I am thrilled to be back to training 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 three installments of how I got to where I am. 

Rebuilding: The Fat Doctor & Inevitable Decline

Rebuilding: The Fall Out

Rebuilding: Path To Success

From 4/19

Rolling & Mobility

Renegade Rows - 3x8

My initial reaction looking at the program was, "Whew! A break from planks!" Then it was time to actually do these. Mattie has such a good sense of humor when he comes up with this stuff for me. I'm positive that while I was still trying to wake up a little past 4 am and manage these, he was home curled up nice and warm in bed having one of the funniest dreams thinking about my latest program and having some good chuckles at my expense.

10" Log
80, 3x6
135, 1x3
155, 1x4
155, 1x3
155, 1x3

Close Grip Bench
155, 1x3
145, 1x4
145, 1x5

I am spending time recalculating weights and adjusting as necessary.

1 Arm DB Rows
65, 3x6

Barbell Upright Rows
2x6

This is week 1 of my strength cycle. Starting this low is discouraging but all in due time and lots of patience to rebuild.

In other news...This is for the strong new moms in case you missed the news update last week.

Check out the new "StrongMom" policy in strongman to aid new moms as they return to competition in the sport of strongman. Catch up here.

https://www.elitefts.com/news/the-birth-of-the-strongmom/

I started training strongman three months after my second child's birth and did my first competition was when she was 9 months old. I was ready and able without issue. She sat in her saucer or stroller outside while I trained. It was good for both of us. However, after my first child I don't think that would have been possible, there were so many adjustments in life, besides my own body.  So this is interesting and something I keep mulling around in my head.

Get in touch. I would love to have any thoughts and experiences you have about this issue.