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Right, so for those of you following my infrequent updates, I'm training for a Strongwoman competition in September 2018. Over the past few months, I noticed a fellow training other Stronghumans at my gym. This past weekend I asked him if he was a coach (yes), if he had availability (yes), and if he was willing to take on a new client (yes!) I wrote him a message, established my goals, chatted a bit and I start next week! He's also aware of my pronouns (which can be weird when your female appearing client goes by 'he/him/his') and is going to do his best. (All I can ask really.) So stoked to train! *arm flail*

My challenges will be themed on my own hybrid class (bardadin). What is a bardadin? Well, it's a hybrid class I worked up. You see, I was a soldier once. Though I've leveled up from paladin (U.S. Army, 6 years) to bard (instructor, 2 years) I still love the strength and surety of purpose of my original class. This combined with my current class's love of people means that I have some very interesting outlooks on life! My name is Vaereyes. I'm a half-orc. I am a bard. I am a paladin, even though I've taken another class I maintain my oath. For this challenge I am firing off some sweet spells! Heroism- Paladin Spells Row 2-3 times/week Weight lift 2 times/week Do Strongman specific workout 1 time/week Prestidigiation- Bard Spells Get to work by 9 a.m. Monday-Friday Do simple cleaning of the common room two nights a week Leave one night a week blank for my sanity

So... This being my first challenge at 32 years old, I have decided to use this as a reset. This is my personal new year, and while I was away in Italy I did some soul searching (and eating) and I have found that I don't really focus on important things as often as I should. Because of this my time isn't used as wisely as it should be and I don't get as much productive stuff done. Time for Tina Fey to help me get my shit together I will make to-do lists every morning, and I can't play video games until the list is complete. A=28 days B=27-25 days C=25-20 D= 20 or less I will have an actual training program outlined - I bought a program online for my own reference, and will be telling my trainer what I want to work each day. For now he can pick what those exercises will be on our days working together, but it will be based on what body part/parts I plan on working that day. I will also do a minimum of 20 min of cardio a day (will be on to-do list). A=28 days B=27-25 days C=25-20 D= 20 or less I will be back on my nutrition program, no if/ands/buts about it. I have an extra food scale at home so I will be bringing it to work so I have no excuses on following the servings I should be eating. Meal prep will be on my lists when required. A=28 days B=27-25 days C=25-20 D= 20 or less (cheat meal is allowed once a week after the first 2 weeks). *Also a note, if anyone is willing to let me send pictures of my meals to them please let me know, I need some extra accountability on this one, especially on the weekends. Side Quest: Get on here daily and contribute to the community more... ADD IT TO THE LIST! A=28 days B=27-25 days C=25-20 D= 20 or less Now to get to work!

I just ran into this. Seems interesting. The Fundamentals of Strongman Training | 8 Weeks Out

SOOOOOO..... Great news on the job front: after 16 applications, 7 interviews, THOUSANDS of dollars spent on application fees, traveling, a professional convention, interview outfits, (a nervous breakdown), business cards, and resume paper... I GOT A RESIDENCY! I'm going to be working for the VA, which is what I really really really wanted. Now: I graduate in 4 weeks! I have to study for my licensing exam! We're moving halfway across the country! Have to arrange all of that and start my new job on June 26th! I am super sad that I'm about to leave all of my lifting friends and the great powerlifting/strongman community in Central Texas. I've made some great friendships over the last eight years. So I decided to have fun with whatever I can still do and it turns out there is a Strongman Competition next weekend! April 29th is an unsanctioned event for charity called "Ronin Veterans Network Strongest San Martian." I'm competing with some other ladies that are MY FAVORITE PEOPLE and I can't wait. So this challenge is really just: 1. Do all the things for my career 2. After doing those things have as much fun as I can Yeah I'm still going to track macros, train regularly, and work on moving gradually towards the 198# weight class. But really 1. and 2. are my guiding principles for the next 2 months. I'm also planning to compete at another Strongman competition on June 3rd. More details to come, it will be at the Naturally Fit Games, and it will be my THIRD year in a row competing there! I'm bringing this back:

So I currently have less than 3 weeks until I leave for my trip to Italy, I am going to try to lose a little over 1lb a week in order to get to the goal of 180(180.whatever works too) before I head to pasta land In order to get this done I will be focusing on 3 things... Meals: Prep all breakfasts and lunches using the containers that help with portion sizes, and plan all dinners in advance including my 1 "cheat meal" which can be anything but must be portioned well. Training: I am doing a 15 day HIIT challenge starting in 2 days (along with my usual training), after that I will make sure I do 2 days of cardio for at least 45 min (stair master, max trainer, low impact) per week, and 25 min on the stair master after every normal workout. Culture Crash Course: I failed at properly preparing for this trip language wise, time to focus and get as much learning in as possible. Italian lessons every day until the trip, with at least a solid 30 min to an hour on weekends. I will be posting updates daily for accountability on meals (which start on Saturday since I have my catered stuff until Friday), and language. Starting Weight 185.4

If you have never seen Stephen King's cocaine inspired masterpiece "Maximum Overdrive." You really should. It is next level bonkers. If you don't enjoy watching terrible movies but like making fun of them "How Did This Get Made?" did a great episode about it. Bonus points for Andy Daly involvement. The goals this time around are: 1. Nutrition and Recomposition I hired a nutrition coach at the beginning of February to help me lose body fat and drop down a weight class. I started at 224, which represents the heaviest but also muscliest I have ever been. I would estimate about 38% BF based on tape measurements. Today I am 213 and I have lost 1" off my hips and 0.5" off my thighs. I am very happy with that progress. Long term goal is to compete in the 198 weight class, so in terms of nutrition plan I just keep eating what she tells me to eat. 2. Hypertrophy Mesocycle I am going to compete in a PL meet June 17th (also my 5th wedding anniversary, husband has mixed feelings about this). Starting a new 12 week prep cycle so the first 4 weeks is hypertrophy city. I have the next month planned out as 65-80% range with lots of reps. I am well aware that actual muscle growth while on a cut/recomposition/deficit will be minimal. If I can maintain my strength and still hit the same numbers after dropping 2 weight classes I will consider that a smashing success. 3. Pharmacy Career Goals I found out yesterday that I did not match with any residency programs. This really bummed me out because I liked the places I interviewed with, and I thought they liked me and would rank me high on their list of candidates. Alas, only 60% of candidates will be accepted to a program because there are 7000+ people fighting for 2500 hundred spots nationwide. The good news is there is a "Phase 2" second attempt for all the people like me to match with a program with unfilled positions. There are 140 spots left. So there is still a chance but the odds are even worse. And we have 3 weeks to scout the remaining options and submit all our application materials again. So yeah.

So last challenge I think I finally started getting things figured out... I also found out last week that I have not lost any strength, and have in fact gained some, and I am down 7 inches total since the start of the year. Part 3 is going to change some things up a bit, since I no longer have to embrace my hellish workouts because both my trainer and I hated them. Goal 1: Keep With The Check Boxes Aim to do better than the previous week (until I consistently hit good marks each week). Sundays will not count, that is my "no fitbit" day. 2. Meal Planning For The Win 30 days of healthy lunches, and 30 days of planned meals (Blue Apron Dinners from Wed-Fri acceptable). - Have first two weeks planned out before official start date of the challenge - Finish 1 other weeks planning each Sunday - 1 "F'it" or dinner out meal per week acceptable - Actually measure food 3. Solidify A Workout Routine I tend to fail at consistency lately when it comes to workouts, I normally get at least 3 days in but I would like to make sure I am getting in 5-6 days of activity weekly. 3 weight training days, 1 accessory day, and 1 "whatever I want to do but I better do something day" minimum per week. Life Goals! - I got the shirts (though some are still on back order), this month I have to get them printed or at least have a print shop to go to once the T-Shirts are in. If I get that done quickly enough, I need to set up a photo shoot by the end of the challenge, and start getting our stuff put on the site/social media. - Curtains! Since I didn't do that last challenge. Lets Do This!

Great watch from Rogue about the stones of strength all over Scotland. So cool. Makes me want to start lifting some crap... then I remember I'm still weak and fat and injured. Someday.

1. FIGHT OWENS BROVATAR KORRA FIGHT! Continue following training program for powerlifting meet March 18th, 2017. I am now in week 9 of 14. Stick to the program! But also doing a Strongman competition for fun February 25th LOL. My PL coach is nonplussed with this decision, but also hey I'm throwing all these weights around to have fun and who the fuck cares as long as it's still fun, right? It's not like I've got sponsorships on the line or anything. After doing a Strongman Saturday last weekend I was hooked all over again. Also winning first place would not be too shabby. I would earn an invite to USS nationals! 2. NEW DAY NEW WAY! For now I am going to keep logging weight and macros in MFP, and stick to overall calorie goal. Will hopefully be updating this soon with more details as I am currently seeking out the services of a nutritionist that provides meal plans. 3. PR CITY Someone did this last challenge (sorry I forgot which warrior!) and I liked the idea so much I'm stealing it. Goal is at least 3 PRs per week. "PR" could be for reps, for volume, or just trying a new exercise. (If it is the first time you try it, it's a PR!). Also I just love Charlotte Flair. 4. Climb that Career Ladder! Time to finish pharmacy school! Only three more months, woohoo! All my residency interviews are now complete. I'll find out on March 17th if/where I was accepted. Talk about a crazy headspace the day before a competition. Thems the breaks. Goal is to not slack off, gotta still study for my licensure exam.

I've been spending a unreasonable significant chunk of my winter break playing Alienation. I chose the Tank class (naturally) and since I've been enjoying it so much it is the theme of my challenge! Goal 1: Follow 12 week training plan gearing up for powerlifting meet on March 28th The tank class must be powerful! Luckily this is all worked out already. Just gotta follow the program and hopefully earn a new big three total. And no extra work. Trust the program! And you coach! Goal 2: Continue Eat To Perform nutrition program, logging macros daily I'm not clever enough to tie this into health and XP pick ups. Goal 3: Increasing steps I need to create a bigger calorie expenditure deficit, so I am going to be running around the map to finish more side quests and teleport to all the UFOs I can find. All that running around should work out to about 9,000 steps daily. Goal 4 Life Quest: Residency Interviews Now that all the applications are submitted, I have to be prepared by reviewing my CV, practicing questions, and buying a new interview outfit. OMG I am dreading buying an outfit. There are no suits for women with traps and delts! I must tear through this challenge like a plasma shotgun tears through a horde!

So as the title states, I have FINALLY sold my house... as in I just got notification that I am richer 5 min ago I also have my competition in a week and a half, and I am starting to feel the nervousness of it creeping in. This challenge will be a bit wonky due to the comp happening, and then me changing things up afterwards to recover properly and then start losing some body fat. Dec 1-10 Goals 1. Hydrate and keep up with protein. - minimum of 66oz of water and a minimum of 160 g of protein a day (OMG, thats a lot of chicken) 2. Train smart the week of, last heavy day will be Tuesday, Wed/Thur/Fri will be mobility, light weight, stretching, ect only. 3. Have fun at the competition! I have worked hard and made some serious gains on weights... I can now overhead press 140, and farmer DL 350. Weather or not I get pwned or throw out some ownage myself I will have a positive attitude and figure out if this is something I want to continue doing (at least competition wise, not giving up all together... F that noise). Post Dec 10 Goals 1. Let your broken self heal. I am horrible at this thing called "resting". I need to make sure my body heals/is rested before I go back to being a badass. 2. Track everything, and match your cut macros from nutritionist, keep drinking all the water. (Christmas will be my cheat day besides 1 weekly cheat meal) @RedStone I may be hitting you up again for accountability! 3. Start adding cardio.... DUN DUN DUN! (There would be a gif here but work interwebs are crappy atm).

I thought about actually running this challenge in the druid thread, but I really like it here and my main focus is still my strongman comp in Dec. This will be more like a lady dwarf scampering happily through the woods with her battleaxe noticing the cute animals and pretty flowers, but really she is just terrorizing everything in her path without noticing. I decided to add some druid traits this time around because I feel like I have my weight training down, and to keep focusing on that is kind of cheating. I will continue to log my weight workouts here, but that will not be a goal this time around. Goals! Focus: Focus more on the good, and less on the uncontrollable. This month I will start using my new planner which focuses more on life goals than what meetings I have for the week. I think this will help me focus more on the important things, and less on the dreary things I have no control over. Calm: Find ways to enhance my daily calm. Clean bedroom and guest room, enjoy the outside while it's actually nice out, notice the small things that make you happy throughout the day. Balance: Balance out the heavy lifting with more walking, yoga, and stretching weekly. Balance out your lazyness/game time with something constructive like learning Italian (can do gaming and Italian WoW'ing with Co-Worker and only speaking Italian). Balance your body with proper nutrition, and more water (54oz min daily). Special Goal: Check in more, and share more with others. I have a tendency to think what I have to share isn't good enough, so while I look at everyone's challenges I don't always speak up. I want to work on this since it's a confidence issue really and something I need to work on.

And by Demogorgon I mean my first official powerlifting meet! I'm doing my first one on October 15th with RPS (Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate!) I'm now in week 12 of my 15 week training plan. This week and next I'll continue to do heavy triples/doubles to pick my openers, and then the last 2 weeks is tapering down. Goals! 1. Follow my training plan Things I should NOT do: - get hurt - test my 1RMs a week out because I get nervous - get crazy with strongman saturdays. No max car deadlifts! 2. Stay in my weight class! (under 220#) Right now I'm 218.6, goal is to just maintain and follow my nutrition plan. I have room for eggos. 3. Pharmacy Residency I need to start gathering materials and making plans to apply to residency programs. Most of them have a deadline of Nov/Dec, so I gotta make some big decisions soon. Gotta apply a Barb level work ethic. Yeah I know I these are tenuous connections at best, I just really wanted to use Stranger Things as my theme. I identified with Barb so much. #TEAMBARB

Life is good at the Fett household. Last month was a success, with me coming out Oprah-rich in PRs and having a 1.2" reduction in waist size. The goal this month is to produce more of the same with some tweaks: Consistently count calories: After TDEE estimations, I put myself at about 3000/day to lose 2lbs/week. When I booted up MFP it put me at 2990 so we are going with that. I have to track daily because (based on previous experience) if I track I will come in at or under my goal daily. I'm allowing myself one meal per week that is untracked, simply because it's a bitch to track some things. I need accountability on this y'all. Someone(s) check me if I don't post every day. If you'd like to friend me on MFP post your username or PM me for mine. Make time for cardio: My current regimen (CF 2-3x per week + strongman events 1-2x per month) is clearly working to recomp me, thus the reduction in waist size and lack of movement on the scale. However, my goal is to lose overall at the moment until I get to an overall weight that I feel is sustainable for me. Whether it be a mile run before or after class, some skills building with jump rope/rowing, a looong walk/ruck, or some sprints, I need to make time to get in the extra cardio to keep the scale going down. Prepare for and pass my Concealed Carry class on 8/27-28th: I'm finally getting around to taking my IL CCW class but there are a couple things I need to do in the couple weeks before I do so. I'd like to get to the farm and go through a couple boxes of ammo, get some dry fire practice, and practice wearing my 1911 around my house/the farm/anywhere else I can legally carry without a license to both break in my holster and get used to the weight on my hip. Bonus: Continue building skills and setting PRs: I don't want to put PRs as an actual goal as I don't want to push myself to injury, but last month I did a bunch of things (consecutive single-unders, box jumps, 80% wall walk, etc) for the first time ever and got PRs on several others (Deadlifts, Bench, C&J, and Back Squat 1RM, half mile time, everything strongman, so many more). I'm going to continue to seek performance and keep pushing for either trying something new or a new personal best every time I walk into the gym. Challenge Starting Weight: 392.2lbs, +.1 from June challenge Challenge Starting Waist: 58.8", -1.2" from June challenge

I just finished my first rotation of my final year of pharmacy school. Only six more to go and then I graduate in May as a for-real practicing pharmacist! I enjoy what I'm doing but it gets tough, and between work and commuting and training I've been a little down. My sleep has also been suffering, I've been more on edge and have had a short temper with my husband lately. I decided to try and cut weight for this meet, and for the last 2 months that has not gone according to plan. BLERGH! So I thought I'd come back to the challenge forum because then I'll be better at following other warriors, and that always cheers me up and motivates me. 1. Continue meet prep This week begins week 7 of my 15 week training plan getting ready for my first official powerlifting meet. It is a no-frills (okay some frills) progressive periodization: Mon = squat + accessories Wed = bench + accessories Fri = deadlift + accessories Sat = Strongman fun 2. Keep eating ~2600 cal, 290g carbs, 100g fats, 130g protein 3. Add 45min walking twice a week (Tues and Thurs) to burn some extra calories (and health benefits I SUPPOSE) 4. Start meditating again 10 minutes per day.

Shout out to my fellow barbarians and amazons of iron! So here's the deal-o... I've got my first powerlifting meet coming up next Saturday (8-6-17, day after Suicide Squad hits and you know I've got tickets for that already) and I'm booored with squatting, benching, and pulling. I follow the Chaos & Pain philosophy of weightlifting which can be summed as the following: frequent, heavy, varied, and violent. Which is fine but I've dropped the variety for lots of back squatting and benching. A typical week for me looks like this - Monday AM 1) *Bodyweight Curcuit 5-10 Sets Monday PM 2A) Back Squat 10x3 2B) Pendlay Row 10x3 3) Bench Press 10x3 4) Neck Work Tuesday 1) Weighted Walk x15-30 Min 2) Core Circuit 3) "Light Shoulder Training" such as Kloklov Presses and Plate Front Raises for 10x10 Wednesday AM 1) *Run x1.5 miles Wednesday PM 1A) Back Squat Lockouts 12x2 1B) High Pulls 12x2 2) Bech Press 6x5 3) Neck Work Thursday 1) Weighted Walk x15-30 Min 2) Core Circuit 3) Wighted Chin-up/Dip Superset 6x6 or 8x8 Friday AM 1) *Bodyweight Circuit Friday PM 1) Back Squat 15x1 2A) Bench Press 8x2 + 2 Back Off Sets 2B) Deadlift 6-8x3-1 + Death Set Saturday 1) Gun Show...non-stop arms for about 30-45 minutes. * = Fasted This is roughly how I've been training for about 3 months while on a caloric deficiency for the last 5 weeks...I went full retard and deceided on a pseudo-paleo/keto diet hybrid monstrositie that's worked fairly well but left be constantly hungry for blood and carbs. Thank Crom for gin & tonic, totally keto. Anyway I'm looking for some input and maybe even program suggestions/structure on a dedicated Overhead Press specialization routine. The week after my meet I plan on focusing on building up my OHP specifically my Clean & Strict Press as I think it's wayyy more badass to clean that $h!t and then press it. Obviously I'm no stranger to both high frequency and high intensity and love abusing volume and will definitely be running this in a huge caloric surplus. So far I've read up on Bill Starr's methods, love the weighted dips; Paul Carter's training style, and checked out the Dreadnought OHP program. However I was most impressed with the Smolov Jr. routine for bench and was considering that. Oh, and if anyone cares...here's me stats - Age: 26 Male Years Training: approx. 5-6 Height: 'bout 5'2"... Weight: I'm competing at 130 lbs... yarp. Usually walking around 145 lbs with visible midsection. Looking to get up to 155-160 lbs. But yeah, I'm a total Neanderthal. Back Squat (High Bar Oly Style): 305 lbs no belt/315 lbs with belt Bench: 275 lbs paused no belt/285 lbs paused with wraps no belt Deadlift (Conventional): 405 lbs no belt, mixed grip. We'll see if I hit these numbers again come meet day though. So far I'm pretty damn close on a so-so day.

Hey! I am making my return this challenge, while I have been gone from the forums for a month I haven't been skipping the gym. I even come with gifts!!! AKA workout videos! So my trainer and I were talking last month and he talked me into try out a strongman competition. The training is a lot more enjoyable for me (and him), and I have been learning so many events. Yoke Carry 280lbs (current max for same distance is 320 now) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG2eEgsilzU 80lb log press - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foYY5E8nyTA 290lb sled pull - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSia7NF94a4 500-600 lb tire flip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfN4AggxH_Q I was actually embarrassed to put this one up at first, but then someone said good fight to me. I realized that yes, it was sloppy, but I didn't give up and that was a pretty awesome feeling. 260lb frame carry - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFvtph-_inA So now that we have caught up, and you have seen what I have been up to we will move on to what I will be up to for the next month. This challenge will basically be all about training for the competition which is Oct 22. Events will be released later this month. Goal 1: 3 weight days and a 90 min orange theory (up to my limit of 4 per month) class weekly. If I can't do another orange theory I will do my own interval training at home. Goal 2: Follow my nutritionist orders 80% minimum. If I only have white rice instead of brown then so be it, if I hate plain greek yogurt and get the kind with less sugar I am ok with that. I need to make this work for me (and it has for the past 2 weeks quite well), so I am finding the happy middle where I can follow this the majority of the time but still not go crazy. I also must have fish oil daily. Goal 3: Feel pretty damnit! (aka look like a damn lady at least 3 days a week) I have some serious body issues/ self confidence problems, so much so that while I put videos up I am too embarrassed to put current photos up. And while I know putting on a bit of makeup or taking the time to look put together is not something I do in the mornings it does help my self esteem so it needs to actually be a priority. I will also be starting up my Instagram to follow my progress, and training awesomeness and need to post something at least once a week (I am Harshtart if you want to follow). No awesome gifs but I can give you a photo of the new stray kitten that has found our home. We have had him for about a month now, and while we never really found a name he is known as Secret Agent D.O.G.. don't ask me why, it just kind of happened.

For anyone who is interested this is a recap of my 4th Strongman competition, the Hill Country Strongman Classic held June 25th in Austin, TX. The weights listed are for the open heavyweight women's division (160+ pounds). There were 5 women in my category, and I ended up placing 4th overall. The competition was very close for 4 of us, but the lady who took 1st in every single event was far and away the strongest athlete out of all of us. She was also taller and heavier, but strong is strong. These photos are terrible quality I know sorry. Most of them are video screen shots. First Event Keg Toss - Throw eight kegs 11 feet in 60 seconds or less. Six kegs weighed 25#, the last 2 kegs weighed 30#. In practice I only had a 20 and a 30. The 20# always went over no problem, I can throw that up to 13 feet. The 30# never went higher than about 9-10 feet, so I was unsure what would happen with 25#. I was able to get one keg over, and every keg after that kept hitting the bar! I was very frustrated because I was throwing them high enough, I just had a bad angle or bad positioning, and they would topple away from the bar instead of over it after hitting it. (The bar was loose and could swing, it was not bolted in place.) I placed 3rd in this event because two other women zeroed. Second Event Log Press - 3 attempts, highest 1RM wins This was my best event. I opened with 110, 130, and then 140. I got second place in this one. The woman who won the event was capable of pressing 180, but she only had to hit 150 to win so that's all she did. Third Event Truck Pull - 50ft truck pull with harness, push truck back 50ft, grab rope out of truck bed and run back to starting point, standing hand-over-hand pull 50ft (90 second cap) This was a lot to do in 90 seconds. The truck was an F-350 so it really wasn't that heavy. Most people got somewhere around halfway through the 3rd leg (rope pull) when time ran out. The lady who won actually pulled the truck across the finish line a second before time was called. I placed 4th in this event. Fourth Event Deadlift from 18" - 375# max reps in 60 seconds, straps allowed I have only pulled as high as 335# in practice, so I knew this would be tough. We were not given any warm-up practice either, which also made it extra difficult. I was able to get it off the ground and about halfway up my thigh and then I stalled out. I was disappointed, but I knew this would be the toughest event for me. Another woman zeroed this event so we tied for last place. The lady who won pulled 8 reps to win, but she easily had more in the tank. She was a beast! Here is a picture of me pulling my little heart out. Almost! Fifth Event Atlas Stone Ladder - 115# to 58", 145# to 54", 175" to 50", 215# to 46" (60 second cap) I knew I could hit the first 3 no problem, but 215# would be tough. What I didn't count on is that I would actually run out of time just as I was setting up for the 4th stone, so I didn't even have a chance to try and pick it up. I placed 3rd in this event, 2 women got all 4 stones, and the other 2 women could only get the first 2. The competition overall ended up being very close, 3rd place was only one point ahead of me, and 2nd place was only one point ahead of her! On the one hand this made me angry, because I was so close to placing much higher. On the other hand, I know I gave every event 100% and did my best. That means I am that close to placing higher in the next comp! The next day I was sore and a bit banged up, but nothing to terrible. Today (Tuesday) I'm actually already back in the gym, starting training for my first Powerlifting meet with RPS in October! Lessons Learned: 1. Need to work on absolute strength for deadlifts 2. Need to work on SPEED for most other events, (truck pull, keg toss, atlas stones) 3. Don't put spider tacky on your shirt before stones, or you'll accidentally flash everyone when your shirt sticks to the stone!

I really just wanted to do a Rick and Morty themed challenge. This one is more of the same - right now my life is revolving around the 2016 Hill Country Strongman Classic YEAH!!! It is going down Saturday, June 25th at the Austin Convention Center (as part of the Naturally Fit Games). I sprained my wrist about 2 weeks ago, which really sucked. It was a giant wrench in my carefully planned training and peaking program, which was quite frustrating. Thankfully now it is on the mend thanks to bone broth, RICE, e-stim, acupuncture, and all the fruits. ALL THE FRUITS. I wish there were more weight classes for women. At this NAS competition there are only three: 1. less than 140# 2. 140-160 3. 160+ This is lame because a 165# 5'5" woman would be competing head to head with a 220# 5'11" woman. I know they do it that way because not enough women compete at local events to break the classes down further, but it just doesn't seem right. However, as a woman who currently weighs 214#, at least I don't have to worry about cutting weight. So for the month of June I'll be doing this:

My last final is on May 16th, and then I don't start my 4th year rotations until July 5th. That gives me a whole month and a half to focus on training eating the right things, and getting my life in order before 42 weeks of craziness begins. The plan is to continue lifting heavy things, eating nutritious stuff, and taking care of chores I've been putting off for too long. 1. Some examples of those things include: - changing the oil in my car - buying new work clothes - dusting! - organizing my old notes for easy reference during rotations - go to the dentist and get my teeth cleaned 2. Continue my usual workout routine. Olympic weightlifting, bro-building, STRONGMAN. 3. Eat less fat (90g) and more protein (130g). 4. Bonus points: - doing my back pre-hab exercises - walking more than 5.5 miles in a day - accomplishing a task that makes my life more organized/manageable

The story so far: Our intrepid hero started at 500lbs and unhappy. Over the course of 3 years lost 148lbs and then got divorced. This threw him off track and he gained 85 back. Met a wonderful woman a year ago and moved in with her last fall. A month ago both decided to get on track. Got portions under control and began transition to a Paleo-ish diet. Limited alcoholic beverages. Joined a local gym that does crossfit-type workouts during the week and strongman event free-days on the weekend. Lost 18lbs and an inch off the waist in his first challenge back. And so our story begins... I've decided to compete in a strongman competition at the end of July. This one, in fact. Will be competing in the Novice division. I'm going to focus this month's fitness goals on getting comfortable with the events, so that I can spend June working on getting to a point where I can compete to win! Attempt every event I will be competing in: Sometime this month on the weekends I need to try each of the events in the competition and see where I am/what I need to work on. For those of you who didn't feel like clicking the link, these are: Straight Bar Deadlift - 365lbs - Most reps in 60secs. Yoke Walk - 500lbs - For distance. 60 sec time limit, unlimited drops. Frame Carry - 380lbs - For distance. 60 sec time limit, unlimited drops. Axle Clean and Press - 185lbs - Clean the axle once and press for most reps in 60 secs. Atlas stones - 210lbs/240lbs - Max reps over bar. Heavier stone counts for more reps than smaller one. Attend 2 crossfit classes per week: Gotta have the conditioning to go along with the strength or I'll be blown after just a couple events. Plus it's been burning fat like crazy. Eat clean: Defined by eating my version of Paleo with dairy and whey included with three variances per week. (Unashamedly stolen from Tanktimus) Life goal: Make time for my hobbies: Set aside weekly time to devote to one of my many hobbies. Whether it be blacksmithing, woodworking, homebrewing, riding the horses up at the farm, fishing, range time, that Millenium Falcon lego set my fiance got me for Christmas, or just a few hours of video games. Between full-time job (plus 2hrs of daily commute), working out 3x/week, working at the family farm on my days off, trying to be a good fiance and future step-dad, and trying to maintain a social life, I don't have seem to get much "just me" time. I need to take some time weekly to enjoy all the stuff I want to enjoy.

I just got back home from my second sanctioned contest. It was another great contest run by Hudson Valley Strength. I decided a few months ago that I'd be doing the contest at 165 since I haven't weighed in that light since sometime around when I started growing pubes and I was WAY too weak to be that damn fat. I cut from around 181 down to 172 over the last few months and then water cut into the contest. It was my first time I did any water manipulation and learned really fast what works for me and what doesn't... more on that later. On to the contest report. Friday night: My wife and I got into the hotel at around 3pm. Weigh-ins were from 5-7, about a half hour away. I walked into the room weighing in at 167.6. After one final leak and about a half hour in and out of a steaming hot bathtub I tipped the scale at 165.5. I was starting to feel really shitty and overheated so I called it there. We hopped in the car and drove to Lightning Express for weigh-ins. I was fourth on the scale and I made weight without an issue. We went to IHOP for a giant refeed meal of a chicken fajita omlette, three pancakes, and four glasses of orange juice. I polished off a bag of chips between weigh-ins and before bed along with twoish litres of water. Feeling bloated as shit I passed out, pretty happy about the whole ordeal being behind me. Saturday morning: We rolled up to the venue at 8am and I got checked in, got my t-shirt, and grabbed a picnic table. Just like last year the weather was amazing and the atmosphere was just as intense. They got stations for the first two events set up, rules briefing at 9, and the first event happened right on time at 9:30. The 165 class had 9 guys in it. Axle and Log press medley, max reps in 60s at 160 pounds I was 7th in the order so I got to watch most of the class go first. A couple guys made it pretty obvious that they'd never touched an axle or log and then a couple others were just complete fucking animals. I was hoping for 4 reps but realized really fast how humbling real implements are. The axle had tires for big plates so the pick was higher than I'm used to. I had a dick of a time getting any speed off the floor to clean so getting the axle up to the rack was just pathetic. I hit one rep on each implement and felt pretty light headed afterwards. I tried for a second rep on the axle but I couldn't clean it. Car deadlift, max reps in 60 seconds I got a few cues from one of the guys in the 181 class but they didn't matter. I zeroed on the deadlift along with 7 of the 9 in my class. 3 reps won the event and 1 rep took second. The promoter said if he realized it was going to be that heavy he would have dropped another mat under the rig but it was too late. I spend about 40 of my 60 seconds trying to pull it but I only just broke it off the floor once. Hussafel stone, 50' for time at 200 pounds The signature implement of the contest is a puzzle piece shaped Hussafel stone made by Big Dawgg just for Lift for Autism. It sucks. The scoops are in just the right spot for a low pick but high enough that the bottom of the stone whacks your thighs as you walk and the nub on top keeps you from being able to pull it any higher. I hate the Hussafel stone but this just takes it to a new level of fuckery. I made the run in 15 seconds. Farmer's walk, 100' with 180* turn at 150 pounds I should have been training moving events for a long time and this was what really told me that I'd been fucking off with my training. The weather has been shit for carry work but I needed to get some of it done regardless. It was pretty straightforward and not especially surprising. I was still slow as shit at 22 seconds. Atlas stone series over 51" bar Again, this was a pretty big demonstration of how I've been fucking up with my training. I have the stones but never got the heavies from my other house and it showed. The series was supposed to be 180-240 but ended up being 220-300ish. I tackied up and got my first stone loaded without any problem at all for a 20 pound Atlas stone PR. I tried breaking the 240 off the floor and it just wasn't budging. Since I didn't place we stuck around for the rest of my weight class and bailed. We crushed a pile of smoked awesomeness at a barbecue place somewhere north of Kingston and continued on home. I'm trashed. My hamstrings feel like hamburger and my upper back is a wreck. My abs are still cramping every now and then, too. Lessons learned on making weight I'm not allowed to get over 175 ever again. I like competing at 165 and having to do a big water cut to make weight sucked a big fat dick. I'm sure it impacted my performance, especially on my press first thing. Water loading 2-3 gallons a day didn't do a thing for me. I seemed to adapt too quickly and didn't get any payoff from the misery of it. Cutting carbs worked exceptionally well but doing a PSMF in the week going in was too much of a good thing. I'm glad I did it, though. I lost at least a couple pounds of fat along with the water and it'll make it easier to get myself down to a "real" 169-168 and stay there. Lessons learned about training I'm past the point where just getting stronger is the best thing I can do to perform better as a strongman. I need to spend more time with at least some bread-and-butter implements to get better at moving under load. My footspeed was terrible with both the Hussafel and the farmer's handles. My next contest has a tire flip and keg carry/load. I need to procure a big ass tire and get my sandbag filled up as a keg analog ASAP. I'll be doing farmer's walks too just to shore up having good footspeed and stability. What's next I have NY Strong-est in July. I'll have a max log, 450lb deadlift for reps, truck pull, tire flip, and keg carry/load. I need to spend a little time putting on some size and taking a break from cutting weight but at the same time not get too far away from making weight. Spending a week drying out isn't really possible in July so I won't be able to make up for being reckless over the next three months with my diet.

Well, my competition is done. That one thing that had been driving me since December is over. This is a weird feeling. I have a bunch of rest days now and a week long break from my nutrition plan. I thought that I would be living it up this week drinking beer and eating ice cream. Weirdly, all I want to do is get back to the gym and start meal prepping - I guess I formed a habit? Here is a quick contest recap for those of you following from last month. Overall I am pretty happy with my performance. It was only good for last place out of 8, but a pretty respectable last place (I wasn't last in every event, the one event that I zero-ed was also zero-ed by 2 others, so I feel like I was hanging in there). It was my first Open class contest and I was up against some very strong ladies. Event: Circus DB Press for reps, Clean and press every rep, 60 second time limit 70# (loadable handle) Pre- Contest: PR 60# for reps. I am feeling confident I can get 70. I would like to get 3-4 lifts in contest. Contest: ZERO-ED, but got several reps that were very close. Most frustrating event Event: Max Barbell Deadlift, ­30 second time limit Wessels rule; max 3 attempts,miss at anytime and you are out; 20lb jumps : minimum starting weight 200lbs Pre- Contest: Max deadlift 245 at a slight deficit. I am confident that I can make good progress here and would like to open at 240, hit 260 and attempt 280 in contest. Contest: Opened at 240, hit 260 easy. I only got one more chance so I went for 300 skipping 280. I would have hit the 280 for a 35# PR. I got 300 off the floor though. This wasnt great for points, but it made me pretty darn happy Event: Farmer's Hold max time 155# Pre- Contest: Have hit 155 and held for 20 seconds plus, I want to get as close to a minute as possible in contest. Contest: Got 53 seconds Event: Sandbag carry medley, Carry sandbag 50 feet straight drop, pick up heavier sandbag carry 50 feet back, 60 second time limit, no shouldering, must carry bear hug style 100# 120# Pre- Contest: I did some work at contest weight and was fast. I should do well in this event. Contest: 24 second run, I could have been a little faster with the pick, but overall happy with this Event: Stone over bar series,­ 44" bar for women­ 60 second time limit 150# Pre- Contest:150# with tacky is no problem and the bar is lower than what I have been working with. Looking to hit 6 reps. Contest: Got 6 reps hooray

I recently listened to a great Art of Manliness podcast, in which Chris Duffin described what I think is the best explanation of “core bracing” I’ve heard. I am very interested in learning more about his Kabuki Method. My goal this challenge is – every single time I pick up a weight, I am focusing on my breath, my diaphragm, expanding my obliques, and engaging my lats. Here is how my idea of “bracing” has evolved over time: In the beginning… What is bracing? A few months later… Oh, so you mean suck my belly in? For years after that… Oh, you mean just take a deep breath and push my belly out? Last year: Valsalva maneuver! Now: I need to improve mind-body connection for every single muscle between my shoulders and my butt. Continuing my usual workout routine: 1. Olympic weightlifting 3x per week (MWF) 2. Bro-building 2x per week (mix of powerlifts and accessory movements on TR) 3. Strongman event training 1x a week (SATURDAY!) The only kink will be the very first week I am competing in a weightlifting meet April 10th. After that I’ll be back to my normal routine. Continuing my usual eating routine: 1. No real restrictions 2. I track everything when I remember to (I average about 2500 calories a day) 3. A challenge or two ago my goal was 100g protein/day, so this time upping it to at least a 110g/day (averaged by week) Bonus points: 1. Doing all of my back pre-hab exercises each week (glute bridges, planks, and that thing where you twist side to side with one leg crossing over) 2. Any day my Fitbit tracks 5 miles walked or more (I currently average about 4mi a day) 3. Actually reading and learning about the Kabuki method