.Like usual, I made an abrupt and last minute decision concerning my competition plans. I will be competing in Northern Nevada's Strongest Man on August 13, 2016 in order to qualify for Master's Nationals in Vegas at the Olympia on September 16. In short, I changed my direction because of my love for grip and as a long time advocate to see the return to more grip inclusion in strongman. Northern Nevada's Strongest has max distance farmers and Master's Nats has an awesome farmer's type medley and frame hold for time. The events were calling me. In short, I am in love.

From July 26, 2016

There is a one week lapse in the posting of my training. I will catch that up but was so excited about this accomplishment, I had to post it.

If you've been following along, you know that I've been closing the COC 2.5 sporadically in training over the past year and a half or so. and had two official failed certification attempts during this time.

As of late, my gripper training has been going exceptionally well. My training is pretty much by feel with grippers for now with my primary focus back on strongman. My approach has been to stop the self imposed pressure of certification and pay my dues with time in the saddle. Over time, those gains have finally started yielding more frequent results.

After last week's performance of closing the 2.5 multiple times in one session, I decided it's time to attempt to get my 2.5 close on vid since the close has now become predictable and consistent.

Whoop! Whoop!

My gripper excitement took over the pressing work I was scheduled to do. I only got in some axle push press work and will catch up on the rest tomorrow.

Grippers

COC Trainer - 3x5

2.5 - 3x1

My progress over time on these has moved from a random close about once a month the second week after deload week to now closing it multiple times per week, per session. Certification has proven to be a completely different beast than a simple close in training. In hindsight I pulled the trigger on certification way too early. I'll get there soon enough!

Axle Push Press

bar - 3x5

95, 2x3

135, 1x3

155, 1x3

165, 1x3

175, 1x3