14 Mar 300
We are now about to climb into the 6th week post tear and the end of my 5th week post bicep operation. Saturday was upon me before I knew it and it was time to hit a 300 pound squat. The number is light on the grand scale of things but to me, post spine injury and bicep tear, it meant the world. The last time I had 300 pounds or more on my spine was November of 2016. Needless to say, I was excited.
Execution through discipline:
Everyone has their story to tell and it just so happens I have my own and I’m grateful that you guys are sharing it with me. Due to my spine injury, me and Brian have been very picky with my movements but as mentioned in my previous article , this squat has been earned. The plan was to build up to two top set of singles at 300 on the SSB without getting greedy. My back has been a little sassy all week but had remained pain free and without issue during my warm ups. 200, 225, 255, and 285 all went up without issue and I could feel an old excitement burning in my chest. As the time came to squat 300 I might as well have been hitting a world record. The world stopped for a second, I played my favorite song and felt the burning passion that got me started in strongman in the first place. As I inched closer to the rack I could hear distant voices in my head reminding me that this was only 300 pounds, that my bicep was torn, and that my back was still healing. I could hear echoes of doubts and fear making their way to the shores of my confidence. And as they neared, I reminded myself of how fucking long, how hard, and how unbelievably challenging my journey had been just to be able to face this weight. It was time to squat and I had set each and every word of doubt ablaze. The burning forest that was my fear had set my soul on fire and I was ready to finally squat the iron I had worked so hard to get. If it sounds dramatic, it’s because it is . Because dreams are un real sometimes, because strength can be for maniacs and because come back dreams dance on the lines of insanity…
Warm ups:
- Mcgill Big 3
- Banded Mcgill Squats 6×3
- Banded Monster walks 3x25ft
- band face pull 2×25
Work Load:
- Squats 8×1 (135,185,205,225,255, 385, 300,300)
- GHR 8×5
- Belt Squat Marches 3 x 3 mins
- Sled Pull 1 x 1,250 ft (4 wheels)
- Sled Monster walks 4 x 50ft
- planks 5 x 1 min
After Thoughts:
The road to recover does not differ from the road to greatness. Both paths involve palpable amounts of discipline, courage, doubts and fear. Both journeys will have moments where the road seems to sway, bend and at times vanish. Along the way and against these obstacles it is our ability to remain stoic and hold fast to what you truly love that defines us. Although the mountain top can make us complacent, the climb is what makes us warriors. I don’t see a difference any more. I have found that both the path of recovery and the path to greatness are one in the same. Both with the potential to create and with the potential to utterly destroy.. and i wouldn’t have it any other way.
Never stray from The Way
MDLP
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Michael “MDLP” De La Pava is currently a competitive Strongman and owner of The Battle Axe Gym. Born in Miami, Florida into a Colombian household, Michael finished his schooling by attending Penn State University where he graduated with a Degree in Psychology. Having his roots in martial arts, he would go on to compete in various sports as a Muay Thai fighter, Powerlifter, and rugby player before committing himself fully to Strongman. During this time, he opened Miami’s first Strongman gym, The Battle Axe, where he currently coaches athletes from various disciplines including powerlifting, MMA fighters, Strongman, officers of multiple authorities and enlisted and active military operators. Competing in Strongman for over 6 years has given Michael the opportunity to rank as high as 15th in the nation (105kg), won Florida’s Strongest man (1st in 2014 and 2nd in 2015 in the 105kg class), lift and load a 420 pound Atlas stone, log press 335, pull 700, and most importantly, share the competitive battlefield with some of the best in the game. During this journey, Michael suffered what some would consider a potentially career-ending spine injury. It was at this time that Brian and Michael would begin working together to not only rehab his spine, allowing him to return to Strongman but also develop a new Strongman training program revolving around the 10/20 philosophy. Strongman and coaching have given Michael the opportunity to travel around the nation and the world to train, coach and be coached, as well as share ideas with various leaders in the strength community. Michael’s experience and network in strongman brings a welcome connection with the ever-growing sport of Strongman to the 10/20 team and PRS family.
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