Bloody shins and achey bones. If there was any simple line that could define a heavy deadlift for me it would be that. How one feels about that line is all based on perceptive. While one person counts the money in their bank account or collectable fine wine bottles or the newest rims for their car, I count how many scars and deadlifts have allowed me to dance with the devil one more time. Relax, I am not saying to not enjoy collecting things outside of the gym, I am merely expressing that my brain works differently. As the years pass by and strongman leaves its marks on me more and more I have had to change my perspective. What I once use to wear with a “look at me” childish nature has turned into a “this is just who I am” perspective. I am as proud and as ashamed of the some of the damage on my body and that is reality. That is not some sugar coated meme parading a broken back or torn up shin but merely the reality of my world and the bitter truth of it. A wolf doesn’t parade his scars to his pack as badge of honor instead, it is seen as a sign of experience and fighting forward. It is their job to fight against life, to survive, to rip apart what comes their way.. there is no bragging for doing what you are supposed to do. Those who brag about power have never kneeled low enough to pick it up and those who have never kneeled have never given their all.

I have had a series of great training sessions the last week . I had an incredible deadlift day as I hit a 610 Axel dead off of blocks for a double. Good rest, good food , and a strong outlook really made the difference. Ended the session with some keg over bar and a pain free finish. Later that week I would travel to Tampa where I made the best of my travel and hit a 405 squat and a 255 strict press. I haven’t done heavy static movements, outside of deads, in quite sometimes and it was reassuring that I could complete these without flaring up my back. I can feel my squat and strict press have gone down some but it is not something I cannot repair with some work. My prep is looking good so far with a slow and steady start of which I am pleased with. Too many times in the past I have started a little to aggressively but with my nutrition more on point with the help of my teammate and good friend Paul Oneid, I am seeing a big difference in performance. Curious what the next 8 weeks will bring and curiosity never killed the wolf, rhino, bear.

Work Load:

• Axel block pull 610 x2
• Squat single 405
• Strict press 255 x2
• Axel incline 3×2 250
• D bell shoulder press 2×10/10 80#

Never Strat from The Way

MDLP