Wed, 14 Jun 17

Block 12, Wave 3 - DL

It has been said that if you're not getting better, then you're getting worse.  I'm not sure I agree with that, as it' a very black and white view and most of what I do and have done for the past decade in terms of work and school has a lot of grey.

Example: "How do I get better at farmer's walk?"  What I want to say to such a non-specific question: "Get strong(er)!"  - the answer matches the question.  But a more accurate answer would be: "Better how?  Do you want to be able to do more weight or the same weight faster?  Or for longer distance?  What distance of farmer's walk do you want to improve?  With a turn or without a turn?  How long have you been training farmer's?  How often?  Where are you weak - on the pick?  Your grip?  Your upper back?  Do you now or have you had in the past any relevant injuries (especially to the back or shoulders)?  Are you a RAWDOG or a gear whore?  Why do you want to get better - for a competition, for improved conditioning/work capacity, or just to have a bigger, hairier set of cajones?"

This still does not answer the initial question, but hopefully it will get people to think more critically about why the question was asked and what specifically they want to improve.  This may lead them to figure out the answer themselves, or at least provide more info after giving the matter more thought than just vague complaints in the form of a question.  Sometimes people don't yet know enough to ask the right question, and that's fine and dandy, but at some point they need to learn.  And for those who should know better, but are being too lazy - shame on you!

As for me, I don't know that I am getting better right now, at least not at picking things up and throwing things, but I am getting better at knowing physical therapy related things like pharmacology and medical imaging, and for the next 3 weeks that looks like it will have to be my primary focus.  My hope is that while I am getting better at that, I can manage NOT to actively get worse at strongman and highland games and weightlifting and all other things I do that temporarily have to take a back seat so I don't fail out of school.  I promise to climb in the back seat with them and get the car a rockin' when I finish up this summer semester.

DB 3E Jumps

5xBW to 3"

2x5x20 to 6"

Dropped the intensity down a little on these after the drek that passed for my training yesterday.

Axle DL

12x70

6x160

6x270

4x360

2x410

5x430

3x490

3x545 - Very slow and still feeling like George Clinton from all the sitting and stress.

Banded SS Yoke Bar Box Squats

10x65 + avg bands

6x175 + avg bands

2x225 + avg bands

4x2x265 + avg bands

2x285 + avg bands

2x305 + avg bands - These were NOT speedy.

Band Assisted GHR/SS Yoke Bar Calf Raises

3x{15xBW - micro band/20x325}

Incline Reverse Crunches

3x15xBW