Bobsled - Because White Guys Can't Run on the Track

How do you compare physically to some of the other bobsledders?

[quote]bluejay wrote:
How do you compare physically to some of the other bobsledders?
[/quote]

I’m about average size. My strength is up there with the top guys on the US team, at least as far as OLY lifts go. I need to bring my squat up, but a medication I’m on is making it hard. And my upper body strength is lacking, but it always shoots right back up when I start training it.

All in all, I’m a better physical specimen (size, strength, speed) than more than half the team. I’m still improving fairly rapidly too.

March 17th, 2010
Total Body Focus

Condition:
My mid back was still tired when I woke up this morning, but the rest of my body felt good. Still, the plan was to take it easy, do some light overhead squats, some upper body work, and just chill out in general. Unfortunately, I suck at following plans. Bodyweight was 208 this morning.

Warm Up:
Some BW movements

Light Plyos

Workout:
Power Snatches (index fingers on rings, minimal dip to catch)
5 x 3 @ 185 lbs, 120 sec. rest

Rhythmic DB Jump Squats
2 x 10 @ (25+25 lbs), 180 sec. rest

Push Ups (hands and feel elevated for extra ROM, close stance, elbows tucked)
BW x Failure

EZ Bar Curls (strict)
Lots

Abs

Cool Down:
Shoulder Dislocates

Notes:
Okay, I said I wasn’t going to leave 180 lbs until next week, but I lied. 185 lbs is kind of a milestone, and if I’m going to be building up from anywhere, it’s here.

Snatches went well. I started to get tired towards the end, but that’s no surprise. Mid back and shoulders need some rest, but my pull is strong.

And upper body work was nothing special. I just a lot of reps of both of my exercises. Damn do I hate high reps.

March 19th, 2010
Total Body Focus

Condition:
Feeling pretty good. Mid-back is still sore, but I’m feeling good.

Warm Up:
Some BW movements

Light Plyos

Box Jumps
25 total reps

Workout:
Split Power Snatches (index fingers on rings, minimal dip to catch)
5 x 3 @ 185 lbs, 120 sec. rest

Rhythmic DB Jump Squats
5 x 10 @ (25+25 lbs), 180 sec. rest

Push Ups (hands and feel elevated for extra ROM, close stance, elbows tucked)
BW x Failure x 2

EZ Bar Curls (strict)
Lots

Abs

Cool Down:
Shoulder Dislocates

Notes:
I decided to teach myself how to do split snatches today. They feel much more natural than squat snatches to me. I think I might stick with these. Other than that, I put in some extra volume on jumps (weighted and unweighted) today. I might be feeling it tomorrow. Still, I’ve got until Monday to recover.

As for upper body strength, it’s coming along pretty quickly. It should only be a few more weeks before my upper body really starts to blow up. That’s how it usually happens when I reincorporate upper work.

March 24th, 2010
Total Body Focus

Condition:
My body feels good, but I’m rundown. I’m pretty damn sleep deprived, stressed out, and my weight is down. BW was 206.

Warm Up:
Some BW movements

Light Plyos

Box Jumps
25 total reps

Workout:
Split Power Snatches (index fingers on rings, minimal dip to catch)
2 x 3 @ 185 lbs, 120 sec. rest

Rhythmic DB Jump Squats
3 x 10 @ (25+25 lbs), 180 sec. rest

Abs

Cool Down:
Shoulder Dislocates

Notes:
Ugh, women weaken the legs…

March 29th, 2010
Total Body Focus

Condition:
I went to bed before midnight for the first time in memory. I usually get to bed between 1-3 AM and get back up at 6 or so. Needless to say, the rest had me feeling great. Bodyweight was 202.6 lbs.

Warm Up:
Some BW movements

Light Plyos

Workout:
Power Snatches (index fingers on rings, minimal dip to catch)
7 x 3 @ 175 lbs, 120 sec. rest

Abs

BB Work for Upper Body

Cool Down:
Some BW movements

Notes:
Well, I know one night isn’t enough to fix chronic sleep deprivation, but it’s a start. I’m going to keep trying to get to bed by 10 PM and see how my body responds. The last time I did this was in October and it made my weights take off. Maybe I’ll be smart and stick with it this time.

no doubt your strong and explosive…but i was just wondering where you tested your broad jump. most of the best broad jumps at the NFL combine barely exceed 10 feet.

I tested my broad jump by standing and jumping for distance in a field. Nowhere special. I know most NFL players aren’t much over 10’, but there are some that go over 11’ every year, and 11’ isn’t anything special amongst track and field athletes.

keep up the good work

April 7th, 2010
Total Body Focus

Condition:
It’s been 9 days since I last trained. I haven’t taken a break this long in my entire training career. I feel good, but I’m not expecting much.

Warm Up:
Some BW movements

Light Plyos

Box Jumps
20 total reps

SL ADA Reverse Landings
20 total reps

Workout:
Power Snatches (index fingers on rings, minimal dip to catch)
4 x 3 @ 185 lbs, 120 sec. rest

Rhythmic DB Jump Squats
4 x 10 @ (25+25 lbs), 180 sec. rest

Abs

Cool Down:
Shoulder Dislocates

Notes:
Dammit. School, women, personal projects, and life in general have kept me away for too long. Feels good to be back again. I don’t think I’ve lost much strength, but my groove feels a bit off on everything. Oh well, it’ll come back quickly.

I don’t want to take any more break likes this. Hopefully I won’t have to.