I will be competing at The Odd Haugen Northern California Strongman Challenge and Visegrip Viking Challenge on May 21 and 22, 2016. I am thrilled to be back to competing in strongman and finding my passion to train once again. My return to strongman isn't just about getting back into event training. It's also my return to dropping weight, becoming athletic once again, maintaining solid nutrition AND figuring out how to incorporate and maintain grip training in the mix. In the past that has not been possible and I generally go out in a big ball of flames. This time I'm optimistic.

A perfect storm is brewing and many different components of who I am as an athlete are changing and improving. Part of this process is reflecting on where I have been in order to catch you all up while continuing the inner strength to rebuild and compete at my best.

You can catch up on the first two installments of background information here,

Rebuilding: The Fat Doctor & Inevitable Decline

Rebuilding: The Fall Out

There is more to come on this entire process and more background and I hope you find value in some of the lessons and struggles I have experienced. Keep your eyes peeled for the third installment. Who knew I really had that much to say?

I know, I know. Part 3 has taken was longer than I anticipated. Since you all have been waiting patiently, here's the happy ending to date....I am officially down 35 pounds. I have ten more before I stop, evaluate and make decisions based on performance. Right, Part 3. I'm on it!

In the meantime...

Event Training - 4/8

This was the last session before deload. I decided to push a little harder than I otherwise would have with out doing something totally dumb. My TBH for you...it's awesome not breathing heavy and getting through things like a champ. I'm proud of myself, it's been a long and winding road. I've almost reached Oz.

Farmers
125, 2x50 ft
215, 1x50 ft

10" Log
80, 1x10
130, 1x3
150, 1x3
160, 1x3

Yoke
225, 2x50 ft
315, 2x50 ft
405, 1x50 ft

I feel super good about that. The standard with my yoke is there is about a 100 lbs variation in "feel". It's clunky and rough.

170 Stone Load to 52"
1x5 no tacky

Saturday, April 9 - 30 min walk/run try to keep up with Mattie

Things are super! I really cannot express my gratitude for this improvement. Now to get back to the important business of lifting heavy weights!