"And in those simple beautiful movements I remembered what was really important in training; that consistency trumps intensity; all the time. That intensity is born from consistency. That one cannot force it, one has to lay in wait for it, patiently, instinctively, calmly and be ready to grab it when Grace lays it down in front of you."
Wednesday, December 04, 2019
135-180 x 4 press,24 kg kb snatch, laterals
This went better than expected after not alot of sleep last night. Had a coffee at 11 or so and that didn't work at all. Especially on a non training day. Went to bed on time just didn't fall asleep fast enough
But it went great, got a solid warmup in and the next elbow focus technique work seemed to help a ton,especially combined with the new pause in the set up. Hope this makes the big difference on Saturday again too with 215
Press
65 85 105 x 3
135 x 5
145 x 5
155 x 5
165 x 5
175 x 4 ( was mistakenly going for five thinking I hadn't done it yet. wrong. but lost my balance on rep five and dropped it. then checked the blog and realized I need to do 4 with 180. it went great and I could have done 5
Next week
This is good because I think a real need, a key, is to build more static strength in the rack position. Might even need to add rack walkouts/hold. But for now more time in the setups and less worrying about being fast/accelerating all the time. More focus on the big grind.
Snatch
16 x 5/5
20 x 3/3
24 x 5/5 x 5
the new technique worked very well too. Maintain front foot pressure AT ALL TIMES and swing the bell more DOWN than BACK. Much more like an Oly jump but still with some backswing. Puts way more pressure on my legs which is what I want
Laterals
3 x 8/8 w 20's
BW 174.2 !!!
BF 14.1
Monday, December 02, 2019
40 kg One Arm Swings 10 x 10/10, wt pushups, laterals
This was a monster. That I handled no problem. But I sure as hell did not want to do it. haven't done this workload in months and months. perhaps a year. But it's time because I do want to step up the conditioning just a bit now and this will surely do it.
I just have to keep reminding myself I did 17 workouts of 200 reps with the 48 a few years ago, this should be easy. I'm just being lazy. But it got done today and it wasn't that bad. Really
Legs were just tired yesterday on the ruck and even more so on this workout but it was still strong and safe. Just more. Still amazing to me what a measly 4 reps per set can feel like. And how much harder it can make it
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 10/10 x 10
17,600 lbs
200 reps
RPE 8
Wt parallel bar pushups
bw x 10
53 x 10
85 lbs x 8 x 2
strong
Laterals
3 x 8/8 with 15s'
BW 173,6
BF 14.5
Sunday, December 01, 2019
Short Thursday and fast Sunday ruck report
Thursday
Got it done but got commandeered mid ruck to help some people in the park and ended up cutting the ruck short buy ten minutes but I got my good deed for the day in instead
48 lb ruck
5 laps
50 min
Sunday
Wasn't sure if I was going to get anything in at all giving the weather- severe rain and cold but the skies parted for me for a bit and I actually got all twelve laps in. In record time too! Tracy walked with me and she kept the pace up (no ruck for her though :) )
48 lb Ruck
12 laps
1:45 min!
RPE 1st hour 9 2nd hour 7.5
took awhile for the legs to loosen up- those pistols got the legs very well yesterday- but they did and the last half was very quick and loose
BW 173.4
BF 14.5
Saturday, November 30, 2019
215x X twice,205 x 1 x 3 Press, pistol practice, floor pushups 3x 56 pr
SO CLOSE! More experiments with the warmup and technique, for the upper body held, but lost heel drive and more importantly think I really figured out what is wrong with my start
Felt VERY VERY good on warmups. Groove felt perfect up to 195 which was easily the best rep with it I have ever done. Nice straight line and fast. Jumped right to 205 which I fast started and pushed forward. Didn't fight it at all as I wanted to say it for the 215
Felt confident and jumped right to 215 anyway. Pretty much the same as in the above video but not as good. Still fast started the start and it got wobbly. Way too much emphasis on the press and not the heels and that's where the wobble came from. Fixed one problem and created another. BUT this is the first time I did fix that push forward problem with 215.
then down to 205 for 3 singles
I have been trying to get some kind of momentum at the start and this is what is throwing my timing off and making me push the bar forward. And, the heavier it is the more anxious I am to get some speed and that just makes it worse.
On the first two sets with 205 I unracked it, got back on my heels and -waited- just a bit before pressing. This really seemed to help except this above rep which just showed my fatigue.
But lesson learned.
Press
65. 85,105 x 3
155 x 1
175 x 1
185 x 1
195 x 1 FAST!
205 x X
215 x X x 2
205 x 1 x 3
Pistol Practice
4 sets of 5/5 ( starting from the top down now, no concentric start)
still one pinky self spot. Have to think on this more how to transition
Floor pushups
3 x 56 PR!!
wouldn't not have bet I could get two sets much less three. Don't know where that came from except my ability to just get in happy place and let the stretch reflex do the work is much improved.
BW 173.6
BF 12.8 ( post bath)
Thursday, November 28, 2019
135-180x 4 Press ( pr), 20 kg snatch, band rear delt
Felt really good going in and warmup and first main sets were excellent. Got distracted before the last set with silliness and it wasn't as good as it should have been but still a pr and still a solid groove
Very pleased with the workout
Press
65, 85 105 x 3
135 x 5
145 x 5
155 x 5
165 x 5
180 x 4 pr ( will get five next week)
20 kg snatch
5x5
did not feel like going to 24 after Monday's heavy swings
these were easy
Pistols
4 sets of 3-4
legs were still a bit sore too
BW 174.4 !!
BF 14.1
pre workout
174
12.8 ( bath)
Monday, November 25, 2019
60 and 68 kg One Arm Swings 10 x 5/5, wt pushups, laterals
This went GREAT! Best of all time, No grip problems with either the 60 or the 68 ( Onyx wraps aren't hurting ) great height on the 60 and decent on the 68 and transfers for all three sets with the 68 , a first
Plus body felt fine and wasn't scary. Transfered on the first set with 68 as the hike pass felt so strong
One arm swing
16 kg x 5/5
20 kg x 5/5
24 kg x 5/5
28 kg x 4/4
32 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
68 kg x 4/4 x 3 sets = 3600
total =12,840
94 reps
Wt parallel bar pushup
bw x 10
53 x 10
85 x 8 x 2 ! strong
Laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15s
BW 173.5
BF 14.2 ( 12.2 at 1pm after bath)
Sunday Ruck
Not bad just not easy. Legs were tight tired and sore from the pistols, I guess
still all 12 laps and a decent time, Just not easy
48 lb ruck
12 laps
1:50 min
RPE 8.5
BW 173.2
BF 13.7
W 57.8
still all 12 laps and a decent time, Just not easy
48 lb ruck
12 laps
1:50 min
RPE 8.5
BW 173.2
BF 13.7
W 57.8
212.5 PR Press,pistol practice, floor pushups
What a wild day! Woke up feeling really good and expecting a great result with 210. Wore the adidas 1/2 inch heel shoe and it didn't go as planned. SO, I switched after missing 210 twice to the vibrams added 2.5 lbs for a pr and made it!!
I figured if I was going to miss again I might as well attempt a pr!
Very happy. Now I know for sure the flat shoe is better. No more experimenting( except perhaps a wrestling shoe instead of vibrams)
Press
65, 85, 105 x 3
135 x 2
155 x 1 x 2
175 x 1 x 2
190 x 1
205 x 1 ( misloaded! thought I was putting on 200)
210 x X x 2!!!
212.5 x 1PR!!
205 x 1 x 4 very strong except for this last set
I did 10 sets at 190 or above ( including misses)
Pistol practice
4 x 4/4 one finger spot
Pushups
56
56
50
getting better
BW 172.8
BF 11.9
W 58.8 ( post bath)
Friday, November 22, 2019
Fast and easy Thursday ruck
Couldn't believe how fast this ruck was! Perhaps the fastest and strongest overall I've had, no doubt for a thursday. I had to keep checking my watch and Ranger beads to make sure I hadn't messed up.
I took an extra serving of creatine by mistake the night before; I wonder if that had anything to do with it but in any event it was awesome
6 laps on 45 min with the last lap timed at 7:30 and that felt about the same pace as all of them! Never held that pace that long by any means!
48 lb Ruck
6 laps 45 min!
RPE 5!
BW 173
BF 14.2
I took an extra serving of creatine by mistake the night before; I wonder if that had anything to do with it but in any event it was awesome
6 laps on 45 min with the last lap timed at 7:30 and that felt about the same pace as all of them! Never held that pace that long by any means!
48 lb Ruck
6 laps 45 min!
RPE 5!
BW 173
BF 14.2
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
135-180 press ladder, 24 kg snatch, pistols, laterals
Pretty solid day. Went back to the adidas power shoes with a 1/2 heel and they felt great. Flat'ish but not vibrams.
Will try them on saturday and I'll know
position and groove felt great though. sore as hell though and didn't sleep well last night
Press
65,85, 105 x 3
135 x 5
145 x 5
155 x 5
165 x 5
180 x 3
Kb snatch
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 kg x 3/3
24 kg x 5/5 x 5
these were hard just because i was tired and sore
Pistols
3 x 2/2 to shake it out
laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15s
BW 172.8
BF 14.4
Monday, November 18, 2019
48 kg One Arm Swings 10 x 5/5, wt pushups, laterals
This was the best heavy swing day I've had in months. Definitely since I switched the schedule back to swings on Mondays. Even my grip was strong. I actually checked to make sure I had the 48 as my grip felt so solid.
The Onyx wrist bands are really helping that too. Just the right specific compressive tightness in just the right section of the wrist. Perfect, actually, just as I thought
And technique worked great: stay on the ball of the foot at start and at lockout focus on the knee lockout and quad tightness and glutes secondary. This make re acquiring the right foot pressure for the next rep much better
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 4/3
36 kg x 4/3
40 kg x 3/3
48 kg x 5/5 x 10
100 reps
10,600 llbs
RPE 7
Wt Pushups
bw x 10
53 x 10 x 3
strong!
laterals
3 x 8/8 with 20's
BW 172.4
BF 14.4
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Sunday Ruck
A wee bit too much wine last night but the ruck walked it off :)
Decent time pace and feel. All systems were go after some strong coffee and an aspirin
48 lb Ruck
12 laps
2:00 even
RPE 8
1 squat stretch
BW 172.4
BF 141.1
Decent time pace and feel. All systems were go after some strong coffee and an aspirin
48 lb Ruck
12 laps
2:00 even
RPE 8
1 squat stretch
BW 172.4
BF 141.1
210 Press x 1 x 3 sets PR!, Pistol practice, Floor pushups
Got them all! three sets of 210 all in a row, too! Not the prettiest but they got done. AND I got the first attempt with 210 despite losing my balance with 195 ( backwards!) on the first attempt.
Wasn't seeming to get my hips under the bar on the take out.
Glutes and hips were not ideally locked in still which made the reps harder but that will take more practice
Plus trying to get my feet "torqued" on the set up didn't work either, as I rock into the lift. Oh well, good idea but no go
This is the first rep with 210
Press
65,85, 105 x 3
135 x 2
155 x 1 x 2
175 x 1 x 2
195 x 1 ( missed first attempt on balance)
205 x 1 strong!
210 x 1 x 3
210 x X ( probably shouldn't have taken it. heart wasn't into it for that level of effort)
Pistol practice
4 sets of 5/5 with one finger assist. strongest yet
Floor pushups
2 x 56
1 x 40
BW 172.6
BF 12.1
W 58.6
Friday, November 15, 2019
Thursday ruck
Really good one. Just five laps but the weather was cool and crisp, my legs loose and my lungs open. Plus, I wasn't hungry lol
48 lb ruck
5 laps
50 min
RPE 7
BW 173.6
BF 14.4
48 lb ruck
5 laps
50 min
RPE 7
BW 173.6
BF 14.4
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Flat Foot Press, 135-175 ladder first day, 24 kg snatches, pistols, laterals
This went great. As well or better than I hoped. Felt very stable under the bell with only ONE rep shifting forward at all ( rep four in the 165 lb set) due to fatigue. Stiff and sore coming in but this is as strong as I've been position wise. I was thinking of getting Cons but will wait til after Saturday to decide. I think the flatter the better actually
DAMN! Forgot to use hip torque foot technique. Note to self, don't forget this!I think that will really lock in the hips
But this was solid, compare it to last weeks 175 x 5. Much more shifting forward last time and even a tougher last rep
Also, the one inch lower foot puts the bar one inch higher on my neck for the start; which seems to help too.
Press
65, 85 105 x 3
135 x 5
145 x 5
155 x 5
165 x 5
175 x 5
!
Kb snatch
16 kg x 5/5
24 kg x 5/5 x 5
strong . wore Legacy oly shoe worked great
Pistols
3/3 x 3 sets
need to do this for another leg day. keep this the light day
Laterals
3 x 6/6 with 20s
delts fried already
BW 173.4
BF 14.1
Monday, November 11, 2019
44 kg One arm swings 10x7/7. press practice ( flat foot/wide stance) wt pushups laterals
This was the best heavy swing day since we switched from saturday ams. I think the switch from Wednesday to Monday's made the difference. I never felt safe on Wednesday, always super tired and trying not to get hurt more than swing powerfully.
Hope this sticks but today was a good one
One Arm swing
16 kg x 5/5
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 7/7 x 10 sets
140 reps
13,580 lbs
RPE 7.5
Press practice
( barefoot, wider stance)
95 x 3
115 x 2
135 x 1
155 x 1
165 x 1
170 x 1
this felt really good! surprisingly good and it kept me back on the heels much easier. even when I hit the 170 sticking point I didn't feel pulled forward at all and was able to keep my line.
We'll see Wednesday and then Saturday.
I'll wear vibrams Wed but I think Converse might actually work great here. Something new to buy ,lol!
Wt pushups
bw x 8
53 x 10 x 3
laterals
3 x 8/8 with 15s
BW 173.4
BF 13.9
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Full ruck
another good one, full twelve laps in 1:55 min. No squat stretches and I think not stopping each lap to squat stretch is actually helping my overall endurance. Mainly it seems I hit stride more easily and faster and it's easier to maintain it. Good stuff plus my hips seem better for sure
As Louie would say "everything works but nothing works forever"
48 lb Ruck
12 laps
1:55
RPE 8
BW 172.4
BF 14.2
Also going to play with a lower heel and a wider stance in the press and see if that helps my forward shifting problem
tomorrow : 44 kg swings of 10 x 7/7
Oh, and Happy Birthday Marine Corps!
As Louie would say "everything works but nothing works forever"
48 lb Ruck
12 laps
1:55
RPE 8
BW 172.4
BF 14.2
Also going to play with a lower heel and a wider stance in the press and see if that helps my forward shifting problem
tomorrow : 44 kg swings of 10 x 7/7
Oh, and Happy Birthday Marine Corps!
Saturday, November 09, 2019
210 x 1 + 2 misses, 205 x 1 x 3,Pistol practice, floor pushups PR 3x55!
Strange workout. Went in feeling very good. No body issues, good sleep and feeling good overall.Used the new warmup and it worked great! Definitely the way to go and I even made 210 on the first attempt( AFTER losing my balance BACKWARD- which I've never done) in a really good position then shit the bed on the next two attempts! And it's all mental. Over focusing on keeping my elbows in at the sticking point let me forget to stay on my heels and my weight shifted forward, the bar stalled and, well, you can see the rest above :(
Then dropped down to 205 and made three strong reps! WTF?!?
Definitely feel like it's coming along I was just really sure I was going to get at least 3 singles with 210
But I've only done 210 once before and I got 6 reps above 93% of that max so that good. AND 195 is basically a real warmup now which was the BIG goal ( 200 ) for so long. It's important to keep that fact in mind so I don't get greedy.
SO much of this is the timing of the start But I'll get there
Press
65, 85 105 x 3
135 x 2
155 x 1 x 2
175 x 1 x 2
195 x 1 x 2
205 x 1
210 x 1 ( tie PR)
210 x X x 2
205 x 1 x 2
Pistol practice ( onefinger spot)
2/2
3/3
4/4
5/5
Floor pushups
3 x 55! ALL TIME PR!
BW 172.2
BF 11.8
W 58.8
Friday, November 08, 2019
Thursday Ruck
Good one. Full six laps and all systems were go. Legs and lungs were good and seem to be over the excess soreness for 1) coming back to full workload and 2) switching workout schedule. Lets hope it continues
48 lb Ruck
6 laps
55 min
RPE7.5
BW 174!
BF 13.4
48 lb Ruck
6 laps
55 min
RPE7.5
BW 174!
BF 13.4
Wednesday, November 06, 2019
Standing press 135-175 wt ladder, 20 kg snatch, pistols, laterals
Was sore and semi beat up and warmups felt stiff but not weak. and the worksets went easy much to my surprise. Even the last set with 175. Groove felt as solid as ever
Press
65,85, 105 x 3
135 x 5
145 x 5
155 x 5
165 x 5
175 x 5 strongest yet. Really really help to focus on keeping my ( left) elbows in especially at the sticking point
So those are the two key cues : Heels, Elbow in
Kb Snatch
16 kg x 5/5
20 kg x 5/5 x 5
Nice, wore the Reebok shoe with the bigger heel and it worked great. Just doesn't work for swings but presses, pistols and snatches it's excellent
and the Onyx wraps are perfect! Love em
Pistols
1 x 1,2,3 ladder
1 x 3/3
1 x 4/4
these felt great
Laterals
3 x 6/6 with 15's
shoulders already tired and so, just went easy
BW 173.2
BF 13.4
Monday, November 04, 2019
40 kg One arm swing 10x8/8, wt pushups, laterals
This went really well despite the hard snatching just two days ago. Change back to standard time was helpful too, I freakin hate daylight saving time! always have. when you get up at 3:30 in the morning everyday for years you can really tell the difference. Standard time IS the right time. DST is freakin late night, not early morning!
Was easier to get up mentally today too.
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 8/8 x 10 sets
160 reps
14,080 lbs
RPE 7.5
Wt pushups
bw x 10
53 x 10 x 3
strong! shoulders feel good
Laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15s
BW 171.6
BF 14.1
Sunday, November 03, 2019
Thursday and Sunday Ruck post
Forgot to record Thursday's ruck which did happen :)
48lb Ruck
5 laps
45 min
RPE 7
A really good one just started late so I had to cut it short a bit. Was feeling a bit under the weather and didn't want to push it anyway.
Sunday
48 lb Ruck
12 laps
1:55
RPE 7.5
was super strong til last 2 laps which were medium hard . Overall speed very good legs feel really good as well as hip
Not sure but it seems not doing so many squat stretches is helping. Still getting in my squat position just not so much during the ruck
BW 171.4
BF 14.7
Nice crisp and cool out. Loving fall!
48lb Ruck
5 laps
45 min
RPE 7
A really good one just started late so I had to cut it short a bit. Was feeling a bit under the weather and didn't want to push it anyway.
Sunday
48 lb Ruck
12 laps
1:55
RPE 7.5
was super strong til last 2 laps which were medium hard . Overall speed very good legs feel really good as well as hip
Not sure but it seems not doing so many squat stretches is helping. Still getting in my squat position just not so much during the ruck
BW 171.4
BF 14.7
Nice crisp and cool out. Loving fall!
Saturday, November 02, 2019
205 press x 4 singles, 210 2 misses,20 kg snatch 25/25,laterals, schedule change
Should have been a good day but it wasn't. Lots of prep time and body felt good til later Friday when my biceps tendon started yelling a bit and I had to work it. Felt fine after sleeping but it almost always happens on a Friday when the week catches up to me and out of the freakin' blue something demands attention.
So I wasn't quite confident about the shoulder this morning and it was freezing cold. I definitely have realized ( although not really accepted) that cold morning press days do not lend themselves to max attempts
I just may have to really lengthen the warmups or something because a good nights sleep, a stretchout and plenty of hot bath didn't make much different when i got to 210 so fast.
Now, all things considered my performance wasn't bad but I false started twice with both 205 and 210 and that wasted energy or sure. Just rushing the start and pushing the bar forward out of the gate. I don't even try to save it and just let it drop. But it's a waste and messes with my head
Thank goodness for the powerrack and this monolift setup. It's a game changer
Press
65,85, 105 x 3
135 x 2 eh
155 x 1 decent
175 x 1 same
195 x 1 strong, actually
205 x X then immediately again x 1 hard but ok after false start here for first attemt
210 x X out in front, immediately try again x X
210 x X AACK better attempt just mental mistake really rushing the setup. the weight has my number today. Also switched to 35 lbs plates instead of "change" and I can swear it makes a difference even though is shouldn't
205 x 1 x 3 hard but doable, calming down and not rushin
200 x 1 very strong rep! fuck
8 attempts at 93% of max to 96%
I guess it's not too bad.:) plus I was 173 this AM nice and plump!
Snatch
16 kg x 4/4
20 kg x 6/6
x 25/25
x 15/15
92 reps
Laterals
3 x 7/7 with 20's
not that bad effort wise but hell I hate high rep ballistics! even with anatomical breathing. Just aint my thing. I can do it, if I have to but I really don't. time to change this
25 and 25 was my official RKC snatch test back in 2005 and it's not a bad way to do it. For my age the test weight is 20 kg so I'm right there. This 5 min 100 rep shit is too glycolytic!
Going to change the schedule again, doing intense snatches on Sat won't be good for heavy swing mondays.
SO
Saturdays
Heavy Press
Pistols
Floor Push-ups
Monday
Heavy Swings
Wt pushups
Laterals
Wednesday
Medium Press
Light snatch ( to be determined sets/reps)
Laterals
BW 173
BF 12.7
W 58.1
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
60 and 68kg One Arm Swings, wt pushups, laterals
This was better than expected. Pistols tightened up by back yesterday by really working my abs hard and it worried me a bit. I unlocked them and the back was fine the AM but I really wanted to swing the 68 kg and I haven't done that in two months( missed it last cycle while I was in Croatia). And on a Wedneday but it was great
Wore the new wrist wraps and the actually helped my grip a bit too. Best grip strength I've had with these bells yet so that's excellent
The innov8 shoes are perfect for this day as well and there's not messing around with that anymore either
One Arm swings
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 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 3/3
48 kg x 3/3
60 kg x 5/5 x 8
68 kg x 5/5 x 2
80 60 kg reps = 10,560 lb
20 68 kg reps = 3000 lbs
total = 13,560 lb!
Wt Pushups
bw x 10
53 x 10 x 3
strong!
Laterals
3 x 8/8 with 20s
BW 172.4
BF 14.1
New Schedule
Starting next Monday
Saturday
Heavy press
Pistols
laterals
Monday
Heavy swings
Floor pushups
laterals
Wednesday
Medium Press
Light Snatch
Wt Pushups
My hypothesis is that it will easier to swing heavy on Monday instead of Wednesday, even though I ruck on Sunday. Monday's medium day is still hard and I'm finding that Wednesday's I'm pretty tired from all the heavy lifting and three full days of works before these stupid heavy and or high rep bells
We'll see
Plus, there's actually more recovery time between Saturday's heavy press and Wednesday's medium press as well as two full days off before heavy presses
Saturday
Heavy press
Pistols
laterals
Monday
Heavy swings
Floor pushups
laterals
Wednesday
Medium Press
Light Snatch
Wt Pushups
My hypothesis is that it will easier to swing heavy on Monday instead of Wednesday, even though I ruck on Sunday. Monday's medium day is still hard and I'm finding that Wednesday's I'm pretty tired from all the heavy lifting and three full days of works before these stupid heavy and or high rep bells
We'll see
Plus, there's actually more recovery time between Saturday's heavy press and Wednesday's medium press as well as two full days off before heavy presses
Monday, October 28, 2019
135-175 x 5 Press ladder PR, Pistol practice ( pauses) floor pushups PR, laterals
Pretty tired but the groove was there and all the reps went very well. Just barely almost got of position a few reps in the entire workout. Developing the new muscle memory. So much simpler than everything I've been doing before; just the solid base and the nice straight press line I've been looking for.
Standing press
65, 85 105 x 3
135 x 5
145 x 5
155 x 5
165 x 5
175 x 5 PR!!
Pistol Practice
working on pausing a bit longer in the hole . two workouts a week is definitely the smart move for the second leg workout
Floor pushups
3 x 53 PR all time! wow
just can't really even believe it and they weren't that hard. Finally getting that calm mental space that I've been searching for for these long sets. And actually not focused much on breathing at all, just really staying calm and relaxing as much as I can and just relying on the rhythm and the stretch reflex
laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15s
BW 172.6
BF 14
Sunday Full ruck
Back to full two hours and twelve laps today. Perfect day for it, cool and crisp. Legs felt great but upper back tight mid way through from the snatches, no doubt. Nothing big just muscles not used to doing that much snatching followed by heavy ruck.
A few short rest pauses and they were fine but legs and lungs felt great for a change
No iso squats either I was thinking they were contributing to my tight right hip so we'll see
48 lb ruck
12 laps
2:00 straight up
No squats
RPE 7.5
BW 171.6
BF 13.5
A few short rest pauses and they were fine but legs and lungs felt great for a change
No iso squats either I was thinking they were contributing to my tight right hip so we'll see
48 lb ruck
12 laps
2:00 straight up
No squats
RPE 7.5
BW 171.6
BF 13.5
Saturday, October 26, 2019
205 lb press 5 x 1 PR, 20 kg snatch 20/20, laterals
Great day but I didn't feel it coming. Nothing bad but just felt "flat" for lack of a better term. But that works, just flat.
But the weights went up; and each set I wondered whether it would hold and it did. Even the last set which is above. I really didn't think I'd get it!
The new cue; "heels" was the key. Whenever I started to lose tightness and wobble I just thought heels and it worked. I stayed under the bar. SO happy about this. 205 x 1 as my actually best form PR was great but five sets with it tells me something good.
The new cue; "heels" was the key. Whenever I started to lose tightness and wobble I just thought heels and it worked. I stayed under the bar. SO happy about this. 205 x 1 as my actually best form PR was great but five sets with it tells me something good.
And the new Onyx wraps worked perfectly. SO happy with them. Tightness just in the wrist joint, where I need it and the leather is very cool
Standing press
65, 85, 105 x 3
135 x 2
155 x 1
175 x 1
195 x 1 ( absolute best rep I've done with this weight
205 x 1 x 5 PR!!
3rd rep got out in front but I retook it and made it with 20 sec rest
Snatch
16 kg x 5/5
20 kg x 10/10
x 20/20
x 10/10 x 2
100 reps
this was a big breakthrough. Wasn't enjoyable at all but definitely manageable.Anatomical breathing makes all the difference
Laterals
3 x 8/8 20's
BW 171.8
BF 12.7 bath
Friday, October 25, 2019
Thursday ruck ; HOT
Got seriously hot again, in the 90's! ack thought this shit was over.
Yesterday's 48 kg swing work took a bit of a toll, nothing serious just fatigue in erectors and glutes and could feel it in the ruck today
48 lb ruck
5 laps
45 min
RPE 9!
BW 171.8
BF 13.9
Yesterday's 48 kg swing work took a bit of a toll, nothing serious just fatigue in erectors and glutes and could feel it in the ruck today
48 lb ruck
5 laps
45 min
RPE 9!
BW 171.8
BF 13.9
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
48kg One Arm Swings 10x6/6, wt pushups, pistol practice, laterals
This went well. Right glute was a bit tight at the start but it worked it's way out pretty quickly. Weight felt light and the swings felt strong. cardio was strong as well
One arm swings
16 kg x 5/5
20 kg x 4/4
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
120 reps
12,720 lbs
RPE 7.5
best left hand grip strength in awhile. we'll see if it holds up next week with 60 kg
Wt pushups parallel bar
bw x 10
53 x 10 x 3
strong!
Pistols
2 x 5/5
2 x 6/6
legs were stiff to start with! loosened up by third set but I could tell they were tired
laterals
3 x 8/8 wth 15s
BW 171.4
BF 14
Monday, October 21, 2019
standing press weight ladder 135-175, pistol practice,floor pushups PR, laterals
Felt very strong, this went well. Plus I realized what's happening when I lose the rep: I shift forward onto my TOES! It's not my hips first, that's a side effect of not staying on my heels. Saw it very clearing in the fifth rep in the video above.
As soon as the weight shifts to the front of the foot the hip moves too then the bar goes forward. Been looking for the right cue for this and I think that's it.
Standing press
65 86 105 x 3
135 x 5
145 x 5
155 x 5
165 x 5
175 x 4!
the warmup sets were the best ever. Groove was the best ever. This plan might actually be working Felt very good and getting really used to the false grip, feels strong and natural now and it really keeps my elbows from flaring too soon,
Pistol practice
3/3
4/4
5/5
5/5
these were easily the strongest and most comfortable reps I have ever done. legs really feel strong and I am going to do another day of these on Wednesday too. I think this will be what I need to get to the next level and a full unsupported pistol
Floor pushups
3 x 52 ALL TIME PR!!
FREAKIN HELL THEY WERE STRONG!
Laterals
3 x 8/8 with 15s
BW 172.1 !!
BF 13.5
Sunday Ruck
Back to full power and full time. Nice cool crisp morning and it was great to have that cool breeze helping me along. Legs and lungs all felt good. Right hip issue is gone and thats great too
48 lb ruck
12 laps
NO squat stretches
1:55 min
RPE 7.5
BW 172
BF 12.5 ( post bath)
48 lb ruck
12 laps
NO squat stretches
1:55 min
RPE 7.5
BW 172
BF 12.5 ( post bath)
Saturday, October 19, 2019
200 lb press x 1 x 5 sets, 20 kg snatch ladder 8-15, laterals
This was a good day. Had a scare yesterday thinking I might have a detached retina but all is well. But it wasn't the best prep day for a heavy press but that's usually how it goes it seems.
Just very happy my eye is ok
Press
65, 85 105 x 3
135 x 2
155 x 1
175 x 1 ( all reps very solid groove)
190 x 1
200 x 1 x 5 sets ( video was set 2)
Not perfect hip tightness but very solid and reps were fairly fast and in the right line
Oh yea got some new very cool wrist wraps coming. I saw some female Oly lifters wearing these at the Worlds and tracked them down. Can't wait to get them
https://www.onyxstraps.com/collections/wrist-wraps/products/the-oxblood-wrist-wrap
Snatches
16 kg x 5/5
20 kg x 8/8
x 10/10
x 15/15
x 12/12
=90 reps
triple GS anatomical breathing made these easy. But I put my black adidas oly shoes on for the last set. Zero heel isn't good and I could feel my back a bit. The adidas is a .5" heel so minimal but my back liked it
this definitely is a much more upper body dominant move than the swing. So glad to see my overhead position is back to pre TKR levels
Laterals
3x8/8 with 20lbs
BW 171
BF 12 ( post bath)
W 58.4
Friday, October 18, 2019
Full Thursday ruck
Great ruck! Nice and cool, overcast and breezy, just perfect. Legs and hips felt good and my energy was excellent as well . Wore my Salomon high top just to re break them in for the wet weather that's hopefully coming. Definitely heavier and stiffer but more support on foot as well
Nice to do the full 6 laps
48 lb ruck
6 laps
55 min
RPE 7
BW 170.4
BF 14.1
Nice to do the full 6 laps
48 lb ruck
6 laps
55 min
RPE 7
BW 170.4
BF 14.1
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
44 kg One arm Swings 10 x 7/7, wt pushups, bw lunges, laterals
Still weird to do heavy swing days on Wednesday afternoons. It's more mental than anything. I've done it on Saturday ams for SO long it's weird to get up for it after work. it was number one focus of my training life for seemingly ever
But now that's the press and I have to get used to doing it on this day.
One Arm Swings
16 kg x 5x5 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
44 kg x 7/7 x 10 sets
140 reps
13580 lbs
RPE started at 8 then went to 7 at fifth set
Wt pushups
bw x 10
53 x 10 x 3
strong!
BW split squats
3 sets of 10/10 barefoot
meh
either I'll go to barefoot pistol or try the airborne lunge again
laterals
3 x 8/8 w 15s
BW 170.4
BF 14.4
Monday, October 14, 2019
135-175 5 rep ladder, pistol practice, floor pushups
This was hard day. Pretty much stiff and sore from the weekends training and just generally flat energy wise. So no real expectations so things went well from that perspective.
The main thing was that the press 'static hold' technique held up very well and I could remember how to do it!
Press
65 85 105 x 3
135 x 5
145 x 5
155 x 5
165 x 5
175 x 3
165 x 3
Pistol practice
these felt great! surprisingly so since my right hip and hip flexor got wonky again yesterday and this morning. the culprit is definitely too much sitting as I was on the computer for hours yesterday with the phone company and bang! it's back
But now I know
Pistols
4 sets of 5
less arm help ever
Floor pushups
3 sets of 40
strong and a total surprise!
BW 171.8
BF 14.3 !!
W 56.9
Dehydrated and I could feel it getting up. Fixed it fast though
need the day off tomorrow and good to be back on my adaptogens. they make a big recovery difference
Saturday, October 12, 2019
195 lb press 6 x 1,20 kg snatch 8-12 rep ladder,laterals
This went well and was hard and I learned an important thing.
First off the weight felt light/good. The videoed set was the best one, number three. Sets one and two went forward a bit, I saved them but I needed to know why they went forward
I thing Glenn and Nick figured it out. When I hit a sticking point I counter it by driving my hips forward ( thinking that was what was need to get back under the bar) but it isn't. It stalls the upward progress of the bar while my hips shift.
This heel height has changed everything, i.e the platform- ME- under the weight and I have years of a specific habit/motor pattern of shifting forward trying not to lose my arch, and my leverage.
With this heel I just need to stay put and concentrate on the slow grind with the shoulders and arms; I'm already BACK
Took me the whole time to get it but I think I do now
Press
65, 85 ,105 x 3
135 x 1
155 x 1
175 x 1
195 x 1 x 6 sets
175 x 1 x 2 sets ( just to solidify the form)
Snatch
this went great. used anatomical breathing for the first time ever and it was no problem for my bakc and does really help keep the HR down. Mo' ventilation makes high reps much easier; not to mention not building up so much pressure and tension
Snatch
16 kg x 5/5
20 kg x 5/5
x 8/8
x 10/10 x 2
x 12/12
90 reps
RPE 7
My overhead position is easily as good as it's ever been
Very happy with this and that the double breathing worked so easily
Laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15s
BW 172
BF 12.2 post bath
Friday, October 11, 2019
Thursday Ruck
Was a bit distracted by the very high possibility our power would be shut off when we got home so I cut the ruck short by one lap.
Also right glute is feeling better but it seemed to be irritated after the rucks so I wanted to ease back in slowly as well
All went well,no power shutoff and glute was good
48 lb ruck
5 laps
50 min
RPE 7.5
BW 171
BF 13.9
Also right glute is feeling better but it seemed to be irritated after the rucks so I wanted to ease back in slowly as well
All went well,no power shutoff and glute was good
48 lb ruck
5 laps
50 min
RPE 7.5
BW 171
BF 13.9
Wednesday, October 09, 2019
40kg One Arm Swings 10x8/8, wt pushups, goblet squats, laterals
I knew this was going to be tough, my break back in workout with the volume day! but probably best to shock me be back into shape if it didn't tweak me. It didn't but it was tougher than I expected. Damn thing felt heavy and I haven't felt that with the 40 in a long time . It has become my light bell and it will again,
But today it was work
Wore the Innov8s and they felt right, goldilocks heel height and one I'm used to
Swings felt powerful just got tired after 6 sets
One arm Swings
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 kg x 4/4
24 kg x 4/4
28 kg x 4/4
32 kg x 3/3
40 kg x 8/8 x 10 sets
160 reps
14,080 lbs
RPE 8.5+
Wt parallel bar pushup
bw x 8
32 x 8 x 3 sets
just right, still a little sore from the last two press workouts
Goblet squat
20 kg x 5
24 x 5
28 x 5
flat footed with pauses. these were hard and awkward but the right move to do
laterals
3 x 10/10 x 15
bw 171
bf 14.9
Monday, October 07, 2019
5 rep Press ladder to 165 lbs, pistol practice,floor pushups, laterals
This worked out well. Used a false grip for a change and that too worked well. Think I'm finally getting the balance point with these shoes and it's good. Once I lock in to the arch it's just like I am "the bench".
I don't have to lean back again or anything,Just lock in and press
We'll see on how it works next Saturday with heavy singles but I have a good feeling
Press
65 85 x 4
105 x 5
135 x 5
145 x 5
155 x 5
165 x 5
Next time I'll start the work sets with 135 and go up
Just enough volume and intensity to feel worked and challenged but not too much
Pistol practice bottom up
3/3
4/4
5/5 x 2
best ever!
Floor pushups
50
50
40
surprised I had this many and pretty strongly too
Laterals
3 x 8/8 with 20s
BW 170.6
BF 13.3
Sunday, October 06, 2019
Rebuild Ruck
First ruck in ten days so I took it easy.Especially since the right calf and hip had been wonky on the trip
Got a decent stretch out and wasn't too sore at all from yesterday which is a great sign Especially for my back
48 lb Ruck
9 laps
7 squat stretches
1:35 min
RPE 7
Nice easy pace and it was coolish fall weather and breezy
BW 170.2
BF 13.3
Got a decent stretch out and wasn't too sore at all from yesterday which is a great sign Especially for my back
48 lb Ruck
9 laps
7 squat stretches
1:35 min
RPE 7
Nice easy pace and it was coolish fall weather and breezy
BW 170.2
BF 13.3
Saturday, October 05, 2019
190 lb Standing press 1 x 5 sets, 195 1x1,20 kg snatches x 5/5-8/8, laterals
And Nick presses 250!!1
He did 4 sets of 1 with 225, 1x1 with 235 and 1x1 with 250! Huge pr off his old best of 235
I had a decent day too. Very light in bodyweight ( 169.6) I still felt ok. Started a new concept in the programming in the Quest for 225. Load variability for multiple singles
The idea is to warm up til I hit a heavy but steady single. It could be 175 or it could be 195. Then, stay there and go for 3-5 singles.
Submax loads do not convert to a heavy single for me at all. they help build mass but the key here it seems is to dial in the max effort TECHNIQUE with very heavy ( 85-95%) multiple singes to build starting strength and rate of force development in the same groove as the max will be. Which is different from sub max weight
The other idea is that one day I will feel great and just start adding weight and get a new pr. and that's just what happened today with Nick!
Psychologically this will be much easier as the pressure if off to go to a specific load but instead go to whatever is "heavy" that day, using bar speed as the main metric. As heavy as I can that day without the bar slowing down too much or moving out of the groove.
Then, on Mondays go to 5x5 work but not intensely progressive, what I would describe and medium heavy day. I've been using 135 so perhaps up to 155. The idea here is to keep the base volume up, build more muscle and practice the groove.
Press
65. 85,105 x 3
135 x 3
155 x 1
175 x 1
185 x 1
190 x 1 x 5 sets
195 x 1 ( out in front a bit)
Seems I got on my toes too much and lost the bar position. It seems with these new Reebok shoes with this big heel I don't have to work as hard to keep my hips forward but I do have to work harder to stay layed back. Just maintain the arch not increase it but don't lose any, either
Very very happy with the first trial run of this idea.
KB snatch
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 kg x 5/5, 6/6, 7/7 8/8
52 reps
this felt great! My overhead position which I lost after my TKR seems to have returned. Not to perfect or idea but just the same decent position I had before the knee op! I'll take it.
Plus since I've done all my snatch volume of old barefoot it made sense to me to stay that way and go back to getting some posterior chain work in
My body remembered like a champ. Muscle memory kicked in. Like falling off a bike
Very excited about this! Plus I think it will help my press too by getting more shoulder and upper back work in!
laterals
2 sets of 10/10 with 15
shoulders already sore ,lol
BW 169.6
BF11.9 post bath
He did 4 sets of 1 with 225, 1x1 with 235 and 1x1 with 250! Huge pr off his old best of 235
I had a decent day too. Very light in bodyweight ( 169.6) I still felt ok. Started a new concept in the programming in the Quest for 225. Load variability for multiple singles
The idea is to warm up til I hit a heavy but steady single. It could be 175 or it could be 195. Then, stay there and go for 3-5 singles.
Submax loads do not convert to a heavy single for me at all. they help build mass but the key here it seems is to dial in the max effort TECHNIQUE with very heavy ( 85-95%) multiple singes to build starting strength and rate of force development in the same groove as the max will be. Which is different from sub max weight
The other idea is that one day I will feel great and just start adding weight and get a new pr. and that's just what happened today with Nick!
Psychologically this will be much easier as the pressure if off to go to a specific load but instead go to whatever is "heavy" that day, using bar speed as the main metric. As heavy as I can that day without the bar slowing down too much or moving out of the groove.
Then, on Mondays go to 5x5 work but not intensely progressive, what I would describe and medium heavy day. I've been using 135 so perhaps up to 155. The idea here is to keep the base volume up, build more muscle and practice the groove.
Press
65. 85,105 x 3
135 x 3
155 x 1
175 x 1
185 x 1
190 x 1 x 5 sets
195 x 1 ( out in front a bit)
Seems I got on my toes too much and lost the bar position. It seems with these new Reebok shoes with this big heel I don't have to work as hard to keep my hips forward but I do have to work harder to stay layed back. Just maintain the arch not increase it but don't lose any, either
Very very happy with the first trial run of this idea.
KB snatch
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 kg x 5/5, 6/6, 7/7 8/8
52 reps
this felt great! My overhead position which I lost after my TKR seems to have returned. Not to perfect or idea but just the same decent position I had before the knee op! I'll take it.
Plus since I've done all my snatch volume of old barefoot it made sense to me to stay that way and go back to getting some posterior chain work in
My body remembered like a champ. Muscle memory kicked in. Like falling off a bike
Very excited about this! Plus I think it will help my press too by getting more shoulder and upper back work in!
laterals
2 sets of 10/10 with 15
shoulders already sore ,lol
BW 169.6
BF11.9 post bath
Thursday, October 03, 2019
Croation SFG 2019
Great cert, great vacation, horrible travel. Bad choices of flights and lets just say I'll never fly Air Canada again if I can help it in anyway
Monday, September 23, 2019
135 lb press, pistol ladder, floor pushups, laterals
Last workout before trip. Feel fine physically just haven't traveled in awhile and it's such a different groove than my normal life. It's been forever since I took a big trip it seems
Standing press
56, 85,105 x 3
135 x 5 x 5
strong but not easy. worked on just getting into my back arched start position and pushing from there instead of trying to lay back more as I push. the heels seem to put me in the optimal/maximal arch position to press from. More key is glute/hip drive and bar direction. Also played with really finding my lats again at the start
Pistol practice ( stick support)
2/2 x 2
3/3 x 2
4/4 x 2
all from bottoms up start
feeling stronger in the bottom all the time
Floor pushups
3 sets of 40
backing off. easy peasy
laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15s
BW 172.2
BF 13.5
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Solid ruck
Well the hip issue resolved itself and the glute/hip feels 100% normal today thank goodness. that gave me a fright. But I thought I better take it easy today just to be sure as I have just one more day before going to teach in Croatia.
Really don't want to be limping around there,especially on my good leg!!
But it was cool and brisk and perfect weather this morning and all systems were go. Legs felt light and loose and pace was decent
48 lb ruck
9 laps
7 squat stretches
1:30 min
RPE 7
BW 170.6
BF 13.9
Really don't want to be limping around there,especially on my good leg!!
But it was cool and brisk and perfect weather this morning and all systems were go. Legs felt light and loose and pace was decent
48 lb ruck
9 laps
7 squat stretches
1:30 min
RPE 7
BW 170.6
BF 13.9
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Standing Press 205 x 0 x 3,20 kg speed swings, laterals
I was hoping that this would be a good last workout before I leave for Croatia but it was just so so. Plus my right hip was yelling at me for who knows what reason and that worried me with such a big trip coming up.
Not sure why but the right hip flexor was super tight at the very top and I guess inhibiting the right glute which was feeling "pulled" for no reason even lying down! So the femur head wasn't centrated and I've never had to deal with that in myself much less on my strong side
Still didn't feel right as I warmed up but it kept feeling better the heavier I pressed and by the end it was back to normal.
I used the Innov8 shoes for the swing and a slightly wider stance
I think I have reached terminal Oly shoe use and athletic swing style and need to re include some barefoot training again and some work in a pure hinge style.And some flat foot squats (goblets)
What I did was necessary but now the physical balance has shifted too much I feel and I need to include more pure hamstring swings as well
Most of the issue is actually coming from the popiteus and not getting enough load on flat foot and the subsequent heel down knee lockout
So
Saturday
Press with Reebok shoe ( this is actually perfect for this but still have to adjust the technique with it)
Speed swings Barefoot ( vibrams toe shoes) slightly wider stance and classic hinge style
Monday
Light press reebok shoe
pistols reebok shoe ( perfect for this as well)
Wednesday
Heavy swings Innov8 medium heel
Goblet squats Vibram toe shoes
Standing press
65,85, 105 x 3
135 x 3
155 x 1
175 x 1
195 x 1 ( solid groove but not particularly fast or light )
205 x 0 x 3 attempts
used the oly bar and that didn't seem to help surprisingly. Or a mistimed the 'whip" but I don't think that's it. Too distracted by the trip and the hip
135 x 14 one rep shy of pr tie of 15, thought a second about really grinding to get 16 but dropped the idea immediately. Just no oomph
Speed swings ( innov8s )
30 sets of 5 on the :30
hip was "there" just a wee bit but it warmed up well. wider stance and more hinge style but still athletic. didn't want to risk anything too new this close
laterals
3 x 10/10 15's
BW 170.5
BF 12.5
W 58.
wow that's light. that also did not help
took video but they got deleted by accident. nothing really to look at
ok ruck tomorrow and see how the hip does
Not sure why but the right hip flexor was super tight at the very top and I guess inhibiting the right glute which was feeling "pulled" for no reason even lying down! So the femur head wasn't centrated and I've never had to deal with that in myself much less on my strong side
Still didn't feel right as I warmed up but it kept feeling better the heavier I pressed and by the end it was back to normal.
I used the Innov8 shoes for the swing and a slightly wider stance
I think I have reached terminal Oly shoe use and athletic swing style and need to re include some barefoot training again and some work in a pure hinge style.And some flat foot squats (goblets)
What I did was necessary but now the physical balance has shifted too much I feel and I need to include more pure hamstring swings as well
Most of the issue is actually coming from the popiteus and not getting enough load on flat foot and the subsequent heel down knee lockout
So
Saturday
Press with Reebok shoe ( this is actually perfect for this but still have to adjust the technique with it)
Speed swings Barefoot ( vibrams toe shoes) slightly wider stance and classic hinge style
Monday
Light press reebok shoe
pistols reebok shoe ( perfect for this as well)
Wednesday
Heavy swings Innov8 medium heel
Goblet squats Vibram toe shoes
Standing press
65,85, 105 x 3
135 x 3
155 x 1
175 x 1
195 x 1 ( solid groove but not particularly fast or light )
205 x 0 x 3 attempts
used the oly bar and that didn't seem to help surprisingly. Or a mistimed the 'whip" but I don't think that's it. Too distracted by the trip and the hip
135 x 14 one rep shy of pr tie of 15, thought a second about really grinding to get 16 but dropped the idea immediately. Just no oomph
Speed swings ( innov8s )
30 sets of 5 on the :30
hip was "there" just a wee bit but it warmed up well. wider stance and more hinge style but still athletic. didn't want to risk anything too new this close
laterals
3 x 10/10 15's
BW 170.5
BF 12.5
W 58.
wow that's light. that also did not help
took video but they got deleted by accident. nothing really to look at
ok ruck tomorrow and see how the hip does
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Probably the best Thursday Ruck ever.
This was just a dream. So so easy. Got a little cooler out with a bit of a breeze but the main thing was I slept so well last night and all systems were go.
Pretty much on autopilot from the start and it was just easy.
Nice to know it's possible
Body was just fine from yesterday too.
48 lb ruck
6 laps
50 minutes
RPE 5 !!
BW 172
BF 13.6 !!
Pretty much on autopilot from the start and it was just easy.
Nice to know it's possible
Body was just fine from yesterday too.
48 lb ruck
6 laps
50 minutes
RPE 5 !!
BW 172
BF 13.6 !!
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
40 kg One Arm Swings 10 x 8/8, wt pushdowns, standing lunges, laterals
This went very well. Solid speed and power and fast pace between sets ( just two of us). Especially considering I slept about 3.5 hours last night as a police helicopter circles over head for literally hours yesterday afternoon until 2 AM!!!
Surprisingly I didn't feel too bad today ( four coffees helped)
40 kg One Arm Swings
10 sets of 8/8
160 reps
14,080 lbs moved
RPE 7.5
Wt pushups
bw x 8
53 x 3 sets of 8
a little deload before Saturday's max attempt
Standing lunges
3 sets of 10/10 bodyweight
couldn't get to the lawn so I did these and have to say I really like them Weighted next time
Laterals
3 x 8/8 with 20's
strong
BW 173
BF 13.5
Monday, September 16, 2019
135 lb press 5x5,Pistol practice ladder,floor pushups , laterals
Swapped out the York olympic bar for the Texas Power bar to see if it would give me a bit more 'bounce' at the start. Really shouldn't at all, even with 225 lbs much less 135 but I could feel a slight difference today and the thinner diameter bar felt better in my grip than last time when it seemed to make it harder to grip tightly
Today, it was easier. I'll take it/
Plan on taking 215 out for a ride on Saturday as I will be in Croatia teaching an SFG the next week and will miss training and I'm sure it will take me a few weeks at least to get back to the strength I'm at now so why not. Everything's been a PR lately at high weights so I should be able to get 215 on the books
Timing and technique felt spot on today
Press
65,85, 105 x 4
135 x 5 x 5 all paused
very very solid
Pistol practice ladder
1/1 x 4
2/2 x 3
4/4 x 3
Floor Pushups
2 sets of 50
1 set of 51! PR
wow these felt great
laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15s
strongest ever
BW 173.2
BF 12.3!
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Fast steady state ruck. Autopilot.
Great ruck today. All systems were go. My legs felt loose, strong and fast and held up that way for all twelve laps!
I expected them to start getting heavy after ten but no problem. Haven't felt that in forever.
And I basically hit auto pilot right from the start and just cruised it in
As always it helps it was cool and overcast with a light breeze. Perfect for me to go harder in as well.
Just a really nice ruck and the pace was solid for all 12 laps
Didn't take a test lap and not sure I'm going to anymore. It forces me into a gait that's really not normal and I don't think I could ever maintain for more than one or two laps tops. If I want to concentrate on speed I should concentrate on getting the 12 lap time lower as I can
We'll see,
48lb ruck
12 laps
10 squat stretches
1:50 min !
RPE 6.5 !
BW 171.2
BF 13.2 ~
the beard at 10 months in!
I expected them to start getting heavy after ten but no problem. Haven't felt that in forever.
And I basically hit auto pilot right from the start and just cruised it in
As always it helps it was cool and overcast with a light breeze. Perfect for me to go harder in as well.
Just a really nice ruck and the pace was solid for all 12 laps
Didn't take a test lap and not sure I'm going to anymore. It forces me into a gait that's really not normal and I don't think I could ever maintain for more than one or two laps tops. If I want to concentrate on speed I should concentrate on getting the 12 lap time lower as I can
We'll see,
48lb ruck
12 laps
10 squat stretches
1:50 min !
RPE 6.5 !
BW 171.2
BF 13.2 ~
the beard at 10 months in!
Saturday, September 14, 2019
190 lb Press 4 sets of 3, 1x2 3/4, 1x2 PR! 24 kg speed swings, laterals
Pretty freakin strong today. The fix to unracking the bar worked for not taking my biceps tendon out at the start and everything else worked well; including my mind and my self talk! Got out of position a bit on the third rep of the first set and only got 3/4 but it didn't stop me from getting the next four sets of three
The last sets lockout was iffy so I took another set and got two.
It was just a year ago that I missed this weight for a single and now I'm doing triples and 16+ reps in one workout with it! I'll take it
Press
65,85, 105 x 3
135 x 2
155 x 1
180 x 1
190 x 2 3/4
x 3 x 4 sets
x 2
24 kg speed swings
5 reps every 30 sec
150 reps
RPR 7
pretty strong and explosive today. cardio strong
Laterals
3 x 8/8 with 20's
BW 171.2
BF 13.8
W 57.2
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Heat lamp ruck
Ah, another nice 90 degree ruck under a scorching heat lamp sun. ack. But the good news was that I felt great and despite just enjoying one second of it other than being able to walk, my legs and lungs felt great and it wasn't that hard to keep the legs going.
If I could have just had that heat lamp off my face.
Having to wear a hat to keep from getting skin cancer on my scalp and nose doesn't make it much easier too.
Have I complained enough?
It got done and I felt good.
That's plenty
48 lb ruck
6 laps
55 min
RPE 7
BW 171.8
BF 13.9
If I could have just had that heat lamp off my face.
Having to wear a hat to keep from getting skin cancer on my scalp and nose doesn't make it much easier too.
Have I complained enough?
It got done and I felt good.
That's plenty
48 lb ruck
6 laps
55 min
RPE 7
BW 171.8
BF 13.9
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
60 kg One Arm Swings 10x5/5,wt pushups, waking lunges, laterals
I wouldn't have given two cents for todays workout given how I felt 24 hours before. My traps neck and upper back did not like those close floor pushups nor my left biceps tendon the 15 presses I did before figuring out what not to do to inflame it.
Not a great nights sleep and weird nervy pain throughout. Great.
But I think it was just my body seeking neutral and bouncing around trying to find it as I kept feeling better and more "square and plumb" as the day went by and by time I got to training I felt great with NO joints talking to me at all!
So freaking weird but I'll take it1
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
48 kg x 4/4
60 kg x 5/5 x 10
100 reps
13,200 lbs
RPE 7.5
Left wrist and shoulder were FINE! Perhaps the best in forever and grip was no issue at all! Left TFL and right glute were 100% normal as well. So weird.
AND the Reebok Legacy shoes were perfect too
First time swinging the 60 kb in them and they made me feel like I was glued to the ground. Crazy stable and the heel height is literally ideal. Balance is great and quad activation and lumbar curve is just where I want it
Couldn't be happier
Plus it makes me an inch taller ,lol
Wt pushups
bw x 10
53 x 10 x 3
shoulder was fine,. going to use these on rep days as well as weight. no more floor for ahile
Walking lunges
3 laps
BEST my knees and hips and quads have felt doing these in months! so freaking weird
I did start 7-8 benzoflavone adaptogen two days ago and I wonder if that's making the difference?
I've used it and like it before but it's been months.
laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15s
BW 172.8
BF 13.9
Monday, September 09, 2019
135 lb press 6x5,pistol practice, parallel floor pushups, laterals
I KNEW there was another piece of the puzzle and I thought it was about 'laying back' on the descent on these paused reps but it was earlier in the chain than that.
I realized that one thing I was doing wrong with rep set press was letting my elbows drop a bit on each rep and or the first max rep.
SO I decided to really focus on that; on swiveling my elbows up as I unracked the weight and on each rep prior to pressing.
But that's also's what caused all that bicep tendon grief on Saturday it seems and it started back up today with just light warmup weights
Then, I realized I had been down this road before last year when I was in the other rack and the problem was just that, leading with the elbows. SO I cut that shit right out and the rest of the sets went fine. Just a strong lack back and then press
The only thing harder than figuring something out is remembering to do it!
65, 85, 105 x 3
135 x 6 sets of 5 ( two single rep sets as false starts til I realized the technique problem)
Pistol Practice
3 sets of 3 like this above. these are feeling better all the time and I do like this front/stick self spotting.
First time doing this in the reeboks and they were perfect.
Parallel pushups on dbs on floor. close stance
35
35
30
whew! this COOKS my triceps and doesn't work my shoulders so much. PERFECT! The close hand space helps too. Wider on Wednesdays
Laterals
3 x 8/8 with 20's
strong! wrist better
BW 172.8
BF 14
Sunday Ruckings
Nice and cool out this morning and it started off just fine. The first hour was strong and crisp but then the legs got a bit heavy and it got hotter,not the strong finish I was hoping for. Ended up saying hi to too many neighbors and had to hustle to get the 12 laps in in the two hours. Ended up with less squat stretches as a result
48 lb ruck
12 laps
6 squat stretches
2:00
last lap 7:02 !! dammit!
RPE 8/9
BW 171.4
BF 14.5
48 lb ruck
12 laps
6 squat stretches
2:00
last lap 7:02 !! dammit!
RPE 8/9
BW 171.4
BF 14.5
Saturday, September 07, 2019
187.5 Press 3x3 PR, 185 x 2x2 , 24 kg speed swings, laterals
Well this went perfectly! The shoes made a huge difference and that translated to the strongest press position I've ever had. Gave me a lot of confidence too
Going to pauses and triples only worked too
The only thing I have to change now is the descent after each rep- I have to remember to lean back a bit first, as if I was going to do touch and go reps, or my left biceps tendon yells at me. But, other than that everything went the best ever!
Press
65, 85, 105 x 3
135 x 3
155 x 2
175 x 1
185 x 2 x 2
187.5 x 3 x 3
this was the plan, if 185 went easy go up to 187.5 for a pr. and didn't have to grind on any of the reps! that's a first
Next week up to 190 for trips
24 kg speed swings
30 sets of 5
150 reps
RPE 7
the shoes worked perfectly for these too, which had me a bit concerned. Got my onto my big toe without having to force it at all, AND could get back to the heels for the lockout. Perfect. Except, the heels are still silver, lol :(
Laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15s strong too
BW 171.6
BF 13.1
Thursday, September 05, 2019
Strong Ruck
Got the hip issued resolved. Lots of SMR with Rec fem and stick work, piroformis release with small super nova, rumble roller for adductors and IT and lots of hip flexor activation isometrically and then moving into primitve squat pattern stretching
Also included cossack squat stretches which I have been avoiding. No longer adductors have to stay open and strong.
Also banded hip flossing helped a lot after the SMR
By the time I got to the ruck hip flex pretty normal thank G-d
48 lb ruck
6 laps
55 min
No timed laps ( not going to push it )
BW 171.6
BF 14.2
whew, that was a wake up call that heavy swings on Wednesday afternoons are NOT the same as Saturday mornings. DO NOT GET DISTRACTED!
Also included cossack squat stretches which I have been avoiding. No longer adductors have to stay open and strong.
Also banded hip flossing helped a lot after the SMR
By the time I got to the ruck hip flex pretty normal thank G-d
48 lb ruck
6 laps
55 min
No timed laps ( not going to push it )
BW 171.6
BF 14.2
whew, that was a wake up call that heavy swings on Wednesday afternoons are NOT the same as Saturday mornings. DO NOT GET DISTRACTED!
Wednesday, September 04, 2019
48 kg One Arm Swings 10 x 6/6,Wt pushups,walking lunges, laterals
Tweaked my adductor on set two compensating for my left wrist ( anticipating a hard grab) on the right to left transfer. Nothing bad but I've never done it before and it's because I lost my pre training focus worrying about getting my oly shoes delivered on time. Got pissed off and I believe it cost me! Nothing bad and a good reminder of how great I've had in on injuries for quite awhile and not to let my bodymaintence get too low in volume!
I'm getting the big pieces but probably need more details
Bummer too because I felt very strong and the weight felt light, probably another reason I lost a bit of focus
Decided to start the rest of the sets on my left arm so I didn't have to test it on the transfer. It was stupid enough to continue the workout.
One armswings
16 kg x 5/5 x 2
20 kg x 4/4
24 kg x 4/4
28 kg x 4/4
32 kg x 4/4
36 kg x 4/4
40 kg x 3/3
48 kg x 6/6 x 10 sets
120 reps
12,720 lbs
RPE 7 ( tweak aside)
Wt pushups
bw x 10
53 x 10 x 3
very strong
Walking lunges
3 x 40 steps
no problem but was ginger. Felt it but it was not getting worse at all
Laterals
3x8/8 with 20s
BW 172.6
BF 13.8
Monday, September 02, 2019
125 lb press practice/pauses,pistol practice, parallel floorpushups, laterals
Really good session today, learned lots and got to put them in practice right away. Presses were all paused, every rep of every set. Basically 25 singles in sets of five. I think this will be the way forward as getting better at the skill of heavy five rep sets does not seem to transfer well a single. Especially since I have the habit of fucking up my first reps, especially new pr weights, with stunning regularity.
We'll see how this pans out with 185 on Saturdays but I think it will. Heavy sets of 3's and then onto multiple sets of singles. Lighter fives on Mondays
Get my new Reebok Legacy lifting shoes Wednesday and this have the highest heel/ heel-toe drop of any modern shoe, 22 mm which is a true 3/4 inch heel. I'm closer to half inch now and I think it will really help both my press and my swing positions but we will see
Press
65, 85,105 x 4 paused
125 x 5 x 5 all paused.
Pistol practice , concentric start
2 x 3/3
2 x 4/4
used stick in front support for help and balance and only needed one finger on each hand. these are really getting stronger!
Knuckle pushup 1 x 3 Yeow!!1 triceps
parallel pushups on DB handle 2 x 30
wow! wanted to move away from flat palm as it seems to really get my left pec tendon/bicep tendon going every time now and the parallel wt ones dont and MAN did these fry the tri's!! Just want I want and what I hoped for.
The knuckle version was ok but I think the DB one is safer for the bones of my hand. My tri's got cooked fast!
Laterals
3 x 10/10 with 15s
BW 171.6
BF 12.3 ?? !! wow!
Sunday, September 01, 2019
Sunday Ruck
Surprisingly strong ruck today. Legs and back felt loose and solid, took lungs a bit to open up but they did ok. Not too hot and that always helped
48 lb ruck
12 laps
10 squat stretches
2 hours exactly
6:55 last lap! not bad at all and no jogging! Very decent
BW 171.6
BF 13.5
48 lb ruck
12 laps
10 squat stretches
2 hours exactly
6:55 last lap! not bad at all and no jogging! Very decent
BW 171.6
BF 13.5
185 lb press-1x3,2x4,2x2,1x3, 24 kg speed swings, laterals
Was all over the place! should have been better but at least I got the two sets of four. Decided, during warmups to open my foot stance up a bit and it helped, much more stable and that was good. Most of the issues getting the extra reps were from breath, running out of air.
the first set of three was really strong but belt was too tight and ran out of air. But groove was good
Second set four reps were very strong, loosened belt
third set barely got four, now I realize my elbows do not go up enough on rep sets and this cost me
Third and fourth sets of TWO! were that problem
Then just hit it right and got three on sixth set
I think I need to drop back to sets of three only BUT pause all reps. That will give me the first rep practice I need to do a heavy single.The techniques for touch and go rep sets are much different than a heavy single
This is the big takeaway from this workout. Next week 5 x 3 with all pauses. And pause all reps on Monday's light day too
24 kg speed swings
30 sets x 5
solid power
15 min
150 reps
Laterals
3 x 8/8 with 20's strong
BW 171.6
BF 13.3 !!
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