My awesome strongman journey

[BigTwoThree]

So this last week was awesome. Two things I wanted to accomplish.
Number 1: play floor hockey
Number 2: go to strongman training
Tuesday went to floor hockey and felt great!! Groin didn't bother me at all. Wednesday did the following "events"

Log: 135 2 strict(1push press)
155 2, 2, 2 push press
115 7 strict PR
Worked on form here as I kept pushing the bar to far forward instead of straight up for some reason. And hit a rep PR after everything so that was cool
Squat: 185 5
225 3
255 2
275 1
Had no idea what I would be compable on doing but happy about what I hit. Post rehab PR's
Rumble roller: failed at 135
Dropped down to 125 fail
Dropped down to 115 fail (terrible)
Dropped down to 105 got the pick finally
Dropped down to 90. 5, 5, 3 sec holds
My grip has officially gone to crap but it'll come back
We did some playing around with DB snatches at this point
65, 75, 80 all went up but stopped at that point
Band Incline sit ups: 20, 15 purple band?

Felt great to get back to training events. Even if it was just a log event that day.

Saturday event day:
Snatch:
95 3, 3
115 3, 2
Form is horrible on these so I am going to attempt to get some help with that
Yoke walk:
340 60ft
390 60ft
440 60ft 1drop(was slipping off my back)
440 60ft 14.15 seconds
These were done with a low pick which was awesome. Turned into a half squat to get it off the ground.
Yoke pick and hold:
520 20sec hold.
Brought the bar up for a higher pick for these. Was impressed with the 20sec hold as I didn't think I'd get it. When you have someone in your face counting on you to hit a certain time you get it done.
Anchor chain drag:
60ft x2
****ty gpp that's all I can say
GHR:
BW 4
Reverse bands 4
The guy I train with can't do any reps with his body weight so we ghetto some reverse bands so he can do some reps. Decided to try it out with reverse bands

Good week for me. Not much actual training but good

[BigTwoThree]

Decided to a bit of benching Tuesday before floor hockey and ended up going for a new PR.
Bench:
185 2
200 1
215 1 PR
Did some chin ups. Not very much.

Wednesday
Log:
135 2(1push press)
165 2 push press (3rd failed)
165 (failed on 1st) 1(got 2nd)
165 1 (failed on 2nd)
115 7 strict
Most of the failing was technique
Pause squats:
225 3
225 3
225 3
Pause was about 1-2sec. Just a small pause
Heavy DB holds:
100's 30 sec
100's 32 sec
100's 1min
Was timing myself so took 4sec off the first two to hopefully make it more accurate. Last was timed by my training partner so he pushed me to get a minute.
Band sit ups
20, 20 purple band
Reverse band GHR
8 purple band

Had my brothers birthday party Friday so stayed up late. Did not go to strongman but did some front squats at home
Front squat:
135 5
155 3
185 2
Was way to tired to be doing this

Tonight's extra workout
Incline bench:
95 8/5
135 3/3
Did these with a close grip then my normal grip. Close was index on the smooth and then pinky on the ring
Pull up variation:
27 total
DB flies:
20 10
25 8
Farmers shrug
70's 20
110's 18 put down once after 10
When I was doing my rehab I couldn't pick up these up without pain so good to see I can again without any discomfort.
Last day of floor hockey tomorrow, then events Wednesday.

[BigTwoThree]

Did some "event" training last night again.
Snatch:
95 3, 3
Clean:
95 3
Was doing some form work and realized I am really bad at doing an overhead squat. Figured I'd throw in some easy cleans as well
Yoke walk:
390 60ft
440 60ft
480 60ft
500 60ft
The 500 went really bad because we raised the pick to what we thought should be perfect for me. Turns out it kept hitting the ground so we put it back down and kept going. Dropped again right before being finished. Next time will be way better.
Anchor chain drag:
60ft x2
These were surprisingly a lot easier then expected. Good to see
Reverse band GHR:
Red 4
Purple 8
Just wanting to make sure I get quality reps in so switched to purple bands

That was all for the night. Going to bench tonight if I have some time at work and do some back work. Just deloading the bench. Might not get to the barn Saturday but we'll see how late I have to stay at work.

[BigTwoThree]

A guy who trains some kids out of where I work showed up early today so didn't get to do what I wanted. Did a bit after he left too
Bench:
worked up to 105 5
Was going to 115 and 130 yet for my deload but oh well. Supposed to be a deload anyway right?
Superset Lat pulldown:
last set was 100 by 8.
Still was fairly easy but this was when I was interrupted.
After I did some random calf raises, snatches, cleans. and some deadlifting, both conventional and sumo. Deadlifts didn't feel as good as I was hoping, and heavier then expected, but it'll come yet. Might do some training tomorrow, and if not Saturday will be either event training or training at home.

[BigTwoThree]

Today's training
Wider overhead:
135 2 (no push press)
170 (fail) 1
170 1
170 1
Only failed on the first one cause I had very little leg drive.
115 7
Neutral grip chin between sets
24 total
Pause squats:
225 3, 230 3
Got super deep on my last rep with 230 so that was a grinder. Knew a guy was coming right away so skipped the third set
Farmers walk holds:
110's 1min
Can't make 110lb DB's but this works as well.
Didn't get to do my ab work. But will do some next session

[BigTwoThree]

Training
Front squats:
135 5, 155 4, 185 3
Deadlifts:
135 8/8, 155, 6/6
Hanging knee raise:
10sec on, 10 off x3

PR on front squats. Deadlifts did both conventional and sumo. So 8/8 is just 8 of both forms. Hanging knee raises I just held the too position for 10sec instead of doing reps

Yesterday:
Bench:
155 5, 165 5, 175 8(PR)
Neutral grip chins:
21 total
Inverted rows:
6, 6, 6
Superset with push ups:
10, 10, 10
Plank:
1min
At this point a guy came to help with my technique on the Olympic movements. This destroyed me! But made good progress on both the clean and snatch.

[BigTwoThree]

Saturdays training: family was out and my brother and mom wanted to train with me.
Free squat:
255 1, 275 1 both belted
Squatting was heavy this day so I belted up for these two.
Pause squats:
205 3 reps 3sec pause
Only did the one set
GHR:
Couple
Kept getting a huge cramp in my calf so didn't do much
Chin ups:
Did a random amount of these using various bands with the family. Probably did a good 40-50 total

[BigTwoThree]

Training today:
Wider overhead:
140 1 (PR)
Push press:
170 2(PR)
170 2
170 2
Neutral chins between:
27 total
Battle ropes:
Up/down trying to keep on forearms moving 15sec x2
Didn't want to do to much because I believe I am doing event training tomorrow. See what my buddy's up to yet. Good PR's today. Everything felt light for how heavy it usually feels. More weight next week then! Maybe back to the log as well

[BigTwoThree]

Last nights event day
Axle deadlift:
Worked up to 300 for some singles
Frame carry:
280 60ft
330 60ft
Tire flip:
Small/light one 4x2
Keg load:
180 2reps 42"
180 2reps 42"
220 1rep low platform
Reverse GHR:
6 purple
Really excited for the deadlifts. Didnt count reps or pay attention to weigt much as i was helping some guys with form. Guy pulled a 30lb PR so that was sweet to see. Did both conventional and sumo. Doing a switch grip on sumo's is awkward for me. Frame was light, except the pick on the second one seemed heavier. I think my foot placement was off. Tire was light but got form work in. Been a long time since I've done half this stuff. Kegs went good. Was really happy to finally have gotten the 220 up. Apparently I was using the crappy one that's harder before so will do more reps next time. GHR were hard but oh well. Wanted to do more sets but ran out of time. Oh and realized my grip sucks more then it use to. Or maybe just seems that way

[BigTwoThree]

Took the last week off. Yesterday's late night training.
Axle deadlift(conventional/sumo):
230 3/3, 250 2/2, 280 1/1x2
Bar weight approx 50lbs
Cleans: hang
135 2, 155 1, 185 (fail x3) went to floor (fail) 1+press huge PR here!
Chain yoke:
270 60ft
360 60ft 1 slip, 1 drop
GHR:
Purple 8
Was supposed to do keg again but back was fried. Very happy about the clean and press. Second run of chain yoke was bad, first slipped off my back, then my shoe folded over(needs to be replaced).

[BigTwoThree]

Thursdays training
Close grip bench:
135 8
155 8
175 6
Neutral chins:
18 total between bench
Barbell shrugs:
225 15
275 10
275 10
Rear delt flies:
20 10
20 10
Top portion barbell curls:
55 16
55 16
Figured out a way to make benching alone easier. I've been having trouble on my bench getting heavier weights out. Better this day. Think I'm going to change up how I do chins next cycle. The curls were interesting. Huge pump which was just weird in a way to me lol.
This mornings training
Viking press:
90 4
90 5
110 3
130 2
150 fail x2
Tire deadlift:
600+ 1
700+ 1
Yoke:
340 11.5 sec 88ft
440 14something 88ft 1drop(dumb)
Frame hold:
410 15sec (hook grip=bad)
GHR:
Purple 10
Was going to something completely different but we are having a barn comp in the next month or so, so Brent wanted to see what weights to use. I didn't want to go for a log max today so I just did Viking instead, the tire deadlift was cool. I've never gotten either of them up, although its been a long time since I've tried. Yoke was easy, but I dropped it on the second. For a head of myself. Hook grip was a terrible idea for a hold for time lol. GHR was the only thing that I did that was programmed in. Good session tho

[BigTwoThree]

Yesterday's training:
Had to cut it short today but did what I wanted most
Free squat:
225 2
245 1
275 1
295 1(PR)
Dead squat
150 2singles
Post rehab PR. Was hard but had more in me. Will need to learn to strain more on my squats. Not be scared to strain. Always seems hard but when I look at the video it seems fast so maybe hit 300 for the first time ever next week. See how the body holds up after Saturdays events. Was trying to get the height right on the dead squats. Had it way to low but I am thinking I'll keep it low possibly. Anyway resting today as the body needs it bad. Events and deadlifts tomorrow

[BigTwoThree]

Didn't get to train like I wanted to this week. Got sick, so didn't do much. Saturday went in and did the following
Log push press:
155 1
175 failed on clean
125 9 1min
Tire deadlift:
600+ 3
600+ fail
600+ 5
Frame hold with fat grips:
210 crap time
250 crappier time
Strap good morning:
195 5
235 3
GHR:
Red 4 purple 6
Purple 5

Still was feeling the effects of being sick apparently. Oh well

Today's training
Free squat:
200 5
210 5
225 6
Dead squat:
150 4 singles 45sec rest
Hypers:
23 last three included GHR

Session went good other then feeling tired after anything. Still trying to get it through my head that squatting isn't supposed to be as easy as it always looks on video. Think this is a huge mental thing for me that needs to be fixed. Was exhausted after the squatting and dead squats so didn't do everything again. Hopefully by Wednesday my cold is completely gone and I can train properly again.

[BigTwoThree]

Yesterday's training:
Axle deadlift:
240 3/3
260 3/3
290 3/3
310 1/1x2
Cleans from floor:
135 3
155 1
Tire flip
500+ 5 total flips
Keg load:
185 1 220 fail
220 1
220 1
220 1
All to 48"
GHR:
BW 3
Hamstrings were still a little sore from Monday but didn't effect my training at all. Deadlift is coming back pretty quickly, which is awesome. Cleans felt pretty good and it seems as if my form is getting better. Tire flipping went decent, mostly just working on technique again. Keg loading was awesome. Going to try for the 240 next week(I think Brent has one at this weight) and GHR just did a few with BW only.
On a side note I have all the events for the next two comps I have. Should be good. I'll post below what the events are.

[BigTwoThree]

Chicken barn 2: May 18
Hand over hand: car +95lb sled for 80'
Log clean and press: max starting at 130
Tire deadlift for reps: two tires, 1 rep on heavy beats lots on lighter
Yoke: 450 100'
Thick handled frame or farmers hold for time: weight is yet to be determined

Morden YFC block party: June 1
Log press for reps: 125 head to head
Tractor tire flip: 400-500lbs head to head
Farmers walk: 175 head to head
Co-op truck pull with harness
Deadlift for reps: 300lbs

After this I probably won't be competing till July 27th when I am doing my first powerlifting meet. With the wedding and honeymoon coming up its just not going to happen unless there comp in the city will be in June

[BigTwoThree]

Training
Friday:
Close grip bench:
155 6
170 4
Neutral chins:
18 total
Back was still tight so kept it short and didn't want to fry the tris for Saturdays training.
Saturday:
Log press:
155 1
155 2
155 2
125 10 in 1 min
Farmers:
175 200ft 1 turn 1 drop. Did not get time
Tire deadlift:
600+ 2
Something popped or pulled in my mid back so stopped here. Log was better then last week but still crap. First time doing farmers in a very long time, also longest ever gone. Very happy with this but hoping for no drops at the comp. Back was still sore and I should've listened and not done tire deadlifts. My stubborn butt will no better next time.
Going forward i feel a good idea is to go to 3 days a week + 1 day of gpp. Feel this should help with my bodies ability to recover from everything. Might be to late to start but we'll see how this goes for now. Iced the back today and resting it a lot tomorrow. Shouldn't be anything serious. Training days are also being changed(I'm all over the place I know). Tuesday will be bench, Wednesday deadlift and Saturday will be squat and overhead. Thursday/friday will be gpp day. See how this works out with life. Comp coming soon although barely training for it ha ha

[BigTwoThree]

So apparently the back was a bit worse then I thought. But went and trained Saturday. Just whatever I could without causing discomfort as the pain was gone by this point.
Close grip bench:
165 5
185 4
135 + chains 4 (not sure on the weight)
Superset
Box squats/pull ups:
135 5/3 x4 no rest between sets
Front box squats/DB rows:
135 4/80 8, 6x3 x4sets again no rest

Squatting was a bit uncomfortable but felt good. Real light. Benching with chains was interesting. First time using them.

[BigTwoThree]

Finally got to do my harness pull I wanted to do. Sad thing is my rope is short and my crv is to light. Next time will add weight if I get to do it again before June.
Harness pull:
3 pulls approx 60ft I believe
Cleans:
135 2
135 1
Snatch press/overhead squat:
Bar only random amounts
Front squat holds:
225 18sec
225 16sec
225 18sec

Surprised at how hard it was to hold the front squats. Cleans weren't going my way so I stopped them early before hurting something. Events tomorrow anyway

[BigTwoThree]

Event training Wednesday:
Deadlift:
Worked up to 280 2
Speed work:
225 8x3 90sec rest
Power shrugs:
210 5x3
Harness pull:
Car +3plates
Ball load:
3x2 42" I believe

Deadlifts went pretty good today. More volume then I am use to so hopefully that brings it back up quickly. Wasn't planning on doing harness but another guy wanted to do it so I decided to. A lot harder then the crv. Mostly cause you can't build speed with it like I could with the crv. Good run tho. Now that its nice out the ball is a lot more grippier. Was one motioning most of my reps.

Comp today:
Hand over hand:
Car+1plate 80ft? 43.97 4 points
Max log:
180 final weight completed 3 points
Tire deadlift:
Light tire 12 2 points(didn't think the other guy would get 13)
Yoke:
450 100ft 24.5sec 3 points
FW holds:
220 40.09 2 points
Overall:
7th or 2nd last. Should've had sixth, yoke didn't go my way and stopped to early on the deadlift. The guy who got sixth is not stronger then me but had a really good run in the hand over hand and fw hold. Had some strong guys come out. Will do better in Morden. Happy with my log as well as hand over hand. Hand over hand has been my weak event for a long time. And my log has sucked lately. So this was nice. As always my grip sucks. Hopefully that will catch up to everything else yet. Should start doing farmers more often to help with this and all the deadlifting ill be doing