At this time my strongman schedule is not yet determined leading into the fall. I am slowly working back into grip training with several opportunities, goals and competitions on the horizon which may also include Highland Games late this fall. My training time has been extremely limited due to actual physical access to the equipment due to exploding gym hours and new members. While it's a great problem to have, I long for the days of having a home gym so I could train whenever I want to.

Lifting this week was far from being considered "training". It was lifting, in and out.

Press Day AKA...Hey, Can You Clean The Gym?

Did some light log work between cleaning.

80, 5x5

100, 3x5

120, 1x5

140, 1x5

150, 1x5

Circus DB Press

80 - 3x5

Strongman Losing One Liners

I was catching up on some social media today and there were some comments and justifications regarding competition performance that are pretty typical. This is far from a complete list and I know there are many more. PLEASE, feel free to send in additions.

1. I didn't train for the competition.

Let's be clear, if you're still in the gym working and sweating, you ARE training. So perhaps a more precise justification for competition performance might be, "I didn't train specifically for the competition events." BIG difference.

2. I can *press, DL, insert event here* way more in training.

Yeah, you probably do because your implements are different, the weights aren't as precise or you had a less than stellar day. Accept these differences and move on.

3.  The events were cardio.

Let's be honest, 20+ reps of ANYTHING in one minute is a sign that competition weights probably weren't chosen wisely and accurately represent the traditional strongman model. Losing an event with 23 reps on something stinks.  Zeroing on an event stinks too. There is a middle ground.

4. This is my first contest. OR, I never did this event before.

BIG applause for putting yourself out there and competing. Next time, train harder and find a way to access implements in order to avoid line #1.  You probably learned a ton that would never have happened in training. Now go back to the drawing board and translate those lessons to training.

As the old saying goes, confidence is silent. Insecurities are loud. The only person you are accountable to is yourself.  Justifying or explaining yourself to others isn't necessary. You did your best, move forward.

Not every day will be amazing. Not every day will there be PRs. BUT...every day you get to choose how to approach your training and who you are as a competitor. THAT is far more important than how many reps you were able to complete in a minute on a local show. Your family is all proud of you regardless.