Mobilizing for the Javelin Throw: Preparing the Body, Mind and Soul for Battle
The javelin throw is one of the most demanding and complex events in track and field. It requires a combination of strength, speed, power, flexibility, and mental toughness. Preparing for the javelin is much like preparing for battle: it’s about mobilizing the body and mind to handle immense physical and emotional forces and perform at its highest level.
Mobilization: Preparing for War
The term “mobilization” refers to assembling forces and preparing for action. In the context of javelin training, it’s about preparing the body and mind to transfer and withstand extreme amounts of energy during the throw. Running a top speed and launching oneself into an rigid block leg, all while keeping the upper body supple and arm in position is not a feat that even the greatest of athlete can achieve without years of mental and physical preparation.
Just as a soldier prepares for battle, the javelin thrower must build elite physical conditioning, achieving strength, speed, and power levels comparable to any top power athlete. Mentally, athletes need the unwavering focus of a chess grandmaster, the willpower of an ultramarathon runner, and the determination to push past their limits—akin to a parent summoning untapped strength to protect their child. This mental fortitude enables throwers to harness their physical strength and willingly put their body in the most compromising of positions, believing that they will come out on the other side unscathed
The Battle of Javelin Training
Javelin training is, in essence, a battle of both body and mind. From head to toe, the athlete must be connected—capable of generating and controlling immense power while maintaining fluidity and precision. The goal is to train the body to apply maximum force to the javelin in fractions of a second which often requires that the mind perceives this task as a life or death event.