At what point is it enough

In 2006 I got my front squat up to 405. Front squats seem to have a bigger correlation to throwing for me, and I've never had a big back squat. I had a pretty good year in 2006.

Since then, my knee hasn't looked kindly on heavy squats, and I haven't gone over 315, front or back. Instead I've worked on being fitter and more explosive, and tried to get stronger in my midsection. I've also done a lot more throwing and changed my technique around in a few events. My numbers this year are close to or better than in 2006. My hammers and stones are more consistent, and I've been close to my WOB PR.  The big exception is the 56# for distance - but this is likely due to the fact that I'm 25 lbs. lighter than I was.

That being said, I want to clear 17' feet again next year. I plan on doing more front squats and power cleans/deads to get the legs stronger this winter. I won't be near 405 again, but I don't think I need to be. 

My stock answer is that lifting heavy is overrated. That goes double for you - you are absolutely strong enough to throw far, in spite of your (ahem) questionable technique in several events.

I'd probably also add in the psychological factor. For each individual there's probably a "comfortable" level of strength where they feel like they CAN throw the furthest. X squat poundage, deadlifting Y, powerclean Z.

Most of us probably have some base numbers in our head that "allows" us to throw certain distances and below that, you start to feel less solid about it.

You heard it first from Mr. Natural himself that 2012 will be a big year.
Remember, I am his exclusive booking agent so get in line AD's to book Mr.
Natural.

Thanks guys for the feedback.

I kinda new that there is a point of diminishing returnsbecause there are so many factors. I feel it depends on on what type of thrower you are really. I know for some(ex HB3) doesn't lift in season at all. I personally can't throw without feeling some heavy weights.

2x now I ran into this situation at the end of the season: Training sucked, throwing sub par, and not feeling good at all. Both times the week of the big comps I got into the gym and squatted till I couldn't squat another pound, BUT I never actually failed at a lift. I kept going till I felt I couldn't add another lb to the bar. 1st time was the last Highlander Championship at Loon Mnt. and the other was Celtic this year. Both time I came out of the gate swinging big and had amazing results.

Could be mental but I also feel that neural activation, the feeling of getting the body into that mode where it fire at 100%. Weights feel light, the body moves better, and you have more explosion when lifting heavy.

Light weights are good to deload and speed is a must but this is Heavy Athletics.

I had a rought year all year. Settled up some injuries and basically spent the last month in the gym and maybe got out to throw 3 times. Last games was the best because I was stronger and moving well.

Craig doesn't throw outside of competition but stays strong all season long. Long throws.

Gotta find what works for you. If the big squats grease the groove for the long throws, then stay in that rack :)

I am just gonna say for me I don't care what my 1rm in anything is, this isn't powerlifting. Me and several like me have well out thrown guys much stronger in the weight room.

I personally doubt I lift anything more than 365lbs ever again in the weight room. I am over 40, both knees and both shoulders worked on. I want to be active, fit, strong and able to throw this stuff with my grandson someday.

Personally part Deux: I will throw as much if not more than I lift so I can throw better and what I lift will be moved quickly. I personally think if I can snatch pull 315lbs for reps fast then then I should be more than explosively powerful enough strength wise to throw the weights high and far.

I Fully expect responses to tell me I am wrong, but you do your thing and I will do mine and we will all have a beer and tell BS stories after the games.

I had a HUGE DL at the time. 720 from the floor and 600
from a deficit(See youtube video). My Olympic lifts were
good from the floor as well: 380 clean and 275 snatch.

I think that more than the OL it was the combo of the DL,
my Box squat, and front squat that developed the hip
strength constancy over the entire year. 600 with grn
bands for a Box and a 500 front squat. I have come close
to 18'-10" on a number of occasions over the past 2 years
but nothing consistent because I don't have that same hip
strength since both squat lifts have dropped.

I have not been near those numbers past 2 years as I have
gotten away from a lot of strongman training. It also
takes a toll on my joints.

I spent awhile thinking about this question and here is what I came up with.
You can never be strong enough, but there will be a time when your body
will refuse the strength by providing you with injuries and at that point you
need to take a serious look at what your doing. When your younger you will
get away with all sorts of things however if you think your going to train at
50 like you do at 33 you are sorely mistaken. You wait and see. Get injured
enough while your young and take a look at Brian Olfield which is the
extreme.