Wednesday

Conditioning

10 Sets:

Sprint uphill for 20 seconds

Rest 1 min

Note: Find a patch of vertical, it could be in the wilderness or on a paved road, but you need a decent incline to challenge you. These sprints should be conducted at the highest output you can sustain for all ten sets. 

Tuesday

Strength

Deadlift 3-3-3-3-3-3 

Accessory Work

3x10 3-point DB row, as heavy as possible

3 Sets

100yd LH suitcase carry, as heavy as possible

100yd RH suitcase carry, as heavy as possible

Note: Looking for the deadlift to be around 70% of your max on the first working set and ending at 80% or a little more for the last couple sets. The suitcase carry is essentially a 1-arm farmer walk, that forces your core to work harder due to imbalanced loading. Take your time to warm-up and sustain movement integrity as priority one. Strength is integral to overall fitness, but a "number" in the gym is useless if it induces injury. Therefore, train with the understanding that it's a means, not the end goal!

Monday

Strength Endurance

Complete as many rounds as possible within 15 minutes:

5x Towel grip pull-ups

8x Lateral plyo push-ups, over 45lb bumper plate

12x Pistol squats, alternating

10x Weighted overhead sit-ups, 45lb bar or plate

Note: Utilize a towel draped over your pull-up bar or other suspension-worthy horizontal, then grab each end for a challenging grip variation of the standard pull-up. Work purposefully to keep moving, while focusing on quality movement. If your job requires you to wear body armor or you are a firefighter, add a weighted vest to your efforts. Train hard, stay safe!  

The Decisive Dozen - 12 Habits to Conquer the New Year

The year 2017 is closed out, done, over, ended. 2018 welcomed me warmly with my beautiful 4 y/o daughter choosing to express herself through a full gamut of emotions. Flailing arms, tears, and a cacophony of disagreement captured in piercing screams and rebelling no’s, all at four hours past midnight. At least I was up early, and not confronted with a hangover reminder of last night’s escapades – no offense, or judgment for that matter.

In typical New Year fashion, along with the rest of the goal-setting Resolution Army, it is standard practice for me to outline some objectives. Usually, I look back and reflect upon the highs and lows of the previous year while capturing lessons learned. Then I do my best to not repeat my past year failings. But I’m not going to do that. I mean, I’m going to try and not repeat mistakes I’m just not making a lessons learned list. I have instead purposed a list outlining key mindsets and habits to focus my attention on as we embrace the coming months.

I am sharing them here to encourage, help, guide and lead anyone else who is also seeking to continuously learn, grow, and improve. The list stems from the concept of “sowing and reaping” and my adopted outlook on how to be effective in life.

Note: Here is a bit of Wisdom to help you start your new year. To be effective in life, first and foremost determine a focus. Identify and prioritize the most important things and work towards them. After establishing a focus, develop rhythm by instituting the keystone activities that allow you to function best. Lastly, maintain balance. Find and practice healthy ways to remain at rest and peace. 

The Decisive Dozen (in no particular order):

1. Maintain a pocket notebook. Planning, scheduling, capturing ideas, jotting reflective thoughts, building lists, recording training, logging important information, whatever your needs, having a method for immediately storing pertinent information is paramount. I have been a proponent of using the “notes app” on my Smartphone. However, I noticed that I have a habit of deleting notes prematurely, and often after writing a note I will get wrapped up messing around on my phone with no purpose, a total waste of time.

2. Sleep has to be a priority. Everyone is finally starting to realize just how important sleep is for recovery, performance, mental health and wellbeing, stress mitigation, and optimal function. Yet, it’s still ridiculously hard to prioritize sleep, especially with multiple children, work commutes, career responsibilities, fluctuating schedules, evening extra-curricular activities, etc. Try to counter some of these life obstacles to healthy sleep with these three habits: set realistic but non-negotiable wake and bet times, DO NOT PERMIT screen use two hours before bed, and get-up as soon as you wake up!  

3. Read real books. Moving forward an overarching theme for me is going to revolve around grossly reducing reliance on technology. One way I have found success in decreasing my exposure to screens is by returning to a healthy habit of reading for pleasure, finding manuals or guides to improve or build upon skill sets, and reading books to my children every night. There is something grounding in setting aside time to read, focus, and actually finish something you start. 

4. Drink tea. Hanging out in coffee shops is pretty hip – I get it. Like posting up at your local watering hole, the environment dictates that you also imbibe the local brew. Coffee, espresso, caffe latte, breve, crème, con panna, cappuccino, Americano, macchiato, café au lait – what in the world! Besides requiring the majority of small bills in your pocket fold, anything that complicated should be reassessed. Tea on the other hand is steeped (get-it) in long standing tradition. There is something to be said for the patience required to allow the tea to set before you can sip. Its cheaper, travels well, can be medicinal, is user-friendly, and accessible, need I say more. 

5. Foster a spirit of gentleness, mindfulness, and patience. Expectation often determines our attitude, perspective, and reaction to the majority of life circumstance. Most of the time unmet expectation unfolds in the opposite responses of impatience, aggressiveness, and disconnection. There will always be situations that test our patience, distractions that fight to destroy our focus, and people that challenge our ability to respond out of love. This is a fact. Nevertheless, we get to choose, every single time, how we respond. By making a habit of practicing gentleness, mindfulness, and patience in all areas of our life we are more inclined to revert to these attributes when it counts.  

6. Sustain recognition. Recognition is an incredibly powerful tool. Recognition is the forerunner to awareness. I invite you to recognize:

• The importance of “the process”
• The end goal or objective of what you are trying to achieve
• People as people
• Other peoples’ trials
• What you “can do” over what you should or have to do

7. Sow seeds. Start now. Invest – time, money, energy, sacrifice, hard work, all of it. Build community. Be there for friends when they need you. Lend a hand when you see someone struggling. Be kind continuously, deserved or not. Listen. Save. Encourage others. Pay a compliment. Buy someone a coffee or tea (see above). Be selfless. Read books. Try something new. Do something you’ve been afraid to do. Be courageous. You reap what you sow – this is a truth. Sow accordingly.

8. Build healthy relationship. Life is not about accomplishment rather it revolves around relationship. The things we do merely serve as a platform to allow us to connect with others. So plug into the communities you have around you. Share yourself, be open, and be receptive. Encourage others by sharing the good in you. Have friends over for dinner. Tackle projects, adventures, or traditions together. Laugh together. Cry together. Pray for each other. Be present.  

9. Practice gratitude. An attitude of gratitude overcomes adversity. Take your thoughts captive and center them on thanksgiving. Your fears, worries, and anxieties will have no place in you.  

10. Limit technology. I enjoy the convenience of rapid access information. But content without context, addiction to social media pseudo-affirmation, and information overload that induces paralysis by analysis is absolutely unhealthy. Technology is a tool and should be respected as such and treated within the confines of user safety, with set parameters. When the creators of tech and apps are limiting their personal use and sending their kids to high-end schools that ban and restrict children’s use of tablets, Smartphones, and classroom screen time, that speaks volumes to the level damage these devices are wreaking upon our little ones’ development. Think about it.

11. Be outside more. For two years now I have found nothing but peace and a renewed presence when, immediately upon waking, taking a walk outside. No matter the weather, hot or cold, pitch black, precipitating or what have you, each elemental factor serves to ground me in the moment. Furthermore, I have had the privilege of initiating a quarterly outdoor adventure with the guys I work with, camping, backpacking, endurance hikes, etc. Being in nature refreshes the spirit, provides rest from the world, and tests resilience.  However, if you’re not up for tackling the wild, simply spend sometime outside on walk, throwing or kicking a ball around, soaking up some sun or a fresh bite of brisk winter air, or take your workout outdoors.    

12. Protect your downtime. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but if I’m being honest I have an underlying desire to be awesome at everything! This is difficult because at 5’8” I’ll never be awesome at reaching things on high shelves or being a man since my buddy claims you have to be 6 foot and over 200lbs to be a man. Nevertheless, I find that it is not easy to run in a hundred different directions like I tell myself I need to, in order to keep up with my own and self-perceived expectations of others. This grossly drains any semblance of free time or rather downtime to just “be” and “rest.” Fortunately, I have begun to mature over the years. I recognize the value in letting go of this ridiculous drive, and instead allow time to recoup, refresh, reflect, decompress, and grow by “being”, instead of “doing.” No one will give this time to you, as everyone else is running the same race. You need to proactively take the time and protect it – it’s worth it.  

Friday

Strength Endurance
Complete as many rounds as possible in 12 minutes of:
5x Strict pull-ups
10x Push-ups
20x Pistol squats, alternating
10x Ring rows
5x Ring dips

Note: Movement integrity, applied consistently, tested with intensity! Never sacrifice range of motion or correct form for faster times or more reps, NEVER! Protect yourself now, and later you will thank yourself.

Thursday

Endurance
Every minute on the minute for 20 minutes:
Odd minutes - 20x Lateral hurdle jumps over a 24 in obstacle
Even minutes - 60yd Pro shuttle drill

Note: Use a box, wall, actual hurdle, or any other obstacle roughly two feet high and laterally jump back and forth over it during the odd minutes. Be explosive and minimize ground contact, try to rebound immediately as your feet touch. For the 60yd Pro shuttle drill set up 4 cones with the first as your starting point, the second 5 yards out, the third 10 yards out, and the fourth 15 yards out. To complete the drill sprint from the start to the second cone, then back peddle to the first cone, sprint to the third cone, the again back peddle to the start, sprint to the fourth cone, and then finally back pedal to the start. Be fast, be explosive, be more than a gym rat!

Tuesday

Work Capacity
3 Rounds:
200m Farmer walk w/75# dumbbells < each hand*
5x Tire flips heavy

*If unable to complete 200m unbroken, you incur a 20x burpee pull-up penalty.

Note: Each farmer walk MUST be completed unbroken, if you fail to complete the distance without putting the weights down you will incur a penalty that will be added on to the end of the training! Use a tire that is challenging to flip one time, then dig deep and get through it. As always train safe and know your own limits, but do not shy away from "difficult." At the end of the session complete any burpee pull-ups incurred (total should not exceed 60x).

Thought to contemplate:
Instead of daydreaming or fantasizing about what it would be like to (fill in the blank) - TRAIN.
Instead of proclaiming through words or social media posts - BE.
Instead of dwelling on could have, should have, and would have - ACT.

Monday

Strength
5 Rounds:
5x Single leg RDL w/dumbbells, each leg
5x Bulgarian split squat each leg, as heavy as possible
8x DB row each arm, as heavy as possible
20x Standing barbell Russian twist, 45lbs

Note: I am becoming more of a proponent for unilateral training. It could be argued, that the barbell is the single greatest tool for scalability in strength applications. However, there are many disadvantages that stem from its sole use in a long-term training program. Weakness and imbalance between the opposing sides of the body may be masked when using a barbell, as the dominant half of the body makes up the difference. Furthermore, the opportunity to experience a heavy load that is dynamic and shifting is never experienced. This highlights the importance of never becoming attached to one tool, or one training methodology. There is something to be learned and gained from every new challenge. Remember challenge does not just come in the form of adding resistance to stale movement patterns that are never evolving.

Friday

Work Capacity
Complete as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes:
1x 20ft rope climb
10x Overhead squats w/50% bodyweight
1x 20ft rope climb
10x Front squats w/bodyweight
1x 20ft rope climb
400m Run

Note: Climbing a rope is a life skill, use each rep as an opportunity to refine your skill. Consider challenging yourself with no feet on the first climb each round, or all reps depending on your skill level. The loading on the squats should be manageable. As the volume accumulates hold yourself accountable to solid form. Get after it on the run!

Thursday

Endurance
6 Rounds for time:
1 minute treading water no hands
100m swim

Note: Just a little work on our swim skills today. Depending on your level of ability treading water, with out hands may be devastating or ridiculously easy. If it is far beyond your ability tread water for the full duration, but alternate eliminating one hand every so often. If no hand treading is simplistic then grab a weight off the bottom of the pool each set and egg-beat your little heart out, this way increasing intensity is limitless. As soon as a minute has passed take off in a sprint for the 100m. Enjoy this break from the gym.

Tuesday

Work Capacity
5 Rounds:
100ft Car push as fast as possible
100x Double-unders
Rest 1 minute

Note: Fun one today and a lung burner. It doesn't seem like much, but then your legs start burning, your lungs seem to crave oxygen, and then you need to compose yourself so you can deftly negotiate the jump rope. Enjoy!

Monday

Strength
EMOM10
2x Hang full cleans AHAP

Then
For time with a partner:
100x Stone-to-shoulder AHAP

Note: Warm-up to a solid working weight at about 85% of your 1RM for the hang clean. For the stone to shoulders switch back and forth with your partner every two reps, alternate shoulders every rep. This is for time so move with purpose. The heavier the stone the more purposeful and deliberate your rest should be to allow for safe lifting. Good old fashion work!

Friday

Stability
Every minute on the minute for 20 minutes complete the following:
Odd minutes: 1x Turkish get-up each arm, as heavy as possible
Even minutes: 30sec side plank each side

Note: Finishing the week with some total body stability and midline stabilization. Concentrate on your form on the TGU. Punch your fist into the sky with your wrist locked in (not flopped back and disengaged). Open your hips and bridge all the way on the ascent AND the descent. Eyes remain fixated on the kettlebell during the movement. Enjoy your weekend, be safe!

Thursday

Endurance
For time:
Run 10k

Note: Enjoy this time, get outside and move! This does not have to be for time. Use your time to think, reflect, and be present. Contemplate the following:

To what benefit is the promulgation of negativity, who finds value in dissension, how are you blessing others in condemnation? Instead of sowing into the ever growing societal strife of mixed opinions and passion driven perspective - consider instead how you can in any way encourage, lift up, or sow peace into your family, your friends and your community. I wonder if we can't rise above... 

Tuesday

Work Capacity
For time:
21-15-9
Double KB clean and press 53lbs each hand
Bench press @ 1.25% bodyweight load

Note: I strongly advocate the kettlebell as a tool and the advantage it provides in unilateral training. If double KB clean and presses are too advanced, scale down to a one armed version and alternate arms.  Some people will be able to crush the bench, others will be crushed by the volume. Uncover individual weaknesses and then work to target them as you correct deficiencies and strengthen areas that are lagging.

Monday

Work Capacity
3 Rounds:
100ft Handstand walk
20x Cossack squats w/53lbs (10x per leg)
20x Strict pull-ups
40x 1-arm alternating KB swings, 53lbs

Note: Simple, but not easy. Attack this session with patience. Skill on the handstand walk, lack of exposure to a movement pattern with the Cossack squat, strength endurance on the strict pull-ups, or conditioning with the swings, each variable adds a level of challenge depending on your current ability. Scale loading or volume to allow you to move through this safely.

Sunk Cost Bias - the continued investment of ourselves, resources, or time and energy into something we recognize as a losing proposition, because we have already "sunk" considerable investment that cannot be recovered. If you're currently wasting your time, money, energy, or anything else on a product, program, membership, relationship, or commitment that is not raising the value of your life, CUT YOUR LOSSES and move on. Otherwise its like trying to win back your lost money at the casino by gambling more... In life, everything we are exposed to is trying to sell us a new idea, perspective, attitude, behavior, opinion, mindset, lifestyle, etc... what we pay with is our time. Time is the most precious thing we have, invest yours wisely.

2017 Challenge One

Test Your Grit

I want to preface with the fact that I do not condone the following type of activity be practiced regularly. However, there is a very real need to intermittently test and assess. As an individual who routinely trains and has committed to a lifestyle of physical preparedness, you NEED to assess the quality of your training system. Furthermore, because training in the "gym" and following a "program" is limited to the "simulated variables" of preparing for life's obstacles, there should be tests that extend past the physical element and cross into the realm of mental and emotional fitness.

These mental and emotional fitness capacities can be viewed as the qualities of resilience (emotional resolve to persevere through hardship), and grit (the fortitude to steel the mind despite adversity). There are arguably different means in which these seemingly unmeasurable characteristics can be developed. In my experience, discipline (the consistent application of concerted effort toward a desired result) and perseverance (the steadfast ability to apply determination unwaveringly) applied during crucible-type events or circumstance immediately garners results. Every time you push through, when you refuse to give in to the negative internal dialogue, when you ignore and displace the idea of not following through, when you apply yourself with commitment letting go of personal comfort or advantage - you grow.

With this perspective and mindset, I present to you Challenge One of the 2017 season. Please, recognize that this event is not for everyone. You should consult a medical professional before attempting this or any type of physically demanding activity prior to initiation.

Challenge One
For time complete the following:
1 mile of walking lunges
1 mile run

For those of you who have buddy towed a survivor, you will recognize the similarity that the legs feel. It is not fun, it never gets easier, but it also never gets harder. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Don't come out of the gate hot, instead attack it with purpose and keep grinding it out. Immediately after you stop the lunges and attempt to run your legs will be very unstable, be careful. Ease into the first part of the run, let the legs come back, and then open up the throttle. I finished this today with two guys at work, it is healthy to train together. Find some partners to throw down with. We all managed the lunges unbroken. My time was 50:30 for the lunges and 7:12 for the mile, total time 57:42. Post your times to comments!

Friday

Strength Endurance
10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1
Back squat bodyweight
Strict handstand push-ups
Strict pull-ups
Deadlift bodyweight

Note: This is not for time. However, the goal is to complete every set unbroken and to keep moving at a steady pace. Whatever your current weight is throw that amount on the bars and get to work, nothing to it!

Thursday

Endurance
6-10 Sets
50m Sidestroke swim holding pool brick in one hand
30x Push-ups

Note: Competence in the water varies greatly between individuals. Many people are capable swimmers, some are competitive, and yet others like myself, have a career that revolves around functioning in the water. Nevertheless, many people are not comfortable in the water. After developing proficiency in the water: moving yourself, floating, treading, and entering/exiting you can begin to develop further ability by manipulating an external object while completing the aforementioned skills. Today's session involves swimming a pool brick 50m while keeping the brick completely out of the water with one arm. Practicing this drill forces you to develop greater movement efficiency. Without it, you will quickly sink or submerge the brick. The addition of push-ups taxes the upper body between swims adding in a little bit of intensity. There is no prescribed rest. Tackle this accordingly, recognizing your own level of ability in the water. If this is your first exposure to this type of training, simply practice the drill without the push-ups, and rest as needed.

Tuesday

Endurance
For time:
1 mile sled drag w/50% bodyweight
800m Farmer walk w/50% bodyweight
400m Sprint

Note: Despite this effort being for time, the sled drag is completed by WALKING w/the sled being pulled by the hips. Use 50% of your bodyweight total for the farmer walk, so a quarter of your weight each hand. This is a load that you will struggle with, but should most definitely go unbroken. After the farmer carry drop the weights and go; sprint like a doberman is hightailing you! Post time and load to comments.