Like usual, I made an abrupt and last minute decision concerning my competition plans. I will be competing in Northern Nevada's Strongest Man on August 13, 2016 in order to qualify for Master's Nationals in Vegas at the Olympia on September 16. In short, I changed my direction because of my love for grip and as a long time advocate to see the return to more grip inclusion in strongman. Northern Nevada's Strongest has max distance farmers and Master's Nats has an awesome farmer's type medley and frame hold for time. The events were calling me. In short, I am in love.

From July 14, 2016

Rolling/Mobility

Stir The Pot - 3x10

Bottom Up Squat From 42"

135, 1x5

225, 1x5

275, 1x5

300, 3x5

GHR - 2x6

Bulgarian Split Squats

I am moving forward cautiously with these. Inevitably, these things send my knee over the edge, yet they are beneficial so I do not want to throw them totally out the door.

Grippers

COC 2.5 - 3x1 partial closes, assist with off hand to close

I am just taking my gripper work as it comes and feels. My training right now is so grip intensive that I am just playing it by ear.  My loose plan is one heavy gripper day and one or two days of volume. We'll see how that pans out.

Stupid Grip Feat Of The Week

It's become pretty clear that given the opportunity, I am going to do something foolish with my grip training each week. This week there was a new frame in the gym so I figured I would test it out. It was only 110 lbs and I knew I shouldn't do anything heavy. Soooo....then I started thinking how long I could hold it for.  I was guessing three minutes max. So off I went.

At the three minute mark, I was bored and not feeling anything. So I decided to go for four minutes. Four minutes came and went thinking five would sound much better. By the five minute mark, it finally registered how silly this was. My arms were feeling tight and my shoulders were feeling a slight strain.

I couldn't bear the idea of going another minute without going mad, so I put the frame down. In the end it seemed to be more of an exercise in self control more than anything. However, the next day my arms were super tight and it registered that my press and front squat issues really began when I started more specific grip training. So on top of addressing the shoulder issues, I need to focus on stretching and loosening my forearms. In the end a foolish personal challenge was a learning opportunity to improve my press and front squat. Keeping my fingers crossed!

 Stone of Steel, 110 lbs

I am just messing around with things trying to get a solid feel for the stone. 2x7