Wall Ball Squats

Woke up again! Went to the 9am.

Warm-up

  • Bottom Squat Hold
  • Ring OH Stretch
  • 10 Good Mornings (15#)
  • 10 Back Squats (15#)
  • Calf Stretch
  • 10 OHS (15#)

Strength: Overhead Squats

3-3-X-1 Tempo

  • 3×45#
  • 3×95#
  • 3×115#
  • 3×135#
  • 3×155#
  • 3×175#

The closer grips are feeling better and better. Empty bar with a jerk (or even closer grip) is no issue now.

Conditioning

10:00 AMRAP

  • 5x
    • Wall Ball (20#, 10′)
    • Goblet Squat (20#)
  • 15 Russian Kettlebell Swings (70#)
  • 30 Double Unders

The double squat wall balls (not 2-for-1s) were a little confusing. I think I did an extra squat on the 5th “rep” a few times. Kept a pretty steady pace. Missed a few times on dubs. Finished 6 rounds plus the wall ball squats and swings. Picked up the rope but didn’t have time to get any.

Accessory

5 Rounds

  • 10 Decline Push-ups (16″)
  • 6 Ring Rows

All unbroken sets and unbelievably no struggle.

Back to the gym around 6pm

Rowing WOD Week 13 Session 2 – Engine

  • 300 cals at 20s/m
  • 5:00 Rest
  • 200 cals at 22
  • 4:00 Rest
  • 100 cals at 24
  • 3:00 Rest
  • 50 cals for time

Results:

  • 18:40 – 4,616m – 962cal/hr
  • 12:14 – 3,057m – 979cal/hr
  • 5:54 – 1,509m – 1009cal/hr
  • 1:32 – 537m – 1847cal/hr

The distances all include some run off after finishing since there isn’t a way to set a calorie workout on the Concept 2. Total comes to 9,710 meters for the session. In the 50 calorie row I started out holding over 2,000cal/hr through 30 but the burn started to kick in and I was losing power. Not sure why I didn’t think to kick in for a sprint in the last 10 calories or so like I would try to in a distance sprint. Felt pretty smoked after that but would have been a decent 500m time after having spent 36+ minutes on the rower.

The 2k

Today was the big day. Glad I rested yesterday. Still kind of sore in my legs from the 500 double unders and 100 wall balls. Got to the gym around 4:30.

Warm-up

  • 3×8 Reverse Hyper (210#)
  • 4x150m Row (bursts, getting faster each time)

Rowing WOD Week 12 Session 2

This is it! Second phase of the program has been leading up to the big test.

  • 2,000m Row for time

During the first week we set a pacing goal based on a 500m interval workout. I went with what felt like an aggressive 1:41 pace at the time for my goal, knowing that would be a pretty big PR. After doing a 1,500m race pace simulation on October 12th, I felt confident it was possible. I stuck to the race plan that had been laid out for us and came home with an average pace of 1:40.8, a time of 6:43.3, and a PR by 18.6 seconds!

I think the fast start actually hurt me and if I had to do it again I’d dial it back more in that first 200m. When I got past the first 500 meters I was having a hard time generating enough power to stay on the 1:41. 1:42-1:43 was more of the pace I was hitting. At 1,000m I was still averaging under the goal, but it kept creeping up more and more, eventually getting up to about 1:41.3. Luckily that’s when it was time to kick it in gear for the final 300. I was able to reign it back under 1:41. Pretty stoked to make my goal. This rowing program has been awesome and I’m seeing a lot of carryover in my conditioning. Here’s a Beyond the Whiteboard chart showing my 2k rows over time.

Here’s my ranking on Concept2 for men’s 30-39 heavyweight.

concept2-2k-rank

Even though that hurt like hell and my legs are still burning 2 hours later, I’m excited to take a shot at my 1k row time now. Hell, my first 1k of that race was 3:21.1, which is only 10 seconds off my best.

Conditioning / Accessory

After recovering, Bryan and I did this little I Go You Go style workout. We didn’t use a clock but kept moving throughout.

7 Rounds (each)

  • 4 Strict HSPU
  • 7 Goblet Squats (53#)
  • 10 GHD Sit-ups

We said we’d start out shooting for 5 rounds and go from there. Was getting close to failure on the HSPU so went for 2 more rounds. We each went through an entire round and then rested while the other guy did his. Went better than expected, but was a little light-headed after the rowing.

Better Back

Went out and walked a quick 9 holes late last night in the heat and then got a decent sleep again. Back was stiff and had a few pain shots getting up and just after waking up. Feels pretty good once I get moving though. In for Super Sunday after missing last week.

Accessory

12:00 EMOM (alternating)

  • 8 Step-ups (2×35# KBs, 20″)
  • 10 Reverse Hypers (210#)

Conditioning

  • 50 C&J (135#)
  • * 1:00 work/rest until finished

I did the first 10 touch-n-go and then got 5 more in that first round. Did 5 touch-n-go in the second minute and then 7 more. Dropped all the rest, going 12 and 11 in the last two, to finish at 6:49, including the 3×1:00 rest. I did wear the belt to help with my back and it felt good.

I was trying to think of what would be a good time for this and kept coming back to 5 rounds. I thought the pace would drop off a lot more after the first round, so I was pretty happy to get done in 4 rounds with time to spare.

30-20-10

  • HR Push-ups
  • Goblet Squats (53/35#)

I did sets of 6×5 push-ups, 20-10 squats, 5×4 push-ups, 12-8 squats, 6-4 push-ups, and 10 squats to finish at 5:47.

Midline

10 Rounds

  • 20s L-sit
  • 25s Rest

We did 8 rounds a couple of weeks ago, but it was the first thing of the day. Tough going today. I did the first 5 on rings, then 2 hanging from the bar, and finished with a fight for the last 3 on the rings.

Tweaked, Again

Betting getting a lot more sleep this week, though it’s not easy to stay comfortable on a tiny bed. Went to the Bay Athletic Club this morning to get in some squats. Nice facility in the hospital in Alpena.

Back Squat

  • 10×45#
  • 5×135#
  • 5×215#
  • 1×255#

Fuck! Tweaked my back on the next rep with 255#. Not even heavy weight. Pissed me off. I’ve been doing 5×5 with more than 255# and no belt either. The bar was a larger diameter than I’m used to but I doubt that really made a difference. I’d been so careful over the last few months too and then to tweak it with something like this doesn’t make sense. Injuries rarely do though. Guess I’ll be putting the squat program on hold.

Accessory

6 Sets

  • 8/8 Kroc Rows (45-55-60-65-70-70#)
  • 10 DB Shoulder Press (35-45-50-50-50-50#)

Had these planned and was still able to do them. Shoulder press with two 50s got tough.

Goblet Squats

  • 10×50#
  • 10×60#
  • 10×70#
  • 10×80#
  • 10×90#
  • 10×95#

Still wanted to get some leg work in if I could. With the weight out in front it took the load off my back and I didn’t feel it when I made sure to be very precise with my technique.

Gymnastics

5 Sets

  • 5 Strict Pull-ups
  • 8 Strict Bar Dips

Don’t do those enough.

I went out and walked 9 on the golf course going to loosen things up. The back definitely affected my swing.

After going to a movie theater with my 4-year-old niece, I needed to blow of some steam.

Pushing Death

  • Death by Chest to Deck Push-ups.

Got 18+18 and barely got in that 18th rep, so didn’t game it to skip out on the 20th round. 2 rep PR from over 2.5 years ago at a much lighter bodyweight. Racking up the push-ups this week. That’s 189 more.

Oh yeah, done with a drink at my side.

  

Rings & Rowing & Running

Didn’t get in a morning run. This diet needs to change today! Went to Intuition at 9.

Warm-up

  • Crossover Symmetry Activation
  • Bottom Squat Hold
  • PVC Good Mornings
  • Air Squats

Strength

Deadlift

  • 5×45#
  • 5×155#
  • 5×245#
  • 5×295#
  • 3×315#
  • 3×335#
  • 3×365#
  • 3×385#

Felt pretty good. Not going to push it and get hurt again. Slow and steady progress.

Conditioning

Part 1:

  • 2-3-4-5-6 Muscle-ups
  • 2-4-6-8-10 HR Push-ups

Part 2:

  • 10-8-6-4-2 T2B
  • 10-8-6-4-2 Goblet Squats (53#)

Trying to do 2-4-6-8-10 with MU would take me a really long time. Cutting back to 20 total reps was a wise mood and still a challenge. I took a little walk in between my MU sets in those last two rounds so I wouldn’t stare at the rings and jump up too fast. I did my sets as 2, 3, 4, 2-2-1 (tried for 2-3 but failed the last one), 2-2-2. I was done with the first part before 6 minutes I think. Lost my grip on T2B after 8 of 10 and then my hips kind of died from the muscle-ups at the end of the round of 8 when I went 5-3. Finished in 9:40. Other than the open workout, that’s the most muscle-ups I’ve done in a WOD I think.

6 Rounds

  • 45s Row
  • 1:00 Rest

Hit 235 meters for the first 4 rounds, then 231, and pushed it for 245 on the final one. I was on a rower by myself so didn’t have to get off, but my ass was burning when I finally did.

Run Every Day

Went out in the afternoon for a break from work. 3.83 miles in 37:22. Didn’t wear the HRM since it was hot out and didn’t want to create more tan lines than I already have from golfing. It’s hard for my personality not to be concerned with pace, but it’s also kind of relaxing. Feeling better and better with running skill improvements each time out.

High & Heavy

Not feeling very energized this morning, but in for the 9am at CFi.

Warm-up

  • Crossover Symmetry Activation
  • Band Pulls & Pass Thrus
  • 20 Air Squats
  • Shoulder Press
    • 5×45#
    • 5×95#
    • 3×115#
    • 3×135#

XWOD

  • 3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3 Shoulder Press (150#)
  • 2-1-2-1-2-1-2-1 Wall Balls
    • 2s: 20# MB to 13′ target
    • 1s: 25# Slam Ball to 13′ target

That’s a new 3RM on my shoulder press again and for 8 sets! Took some getting used to throwing the 25# ball so high, but was getting the last couple.

Conditioning

2 Rounds

  • 2:00 AMRAP
    • 10 Burpees
    • 10 Box Jumps (24″)
  • 1:00 Rest
  • 2:00 AMRAP
    • 10 Goblet Squats (53# KB)
    • 10 Russian KBS (53# KB)
  • 1:00 Rest

All GO in these little AMRAPs. I went unbroken through everything, never having the kettlebell touch the ground. I got 2+5, 3+11, 2+3, and 3+8, so only fell off the pace a little the second time through.

Midline

3 Rounds NFT

  • 20 Russian Twists (53# KB)
  • 20 Sit-ups

Hit an afternoon snatch session in the garage. Warmed up with

  • 5×45# Muscle Snatch
  • 5×45# Snatch Press
  • 5×45# OHS
  • 3×75# Muscle Snatch
  • 3×75# Snatch Press
  • 3×75# OHS
  • 3×95# Power Snatch

Then I did a little complex of:

  • Power from floor w/ 2s pause at knee
  • Squat from hang at knee

I started at 115# and went up 5# at a time until I hit 160, so 10 sets.

Then I was planning to do an EMOM with a double squat snatch with 165#. Missed the second attempt in the first minute and then missed another attempt at it. So I started over. 🙂

10:00 EMOM

  • 2×155# Squat Snatch

I had one miss on the 2nd rep in round 6 but took a breath, concentrated, and hit a second make right after the miss. From that point on I really had to focus. My thoughts were on being explosive through the second pull and finishing strong to punch the bar overhead. I think a lot of my misses are because I’m not aggressive with the bar at the end and I lose tension.

Walked about a half mile after.

A New Chapter

Warm-up

  • Crossover Symmetry Activation
  • 2:00 Bottom Squat Hold
  • 2x 30s/30s Couch Stretch
  • PNF Rack Stretching

Strength

Warmed up with 5×45#, 5×135#, and 3×185# front squats, with a 2 second pause in the hole on the last set.

10:00 EMOM

  • Odds: 3 Front Squats w/ 2s pause (205#)
  • Evens: 3 Weighted Pull-ups (44# KB)

I’m terrible with the pauses, so it’s good to work on them. First time doing weighted pull-ups in a really long time.

Accessory

2 Rounds NFT

  • 5 Deficit HSPU
  • 10 Ring Rows

Did the HSPU at a much higher deficit than I’ve ever tried. It was rough. I’ve developed a bad habit of getting my shoulders on the wall for some reason. I need to push my head through at the top.

Conditioning

2-4-6-8-10-8-6-4-2

  • Goblet Squats (53# KB)
  • Russian KBS (53# KB)
  • Burpees

Finished in 6:45, going unbroken on everything.

Deadlift Rising

Bought some new bands last night and started doing Crossover Symmetry again to rehab the shoulder and start strengthening it. I have my last laser therapy today. I’m going to try to stick to this schedule recommended by CS. Not necessarily the days, but only doing Recovery 2 days in a row.

crossover-symmetry-schedule

Warm-up

  • 3:00 Bottom Squat Hold
  • 3 Rounds
    • 10 Squats (15#)
    • 10 Good Mornings (15#)
    • Arm Circles

Strength

5×3 Deadlifts at 80-90%

  • 5×135#
  • 5×225#
  • 5×295#
  • 3×365#
  • 3×395#
  • 3×415#
  • 3×425#
  • 3×435#

Still getting back where I used to be so only 3 sets were in the range according to my old 1RM, but less than 3 weeks ago with singles I did 435# and didn’t get 455#. Definitely getting the low back strength to come back fast.

Accessory

14:00 EMOM

  • Odds: 30s Hollow Rocks
  • Evens: 40s Farmer’s Carry (53# KBs)

Conditioning

10 Rounds

  • 10-10-10-10-6-6-6-6-4-4
    • C2D Push-ups
    • Weighted Lunges (35# DBs)
  • 10 Goblet Squats (44# KB)

Took me 11:37 to finish. Did another 5:00 squat hold after class. I was up to a total of 26 minutes of squat holds yesterday and will accumulate 27 today.

Didn’t have time to get in some double unders and probably won’t do any tonight, so I’ll have the next 2 days to finish out the 1,500 for the week.

Last Page

Feeling pretty good. Upper abs were sore last night, but not really feeling much of anything anywhere on the body this morning.

Warm-up

  • Jumping Jacks
  • Mountain Climbers
  • Butt Kicks
  • Air Squats

Accessory

14:00 EMOM

  • 5x 3-Position Snatch Deadlifts (1″, knee, power, knee, 1″)
  • 30s Hollow Hold on Feet & Hands
Image from The Outlaw Way's 140416 Post
Image from The Outlaw Way’s 140416 Post

I expected the hollow holds to be much more difficult than they were. I used straps for the deads, with 115# for 3 sets, 135# for 3 sets, and 165# for the last set.

Conditioning

  • 50-40-30-20-10 Goblet Squats (35# KB)
  • 25-20-15-10-5 Box Jumps (24″)

Finished in 11:05. Hell of a leg burn. Low back pumped up too.

Midline

  • 3×20 Hip Extensions (on Roman Chair)

With that, I’ve filled up a full Field Notes with training logs. I think I started using that one last summer. Time to turn the page on a new one.

Going to see Joe, a chiropractor I know from the gym. Will see if he maybe comes up with something different to try for my shoulder. I’ve been giving it solid rest for two and a half weeks now and used it very little the 6 weeks before that. I want to be able to do all movements again! Falling behind.

Growing Tree Trunks

My front delts are still sore from 180 burpees. Doesn’t take much pressure when pushing on them to feel the pain. Hamstrings are sore from the good mornings too.

Warm-up

  • 10/10 Hurdlers (forward, backward)
  • 20 Air Squats
  • 10/10 Leg Swings (F-B, S-S)
  • 2x30s Wrist Stretch

Strength

Front Squat 5×5 @ 70-80%

  • 10×45#
  • 5×135#
  • 5×205#
  • 5×225#
  • 5×235#
  • 5×245#
  • 5×255#
  • 5×260#

Up in volume from last time when I did 2 sets at 225# and up to 255#. Today the 255# felt rough, so I only took the 5# jump at the end. Last set actually felt better, so should have done 265#.

Conditioning

  • 50 Weighted Lunges (30# DBs)
  • 40 Pendlay Rows (95#)
  • 30 Goblet Squats (53# KB)
  • 20 Burpees
  • 10 Squat Cleans (135#)

Finished in 9:21 with legs on fire.

14.4 is announced tonight and it looks like it’ll be a chipper, as I predicted. Rest day and massage tomorrow for me and will plan to hit the workout on Saturday.