Hot ruck! 93 deg 35 lb three. miles

This was hard. Not because of the heat as   much as left tib locking up again at 2  miles.So not sure why still
First two miles were great and got 2 in 30:08 then a slower mile which screwed up the time

Next step is more gastroc massage and stretching

BUT heat condition and lungs were solid even at 130 HR

168.2!

12.1

170 X 1 X 10 180 X 1, 185 X 1 20 KG SWING 20 x 5 10 min, reverse grip pullapart, band hip flexors

 these were strong!

168.8 !

8.7!

61.6!

154.1 LBM at 12 after bath

175 x 1 x 15, BW squats 7 x 10

 This was as solid as I hoped jumping to this weight. I remember how hard this was a month ago.very pleased with everthing

Stopping all upper body assistance beside rear delt work has definitely helped my recovery and not hurt my size or press power at all

168.2 at workout start

5 mile 35 lb ruck 1:14:28 14:53 ave pace

Good sleep and felt good but deliberately went out  a bit slower than usual for the first mile wanting to make sure my tib didnt tighten up

It didnt but I didnt time time things perfectly and ended up at 14:53 pace, could've been sub 14:50 for sure given how good the last two miles felt but the third mile needed to be faster

All good though

First mile was 15:25

166.6

12.7

32 kg swings 40 x 5 in 37 min 40,44,48 x 2 kg belt squats x 8, black band hip flexor raises 3 x 8ea

 This was strong but it seemed harder than it should have been, then I found out we were going ever 35 seconds instead of on the minute . that made sense but not necessary

Going up in weight for the belt squats felt good too

166.2

11.5

35lb ruck 3 mile 44:17 14:44 pace!

This was hard. Started out great though and the first mile flew by without trying.I was worried about my left shin tightening and sure enough it after another 1/2 mile more

I thought it was an anterior tib weakness but now I think its rec fem weakness and my ant tib is overworking for an underworking hip flexor

Gonna add in higher knee lifts,done slower in  my 100 ups and some band hip flexion work and see if that. helps

that being said the time is SECOND BEST EVER  so I cant complain too much plus it was 80+ degrees

167.8! 

170 x 1 x. 11, 175 x 1 185 x 1, 20 kg H2H x 6 x 20 sets band rear delts 3 x 20 standing

 This went great. pretty much every set/rep the same. Key mistake is not holding the cross bar spot long enough. If I look up too early bar goes forward

transfers were solid too. actually very very different than one arm swings, I definitely  couldnt do 40 x 6 with 32 kg Doing both versions is good for now

167.4

11.9 at 4 am

172.5 x 1 x 20, BW squats 6 x 10

 This went perfectly, everything was better than the last time I did this. Unrack was perfect, hold was solid(pause) drive initiation was spot on . Only had two reps where I didnt hold eye contact long enough and bar went forward ( a bit) but 20 sets!

Two more weeks of this then up to 175 and build from 12 or so to 20 sets

BW squats were great. Slow controlled and focusing on being upright and deep

166.6

11.9

5 mile 35 lb ruck 1:13:49 14:45 pace

 This went well.Slept pretty well and body parts were fine. Not great energy or head space but neither were bad

Decided to purposely slow the first mile and see if that help keep the anterior tib from light up.Which it did until the last mile

But cant complain about the time: fourth fastest ever

I think first mile was 15:24 or something close. belt squats did not overly tighten or fatigue legs so they stay

166.6

12.0

32 kg swing 40 x 5 in 40 min 40 kg belt squats 3 x 8, rev grip pullaparts 3 x 20

This was solid. Workman like, Everything held together

Strict on the minute  

Brought back belt squats as it seems I've more leg issues rucking since switching things up
We'll see tomorrow

166.8

10.8 ( bath)

May 21 3. mile ruck current pr 44:03 14;40 ave pace

For some reason didnt post this! Best ever

 

35lb ruck 3 miles in 44:25 4:47 pace ( 3rd best)

 This was hard despite perfect overcast sprinkly weather. Started out fast and my left anterior tib started getting tight
Still could keep decent pace but wasnt sure how it would end up

But it was good overall

Just not easy

167.4

12.3 at 4 am

170 x 1 x 14, 16 kg transfer swings 15 x 6, 20 kg transfers 5 x 6 , band rear delt 4 x 20

 This went pefectly. Virtually identical reps and my holds at the start were stronger.

Doing transfers instead of one arms worked cool too. havent trained these in years now

did 15 sets of 6 to see how things felt then went up to 20. kg no problem 

168.4 at workout time

200 x 1 Recent PR! 170 x 1 x 12, hindu squats 5 x 15, band pushdowns 4 x 15-20

 This went great! things were a little distracted in the gym but my focus was decent and my body felt good Warmups went strong too

Took the 15 lb jump frm 185-200 and it was the right call

After that it was strong and fast with the 170s although I got cocky and lost focus a bit and pushed forward and felt my left bicep tendon tell me to get my shit together

Hindu squats went ok, tried them barefoot and not ready for that OLY shoes felt better
Calves and feet are weak
this will help

170 ISN'T LIGHT

MESSAGE RECEIVED

But very happy with this at 167 BW

19% OVER BW!! at 69 years old

35 LB ruck 5. miles in 1:14:37 14:54 ave

Well, the first slower one in awhile. No specific reason just not in the legs today, even after specifically skipping any kind of squats yesterday

But hey, SOLIDLY sub 15 min miles is a bad day? I'll take it!

 

32 kg swings 40 x 5 40 min, Split squats bw x 5/5 x 5 pullaparts

 This was strong and steady. NO heavy leg work after, we'll see if it helps the ruck tomorrow

166.8

11.2

170 x 1 x 13, 20 kg swings 20 x 5 15 min, hindu squats 3 x 10

This was hard.. barely 5 hours sleep and dog and kid stress but decent HRV! and deep sleep so I got to it

Not feeling strong but the groove was solid

swings were solid and the hindu squats felt great too. I really think this is going to my go too leg move

168 at 12:30

175, 185 , 195 x 1 170 x 1 x 13, hindu squats 5 x 10

This went perfectly. Could have taken 200 or even 195 again but the 195 was so solid I wanted to leave on it. Close stance setup works, Full torso swing under works .All good

168.0 at workout time

 

35 lb 5 mile ruck 1:13:23 ( 2nd fastest) 14:40 ave pace

 This was a great time and place considering how low energy I felt.Good sleep but legs were slow to wake up Definitely changing squat work to Mondays as the ruck is more important

But super happy I could maintain this pace in this state. Thought I had a shot at 14:37 pace too. It was close

166.6

12.1

32 kg swings 40 x 5 in 45 min. goblet squat 20 kg x 3 x 5 sets, bw lunges 5x5/5

Strong day despite not feeling strong. Better than the other way around

Going to swith squat work onto mondays after presses. it affects rucking too much

 166.8

35 lb 3 mile ruck 44:32 ( 3rd best) 14:50 ave pace

 This was decent considering only 5 1/2 hours sleep and time crunch but it just made  me push harder and it worked out

167.0

12.2

170 x 1 x 12, 20 kg swings 20 x 5 in 15 min band rear delt 4 x 12

Really strong consistent workout. Hit on all cylinders. actually brought my set up foot placement in a  little and it seemed more stable throughout
see if it holds

166.8

185 x 1, 195 x 1, 170 x 1 x 15, reverse band curls and pushdowns

 This went great.  Lifted  my gaze spot up about a foot and focused on unracking with the chest up which helped keep my elbows up and angled back and everything went smoothly

Rushed the setup for the 195 so knees were too soft and I lost balance at the top but bar speed was excellent

Wanted to stress test the weight to see if I've just been weak the last two weeks or tired from Mondays workout and then wed volume and THEN taking the weight

It was the volume

Best session in forever. Going to keep this format for bit going up to 195 -200 and then LIGHT down sets

168 at workout time

35lb ruck 5 mile PR 1:13:12 14:38 ave pace!

Actually shocked I broke this PR by so much. Legs didnt feel perfect but obviously loose enough

 

166.8

32 kg swings 40 x 5 in 40 min, 16 and 20 kg goblet squats 2 x3 and 3 x 3, both leg split squats 3 x 6/6

 This was good despite not great sleep. Dropped the silverback squat during bodymaintenace and subbed it with supported squat stretch and it opened up my  hips much more and I got far. less lower back fatigue during the swings

Goblets were rough showing me how much I need the practice. Still getting a lot of ab involvement but I'll deal

167.0

12.2

35 lb 3 mile ruck recent PR 44::21, 14:46 ave pace

 

Wow! didnt see this coming! it was pretty hard too, legs were a bit heavy from the max vo2 swings ( which I've decided to go back to strict one min rest (AXE) with the 20 kg

I could feel the effects of lactic acid today.

14:43 is my five mile pr so I should be able to beat that for three soon

Pumped

168.4 !
12.1

170 x 1 x 10, 175 x 1, 185 x 1, 195 x miss, 195 x 3/4, 20 kg swings 20 x 5 8 min, rear band laterals 3 x 12

 Not bad but not great emotionally going in, Fought it off but still distracting

Staying on my visual spot helped immensely but a few my head  moved too early

First 195 was a rushed mess and I should. have been able to lockout 195

4 am 167.4

         11.7%

12noon 168.4 !

               8.0%

               62.4% hydration highest ever I believe

             

172.5 x 1 x 22, band pushdowns and reverse curls 3 x 12

 This was fine. Bunch of minor distractions but all the presses were very solid, almost casually easy

Started looking up too early as I started to press which put the bar out in front ( like my old layback technique) around set 15 but quickly figured it out and fixed it

167.00

35 lb 5 mile ruck 1:14:27 14:53 ave pace( 4th place tie)

 This was solid and despite feeling pretty stiff getting up it warmed up quickly

Sleep was good, 6:50 and 1:05 deep! Ipigenin at 50 mg seems to be working

166.8

12.5

32 kg swings 40 x 5 in 40 min, 40 kg belt squats 5 x 10, left leg splitsquat 3 x 10

 Its not heavy but damn, 40 is a lot of sets. the last ten, obviously, are the hardest but I'm really liking this approach

166.8

10.2 didnt eat much yesterday.

35 lb 3 mile Ruck PR 44:27 14:48 ave pace

 

this was just strong and fast from the start. sleep was ok and not great emotionally but the ruck just flew

168.4

170 x 1 x 10, 180 x 1, 190 x 1, 195 x 1!! 20 kg swings 20.x 5 iin 8 min! band rear delt 3 x 12

 This went great despite another weird night sleep. Note to self 50 mg of ipigenin is good, 100 is not. long story long night

But the presses were solid. Went back to the tried and true Innov8 fastlift as the flatter shoe gave me some quad feelings I didnt like. along with the wider stance

So back to tried and true

Swings went back to max vo2 style I go you go speed with Nick. Pavel would call it KB AXE Double Espresso

Get it over with faster lol

168.4

8.8

61.4

LBM 153.6 ( at noon post bath)

172.5 x 1 x 20, hammer curls and onearm band pushdowns

 This went well. Not as strong as last week but my body is more achy from the weekend

All techniques were fine though 

166.8
12.2 at 4 am

167.8
9.2 at 11 am( post bath_

35 lb 5 mile Ruck 1:14:10 ! ( 2nd fastest) 14:48 ave pace

 Really bad sleep last night barely five hours so I didnt expect to be this fast. Super happy with this

Perfect rucking day, low 60's drizzly, light breeze

167.4

12.5

32 kg Swings 40 x 5 in 40 min, 40 kg belt squats 5 x 10, left leg split squats 3 x 10

 This went well although a bit creaky. Wanted to make sure I ended up with 40 min not 35 and got it done. Almost harder

167.6

10.8 ( bath)

35 lb 3 mile ruck 45:13, 15:04 pace

 This finished well but was harder than usual. hotter than usual too and didnt sleep well last night

But got through it and the time tied for the 3rd best 3 mile ever. So. not bad

167.6

170 x 1 x 10 , 180 x 1 ( wobbly) 185 x 1 187.5 x 1!, 20. kg swings 20 x 5 11 min

 This went great. Switch back to my Adidas Power lifts which is just flat out more comfortable with the same heel height.

Made PLENTY  of big lifts in them

Matched foot width with grip width and got the heels lined up under the bar AND the elbows SLIGHTLY in front

Just rushed the 187 a bit but strong

 Switched back to Innov8 360 for swings which is best
Swings after presses always takes time to re warm up but all good

168.4 at 12:30 for w/o

172.5 x 1 x 23 . db hammer curls and band pushdowns

This went well. Ended up with 23 sets because the last set was off a bit and wanted to finish perfectly

Key takeaways:

1) elbows have to swing in front of bar on takeoff, not enough to be just under it

2) feet should be width of hands

3)  heels should be just under bar

 

167.6!

5 mile 35 lb ruck 1:14:59 14:59 ave pace

 

This was a tough one. Not terrible, just not easy. Legs tired from yesterday which is a good sign

Decent sleep

167.2

32 kg swings 40 x 5 ( 35 min) 40kg belt squats 5 x 10, Left leg split squat 4 x 10

 These went well despite twisting my back a bit PUTTING ON MY SOCK LOL It wasnt bad but ANYTHING other than perfect with my back freaks me out these days

It stretched out fine

It was pretty strong swing session that only got bit hard from sets 35-40

Cant believe I'm so light though as I FEEL big for a change lol

 

166.8!!

35lb Ruck 44:38 three miles 14:50 ave pace

 

168.0

170 x 1 x 10, 180 x 1, 185 x 1! 20 kg swings 20 x 5 in 12 min, band rear delt

Didn't sleep well. Pretty  tired going win but things warmed up 

Most I've pressed in a long time 

gonna stay here for awhile though. 

 

169.2

172.5 x 1 x 20, band pushdowns 4 x 15/15. 20 lb hammer curls 3 x 8

 This was strong. Stronger than last week too. Last week the weight felt 'new', slightly heavy and unsteady. Today it felt solid and I was much more confident

On the setup

ELBOWS UP

CHEST UP

DRIVE BACK

168.6
8.6%
61.7 hydration! at 12 noon

All time pr ruck! 5 miles in 1:13:40 14:43 ave pace! Easy too

 

168.2

11.2 ( no bath)

32 kg swings 40 x 5 in 35 min, 44 kg belt squats 5 x 10 , left leg spit squats

 These went great hit the goal number for sets. Will stay here for quite a while 

set 20 

set 40

167.8

35 lb ruck 1.64 miles blister cut it short

 Decided to try out my GoRuck Mackall rucking shoes which SHOULD have worked as I wear them all the time and have the same platform as my MacV2 but got a hot spot on my right pinky toe at 1.64 and I knew it wasn't going to get better so I called it

First mile at 15:15 too so it was fine but now I know the only boots that work are my MacV2's

Oh well

170 x 1 x 10 175 x 1 180 x 1! 20 kg swings 20 sets of 5 12 min rev grip pull parts 3 x 15

Switched out shoes to the red do-wins and felt more stable. 1/4" lower heel ,heavier and wider. No problems at all. Plus they look cool lol

set 5/10 ( light is terrible have to turn around 

https://youtube.com/shorts/3-68uTEfQJ4?si=6M5PJrdpfuWq221l 

Cues: chest up elbows up

175 x 1

https://youtube.com/shorts/4xijkAmwnIQ?si=phnNXv7RkRlZJBqO 

180 x 1 (heaviest in months!)

https://youtube.com/shorts/XDis1tHIaoI?si=UTb62p59hFwacsf7 

169.00 

172.5 x 1 x 20, one arm band pushdowns 3 x 15/15, 20 lb double hammer curls 3 x 6

This was hard. Everything moved well but I was too stiff in the shoulders and traps again from swings

 Has to be the volume , not adapted yet

Press technique was solid and I learned I have to keep a soft knee here as well as the swings to get and keep leg tension

set one

https://youtube.com/shorts/kSrtE2LD7uo?si=yHwcw5mE1VaUxpiO 

set ten  

https://youtube.com/shorts/wfcVQOC5fHE?si=oRzRUFPsaV6o8fMe 

set twenty 

https://youtube.com/shorts/k_DxC45DOLE?si=_D8KaQKNKkgsNhwO 

167 at wakeup

168.4 at 11:30 training

35 lb 5 mile ruck 3rd fastest time tie, 1:14:29 14:53 ave pace

Felt groggy this morning, neck a bit sore from hard sleep and just not peppy even tho plenty of decent sleep

But legs felt great and pace was solid. Just hard to stay focused on keeping the pace

Splits:

1) 15:36 ( good)

2) 15:07 really good

3) 14:46

4) 15:39

5) 14:11!

167.0 Light!

32 kg swings 37 sets of 5 in 37 min, 44 kg belt squats 5 x 10, left leg split squat 4 x 10

 Strong day, better than last week, could have done 40 sets but stuck to the progression

Squats were better too, one more set no problem

This foot print setup is magic AND my legs are growing and feel strong again.

that was the missing link

last set of swings

https://youtube.com/shorts/2sZJz0vlVZA?feature=share. 

167.8 

35lb 3 mile ruck pr 44:30 14:49 ave pace all time best

172.5 x 1 x 12, 20 kg swings 20 x 5 11:45 min, single arm band pushdowns 4 x 12/12

This went great once I got settled in and got the glare from the windows fixed

Should have gone

155 165 172.5

Once I got settled it moved perfectly but we'll see if I stay here or drop back to 170

https://youtube.com/shorts/z42wSJOBURw?si=o-dLRqgkA-wcuopj 

https://youtube.com/shorts/0DZBiee5yX8?si=sWEXuQD9g5mrlbuy 

https://youtube.com/shorts/qBz_OBO9wEE?si=Nc3Xbjp25aIixEBD 

168.8 

170 lb Press x 1 x 20 !, 20 lb hammer curls 4 x 8, rev grip pullaparts

This went perfectly. Virtually every rep was the same and strong and fast.

No hiccups 

set 13

https://youtube.com/shorts/fFXqp0liCyg?si=X7zLbzSOP9Uml5ec    

set 20

https://youtube.com/shorts/8sXMk1XN-q8?si=OPy0nCUkqVB7Wp6z. 

168.0

35 lb five mile ruck 1:15:36 15:05 ave

this wasn't that hard but legs were just heavy and I. had a slow start despite sleeping well 

splits

1) 15:25

2) 15:19

3) 15:07

4) 14:45

5) 14:29

167.2!!

32 kg swings 35 x 5 in 37 min, 44 kg belt squat 4 x 10, left leg split squat 10,9,8

 This went great. had some ideas about 40 sets but 35 was plenty. Finally understanding the idea behindAXE training now that I've lowered the bell weight 

https://youtube.com/shorts/XCS1CbRVbLA?si=OeMv6t7gifIGC-Wu

https://youtube.com/shorts/UvMARpqZrk8?si=hA1AMDZMPdNryCbv 

168.2

 

35 lb ruck 45:42 ave 15:12

170 X 1 X 12, 24 kg swings 20 x 5 12.5 min, onearm band pushdowns 3 x 10/10

https://youtube.com/shorts/Efe-ZOJJsaI?si=twyfF-o2P_L3g-dX 

https://youtube.com/shorts/cCEK4Dzd0I4?si=9cRNMyrLyy4koIHD

https://youtube.com/shorts/XrU6jpFIZlk?si=ZDXN3vF2tBYpjq3o

170 x 1 x 20! 20 lb arm casts 3 x 5/5,, 20 lb hammer curls

 Was only planning on 15 sets but they were so easy I finished off the twenty. this was a good way to do this: basically speed press day

No problem keeping the pace either

167.5

35 lb ruck 5 miles 1:14:58. 14:59 ave pace

 four hours sleep las night but still pulled it off~

32 kg swings 30 x 5 in 31 min, 40 kg belt squats 5 x 10, left leg split squat 4 x 10

 This felt great. Basically on the minute sets without timing it. AXE style

Move up to 35 sets next week

Belt squat groove excellent too

168.0

35 lb ruck 3 miles in 45:13 15:03 ave

First really hot day,80 degrees no breeze or cloud cover. went great. Better than expected especially after two night interrupted ( dogs ) sleep and extra swings yesterday.

No complaints

169.00

190 x 1 top sets, 195 x X x2, 170 x 1 x 5 wt pushups bw -53 x 5 x 3 band pushdown 4 x 20

 this was  all off. two cancellations and a messed up prep didnt help.nothing terrible but head wasnt in the game til half way through

all my problems up to the two 195 misses were from not getting elbows in front of the bar on unracking at all. bar went up and foward

was so focused on pausing before press i forgot elbows

155 x 1
165 x 1
175 x forward
175 x 1
185 x 1
190 x 1 decent
195 x X x 2
( figured out elbows)
170 x 1 x 5
195 x 1 hold
205 x 1 hold

168.0

35 lb Ruck 5 miles in 1:15:30,15:05 ave pace

 This was tough from the start. legs heavy and if I stopped focusing for a minute the pace dropped fast. End time and pace were stellar though

168.2

13.5

36 kg swings 22 x 5 24 min, 36 kg belt sq 5 x 10, Left leg split squat 3 x 10, pullaparts 3 x 30

 Strong strong day all around.Slept good, felt good, groove was on from the start and cardio was solid as its been

Best my swing has felt in YEARS

And the same footprint setup technique works great for the squat ( which is actually how I figured it out many many years ago)

168.4

2nd Fastest 3 mile 35 lb ruck 44:53 14:55 ave pace

 Also a two mile PR of 29.7 min. Did NOT want to get started ( not enough sleep) but man it was strong once I got going

Best time was Dec 25 44:43 and 14:53

Jan 29 was good too at 44:51 14:54

168.8

160 x 1 x 5, 165 x 1 x 5 16kg swings 8 x 8/8, DB rear delts 5 x 10 with 20s

 Really really solid. Went back to the Oly belt ( that support right over the umbilicus is key, the 2 pood has nothing there.) and super focused on PAUSING before the start

I now believe this is KEY to the chin press. The oly press needs a ballistic start. The chin press  needs a HIGH TENSION start.

The pause loads that tension

Also 'thought right' as I press. If I dont the left arm over works

 I simply cant go heavier on Mondays than I can hold at the start

 168.8

9.0 ! (post bath)

61.4

at 12:30

195 x 1 x 2, 175 x 1 x 5, parallette pushups 53 x 5 x 3, hammers 4 x 8 20s

 This went ok. Right side was not locking out as well as I wanted but overall good.

Got to back off though and work on HOLDING at the start instead of going for ballistic effect. This style needs a serious total body tight start. My 175s are better because I pause

168.4 at noon

5 mile PR! 35 lb ruck 5 miles 1:14:16 14:50 ave pace!

 All time best beating Nov 2 2025 by one second in time and ave pace,lol. Felt great strong from the start

first mile split  was 15:29!

168.00

32 kg swings 25 x 5 28 min 32 kg belt squat 5 x 10, left leg split squat 3 x 10, rev grip pullaparts 3 x 20

 This went great. The technique was solid as was the groove. the 32 actually felt like a 24 for the first time in forever. Bell speed, power, height  and between set recovery outstanding

Same footprint set up worked again in belt squat.Not as much depth but was more balance and leg work with this. non lockouts also really increase muscle tension

168.4

11.3 

58.7

35lb ruck 3 miles in 45:22 15:05 ave pace

 This went great didnt sleep all that well last night it didnt seem to mess me up. that crack in my skinby my right big toe nail though is. Got to get that handled been too long

169.4 !