Comments: Easing back into it. I kept a good pace, not resting except for putting on or taking off weights. Took only 24 minutes. Body held up pretty good. My new axle arrived today, I'll have to take it to the gym tomorrow and use it on Wednesday.
Comments: A bit stiff but only injuries are scrapes on my forearms. Mowing and walking felt good. I start my new job tomorrow. I realize now that I need to change my diet to gain some weight. My plan is to start implementing part of it starting this coming Saturday and implement the rest of it the week after. I need to ease into it and see how my body adjusts to the new stresses. Plus I need to work everything out in my head first.
I was way too tired yesterday to write or upload anything so here it is.
Left fairly early Friday to get to the hotel and didn't hit too much traffic going through Philie. Cutting water weight sucks so we listened to a bunch of comedy CD's to pass the time in the car. We get to the hotel to find it occupied by a fly and a roach but we didn't mind sharing the room since we'd only be there to sleep that night. Spent a bit of time driving around to get acquainted with the local stores and what not. The early weigh-ins had been moved from the venue to Chickie $ Pete's which is essentially a seafood themed TGIF or Applebee's. The guy for the strongman weigh-ins wasn't there and some buddy that was with the crew running the event said he'd vouch for us. I weighed in at 228.3lbs. Drove back to the hotel and ate and drank a lot and fell asleep.
The next day I was feeling out of it and I had felt a little like this the day before but not as bad. Had coffee and water and went to the venue. Spent a bit of time standing around confused with the other strongman competitors since we couldn't go in yet for some reason. A couple of us were worried about having to weigh-in again but luckily nobody had to. Got inside and proceeded to get ready for the day. First event up was a max log clean and press.
The opening weight was 240lbs which should be an easy weight for me. I had just recently done 245 for 3 and 270 for a single. My plan was to go 240, 260 then 280 for a pr. Not today apparently. This log was giving quite a few people fits. I only managed to get my opener of 240lbs and had to close misses with 260lbs. A few competitors missed 240 so I didn't place last but I was already in a deep hole. I measured the log after the event was over and found that it was 13" diameter as opposed to my 12" log I train with at home. Still no excuse. Three way tie for eleventh out of sixteen.
Next was a sandbag carry for max distance in 75 seconds. The weight had been lowered from 280lbs to 250lbs. It was quite easy to pick up during warm-ups. Of course when the time came, I screwed up and grabbed it way to high. It was a light weight but it was too far down on my body, pressing into my stomach and fatiguing my arms and back. Since I'm not very good at multitasking, the whole time I was debating stopping or crapping my pants. Luckily, my legs jumped in with the suggestion of "stage dive" and my brain said go for it. I managed 190' put me in ninth out of sixteen.
Next was the dreaded press medley of two axles, two logs, a dumbbell and a keg. 90 seconds to press as many of the implements as you can in any order. Of course, once you tried the implement, you had to stay and finish it before moving on. This caused a bit of trouble for some competitors with some zeroing the event because of this. My strategy was to avoid the keg because one; I had never tried pressing it and two; you were not allowed to use a staggered grip. I had tried it during warm-ups and was having a hell of a time with the measly 160lbs keg. With some practice I could do it but not with a couple minutes time. So the plan was to do the two axles first (220lbs and 240lbs) then shuffle over to the dumbbell (it was the one from the York show so a guaranteed lift for me) then try the logs (240lbs and 250lbs). The time starts and I over pull the first axle, totally missing the clean. Get it easy the second attempt and move on to the 240lbs. No mistakes on this one and head to the dumbbell for a cake press. The head to the 240lbs log and totally miss. I refocus and just grind it out to get it. No way the 250lbs log is going so my dad yells for me to try the keg. I pretty much walk over to the keg and I don't even have time to get it into position. I got four implements in 68.68 seconds which was another ninth out of sixteen for me.
Up next was the farmer's walk. The weight was 260lbs for 85' with 14" pick height for the handles. I was confident I would complete this event. I had possibly my best pick ever with this kind of weight. However, I wasn't going very fast. I guess I was worried about tipping over. Anyways, I completed the course in 15.81 seconds, probably the slowest time of the competitors the completed the course. Still a 28' PR for me. tenth out of sixteen.
Finally it was time for the Stones. The event was three stones loaded over a 46” bar with a 60 seconds time limit. Each stone had to be loaded twice before getting to the next stone. Now before it had been go through the series as many times as you can with a 75 seconds time limit. A 250, 270, 300 series is just too light for me and since I was already far behind I did it without tacky to have a little fun and a challenge. I missed the first attempt on the 250 stone when it spun on the top of the yoke. I then hit me head lifting it the second time. Lifting without tacky is quite tough. I did all six lifts in 51.28 seconds for sixth out of sixteen.
I ended up tied for eleventh place in the 231lbs class. All in all a disappointing day for me. My brain felt dull all day and I just felt out of it until I got three and a half tasty Outback Steakhouse 12 oz. Specials in my belly. It was great seeing friends from previous contests again. I have a ton of work to do. This is my last light weight contest. Next year's Battle in the Barn should be a good one to start with.
Comments: Nice and easy, took only 16 minutes. Knees were a little stiff since I had just finished watching a long movie at the theater right before hand. Tested out a wider stance for my squat but it will be too wide for inside the power rack.
Bent Over Rear Delt Dumbbell Raises 40'sx15 40'sx15 40'sx15
20 Minutes of Stretching
Comments: Pretty good workout, took a about 58 minutes. Legs are feeling all kinds of stupid from box squats on Friday. Board pressing went well but dumbbell pressing was tough but managed to get one more rep than last time. Rows were very easy warming up and then my first set at "235" felt way too heavy and I got about two and a half reps with it. I thought that maybe I was too tired and I was over training but then I calmed down and added up the weight. It was 10lbs more than I was supposed to use. Relieved, I took off 10lbs and got all my reps easily. Finished up with upper back stuff. Two easy workouts, two days of work and I'm set.
Comments: Walking was very relaxing today. Glad to be done this week, upper body is achy from working almost every day so two days off will be great. Only one more tough workout left until the show and only two more days of work.
Farmer Side Bends 180x12/12 PR+5lbs 180x12/12 180x12/12 180x12/12
22 Minutes of Stretching
Comments: Was let out of work early so I figured I'd do my Friday workout today so I can just go home from work the next two days. Workout took a little under 70 minutes. Upped the weight a bit on the squats since I just found my max on squats recently. For some reason they don't have the air on in the free weight area and it has made my workouts very sweaty the past few days. Really tough to hold on to the stone trainer (why I only got two) and farmer's walk implements. The collars from PDA worked great for the stone trainer. I just bought a solid axle (2") from Williams Strength Products and it should hopefully arrive after the contest. I'll still be using my hollow thick bar for rows and the other one for my chain yoke and zercher stuff. I have also made a video of my training for my upcoming contest, enjoy.
Incline Board Strict Rope Cable Face Pulls 125x15 125x15 125x15
27 Minutes of Stretching
Comments: Meant to post this yesterday but the power was out and I was a bit busy and exhausted from work. Pretty good workout, especially considering the long day I had. Whole back was tight and stiff. Floor pressing felt tough but looked really smooth. Would have liked to get 335 but perhaps another day. Probably should have gone for 325. Used my new collars from Piedmont Design Associates and they work like a charm. Probably could have gotten the second rep with 287 but just too tired. Finished up with back work.
Comments: Really hot during work today. Luckily a storm came through on my way home from work and it was nice a cool outside for walking. Body is bit stiff from yesterday's workout. My new collars from PDA arrived and I'll be trying them out tomorrow.
Comments: Kind of disappointing workout, took about 79 minutes. While I've never done reverse band with the thick bar, I was expecting more than 545. I forgot to put it into perspective that the weight is 10lbs more than my best with a barbell and that I set-up reverse bands different than most with the tension no longer helping halfway through the lift. Chain yoke felt good until 662 which was incredibly unstable and I just gave up with 752 since the contest is next week and I was sweating like crazy and in a bad mood. While not a good day for heavy lifting, assistance stuff went well. I'll need to get a longer thick bar to fit more weight as this was close to the limit.
Bent Over Rear Delt Dumbbell Raises 40'sx15 40'sx15 40'sx15
26 Minutes of Stretching
Comments: Besides log pressing, a good workout, took a little over 58 minutes. Very hot outside at work today but luckily I was in the shade for most of it with no walking. Going to be hotter tomorrow but I'm not working. Log pressing, although a bit disappointing, was a learning experience. The band tension is just too much for me right now and I should ahve noticed that back when I was using 120lbs. Also the one band is weaker than the other by a bit so I order a new set of #3 bands. My plan is to drop back down to #2 bands after the AC show and work my way back up to #3 bands again. One arm thick dumbbell was great, 77 and 102 felt like toy in my hands. 152 was tough but I had no missed attempts and I felt powerful putting it up overhead. Thick bar rows were tough and a little strange. First set I had to drop it after two reps and refocus and surprisingly got 10 reps. Muscled out seven for the other two sets.
Comments: Really hot today, in the low 90's. Tomorrow is supposed to be hotter. This will be the toughest week of this training cycle since I'm working every day but Monday. The good news is that only have eight more days of work there since I'm going to be working at a new job doing clerical stuff for the government starting the 31st. While I'm not thrilled with this prospect either, it will pay more and be inside with air conditioning. I ordered some clamps from Piedmont Design Associates so that should make thick bar cleans and dumbbell stuff a bit safer and sturdier. Also of note is that with about 3/4 of the year done, my PR charity thing for Action Against Hunger is now at $260.
Farmer Side Bends 175x12/12 PR+5lbs 175x12/12 175x12/12 175x12/12
27 Minutes of Stretching
Comments: Long day at work, felt tired all day but still managed a decent workout. It took about 55 minutes. The 405 was a little slow, but still manageable. Speed was excellent on deadlifts but the lockout was too tough for double overhand grip to hold it solidly so I did alternated grip for the last three doubles. Going with front squats instead of oly style. I hate them so much but I think they will help me feel more stable when I dip for log pressing. Did them light-ish but still a PR. Bavarian's and farmer's SB's went great.
Comments: Okay workout, took about 74 minutes. I had a little indigestion right before and during my workout. My original plan was to do jerks against #2 (monster mini) bands but I did some last minute tinkering with my routine and went with #3 (light) bands. Other changes have been made to my squat training. Incredibly tough to lockout, hard on the core and triceps. I should have went right down to 145lbs after the first miss with 190 but I was encouraged to try it again. Kind of the same thing that happened with thick bar jerks against #1 bands. I was only able to get the jerks filmed today. Almost had a second rep with 200lbs on the log but lost my balance and feel forward as it was clearing my head. Finished up with upperback stuff.
Comments: Not as hot as yesterday but darn close. Luckily I was in the shade for most of the day and only had to walk for the last hour or so of my shift. I'm working six days next week which is no fun at all.
Comments: A long but excellent workout, took a bit over 85 minutes. Incredibly hot outside, sweating like crazy outside mowing and even inside the gym. The weight felt comfortable on my back while squatting. I was able to grind out reps which I had great difficulty doing in the past. I'm over the 200 kilo mark on squats and I know my legs will be sore tomorrow. Did better than expected on farmer's deads. I should have no problem with the 280lbs farmer's at the contest. Finished up with tough back and ab work.
2 3/8” Thick Bar Rows 150x8 190x8 230x10 230x10 230x10
Bent Over Rear Delt Dumbbell Raises 40'sx15 PR+2.5lbs 40'sx15 40'sx15
26 Minutes of Stretching
Comments: Good workout, took a little over 50 minutes. Legs are feeling all kinds of stupid from box squats on Friday. Board pressing is getting crisper, excellent speed after the first set with 135. Had to switch to the plate loadable dumbbells since the gym only has one 80lbs dumbbell. This made dumbbell pressing a bit tougher but still solid lifting. Thick bar was tough during the warm-up sets but really easy on the work sets. Had to go upstairs for the rear delt's since the only adjustable incline bench was in use. No worries, hoping my legs are feeling good tomorrow since I'm going for a max squat.
Comments: Pretty tired, little sleep and a long day of work. It was raining lightly while I was walking and it felt relaxing. A good night's sleep will be great.
Farmer Side Bends 170x12/12 PR+5lbs 170x12/12 170x12/12 170x12/12
27 Minutes of Stretching
Comments: A good workout, took about 67 minutes. Lower back was fairly tight from all the during my shift but it didn't effect my workout. The bands were very hard especially on my wrists. Not terribly fast until the last half. Stone trainer was good but I had to keep adjusting the plates since they came loose. I need better weight clips. Worked the other stuff hard.
Comments: Kind of nice out today, I felt well rested. Took it easy today. Feeling the effects of yesterday's workout but I don't mean soreness. I feel excited. I'm enjoying and amazed with how my lifting has been going this year. I look toward my future goals with confidence.
Incline Board Strict Rope Cable Face Pulls 120x15 120x15 120x15
25 Minutes of Stretching
Comments: Excellent workout, took about 68 minutes. Didn't feel too strong during warm-ups but got much better as the sets went on. I was worried at the start that my goal of 285 was too optimistic but that was blown away. While I haven't done board pressing with the thick bar before, I am happy to have done 10lbs more than my best with a barbell and do some solid reps with 305lbs. Not bad for starting board pressing again. I screwed up my math for log cleans as I had thought I was doing plate, quarter, plate but the plan was actually just add 40lbs a set. Once I recognized my error I just went with it. Surprised myself getting 320lbs for three, that last rep was a doozy. Finished up with some solid back work and I welcome a bit of rest.
Comments: Lower back and knees felt stiff but that has more to do with standing for about 8 hours at work. Walking felt good and helped loosen some things up again.
Comments: A very good workout, took about 72 minutes. I've never done thick bar rack deads against this band tension so I was glad I was within 10lbs of my best with a lesser band tension and 20lbs greater than my best with a barbell against the same tension. I could probably get 500lbs on a regular bar now against this tension. Got my revenge on the zercher lifts getting all the reps with 425lbs. Finished up with tough back work.
Bent Over Rear Delt Dumbbell Raises 37.5'sx15 37.5'sx15 37.5'sx15
27 Minutes of Stretching
Comments: A tough workout, took between 60 and 61 minutes. Log pressing was tough but not impossible feeling as it was the last two times. I only had trouble with the last two doubles and had to set the log back down and refocus and get some more air to stay tight. Really exhausting but excellent speed getting under the log. One more workout with this band tension. Thick dumbbell work went great but man is it getting heavy. I'm going to have to invest in some tougher thick bar/dumbbells since I'm not sure how much more abuse they can withstand. Rows were very tough on the grip.
Comments: Feeling pretty good. I'm going to be doing more warm-ups sets on my DE days with the straight weight. Making plate jumps will probably be bad in the long run.
I’m a little taller than 6′6″ and I really like to lift weights. I’m a competitor in amateur strongman contests. My hope is to become a competitive professional strongman. Currently I'm training for Natural Strongman USA West Coast Championship in Poulsbo, WA on 5/17/2025. I’m not a major competitor yet and I have a long way to go but I’m having fun.
