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 installment of the background information here,

Rebuilding: The Fat Doctor & Inevitable Decline

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 second installment.

So, here's the breakdown of the competition schedule and the events.

Saturday, May 21, 2016
2016 Odd Haugen Northern California Strongman Challenge

Events:

1. Frame Carry, 360 lbs

2. 10" Log Press For Reps, 180 lbs

3. Mas Wrestling

4. Yoke, 500 lbs

5. Stone of Steel Over Bar, 175 lbs

Sunday, May 22, 2016
Visegrip Viking Challenge San Jose

1. Rolling Thunder

2. Double Overhand Axle DL

3. Silver Bullet

4. Hub

5. Blockbuster Pinch Grip Block which is essentially a fat block.

Goals

My primary goal for this competition is to qualify for NAS Strongman Nationals in October. My biggest challenge for this competition will be conditioning and getting back into strongman shape. Strength is not currently my priority. I have plenty of time for gainzzz over the summer. As for grip, my usual grip goals apply.

I was invited to St. Petersberg, Russia to compete at the World Armlifting Championships in mid May. This is the queen mother of all grip competitions and sadly, I had to decline. I was eager to go head to head against what until now has been the closest competitors I've had in grip. The competition is two weeks before San Jose so it will be fun to see some of ladies numbers and attempt to reset any new records. So, while I will not be in Russia physically my spirit is there and I hope to catch some of the competition on videos from Russian TV that is covering the competition.

The 2016 USA Open MAS Wrestling Championship is also happening on Saturday. While I will be Mas Wrestling as part of the strongman competition, I am undecided about also doing the championship. My other goals are always the top priorities.

So that's it! It's time to buckle your seat belt and join me on my newest adventure!