Brovatar Korra Battles the Demogorgon

[Brovatar Korra]

First day back in the gym! Think I'm going to do a simple 5/3/1 for the rest of 2016.

 

1. Strict Press

45x5, 75x5, 85x5, 95x5

 

2. Seated Row

60x10, 70x10x3

 

3. Seated lat-pulldowns

50x10, 60x10x3

 

4. Push-ups

Decided to do 20 push-ups total, eeked out 10, then finished with 2 more sets of 5 

[Brovatar Korra]

Warning: rant about body image and weight ahead!

 

I've been thinking a lot this week about why the weigh-in bothered me so much. I think it is because in all of my previous Strongman competitions, the open heavyweight division was 180+ pounds. I've always fallen into that category and been okay with it. At this meet there was actually a <100kg (<220#) weight class (for women!), and for the first time in my lifting career I had the opportunity to actually compete in a division that wasn't "open heavyweight." Then when I weighed in over it felt like a failure. I felt like a failure. Like I can't keep my weight under control, therefore I have no discipline. I wasn't even trying to lose weight, just trying to maintain and I couldn't even do that. 

 

Okay those are my feelings and my feelings are valid (not saying they're true, just valid). Now let's look at some other aspects of the situation:

1. I was using a scale at home that I now know weighs consistently under 2-3#

2. I wasn't actively trying to follow any particular diet plan, and actually just recently rebelled against macro counting after a bad experience with ETP

3. With all these negative thoughts floating around in my head I somehow still managed to do a great job at the meet

 

So while there will always be a part of my head that is very mean and critical to me (I know everyone has that voice, it just feels like mine has been shouting very loudly recently)... I am going to focus on something actionable. 

My goal over this last year was to get super strong and build muscle. And get super strong and build muscle I did!

1. I went from 195# to 220#, and only went from 37% to 38% body fat. That means I gained somewhere in the ballpark of about 11# of fat and about 13# of muscle in the last 12 months!

2. My Squat went from 245 to 315, my BP from 155 to 198, and my DL from 265 to 315! And my OHP/log from 115 to 155.

3. I was okay when none of my t-shirts or jeans fit anymore and I had to buy new ones. But now I am having a lot of trouble finding professional, or even business casual clothes that I am comfortable in. And unfortunately for my career I'll have to wear them all the time. 

4. It is time for me to change my strategy. I want to keep pushing the limits of my strength for as long as I can. But getting bigger and bigger until I'm uncomfortable even in my own body isn't the way to do it. 

5. I am not in any way saying "once I lose X amount of weight then I'll be happy" because we all know that is bullshit. But I think there is a middle ground where I can lift heavy stuff, and still walk into a business meeting wearing business clothes and feel confident. 

 

I'm going to start off with 5 pounds. My next challenge will focus on changing small habits that will set me up for success. I'm thinking the areas that will give me the biggest boost are:

1. meal prep/planning

2. more walking (I used to hit 10K steps regularly, the last few months it has only been 6-7K a day)

3. more GPP, bodyweight exercises and gasp, shock - maybe even a sprinkling of cardio

 

4. And, OF COURSE, continue lifting heavy things!

 

 

[Emerald_Dragonfly]

I don't have anything profound to say, but clicking like seemed insufficient. 

 

 

You are amazing and a constant inspiration to me (and I'm guessing others).  Your plan looks smart. 

[Brovatar Korra]

18 hours ago, Emerald_Dragonfly said:

I don't have anything profound to say, but clicking like seemed insufficient. 

 

You are amazing and a constant inspiration to me (and I'm guessing others).  Your plan looks smart. 

 

Thank you that is kind to say 

 

Strongman Saturday:

First time working at Big Tex with my old coach from PRISM. We actually got through 4 events in 2 hours, which might be a new record.

 

1. Log Press

Worked on reps at ~ 65%, with a 5 second hold in the front rack position

5 singles at 70#, 3 singles at 80#, 3 singles at 90#

 

2. Frame Hold

Was able to hold 260# for 12 seconds

Was able to hold 300# for all of 9 seconds LOL

 

3. Yoke runs

Working on speed - did 250# for 50 feet, 6 runs total

 

4. Stone of Steel

Empty it weighs 140-150#. I couldn't pick it up because the diameter is too big! My little t-rex arms don't fit around it I believe it is 20". I played with some lighter regular stones, loading 115# to a 48" platform probably 6-8 times.

 

Still getting used to the new space, the drive is pretty far, but at least I have a new place for training that is there when I need it.

 

Tonight I'm going to try a squat suit for the first time - will have entertaining videos/pics soon!

[.TIFF]

Stones are not my friend either, I can lap/lift the 116 lb one but my arms don't fit around the others well either.... I know your frustration, lol.  

 

Great plan and outlook for the next challenge, I am kind of in the same boat as you.  In the past year I got a lot stronger, but added 20lbs to my frame and didn't enjoy it so I am trying my best to move back down AND stay strong.  You can do it, and I also am an ETP'r (well I paid for it anyway) and struggle with trying to get it daily, tracking just isn't a strong suit for me.  If you have the cash you may want to look into Tara at sweat like a pig, she set up a nutrition plan for me twice now and it's simple, no BS, no macro/calorie counting and has helped me get moving in the right direction.  

[Brovatar Korra]

12 hours ago, TiffanyD said:

Stones are not my friend either, I can lap/lift the 116 lb one but my arms don't fit around the others well either.... I know your frustration, lol.  

 

Great plan and outlook for the next challenge, I am kind of in the same boat as you.  In the past year I got a lot stronger, but added 20lbs to my frame and didn't enjoy it so I am trying my best to move back down AND stay strong.  You can do it, and I also am an ETP'r (well I paid for it anyway) and struggle with trying to get it daily, tracking just isn't a strong suit for me.  If you have the cash you may want to look into Tara at sweat like a pig, she set up a nutrition plan for me twice now and it's simple, no BS, no macro/calorie counting and has helped me get moving in the right direction.  

 

Hey! Thanks for the nutritionist tip, I will check that out. I think I've read her blog before.