Building, building, building.....
After some distractions that forced me away from my training, I am so pleased to be back to the gym and focusing on rebuilding and shattering some very specific grip goals in late January 2016. I am eager to rebuild and continue moving forward with competing, being a business owner and enjoying the off season for my minions while they get back into the gym, work with their coaches and make every training day count.

From Tuesday morning, December 8.

Silver Bullet with COC 2 - AKA gripper hold with hanging plate

Gripper Warm Up - Guide, 3x10

5:35 am, 110 lbs (COC 2) with 10 lb plate, 8 sec

5:44 am - 106 lbs (COC 2) with 5 lb plate, 5 sec

5:50 am - 110 lbs (COC 2) with 5 lb plate, 5 sec

Push Press - between gripper attempts
Not enough to even count.

Heavy Set Practice, 2 Hands

139 x 1 closed
139 x 1 closed
139 x 1 closed

Rubber Bands

Stretching

Maximize Those Teachable Moments

Tonight while cooking dinner, it was time to strain the pasta. I pulled the pot fresh off the stove with both hands while it was still boiling and walked right to the sink. I started pouring the pasta in the colander and the next thing I know, my leg, foot and chest were burning. And NOT in a good way. I had missed the sink and the boiling water went all over me.

I threw the pot into the stink and let out a giant, "Woooo!" to help channel my pain. Right after that, seriously within five minutes, I grabbed a pot off the stove with a hot pad and burned right through to my thumb/palm and all I could do was throw the pot in the sink before a near meltdown.

The pain was irrelevant. I was MAD! What a doof. I noticed the kids were watching me with great concern and finally asked if I was ok. Yep, more than just ok, thanks for asking.

The door was left wide open for another one of my awesome Wattles Mother Lectures....These are my favorite things in the world....

Yes, I am ok. Thank you for your concern and asking. But dang it, pay close attention...THIS is why we lift! Stuff like this is why you have to be strong. Physical strength is secondary. As the scalding water was running down my leg, I could have screamed, howled and carried on. Instead, once I processed what was happening I switched my brain to view it as an opportunity to test my mind and fortitude. Yeah, it hurt. Guess what? My brain is tougher than hot water. In strongman, I get one minute to do my best. If you can't suck something up for 60 seconds, you better re-evaluate your mental fortitude. Or your lack of it.

Next time they are faced with an uncomfortable situation, I hope they remember that lecture and are reminded that THEY have full control over that switch. That control is invaluable in how we choose to approach and respond to life situations or go out in a giant ball of mediocre.