Hey man, I will be in the middle weight category above you at nationals. Do you know if we have to press the keg with a mixed grip )one hand on top lip, other on the bottom) or both hands on the bottom? I wish you luck brother! We will have to meet up while we are there!
[quote]Alpha wrote:
Hey man, I will be in the middle weight category above you at nationals. Do you know if we have to press the keg with a mixed grip )one hand on top lip, other on the bottom) or both hands on the bottom? I wish you luck brother! We will have to meet up while we are there![/quote]
You surprised me in line! I didn’t see this post before heading to Nats haha. It was awesome to meet you there and cheer you on. I really hope to see you next year. With some work on the implements you’ll will improve alot and do much better at the next one.
For anyone reading this, Alpha and I actually were in line next to eachother at weigh-ins. We were just talking and then eventually I mentioned my last name and Alpha goes “you go to T-Nation? SnodgrassStrongman?” It was awesome! We ended up cheering and supporting eachother for the next 2 days and I feel like I made a lifelong friend in iron. Fucking love this sport!
Big Entry. From right before Nationals to almost the end of October.
Sunday 9/28/14 Last training day before Nationals
Was not feeling amazing once the pressing implements got in my hands. Hit a 230 keg, but couldn’t hit the 275 axle OR the 150 circus DB. 2 weeks before I was nailing the circus DB and hit a 265 axle super easy, then a couple days later pressed a 285 axle out of the rack.
After pressing we did some farmers which also didn’t feel great. Then we simulated the medley 275 keg 60ft (really easy and quick), 275 farmers (only made it 30ft not 40) and 400lb duck walk (10ft instead of 20, but 100lbs over contest). The farmers were still going to be my biggest fear going into nationals.
Hit the car deadlift for a few reps to try and reremember the pattern and how my stance is setup on that. Didn’t really train that event since it was never a huge problem of mine in the past and I had other weaknesses that needed to be brought up.
NATIONALS 10/3-10/5
Nationals is in Reno, NV and we live in Chico, CA so the drive was only about 3-3.5 hours. I was cutting weight all week, but it was an easy cut 208-200. We were planning on arriving at 9, but ended up arriving at 8. That was a GREAT thing because the line only had about 30 people in it when we got there, but by 9am it had doubled and by 10am it was too long to see everyone.
Weighed in easily underweight even with my sweatshirt on and sweatpants. Then got breakfast. The rest of the day I just ate, hydrated, napped and ate some more.
Contest Day:
It was my first nationals and I was feeling the nerves. There were 200+ competitors all on a single street block clammoring for warmup time on 4 sets of implements for the press. I hit my 230 keg in warmup easy and also hit the 150 circus db in warmup without much struggle. Then I started warming up with the axle. It wasn’t feeling great today.
We didn’t quite know what the weights were on the bar. I struggled with a weight that people were calling 245 and even missed it the first time. The second time was a struggle to lock it out. I was scarred, but it turned out that warmup weight was actually contest weight 275. I had just PR’d on axle C+P without knowing it. That made me feel confident that I would hit it during the medley…I was wrong.
Press Medley:
230 Keg x 1, 275 axle x no press multiple times, put it down and waited a little bit then struggled to clean it again and couldn’t even get close to locking it out the second time. I was VERY upset with myself since I had zero’d that event and knew I could hit that weight since I had done it in warmup previously.
I tried not to beat myself up about that, but knew my chance at ending in top 5 was over after that.
Yoke 700lb for 60ft in 13.xx sec.
The yoke felt pretty good. I got out of control at the end, but made it across the line. When I first crossed the line and asked for my time I swear the judge pointed to 11.xx sec, but I guess I misread since the official ruling said I got 13. My buddy got 10.xx seconds though and usually we are fairly close to eachother. I guess I just had a bad run with it 
Medley:
275 Keg 60 ft, 275 farmers 40 ft, 300lb duck walk 20ft
I started out REALLY fast with the keg. I was keeping up with the guys in the other lanes until about 10 ft away from the mat when I kneed the keg out of my hand. I recovered quickly and went onto the farmers (my weak event). I picked them up and they didn’t feel horrible. I shuffled my way to the finish line then bolted with the duck walk to try and make up time. I ended up with an okay time, but not great by any means and definitely not even close to what I could do with a clean run.
Car Deadlift: Camry + 300lbs in the back
Going into this event people were zero’ing the car which made me a little nervous, but I’m usually a good car deadlifter. I ended up only pulling 6 reps on the car, but my buddy pulled 11. I just couldn’t find my groove for it and each rep was a struggle.
The day started at 7:30 outside, contest at 10, and ended at around 6:30 for me on the car deads. I went up to my room, showered, ate and passed out!
DAY 2:
Only 2 events left; wheelbarrow and keg load.
I had never done a wheelbarrow so had no idea how this event would go. I picked a few of the wheelbarrows up and they didn’t feel bad. Did a few short runs with it, but not a full speed run. I was watching people go fast and lose control so I was unsure if I would be able to control it or not, but knew that doing full runs wouldn’t solve that for me, it would just be an at the moment type thing.
I ended up getting a decent time (don’t remember now) which was about middle of my pack of 200’s. I just seemed to never pick up speed, but I tend to do that also with heavy farmers and anything grip related.
Keg Load:
it was the last event of the contest and I was exhausted and ready to go home. We had to load a 225, 250 and 275lb keg over a 56" bar. The 275 at home was easy to load, but i wasn’t fast by any means. Before I went people were saying that the 275 keg on the lane I was assigned to was actually 295, but w/e people say things as excuses when they can’t do things.
When it was my turn to go, I went pretty slow for the 225 keg, but was much quicker with the 250 keg and VERY slow on the 275, but they all went over in the first try. Looking back, especially at the fast guys on this event, my method of carrying was not the quickest and if I had trained that more I may have been able to go alot faster.
Overall Nationals was a good experience since it was my first one ever. I finished around the middle of the 200 pack. My biggest upset was missing the 275 axle since I had hit it in warmup and had worked so hard to get my press up high enough to not zero. I know I would have hit the dumbbell a few times if I got to it.
In the next year I really need to work on my farmers/moving events and my press. I will be throwing alot more assistance work into my training to try and bring up my tricep strength and keep myself healthy.
Tuesday 10/7/14
Strict Press:
45 x 5
95 x 5
115 x 5
135 x 5
155 x 5
155 x 5
165 x 3
135 x 5
135 x 5 BTN
THURSDAY 10/9/14
Olympic Squats:
light warmup then worked up to 275 x 5 x 2 sets
Not feeling amazingly good, but wanted to get some work in.
10/10-10/12 went camping and white water rafting
MONDAY 10/13/14 AM
Bench w/ band pull aparts inbetween sets
warmup
165 x 5
190 x 5
220 x 15
Tricep pulldowns → Pullups:
60lb x 12 → BW x 5 x 3 sets
Incline Turkey Flies → Star Crunches:
25’s x 8 x 3 → x10 x 2sets
MONDAY 10/13/14 PM
Oly Squat:
45 x 5 x 2
135 x 3 x Jumps x 2
225 x 1 x 2
275 x 1 x 2
315 x 2
315 x 1
365 x 1 x 2
405 x 1
435 x 1
465 x 1 <-PR
475 x 1 <-PR
485 x NO
EZ Bar Curls → Good Mornings → Hamstring Curls:
50lb x 6 -----> 135 x 10 -------> x10 x 3 sets
WEDNESDAY 10/15/14
Strict Press:
45 x 10
65 x 5
95 x 5
120 x 5
140 x 5
160 x 9
Ab Wheel → Band Tricep Pulldowns → Band Facepulls:
x 10 ------> x 15 -----------------> x 10 x 3 sets
THURSDAY 10/16/14
1" Deficit Deadlifts:
225 x 3 x 2
315 x 3
405 x 3
455 x 3
525 x 1 (double overhand)
545 x 1
Pendlay Rows:
225 x 6 x 4sets
Hanging Leg Raises → Cable Pull Throughs:
x8 ---------------> 90lb x 10 x 3 sets
Cable Curls → Standing Band Rows:
40 x 15 -----> x25 x 3 sets
SATURDAY 10/18/14:
Log Press (off blocks):
155 x 3 x 3
175 x 3
205 x 1 x 3
225 x 1 x 3
245 x 1 x 2 <–Not feeling great
Laying Leg raises:
x 10 x 2 sets
Yoke (for speed) 80 ft:
450 in 9.58sec
450 in 9.93sec
450 in 9.68sec
450 in 8.98sec
Reverse Hyper:
250 x 8
250 x 10
250 x 10
MONDAY 10/20/14 AM
Bench w/ band pull aparts inbetween:
Warmup
200 x 5
235 x 5
265 x 10
Tricep Pulldowns → Pullups:
60 x 12 ----------> BW x 6 x 4 sets
Incline Turkey Flies → Star Crunches:
25’s x 8 -----------> 10 x 3 sets
MONDAY 10/20/14 PM
Squat:
45 x 10
135 x 5 x 2
225 x 5
275 x 5
315 x 5
365 x 5
405 x 5 x 3 sets
Front Squat Holds → Reverse Hyper:
405 x 10sec hold —> 200 x 10 x 3sets
405 x 10sec hold —> 200 x 20reps (lower back pump was INSANE)
EZ Curls:
50 x 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1
WOW! It has been quite a long time since I posted. This will be a big one since I got two months to catch up on.
WEDNESDAY 10/22/14 AM
Strict Press:
45 x 5 x 3sets
95 x 5
95 x 3
130 x 3
165 x 8
165 x 3 x 2sets
14 x 3
Banded Shoulder Raise —> Banded Scapular Retractions:
10 reps each side —> 6 reps w/ holds x 3 sets
WEDNESDAY 10/22/14 PM
Strict Press:
45 x 10
95 x 5
135 x 5
155 x 3
175 x 1
185 x 1
205 x 1
225 x No
205 x 2
205 x 1
205 x 1
205 x 2 (Push Press)
205 x 1
Incline DB Bench:
60’s x 8
80’s x 8 x 5 sets
Face Pulls:
20 reps x 4 sets
SATURDAY 10/25/14:
Sumo Deadlift:
225 x 5 x 2
335 x 3 (Fast)
425 x 3
475 x 1
535 x 1
535 x 1 (Conventional)
535 x 1
Reverse Hyper:
90 x 12 x 3 sets
BB Shrugs:
335 x 10
Frame Shrugs:
200 x 10
290 x 10
380 x 5
380 x 5 → 10 EZ Band Curls
580 x 1 → 10 EZ Band Curls
380 x 5 → 10 EZ Band Curls
380 x 5 → 10 EZ Band Curls
DB Row:
170 x 8R, 5L
170 x 8R, 6L
SUNDAY 10/26/14
Log Press:
warmup
160 x 3
160 x 1
210 x 1 (slow)
210 x 1 (strict)
210 x 1
230 x 1 (BAD)
230 x 1 (Fast)
240 x 1 (Missed 1st, but got 2nd attempt)
250 x NO
260 x Clean
210 x 4
Circus DB (2.5" thick handle):
85 x 2R
85 x 2L
100 x 2R
105 x 1L
135 x 1R
155 x NO
Yoke:
warm up
460 x 80ft (10.40)
460 x 80ft (9.27)
550 x 80ft (11.03)
550 x 80ft (11.23) <–got crazy at end
550 x 80ft (9.93) <-switched hand position and it made it alot smoother
Overhead Yoke:
280 x alot of picks and short walks
MONDAY 10/27/14 AM
Bench → 10 band pull aparts inbetween each set
warmup
215 x 3
250 x 3
280 x 6 (grip was slightly off)
Cable Tricep Pulldowns → Pullups → Cable Shoulder Raises:
60 x 12 → BW x 5 → 25lb x 8ea x 4 sets
Chest Supported Row → AB Rollouts:
90 x 12 → 6 x 2 sets
MONDAY 10/27/14 PM
Safety Squat:
165 x 5
255 x 5
305 x 5
345 x 3
395 x 1
435 x unracked, but wasn’t feeling it
SS Good Morning → 1" Deficit Deadlifts:
155 x 10 → 445 x 3 x 3 sets
Leg Extensions/Raises → Hanging Leg Raises:
70 x 20 → x6 → 3 sets
THURSDAY 10/30/14 AM
Strict Press → Neutral Grip Pullups:
warmup —> BW x 5 x 2 sets
140 x 5 → BW x 5
160 x 3 → BW x 5
175 x 7
Push Press:
185 x 1 x 3 sets
205 x 1 x 2 sets
225 x 1 x 3 sets
Incline Bench —> BB Row:
185 x 5 → 225 x 5
205 x 5 → 225 x 5 x 3
THURSDAY 10/30/14 PM:
Log Press → BB Shrug → Heavy Face Pulls:
200 x 2 → 335 x 10 → x5 x 1 set
200 x 2 → 425 x 10 → x 5 x 2 sets
200 x 2 → 495 x 10 → x 5 x 3 sets
DB Row:
100 x 20 each side x 2 sets
SUNDAY 11/2/14:
Log Press:
155 x 5 x 2 sets
205 x 2 x 3 sets
245 x 1 x 2 sets
255 x 1 (PR)
265 x NO
245 x NO x 3
Deadlift:
245 x 5
335 x 1 (sumo)
355 x 1 (conventional)
445 x 1 (sumo)
445 x 1 (Con)
495 x 1 (sumo)
495 x 1 (con)
515 x 1 (con)
535 x 1 (con)
535 x 1 (sumo)
565 x No (con)
565 x 1 (con)
585 x 1 (con)
585 x 1 (con)
495 x 1 x 8 sets
BB Shrug → Reverse Hyper:
405 x 15 → 270 x 10
405 x 15 → 270 x 10
TUESDAY 11/4/14:
Bench:
warmup
185 x 5
235 x 5
265 x 3
295 x 8 <–rep PR
Narrow Grip Slingshot Bench:
295 x 3 x 5 sets
Front Holds → Cable Rows:
445 x 10 sec → 160 x 12reps x 4 sets
WEDNESDAY 11/5/14:
Oly Squats:
Warmup
135 x 5 x 2 sets
185 x 5
225 x 5
275 x 3
315 x 3
365 x 3
405 x 3
435 x 3
455 x 1
485 x 1
Safety Good Morning → Frame Shrugs:
155 x 10 → 380 x 10 x 3 sets
SATURDAY 11/8/14
Deadlift:
warmup
515 x 1
565 x 1
605 x No (couldn’t hitch it up)
605 x No
Rack Pull:
245 x 5
335 x 3
425 x 3
515 x 3
605 x NO
515 x 2
BB Shrugs → Ab Rollouts:
425 x 15 → x2 w/ 45lb plate on back
425 x 15 → x3 w/ 45lb plate on back
SUNDAY 11/9/14
Log press:
warmup
155 x 3 x 2 sets
175 x 3 x 2 sets
205 x 1
225 x 1 x 2 sets
245 x 1 (Easy)
255 x No x 3
205 x 1
225 x 1
245 X NO (dumped behind me)
205 x 1
225 x 1 (So FAST)
245 x 1
255 x No
235 x No
Pin Floor Press → BB Rows:
245 x 5 → 245 x 5
245 x 5 → BW Pullup x 5 x 4 sets
295 x 1 → DB Shoulder Raises x 6 w/ slow eccentric
295 x 2 → DB Shoulder Raises x 6 w/ slow eccentric
WEDNESDAY 11/12/14
Press:
warmup
140 x 5
160 x 3
175 x 8
Front Squat:
135 x 5 x 2 sets
135 x 3
185 x 5
225 x 1
275 x 1
315 x 1
225 x 5 x 5 sets
MONDAY 11/17/14
Safety Squat:
55 x 5 x 2
135 x 5 x 2
265 x 3
315 x 1
355 x 1
405 x 1 x 3sets
445 x 1
465 x 1 (PR)
Hamstring Curls → DB Row:
70 x 12 → 165 x 8each x 3 sets
Reverse Hyper:
270lb x 12
WEDNESDAY 11/19/14 AM
Bench → 10 Band Pull Aparts between sets:
45 x 5 x 2
95 x 5
135 x 5
205 x 5
235 x 5
270 x 8 (grip was pretty narrow)
Sling Shot Bench → Chest Supported Row:
315 x 1 → 90 x 12
315 x 2 → 90 x 12 x 3 sets
SUNDAY 11/23/14
Bench:
45 x 5 x 2
135 x 5
225 x 5
275 x 2
315 x 1
330 x 1
345 x 1
265 x 5 (no feet)
265 x 4 (no feet)
Log Press:
155 x 3 x 2sets
205 x 3
205 x 1
225 x 1
245 x No x 2
Farmers:
225 x 40ft
225 x 80ft
245 x 80ft
275 x 80ft
295 x 60ft
Circus DB:
85 x 1R
135 x 1R
155 x NO
165 x NO x 2
Threw some rocks afterwards for fun.
MONDAY 11/24/14
Wide Squat:
LONG warmup
225 x 2
225 x 1
275 x 2
315 x 2
365 x 2
405 x 2 (Fast)
445 x 2
475 x 1 (Slow)
405 x 10 (Oly Squat)
Front Holds → Cable Rows → Hamstring Curls (Fast Paced between sets):
405 x 10 sec → x15reps → x10reps x 3 sets
SATURDAY 11/29/14
USS Record Breaker at our buddies Gym.
I didn’t really want to compete, but our buddy needed some people to come out so we brought our crew of 5 to put some records up in the new USS league. I was feeling pretty shitty that day due to a Thanksgiving Eve hangover.
Here are some of the lifts that I did. Not all were for a record. Some were just for fun.
230 x axle x 1
230 (Bigg Dogg) Log x 1 <–PR since I’ve never been able to hit that log
525 DL → 565 DL → Missed 605 DL
545 Axle Tire DL x 1 → Missed 575
550 18" Pull
650 Yoke x 50 ft
800 Yoke x 20 ft
My numbers were really shitty. I have 18" pulled 675 before and have pulled over 600 quite a few times so I was not very happy putting up numbers that I know should be beaten easily. On a side note, we picked up a chest supported row for our gym so that is pretty sweet!
SUNDAY 11/30/14
Bench:
warmup
220 x 3
250 x 3
285 x 6
Axle Strict Press:
125 x 5
140 x 5
160 x 7
MONDAY 12/1/14
Strict Press:
warmup
95 x 5 x 2sets
115 x 5
135 x 5
155 x 5
175 x 5
185 x 3
205 x 1
185 x 3 x 5 sets
Stiff Leg Trap Bar Deadlift:
315 x 5 x 5sets
T-Bar (Chest Supported) Row:
Banded 35lb x 10
Banded 70lb x 8
Banded 105 x 8
Drop Set: Banded 140, 105, 70, 35 x 5each
THURSDAY 12/4/14:
Bench → Stiff Leg Deadlift:
135 x 5 → 135 x 5 x 3 sets
185 x 5 → 185 x 5 x 2 sets
225 x 5 → 225 x 5
245 x 5 → 245 x 5
275 x 5 → 275 x 5
295 x 4 → 315 x 5
Strict Press:
135 x 5
155 x 5
175 x 5
185 x 2
195 x 1
Klokav Press:
135 x 5 x 2 sets
SATURDAY 12/6/14
Log Press:
155 x 2
155 x 3
155 x 3
175 x 2
205 x 1 (Fast but sloppy)
225 x 1 x 2 sets
245 x 1
235 x No (too far back)
255 x No >:(
205 x 3 x 8 sets
No Hands Squats (we get dumb sometimes):
worked up in singles to
325 x 1
345 x 1
SUNDAY 12/7/14
Sumo Deadlift:
135 x 5 x 2sets
245 x 3 x w/ pause 1/2 way up
335 x 2 x “” x 2 sets
285 x 2 x “” x 2 sets
425 x 1 x “” x 2 sets
475 x 1 x “”
515 x 1 x 2 sets (no paus)
545 x 1
565 x 1
Cirus DB:
105 x 3R
105 x 3L
135 x 1R
155 x 1R
165 x 1R (PR)
175 x NO
Frame Carry:
380 x 50ft x 2
430 x 50ft
470 x 50ft x 2
520 x 50ft
MONDAY 12/8/14
Front Squat:
Warmup
185 x 3
225 x 3
275 x 1 x 2 sets
315 x 1
335 x 1
365 x 1
405 x 1 (Fairly Easy, tied PR)
Oly Squat:
365 x 5 x 2sets
365 x 3 w/ pause
Reverse Hyper → AB Rollouts:
100lb x 20 → x 10 x 2sets
THURSDAY 12/11/14
Axle (off Boxes):
Warmup
125 x 5 x 3sets
195 x 3
245 x 1 (Horrible)
255 x 1 (Not AS Horrible)
265 x 1 (Easy but Bad)
275 x 1
245 x 3
245 x 6
T-Bar Row:
90 x 10
115 x 10
115 x 10
Strict Axle Press:
195 x 3
205 x 1
215 x 1 (Tied PR)
225 x No
SUNDAY 12/14/14
Axle (Off Boxes):
Warmup
125 x 5 x 2
175 x 3
215 x 1 x 2 sets
205 x 1
235 x 3
245 x 5
255 x 5
265 x 1 (messed up and dropped 2nd)
265 x 3 —> 335 deadlift x 3
265 x 3 —> 425 deadlift x 3
none -----> 515 x 1 (Bad)
T-Bar Row → Ab Rollouts:
70 w/band x 10 → x10 x 3 sets
MONDAY 12/15/14
Safety Squat Jumps:
warmup
155 x 3 x 2sets
205 x 3
265 x 2
Safety Squat Paused:
265 x 2 x 3sets
315 x 2 x 2sets
355 x 2 x 1
Safety Squat:
405 x 1
425 x 1 (Easy)
Reverse Hyper → Hamstring Curls → T-Bar Hammer Rows*:
70lb x 15 → 70lb x 10 → 70lb x 10 x 3 sets
*Last set of rows was a drop set: 170, 145, 120, 95 x 5 each
TUESDAY 12/16/14
Bench:
warmup
135 x 5
185 x 5 x 2
225 x 5 → Chinup: BW x 5 x 2 sets
250 x 5 → Chinup: BW x 5
275 x 5 → “”
295 x 3 → FacePulls x 10
315 x 1 → Facepulls: x 10
Slingshot Bench:
315 x 3 x 5 sets
Seated Military → T-Bar Row
Warmup
95 x 5 → 70 x 5 x 2sets
135 x 5 → 70 x 5 x 2sets
155 x 5 → 70 x 5
165 x 5 → 70 x 5
185 x 3
Tricep Pulldowns → Ab Rollouts:
x12 → x 10
x8 → x 10
THURSDAY 12/18/14
Axle (Off Blocks):
warmup
125 x 5 x 2sets
175 x 3
215 x 2
215 x 1
235 x 1
265 x 1
265 x 1
245 x 2
285 x 1
295 x 1
300 x No
300 x No
245 x 3 (real Bad)
245 x 5 (much better)
SATURDAY 12/20/14
warmup (RDLs w/115, Strict pressing up to 185 x 3, T-Bar Rows w/35lb)
Push Press → RDL (using 35’s)
235 x 2 → 185 x 5 x 5sets
Behind the Neck Push Press → Face Pulls:
235 x 1 → x 10 x 3 sets
250 x 1 → x 10 x 2 sets
Good Morning:
135 x 6 x 3 sets
Overhead Yoke Holds:
100 x warmup
170 x 3
220 x 3
240 x 3
260 x 3
280 x 3
300 x Hold (~2.5 sec)
300 x Hold (~2.5 sec)
315 x 1pick
350 x 1 shitty pick
SUNDAY 12/21/14
Axle C+P:
215 x 1 x a few
235 x 1
245 x 1 (Bad Clean)
245 x 1 (Better, but not great)
245 x 1 (Fuuuuuuuuck da clean)
Squat:
315 x 5
365 x 5
405 x 5
SATURDAY 12/27/14
Axle C+P:
warm
125 x 5 x 2 sets
125 x 3
175 x 3
175 x 3
215 x 1 x 2sets
235 x 1 x 2sets
245 x 1
255 x 1 (shitty clean)
255 x 1 (easier)
265 x 1 (very Fast clean and press)
275 x No (fought the clean for too long)
Seated Military → T-Bar Row:
135 x 8 → 105 x 6 x 4sets
Reverse Hyper → Band Face Pulls:
70 x 15 → 10 x 3sets
MONDAY 12/29/14
Squats:
135 x Alot x Alot
225 x 3 x 2sets
315 x 3
Stones over 52" Bar:
225 x 1 x 2
300 x NO
300 x 1
300 x 1
335 x picked up
300 x 2
300 x 1
315 x Pick
300 x 1
Been almost 4 months since I’ve touched stones. Took a little bit to relearn how to load the stone with a good triple extension. 300 stone seems really light compared to when we were training stones back in August so hopefully that means I got stronger in those 4 months. It is also alot colder then back in August so the tacky was kind of a pain in the ass. Mix the cold tacky with dirty stones and sticking to them was pretty bad. Next time we do stones will be much better though.
Now that I’m caught up, I’ll try to update this more regularly!
Good to see your back man, haven’t heard much since Nationals. How did you like the USS comp? Like was it run smoothly, etc?
Holy mother of balls that was a long post. I’m pretty sure you deserve an award for that. Nice training sessions btw.
[quote]Alpha wrote:
Good to see your back man, haven’t heard much since Nationals. How did you like the USS comp? Like was it run smoothly, etc?[/quote]
Yeah I totally forgot about my log after Nationals and kinda lowered the training intensity after that. I was pretty upset at my performance and kinda over strongman for a bit, but now I’m BACK! The USS comp was good. I only competed because a buddy of ours was putting it on and he needed people. He ran a good show, but it might not be the case for all USS comps just as it might not be the case for all NAS shows. I didn’t feel great and had it not been a friend, I would not have competed. I got 2 shirts out of the deal though so in that regards it was worth it though haha.
I think alot of the people in NAS will compete in USS. Most people just want to compete and have fun so if there is a show in their area, it doesn’t matter to them which league it is. The annual fee was only $20 I believe so it wasn’t much to be in USS. Also, Nationals for USS is in July I believe which would seem to fit into peoples training a little better since it is warmer. Late October/November (NAS Nationals) can get kinda cold in many places and many people might not be training with implements as much during that time.
You still competing in Strongman? Do any shows since Nationals or touch any implements since then?
Yea man, I actually won Maryland’s Strongest Man in November so that is my ticket back to 2015 NAS Nationals this year… but I’m still undecided if I will go. I’m sure I will end up doing it, but the sheer length of that first day in Reno makes me waiver.
I think I am going to try out the USS if there is a show semi close to home and see how it goes. I will also be in California quite a bit off and on this year…If I am ever in your area, maybe we can get together and train some
[quote]Alpha wrote:
Yea man, I actually won Maryland’s Strongest Man in November so that is my ticket back to 2015 NAS Nationals this year… but I’m still undecided if I will go. I’m sure I will end up doing it, but the sheer length of that first day in Reno makes me waiver.
I think I am going to try out the USS if there is a show semi close to home and see how it goes. I will also be in California quite a bit off and on this year…If I am ever in your area, maybe we can get together and train some [/quote]
That is sweet man about Maryland’s Strongest Man! I would definitely check out the USS shows. I think the Nationals for USS will be alot smaller and faster this year then the one in Reno was last year. That was a RIDICULOUSLY long first day.
Yeah man if you are in Northern California, definitely let me know! Our group lives in Chico, CA which is about 3 hours North of San Francisco. We also have training spots in Yuba City and Sacramento if need be.
TUESDAY 12/30/14
Squat → Axle (Off Blocks):
45 x 5 → 35 x 5 x 3sets
135 x 5 → 85 x 5
185 x 5 → 125 x 5
225 x 5 → 175 x 5
275 x 5 → 215 x 5
315 x 5 → 235 x 5
365 x 5 → 265 x 5 <–PR
405 x 5 → 205 x 1 strict
Real happy to be able to push press a 265 axle for 5. That is a HUGE PR. Still need to work on being able to do that after cleaning it though.
SATURDAY 1/3/15
Axle C+P:
warm up
175 x 3 (C+P each)
175 x 3cleans (trying mix grip clean)
215 x 2 (C+Peach mix grip)
215 x 1 “”
235 x 1 (Power Clean)
235 x 1 (mix grip)
255 x 1 (mix grip, FAST)
265 x 1 (mix grip, missed 1st press but got 2nd try)
265 x 1 (much easier)
275 x NO (couldn’t clean)
275 x NO (horrible clean, no press)
Axle High Pull:
275 x 3 x 5 sets
Axle C+P:
245 x 3 (felt horrible)
Dips (215 BW):
100lb x 5 x 4 sets
My press seems very solid out of a rack or off blocks, but when I have to throw in the continental clean it is horrible. Still working on that. The Axle High Pulls should help with grip strength and explosion to be able to double overhand the weight up to my stomach and then from there clean it to my chest.
SUNDAY 1/4/15
Reverse Hyper → T-Bar Row:
70lb x 15 → 70lb x 8 x 2 sets to warm up
Deadlift:
135 x 3 x 2
225 x 3
245 x 1 x 5
295 x 1
335 x 1 x 3
385 x 1 x 2
425 x 1 x 1
475 x 1 x 3
495 x 1 x 3
535 x 1
555 x NO
555 x 1
585 x NO
585 x 1
Yoke:
430 x 50ft drop, turn around and 50ft back x 3 sets
Stones to 52":
225 x 1
275 x 1
300 x 1 x 3
335 x NO
300 x 1
300 x 3
Haven’t really deadlifted consistently so my form seems off everytime I touch a bar. Hence missing 555 then getting it and then missing 585 and getting it.
MONDAY 1/5/15
Squat:
warmup
185 x 2
225 x 2
225 x 3 (Jump)
275 x 1 (Pause)
315 x 1 “”
365 x 1 “”
405 x 1 “”
455 x 1 (Easy, but almost failed because I almost paused at the bottom like the previous sets)
475 x 1
405 x 5 (Oly stance) x 2 sets
Pullups (205BW)
BW x 8 x 2 sets
WEDNESDAY 1/7/15
Axle C+P:
worked up to
235 x 1 x 3 sets
245 x 1
265 x 1
275 x NO (clean was horrible)
275 x Yes
245 x 3
Still working on my clean and making it more efficient so I’m not gassed for the press.
Circus DB → Keg:
110 x singles → 200 x singles to work on form for the Untamed Strength show 3 days later.
Medley:
Axle → Keg → DB:
215 x 1 → 200 x 1 → 110 x 1
235 x 1 → 200 x 1 → 140 x 1
SATURDAY 1/10/15
Untamed Strength’s “A Very Heavy New Year” Show
I didn’t train very hard/long for this show other then the normal training I do, but I wanted to qualify for Nationals early in the year in case I felt good enough to go. I decided to cut down to 200lb which wasn’t hard considering I currently walk around at about 210-215. The cut went easy and we weighed in pretty early in the morning. We then went to get pedialyte, gatorade and food for the day.
Event 1: Press Medley
There were 4 implements to press: 225 axle, 175 keg, 115 circus db (I think that was it’s weight) and a fire hydrant which I estimated weighed a out 150-175. I did it in this order: fire hydrant, keg, axle, db. I went quick through the hydrant and keg but got a little squirrely on the axle, but eventually got it under control. The db went up quickly and I ended the event with the fastest time.
Event 2: 15" Tire Deadlift
This event took ALOT of time with all the competitors having to hit every weight with 20lb jumps. Eventually it was down to just a handful of contestants, but only two 200lb’ers; me and Jared Miller. I knew Jared had a really good deadlift since the last time we competed there was a deadlift for reps and I only bested him by 1 rep.
I got to 680lbs and got it after a LONG grind. It was a pretty quick pull to right past my knees, but I was too far out of position to lock it out. I had to sit back, like Derek Poundstone, reset and then slowly grind out the lockout. Jared on the other hand just walked up there and pulled it slowly, but smoothly into lockout!
By this time, since the deadlift was taking so long, we were going up by 40lb jumps so the next lift would be 720. I knew that I would not get it so I bowed out. If Jared could get it, he would win this event. He tried, but fortunately for me it was too heavy even for him. We tied for 1st on that event.
Event 3: 600lb Yoke for 50ft one way and 50ft back.
I was fast on this event and easily took 1st place.
Event 4: Tire Flip for 50ft or about 7-8 flips
I HATE tire flips, but our tire wasn’t too heavy for the 200lbers. From watching the previous contestants, I saw that we had to push the tire over violently in order to make sure it got across the line without an extra flip. That strategy worked out and I had the fastest time on the event.
Event 5: Stones
200-250ish natural stone, 275 sandbag, 250 stone, 300 stone
I had already secured first place without even having to do the event, but I still wanted to do stones. The natural stone was pretty easy as was the sandbag. Unfortunately, after those two unique loads my tacky was practically gone/covered up. I loaded the 250 stone fairly quickly, but the 300 stone bested me. I just couldn’t get it off the ground. It was quite dusty and with no tacky I just couldn’t get a grip on it. My split time was still the fastest through the first 3 stones and I ended with 1st on that event also, but I wasn’t happy with myself after not being able to load a 300 stone.
Overall, it was a good contest. Long, but good. We got to hang out with many of our strongman friends and my training crew took home some sweet trophies; Jacob Ward got 1st in the 231 and James Richards got 2nd in a pretty strong open class.
After doing the Untamed Strength show and qualifying for Nationals, I didn’t have to worry about my weight for any upcoming contests and could just focus on getting stronger and eating enough to fuel myself. The next contest lined up would be California’s Strongest Man in March. Time to train!
THURSDAY 1/15/15
Keg toss x alot
Farmers:
220lb x 200ft (100ft both ways with a turn) x 2 sets
T-Bar Row:
70lb x 8 w/ fat gripz x 2 sets
SATURDAY 1/17/15
Warmup:
20lb medicine ball throws x 3 sets
50lb kettlebell swings x 10
70lb Kettlebell swings x 5
230 Axle C+P x 1 (realized I wasn’t warm enough to jump right into that)
BB Push Press:
135 x 5
155 x 3
185 x 3
205 x 3
Axle C+P:
235 x No (Clean didn’t roll and almost guillotined me)
235 x 1
235 x 2
235 x 3
245 x 1
245 x 2
255 x 2
255 x 3 (shitty clean)
Farmers:
205 x 220ft (50, 50, 50, 50ft with 3 overall turns) in 59seconds. Lost the grip at the very end after the 3rd turn.
255 x 50ft x 1 set
Death Medley simulation:
At CA’s Strongest Man in March there is an event called The Death Medley which consists of a 250lb sandbag carry for 50ft, tire flips back for 50 ft and then an anchor chain drag for 50ft. The Death Medley is going to SUCK. The chain drag is going to test everyone’s mental fortitude to keep pulling even when the legs are screaming to stop. We tried to simulate it with a heavier sandbag (300lb), a lighter tire (only one we had) and a ghetto chain drag which was probably not nearly as heavy as I’m imagining CA’s to be. I trudged through our version of it. My legs/lungs were dying after I got through the event.
Stones to 54":
54" is TALL. I didn’t realize that the 2" inches would be so much harder, but it was.
205 x 1 x 3 sets
250 x 1
280 x 1
300 (20" stone) x No x 3 <-just couldn’t load it that high.
MONDAY 1/19/15
Keg Toss:
about 10 tosses
Front Squat:
135 x 5 x 2
185 x 5 x 2
245 x 5 x 2
245 x 16 x AMRAP 1 min
245 x 20 x AMRAP 1 min
Frame Shrugs → Reverse Hyper:
380 x 8 → 70 x 12 x 3 sets
Standing Cable Crunches:
6 sets of 8
WEDNESDAY 1/21/15
Keg Toss x 10 singles
Axle C+P (Clean every rep):
125 x 5 x 2 sets
175 x 3
215 x 3
245 x 3 x 3 sets <–I am HORRIBLE at continental cleaning. I was originally hoping to do sets of 5, but was really gassed after 3 C+Ps
Farmers (2" handles):
215 x 100ft (50ft there and back)
215 x 120ft
215 x 140ft
Strict Press:
135 x 3 behind the neck, 5 in front x 4 sets
Standing Cable Crunches → T-Bar Row:
110 x 8 → 115 x 8 w/ fat gripz
110 x 8 → 115 x 8 w/ fat gripz
90 x 8 → 115 x 8 w/ fat gripz
SATURDAY 1/24/15
Keg and tire toss x about 20 throws
Speed Deadlift:
245 x 3 x 3sets
335 x 3 x 5sets
Farmers w/ 2" grip:
215 x 100ft x 2 sets
265 x 100ft x 2 sets
Stones to 54":
275 x 1 x 2 sets
335 (20" stone) x No x 2
300 (18" stone) x No x 2
BAD STONES DAY. I won’t be loading to 54" for awhile after the last two stone days.
SUNDAY 1/25/15
Axle Press (Off Blocks):
warmup
125 x 5 x 2
155 x 5
175 x 5
205 x 5
245 x 6 (AMRAP)
245 x 7 (AMRAP)
245 x 7 (AMRAP)
Circus DB:
85 x 3
105 x 1
115 x 1
125 x 1
135 x 1
145 x 1
155 x 1
165 x 1
175 x No x 2
Medley:
250 sandbag 50ft → 275 keg 50ft → sled drag 50ft x 2 sets
[quote]SnodgrassStrong wrote:
Event 2: 15" Tire Deadlift
This event took ALOT of time with all the competitors having to hit every weight with 20lb jumps. Eventually it was down to just a handful of contestants, but only two 200lb’ers; me and Jared Miller. I knew Jared had a really good deadlift since the last time we competed there was a deadlift for reps and I only bested him by 1 rep.
I got to 680lbs and got it after a LONG grind. It was a pretty quick pull to right past my knees, but I was too far out of position to lock it out. I had to sit back, like Derek Poundstone, reset and then slowly grind out the lockout. Jared on the other hand just walked up there and pulled it slowly, but smoothly into lockout!
By this time, since the deadlift was taking so long, we were going up by 40lb jumps so the next lift would be 720. I knew that I would not get it so I bowed out. If Jared could get it, he would win this event. He tried, but fortunately for me it was too heavy even for him. We tied for 1st on that event.
[/quote]
I want you to know that I still refuse to believe that amount of magic you employed in that hitch on the 680 pull, haha. That was nuts. It was great competing against you again man.