40 kg One Arm swings 10 x 10/10, pistol practice, handstands, wt pushups. laterals

This was very strong. Best in maybe forever. Didn't sleep perfectly but was solid in lungs, legs and recovery between sets.   Very good bell speed, bell height, power and consistency on all 20 reps per set as well as all 10 sets. Couldn't be happier and the cold/cough seems to be finally done. That took a long ass time

Groove and stroke were spot on and overall power was solid. The 40 now really feels like the 32 used to almost all the time

One arm swings
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 kg x 5/5
24 kg x 4/4
28 kg x 4/4
32 kg x 4/4
40 kg x 10/10 x 10 sets
200 reps
17,600 lbs
8.8 tons moved
RPE 6.5

Pistol practice
3 sets of 3/3
REC FEMS were LIT up!! from the swing work! on the extended leg but almost cramping they were so worked. crazy

Handstand practice
3 sets  and they were strong. Nice to do them with no pre fatigue from pressing first
the groove is there and on the second set I missed the wall but held the rep for a good bit!



Laterals
3 x 6/6 with 20's
solid

BW 169
BF 11.8 ( after bath)
W 58.7

strong day!

20 kg speed swings 35 sets of 8,press practice 105-150 x 3s, 20 lb walking lunges, laterals

this went well. It seems I might be actually totally done with this stupid cough and that's about time. And I'm liking this I go, you go approach to 15:15 and probably will keep it even after I'm fully healthy. Go slower when i need to and faster when I'm ready. Negative split racer and all that.
hasn't proven to be that great a cardio transfer anyway. 
I'll keep track of sets , reps and tons and go with that.
Never liked those damn timers ever

20 kg speed swings
35 sets of 8
280 reps
12,300 lbs
6.16 tons
RPE 6.5
total time about 18 min-19 min. I'll keep track of this in the future

no bath before and strangely hamstrings felt might tighter at start.

Standing press
45 x 5 all false grip
65 x 3
85 x 3
115 x 3 x 3
125 x 3 x 2
135 x 3 x 2
145 x 3 x 1
150 x 3 x  2 ( last set thumb over instead of false)

very strange the false grip felt perfect until the first set of 150 where it stalled a bit at lockout! Just what  was hoping it would fix. Took the next set with a wrapped thumb and there was no denying it was a much better groove.
So, thumb it is.

20 lb sandbag lunges
3 laps of 20

Laterals
2 sets of 8/8 wth 20s

BW 170
BF 12.9

datsit

190 lb standing press,Handstands, 44 kg belt squats, floor pushups, laterals

This went great today. Way better than expected. Put on the Innov8 trainers and pushed in a straight line and everything went up. Some better than others and that was dependent on mostly getting the best launch off the chest but the groove is the correct one for me. Basically a standing incline press.
Hey, I'd love to have the shoulders to be able to finish with my biceps next to my ears but that ain't going to happen and it's keeping me back. SO this will have to do

Standing press
45 x 5
65 x 3
85 x 3
105 x 3
135 x 2
155 x 1
165 x 1
175 x 1
180 x 1
185 x 1
190 x 1 !!
185 x 1 Fast!
180 x 1 even faster!





and had NO problem kicking up to the handstand. Now my erectors were screaming at me while I held it but it felt like a normal handstand has for most of my life. NO panic upside down at all. That is SO weird but I'll take it


44 kg belt squat ( innov8 oly shoes)
x 12, 14, 16, 18

these felt great

Floor pushups
50
40

getting tired

Laterals
2  x 8/8 with 15s

enough

BW 169.2
BF 12.5

man I could not be happier right now! I have hope for 200 and more!
Plus my freakin' handstand has returned and only next to being able to walk again does this take second place

48 lb Ruck

 Eight weeks in for the beard


Not bad at all. Cool and overcast with a slight drizzle. Literally perfect rucking weather. 50 degrees. Body was fine from yesterday.
A full two hour ruck with lots of little rest pauses to loosen the legs up. Things were ok but a bit tight from yesterday's heavy loading but symmetrically fine,

48 lb ruck
2 hours even
12 laps
8 iso supported squat stretches
RPE 7.5

BW 170
BF 21.1
W 58.9

60 and 68 kg One Arm Swings, Pistol practice, Handstand practice!!, Wt pushups laterals

What a great workout!  Pretty much 100% healthy and all things went great today! Including being able to do my handstand again!!! I just had a feeling I should be able to and tried a few after pistols and they went RIGHT UP! Nothing like that catastrophe that happened last year. Can't really explain what's different now or why it went south but it felt like it used to be going upside down today.
The weight shift and all. No problem getting to the wall. I had a little shoulder shift  but it was my second attempt today  and first attempt with no spot and no problem Very encouraged by this


 One arm swings
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 kg x 5/5
24 kg x 5/5
28 kg x 4/4
32 kg x 4/4 ( feels light!)
36 kg x 4/4
40 kg x 4/4
44 kg x 4/4
48 kg x 4/4 ( 80 warmup reps)
60 kg x 5/5 x 7 ( 70 reps) best transfers ever on this
68 kg x 5/5 x 3 ( transfer is there. Almost time to go for it.)



This was easily the strongest it's ever been. ZERO grip issues and I seriously considered transfer. I had enough float but want to wait a bit. But I could accelerate the bell more than ever and I even got a little float on it too

Pistol practice
3 sets of 6/6

very solid

Handstands
set one spotted with Nick - a bit short but no problem feeling stable upside down
set two _ above video. Part of the difference I think was accepting my 'trophy' handstand position as OK. Not trying to shift through to a 'modern' handstand which I don't have the shoulders for anymore

We'll see if I can ever do it again but I think I'm onto something. With my press and my handstand. If this is the case and I can train these as an assistance exercise for my press I think both will take off

Wt pushups
bw x 10
53 x 10 x 3

solid

Laterals
3 x 8/8 with 15s

BW 168.2
BF 10.7
W 59.6 !!

datsit! very very happy with this on every level

Solid ruck

Nice one today. Very solid. Cool, overcast and just a bit drizzly.
Didn't want to go but once I got going it went fast.
legs felt light and decently strong
a little cough still but no meds and still on the mend

48 lb ruck
6 laps
55 min
RPE 6.5


BW 169.4
BF 11.4  ( lowest in morning in ages )

day off tomorrow!

20 kg speed swings 30 sets/8RPA,Press practice 105-157 lbs, wt walking lunges, laterals

Still not 100% but almost there. Decided to increase swing volume a bit but not go on the clock. Still have a cough and don't want to push lungs hard yet at all

SO I go you go with Glenn. 30 sets of 8 rpa with the 20 kg. Probably one set every 30 seconds instead of 15. Didn't watch clock
HR was up at end

30 sets x 8
240 reps
10,560 lbs

not bad

Press practice

Switched to a flat( ish) shoe, my inov8 trainer. Hard sole and no more than a 5mm rise at best, Feels pretty flat
Switch to pressing straight up. Not back at all and finishing there. It ain't pretty but it sure is simpler and stronger
Switch back and forth a few times from flat shoe to oly and it was surprising that the main thing that was easier was the walkout!
Much easier to keep hips forward and shoulders back.Flat shoe also makes it easier to stay back at the mid point. And keep glutes engaged.
Just set up lay back, flex lats and press straight to lockout
As close to my bench press technique as can be
My standing incline press :)

45 x 5
65 x 3
85 x 3
105 x 3 x 2
115 x 3
127  x 3 x 2
137 x 3
147 x 3
152 x 3
157 x 3 x 2
10 total sets

We'll see for real on Monday

20 lb walking lunges
4 laps of 20 steps

not bad in the rain

laterals
3 x 8/8 with 15's

BW 169.6
BF 12.1

Step back or fall off- Standing press up to 185 miss x 2 , 180 x 1, 40 kg belt squat, floor pushups laterals

I didn't really realize it's been seven weeks of over 90% presses with 5 of those PR weeks.  And after being sick all week and not sleeping well last night, both training partners out and feeling cold and sore I shouldn't have expected much. And that's what I got. not much

I was so hopeful for this new technique but like usual once the weight gets over 90% all bets are off. This thing  gets SO challenging for the start and the lockout, especially with my shitty shoulder flexion, but some reps were easy so it's there. Somewhere. Putting it together for 200 lbs will be the deal. But I was so close last JUNE! Damn.

And my new numbers are definitively higher than those I did prior to those three close misses in June.  I also never max well in winter. That freezing gym is just not conducive for it. But I've got to try.

Lots of balance problems once I got over 175. Missing the bar out in front and not really sure, even here, which this was supposed to FIX, of how to initiate the launch
I dropped back more than a few times and things went well but then nothing at 185.
So weird

Standing press
45 x 5
65 x 3
85 x 3
105 x 3
135 x 2
155 x 1 strong!
175 x 1 faster ever possibly
185 x X fast start but then no sense of balance bar out in front
185 x  X same thing
155 x 1 fast
180 x 1 ( above) not bad at all!
185 x X fuck.. balance again
135 x 1 push press. well that's not going to work
165 x 1 hard

two kb military press
2 16's x 5 x 3

better mobility in this than ever. but I don't think it'll help

40 kg belt squat
8.10,10,12

did some bar back squats prior to this just to play form and my left adductor and calf went wonky. Great

Floor pushups
40 x 3 just mentally hard.

one arm laterals
3 x 10/10

bent laterals
3 x 10 with 15's

BW 169.6
BF 12.1

well damn now what?

Full Ruck ! Back to health

Did the full twelve lap ruck today and it was decently strong. Not perfect but mainly as my legs were tight and pumped up fast from yesterday's training. Stopped a lot to let legs circulate but other than that it went well

Cool, overcast and fresh. just perfect rucking weather

48 lb Ruck
12 laps
7 iso squat stretches
1:55 min
last lap 7:32 ! not bad
RPE 7

BW 169
BF 12.2

getting ready for tomorrow heavy presses with new technique. so excited for this to work!

Thursday Fast walk , Sat 48 kg one arm swings 10 x 5/5, pistol practice,wt pushups, laterals

Instead of rucking Thursday I decided to take the hour I was getting my phone battery changed to do a no load fast walk. Really haven't done that as a training day since my TKR. It was actually very cool. I walked 30 min up Page mill road in Palo Alto which is a pretty steep and steady incline and then the same back plus a little ( walking downhill is faster) .
Surprisingly fun and my quads and calves were surprisingly sore the next day! I was on concrete but still. That slight incline was work!
Nice and the MacV's performed perfectly
These are without a doubt my favorites shoes of all time and, combined with my XOTOES I never want to take them off! I would sleep in them ,lol.

One Arm Swings

Woke up feeling 95% health with just a slight cough though. But slept through the night the last two nights and felt just about normal.! So great to sleep through!
This cold/flu really kicked my ass for the last two weeks. First time in forever

16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 lg x 5/5
24 kg x 5/5
28 kg x 4/4
32 kg x 4/4
36 kg x 4/4
40 kg x 4/4
48 kg x 5/5 x 10
150 reps
15,900 lb tonnage!
RPE 6.5  very strong day. No problems at all!

Pistol practice


these went great. even better than last week. even with low reps quads got a hell of a pump!

4 x 5/5

Wt Pushups
bw x 10
53 x 12 x 3  back to 12's

shoulders felt great, too

Laterals
3 x 6/6 with 20's
needed some weight finally

BW 168.6
BF 10.9
W 59.5!!!

hope the rain waits til my ruck is done tomorrow

datsit

20 kg speed swings, 25 set of 8 RPA ( not timed), Standing press practice ( discovery!) walking wt lunges, laterals

 Went easy today. Max vo2 swing work untimed. Just a round robin with nick, glenn and I.
8 RPA
25 sets
200 reps
8,800 lbs work
RPE 7.5

Lungs felt great . zero coughing!!

Standing press; Breakthough!
Perhaps. We'll see Monday when the weight's heavy but man it felt great today and seemingly solved a LOT of problems

The Technique:
Unrack with head up and looking at ceiling. Lock in arch/elbows up
Layback and press and just at 3/4 look forward to move under bar!

I can't believe how great this felt! First walking out with head up made the weight supported by torso, what I've been TRYING to get but haven't. When I looked forward walkiing out the weight feels SO Much heavier and way too much arm work

Putting neck in extension helps create even more back extension, and, hopefully let me stay there at the sticking point

BUT< by driving my head to look forward as I get to lockout I move my torso under the bar instead of trying to put the bar back more

This just may work!
 It also solves the how to launch it from a deadstop problem,Just a single leanback and shove

The moving underthe bar changes everything. I didn't think I could do it! I coached Nick on it then he told me to do the same!

Walking lunges 20 lb
4 laps of 20 steps

achy

laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15s

BW 168.8
BF 13.1

up a lot last night

VERY excited about this

180 lb Standing press, 40 kg belt squat, floor pushups, laterals

Still getting better but not all the way there yet. took it relatively easy. Definitely want to focus on the perfect set up and launch for the press. If i can nail that exactly 200 will be a breeze.  If I can't figure out the timing I may be able to grind it out. Or not. Have to get the start groked

Standing press
45 x 3
65 x 3
85 x 3
105 x 3
135 x 2
155 x 1
165 x 1
175 x 1
180 x 1 x 4
       x X got out in front, didn't fight it at all
170 x 1 LAUNCHED !  Perfect.!! Could be the best press rep I've ever done at weight
180   x 1
175 x 1
170 x 1 medium speed
165 x 1 x 2

overall a good day but not feeling strong in the walkout

40 kg belt squats
3 x 10

Floor pushups
2 x 20

Laterals
2 x 8/8 with 15s

BW 169
BF 12.4


onward, through the fog

Back to the ruck

Missed Thursday as I came home, took a hot bath, ate soup and went to bed. Today I wasn't 100% but ready to go and see who was home :). tight glutes to start out but iso squat stretches let that out pretty fast

Started out in pitch black for the first time ever. Cold and wet but in between storms. I decided I would go until i started to feel a bit tired or it started to rain/

Didn't feel tired but it did start to drizzel after I finished lap eight so I walked it home

Perfect

48 lb ruck
8 laps
1:25 min
8 iso squat stretches
RPE 7.8

BW 169
BF 12.1  No bath!

Beard report 6 weeks in

44 kg One Arm Swings 10x6/6, Pistol Practice, Wt Pushups,Laterals

FINALLY feeling human again. Sound bad but feel great. Energy back and body aches gone. Still have a cough but nowhere near as bad. Nowhere near.

Still cut the reps back from 8 to 6's as I didn't know how it would go, but the power and speed were excellent and my body felt great

One Arm swings
16 kg x 5 x 2
20 kg x 5/5
24 kg x 4/4
28 kg x 4/4
32 kg x 4/4
36 kg x 4/4
44 kg x 6/6 x 10
120 reps
11,640 lbs tonnage
RPE 6.5

Pistol Practice
Great breakthrough today. By alternating legs reps I had Zero Rec fem cramping AND I could get depth on right side. All of a sudden, and just like that. Just crazy
Felt much better balance
This will lead me to a full bodyweight unassisted pistol one day I can feel it


4 sets of 5/5

Wt Pushups
bw x 8
53 x 8 x 3 sets

strong too!

Laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15's

BW 168.4
BF 10.6
W 59.7

Good to be better, lets see if I can ruck tomorrow. If it rains I skip. Not chancing that.

24 kg speed swing 12 min, 105- 142 lbs press 10 x 3, 20 lb walking lunges

Been a rough couple days as my cold turned into bronchitis ( as it usually does). Took it easy today in the workout but it was so dry in the gym that it probably wasn't a great idea. But I should be fine. I ended up coughing more in the press than the swings. energy ok but not great

24 kg speed swings
12 min  7 RPA ( not up to 8's )
169 reps
8904 lbs
RPE 7

not bad but started coughing a bit towards the end.

Standing press
45 x 5
85 x 3
107 x 3 x 3
117 x 3 x 2
127 x 3 x 2
132 x 3 x 2
142 x 3

used a closer grip and back to thumb wrap. Index finger ON smooth but just barely, felt fine but it's all easy til it's heavy

Walking lunges
4 laps of 20 ft with 20 lb sandbag

no problem just getting tired

BW 168.8 !!
BF 13.3

sweating lots last night as fever broke!


see how ruck goes

177 lb press 1 x 5 ,2 x 2, 32 kg belt squats,Floor pushups, laterals

Full blown cold. Decent nights sleep but a pretty full workday and lots of meds to keep going. Nothing bad but irritating and distracting
Got the workout I wanted, all with false grip ( which I'm still not sure is any better, really) but it wasn't as easy as I hoped.
Could be the cold, could be the groove.
All in all it got done but didn't fill me with the confidence I had hoped it would

Standing press
45 x 5
65 x 3
85 x 3
120 x 2
135 x 2
155 x 1
177 x 1  x 5
177 x 2 x 2
9 reps with 91% of max



 Will see how next week feels, might be time to take a run at 200 and put that thing to rest

32 kg belt squat
15,17,20,20

nose clear and endurance good. could be the pseudophed :)

Floor pushups
55
55
40

very strong suprisingly so. again endurance is surprisingly good.

Laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15's

BW 170.8
BF 13.3

47 lb ruck

The headcold I've been fighting for the last few days won. It settled it pretty mild during yesterday but gave me some issues sleeping. Nothing bad just sinus congestion. hard to breathe through my nose but trying to do so helped

Ruck was fine , just took it slow and I felt relatively strong.

47 lb ruck
12 laps
8 iso squat stretches
1:50 min
RPE 6.5

lots of little stops to let legs loosen up

BW 169.8 (first time under 170 in awhile)
BF 13.3

Lighter presses tomorrow with false grip

40 kg One Arm Swings 10 x10/10,Pistol Practice, wt pushups, laterals

Tough one today. Been fighting the beginnings of a cold and today's the toughest workout we do, really. It's not super heavy but not light either and 20 reps sets are just hard. IF you do them right and try to accelerate maximally every rep of every set.

Not really sick yet but a bit congested and stuffy.
Oh well. Do my best

It was fine. Only one swinging today but glenn was there to coach. I always end up going faster this way and even though I tried to slow down and breathe more I was faster which made it harder. that's ok I haven't pushed cardio in forever.

One arm swings
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 kg x 5/5
24 kg x 5/5
28 kg x 4/4
32 kg x 4/4
40 kg x 10/10 x 10 sets
200 reps
17,600 lbs
 RPE 7.5

Pistol practice
4 sets of  4/4 with shoe but no extra heel elevation. Made a big discovery too. I need to conciously shift my weight to the big toe before I start the descent and it dramatically changes my balance point for the better AND my rec fem does not scream at me! Very weird but good. Big toe pressure preloads the quads

Wt pushups ( false grip)
bw x 10
53 lbs x 10 x 3

switched to false grip prepping for Monday press

laterals
3 x 8/8 with 15's

BW 170.2
BF 11.3
W 59.1

( bath)

the ruck should be interesting tomorrow

47 lb ruck

Bumped the weight up just a bit as I barely even notice the 45 lbs anymore.  Didn't want to jump too much and I couldn't tell I had increased it either, which is just as I wanted,

Started off stiff and tired but warmed up quickly.Decent pace and breath control

48 lb ruck
6 laps
55 min
RPE 7

BW 170.6
BF 13.0

legs feeling good lately

24 kg speed swings 12 min 8 RPA,Standing press 105-142 x 3,walking lunges 20#, laterals

Hard to believe just how much harder 8 reps per 15 second is than 7 reps! My heartrate at the end was 160 or so and it hasn't been topping 140 of late, even for 16 min. But it had to be done as it's just been too easy and it's not helping me get better.
Hard to accept I used to do 10 reps per arm for 20 min sets on a very regular basis. But it sucked ,lol, and was definitely more about lactic acid tolerance training than power production but I need some 'sucked' too.
Well it did :)

24 kg speed swings
15:15  8 rpa
12 min
192 reps
10,176 lbs tonnage
RPE 8

but form and power felt good and bell speed and height were as well

Standing press- False grip
45 x 5
65 ,85 x 3
105 x 3 x 5 sets
115 x 3 x 2 sets
127 x 3 x 2 sets
132 x 3
142 x 3

No idea why i decided to play with false grip but it felt really really good. Seemed actually easier to get the bar launched as well! weird. Will take it for a test ride Monday with 177 and see how it locks out.
I could bench so much better with a false grip than with thumb wrapped but that was a bench and not overhead but it seemed to also take pressure off my biceps tendon as it did in the bench.

It seemed like if I 'pinched' my elbows in right before the start it really set the groove and the launch well. And without as much leanback needed

20 LB walking lunges( zercher hold)
4 laps of 20 steps

these felt GREAT! as good as a lunge has felt. Maybe extra weight was what I needed to re groove

One arm db laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15's
band rear delts
3 x 12 with red band

need to put these in the rotation as an alternated move

BW 171.4
BF 13.1

1 pm
170,4
BF 11.1

after bath

datsit

185 lb Press 3 x 2 PR! 1x1, 60 kg belts squat , floor pushups, laterals

This was a freakin hard ass workout! Start to finish. Even the warmups were hard. No excuses I felt great, slept great felt strong and solid and had a bath and good stretchout. It was just fucking heavy and with this exercise I have NO margin for error. BUT I did 7 solid reps with 95% and that should get me to 200 in three attempts or less.

I can grind on this, that's for sure, but for sure I shouldn't HAVE to with these damn weights.The groove is so elusive for me and so dependent on so many variables. But, I made the lifts and I made a big jump from 180 last week. Normally I would have jumped just 2.5 lbs but I'm on a deadline :) it was fine

I did see from the video I am NOT getting enough of the bar weight on my chest on the step out. If I'm too vertical on the walkback it always feels heavier and that was true today.

Not sure what I'll do next week. Not ready for attempts at 200 nor 190. Perhaps 175 for some fast doubles. I'll think on it.

Press
45 x 5
65 x 3
85 x 3
105 x 2
120 x 2
135 x 2
155 x 1
170 x 1
180 x 1 ( ugh, not fast at all. had me very worried)
185 x 2 x 3 sets  fighting on each one each set a PR
185 x 3/4 miss
185 x 1!

total reps with 95% of 195 max = 7


second set. I did NOT have ANY confidence for a double on the third set. But I fixed some timing and it was easier


60 kg belt squat PR
10 flat floor
10 x 3 sets standing on plates

these went great! first time with this weight

Floor pushups
2 sets of 50 !

laterals
3 sets of 10/10 with 15's

BW 170.2
BF 13.3

Merry Christmas to me!

60 and 68 kg One Arm swings 10 x 5/5, assisted pistols, wt pushups, laterals

This was a very surprisingly strong day all around. I got the closest ever to transferring the 68 kg and  did not have one grip issue the entire workout. A serious PR for that. The first time I felt like I could accelerate the 68 kg without feeling it was going to tear out of my hand.
Grip strength and overall total body strength obviously up

One arm swings
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 kg x 5/5
24 kg x 5/5
28 kg x 4/4
32 kg x 4/4
36 kg x 4/4
40 kg x 4/4
44 kg x 4/4
48 kg x 4/4
60 kg x 5/5 x 7 ( 9240 lbs)
68 kg x 5/5  x 3 ( 4500 lbs)
13,740 lbs total!

Assisted floor pistols
3 sets of 5/5 SO much harder on the rec fem but ready for it. Front hand spot kept me more square

wt pushups
bw x 10
53 x 10 x 3
strong today. pecs and shoulders cooperated

laterals
2 set of 10/10 with 15s

BW 170.4
BF 12.1
W 58.5

datsit!

Thursday Ruck

Really nice one today. Super overcast, cool to the point of almost being cold for the first few laps then joyous as the outside cool air made going faster just that much easier.
Legs felt light but strong and loose. Lungs solid too

But SO did not want to go! But so glad i did

45 lb ruck
6 laps
52 min
RPE 6.5

BW 170.8 ( third day straight! )
BF 14.3
W 56.7

uh oh too low water

24 kg speed swings 16 min,115 lb standing press 10x3,walking lunges, laterals

Just a weird rhythm to this workout, lots of pre workout issues distracting then miscues with training partner as to times but all in all this went ok

speed swings
24 kg x 7 RPA
15:15
16 min
224
11,872 lbs
RPE 6.5

all systems are go. 7's are actually too easy now but I really am not ready to go to 8's lol.

pussy.

I at least have to start alternating sets with 7's and 8's

Press
105 x 3 x 3 sets
110 x 3 x 3 sets
115 x 3 x 4 sets

this just takes so long to warmup the extension, especially after swings but it was solid. Remember to flex harder than you think you have to prior to launch. really makes a difference

walking lunges
4 laps of 40 ft
long stride technique today

laterals
3 x 8/8 with 20's
not bad

BW 170.8
BF 13.6


ruck up tomorrow

datsit

180 lb press 5 x 2, 135 x 10 PR, 48 kg belt squat, Floor pushups, laterals

This started out very tough and ended up very well.

All things were go at the start and it was a very tough heavy start. Felt good, elbow resolved itself, sleep was solid, no alcohol mindset good but the warmups and the first set felt heavy. Had thought I would do the first set with 180 and if it was strong I would go 182.5 for the rest. My first set scuttled that idea. It was slow, at least the first rep

but the second set was solid and then the third (above) was strong as was 4 and 5
 Maybe just got warmed up?

Standing press
45 x 5
65 x 3
85 x 2
105 x 2
120 x 2
135 x 2
155 x 1
170 x 1 ( not bad but not easy)
180 x 2 x 5 sets
RPE after second set 7
135 x 10 PR had more left too

48 kg belt squats
10, 12, 14 , 16

Floor pushups
55
55
30

this was a surprise too

Laterals
15 lbs x 8/8 x 3

BW 170.4
BF 13.3

dats it, Next week up to 185 and see what I can do, Hopefully some doubles. thinking set one single, then a double then see

Strong Ruck

This was a great surprise. Legs were loose but strong and the entire ruck was solid.The air was cool and crisp and the sky gorgeous.
I caught the flow of the ruck quickly and I can't remember a better one.
Stride felt elastic and strong

awesome

45 lb ruck
12 laps
1:52 min
RPE 6 !

BW 170.2 !!
BF 13.0
W 57.7

that's surprising too

going to 182.5 for double tomorrow instead of 180.  We'll see

48 kg One Arm Swings 10 x 6/6, Box Pistols , wt pushups, laterals

These went really went. Was rested fresh and un tweaked. Good combo
Wasn't freezing cold either and that's huge
The damn bell is heavy that's for sure but I also didn't have to really focus on my grip to get through and try to maximize power without it opening up
That's progress

One Arm swings
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 kg x 5/5
24 kg x 5/5
28 kg x 4/4
32 kg x 4/4
36 kg x 4/4
40 kg x 4/4
48 kg x 6/6 x 10
120 reps
12, 720 lbs tonnage
RPE 7

Box Pistols


these went well too.  Left side is really coming along  right side is way higher and I haven't figured out the groove yet either. Looking at the video it seems I am twisting right with the torso when I squat left, I should be twisting left. Perhaps I should hold on with the left arm . Will test it

3 sets of 6/6 off box
1 sets of 4/4 on floor. Leg is strong but rec fem screams! especially left side! Still more work to be done

Wt pushups
bw x 10
53 lbs x 10 x 3 sets

horiz bar feels strong

laterals
3 sets of 10/10 with 15s

BW 171.4
BF 11.4
W 59.9

ruck up tomorrow!

Fast Ruck

 Really solid one yesterday. Tracy went with and without a ruck so all the laps times were fast, lol. Legs were a bit tired at first but able to  keep pace.

45 lb ruck
6 laps
48 min
RPE 6.5

 BW 171.6
BF 13.3

24 kg speed swings 8 RPA, 107 and 117 lb press 8 x 3, walking lunges, laterals

Late start today but we got it done. Decent too

24 kg speed swings
15:15
8 RPA
14 min
196 reps
10,388 lbs tonnage
RPE 7.5

pretty strong effort all around.

Standing press
107 x 3 x 5 sets
117 x 3 x 3 sets

these felt heavy and triceps were cooked. wanted to go heavier but this was not easy and didn't even feel decent til the 4th set

walking lunges
3 sets of 40

these actually felt good

laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15s

BW 170.8
BF 13.3

day off tomorrow

New MacV 1 boots in. love em so far

180 lb press: 5 x 2 PR! 44 kg belt squats, floor pushups,laterals

This was unexpected. Especially after the first set where I got the second rep but really had to grind on it. The above is the second set ( which I filmed as I didn't know if there would be a third!) but there was. And a fourth. But the fifth was crazy as I really had a ball busting grind on the first rep and that I was done but then decided 'hey, just go for it' and it was easier and faster than the rep before!

SO much of this is just timing everything PERFECTLY.  When it's this heavy if it's not perfect its a grind. But I can do it now and not miss. Just a few months ago I would have missed at least 4 of the 10 reps I did not being committed to keeping the hips forward at the sticking point. Now I know works but still need stronger glutes in extension.
Perhaps band work thrusters of some kind. Serious.

Standing Press
45 x 5
65 x 3
85 x 3
105 x 3
122 x 3
135 x 2
155 x 1
170 x 1
180 x 2 x 5 sets ALL TIME PR

Never did ONE double with this weight before. Definitely strong enough to do 200 if I time it right
Or maybe even if I dont SO much stronger than when I barely missed 200 months ago.

44 kg belt squat
10, 12, 14 ,16

very close stance and really working knees forward in the bottom plus keeping weight on big toe better

Floor pushups
 45
45
45

not sure if  this is an all time PR but it is a recent one

laterals
3 sets of 8/8 with 15s

BW 171.2
BF 13.1

good day!

45 lb Ruck

Another excellent ruck Sunday. Cool breeze, overcast and just a strong one. Started out a bit tight in the glutes and legs from the workout saturday but by the fourth lap things got loose and I got much faster.

Did 8 or supported squat stretches to loosen things up and that helped. No more calf issues since I switched boots


45 lb ruck
12 laps
8 supported squat stretch holds
1:50 min
RPE 7

Most excellent!

44 kg One Arm swings 10 x 8/8, box pistols, wt pushups, laterals

A lot better than last week. First, not hungover, and second eights are SO much better than tens  (read :easier ) But reallt decent power out put too
Not my best effort with this weight but solid

One arm swing
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 kg x 5/5
24 kg x 4/4
28 kg x 4/4
32 kg x 4/4
36 kg x 4/4
44 kg x 8/8 x 10
160 reps
15 , 520 lbs tonnage
RPE 7.5

Box pistols
4 x 5/5

rec fems were tightening up A LOT on each side on each rep! Pistols were solid but the rec fem was cramping!

Parallel bar pushups
bw x 10
53 x 10 x 3

decent. good break for horiz position

Laterals
3 sets of 8/8 with 20s

these felt hard. a bit heavy

BW 170.4
BF 11.4
W 58.9

ruck up tomorrow

Thursday ruck

A good one today. Got a late coffee so I was amped and ready to walk! Nice cool overcast weather always helps too, plus the air is so clean again! Legs felt loose and strong as did lungs.All in all very good

45 lb ruck
6 laps
52 min
RPE 6

BW 170.6
BF 13.1

Oh, BTW just ordered these. Could not help myself :) Don't need 'em, just want 'em

24 kg speed swings 13 min 7 RPA, standing press 105 x 3 x 10 , walking lunges, laterals

This actually went easy today. Felt rested, strong and ready to go. Always nice although these instances are further and further apart, at least they still occur :)

 Even got rushed into the start and it went fine

24 kg speed swings
15:15
7 RPA
13 min
182 reps
9646 lbs tonnage
RPE 7

very strong today on all front, power, grip wind, acceleration

Standing press
45
65 x 3
85 x 3
105 x 3 x 10

I like this better. 10 first reps practice is better than 5 or 6 sets

Walking lunges
4 laps of 40 ft

next week add sandbag weight. ready again

Laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15's

best this move has felt in a month

BW 171.6
BF 13.1

datsit it
ruck up tomorrow

175 lb Standing Press 5 x 3 PR!, 40 kg belt squats, floor pushups, laterals

Got all them first shot! It's been a long time since that has happened.The video is the second set, they got better each set after that with the last set truly the best set! This is so dependent of perfect timing of the press into the bar drive, the hip/ glute extension and static hold as you go through the sticking point and then being patient and staying in balance through the lockout. Lots to go wrong and not much leeway to not go off

But I was strong today despite another too busy for optimal recovery weekend

Standing Press
45 x 5
65 x 3
85 x 3
105 x 3
120 x 2
135 x 1
155 x 1
175 x 3 x  5 sets PR!! ( big warmup jumps too)

3 min minimum rest between sets. probably some close to 4 . This helps so much. Vital at these workloads and volume

40 kg belt squat
12, 14, 16, 18

very close stance. strong and rhythmic/ hammies were sore from all the rucking and swings and four straight days of training

Floor pushups
45
45
40

strong

Laterals
3 x 8/8 with 20's

best these have felt in a month

BW 172.2 !!
BF 12.4

1 pm ( three poops later :) )
170.2
11.4

ate a lot yesterday

of much needed day off. very happy with the sets. next week 180 for doubles

Full ruck

What a beautiful morning. Cool, crisp and slightly overcast. Made to go fast. And, right after a fresh rain so the air is full of O2 and moisture. Perfect.  Had a few interruptions the first 20 min which required slowing down but I made up by going super fast the rest of the two hours. Brought it in right on on time but felt stronger each lap.

45 lb ruck
12 laps
2 hours exactly
RPE 6.25


BW 170.4
BF 10.4
W 69.9

Post bath again but it's great to see those numbers again

Ok tomorrows press is 175 for triples. Will see how many

datsit

40 kg One Arm Swings 10x10/10, box pistols, wt pushups, laterals

It's a good thing that kettlebell training is " the best thing for a hangover" because i overindulged just a bit last night.
You pick it, you play it, is a favorite saying of mine so I did.

It wasn't that bad but it wasn't fun, especially on todays' big volume workout, lol.
Serves me right

One arm swings
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 kg x 5/5
24 kg x 5/5
32 kg x 4/4 ( I actually thought we were using this weight today! total mind gap! Have ZERO idea why as we haven't use this weight for sets and reps in years. Could have been the wine
40 kg x 10 x 10/10
200 reps
17,600 lbs tonnage( now that'll knock the alcohol out!)
RPE 8.5-9.0

Didn't help I rucked yesterday, either. Legs were feeling it
No worries though, I lived :)

Box Pistols
4 sets of 6/6

now these were the best ever. Really finding my groove and my rec fems are getting stronger every week

Wt pushups
bw x 10
53 x 10 x 3

strong here too

Laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15s

no problem

BW 168.4
BF 10.4 !!!
W 59.9

wow haven't seen these numbers in forever. I'll take it. Especially the day after :)

Ruck up tomorrow  full two hours!

Cool ruckings

Didn't get to it yesterday( for a variety of bad reasons) but I made up for it today. And, it was nice and cool and overcast to boot. Just wonderful.

But it was more of an effort than it should be- mentally- I kept trying to talk myself out of it. what i need to talk myself out of is the need to take it easier instead of harder. It's getting too easy to back off now. Have to cut that shit out

Hard(er) times are coming, in the world. I can feel it. If not me just getting older. Have to be ready.

45 lb ruck
6 laps
55 min
RPE 6.5


BW 170.2
BF 13.3

32 kg volume swings tomorrow

24 kg speed swings 12 min, presses 5x5 117 lbs, walkinglunges, laterals

Back to the start of the cycle. thought about doing 8 reps but there were some things going on and distracted me. Next time though
All was good. Power and wind were fine. Nice and humid and warm for a change, too

Speed swings
15:15 x 7 RPA
12 min
169 reps
8904 lbs

that doesn't seem like enough work 8 reps per arm would bring it up to 10.176  got to build back

Press
117 x 5 x 6 sets
same volume but I'm not sure i like it. 10 first reps is a good thing too

walkinglunges
4 laps of 40 ft

best in ages

Laterals
3 sets of 8/8 with 20's
felt heavy

BW 169.2
BF 13.4

175 lb Press 4 x 2 1 x 3 PR, box pistols, floor pushups, laterals

This went way better than expected, after five days of no training at all. Very pleased. It looks like I needed a rest?

Press
45 x 5
65 x 3
85 x 3
105 x 2
120 x 2
135 x 2
155 x 1
175 x 2 x 4 sets ( video below of 3rd set, hardest of the previous ones)
175 x 3 PR ( video above.)


Man I just felt great, rock solid and the groove was there Perhaps this is the key for max efforts- a week of no pressing!

Oh and a new belt as well! Since I'm pressing like a weightlifter I decided I should use a weighlifter's belt! Worked great for it's initial voyage



Box pistols
4 sets of 6/6

right side coming along much better, don't need to hang on with second hand now. also, a key is to lift left leg HIGHER than on left leg side! way better control on descent than just letting the leg hang down. Must  be activating the left rec fem  connect something on right side

Floor pushups
3 sets of 40
a  bit wider hand position and plenty in the tank

laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15's
easy

BW 170.2
BF 12.4

After bath
169.2
11.4 ( 1 pm)

a good one!

9 lap ruck

Back at it after  being TOTALLY off training since last monday. Went down to santa barbara on wednesday for thanksgiving with friends and I did zero training although I did walk a lot and of course got on the floor to stretch out.

But this is the first real vacation I have taken in twenty years. Sure I travel a lot, but for certs or workshops. Basically if I'm getting paid. This time cancelled work on thur and fri and no training and gave myself a much need mental and physical break

Four days of total muscle inactivity was probably one day too long and I was itching to get some loading in today. Plus, I realized I hadn't sweated for beans in all that time too. No good

But I wanted to easy back in today so only 9 laps

1:25 min Ruck
45 lbs
9 iso squats
RPE 6

fast and easy. went well could definitely have done more but I have to press heavy tomorrow

BW 170.4
BF 12.7

thought I'd be lighter. Feel lighter.

datsit

165 lb press x 4 x 5, 1 x 4, 36 kg belt squat, floor pushups, laterals

This was good. Tough but good. Had a raging headache for some reason but I still got four solid sets of 5. It's enough. Ready to go up in weight and down in reps.
Had to skip ruck yesterday as the air was so bad. Thought it would help my energy more today than it did; so that's good info. doesn't make that much difference.

All things were good just whenever I have to grind a rep on a set of five the chances of getting all five sets go down dramatically and I had two or three grinds today. Amazing I got the last set!

Press
45 x 8
65 x 6 ( experimenting with higher warmup reps)
85 x 5
105 x 3
120 x 2
135 x 2
155 x 1
165 x 5 x 4 sets ( fourth set shown above)
       x  1 x 4
135 x 8 down

happy with everything.

36  kg belt squat  x 12, 14,16  20

these were solid

floor pushups
1 x 50
1 x 45

beat

laterals
3 x 8/8 with 20s
elbow is normal

BW 169.6
BF 12.4

not bad considering no work at all yesterday

datsit

60 and 68 kg One Arm swings, box pistols,wt pushups, laterals

This went great. Warmed up in the bath again and that's making a huge difference as the garage is pretty frozen and will be for quite awhile. All parts of the body were feeling as good as they have, all at the same time in perhaps, forever. SOOO nice

Warmups went well and power output on all the swings were good. Even the grip was good

One arm swings
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 kg x 5/5
24 kg x 4/4
28 kg x 4/4
32 kg x 4/4
36 kg x 4/4
40 kg x 4/4
44 kg x 4/4
48 kg x 4/4
60 kg x 5/5 x 7 ( 9240 lbs)
68 kg x 5/5 x 3 ( 4500 lbs)
totals = 13,740 lbs!


Box Pistols
4 sets of 5/5
 didn't have to use both arm support for right side! a first! leaned into it more and the balance was there. very good elasticity in the bottom position finally
this is really coming along . and the rec fem strength to hold the non working leg up too

Wt pushups
bw x 10
53 x 10 x 3

left shoulder a  bit stiff on first two sets, then released

laterals
3 sets of 10/10

BW 168.8
BF 12.1
W 57.7

post bath

probably won't ruck tomorrow. Air quality is still very bad :(

5 lap ruck

 Air quality from the fires is still really really bad so I went but I cut it short a bit. But man it's really nasty out there

45 lb ruck
5 laps
50 min
 RPE 6.5

pretty strong but worrying about sucking in all that shit made it hard to enjoy. But legs feels good

BW 169.6
BF 13.3

24 kg speed swings 14 min, 105/115/120 lbs press 10 x 3,walking lunges, laterals

FINALLY got the shoulder, elbow, wrist to release yesterday and what joy of nothingness! No pain, no locked elbow no unmoving wrist.
Finally got serious about the pec minor release and had tracy stick her sharp ass elbow in it for 10 min and got it full released. Then, I work on decompressing the wrist and got IT to release as well When I woke up this morning the elbow locked out fine, no pain and the wrist moved normally

Reverse chiropractic at it's best. Bodymaintenance for the win

so nice to feel nothing!

24 kg speed swing
15:15 x 7 RPA
14 min
196 reps
10,388 lbs tonnage
RPE 7

very good height and high power output the whole set
strong

Press
105 x 3 x 5 sets
115 x 3 x 3 sets
120 x 3 x 2 set

very strong. SO IMPORTANT to  reset elbow each and every rep. Also NOT to flex spine when loading lats
 not so easy!

Walking lunges
4 laps of 40 feet
worked on toe in on each step and and this helps load TFL . this could be the source of my adductor issues, too much to out on each step

laterals
3 sets of 10/10 with 15's

strong. no elbow issues

BW 169.6
BF 13.3

165 kb Press 3 x 5, 1 x 4 3/4, 1 x 4, 32 kg belt squat, floor pushups band pullaparts

this was a surprise given how locked up I was all weekend.Turns out it was my WRIST  that was locking down my elbow and then my shoulder! Had time to really work on it this morning and still couldn't get it to release until a band distraction I was doing for my pec minor adjusted my wrist right at the base of my thumb and after that all the rest dissapated! By the time I finished my bath and got in the gym pretty much everything was a go

Except I was pretty beat up from a weekend of bodywork and joint restrictions and some pain. But all in all I am VERY happy with the workout. All the mistakes I learned from from last week worked great and with just a little more energy I would have made all five sets. Next week

Press
45 x 5
65 x 3
85 x 3
105 x 3
120 x 2
135 x 2
155 x 1
165 x 5 x 3 sets
       x 4 3/4 x 1
       x 4
I should really count the fourth set as it was SO close to lockout but I won't. it was hard ass rep which probably is what kept me from the 5 rep on the 5th set. On 5x5 you can't have any real grinds or it just kills the rest of the sets

Remembering to re set my elbows as well as 'pause" the lat flex before launch made all the difference Reset the elbows high, squeeze the sponge and glutes and wait just a sec then LAUNCH! the rest worked well

32 kg belt squat
 12  15 18 20

nice to go light. a little closer stance and toe in a bit to work more TFL

Floor pushups
45
40
35

caught up with me :)

Band pullaparts
black band x 40 x 2 sets
red x 40 x 1

these were great. Just didn't the laterals to mess with my wrist but have to add these in everyother workout! they were great when done as a real exercise and not just a corrective

BW 170.2
BW 12,7
W 58%

hopefully everything stays in place for a bit!

48 kg One arm swings 10 x 6/6, Box pistols, wt pushups, laterals

left elbow out of position for some strange reason ( over active flexors) and while it didn't hurt at all swinging it isn't comfy. Extensors in pretty good spasms and left biceps tendon not staying stable. Voodoo floss and lot of windmills and band work has helped but it hasn't settled in yet/

Training was strong though

One arm swings
16 kg x 5/5
20 lg x 5/5
24 kg x 4/4
28 kg x 4/4
32 kg x 4/4
36 kg x 4/4
40 kg x 4/4
48 kg x 6/6 x 10

sixes were fine. No different, really than fives. Left side grip a bit of an issue because of the elbow but nothing terrible

Box pistols
4 sets of 5/5


these are still feeling strong but it is still interesting my right side is so off balance. I can use just one arm for support with left side leg but need both for right side! Must be right side ab/psoas is weaker , not just tight

wt pushups
bw x 10
53 x 10 x 3

surprised this didn't bother my elbow at all

laterals
2 x 6/6 with 20's
1 x 8/8 with 15
 this bothered my elbow with the 20's

radial brachialis not happy

BW 169.2
BF 11.4
W 59%

first bath of the winter , lol

might not ruck tomorrow. The Camp Fire up north has made the air quality the level of Bejing. We'll see

Coolbreeze Ruck

It's so much easier for me to go fast when it's cooler out. Add in a nice breeze and I'm even better. Finally got a Thursday ruck like that today, so nice to not cook during the whole ruck

Legs were definitely tired and tight at the start but still could move quickly, a very good sign of decent conditioning

45 lb ruck
6 laps
45 min!
RPE 6

BW 170.
BF 13.5

24 kg speed swings 13 min 7 RPA, 105/115 lb press, walking lunges, laterals

Decent training today! Speed work went very well and so did presses. A little stiff, still not enough time on the floor but getting better

24 kg speed swings
15:15
13 min
7 RPA
182 reps
9646 lbs tonnage
RPE 7

Press
105 x 3 x 5 sets
115 x 3 x 5 sets

normal warmups. Really worked on staying tight on internal bounce but still was hard! I have to make sure when I flex the lats I don't drop my chin, noticed that on the press videos!

Walking lunges
 3 laps of 40 steps

being lazy. need to get back to 4 and then go back to sandbag lunges again

laterals
3 sets of 10/10 with 15's

BW 171. !!
BF 13.5

too high. eat less day

ruck up tomorrow

165 lb Press 2 x 5,1x4, 2 x 3, 48 kg belt squats, floor pushups, laterals

Just didn't have it today. For who knows what reason. Everything should  have been good. Body felt good, gym not too cold, mentally good, bodyweight high, shoulders and back ok. But it was a long weekend with a lot of socializing and not enough naps.

then the time shift which helped as far as more sleep but had me training an hour later and not enough coffee.
WAAAAHHH

Lots of excuses. Big point was I only got 2 sets of 5 ( still a PR ) but not what i wanted or thought I'd get.

I hate fives lol

Press
 45 x 5 x 2
65 x 3
85 x 3
105 x 3
120 x 3
135 x 2
155 x 1
165 x 5 x 2 sets
       x 4 x  1
       x 3 x 1

what happened I think was that I didn't stretch out my front panel enough from the swings and rucking and as I initiated the press with the internal bounce I lost glute tightness. I save a lot of reps but the coordination wasn't there

On the last set as I initiated I really kept the glutes tight and that was the key BUT it was too later
live and learn

48 kg belt squats
12, 14, 16, 18

strong

Floor pushups
3 sets of 45!

laterals
3 sets of 8/8 with 20's

BW 170.2
BF 13.1

SuperFast Ruck

This was a shocker. Especially given the tightness in my glutes when i started. We got rid of daylight saving time today so i got an extra hour of sleep. that helped. Plus it was cool and that helped. Plus I ate up a bit yesterday and that helped.

But man I was fast! didn't time any specific laps but I was almost 15 minutes ahead of regular pace! thats crazy

45 lb ruck
12 laps
1:46
RPE 6

BW 170.2 !!!
BF 12.1

and there ya go

try  to get a bunch of set of 5's tomorrow in the press

datsit

44 kg One arm swings 10 x 8/8, single leg box pistols,wt pushups, laterals

Good one today although I had a bit of vertigo upon awakening. Ears have been clogged a bit lately. Kinda freaked me out a little but I stayed calm. Very mild thank g-d. Still there at start of workout but not at end. that was good.
Workload was solid power and speed good and bell felt light
Amazing to me how much easier this workload is that 4 kg lighter but 4 reps more per set!

One arm swings
16 kg x 5/5/ x 2
20 kg x 5/5
24 kg x 4/4
28 kg x 4/4
32 kg x 4/4
36 kg x 4/4
44 kg x 8/8 x 10
160 reps
15,520 lbs that adds up quick!
RPE 7/5

Next week will bump up volume a bit on the 48 going to 6's to keep the delta change at 20 % or so . time to do it

Box pistols supported

these were much stronger today when I stopped touching  my down leg to floor and used more arm support and stretch reflex. actually felt decent for the first time!
4 sets of 7/7

Wt pushups horiz bar
bw x 10
53 x 10 x 3 sets

left shoulder still achy but warmed up well. this is a better hand position to transfer to barbell

laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15's

BW 169.4
BF 12.1

ruck up tomorrow

datsit

Hot ruck

Another hot one. Felt good starting out. No food at all before as it never seems to help, no matter how hungry I am going in. Once I get going I'm not hungry as the activity brings my blood sugar back up.

But it was freaking hot, in the 80s , and it's november! Luckily there was some wind which is better than none but it still sucked.

I'd rather do two hours on a sunday morning than one on a thursday afternoon after work :)

ok enough whining

45 lbs ruck
6 laps 52 min
RPE 8.5( just mentally )

BW 169.4
BF 13.3

24 kg Speed swings 12 min 7 RPA, 105/115 press 10 x 3, walking lunges, laterals

Decent one today, no where near as cold. Weird weather these days. Decided to go back to the 24 for this next cycle but drop the reps to 7 and really focus on power. Worked great. No rush to get the reps in and the total time for each set was close to 13 seconds as I milked each rep to the max.
I might go back to 8 rpa but perhaps not as I take the cycle back to 15 min

24 speed swings
15:15
12 min
7 RPA
RPE 7
168 reps
8904 lbs

decent

 Press
 105 x 3 x 5 sets
  115 x 3 x 5 sets

took awhile to open up. pressing muscles still a bit tired from monday

walking lunges
3 laps of 40

tracy took m vibrams so I had to do it barefoot on concrete,sucked. should have worn regular shoes

laterals
3 set of 8/8 with 20
felt heavy

BW 169.4
BF 13.3

datsit

ruckup tomorrow

165 lb Press 5 x 4 PR, 44 kg belt squat, floor pushups, laterals

This was way tougher than it should have been and it's only because i misjudged the temperature in the gym. It was freakin' cold; much colder than outside and I didn't take a hot bath or shower and was wearing just compression shorts and t shirt!

I really have to be warm to press well and I just wasn't getting there! So I went back in and dressed in sweats but it really through me off till I got to 155 and warmed up just a bit. The first set at 165 ( hard) finally got me warm but it was a tactical mistake I won't make again

Winter isn't coming; it's here.

Press
45 x 5
65 x 3
85 x 3
105 x 3
120 x 2
135 x 2
155 x 2
165 x 4 x 5 sets PR

RPE 8.5-9.0

the technique held well as I had more than a couple  iffy reps I would have missed just a month ago or so. Bar got out in front but I did the right thing and got my hips under instead of trying to shift the bar and it worked fine.

PLUS my left biceps tendon had been out all morning and didn't have time to really unfuck it til i got home, But it was inflammed a bit as I was pressing and made me slow down a bit on some reps. It all ended well but not the best day in terms of ease.

BUT it all got done!

44 kg belt squat
12, 14, 16, 20
strong!

Floor pushups
45
40
40

hard today and my left shoulder wasn't loving it . But it did feel better on the third set than the first

Laterals
3 sets of 10/10 with 15s

strong and focused

BW 169.8
BF 13.0

Fast pace ruck

For no good reason at all today's ruck was fast and easy from the start. Nice cool morning and pretty dark for the first half hour til the sunrise above made it's appearance. So beautiful. And it was so nice to have loose and strong legs from the start! Especially after yesterday's volume fest.

Mind was solid too and all systems were go!

45 lb ruck
12 laps
1:48 min
RPE 6.5

ok big presses tomorrow. 165 for sets of 4

BW 170.2 !!
BF 12.1

lol back to fighting weight

40 kg One arm swings 10x10/10, box step ups, wt pushups, laterals

From the heaviest weight to the heaviest volume, just a week apart. this workout is always hard but it's getting easier. Today was not bad at all. Great sleep the night before always helps tons

One arm swing
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 kg x 5/5
24 kg x 4/4
28 kg x 4/4
32 kg x 4/4
40 kg x 10/10 x 10

RPE 7.5

not that bad and power was solid

Box Step ups
4 sets of 7/7

really worked on feed forward tension and hyper irradiation on the negative and it really helped! more than I expected. Flexed opposite fist, abs and Rec fem
much improvement

Wt pushups parallel bars
53 x 3 sets of 10

left bicep tendon was not set well. strong but not fluid

laterals
3 sets of 8/8 with 20s

decent

BW 169.4
BF 12.1

datsit

Ruck it

Didn't have my third cup of coffee today and I could feel it when I set out for my ruck. Plus, it was hot, no shade, no wind and HOT.
Can't get used to one shade of the weather without it changing on a dime these days.
Just. Not. In.The.Mood.

But I got it done. Just slow

45 lb ruck
6 laps
1:05 ( slow)
RPE 8 (just tired and notinthemood.)

BW 169.8
BF 13.6

get er dun

20 kg speed swings 15 min, 105/115 press, walking lunges,laterals

   Top of the cycle for this bell. Next week I'll go to 12 min and go back to the 24 kg bell. Perhaps for 7 reps per arm. We'll see. Felt solid today. Again, amazed at the how much harder ten reps per 15 sec is compared to 8. Not even close in effort and cardio

20 kg speed swings
15 min
8 rpa
240 reps
10,560 lbs tonnage
RPE 7

very strong and powerful

Press
45 x 5
65 x 3
85 x 3
105 x 3 x 5 sets
115 x 3 x 5 sets

very very solid teshnik and bar speed/ path

walking lunges
3 laps of 40 steps

legs have been tired. backed off a bit

laterals
3 sets of 8/8 with 20s

BW 170
BF 12.7

ruck up tomorrow

165 lb press 4 x 3, 1 x 4 PR 40 kg belt squat, floor pushups,laterals

This went so well. Could not have asked for more. Not a bad rep in the five sets and the last set four reps was not bad at all. This technique is working out great. Best press workout I think I have ever had.Actually it is for sure. I was very confident in the technique and it all held together. Energy and strength were good as well

A little tight and stiff today from the heavy bells and first ruck in awhile but it didn't affect the performance and, as usual , the press is as a corrective.

Press
45 x 5
65 x 3
85 x 3
105 x 2
120 x 2
135 x 2
155 x 1
165 x 3 x 4
       x 4


40 kg belt squat
12, 14, 16, 18

strong

floor pushups
50
50
35

these were strong but overall fatigue caught me. Not long rest, either 2 min or so

Laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15s

BW 169.8
BF 12.0 !!

datsit!

First ruck in a week

Between the move and the weekend at StrongEndurance my rucking has taken the brunt of it.  Didn't miss any workouts but I missed two rucks in a row last week and today was get back on the horse day. It went well although  with so few miles in my legs over the last twenty years a week off feels like a month off to my upper body!

Not exactly the best day to come back after the 60 and 68 kg swings but so it goes. I just started slowly and took a lot of 30-60 sec rest to let the legs 'aerate' lol. Towards the end it was my upper back muscles yelling but I got through it.

Have to confess there were more than a few times I gave myself permission to only do 9 or 10 laps. And that would have been fine. Nothing I'm more scared of these days than a foot bone injury! Slow is fine.

45 lb ruck
12 laps
1:55 min
RPE 7 (took it very easy)

BW 169.8
BF 12.8

datsit!

Big presses tomorrow, 165 for 3's

60 and 68 kg One Arm swings 7x5/5,3x5/5, box step ups, wt pushups, laterals

Back in the saddle , back to really heavy bells. This went very well, especially considering the last months distractions and relatively poor training.Perhaps the rest/ change/chaos helped? who knows but today was strong

One arm swing
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 kg x 5/5
24 kg x 5/5
28 kg x 5/5
32 kg  x 4/4
36 kg x 4/4
40 kg x 4/4
44 kg x 4/4
48 kg x 4/4

60 kg x 5/5 x 7 sets : 9240 lbs
68 kg x 5/5 x 3 sets: 4500 lbs
13,700 lbs!



RPE 8

grip was very solid too

Box steps ups
4 sets of 6/6

right side was stronger thank goodness but still way weaker than I ever would thought. Long way to go on this exercise but it is where I need to be right now and works my hips as well as the quad

Wt pushup
bw x 10
53 x 10 x 3

horizontal grip today.
ok strength once I got warmed up. this opens up the pec/shoulders but it starts out tight

laterals
3 sets of 8/8 with 20

always feel how this balances the muscle tension in the shoulder

BW 169.6
BF 12.1

RUCK TOMORROW! Can't wait!

datsit

20 kg speed swings 14min 8 RPA,107 lb press 10x3 , walking lunges,laterals

Solid one today. Going back to swings as I just I can do more work more safely this way . A few more week of 20 kg then back to 24kg but only for 7's

20 kg one arm swings
15:15 8 RPA
14 min
224 reps
9856 lbs
RPE 7

Press
45x5
65x3
85x3
117x3x5
122x3x5

very strong lat flex and presstiming worked great

lunges
4 lapsof  40
strong

laterals
3 sets  of 10/10 with15

BW 168.6
BF12.4

datsit

ruck tomorrow!

165 lb press x 2 x 4,3 x 1,48 kg belt squat,floor pushups,laterals

This  went so much better than expected. LONG weekend at StrongEndurance seminar with very little food and right into early wakeup and regular work day. Very tired plus bad traffic on the way home left me sitting for 30 min. something I really didn't need at this time. But  everything worked out very well

Warmups didn't feel particularly good but once I got to weight it FLEW!

Press
45 x 5
65 x 3
85 x 3
105 x 3
120 x 3
135 x 2
150 x 1
165 x 2 x 4 sets  so fast!
165 x 3


48 kg belt squat
10.12,13,14

strong too

Floor pushups
50
45
40

can't bitch about this

Laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15's

BW 168
BF 13.3

ok back to normal schedule now ( I hope) for awhile!!

48 kg One Arm Swings 10 sets of 5/5, box step ups, wt pushups, laterals

Strong one today

One arm swings
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 kg x 5/5
24 kg x 5/5
28 kg x 4/4
32 kg x 4/4
36 kg x 3/3
40 kg x 3/3
48 kg x 5/5 x 10

RPE 7.5

Step ups
4 sets of 7/7

right side is weaker than left! it's not crazy given how much extra attention I've given to that side but it's weird to actually see and feel it!
This is the exercise for me now. Lots to go to be able to do it with no self spot or touching of the leg

Wt parallel pushups
bw x 10
53 x 10 x 3

strong!

laterals
3 x 8/8 with 20's

BW 167.6
BF 12.1

datsit!

No ruck today as I have to work as Master for recerts at StrongEndurance course!  damn

Back off ruck

Despite a good nights sleep I was seriously beat by the time it came to ruck. Add in extra hot day again I was dragging ass from the start.

Even though I have to miss Sunday ruck to work for StrongFirst to re certify a group of instructors I cut short the ruck by one lap.
Discretion and all that.

a full hour and a half nap told me I made the right choice

still
45 lb ruck
5 laps 52 min ( slow)
RPE 8.5

BW 167.8
BF 13.6

datsit

13 min SNATCH Vo2, 105 lb press 10 x 3 ,walking lunges, laterals

Yes I did SNATCHES! Got a wild hair I could do them and it worked fine. Pretty much like I never stopped ( although I'll see tomorrow). Don't think my overhead position  has changed very much from when I could do snatches but it has changed from when I stopped doing them because  I pretty much lost it, after my TKR

It's not better than it ever was but it's about the same as it was when I could do them, if that makes sense

Started out VERY easy, just 5 reps per set for 10 min then upped it to 7 reps for the last three. No problem and these are much easier than swings!

Snatch Vo1 13 min 16 kg
5 reps per arm 10 min = 100 reps
7 reps per arm 3 min = 42 reps
142 reps total
5112 lbs

not much of a workload. If I had done the 20 kg swings it would have looked like this
8 rpa x 13 min = 208 reps and 9051 lbs work. Have to think on this

Press
107 x 3 x 10 sets  ) regular reps, working on fast start: flex and press!
strong but shoulders are sore

walking lunges
3 laps of 40 steps

laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15s

BW 168.8
BF 12.3

ruck up tomorrow!

160 lb Press 4 x 2, 1 x 3,44 kg belt squats, floor pushups,laterals

much stronger than expected and groove was more solid than ever! perhaps the time off helped? don't know but the bar moved great today!
Decided to just fuck it and go back to my "internal' bounce start trigger and man it worked well. That's the problem I have been trying to solve so hard and this is it. Perhaps it' not 100 % strict no momentum press but it's NOT a push press and it does start with a dead stop. I'm not competing and this will have to do for the purists

Press
45 x 5
65 x 3
85 x 3
105 x 3
135 x 2 (strong!)
150 x 2 strong also
160 x 2 x 4sets
          1 x 3!
also took a bit narrow stance and that seemed to help keep my hips under the bar better too.


44 kg belt squat
10 ,12,14 16 very strong and smooth

Floor pushups
40
42
44

strong too!

laterals
3 x 8/8 with 20's

BW 169.6
BF 12.3

good start! Man not having so much extra stress is really really really nice!

too old for that shit

Full Ruck

Was a good one today. Slept well and it was dark and crisp early fall morning, my favorite time of year

Still started out slow though as goal one was just to  make all twelve laps strongly. It's only been a few weeks but this falls off fast for me

 Got a decent stretch out before hand but still felt the need to do some assisted squat stretches during the walk. Just felt right

45 lb ruck
1 hr 53 min
12 laps
3 squat stretches
RPE 6.5

slow and steady. Compared to all that heavy equipment lift and carry schlepping this is piece of cake!

BW 168.9
BF 12.1

 160 lb press tomorrow for five sets of something

44 kg One Arm Swings 5 x 8/8, 5 x 5/5, kickstand squats, box step ups, wt pushups, laterals

Back in the saddle! Yay! Slept well and body felt fine this am. Right glute, adductor tightness 90% resolved by Thurs ruck and normal ROM and activity. but still had a slight twinge on set 4 when I overcontracted glutes too much at top of swing ? weird. Strong but didn't want to push it, hence splitting the sets of 8s and 5s

One arm swings
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20kg x 5/5
24 kg x 4/4
28 kg x 4/4
32 kg x 4/4
36 kg x 3/3
40 kg x 3/3
44 kg x 8/8 x 5
          x 5/5 x 5
7760 lb
4850 lbs
12,610

these were strong

Kickstand squats
2 sets of 10/10

these are too easy now. Have to hold weight or just do the step ups



This went very well on my left side and for the first time, did a set on my right and was shocked how weak it was! I'm used to it being SO much stronger than the left I hadn't thought about it basically being too weak for itself!

I will use this exercise instead of kickstands at the start and finish with one set of kickstands for a burnout pump to failure for the last set

Parallel grip weighted pushups
bw x 10
53 lbs x 10 x 2
           x 8

prefer this grip now. gonna stay with this

Laterals
3 x 10/10 x 15s

BW 168.6
BF 12.1

rucks could be tough tomorrow1

Good Ruck

First ruck in a week and boy did it feel good! So strange. I so didn't want to get started. My body did not want to stretch out, strideout. It felt flexed. Cramped. My right adductor has been tight since all the moving. Did a bunch of bodymaintenance but it didn't want to fully release

But the ruck squared it up pretty fast and helped my anxiety as well. It felt great to just move again, not too fast, not too slow but take in all that air and get onto auto pilot.

I almost thought I had forgotten how to walk again. Christ it's only been a week but that's what I was thinking. It was so hard to get started again, I can see how people can get stuck just not getting started.

Once I did I felt better immediately but so many can't even get there.


45 lb ruck
6 laps
55 min
RPE 7

Nice cool  breeze, and  overcast. My favorite. Fall is here, my favorite season