back to the bar press 95, 105, 115 x 1, 16 kg swings 20 x 10/10, BW squats 3 x 20, floor pushup 1 x 10

 Started off with 16 kg swings in sets of 10/10 and I am really digging these now. I love how light they are as opposed to bells that can tear my arms off all the time

found a great groove and rhythm and feel like it's not tearing me down

then onto bar presses just to test drive the elbow

Wrapped the thumb and went back to Stiff/X/Stiff, went easy and most importantly the elbow didn't feel anything! going to come back very slowly and still lead with swings on wed and keep the press sets light and limited volume

also really digging the high rep bodyweight squats

KB press 20 kg x 4/4 x 8,24 kg press x 2/2 x 4,db laterals 4 x 8 20 lbs, rear delts 4 x 8 20 lbs hammer curls 3 x 8 20 lbs

 This went very well, the 20 kg bell sat better on my forearm than the 16 and didn't feel like it was right on bone. the weight of course is nothing and moved well and the groove felt solid

Right arm though was shaking alot, I think from weak stabilizers as well as not being used to be directly overhead for years ( as opposed to my standing incline position)

The elbow was fine too

24 kg was easy too just want to get all eight  sets of 5/5 before I start building the 24 

174.2

Sunday Ruck

 Solid one! Fast and strong from the start. It seems the extra squat work is already making my legs stronger although that doesnt make sense, so fast. but it was good

went back to GoRuck Macv2  and they were perfect

45 lbs

9 laps( thought about adding another - soon)

1:20 min

10,280 steps

4.5 miles

44 kg swings 25 x 5 28 min, 44 kg belt squat 3 x 10 pullaparts 3 x 30

 Super cold morning and slow getting started but ended up very very strong.. and fast pace without trying

Bell height and speed also good. Focusing on sitting back ( hinge) at break start and aiming for 7 o'clock in back swing. arm glued to rib as usual

174.4

13.9

Thursday Ruck

 A really good one except realizing my new GoRuck Mackalls are not going to work for rucking. I think it's because the laces do down the top of my arch too low and inhibit dorsiflexion. Bummer as they are great arch support

45 lb

6 lap

53 min

3 miles

16 kg swings 20 x 10/10 ( 35 min) bodyweight squats 4 x 20, floor pushups 3 x 10 (yay! tricep ok)

 this went great better than I could hope. the swings which I planned to only do 15 sets were so strong I did the 20

and the squats were perfect, hard but easily doable with perfect form and good control and depth. what a pump too! haven't had a quad pump in forever!

Resting about 45 sec sets

Floor pushups  were fine. elbow  seems normal.'back in alignment' so all is well for now but still planning on stayin with kb press now

this scared me

173.6

16 kg Long Cycle clean and press 8 x 4/4, laterals 5 x 12, rear delts 3 x 12, band pushdowns 4 x 20

 Well this was great. Much better than I hoped. After a few false starts with playing with different iterations I ended up with my classic  style and it felt fine

worked up with 10, 12  14 kg first
really paying attention to easing into the support position

I'll do 10 sets of 5/5 with  the 16 next week then go to the 18 or 20 kg depending on how it feels

Oh the sunburn is a niacin flush from a new bottle of SLOW release niacin lol

173.4

Sunday Ruck

 Wow! Surprisingly fast and easy! one of the best in forever. Didn't sleep great either but all systems were go from the get

45 lbs

9 laps

4.5 miles

1:20

top speed 4.6 mph!

very effortless flow today so much fun this way

40 kg swings 25 x 6 ( 30 min ) 40 kg belt squat 3 x 10, pullaparts 3 x 30

 Elbow felt good all night and not a peep from it on the swings thank goodness!
It must go in and out of alignment as it goes from zero pain to elbow tendon pain for no discernable reason and then goes with away again. weird

Speed power and bell height  all good and recovery too. Top HR was just 140

 BW 173.4

thursday ruck

 decent one. broken up a bit by bringing food and blanket to a stray dog in the neighbor hood but otherwise continuous for the hour

BUT don't think the new GoRuck Mackalls are going to work for rucking. Actually got a little hot spot on my right forefoot which none of the four pairs of boots ever gave me

Disappointing

45 lbs

6 laps 55 mins

3 miles

Elbow actually worse. the elbow seems very unstable and when it rotates "wrong" the tricep lights  up

This is going to take awhile I'm afraid

16 kg swings 15 x 10/10, bw squats 3 x 20, 2 x 15, kb press light, band curls, kickbacks

 Tricep definitely better but definitely not 100%

Luckily it didn't bother the swings which were pretty easy which is exactly what I wanted

but when I got to the bw squats my legs were already toasty  and the 20's just were perfect 

I've never trained just bw squats and I'm actually excited about the possibility. as an endurance exercise. got a great pump too lol

then onto kb press

12 kg 14 kg x 5 x 5 didn't feel it much but did a little

at 16 I did so I stopped.

Its that elbows out angle that it doesn't like

tried some kneeling pushups and about the same

BUT  SUPER TIGHT ELBOWS IN didn't bother  but have to really unload a lot

But its only 48 since the tweak, too.

Tweaked elbow

 Well this was weird.  Started feeling the tricep load up at 155 and thought it was weird.It had felt perfectly normal all this time

I think the elbow is unstable now and rotates in or out under not perfect load. and I think I've been weighting it more all this time

Put an elbow sleeve on and 175 felt fine

then 195 and I can see in the video my left elbow is higher; much higher, than my right and the bar shifts but the tricep didn't hurt

then to 205 which was fine

then to repeat it and the bar got out in front of me a bit( trying more kono style and right as I was about to lockout I felt it grind and a slight  tearing feel/ sound and knew right away something was wrong

It didn't really hurt after but I knew I had injured, not just tweaked it

Floss, ice, light pushdown and laterals and rear delts, light

today, Tuesday it feels 80 % right but I'm done pressing for awhile ( barbell) Not sure what else will be the main course but I'll know more when it heals: kb press, pushups, swipes, arm casts? not sure but I am sure I don't ever want to be really injured again

For any lift

32 kg swings 20 x 10 31 min, 32 kg belt squats 3 x 10 pullaparts 3 x 30

 This went well. Strong and fast and no bodyparts were talking to me

HR hit 160  at 13 sets and recovery start was 140!

Cardio coming along

BW 174.4

Sunday Ruck

 Strong one. More than cool out, almost cold so that always helps

Steady fast pace from the start, legs and lungs all good

45 lbs

9 laps

4.5 miles

1:20 min

10K steps

174.4 bw

Thursday Ruck

 Very good one. Fast six laps in 53 or 54 minutes. cool temps and all systems go

45lbs

6 laps

3 miles

53.5 min

190 x 1 x 9, bodyweight squats 5 x 15

 Tweaked my left elbow early on and it got a bit worse so I called it at nine sets. wasn't sure what it was but I did two thing differently which I'm sure did it

1) I tried to put my elbows a bit higher as I unracked it. I noticed they've been lower than before so I tried to get them higher and put  them on more of a stretch

2) I tried to press through the pinky fingers at the lockout and I think this  was the real  issue as I did the last time with ulnar deviation grip

NEVER AGAIN fuck with his

It's better now as I write this ( thurs night) but it was touchy. the EXTERNAL ROTATION with voodoo floss helped the most ( tried internal but nothing)

Should be ok by Monday

upped the body weight squats to 5 sets of 15 and they were easy this time and I feel nothing today

going up to 20 reps next week.really liking these

BW 174.4

Sunday ruck

 This  started out great. Felt really good the first four laps or so. Then I had an encounter with a homeless man, a very old, very frail crippled up man. He was shuffling along in the cold with a ratty old blanket for a cover. I went to him to give him some money and realized his blanket was soaked and freezing.

I started on the next laps wishing I could do more then decided I could. I cut the ruck off to go back to my house to get some warm jacket and shirt for him and some food

But by the time I got back to the park he was  gone.

So walked around looking for him but no luck

Weird ruck but I had to do it

ended up with 9700 steps so close enough anyway

I can't imagine how hard this guy's life is :(

48 kg swings 20 x 5 ( 25 min) 48 kg belt squats 3 x 10, pullapartsThe

 These went ok but took awhile to really find my legs. No real issues and I slept better than I have in two weeks but just hard getting my weight back at the top of the rep

The 48 just has a very different balance point, speed, rhythm and timing than even the 44. Really have to get back at the top or I get pulled over too much

But  cardio, power and bell height were all good

175.0
12.9 ( bath)
58.0

Thursday Ruck

 Pretty slow and sloggy. the three sets of 15 bodyweight squats really fatigued my legs in a new way and while I didnt have trouble doing the three miles, speed was low with lots of short breaks to let my quads calm down lol

45 lbs

6 laps

3 miles

55 min

just hard to focus 

190 x 1 x 12,210 static hold, 225 static hold, bodyweight squats 3 x 15

 What a freaking great day! This is without a doubt the best group of heavy reps I have ever done! Every set was just about perfect. Plus I didn't sleep well last night because traps, neck and upper  back were so sore from Monday,lol. 

I thought that would wreck me but somehow it didn't

The new part I hoped would work DID WORK! Brilliantly, to

Stiff

X

Stiff

that  second reclaiming of the stiff leg position is the key to being able to power through the lockout and not fall away from the bar or push it forward.

Very excited 

Bodyweight squats felt great! Was worried about doing 5 x 20 as I thought as I don't want to be too sore but I can definitely tell this is the right leg move to be doing. So simple and I can really  concentrate on the legs the entire rep.
3 x 15

BW 174.4

220 x 1 x 2 sets!, 205 x 1 x 3, laterals, rear delts rev pushdowns

 Wow this went great. I was seriously nervous before this session even though I slept well and felt basically fine orthopedically. Seriously cold tho and it's been a year  since I had to press heavy while freezing lol

Bodyweight was perfect (175.0 at 4 am) and no excuses but warmups were, well, cold and slow

But I just kept thinking " Stiff Legs/X" and it worked well at getting me back under the bar at the launch

I also focused on taking the bar off with more weight on the torso but then settled into the weight on torso AND shoulders/arms- basically with whole body! this worked best

While the lockouts werent great and the second set was 3/4 it's been THREE YEARS  since I even attempted this and have done it only once

Very happy. The groove was right

Now just need to add in the third cue

Stiff Legs

X

Stiff legs

Now that I can basically remember how to get it started RE STIFFING the legs after the launch makes the lockout so much better. other wise the base is soft

Really  good stuff

Fast Sunday Ruck

 Man this started out SO fast! First mile went by in a little over 15 minutes! That's never happened before

43 degrees out so that really helped but also woke up feeling really good all over

The first four laps were barely over 30 min then things tightened up a bit but still finished fast!

45 lbs

9 laps

1:15 min!

last two laps 7:50 min

175 BW

44 kg swings 25 x 5 ( 27 min) 44 kg belt squat 3 x 10, pullaparts 3 x 30

 This went REALLY  well. Went back to redirecting the bell path  between my legs to the 7 o'clock angle and it solved all the other issues. really decent height and power and felt NOTHING in my back

Thursday ruck

 Was going great til I had to pee and realized they locked the bathroom doors! I did the extra lap and then barely made it home

5laps instead of 6 but it was a decent ruck.Not super strong like last week but decent

45lbs

5 laps

2.5 miles

 Not even sure of the time but good

190 x 1 x 12, 210/225 static holds, 24 kg goblet squats, floor pushups 30, 20

 This went VERY well almost all reps identical.
Realized I get better drive AND minimize shoulder stress if I unrack it with more weight on torso than arms. Not loose or no tension in the arms just not trying to hold the  weight mainly there

goblet squats were easy but too much bicep stress and not enough on legs. BW squats next week for reps

174.3 BW

215 x1, 220 x 1 (barely) 210 x 1 x 4 ( 2 misses) band pushdowns, laterals, rear delts

 My attempts to create more starting speed failed. Rushed things, did not get or keep my legs stiff. figured it out though

175 x 1
195 x Miss
205 x Miss!
215 x 1
220 x 1
210 x 1 x 3
210 x Miss
210 x Miss
210 x 1

174.8

Sunday ruck

 This was a solid one. not great but steady

45 lb ruck

9 laps

1:20

10,200 steps

4 supported squat  stretches first four laps. adding these back in they really stretch out my legs and glutes

40 kg swings 25 x 6 ( 27 min PR) 40 kg belt squat 3 x 10, pullaparts

 Did not start out feeling well but motored through. Tried to use the more quad dominant technique but if definitely didn't feel right at 40 kg so switched back

It seems that, just like in the press, things really change with heavier weights

173.8

Another fast ruck

 Not quite as  cool out as it has been but it wasn't hot. til the last 2 laps but nothing compared to a month ago

and another quick and easy pace

6 laps in 52 min with just a few rest pauses

a bit over 17 min miles with  3.45mph top

not bad at all

190 x 1 x 12, 210/225 static holds, floor pushups 35, 30

 

174 BW

215, 225 x X x 2, 205 x 1 x 5, laterals rear delts rev pushdowns

 This was a very solid day. I took 215 and it was the strongest one in a long time so I took 225 and almost made it 

What I did realize is that I need MORE starting speed with 225 than even 220. I tend to stay pretty  consistent regardless of the weight but I think I need more, without changing the technique

First time also in forever I've made 5 downsets with 205

175.0 exactly at workout time

Sunday ruck

 Ah yes the blessed time change back! love it

45 lb 

9 laps

10,000 steps

top speed 4.4 MPH!

1:20 ( LOTS of doggo breaks lol)

good tempo strong finish

32 kg swings 20 x 10 ( 31 min) 32 kg belt squats 3 x 10, pullaparts

 Switched my technique back to a more quad dominant technique and didn't worry about bell height  at all. Liked it.Much faster per rep pace and much less hip/back involvement

How I used to swing when I was doing 10 x 10/10 with the big bells

Thursday Ruck PR

 This was awesome. 6 laps in 49 minutes! This is an all time PR for the last ten years of rucking. I actually thought PR days  were over but it seems I'm finally getting back into shape

45 lbs

6 laps

49:25

3.65 MPH

16.28 min mile ave

174.0 BW

185 x 1 x 3 , 190 x 1 x 10, 20 kg swings 5 x 5/5, floor pushups 2 x 30

 Another pretty much perfect workout. Most reps 90% identical. It seems I've got the timing, as well as the positions down! Yay!

Spot the X

Un rack and stiff legs

Quick start press 

Re find the X immediately

4 am wt 174

12:30 wt 175.4 perfect!

210 x 1, 205 x 1 x 4, laterals rear delts pushdowns

 Great day! THE SHOULDER FELT NORMAL! Unbelievable. This one had me worried. Made the lower bar rack adjustment and everything was strong. No clunking, plus realizing the low(er) rack position is important.

175 x 1
185 x 1
195 x 1
205 x 1
210 x 1
205 x 1 x 4

174.8 4 am!

Sunday ruck

  only 9,000 or so steps but solid pace. as usual dog petting slowed me down lol

45 lb ruck

90280 steps

8 laps ( I think)

1:30 min on feet

173.8

13.3 no bath

48 kg swings 20 x 5 30 min, 48 kg squats 3 x 10, pullaparts 3 x 30

 Poor sleep last night but still swing power was solid as was pace

173.4

Fast walk! 3 miles in 44 min!

 Damn this was the right call! Shoulder feeling great so I didn't want to load it and had one of the best fast walks ever!

Hit the ground running and it was easy

lap 1 7:30

lap 2 7.29

lap 3 7:17

lap 4 7:07

lap 5 7?

lap 6 6:59!

felt like I could fly or at least run!!

Need to add these in every so often

179 x 1 x 8, 20 kg swings 5 x 5/5,laterals, rev band pushdowns

 Shoulder felt 85% normal when I got moving in the morning but as soon as I loaded the bar a bit it started aching. Not terrible but not right. Definitely felt like first rib was still partly out and bicep tendon a bit too

Took it pretty easy and the groove and reps were solid

Put the bar a touch lower than monday  and that felt right

220 x 1 ( 35th) 215 x 1, 210 x 1, 205 x 1 x 2

 This went great! Except for a little left shoulder grinding on the 220 it was awesome ( a consequence of letting the elbows flare) 
BUT 

195 and 205 were about as good as I've done them on the warmup.

220 moved great but elbow shoulder thunked a it at sticking point even with the false grip

Still nailed 215 but missed 210 out in front. adjusted and made it over strongly. then 2 x 1 with 205

SO HAPPY 

the TWO key cues are

STIFF LEGS

X

that's it. if I start with stiff legs then immediately re focus on the X I can get under the bar. If I lose the X it's out in front

174.6 BW

25% over BW

Sunday Ruck

 Good one! First cool and crisp morning and I love it. Always helps me go faster

45 lbs

8 laps ( dogs took up ten min lol)

4 miles

3.5 mph top speed

173.8

44 kg swings 25 x 5 , 44 kg belt squats 3 x 10, pullaparts

 Solid solid workout

No body tweaks and did all sets in 30 min ( three man rotation too)

Power, bell height and recovery all good. right arm height just about even with left too

173.4 bw 

Thursday ruck

 Really decent. Cooler weather and I felt pretty  good going in. 

Steady pace and energy the  whole way. strong

45 lbs

6 laps

54 min!

173.4

195 x 1 x 13, 225 static holds 3 x 4 sec, 20 kg swings 5 x 5/5, floor pushups 2 x 30

 I was tired and sore from Monday so it took extra long to warmup and get dynamic. On days like this I SHOULD go lighter  for the first 4-5 sets. it make no sense to grind on wednesay

Out of the 13 sets only 4-5 were decent. the technique  was right but everything was tight. didn't really feel comfortable under the bar. even the bar wasn't sitting that well on my chest

BUT all in all strong Just not crisp

173.8

215 x 1 x 2! 205 x 1 x 2, laterals rear delts and front raises

 This went great except for my second  attempt miss ( lost the X on the drive) but CAME BACK AND MADE IT ON A THIRD ATTEMPT!

So happy and decent lockouts too

More cues

FIND THE X

STIFFEN LEGS AND MAKE SURE

FAST START

REFIND THE X

BW 174 right before training

Next week

195

205

220

Sunday Ruck

  A decent one. Steady and stronger at the end

45 lbs

9 laps

4.5 miles

10,260 steps

dark for the first 45 min. Time change soon tho

No plantar fascia issues either. Just gotta keep that soleus soft!

173.6

40 kg swings 25 x 6, 30 min, 40 kg belt squats 3 x 10, pullaparts 3 x 30

 Stronger than expected. stomach woke me up at 12 midnight ( too much onions spinach and garlic I guess in my new/old stir fry lunch) but the workout was strong.

and fast. I was worried about going too fast ( only glenn and me ) but sixes are NOT tens lol

Much better. good power, height control. don't want to jinx myself but I've been feeling like my old self again ( pre oct 7) since thursday. I'll take it

maybe the torque worked it's way out through the legs. I think the new hanging, stick shrugs and ring work stretching first thing is making a difference   

171.8!

Thursday ruck

 Got the plantar fascia to release finally. as before it was coming from a too tight soleus

I was going to just walk not ruck but it felt normal so I gave it a go and it was fine. went slowly just to be safe

45 lb ruck

6 laps

3 miles

56 min ( not too bad!)

no problem later than day or today ( friday)

173.8

195 x 1 x 6 185 x 1 x 4, 20 kg swings, 5x5x5, floor pushups 25,25

 This went great. Just outstanding. Everything went better than I  hoped. Even realized how to line up under the X EXACTLY  everytime ( duh, just don't roll the bar) The last four sets with 185 were all done this way and worked like a charm

Also, the tighter I keep the initital knee flex at the start actually the better pop I get. Too much  knee flex gets soggy 

As hopeful as I've been in the last 8 months about this move!

173.8  4 am

at Noon tho

175.0
10.9 BF !!!
60.2 hydration 

this is after  my bath but I haven't seen these numbers in forever! Nice.those are the goal numbers across the board

215 x 1!, 210 x 1 x 2, 205 x 1 x 2, laterals rear delts and front raises

 I got an overnight bad case of platarfascitis Saturday and all day  Sunday so much so that I didn't even do a walk much less a ruck!

Then the anterior tib on my left leg started acting up and I could barely stand up!

FUCK

this is getting very very old
It's like a pin ball machine:from my leg thumb to my right  thumb to my left lat to my right levator/neck first rib then down to the calves and feet!!

Hopefully the twist is working it's way completely out of my body. Crazy though that those other tweaks were non existent when my feet were acting up

But I could press and I got most of the dorsiflexion back as well as the ankle mobility

I decided to continue 'feeding the mistakes' by accepting the knee dip just as I did the elbow flare. Don't try to accentuate it but stop trying to stop it

Worked great and it gave me the best 215 I've done in months PLUS  TWO 210 (  first one I worked the dip too much. fixed it on the second and much better. Plus two great 205s with solid lockouts!

173.

32 kg swings 20 x 10, 23 min, 36 kg belt squats 3 x 8, pullaparts 3 x 30, bulgarian spilt squats 3 x,8,6,6

 This was HAARD. Right first rib was out for SOME FUCKING WEIRD REASON RIGHT AFTER I GOT THE LEFT LAT TO SHUT UP

I hoped the swing would re set it ( which it did) but it meant so so sleep in mild pain when moving, and , of course anxiety

But got up early and did tons of Body Maintenace and things just kept moving better

THEN to the workout.. 

Each set was hard and rest were on the minute.Fuck. HR was 140 at least everytime I checked it and it got higher for sure

Didn't puke but I  was breathing like a freight train, and coughing up a lung

Lovely

But I  got it done and didn't die, but it was hard

172.4

Heat Ruck Epic

 I thought heat training was over for the summer. I was wrong. Summer's last gasp this week with temps in high 90's and 100's

But I was up for today's ruck and it was better than expected. Perfect way to end the cycle

95 deg

No cloud

No breeze

12:30 pm

45 lbs

3 miles

54 min

last half mile at 16 min mile pace

Cold shower right after was perfect.

Just being able to walk right again was a miracle.This was more than I could have hoped for

175 x 1 x 5 185 x 1 x 7 190 x 1 x 1(wrapped thumb),Static holds 220, 20 kg swings 3 x 5/5, rev pushdowns 3 x 20

 Slept GREAT but woke up seriously achy and sore. Inflammed for some reason and not sick, Must be DOMS from Monday at all those heavy grinding misses. shoulders traps pecs even left hip. Just achy so I had no idea how or even if today would go

Slow warmup but it went great and the wrapped thumb and tried to get through  the sticking point/elbow  flare with  speed and it seems to work

X

Stiff

Fast

Have to stay as stiff as possible on the fast start or the bar does go fast enough

174 

13.4 no bath

215 miss x 2 , 205 x 1 x 2 ( 2 miss!) 200 x 1 x 3, laterals rear delts front raises

 First off again shit sleep. never thought  after my cats died I would have dogs too that woke up an hour before my stupid early alarm! so that didn't help then though my wrist feels normal now I didn't want to use the torque  technique again and elbow flare got me again! 

It works but I can't use it. arghh

So missed 215 twice for the same stupid reason: not accepting the elbow flare and just fighting to keep elbows in at start which isn't ( hasn't) worked/working

After going down and missing 180 I thought I just have to accept elbow flare just created more starting speed to flare after the sticking point.

ACK

172.6

Sunday ruck

 Same same as usual. Legs tired from swings and squats so slow warmup and stronger finish. Getting dark out early now so first 45 in the dark.

45lb ruck

9 laps

4.5 miles

10,280 steps

1:25 min

3.5 mph top speed

48 kg swings 20 x 5, 48 kg squats 3 x 8, bw left leg lunges 3 x 10, pullaparts 3 x 30

 Wrist was still pretty jacked from wednesday; I thought  the swings would either fix it or fuck it and it fixed it. Must have been subluxed from the torque position on the bar. Have to adjust for that Monday

But all was well and warmups actually felt STRONG for a change grip  was no problem

Forgot to time the workout but it was between 25 and 30 min. Just Nick and me and really very little rest besides his set

I was sweating. Height and power not bad at all

172.8

13.6 ( bath )

Thursday ruck

 Slow but steady. No problems

45 lbs

6 laps

56 min

3 miles

173.3

New Ulnar grip technique 185x1x3m190x1x3,195x1x3,185x1x3, 20 kg swings 5x5/5, floor pushups, 30, 20,20

 This went great! Not a problem at all setting up. Turns out I use the same pressure position on my floor pushups  as well. It will take a bit to get totally used to but I think I may have just solved the elbows flaring out problem!

Just have to lift thumb pad slightly off the bar on set up and it tucks my elbows naturally. Totally the opposite of the Press 2.00 from starting strength and it makes perfect sense if you think of how different the groove actually is from mine

CUES 

SETUP ON THE X

UNRACK

STIFF LEGS

STIFF BOUNCE

STAY ON THE X

173.3

215 x 1, 210 x X x 2, 205 x 1 x 3)+ 2 misses, laterals rear delts front raises

 this was  a good one but tough.  Bad sleep. woke up at midnight with right scap yelling at me after wrestling with dogs ( inadvertently) earlier. So, tired

But wanted to try out the new technique ( trying to push my hands apart at the top instead of pushing with hands and it worked well up to 215. then I got tired and missed a lot.BUT the technique works just still have to figure out how to think about it

It's about pushing through the outer heel of the hand rather than the thumb pad

135 x 1

155 x 1 
175 x 1
195 x 1
205 x 1 ( balance but strong)

215 x 1 best of late
210 x X x 2
205 x 1 x 3

172.2

Sunday Ruck

 Steady, decent ruck. started slow, ended fast

45 lbs

9 laps

1:25

ave speed 3.0 top speed 3.5

10,238  steps

172.6

44 kg swings 25 x 5 ( 25 min!) 44 kg squats 3 x 8, lunges 3 x 6/6 pullaparts 3 x 30

Fell on my ass last night trying to avoid stepping onto my dog. He parked himself by my heels and I didn't realize it. Thought I might have some serious 'delayed' reaction bone or spine issue but all  was well. BUT same dog ( Ronin) woke me up at 2 am so I wasn't great this AM

BUT the workout went well although it was hard. Just me and Nick and it was fast. 25 sets in pretty spot on 25 min. I don't want to go any faster lol. Not even that fast but all sets were good and my back was fine ( although I don't know how. Landed square on my right glute. I fell well I have to say!)

172.8

Thursday ruck

 Another really good one. Hotter than it's been but legs were moving so well early on and stayed that way.

Another good night sleep too

45 lb ruck

6 laps

3 miles

54 min

18 min miles!

SOLID

173.

185 x 1 x 6, 195 x 1 x 6, 20 kg swings 5 x 5/5, floor pushups 30, 30,20

 This went very well. really focused on holding the lockout better and that went overall well

Two things, one, I have to be in perfect balance and two, it takes a lot more out of me doing this

That's ok just have to get used to it, build up

Also do 195 for the sets first then go down, I was too tired after the 185 work to do the 195 justice, Plus we were going very fast

But overall VERY happy with the technique and work

174 BW

200,205,215, 210, 205 x 1 x 3, laterals rear delts front raises

 Really good day and I learned something important,too. Changed the warmup a bit and it worked great/ went from 185 to 200 which was just heavy enough to force me into 'heavy weight' technique ( which was the goal)

then to 205 which missed out in front. drop and pop. so what I learned was to not only make my legs stiff but my torso too when I start the press and it worked great

cues

1) Stiff legs

2) Stiff push

3) X

basically stay stiff and stay on the X

20 lb laterals etc

12 lb front raises, liking these

172.8

Sunday ruck

 Slept well and woke up fine. Even slightly cooler today but as soon as I started the ruck ( on the way OVER  to the park) the left glute started talking to me. Not bad but definitely there

Really slowed my pace and it felt ok but I'm still not sure why

After the first hour it felt normal again and I picked up my pace a but but weird. Lower glute into the IT band insertion ( but I don't feel IT band at all)

45 lb ruck

9 laps

4.5 miles

10,000 steps

1:25 min pace

ten min dog talking

1:45 total time on feet

172.8

40 kg swings 25 x 6, 40 kg belt squats 8,10,10, BW lunges 3 x 6/6, pullaparts 3 x 30

 Woke up feeling  great. Even my left glute released and felt normal ( which had me worried). Everything felt square and energy was good.

Even neck right bicep and lat felt normal lol. and by normal I mean 'normal normal' not MY normal which is semi tweaked somewhere

25 sets in 32 min

bw 173

Thursday ruck

 All good except left glute  is tight for some reason. Walked through it but it definitely slowed me down. Got tighter after the  ruck, of course,nothing serious but a pain ( in the ass  ,lol) to have to work out. Since NOT leaning while standing at work everything is in re adjustment mode. Close to square plumb and neutral the better but a realigned process at play

45 lb ruck

6 laps

55 min

3 miles

172.6 bw

185 x 1 x 6, 195 x 1 x 6 215-235 static holds, 20 kg swing 5 x 5x5, floor pushups28,28,20

 Slept like shit last night but didn't actually feel too bad and this workout was on fire! Could keep my knees locked and each set moved really really well

The cue were : LOCK  THE KNEES, PRESS TO THE X

The two things that matter most. If my knees flex too much I lose hip drive and the bar goes foward. If I lose the X the bar goes forward

If I lock the knees I don't have to think much about balance OR pausing. It happens

Not trying to push the bar back over my face makes the groove so much more simple

the static holds went great too. Overload and hyperfocus on locking and holding knees as well as staring at the X

BS 172.6

200/205/215 x X x 3 205 x 1 x 3 ,laterals rear delts front raises

 Did the technique I wanted to but it didn't work. Pushing back 'to the slot' so early seemed to cost me balance at the sticking point

but work capacity was good and the three missed grinds at 215 didn't hurt my 205 downsets 

at 205 and up I have to initiate hip drive prior to pushing back I think. Especially with these full pauses

  BW 172.6

Sunday Ruck

 Terrible sleep. Didnt even stretch out as  I needed the extra 1/2 hour of sleep more. Overall the walk wasnt too bad but I crashed the rest of the day with multiple naps and feedings.

45 lb ruck

9 laps

1:30  min

10,026 steps

4.5 miles

32 kg swings 20 x 10, 32 kg belt squat , 8,10,10 Stick lunges 3 x 6/6, pullaparts 2 x 30

This was the fastest ever with this protocol. Wasn't trying to go fast but could. and when I realized we were I didn't try to slow down either.

30 min for 200 reps. not bad at all

heartate about 130 at the end and probably that for the last 5-7 sets

Took a wider stance and used a more definitive hinge on purpose. My body was been talking to me to try this and I went for it. Resisted the temptation to also go to my lower heel Adidas shoe but was worried it would be too much of a change.

this felt strong

belt squats went well and decided to use the stick in the high  bar squat position for the lunges, working to keep back arch and eyes up for a change

Love it

BW 174
 

Thursday Hot Ruck

Heat conditioning has peaked I believe. Hottest ruck of  the summer and one of my best Thursdays. Wasn't even conscious of the heat!

Heat tolerance training is as much mental, or more, than physiological. SO nice.

Legs and lungs felt strong

45 lb ruck

6 laps

55 min

3 miles

173.

185 x 1 x 12, 225 static holds, 20 kg swings 5x5/5, floor pushups 3 x 27

 This went ok. Nothing wrong specifically but not as 'snappy' as I expected to be.No tweaks but things were just tired. Makes sense, Monday was a ton of work, which I actually made for a change.

didn't take it seriously enough too which is never smart

Technically things went right just not sharp. still good sleep and peace of mind

173.3

215 x 1! 210 x1! 205 x 1 x 3, laterals rear delts, rotators rev band pushdowns

 FINALLY!  Everything went according to plan for a change. The lock in works well. 25 % over my 172 bodyweight. Was wondering if I was ever going to get this ( or more) again. Plus a serious dead pause

175 x 1
185 x 1
195 x 1
200 x 1
205 x 1
215 x 1!
210 x 1
205 x 1 x 3

bw 172.2

Sunday ruck

 Strong but slow. Legs pretty work out from the  swings, squats and lunges. Go figure. But it got done and pretty strongly, all things considered

45 lb ruck

8 laps( dog distraction lol )

1:20

4 miles

3.2 mph

172

48 kg 20 x 5, 48 kg belt squat 3 x 8,9,10 BW lunges 3 x 8,8,6, pullaparts 3 x 30

 So So workout. Nothing went wrong or injured, felt fairly strong but just not dialed in. still not feeling the standing plank part of this. hard to imagine just 2-3 weeks off this technique messed me up this badly

Finally got warmed up at 10 sets

20 sets in 25 min. cardio was good

173.3

Thursday ruck

 Strong one! Really good sleep two nights in a row is magic. All little aches clearing up

45 lb ruck

6 laps

3 miles

85 deg heat no issue

16.2 mpm pace felt effortlessly fast

173.3

heat condition is excellent

185 x 1 x 10, 200 x 1, 205 x 1, 225 x 5 sec hold x 2, 20 kg swings 5 x 5/5, floor pushups 3 x 26

 Great day finally! Best night's sleep in weeks, neck and right QL area all good and my new technique worked better than expected

Switch to my Adidas flatter shoe and it definitely helped  to get me ground and "set" before I pressed

The idea was to 'lock in' first , spot the x, and when I felt totally  tight  shove the bar up

Different than waiting for someone else's press call, this was about locking the legs and hip and getting as tight as possible ( coil the spring) and then explode

173.3!

very good day

Sunday Fast walk

 Neck was feeling better in the AM but no way was I putting on the ruck

Just a 4.5 mile fast walk and it was decent

Basically averaged about 16 min miles which felt great

Without the pack it feels like I could fly, definitely run but surprisingly  I'm not that much faster but I should probably do these more often

9 laps

4.5 miles

1:15

16 min miles

185x-215 x3X misses, 180 x 1 x 3, laterals rear delts

 Total shit.Neck locked up Sat night and spend all day working on it. No sleep, lots of pain, fear. Got it to release and pressing motion didn't hurt monday  but nothing was working well. Or strong

And 171 lbs

Surprised I did as well as I did

Despite  having the goal or really locking my knees I did not at all and it was just ugly

185 x 1
195 x 1
200 x miss out in front
200 x 1
205 x 1
210 x x on balance
215 x 3/4 x 3 misses !
205 x X x 2!
180 x 1 x 3  

44 kg swings 25 x 5, 44 kg belt squats 3 x 10, BWsquat 1x 20, Alternating BW lunges 3 x 8/8, Ext rotators 3 x 12

 Slept well, body  felt good but took me awhile to warmup and find my groove, at least ten total sets, felt "wary" a long time

Went back to the old technique( standing plank/ hold at top) and perhaps that's it after last weeks quad dominant experiment

last ten sets felt 'normal' again but I was having trouble holding the plank solid.The least small technique change theses days seems like it affects EVERYTHING, especially balance and timing

But did them all in exactly 30 min with three of us going and without ( except the last 3-5 sets) trying to'

squats were hard but I got twenty. I took video but the depth looks so shallow  I didnt want to post it. and they  felt so deep lol

Lunges were good too using an upper body counter rotation like I used to

172.2

Thursday ruck

 Solid one. Slightly overcast and cool. so nice. warmed up at the end but like fall actually

Pace, legs and lungs all good.

45 lb ruck

6 laps 3 miles

55 min

strong throughout minimum rest stops

190 x 1 x 10, 20 kg swings 5 x 5/5, floor pushups 3 x 25, chicken wings 3 x 12-15

 These went GREAT! Pretty much each rep a carbon copy of the next!

Spot the X and make sure I really arch into it

Elbows UP, take my time getting there

Unrack straight up holding elbow position and back arch ( and on X)

Drive bar back to face

173.4

185-215-205 pyramid, laterals, rear delts, ext rotators

 This went ok but interrupted sleep left me tired and a bit flat for training.Technique was good but not as strong so I was soft in the rack position and caught me. Bar wasn't high enough off the pin, knees never started locked out etc, and I missed at the top by inches

But I got a of good attempts in and work capacity is coming back. weighing 172 isn't helping either  but so be it

175 x 1
185 x 1
195 x 1
200 x 1
205 x 1 ok but sloppy at stick point
210 x 1 best rep all day
215 x Miss
215 x Miss
210 x 1 ok but catching up with me
205 x 1 tucked chin
205 x 1
205 x miss, just not back far enough

Sunday Ruck

 Decent one. Slower first half but picked it up the last 3 laps for a change

45 lbs

9 laps

1:25

10,178 steps

3 miles

171.2

40 kg swings 25 x 6, 40 kg belt squat 3 x 10 , air squat 1 x 16 (non lock) pistols 3 x 2/2, chicken wings, pullaparts

 This was a good one but a tough one; my first since my cortisone shot for my trigger thumb. Thumb is definitely better but I was distracted by it and with these weights it's always dicey to  be distracted in any way

Didn't hurt anything but low back was tighter than I like right  after. Partly as I tried using my older quad dominant style. It won't work with these big bells. I  have to use hips not just quads to offset the weight

Now I know

Once I got warmed up all was good

25 sets in 30 min seems about the norm now. can't see going faster actually

pistols

 172.2

Thursday ruck; hot, slow

 Not enough sleep. otherwise felt really good. Overall inflammation in body is  down after what seems 6-8 weeks of abnormal levels. No idea why except perhaps not pressing badly and creating even more asymmetries

45 lbs

6 laps

3 miles

56 min

3.0 average for first three laps then 3.2+ for last three

83 degrees

173.

190 x 1 x 10, 20 kg swings, floor pushups, chicken wings

This was a good a group of reps as I've every done. I had a couple not perfects but the rest were as good as I've done yet

The difference was slight  but critical ( as always) . Instead of spotting the X as I rolled into the unracking with elbows all at once, I spotted the X, then set my elbows, then stood up and then pushed the bar back to my face and X

Because of the setup my elbows were slightly in front of the bar and hence the bar went back over my face much more easily AND faster

Very happy with this discovery

X

ELBOWS

UP

BAR TO FACE

swings

floor pushups 3 x 20

chicken wing rotators 3 x 15/15

173.8

185-215-205 pyramid, laterals, rear delts, band pushdowns

Really not sure what I'm doing but it seems to be working lol. Making smaller jumps on the way up  to the top set is helping too.Just really trying to do the exact same thing each set

Which is: chest up and stand up strong to unrack, then basically try to drive the bar back over my face and spot the X

Oh and legs tight if I can make them ( lol) basically Stand up/ Lock legs/ Bar to Face

135 155 175 x 1
185 x 1
190 x 1 
195 x 1
200 x 1
205 x 1
210 x miss
210 x 1
215 x 1 almost. lost  balance at top but still STRONG, much better than last
205 x 1
205 x miss head down bar forward
205 x 1

BW 172.2

Sunday Ruck

 Had to miss thursday's ruck for a dental appointment but all was well today

45 lbs

9 laps

4.5 miles

10,026 steps

1:23 min

All felt good, legs, lungs work capacity. slightly cooler

172.2

32 kg swings 20 x 10, 40 kg belt squats 3 x 10, pistols 3 x 3/3, band ext rotator 3 x 15

 Changed my swing technique to a more quad dominant style. This is what I was doing for years  before I decided to switch focus to maximizing bell height. I've noticed my quad size is not where it was, or where I want it of late and I think this is why.

SO gripping the floor with the toes, breaking first at the knee and instead of working on holding the standing plank, focus on locking the knees and holding the quads tight.

Height was fine ( we'll see how it is with the heavier bells) and my legs were very fatigued by the end of the session

Perfect

173.2

190 x 1 x 10, 20 kg swings 5 x 5/5, floor pushups, 20, 15, 15, laterals rear delts 3 x 8/8

 This went very well. Just 2-3 reps that weren't perfect  but most flew back as I wanted

Was going every 30 seconds or so I slowed down for last three sets as triceps were getting tired and I started to grind

Seemed very natural and instinctive technique. Pretty replicateable

175 x 1
180 x 1
190 x 1 x 10

173.0

185-215 pyramid, floor pushups, laterals, rear delts, front raises

 This went great. better by far than last week

Used the same approach; lots of warmup sets with small jumps trying to get the timing down. it went well. 215 could have been locked out better but it moved well. 210 did move well and 205 on the way up was much better

down sets with 205 were rough but that was just from general fatigue, not used to this workload with this groove yet

175 x 1
185 x 1
190 x 1
195 x 1
200 x 1
205 x 1
210 x 1 ( good!)
215 x so so 
205 x miss out front
205 x 1 x 3

BW 173

Sunday Ruck

 Decent one. cooler out which always helps. A bit hungover for no good reason but that wore out halfway through

45 lb ruck

9laps

1:25

10,000 steps

3.6 mph top speed

173.0

48kg swings 20 x 5, 40 kg belt squat 5 x 8,9,10,10, pistol practice 3 x 5, pullaparts

This  went very well. I even alternated my bell warmup progression and it felt right. I skipped the 28 and 44 kg bells

Swing groove was good but I still feel like my legs need to be doing more of the action. But trying to get bell height changes the drive form I guess. I have to keep the CCOG closer to me to be able to hold the standing plank and not get pulled over on the descent for the next rep

If I did a low swing I could use more legs I think

But don't mess with it. Today's session was very strong and fast. Love me some 5 rep onlys! 20 sets in about 30 min

 

Thursday hot fast ruck

 A great one out of nowhere

Last week I barely finished the 3 miles in 60 min and yesterday killed it in 52 min! have to check if that's a PR but if not it's close and it is a recent PR

a good 87 degrees out too and no wind and no problem

45 lb ruck

6 laps

3 miles

52 min

17:20 min/mile

strong!

173.6