Leaving tuesday at 8am, planning on making it to knoxville, tn tonight.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Log PR, last training post before Nationals 2011
So, the time is finally here. I'm one week out from the last contest I'll be doing in what has been my busiest year for competing.
It's been a year of ups and downs, but ultimately I've seen the largest gains since I was a beginner, putting another 200# on my yoke, 25# on my log, and just recently, getting comfortable getting a 20" stone out of my lap. I also bombed two unsanctioned contests earlier in the year, and got my first first place finish.
In the context of the past 3-4 years since I began strongman (first touched the implements Nov/Dec 2007), this year has been significant. My first couple years, I went to contests expecting to scratch (miss) the overhead event. I also went knowing that my strength levels weren't up to par with any of the guys (even smaller local shows), and that my only saving grace was a little bit of speed, conditioning, and a knack for doing light-ish stones to high platforms kind of fast. All of the above actually helped me to a few respectable finishes. I came to appreciate strongman's way testing strength, power, speed, and conditioning, not to mention preparation and skill, in a variety of ways. But, I never felt quite like a competitor - I was more the perpetual underdog.
As fun as being the underdog is, and getting all of the comments about how my looks don't match my capacity, this was the year I was able to go to contests knowing that I could hang with some solid competitors on all fronts. I scratched the overhead event ~5 contests in a row. And that was back when the log was typically at 200# - not the 220+ we see now at local events, or the 250 that will be at Nationals. I haven't scratched an overhead event this year, and that's included two circus dumbbells (115-120), and 220 log. In some contests, I actually wasn't last either on the press event (gasp).
Whatever happens at Nationals, this has been a great year. Preparation has paid off, and I'm looking forward to 2012.
It's been a year of ups and downs, but ultimately I've seen the largest gains since I was a beginner, putting another 200# on my yoke, 25# on my log, and just recently, getting comfortable getting a 20" stone out of my lap. I also bombed two unsanctioned contests earlier in the year, and got my first first place finish.
In the context of the past 3-4 years since I began strongman (first touched the implements Nov/Dec 2007), this year has been significant. My first couple years, I went to contests expecting to scratch (miss) the overhead event. I also went knowing that my strength levels weren't up to par with any of the guys (even smaller local shows), and that my only saving grace was a little bit of speed, conditioning, and a knack for doing light-ish stones to high platforms kind of fast. All of the above actually helped me to a few respectable finishes. I came to appreciate strongman's way testing strength, power, speed, and conditioning, not to mention preparation and skill, in a variety of ways. But, I never felt quite like a competitor - I was more the perpetual underdog.
As fun as being the underdog is, and getting all of the comments about how my looks don't match my capacity, this was the year I was able to go to contests knowing that I could hang with some solid competitors on all fronts. I scratched the overhead event ~5 contests in a row. And that was back when the log was typically at 200# - not the 220+ we see now at local events, or the 250 that will be at Nationals. I haven't scratched an overhead event this year, and that's included two circus dumbbells (115-120), and 220 log. In some contests, I actually wasn't last either on the press event (gasp).
Whatever happens at Nationals, this has been a great year. Preparation has paid off, and I'm looking forward to 2012.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Delaware's Strongest Wrap-Up, pre-Nationals
Delaware's Strongest didn't go too poorly, and went pretty close to plan.
Truck Pull: 1st, only 200 to finish it.
Circus Dumbbell Press: Underestimated the other 200's here. Saw some great pressing. Got 5 reps, one more would have tied me with the middle of the pack. Instead, wound up with next to last.
Keg Carry: 2nd. !st place guy smoked it.
Car Deadlift: My nemesis strikes again. No bueno, bought it and took the apparatus home.
Stone Over Bar: 12 Reps. Closest to my score was 8 or 9. I'll take it. They dropped the weight for 200's down to 230, and a light stone over bar is my jam.
Recently, I've had a solid run with the Hussafel stone, getting more comfortable there. Suited up, and was able to pull a relatively heavy car deadlift. Knocked out some PRs for weight on the yoke, and it hasn't been a bad few weeks.
Nationals is coming up shortly. I have four training sessions left before hitting the road. Did a little research on my competitors based on the posted list (via youtube and google), and I'm extremely impressed with the capabilities of my fellow 200's.
Next stop, Nats.
Truck Pull: 1st, only 200 to finish it.
Circus Dumbbell Press: Underestimated the other 200's here. Saw some great pressing. Got 5 reps, one more would have tied me with the middle of the pack. Instead, wound up with next to last.
Keg Carry: 2nd. !st place guy smoked it.
Car Deadlift: My nemesis strikes again. No bueno, bought it and took the apparatus home.
Stone Over Bar: 12 Reps. Closest to my score was 8 or 9. I'll take it. They dropped the weight for 200's down to 230, and a light stone over bar is my jam.
Recently, I've had a solid run with the Hussafel stone, getting more comfortable there. Suited up, and was able to pull a relatively heavy car deadlift. Knocked out some PRs for weight on the yoke, and it hasn't been a bad few weeks.
Nationals is coming up shortly. I have four training sessions left before hitting the road. Did a little research on my competitors based on the posted list (via youtube and google), and I'm extremely impressed with the capabilities of my fellow 200's.
Next stop, Nats.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Training Update: Pre-Delaware's Strongest
Next two contests will be Delaware's Strongest Man 2011, and then Nationals.
I haven't put much thought into Delaware 2011, mainly because I know Nationals is around the corner. There will be:
Truck Pull: I haven't put in much specific training at all here. I usually get through these decently.
Circus DB: I'm hoping for good things. I know I can get this weight (123), and I know others may not be able to. It's a technical enough movement that I can make up for a lack of pressing strength.
Keg Carry: Done well on carries in the past, but these are pretty heavy kegs.
Car DL: All depends on the setup/handle height, etc.. Could be great, or terrible.
Stone Over Bar: This will be good testing for nats. 300 to 46".
General training:
Recently pulled 600 FW deadlift. I've picked it before with a slightly higher setup, so we can call it a PR.
Got 235 overhead on the log. Puts me a little closer to the 250 I need for nationals.
I haven't put much thought into Delaware 2011, mainly because I know Nationals is around the corner. There will be:
Truck Pull: I haven't put in much specific training at all here. I usually get through these decently.
Circus DB: I'm hoping for good things. I know I can get this weight (123), and I know others may not be able to. It's a technical enough movement that I can make up for a lack of pressing strength.
Keg Carry: Done well on carries in the past, but these are pretty heavy kegs.
Car DL: All depends on the setup/handle height, etc.. Could be great, or terrible.
Stone Over Bar: This will be good testing for nats. 300 to 46".
General training:
Recently pulled 600 FW deadlift. I've picked it before with a slightly higher setup, so we can call it a PR.
Got 235 overhead on the log. Puts me a little closer to the 250 I need for nationals.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Brute Strength Star-Spangled Classic
The past two contests - The Capital Classic in Reston and the the JF Hurley YMCA in Salisbury, NC, weren't my best showing. I made too many mistakes at Reston, hurt myself, and just wasn't recovered enough 2 weeks later in NC.
My training since then has been consistent, but not necessarily my best. I've been busy moving into a new house, and moving the gym as well, and all the related stress from that. I did hit a few small PRs - 520 Deadlift, and a nice climb on the yoke. Pressing has been solid and consistent, getting my log rep work up around 190 for triples.
At the Star-Spangled classic, the group of competitors was small - only three of us in the 200's. I was hoping to see a particular competitor who is around my ability level, and always gives me something good to shoot for, but no dice.
Event 1 - Yoke, 660# for 75'. Slow, but steady. Not dropping it was my goal, and I didn't. Speed will have to come later. First place.
Event 2 - Keg Press. 180-200-240. The 180 keg was definitely harder than I thought it would be. The clean was more challenging than I was anticipating, and leaning back more than usual, had a hard time keeping back to my heels. First clean, I couldn't press it, didn't even really try. Second attempt, I went for a split jerk and got it. Went on to the 200, an easier clean, but no dice on the press. I noticed from the video that the elbow position looks awkward, I'll play around with dropping the elbow some. 2nd Place.
Event 3 - Car Deadlift hold. The Car thankfully went up easy enough, but the hold was a challenge. My straps slipped pretty quickly, and my biceps were hurting within the first 10 seconds. I dropped when they started to hurt a little too bad. I like to call this the Rich City Revenge. Myself, Danny, and Joey all scratched the car deadlift at the Capital Classic, and managed to get it this time. I managed to hold on long enough to land first. The stress here seemed pretty unique, and seemed mostly a test of hip stability for most, and just general tolerance to pain. i'd like to build one of these, but they take up a lot of room for such limited function, The farmers DL hold in training seemed to replicate the grip/pain of the car dl, but the hips seemed more stable.
Event 4 - Immovable Truck Pull. The title says it all. No one budged it.
Event 5 - Tire Flip. 500-625-700, 3 flips each. After Reston, and the botched tire there, and being relatively slow on other tires, I was nervous. Also hadn't had good opportunities to train the tire lately. Thankfully, everything went smoothly, no big snags on the flips. 500 was easy, the 625 had some difficult hand holds, and the 700 had awesome hand holds. I believe this would be the heaviest tire I've flipped. I noticed a lot of folks slowing down on the 625, especially the sumo flippers. First.
I was happy to get my first win here. Looking forward to Delaware's Strongest 10/1.
My training since then has been consistent, but not necessarily my best. I've been busy moving into a new house, and moving the gym as well, and all the related stress from that. I did hit a few small PRs - 520 Deadlift, and a nice climb on the yoke. Pressing has been solid and consistent, getting my log rep work up around 190 for triples.
At the Star-Spangled classic, the group of competitors was small - only three of us in the 200's. I was hoping to see a particular competitor who is around my ability level, and always gives me something good to shoot for, but no dice.
Event 1 - Yoke, 660# for 75'. Slow, but steady. Not dropping it was my goal, and I didn't. Speed will have to come later. First place.
Event 2 - Keg Press. 180-200-240. The 180 keg was definitely harder than I thought it would be. The clean was more challenging than I was anticipating, and leaning back more than usual, had a hard time keeping back to my heels. First clean, I couldn't press it, didn't even really try. Second attempt, I went for a split jerk and got it. Went on to the 200, an easier clean, but no dice on the press. I noticed from the video that the elbow position looks awkward, I'll play around with dropping the elbow some. 2nd Place.
Event 3 - Car Deadlift hold. The Car thankfully went up easy enough, but the hold was a challenge. My straps slipped pretty quickly, and my biceps were hurting within the first 10 seconds. I dropped when they started to hurt a little too bad. I like to call this the Rich City Revenge. Myself, Danny, and Joey all scratched the car deadlift at the Capital Classic, and managed to get it this time. I managed to hold on long enough to land first. The stress here seemed pretty unique, and seemed mostly a test of hip stability for most, and just general tolerance to pain. i'd like to build one of these, but they take up a lot of room for such limited function, The farmers DL hold in training seemed to replicate the grip/pain of the car dl, but the hips seemed more stable.
Event 4 - Immovable Truck Pull. The title says it all. No one budged it.
Event 5 - Tire Flip. 500-625-700, 3 flips each. After Reston, and the botched tire there, and being relatively slow on other tires, I was nervous. Also hadn't had good opportunities to train the tire lately. Thankfully, everything went smoothly, no big snags on the flips. 500 was easy, the 625 had some difficult hand holds, and the 700 had awesome hand holds. I believe this would be the heaviest tire I've flipped. I noticed a lot of folks slowing down on the 625, especially the sumo flippers. First.
I was happy to get my first win here. Looking forward to Delaware's Strongest 10/1.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Training Update
I'm starting to get back into the swing of things in training. First deadlift workout in awhile recently, pulled up to 425+2 sets of chains from 1.5in deficit, as well as 6 singles at 425 from the floor after.
Pressing work is back on track. Felt a bad the first couple of workouts coming back after my back injury (which sent me to the doctor's office for the first time in a long time). But, things are feeling better now, with my work weights being at 190 for the log and 210 for the axle.
Worked up to a 600# yoke for 40' a few times, and it went well:
http://www.vimeo.com/23206234
I'm stacked trying to buy a house, move the gym, and everything else. Training is happening, but certainly not at the forefront. I'll be chugging along. Two months until Brute!
Pressing work is back on track. Felt a bad the first couple of workouts coming back after my back injury (which sent me to the doctor's office for the first time in a long time). But, things are feeling better now, with my work weights being at 190 for the log and 210 for the axle.
Worked up to a 600# yoke for 40' a few times, and it went well:
http://www.vimeo.com/23206234
I'm stacked trying to buy a house, move the gym, and everything else. Training is happening, but certainly not at the forefront. I'll be chugging along. Two months until Brute!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Strongest Man at the JF Hurley YMCA
I spent the past two weeks since the Capital Classic trying to recover. Back has been wrecked, to the point that I went to the doctor for xrays. It stopped hurting enough Wednesday before the contest to do some light dumbbell work and sled dragging, and given it was a short/light contest, I gave it a shot. It was also my brother's first contest, so I wanted to be there anyway.
Stones (175, 205, 240): Light and few, these went fast. They were also head to head, which was honestly a little disconcerting. Not sure of my placing, but not great - about 8 seconds. Fastest times I think were high 6s.
Dumbbell (65, 90, 120): Not circus DBs as we thought. Just those three, for time. Snatched the first two easily, but could manage any form of clean and jerk on the last. Tweaked my neck attempting the 120.
Fingers. Two weights, 2 flips on each: Found that I was pretty decent here, being taller. Got a good clean, a good cycle time, and didn't slow down until the last one.
Prowler push (180, in grass): never touched one before. Somewhere in the middle of the pack, was only 50' for time. 6 seconds or so.
Bus Pull: Just wanted to stay consistent. Did well I thought, but didn't give it enough juice after I got it moving.
Not a lot of lessons here. Coming off an injury, with little training over the past month. Had a good time.
Stones (175, 205, 240): Light and few, these went fast. They were also head to head, which was honestly a little disconcerting. Not sure of my placing, but not great - about 8 seconds. Fastest times I think were high 6s.
Dumbbell (65, 90, 120): Not circus DBs as we thought. Just those three, for time. Snatched the first two easily, but could manage any form of clean and jerk on the last. Tweaked my neck attempting the 120.
Fingers. Two weights, 2 flips on each: Found that I was pretty decent here, being taller. Got a good clean, a good cycle time, and didn't slow down until the last one.
Prowler push (180, in grass): never touched one before. Somewhere in the middle of the pack, was only 50' for time. 6 seconds or so.
Bus Pull: Just wanted to stay consistent. Did well I thought, but didn't give it enough juice after I got it moving.
Not a lot of lessons here. Coming off an injury, with little training over the past month. Had a good time.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Capitol Classic Strongman: Wrap-Up
Well, I've certainly had better days. I won't complain excessively, because it's just one day, and one contest. I've had bad training days, and come back to hit huge PRs days later. It happens.
Log: Got my first rep at 220 easily. Very close on a second and third attempt. Even with a rep, I was last place here. Other guys got 4-5 reps.
Conan's (550) : As soon as I picked it up, I felt terrible. Thought I was going to pass out, and felt like I couldn't breathe. I was just shy of two full times around, but some of the better guys had a little over 2 full laps. I was 4th here.
Car Deadlift: I should mention, I was the first LW for each event. Can't say it hurt me much, but it's an awesome feeling going out there and being first on the heavier weights. I scratched the car deadlift. I'm sure being a stronger puller would help, but being shorter would have probably helped also.
After 4 big pull attempts, my back was trashed. Its really never felt that way before. I had to lay down, roll out, had a hard time sitting up, stuff like that. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to finish.
Frame Carry(575): The frame was heavier than anything I'd touched before. The picks actually felt good, but my back was too shot to hold it for very long. I think I dropped it 3 times. I believe another 4th place finish.
Chain Drag/Tire(?/700): The chain drag felt easier than a lot of sled dragging I do in training, but the floor was really dusty. Slipped once on the dust, but got it moving again to finish it up. The tire didn't feel heavy, but after one flip, I just didn't' have the strength to flip it any more. I could get it off the floor several inches, but not enough to get it on my knee.
Stones: I tried to use my belt, because I felt like I couldn't bend down to tie my shoe. It ended up screwing with the stones pretty bad. First and second felt good enough, but I started seeing stars pulling the third, and had to take two shots at it. Took off the belt, and got the 4th on on the buzzer. Won't be using a belt on stones again. Got 2nd here I think.
So, that's it. Another contest in two weeks - time to rest up and hope that one goes better. Getting last place on three events, 4th place on two, and second on one is an awesome way to get last place.
Log: Got my first rep at 220 easily. Very close on a second and third attempt. Even with a rep, I was last place here. Other guys got 4-5 reps.
Conan's (550) : As soon as I picked it up, I felt terrible. Thought I was going to pass out, and felt like I couldn't breathe. I was just shy of two full times around, but some of the better guys had a little over 2 full laps. I was 4th here.
Car Deadlift: I should mention, I was the first LW for each event. Can't say it hurt me much, but it's an awesome feeling going out there and being first on the heavier weights. I scratched the car deadlift. I'm sure being a stronger puller would help, but being shorter would have probably helped also.
After 4 big pull attempts, my back was trashed. Its really never felt that way before. I had to lay down, roll out, had a hard time sitting up, stuff like that. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to finish.
Frame Carry(575): The frame was heavier than anything I'd touched before. The picks actually felt good, but my back was too shot to hold it for very long. I think I dropped it 3 times. I believe another 4th place finish.
Chain Drag/Tire(?/700): The chain drag felt easier than a lot of sled dragging I do in training, but the floor was really dusty. Slipped once on the dust, but got it moving again to finish it up. The tire didn't feel heavy, but after one flip, I just didn't' have the strength to flip it any more. I could get it off the floor several inches, but not enough to get it on my knee.
Stones: I tried to use my belt, because I felt like I couldn't bend down to tie my shoe. It ended up screwing with the stones pretty bad. First and second felt good enough, but I started seeing stars pulling the third, and had to take two shots at it. Took off the belt, and got the 4th on on the buzzer. Won't be using a belt on stones again. Got 2nd here I think.
So, that's it. Another contest in two weeks - time to rest up and hope that one goes better. Getting last place on three events, 4th place on two, and second on one is an awesome way to get last place.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Capital Strongman Classic - Prelim
Since my last posting, a couple years ago, I've done several strongman contests, 3-4 a year. The last few have gone well.
Brute (Gold) - January '11 - 2nd Place 200's: http://nastrongman.com/bruteres2011.pdf
Sports Fest II (Gold) - July 2010 - 2nd Place 200's: http://nastrongman.com/SportsfestIIres.pdf
Kumite Classic V (Gold) - 2nd Place 200's: http://nastrongman.com/kumiteVres.pdf
I've seen decent progress in my lifts. A few of the big ones:
Back Squat - 405
Deadlift - 515
Press - 190
Clean - 295
Log C&J - 225
Axle Rack Jerk - 255
Farmers - 290 each hand for 50#
Long term, I still need to keep making progress on the overhead, some of the heavier stones are giving me issues, and I'm fairly slow with the heavy farmers and yoke.
The next one (tomorrow!) is the Capital Classic. Events are:
Events:
1) Log (Slater Log) press for reps Clean and Press - HW 260, LW 220, Novice 190, Women's -Circus dumbell 60 lbs
2) Conan’s Wheel - HW 650, LW 550, Novice 400, Women's 300
3) Frame Carry - HW 650, LW 500, Novice 375, women's farmers walk 160
4) Car Deadlift - HW, LW, Novice - mini cooper, women's 500lbs tire on rig
5) Tire flip/chain drag - HW 1000lbs/450 chain, LW 700/450, Novice 500/chain, women's 400/ 300sled
6) Stones - 52" Platform, HW 255, 280, 300, 330, 350, LW 216, 225, 255, 280, 300, Novice 175,200, 216, 225, 255, Women's 100, 120, 150, 180, 200
My thoughts:
Log: I can consistently do 220#. Still happy as long as I don't scratch a press. 2 reps would be awesome.
Conan's: I've only done the Conan's wheel a few times at Brute. I got some practice on the pick in via Zerchers, but that's about it. I know the weight will be doable, it's just a matter of how far.
Frame: If it stays close to 500#, it'll be workable. If it goes much heavier, it might give me some problems, but I I'll get through it.
Car Deadlift: I'm comfortable at the higher deadlifts, but have never done a car deadlift. I hear it's a bit different.
We'll see how things go tomorrow! There may or may not be a 200# weight class. The competitor list shows 4 total 200#'s, so I'll have my eye set on them either way. If I beat any 231's, awesome.
Brute (Gold) - January '11 - 2nd Place 200's: http://nastrongman.com/bruteres2011.pdf
Sports Fest II (Gold) - July 2010 - 2nd Place 200's: http://nastrongman.com/SportsfestIIres.pdf
Kumite Classic V (Gold) - 2nd Place 200's: http://nastrongman.com/kumiteVres.pdf
I've seen decent progress in my lifts. A few of the big ones:
Back Squat - 405
Deadlift - 515
Press - 190
Clean - 295
Log C&J - 225
Axle Rack Jerk - 255
Farmers - 290 each hand for 50#
Long term, I still need to keep making progress on the overhead, some of the heavier stones are giving me issues, and I'm fairly slow with the heavy farmers and yoke.
The next one (tomorrow!) is the Capital Classic. Events are:
Events:
1) Log (Slater Log) press for reps Clean and Press - HW 260, LW 220, Novice 190, Women's -Circus dumbell 60 lbs
2) Conan’s Wheel - HW 650, LW 550, Novice 400, Women's 300
3) Frame Carry - HW 650, LW 500, Novice 375, women's farmers walk 160
4) Car Deadlift - HW, LW, Novice - mini cooper, women's 500lbs tire on rig
5) Tire flip/chain drag - HW 1000lbs/450 chain, LW 700/450, Novice 500/chain, women's 400/ 300sled
6) Stones - 52" Platform, HW 255, 280, 300, 330, 350, LW 216, 225, 255, 280, 300, Novice 175,200, 216, 225, 255, Women's 100, 120, 150, 180, 200
My thoughts:
Log: I can consistently do 220#. Still happy as long as I don't scratch a press. 2 reps would be awesome.
Conan's: I've only done the Conan's wheel a few times at Brute. I got some practice on the pick in via Zerchers, but that's about it. I know the weight will be doable, it's just a matter of how far.
Frame: If it stays close to 500#, it'll be workable. If it goes much heavier, it might give me some problems, but I I'll get through it.
Car Deadlift: I'm comfortable at the higher deadlifts, but have never done a car deadlift. I hear it's a bit different.
We'll see how things go tomorrow! There may or may not be a 200# weight class. The competitor list shows 4 total 200#'s, so I'll have my eye set on them either way. If I beat any 231's, awesome.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)