HANOVER, N.H. — Vergennes resident Ron McConnell recently wrapped up his season throwing weights in elite masters track and field events with performances that leave him in a good position on the national scene.
McConnell competed in the Thor’s Stone Throwing Invitational on Oct. 4 in Hanover, N.H. The meet attracted all ages and featured some world-ranked masters track and field athletes. McConnell brought home five golds (all age groups) in the hammer, shot, discus, javelin and weight throw, while setting personal records in hammer (163 feet), discus (147 feet) and shot (45 feet 5 inches).
McConnell, who is fitness director at the Swimming Hole in Stowe, credits most of his success this season to a form of injury prevention and performance training he developed called Primal Training. He called his method a total body training system that incorporates “Primal Nutrition” (which emphasizes anti-inflammatory) and the “Primal Trainer” (which focuses on core strength, flexibility and balance training using body angulation). He said this style of training helps with recovery and resets the body.
The 51-year-old is preparing for the World Masters Athletics IAAF World Championships competition, which will be held in Lyon, France, Aug. 4-16, 2015.