usually about 3-5 inches long, and about 2 inches wide. The bar, can be easily knocked off because of it’s weakness in relation to the ledge. However, when touched and knocked over, the bar falls to the ground, and the athlete is “scratched.”

In high jump, the approach you take to reach the bar is very important. If not done correctly, or in bad timing, the jumpers’ jump could be affected. The approach, is made up of three main conponents; the shape or curve of the run, the speed, and the correct number of strides. Usually, an athlete uses a “J-approach,” to get to the bar. In this technique, the jumper can get a feel for the run in the horizontal part of the J, then be able to accelerate rapidly in the curved section. This allows for a controlled take-off position, a critical part of high jump. The speed of the run, also greatly effects the jump. A slower run (about eight strides) , doesn’t give a huge amount of momentum needed to jump, but a faster one ( thirteen strides ), does.

In high jump there are many techniques in which you can use to jump over the bar, staddle. Western roll. Eastern cut-off, Fosbury Flop, or the Scissors-jump. All these jumps can be used in compeditions, and are widely used throughout the world.

Straddle:

Western Roll:

Eastern cut-off:

Fosbury Flop:

Scissors-jump:

Interesting facts:

Bibliography!!!

*askville.amazon.com

*www.bbc.co.uk

*wikipedia.com

*www.jamd.com

*www.orble.com

The Long Jump

        History: As well as being an Olympic event, the long jump as always been apart of track and Field history. Starting in Ancient Greece, the long jump was one of the original events to make up the Olympics. Consisted of a sprint and a jump, athletes had to carry a weight in each hand. These were called halteres. The halteres made more of a momentum for the athlete as the jumper jumped forward. As the jumper would jump, the weights would be thrown behind, letting his feet naturally stretch out in front of him. The longest recorded jump for this kind of long jump, was a Greek guy, named Chinis, and he jumped 7.05 meters, that’s 23 feet! Now days, the long jump has be altered to fit today’s modern Olympics. Today the long jump is taken place with no weights.

        Technique: The main objective of the long jump is to leap as far from the initial take-off place as possible. The long jump requires skills such as speed, strength, and agility, and these skills are all combined into one solid jump. When the athlete sprints down the length of the track, the athlete then leaps off one foot in attempt to snap both of their legs and arms into a toe-touch position, called a sail. Overall, there are three main types of “air” positions, sail, hang, and Hitch-kick.  When landing a jump, the athlete’s main objective is to not fall back into the landing pit. When this happens, the jumper looses the length of his or her jump, resulting, usually, in a small measured distance. In long jump, the officials measure from the top of the takeoff point, to where the body comes into contact with the sand. 

  Below, are the “definitions” for the underlined terms:

Halteres- stone, or metal made weights, that weighed between two and nine kilograms. 

Hang- an “air” postion that stretched teh entire body into a pencil form. When the jumper is about to land, he or she snaps their legs into a landing position

Hitch-kick- another “air” position that had the arms and legs going in opposite directions. Like a crawl almost.

Interesting facts:

• the longest jump ever made was by an American man named Mike Powell and he jumped 8.95 meters!
• Women were not allowed to participate in the long jump at Olympic level until 1928. 
• The longest jump made by a woman was by Galina Christyakova. a Chinese woman who jumped 7.52 meters!

Hello to all of you athletes out there!

I am an overseas, 8th grade student, and in my language arts class, we have made blogs to help strengthen our writing skills. In this blog, I will be talking about the ancient history on numerous track and field events; sprinting, jumping, throwing, hurdling, and running. I, being a sprinter and jumper,  have always loved track, and I would find it interesting to know where my events started, wouldn’t you?  So tune in every week to find a new post on new event. Happy reading!

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