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February 29, 2012

Ankle Sprain

Suffered a nasty ankle sprain last week, Thursday, at work. If you've never worn Classic Style golf spikes before its a lot like wearing High Heels..(not that I know.. I just asked Magner) They aren't very comfortable and are very hard to maneuver in. I was stepping off the last step and about to turn right off of my left foot, which was on a slight decline away from me.. I caught the edge of my shoe and all of my weight was on that same foot which came crashing down sideways.. I heard the loudest pop/snap and immediately felt pain. Luckily, it was only one of the ligaments in my ankle and not all three.. The PT thinks I may have stressed the other two, but only one was seriously torn. He seemed hopefully for a quick recovery since I had good strength and flexibility with my ankle to begin with.. As long as I ice and rest it properly I should be able to start to load it in a week or two using stretch bands, with a max 6 weeks out until I can do quick change of directions stuff or Olympic Lifting.
So that pretty much took me out of the open.. It was a rough weekend mentally.. I hate that something so F'ing stupid has put me on the sidelines during this competition. So after I whined about it and threw myself a pity party, which you better believe included some ice cream. I spent last night trying to get my mind right and get back on track. Kristen and I were writing down and thinking about what exercises I could do and we came up with a program to strength up some of my upper body and core weaknesses while my ankle heals.. Mostly all Pulling and Pushing movements with a lot of core thrown in. I want my Weighted Pull Ups, OH Shoulder Press, and Bench Press to really get strong during this time away from lower body. I will also be doing some proprioceptive work for ankle as well as normal rehab stuff.

In other news... We added a new member to our family, our puppy Cody! He has really been amazing to have around and is one of the funniest, most well mannered dogs I've ever seen. It really helped to have him around this weekend to take my mind off of the ankle and the Open.

We planned out a 4 Day Programming which I will just repeat for the next couple of weeks or until I get the ok to start loading up my legs and ankle flexion. I'll be using a linear progression or changing the reps and set + vary the tempo of certain movements.

A) Stand Shoulder Press 5x5 (test ankle first to see how weight feels overhead)
B1) Incline DB Fly; 3 x 8-10 @ 3010
B2) Strict Ring Dips; 3 x 8
C) Close Grip Slow Push Ups; 3 x 10 @ 30X0
Core Complex - :20 Iso Hold GHD Situp Parallel to ground, rest :10/:30/side of Side Planks and :10 rest x 3 rounds

Results
A: 115 x 5/ 125 x 5/ 135 x 5 x 3 sets
B1) 25lbs x 10/10/8
B2) 8/4-4/3-2-1-1-1
C and Core Complex Complete

February 21, 2012

Workout Catch Up

Thursday Feb. 16th
A) Built to 195# High Bar Oly Back Squats 3 x 8 reps
+ 20 Reps @ 145# Just working on high volume low weight sets

B) Back Extensions w/ Iso Holds for 3 seconds at the top for 3 x 10

C) Depth Jumps from 20" Box to a 43" Box - 5x5

Friday Feb. 17th
A) Clean Grip Halting Deadlifts 5 x 3 - 295 x 3/305/310

B1) BB Bent Rows 3 x 8 @ 135#
B2) GHD Situps 3 x 15

C) Sled Pulls - Slow and consistent steps w/ 230# sled 4x40-50m

Monday Feb. 20th
Day 1 Week 1/9 Olympic Lifting with a 10 x 3 Squat Cycle - Emphasis here is to improve my Oly Lifts and Leg Strength

First week is very light and moderate
A) Snacth + Hang Power Snatch + Hang Snatch - 50 - 60% x 5 (95#)
B) Clean + Hang Power Clean + Jerk - 50 - 60% x 5 (135#)
C1) GHD Sit Ups x 15
C2) GH Raises x15 x 3

Wrist felt good here.. First time testing it in about a week. Also hit some golf balls today pain free which is very nice to see. Seems like it should be fine as long as I don't do anything stupid with it early. Still need to watch it and not load it up to heavy just yet.

February 20, 2012

Update Training Post

Back from a little Blogging Break.

After hearing I won the Paleo Challenge, I went out with Kristen and her friend and had a couple of pints of ice cream to celebrate.. That turned into a few more pints, chocolate bars and other junk food over the next 4 days.. Whatever.. not to upset about it.. Trying to learn moderation.. Not very successful just yet, but I'm working at it.

Training as sort of been all over the place right now..Took about a week off after a brutal leg workout left me hurting for days. Getting some good stuff done just need to find a goal. This got my thinking about my current situation and the situation I'll be faced with in NJ.. I will not be able to train at a crossfit gym in NJ, so I've decided to do an Olympic Lifting Cycle for the next 5 weeks.. I found this program off of www.cathletics.com and it looks to be just what I need.. Lots of Olympic Lifting and skill transfer moves like clean and snatch pulls, halting deadlifts etc..  A big squatting/leg strength emphasis (which I believe is a weak point for me)  - high bar back, front, overhead - some assistance work as well as pulling strength,core etc.  Looking to get stronger with my legs in this cycle and get as much Oly Lifting in as I can before the move. Then I'll reevaluate where I'm at and decided whether or not to do one more cycle or switch back over to crossfit football training. Once I'm up in NJ, I'll start my 5/3/1 strength cycle with a hypertrophy goal. I want to put on as much muscle as possible and then come back to Naples and really get back into Oly Lifts.. I just really enjoy it. I love how technical it is and how precise you need be with your form. Plus, I feel it has great transferability to my sport.

My last few days of training, like I said, have been all over the place. Lightweight Snatch and Clean n Jerk doubles, High bar back squats for 8-10 reps + 20 rep Back Squat finisher, some GHD work, sled pulls etc. Just doing some fun stuff really.. no focus, just wanted to get back in the gym after some time off and have fun. Trying to get ready for the Open.. I had a little mishap during a clean and the weight crashed down on my wrist while my elbow was caught on my knee.. So my arm had no where to go and my wrist just absorbed all that weight.. Hurt Like Hell. Its been sore for almost a week now. Haven't been able to do any pressing movements. Range of motion is getting a lot better, been icing it every day multiple times a day in an ice bucket. Going to run it through some easy tests this afternoon.. Front rack position, push ups, pull ups and some other light weight movements with a wrist flexion emphasis. We'll see what happens.. Today is the best its felt so I hope this is a sign of a quick recovery and not a lingering problem. Haven't been able to swing a golf club in a week which is a bigger problem than me not competing in the Open.

February 9, 2012

Thursday Training and Paleo Challenge Day 39

Make up WOD due to Paleo Challenge WOD

21-15-9
Back Squats @ Body weight (185lbs)
Ring Dips

Finished with some Back Ext 2x10 with a 5 second hold at the top.
Also played with some different Pull Ups where I lean back on the down very slow trying to get my chest high and back flat to the ground. Rhomboid Chins

Took me around 9:30. Didn't really push myself here just took my time and keep moving.
Going to start to bring up the intensity here in the next couple of weeks to get my lungs ready for the open..

February 8, 2012

Wednesday Training and Paleo Challenge Day 38

Today marks the last day of Crossfit Redline's Paleo Challenge. Went in this morning and did all my measurements with Coach and the results were amazing!!
Starting weight - 205lbs
Today's weight - 187lbs

Pre - Waist Measurement - 36"
Post - Waist Measurement - 32.25"

Pre Umb Skin Fold - 27 or 28
Post Umb Skin Fold - 20

Pre Illiac Skin Fold - 26
Post Illiac Skin Fold - 11

Pre Wod Tester - 3:36
Post Wod Tester - 3:32

Like I said I couldn't be happier with my results, there was nothing more I could do! This is the first time coming off a paleo type challenge were I didn't end up being completely neurotic about my food.. During this time I still partied, drank wine, went out to eat with friends and family... I had a great time. I was just smart about my food choices and didn't over indulge. So I'm going to keep on this track for as long as I can and see where I end up! My ultimate goals are closer today then yesterday!


Today's Workout
A: Hang Power Clean - 3RM  - 205 kept it lighter than a true 3RM
+
On the Minute for 10 Minutes
Complete 2 Power Cleans @75-80% of 3RM and 5 Chin Ups

- All Chins and Cleans unbroken @ 155lbs

February 7, 2012

Tuesday Training and Paleo Challenge Day 37

One Day Away from the Finish Line!!!!!
I can taste the Chocolate and Ice Cream.. I've also decided I'm not going to reintroduce almond butter back into my diet. I've lost my taste/craving to eat massive amounts of the stuff so I figure why bring it back if I really don't want it!! Dark Chocolate and Ice Cream on the other will be dropped back in small doses! I still have a long way to go until I reach my goals, but I'm much closer than when I started this challenge. Even if I don't win I feel like I did the absolute best I could do! That's all I can ask for...

Training
A: Bench Press 2,2,2,2,2
185/195/205/220/225/230
+
Paleo Challenge Tester
For Time:
250m Row
15 KBS - 2pood
15 Burpees
15 KBS - 2poos
250m Row

Previous Time 1/6/12 - 3:36
Today's Time 2/7/12 - 3:32

Pretty happy that I beat my last time.. That's all I really wanted to do was tie or beat. Thought I laid down a solid pace last time, I think I just transitioned better from one exercise to the other.

February 6, 2012

Monday Training and Paleo Challenge Day 36

- Rest Day -

Food Log
Meal  1 - Noon - 16 Hour Fast
Hickory Smoked Chicken Breast (6oz), 1 Heirloom tomato sliced and 2 Avocados(12oz)
Meal 2
1 GF Ribeye (8-10oz) and Cauliflower Mash with a side Salad

Sunday Training and Paleo Challenge Day 35

A: Power Snatch 2,2,2,2,2,2,2,2
+
Every :30 for 4 minutes Sprint 60 yards

then...

50 Toes to Bar for Time

Results
A: 135/140/145/155/160/165/170/175
T2B: 7:48

Food Log
Meal 1 19 Hour Fast
 Pork Chop with Asparagus, sauerkraut and Avocado/Salsa Mash

Meal 2
.8lbs of Wild Caught C. Sea Bass with Broccolini

Saturday Training and Paleo Challenge Day 34

A: High Bar Back Squat 1,1,1,1,1
B: Press - Find 5RM; then 3x5 @ 90% of 5RM
+
7 Rounds of:
7 Ball Slams 50lbs
Max Reps Rope Pull Ups
rest :30-:60 b/t sets

Results
A: 225/265/275/285/290/295F - felt pretty good even though I got about 5 hours of sleep last night and was a little hung over from drinking a bottle of wine myself.
B: 5RM - 145lbs; 3x5 @ 130lbs
+
rope pull ups - 6/5/4/3/3/3/3

Meal 1 16-17 Hour Fast
Leftover Steak and Chicken Skewers with Peppers and Onions + Avocado and Salsa Mash

Meal 2 - @ Aqua with Kristen, her parents, brother and his wife.
14oz Grassfed NY Strip with Spinach + 2 Glasses of Wine.

Great People Great food!! Had so much fun. Went to a wine bar after dinner and had a nice glass of wine. Its great finally getting to meet the entire family!

February 3, 2012

Friday Training and Paleo Challenge Day 33

Rest Day

Still going strong with my Paleo Challenge + Leangains Intermittent Fasting! So pleased with my results thus far.. Have seen previous strength PR's crushed at a lighter weight!! Skin fold measurements are dropping and of course my overall body weight has really dropped. In a very short amount of time I've lost nearly 15lbs. This is not the finish line for me. I have big goals and I want to see how far I can go. I'm going to stick with the current food cycle until I see dips in performance or mood and then I will evaluate and adjust accordingly (more carbs, dairy etc) I can't to hit my desired level of leanness to start experimenting with some different Food Protocols. Stay Tuned!!

Food Log
Meal 1 18-19 Hour Fast
1 Ribeye and 1/2 NY Strip (12-14oz Total) and 1 Avocado

Meal 2 - Dinner Party with Friends @ Kristen's
Apps: Shrimp Cocktail, Mixed Olives, and Pepperdew Peppers
Main: Chicken and Steak Skewers with Peppers and Onions
Side 1: Winter Veggie Roast - Turnips, Rutabaga, Yams and Parsnips Roasted in Coconut Oil
Side 2 Broccolini Roasted in Ghee
Drinks: Red Wine
Desserts (optional): Assorted Cakes, Pies etc..

- I don't mess around

Thursday Training and Paleo Challenge Day 32

Tabata Sledgehammer Strikes
rest 1 min
Tabata Burpees
rest 1 min
Tabata Sledgehammer Strikes

switch hands after each interval
-spent 15 mins stretching and Mobilizing before and after.. also I had one of the best massages ever.. My upper back was on fire.

Results
SHS: 14/13/12/13/13/12/13/13
Burpee: 10/8/8/7/7/6/6/6 - miserable!!
SHS: 13/13/12/14/13/13/13/13

Food Log
Meal 1 PWO - 18 or 19 Hour Fast
1/2 Chicken from Brio and 1 bag of mixed greens - Kale, Collard and Mustard Greens with 2 tbsp of butter

Meal 3
3/4(raw weight) of Bison Ribeye, Sauteed onions, peppers and mushrooms, Avocado mashed with salsa, and roasted Broccolini in coconut oil.

February 2, 2012

Wednesday Training and Paleo Challenge Day 31

A: Power Cleans 3,3,3,3,3
+
5 Rounds for Time
7 Deadlifts @ 225
5 Lateral Burpees
1/2 Gasser
rest :45 b/t rounds

What is a GASSER?
-Starting on one sideline of a football field an athlete will sprint across the field to the opposite sideline, turn and sprint back to the sideline, plant and sprint to the sideline, plant and sprint back to the sideline. Sideline to sideline is 53 yards or 48 meters. 1 full gasser will constitute four trips sideline to sideline for a total of 212 yards or 193 meters. Half is two trips, up and back or 106 yards and 1/4 gasser is one trip up or 53 yards.

Results
A: 185/205/215/220/225(this used to be a 1 RM)

6:45 or 7:45 .. I forgot to write this down but I remember I was around either 6 or 7 minutes and 45 seconds.

Food Log
Meal 1 PWO - 19 Hour Fast
10-12oz Grassfed Ribeye/NY Strip and 1 Avocado

Meal 2
1/2 a Chicken from Brio with a salad and broccoli

February 1, 2012

Tuesday Training and Paleo Challenge Day 30

A: Barbell Step Ups 8,8,8,8
+
5 Rounds
Max Rep Bench Press @ BWT - (190lbs)
Max Rep Pull Ups

Results:

A: 95/135/145/150
+
Rounds
1: 8/10 - strict pro med grip
2: 5/8 - strict sup med grip
3: 4/6 - strict pro close grip
4: 4/6 - strict sup close grip
5: 4/5 - strict pro wide grip

Food Log
Meal 1 PWO - 19 Hour Fast
Grassfed NY Strip with and Avocado

Meal 2 - 6:30pm
6oz Mahi with Shrimp, cauliflower mash and a dump salad with EVOO/ACV