2016 has been a productive strongman season returning back to the sport. In June I took third place in the Open SHWW with United States Strongman. In September I won the HWW America's Strongest Master with Strongman Corporation. I would like to continue to make improvements and push my performance considerably for next year.

As of right now, I have no competition plans until next year. I am not sure what they will be but am using this down time to address some weaknesses, particularly 12" log and circus DB. Grip training will return as well.

Well, this week wasn't a total wash. The Big Guy finally had his surgery on his laundry list of things he tore in his shoulder at his meet last month. I don't think either one of us was quite prepared for how awful of an experience this was going to be. We knew how serious his injury was but perhaps we both underestimated everything else. Today life is starting to feel a little more normal, just in time to go back to work tomorrow.

I'd like to do a separate entry on the injury, process, where we are now and what's to come.  However, I did ask him at this point in the game if he felt like his injury was worth it in terms of the price to be paid.  I've been struggling with that nagging question, most likely because I'm exhausted & frustrated.

I respected his answer....

I've been benching for almost thirty years. It's what I do. You lift until you break. Isn't that the name of the game? It's my turn.

Surgery was on Tuesday. We were finally able to get out of the house on Friday and start daily walks to keep him moving and getting up and out. Each day is a smaller step towards normal. This sucks.