Pete's training log

[Pete Berg]

I've been thinking of doing a log here,and I supppose there is no better time than right now. To give a little back ground, I'm 39 yrs. old and about 210. I started training for strongman this year and will be competing in my second meet in April in Wisconsin.

Today was log and stones

Warm ups Db presses not sure of weight for 3 x 10

Push press with bar 135 x 2 sets of 5, 165 x 2 sets of 5

Log press 135 x 5, 165 x 2, 185 x2, 205 missed twice, 205 x 1, 210 missed, 210 x 1 new pr. 135x 9 in a minute.

Warm up Bi's with hammer curls with purple band.

Stones, 225 onto 45" platform
225 to 50"
225 to 54"
255 to 50"
300 missed at 45" lapped it a couple of times just couldn't get it high enough, almost there just a little short.

Press lockouts 135 x 2 x 3
185 x 3
205 x 3
225 x 3
245 x 3
This was a good day learned more about this sport and what it takes to move forward in it.

[Jay O'Neill]

strong work there Pete... welcome to the board...

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Jay, That was a hard day for me, of course and day with shoulders is hard for me.

[Pete Berg]

3/17/06 warmed up with situps and hypers on the roman chair 3 x 15

Front squats 135 x 2, 175 x 3, 190 x 4 sets of 5

Warmed up Bi's with 3 sets of hammer curls,I should have done something for my tri's because after the cleans my elbows hurt.

Cleans, 135 x 2 x 5, 165 x 5, 185 x 5, 205 x 3, 225 x 1, 135 x 10

Rack pulls 6" below knee 135 x 5, 225 x 5, 315 x 5, 365 x2, 405 x 1

RDL's 135 x 5, 185 x 5, 225 x 5, 245 x 5, 265 x 5

Bent row 135 x 5, 185 x 5, 225 x 5, 235 x 5, 245 x 5

Over all today went well except for the pain in my elbows just got to remember to stretch more and warm up better.

[Pete Berg]

3/19/06 Situps and hypers on the roman chair 3 x 15

Front squat
135 x 2 x3
185 x 3
210 x 5 x 5

Shoulders warm up with lite DB press and L-flyes
Push press
135 x 2 x 5
165 x 5
185 x 3
195 x 2
205 x 1
215 x 2 attemps, trying to do some sort of over load on these.

Close grip bench
175 x 8
200 x 6
215 x 4
230 x 3
245 x 2
230 x 5
215 x 5
200 x 5
175 x 10

Push downs
90 x 10
100 x 10
110 x 10

[Pete Berg]

3/20/06 Today was to be cardio and abs but I didn't have enough time to get my bi's in yesterday so I put them in today with some grip work.

Warm up with a 1 mile run.

Sit ups and hypers on the roman chair 3 x 12 x 35 lbs. for each.

Ab wheel 3 x 15

Cheat curl 95 x 8, 115 x 8, 135 x 6, 145 x 3

Hammer curl 50 x 8, 55 x 8, 60 x 8, 65 x 8

CoC grippers T=3 x 10, #1= 2 x 5, #2= 2 x 2

Pinch grip using 2x4 on a loading pin. Each hand
#46 x1 #56 x 1 #61 x 1 #66 x 1 #71 x 1 Right hand only

[Pete Berg]

3/21/06 Sit ups and hypers on the roman chair 3 x 15

Front squat 135 x 3, 150 x 4 x 3

Squat
210 x 8
240 x 6
255 x 4
270 x 3
290 x 2 I was a little high on the 2nd rep
270 x 5
250 x 5
240 x 5
210 x 10

bench press
200 x 8
230 x 6
250 x 4
265 x 3
280 x 2
265 x 5
250 x 5
230 x 5
200 x 10

DB press 50 x 10, 55 x 10, 60 x 8, 65 x 6

Skull crusher 95 x 10, 115 x 10, 135 x 7

I had a busy day at work so for being a little tired at the start of this workout it went better than I thought it would.

[Pete Berg]

3/22/06 Did some abs and grip work tonight.
Sit ups and hypers on the roman chair 3 x 15 x 45lbs.

Ab wheel 4 x 15

Farmers holds for 30 sec.
115 x 2
165 x 1
205 x 1

Grip a soft ball hooked to a loading pin
46 x 5
71 x 5
81 x 3
91 x 2 RH / 1 LH

CoC's
#T- 3 x 10
#1- 3 x 5
#2- 3 x 2
My thumb it still pretty sore but seems to be getting better.

[Pete Berg]

3/24/06 My left thumb is still sore today

Sit ups and hypers 3 x 15

Front squat
135 x 3
175 x 3
200 x 4 x 5

Cleans with 2 1/2" bar
130 x 5
150 x 5
160 x 5
170 x 4
180 x 1

Dead lift
265 x 8
310 x 6
330 x 4
350 x 3
370 x 2
350 x 5
330 x 5
310 x 5
265 x 10

RDL's
135 x 5
185 x 5
225 x 5
250 x 5
270 x 5

Bent row
135 x 5
185 x 5
225 x 5
235 x 5
245 x 4

One arm row 100 x 3 x 10

[Corey DuCharme]

Your training is looking good Pete. If it encourages you any, you're stronger than me and I'm the same size as you and ten years younger. I'll be meeting you at the contest in April.

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Corey, Are you staying at the Holiday Inn? I'm going to get there early on friday so I can do a little feasting at big Tony's .

3/25/06 1 1/2 mile run

Sit ups and hypers 4 x 15 x 45lbs.

Ab wheel 4 x 15

GM's
45 x 5 x 2
95 x5
115 x 5
135 x 5

Rope pullups 3 x 10

Side bends 3 x 10 x 60lbs.

CoC grippers
T - 3x10
#1 - 2x5
#2 - 2 x 2

[Pete Berg]

3/26/06 Situps and hypers 3x15

Front squat
135x2x3
185x3
210x6x5

Warmup shoulders with light L-flyes and db presses 3x10
Push press
135x2x5
165x5
185x4
195x2
205x1 and 1 miss
215x1 new PR!
220x2 attemps almost got the first one but couldn't lock it out.

Close grip bench
185x8
210x6
225x4
240x3
250x2
240x5
225x5
210x5
185x9

Push downs
100x10
110x10
120x10

Cheat curls
95x10
115x8
135x5
145x3

Hammer curls
55x8
60x8
65x8
70x6

[Corey DuCharme]

Wow, that was a good workout, nice PR!! I'm envious, at least you will be able to press the log. Yes, we are staying at the Holiday Inn and arriving early for the feast too.

[Nicolette L.]

Pete~ Looking good. Great workout. Nice PR! :mag:

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Nicolette I'm stepping up my workouts so I can keep up with Corey at the Wisconsin meet in April.

Corey, Good we will have to hook up on Friday and follow the train out to Tony's. I hear that some others are staying there as well.
Keep working those push presses you'll be knocking out reps before you know it.

[Pete Berg]

3/27/06
2 mile run

Sit ups and hypers 4x15x45lbs.

Ab wheel 4x15

Good mornings
45x5
95x5
115x5
135x5

Farmer holds
115x30 sec.
165x30 sec.
205x30sec.
225x25sec. I forgot what time I started but the guy watching me asked why I set it down 5 sec. early.

Rope pullups 4x10

Pinch grip 2x4 hooked to a loading pin
46x5
51x5
56x5
61x5
66x3RH, 2LH
71x2RH only

Softball hooked to pin
61x3
71x3
76x2

I wanted to do farmer walks today but it was raining outside. So I settled for holds instead

[Pete Berg]

3/28/06 Situps and Hypers 3x15

Rope pullups 3x10

Dips 3x10

Front Squat
135x2x3
150x4x3

Squat
215x8
250x6
265x4
280x3
300x2
280x5
265x5
250x5
205x10

Bench
205x8
235x6
255x4
265x3
285x2
265x4
255x3
235x5
205x9

I was a little rushed today It's my 20 year wedding Anniversary, and I was thinking that the gym is not the best place to spend it if I want to see another one.

[Corey DuCharme]

Congratulations man, twenty years is a huge accomplishment in the times we live in. That's truly a bigger PR than anything in the gym. Let's pray for twenty more and then twenty and beyond after that!!!

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Corey, It's my best PR of my life and looking forward to more of them.

[Pete Berg]

3/31/06
situps and hypers 3x15

Front Squat
135x2x3
175x3
190x4x3

Cleans
135x5
185x5
205x5
215x1
225x3attemps

DL's off a 4" block
225x5
275x3
295x3
315x3
325x3
First time doing these, they went well but I need to go a bit heavier next time.

RDL's
135x5
185x5
225x5
255x5
275x5
Today was dark cold and rainy and it was hard to get into this workout. I'm feeling a bit slow and sore. I'm hoping it's just the weather.

[Pete Berg]

4/2/06
Situps and Hypers 3x15

Front Squat
135x3
185x3
210x3x3

Push press
135x2x5
175x3
185x3
205x2
225x2 attemps

Board press
135x5
225x5
275x3
305x2
315x2

Pushdowns
100x10
110x10
120x10

Jm press
95x10
115x10
135x10
First time doing these and am not sure if I'm doing them right but they felt lite.I'll have to check with some body to make sure I'm doing them right.

[Pete Berg]

3/3/06
Run 2 miles

Situps and hypers 4x15x45lbs

Ab wheel 4x15 I did 2 reps standing to prone back to standing. it was the first time I've done this.

GM's
45x5
95x5
115x5
135x2x5

Farmers holds
115x30sec.
165x30sec.
205x30sec.
225x30sec.

[Nicolette L.]

Hey man it is April, I know time is flying. You are looking good. Stay focused. Wish I could run up there and watch you guys compete.

[Pete Berg]

The 29th is coming fast but I still got about 3 more weeks to improve. Fox Cities is looking to be a great meet with all the things that are going on, and there's that cheesecake do I need to say more?

[Pete Berg]

4/4/06 last night I twisted my right knee a little and it hurt last night but today it felt pretty good, just a little swollen on the outside of the knee. So I went a head and sqauted today and things went good.

Situps and hypers 3x15

Front squat
135x3
155x4x3

Squat
215x8
250x6
265x4
280x3
300x2
280x5
265x5
250x5
215x10

Bench
210x8
240x6
255x4
270x3
290x2
270x4
255x5
240x5
205x10

DB Press
55x10 60x8 65x6 70x3

Skull crushers
100x10 120x10 140x10

[Corey DuCharme]

Looking good Pete. Keep that knee healthy, it's an integral part of pulling a semi truck in three weeks. I like your approach to training, sometimes I think I bog myself down with too much stuff.

[Pete Berg]

Corey, The basic of my training came from the Brad Gillingham deadlifting dvd. I changed a few things from the dvd to fit my needs but the core of it comes from the dvd. I've been doing it like this for about 5 months and my over all strenght has jumped up a lot but I do spend more time in the gym to get through my routine, some of that is because people feel the need to talk to me when I'm ready to lift not when I'm resting between sets.I worry some times that I do to much and over do it but when I look at my training log I think thats all I did.

[Pete Berg]

4/6/06 I was to work on events but it didn't happen. Today I'm a little sore and beat up any way and a day of active rest was in need, so I took my wife rock climbing instead. 2 hours of climbing and my grip was shot and it turned out to be a nice workout.

[Corey DuCharme]

Looks like you took advantage of the nice weather while we have it. Tomorrow a cold front is moving in on us. I've only climbed in a rock gym before, and man does that fry my grip. Sounds like a good way to spend a couple of hours.

[Pete Berg]

4/7/06 What a day. Things did not go well.

Situps and hypers 3/15

Front Squat
135x3
185x3
200x3x5

Clean
135x2x5
185x5
205x5
215x1
225x2 attemps

DL's This is where things went down hill and fast.
290x8
340x6
360x4
380x3 It seemed like I could not recover from this set.
405x0 I just fell apart at this point.
I figure I have gone a little to far the past couple of weeks and it caught up to me so I think I'll take it a little easy this week and then back to hitting it hard.

4/7/06

Today I worked my abs pretty good, and I put new license plates on my sons car and I took the old ones and was going to throw them a way but stopped,thought I should try to rip one like a phone book and it wasn't as hard as I thought. I ripped both plates one at a time it was pretty easy I think I'll go to a junk yard and try for two stacked together.

[Pete Berg]

4/9/06 Things went a little better today.

Situps and Hypers 3x15

Front Squat
145x3
185x3
225x4x5

Push press
135x5
160x5
185x3x5

Curls
95x10
115x8
135x6

Hammer curl
55x8
60x8
65x8

[Pete Berg]

4/10/06 Took my mountain bike out for the first ride of the year and to enjoy the sun. Boy was that a lot harder than I thought. I went for about 45min. and my legs were shot.

[Pete Berg]

4/11/06
Situps and hypers 3x15

Front squat
135x2x3
155x4x3

Squat
135x2
185x2
225x8x2

Bench
135x10
185x5
225x5
255x3x5

DB press
50x5
55x5
60x5
65x5

Pushdowns
100x10
110x10
120x10

[Pete Berg]

4/14/06
Situps and hypers 3x15

Front Squat
135x2x3
175x3
190x4x5

Cleans
135x2x3
185x3
205x3
225x3 high pulls

Dl's
245x3
295x3
335x3
385x0
I started to pull at 385 and my low back started to hurt so I stop got into the Chiro and she put me back together. She thought it was just one of those things and that I should hit it hard tomarrow without any problems.

[Pete Berg]

4/16/06
Situps an hypers 3x15

Front squat
135x3
185x3
210x5x3

Pushpress
135x2x3
160x3
185x3
205x3
215x1
225xalmost one just couldn't lock it out but held it up for a few seconds just the elbows wouldn't straighten out.

Cheat curls straight bar
95x8
115x8
135x5
145x2

Hammer curl
55x8
60x8
65x8
70x8

Close grip bench
180x8
210x6
225x4
240x3
250x2
240x5
225x5
210x5
180x10
Today was the best day I had in two weeks almost got a new pr. in the push press and had energy all the way through this work out.

[Corey DuCharme]

Looks like a good workout Pete. You're definitely getting geared up for the 29th.

[Paul Neuhaus]

Pete,
How are you feeling coming into the contest?

[Pete Berg]

I started to feel a little over trained so I dropped some of my extra stuff and only train 3 days a week. I'm just working on the basics and now I'm feeling good. I hope to do event stuff this week and then I'll have a good idea where I'm at.

[Pete Berg]

4/18/06
Situps and hypers 3x15

Front Squat
135x3
155x4x3

Squat
220x8
255x6
270x4
290x3
305x2
290x5
270x5
255x5
220x10

Bench
210x8
240x6
255x4
270x3
290x2
270x4
255x5
240x5
210x10

Seated row
150x10
190x10
210x10

one arm row 100x3x10
This was a good work out and I felt fresh all the way through it and all the squats were done raw.

[Pete Berg]

Over the past three days I've worked on the three of the events I have to do for Fox Cities log, stones and farmers. I feel like they are right on time and I'm feeling strong so I'll do a couple of easy workouts over the weekend and take a couple of day's off and head out to Wisconsin.

[Corey DuCharme]

One week to go!!!! I'm getting excited already. Unless somebody else enters our weight class, it looks like you'll be going up against my brother. Kick his butt for me, I can't.

[Pete Berg]

Corey, after the past six weeks of training I'm finding it hard to even kick my butt much less any one else, but just for you I'll give it my best.
I'm getting a little jacked up but I'm trying to save it for the friday night feast the easiest event of the contest.
Cheesecake that what it's all about! :LOL:

[Corey DuCharme]

Corey, after the past six weeks of training I'm finding it hard to even kick my butt much less any one else, but just for you I'll give it my best.
I'm getting a little jacked up but I'm trying to save it for the friday night feast the easiest event of the contest.
Cheesecake that what it's all about! :LOL:

Tell me about it!! At this point I would still come out if they cancelled the contest but the feast was still on.

I'll punch my brother in the kidney for you, that should slow him down.

[Pete Berg]

I'll punch my brother in the kidney for you, that should slow him down.
You might have kick him in the knee to give me a better chance.

[Corey DuCharme]

You'll do just fine against him without all the Tonya Harding style assaults. Besides, more people are bound to join the contest, then you'll have to kick Neuhaus in the knee. :eek:

[Pete Berg]

Your right. But we have to take care of Paul, he is the one who is going to take us to the feast, so we should take good care of him until after the cheesecake. Ya I thing this is going to be a great contest. Big Tony and Paul have gone a long way to put on this show and to take care of the competitors, my hats off to these guys.

[Pete Berg]

Just got back from the Fox Cities meet. Paul and Big Tony put on a great show I was glad I got to be part of it. I need to get back into the gym and start working for my next meet and fixing the mistakes I made at this one as not to repeat them.

[Paul Neuhaus]

Pete,
It was nice meeting you. Sorry I couldn't say goodbye when you left, I was on the phone with Willie Wessels. I'm glad you and your wife came, and I hope you had fun. Hope to see you again at a contest, this or next year.

[Pete Berg]

Paul, It was good meet everyone, You and Big Tony did a awesone job on this contest, you guys set the bar high for promoters out there. For my second meet I didn't do as good as I would of like too but, I know more of what I got to work on, so It's back to the gym and goto school for my next meet.

Warmed up with situps and hypers 3*15

Sand bag carries with 185, 225

Front squat
135*2*5
185*2
225*2
250*1
260*2*1 they were a bit high
I wanted to work for a new pr. but my legs are so sore from this weekend.

Back squat to 13" box
135*2*5
185*3*3
I thought I would start adding some box squats to my routine to help my DL's.So I started a little light to work my self into them.
Corey I know you told me these are great but right now I don't think so as a matter of fact right now I think they suck! So check with me in a couple of weeks and I'll see if I change my mind on these.

[Corey DuCharme]

You tough jerk, what's with you guys lifting today, trying to make me look bad!! :LOL: I just want to wait until tomorrow!!

When I check back in with you two weeks from now you'll like them. Your squat will go up as will all posterior chain lifts and events. You don't like them now because they're forcing you to change...........and we resist change.

[Pete Berg]

NO Corey I hate them because I'm in pain my legs are so sore from this weekend. I should have waited until tomarrow like you . Hey check you mail I pm'd you, BTW how was the drive back. My trip back was long and uncomfortable but we made it.The cheesecake made it worth it all.

[Corey DuCharme]

Thanks for the heads up in the PM, no money right now. Our trip was ok. We stopped half way and stayed the night. I got home about 1pm on Sunday.

Squatting on sore legs, I hear you, ouch. :)

[Pete Berg]

4/2
Keg and sand bag carries.
165 keg and 225 sand bag to 60 ft. 3 runs under 41 sec.
I need to work on medleys I seem to be slow when it comes to these type of events and my next meet has one thats 235 farmers, 230 sand bag, and 560 chain drag. Tonight I'll work on my abs and some light bi's.

[Pete Berg]

4/3
Made up a new sled out of a plastic concrete mixing tub. I think I might have to put some wood on the bottom to keep from scaping the bottom off.
I took it on it's maiden voyage down the driveway 60ft. with 500# and it was easy so I took it into the grass and that was a different story it would'nt move with that much weight so I lower it to 300# and pulled it for 100 ft. then put my harness on and pulled it back.

sandbag lifts 4*230
Keg walk 60ft. x2

[Pete Berg]

I thought that since it's my off day I would spend it making up some new equipment. Yesterday I made up a pulling sled from a concrete mixing tub and today I made up a 2 1/2 in. DB handle, a 2 1/2 in. wrist roller that will slide over the safty pin on my squat rack, and a 2 1/2in axle with tires for bumpers and the tires cost me a whopping 4 dollars. Not bad for a rest day.

[Pete Berg]

5/5
Situps & Hypers 3*15

Front squat
135*5
175*5
195*4*5

2 1/2in. axle cleans
100*5
150*3
160*3
180*3
190*3

DL's
135*5
225*5
315*3
365*3
405*1
415*1
420*1
425*1
430*1
450*0

Bentover row
135*10
155*10
175*10
195*10

Wrist roller
90*3 Both dirctions

[Pete Berg]

5/6
Incline board situps 15# 3*15

Hypers 45# 3*15

Leg Raises 3*15

GM's 45*10, 95*10, 115*10, 135*10

Pullups 3*10
Felt like a good day to work a little core.

[Pete Berg]

5/7
Situps & Hypers 3*15

Front Squat
135*5
185*3
220*5*5

Push press
135*2*5
155*5
175*3
195*1
had a hard time with working shoulders they seem to be tired and not recovering well so maybe it's time to do some active rest with them.

3 board press close grip
135*5
225*5
275*3*3

pushdowns
90*10
100*10
110*10

[Corey DuCharme]

Hey Pete, workouts looking good, you are disciplined!! I've only worked out once since the contest, but my knees and back were asking for a break anyway.

I like your new toys, very nice. I have a 300# stone curing right now and a home made axle in the basement waiting for me to press it. Looks like we've both been busy. :D

[Pete Berg]

Corey, that 300# stone is going to be a nice addition to your gym. I think I might need sometime off my knees and shoulders are a bit sore but tomarrow I pick up my new 12" log and I'll have to play with it for a while before I can take sometime off.

[Pete Berg]

5/8
Situps and Hypers 3*15

Front Squat
135*5
170*4*3

13" box squat
135*5
185*5
225*5
255*5
275*5*2
Hey Corey these still suck but they are getting better. I'm normally a Oly style squatter so sitting back that far still feels weird.

Bench
135*5
185*5
225*5
250*5*5

Cheat curl
95*8
115*8
135*6
145*3

Hammer curl
60*8
65*8
70*8
75*8

Wrist roller both ways
90
115
135
man when I was done I thought my forearms were going to pop.

[Jay O'Neill]

hey pete... good job at last contest!
How did you make your axle?
thanks

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Jay, The axle was easy I took a 5' piece of 2 1/2" pipe put it over a & 7', 2" pipe welded it together. If you talk to the supplier they can get the size so that they fit tight over each other. The tires are two 13" tires with 2.5 lbs plates bolted to the rim so it will clamp up nice and tight. The reason I welded it together is it makes the clean harder and I was told that some contest use a axle like this.

[Corey DuCharme]

You're working up to some good numbers on the box squats already. You'll love them soon.....especially when you feel it help your deadlift!

[Pete Berg]

5/12
Situps and Hypers 3*15

Front sqaut
135*5
185*5
210*3*5

Axle cleans
100*5
150*5
170*3
180*1 and 1 miss
190*2 misses

Rack Dl's just above knee
135*5
225*5
315*5
385*3
455*2
505*2
555*2

Seated row
90*10
180*10
230*10

wrist roller both ways*90/215
I got my log the other day and I have played with it every day. It's 12 3/4" log and weighs 140 empty. It's alot different than a 10" log and it will take a little time to get the feel for it. I can't wait until shoulder day on sunday to see what I can do with it.

[Pete Berg]

5/14
Situps & Hypers 3*15

Front squat
135*2*5
185*5
220*6*5

Log Press. First training day with the new log, it was a lot harder with the bigger log.
135*2*3
155*3
180*1/1
190*1
200*0
cleaned 220

3 board press
135*5
185*5
225*5
275*5
285*5
295*5

pushdowns 80/90/100 *10reps

wrist roller 45/90/125 both directions

[Pete Berg]

5/16
Situps and hypers 3*15

Front squat
135*5
165*4*3

Box squat 12 box
135*5
185*5
225*5
260*2
280*6*2 Had to put my belt on for the last 4 sets, my back was sore from work.

Bench press
135*10
185*5
225*5
260*3*5

Db OHP
50*5
60*5
70*5
80*2
90*1

[Pete Berg]

5/19
Situps and hypers 3*15

Front squat
135*2*5
175*3
195*4*3

Axle cleans
100*2*5
150*5
170*5
180*3
190*2
200*1 new PR with a 2 1/2 axle

DL's
135*5
225*5
315*5
365*3
405*2
435*1 Put belt on
450* 2 misses, I got it started but could'nt get it past my knees. This would have been a new PR if I had gotten it.

Seated row
90*10, 180*10, 230*10, 250*10

[Pete Berg]

5/20
1 mile run. I need to get ready for my pt tests for work.

Sand bag carries
80' with 220# bag
50' with 270# bag 2x's I bumped the bag up 50# this is the first carries at this weight.
keg bear hug carry 80'

Keg cleans for 60 sec. Got to 8 and he keg sliped in my hand and smashed me in the face and it gave me a little bloody nose.

12" log press 135*5 quick reps. I had to load the log to take it to the gym for tomarrow so I figure if it's in hand I should press it. :BP:

[Pete Berg]

5/21
Situps and hypers 3*15

Front squat
135*5
185*3
220*3*3

12"Log
135*5
155*3
180*0,1
190*0,1
200*0,0
135*2*5
The log didn't go to well today. I don't know if it was I didn't warmed up enough or if it's because I used my oly shoes but I couldn't find my groove. I have been doing a few reps with the log every day just to get use to the bigger log and when I do this I'm normally wearing slippers so I'm not sure if using oly shoes threw me off or I just had one of them days.
I was suppose to do tri's after the log but no one was around to spot me for board presses so since I'm not having a good workout I'll just have an arm day tomorrow.

[Pete Berg]

5/22
Warmed up with some L-flyes and light Db presses to get some blood flowing to the tri's and shoulders

Close grip 3 Board press
135*2*5
185*5
225*5
275*2
295*2
305*2

Tate press
115*10
135*10
145*10

Cheat curl
95*8
115*8
135*8
145*3

Hammer curl
60*8
65*8
70*8
75*8

Wrist roller x 90, 115, 135 both directions

[Pete Berg]

5/25
Situps and Hypers 3*15

Warm up the knees with 3 set of leg ext.

Front squat
135*2*5
170*4*3

Box squat 12" box
135*2*5
185*5
225*5
260*3
280*3
300*6*2 with belt

Warmed up shoulder with L-flyes

Bench
135*10
185*10
225*5
260*3*5

DB OHP
50*8
60*8
70*5
75*4

[Corey DuCharme]

Box squats are coming along nicely.

[Pete Berg]

The only problem I have with them is the squat rack is in the basement and after I'm done it's hard to get out of the basement :( . Using the belt on the 6 sets of 2 reps sure does make a big difference I'm able to do a lot more weight.

[Pete Berg]

5/27
Situps and hypers 3*15

leg ext for warm up 3*10

Front Squat
135*5
185*5
210*3*5

2 1/2" Axle clean
100*5
150*5
175*5
185*5
195*1,1
205*0

Rack Dl
135*5
225*5
315*5

one arm row 100*3*10

Not one of my best days, it's one of warmest day's and humid and I seem to burn out on the cleans and the rack pulls didn't feel good so I stopped at 315. I think I didn't take enough time between set and I got over heated. So I guess a bad day is still better then no day in the gym.

[Pete Berg]

6/3

Situps and Hypers 3*15

Leg ext. 3*10

Front Squat
135*2*5
185*3
205*3
235*4*5

Push press (clean first rep)
85*5
135*5
155*5
175*3
195*2
3 high pulls with 215.

[Pete Berg]

6/5
Situps and hypers 3*15

leg ext. 3*10

Front squat
135*2*5
170*4*3

Box squat
185*2*5
225*5
260*3
280*3
300*6*2

Bench
135*10
185*10
225*5
260*5

It was so hot and humid again. It drains me so much to get through my main lifts that I don't have enough energy to do so assistance work so I think I'm going to add another day and that will be an arm and what ever day.Then when it cools off this fall I'll go back to my 3 day gym routine.
Yesterday I bought a yoke so I can't wait to use it on thursday.

[Corey DuCharme]

Hey, you finally got an avatar!! That picture looks strangely familiar.......... :D

Your squats keep moving up I see. The humididty kills me too, and I have to work outside in it all summer. Given a choice though, I'd take that over an inside job.

Where did you get your yoke? Sounds like fun, post up some pictures.

[Pete Berg]

Hey Corey the picture is right before I took the big header and ate some pavement, I'll get some photos of the yoke on thursday I bought it from a guy around here, he had a couple so he let one go. He has a few other things for sale that I might want.

6/06/06

Board press
135*5
185*5
225*5
275*2
295*2
315*1

JM press
115*10
135*10
145*10
155*5
I'm finally getting the hang of these.

Push Downs
90*10
100*10
110*10
120*10

Cheat curl
95*8
115*8
135*6
145*3

Hammer curls
60*8
65*8
70*8
75*8

One arm preachers curls
40*10
45*10
50*10
Ended it all with a 1 mile run.

[Pete Berg]

6/7
I did a little light training before work.
Pullups 3*10

RDL's 135*10, 155*10, 175*10

One arm DL's with 2 1/2 in Handle
75*2 each hand
125*2
145*1

6/8
Today didn't go well. I'm not sure why things seem to be going the wrong way lately but I need to get things turned around soon. Every thing felt so heavy today.
Log press 13in.
135*2*5
155*2
175*2
185*1

Farmers walk turn at 50'
115* 100'
165* 100'
205* 100' 1 drop at 50'

Yoke 50'
345*2
525*2
625*5 pick ups
I need to drill another hole when I get it up to 625 it drags on the back edge so I tried to walk with it but it dragged to much so I did pickups with it instead.
Hey Corey here is the photo of it I need to do some work on it to make it a little better but it is going to be a great addition to my gym.

[Corey DuCharme]

That looks like a really solid yoke.

I'm with you on the bad workout kick. Everything has felt heavy for me too lately. Hopefully it will pass for both of us soon.

[Melissa Mesich]

Nice picture of you doing the yoke carry Pete.

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Lill' M, I just got done adding some more holes in it so I can adjust it to fit me. Did a 1.5 mile run toninght I'm trying to get as much work in today because tomorrow I have to get my last wisdom tooth out, and it is not going to be fun. The Dr. said he would have to chip off some bone to get the tooth out and I might not feel like working out for a few days. :mad:

[Melissa Mesich]

Pete,

That sucks. I pushed getting mine out until my dentist said I had to get them out. They were all impacted, so I was useless for about 3 days after I had it done. Oh, the pain!!! I can't imagine how you may feel after if they have to chip off some bone. Good thing you trained hard the past few days. Just think of all the ice-cream you will have to eat to recover. Ha!!! :D

[Pete Berg]

6/9
Got my tooth out this morning, it went better than expected Doc put me out said he didn't want me to hurt him so he said he would feel better if I was out and I agreed. He told me I could start light training in 2 days and could be lifting heavy in 5, which is good news since my next meet is on the 24th. So for now I'm taking Lill' M's advice and am loading up on icecream, the protien will help me heal faster I know this because my wife is a nurse and she told me so. :N:

[Corey DuCharme]

What is your next contest? I'm competing that weekend too, but I'm far from ready.

[Pete Berg]

Corey it's the Minnesota Strongman Championships in Sauk Rapids. We have to do a max axel press, keg loading race, yoke and tire medley,conans wheel, and truck pull. I'm trying to drop some weight and go as a light weight (210) I only have 2 more pounds to go, and with my jaw all swelled up and I can't open my jaw loosing 2 pounds should be no problem. What do you have going?

[Pete Berg]

6/12
1.5 mile run

Front squat
135*5
165*5
185*3*3

2 1/2"Axle clean and press
100*3
150*3
170*2
190*2
210*5 high pulls. I need to work on technique because when doing the axle the bar travels to far out in front and I can't get it back, I get by with the bar, but little mistake in form with the axle causes bigger misses.

Yoke 50'
345*2
485*2 best time 14 sec.
585*2 best time 25 sec.

Wife carry kicking all the way 125' 21 sec.

This workout was not my best but it was the funnest in a while.

[Pete Berg]

6/13
1.5 mile walk
RDL's
135*10
165*10
185*10
205*10

Front carry with axle to 100' with turn at 50'
#100, 150, 190, 240, 290
Just trying to get ready for conans wheel.

Sand bag carries for 100' with turn at 50'
135*3 best time 11 sec. Had to run this 3 time because I thought my son was adding time to my runs to say he was faster. So on the 3rd run I had my wife time us and he had his best run and tied me at 11sec.
185* 17 sec.
225* 27 sec.
280* 2cleans. I was to fried to carry it.

Keg cleans 9 reps in 60 sec. thought I died after it was done. I realy need to work on my strongman cardio.

[Corey DuCharme]

Sounds like your boy might be catching up to you!! :D When is his strongman debut?

[Melissa Mesich]

Sounds like your boy might be catching up to you!! :D When is his strongman debut?

Yeah Pete, he should do Big Tony's too. You could be a father-son duo. :D

[Pete Berg]

He was hoping to do the meet I'm doing on the 24th but he got a new job and things didn't work out. He hopes to do the one around here this fall. He might be catching up but I'm still dad and he knows he is supposed to respect me and do what I say and lose like the greatful son that he is, still living in my basement!. :M:

[Pete Berg]

6/14
1 mile run stoping every quarter to do calisthenics then finninshed with a sprint then did it again 4hrs later.

6/151.5 mile run.
I need to get under 210 by the 24th and I also have a fitness test for work next month so running for that hopfully will help me get under 210.

[Pete Berg]

6/16
Situps and Hypers 3*15

Front squat
135*2*5
175*5
195*4*3

Alxe cleans
100*5
150*3
170*3
190*1
200*2 high pulls

Axle DL's
200*5 Double over hand
250*3
300*2 mixed grip
350*2
400*0

Farmers walk 80' with 1 turn
115*2
165*1
205*1

My low back has been feeling real weak and I don't feel like I have any explosive power. The only change I think might be the reason why is I haven't been working my hamstrings like I should be. I thought I might be over working them and laid off on them and never started back up working like I should so I'm going back to doing heavy rdl's and bent row every week.

[Pete Berg]

6/17
situps and hypers 3*20

Warmed up shoulder with L-flyes and DB press

Push press out of rack
135*2*5
165*5
185*3
205*2
215*0

3 Board press
185*5
225*5
275*2
285*2
295*2

JM press
135*10
145*8
155*8
165*5

Rear delt flye
30*10
35*10
40*10

1.5 mile run 13 min.

[Corey DuCharme]

Your workouts are looking really good lately Pete. It looks like you and I are on the same track with the running and trying to shed a few pounds. Only I'm doing it for my wife, not work!! :D She says I'm too chubby around the middle and she likes it when I'm leaner. I have to agree with her so I'm trying to melt the fat off.

I'm hoping to come out the Tony's Pro-Am but it's still up in the air. Too many variables right now to be certain.

Get a couple more good workouts in before the contest this weekend!!

[Pete Berg]

6/19
Situps and Hypers 3*20

Pullups 3*10

Bent row
135*2*10
165*10
185*10

Seated row
90*10
140*10
160*10
170*10

Cheat curl
95*8
115*8
135*5
155*2

Hammer curl
60*8
65*8
70*8

[Pete Berg]

6*20
Situps & Hypers 3*20
Leg ext. 3*15

Front Squat
135*2*5
185*5
225*3
245*2
265*1
285*1 PR.
300*0

Box Squat
135*5
185**5
225*3
275*2
295*2
315*1
225*5

RDL's
135*10
185*10
215*10
225*10

Calf raises
160*3*15

[Corey DuCharme]

Good job on the front squat Pete! You're hitting some good numbers there, it won't be long until you get 300. Kick some butt in your contest this weekend.

[Pete Berg]

I was really looking for the 300 tonight, I started coming up with it and it got in front a little and I went back down.

[Pete Berg]

I thought I would start logging my workout again because my training has become stale, so here is what happened tonight.
Tonight was events but my training partner didn't show again.
Warmup with pushups and ab wheel
2 1/2" Axle Clean& press
100x3, 120x3, 150x3, 170x3, 190x1, 200x1

12" log strict press
135x2x3, 155x3, 165x1, 175x1
during this set my son came in a told me he wants to join the Marines and the recruiter will be here tomorrow.

Stones no tacky
235 to 48"x3, 52"x2, 56"x1
300 lapped 2 times but not enough to load it.

[Jay Hagadorn]

Good job on the stones Pete, it's about time you started posting again...

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Jay I'm looking to jump start my training and hoping, logging the workouts will help

[Pete Berg]

12/22

This workout was at a commercial gym that a friend took me to. I don't think there used to seeing someone hitting it hard.

Power cleans 135*2*5, 155*5, 180*5, 190*5

Front squat, warmed up then 210*4*5

Rack DL's just below the knee 135*5, 225*2, 315*2, 405*2, 455*2, 495*2

RDL's 135*10, 225*10, 275*10, 315*10

Bentrow 135*5, 185*5, 205*5, 225*5

barbell holds 315*2x for 30sec.

[Corey DuCharme]

This workout was at a commercial gym that a friend took me to. I don't think there used to seeing someone hitting it hard..

You weren't foaming at the mouth were you Pete? :D

Good to see you posting again, I've been wondering how things are going for you. You going to be in the Fox Cities again? Grant and I will be there.

[Pete Berg]

Hey Corey, I'm planning on Fox Cities but I'm going to Iowa in march, how are things with you and Grant? put on some weight this year so I'm a middle weight for fox Cities.
I think we had so many watching last night because of the power of the thong. :eek:

[Pete Berg]

12/23 Didn't have alot of time so I made it short but good.
pushups 3*20
ab wheel 3*10
Tire flip 100 ft. 14 flips 3 runs
grip work with CC'
ripped deck cards and 1 1\2" phone book.
not alot to day but needed to get something in.

[Pete Berg]

12/25 I was always told if you don't have alot of time to lift then squat, so thats what I did today.
Sit ups and back ext. on the roman chair 3*15

Front squat 135*2*3, 165*3, 185*2, 205*2, 225*2, 240*5*5

The flu is running through my house and it's my turn with it. I hope and pray it doesn't last long and I can get back to my normal routine.

[Pete Berg]

12/27 Warmed up with pushups 3*20 and ab wheel 3*10
Front squat 135*2* 5 reps 170*4*3

Back sqaut 170*5, 185*5, 225*5, 275*2, 300*6*2

hammer curls 55*8, 65*8, 75*8
one arm preacher curl 45*8, 50*8, 55*8
Viking press worked up to 225*3*5
pushdowns 3*10

Today went better than I thought it would, I was felling better as the workout went along. This is my first week of doing the russian front squat routine and I will use the Gillingham DL routine from the dvd and move things around a little like take the bench out and do ohp instead to make it more for strongman and then add one day for events.

[Jay Hagadorn]

Good workouts Pete. I'm just getting over the flu too...kinda' puts a damper on the training intensity...

[Corey DuCharme]

I've been interested in the Gillingham workout for a while. Everybody says it works great, keep us posted.

Your numbers are looking great. You have some strong arms too, they're going to help you pull that truck in April. Hammer curls 75lbs for eight, dang, that's more than I curl on a bar with two arms right now!!

[Pete Berg]

12/28 Event training day.
Clean & press, the press were for reps and stricted presses
115*2*5, 165*5, 185*4, now push press 205*5, 215*3, 225*1, 165*5

13" log 135*5, 155*5, 175*3, 185*1, 195*1

Farmers walk 14" pickup on my handles 94 ft. one turn thats all the room I had between the parked cars.
115*2 runs, 165*1, 205*1, 255* 50ft. made the turn but lost it after that. The 255 on the farmers was a PR on the weight, I had timed the runs but can't remember what they were.

[Pete Berg]

12/30
Front squat 135*2*5, 185*3, 205*2, 225*3*5
Cleans 115*5, 145*5, 185*5, 200*5
Trap bar 135*5, 225*5, 315*5, 405*5, 455*2
RDL's 135*10, 225*10, 275*10, 335*5
Bent row 135*5, 225*5, 315*2
This did not go as planned, and I was once told if you don't have anything good to say don't say it at all. So that's all.

[Pete Berg]

12/31
Today was a much better day did some loading from heights of 48" to 60". Loaded sand bags, kegs and stones then to top it off put my 310 stone to 48" twice and tried for 52" got it to the edge and lost it but I was told all I had to do was to push it on and I didn't realize it but I get it next time.It was my training partners first time with the stones, it was kind of fun to see him leave tonight with the missing flesh and some bruises.

[Andy Lidbury]

Nice work on the stones Pete,sounds like it will be yours next time.

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Andy, I should get it next time. I tried it after 2 hours of loading different things so I should own it fresh.

1/2
Situps 3*15
Front squat 135*5, 185*5, 205*3, 225*1, 240*6*5
OHP 135*2*5, 165*4, 185*2, Push press 185*2, 205*5, 215*1
Push downs 3*15 with weight stack
easy work out to night.

[Jay Hagadorn]

Nice work on the stones Pete,sounds like it will be yours next time.

Ditto on the stone comment, great job Pete!

[Pete Berg]

1/6
Front squat 135*2*5, 165*3, 185*3, 200*2, 210*4*3

Cleans 140*5, 160*5, 180*5, 195*5, 205*4

Rack pulls 6" below knee 135*5, 225*2, 315*2, 365*2, 405*2, 425*2, 445*2, 465*2
RDL's 135*10, 225*10, 275*10

Bent row 135*10, 185*10, 225*8

Finally I can feel the hamstrings work when doing the rack pulls. This has been hard for me but to day I think my low back strenght is finally catching up with my legs.
Jay, I will put my big stone on my 52" platform on Thursday, thanks for the encouragement. A little positive thinking there.

[Pete Berg]

1/8
Front squat 135*2*5, 185*5, 205*3, 225*2, 240*3*3

OHP stricht 135*5, 165*5, 175*3, I came back from getting a drink and some one took my bar so I loaded up another and started cleans and push press.

P.P. 180*3, 190*3, 200*3, 210*2, 220*1, 230*0 had it there just didn't lock it out.
Incline 135*5, 165*5, 185*5, 205*5, 225*2

Floor press 135*5, 225*5, 245*2, 265*2, 285*2
Push downs 3*10

[Corey DuCharme]

Things look good Pete. What week are you in with the squat program? OHP is looking strong.

[Pete Berg]

Corey I'm in week three so this week is some what easy.

[Pete Berg]

1/9 This workout is suppost to be tomorrow but, I have to do training for work tomorrow and it will be a long physical day so I did this workout today.
Abs 3*15
Front sqaut 135*2*5, 170*4*3
Back squat 170*5, 185*5, 225*5, 275*2, 315*6*2
Calf raises 3*15
Hammer curls 55*8, 65*8, 75*8, 90*6
One arm preacher curl 45*8, 50*8, 55*8
Wrist roller 2 1\2" bar 4sets both directions.

[Jay Hagadorn]

Good job Pete! Any comps in the near future? Lord bless...

[Pete Berg]

I'm going to do Iowa in march then if things go right I'll go do Big Tony's in Wisconsin in April.

[Pete Berg]

1/11
My training partner could not make it tonight so I would hit some log then go onto a loading festival.
13in. Log 135*2*5, 155*5, 175*3, 185*2, 195*2, 205*1, 210*1
The loading was with sandbags, kegs, and stones and the high points are just missed the 250 keg to 56" I did get the 275 keg to 52" and to finish it off I did it! Bythe grace of God I loaded the 310 stone to 52" and had height to spare.

[Corey DuCharme]

Great workout Pete!! That log pressing is some serious work considering it is a 13" log. 310 to 52" is quite a load!! Must have felt great to plop it up there with room to spare.

I really hope you are able to make it to Fox Cities this year. If you do, by then you will load the 340 to 48" no problem.

[Pete Berg]

1/13
Front squat 135*2*5, 165*5, 185*3, 205*2, 225*3*5

Cleans 115*5, 145*5, 165*5, 185*5, 200*5, 210*2 I need to work on the 2nd pull I get sloppy here.

DL's 210*5, 245*5, 335*5, 385*3, 425*2, 435*1, 445*1, 455*1

RDL's 135*10, 225*10, 275*10, 315*6

Bentrow 135*10, 185*10, 225*10
Over all it was a good day and I'm finally getting the hang of startin the DL with the legs and not the back.

Corey the log kicks me around but I got to keep giving it.

[Jay Hagadorn]

Good workouts Pete, especially on the loads...

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Jay, after reading that you did cleans for and hour I thought that if I worked on one thing once a week for a hour it might bring up some problem areas so for this week I'm going to do viking presses for and hour on thursday.

[Pete Berg]

1-15
Front squat 135x2x5, 185x5, 225x3, 240x2, 250x4x5 second 2 sets I had to put my belt on. I was trying to go thought this program without wearing a belt.
Strict press 135x5, 175x3, 185x1, the front squats took more out of me that I thought it would but it showed on these.
Push press 185x2, 195x2, 205x2, 215x1
Incline press 135x5, 165x5, 185x5, 205x5, 225x3
CG floor press 135x5, 225x5, 245x3, 265x2, 275x2
Push downs 3x 10

[Pete Berg]

1/17
Front squat 135x2x5, 170x4x3
Back squat 135x5, 185x5, 225x5, 275x2, 305x1, 325x6x2
Hammer curls 55x8, 65x8, 75x8
one arm preachers 45x8, 50x8, 55x8
Finnished of with four sets with wrist roller and a few sets with some grippers

[Corey DuCharme]

You must be winding down on the front squat program about now, how are you feeling about it? Any idea what your new PR will be?

Workouts are still looking good! :D

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Corey, I have 2 more weeks and I feel good now that the hardest weeks are past. At the end I will test my one rep max with a belt and hope for 315.

[Jay Hagadorn]

315 will be a solid # on the front squat. Good job Pete...

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Jay, I've been putting a lot of effort into the front squat lately so I'm expecting a good pr when I test it in a couple of weeks.
1/18
I had a root canal this morning so I was not expecting to have a good training session but it turned out to be a good day. All I wanted to do today was viking press, it's time to put some work into hitting some pr's on my press. I warmed up with situps and hypers 3x15 then went at it. I did the viking press strict sitting on a bench with no back support. I started with 90lb's and did sets of 5 reps facing the pivot then turned around and did 5 more, and took 5 to 10 lb jumps in weight every set until I got to 225 I only got 4 reps, then went on to singles making 5 lb jumps to 245 then backed off to 160 for 3 sets of 10 facing both ways. I finnished off with the wheel 3 sets of 10.

[Pete Berg]

1/19
Front squat 135x2x5, 185x3, 195x2, 210x4x5
Cleans 140x5, 160x5, 180x5, 200x5, 210x4
Rack deads 6" below knee or about 14 off ground
135x5, 225x2, 315x2, 365x2, 405x2, 435x2, 455x2, 475x1, 495x1
RDL's 135x10, 225x10, 275x10, 318x8
Bent row 135x10, 185x10, 205x10, 225x6

[Pete Berg]

1/22
Front squat 135x 2x5, 185x3, 225x2, 240x5x3.
OHP Strict 135x2x5, 155x5, 165x5, 175x4, 185x2,
Push press 135x3, 185x2, 195x 2, 205x2, 215x1, 225x0
Incline press 135x5, 165x5, 185x5, 205x5, 225x4
floor press 135x5, 225x5, 245x2, 265x2, 275x2
push downs 3x10

[Pete Berg]

1/25
Front Sqaut 135x2x5, 170x4x3
Back squat 135x5, 185x5, 225x5, 275x2, 315x1, 335x6x2
Hammer curls 55x8, 65x8, 75x8
One arm preachers 45x8, 50x8, 55x8
Tonight I'm going to hit the shoulders and tri's with the viking press and some lockouts maybe more if I have time.

[Pete Berg]

1/27
Front squat 135x2x5, 185x5, 200x3, 210x4x3
Cleans 140x5, 160x5, 180x5, 200x5, 210x5, 220x1
DL's 245x3, 335x3, 385x2, 425x2, 455x1
RDL's 135x10, 225x10, 275x10, 315x10
Bentrow 135x10, 185x10, 205x10, 225x8

[Pete Berg]

1/29
Front squat 135x2x5, 185x5, 205x3, 225x3x3
Ohp 135x2x5, 155x5, 175x4, 185x3, 195x1
Push press 135x5, 165x2, 185x2, 195x2, 205x2, 215x1, 225x1, 235x0
Incline press 135x5, 165x5, 185x5, 205x5, 225x4, 235x2
I like to hit tri's after shoulders but it has been cold and snowy lately so I tomarrow I'm going to do farmers walk in the gym and I'm hit the tri's hard then.

[Pete Berg]

1/30 Today I did farmers 60 ft. with turn but the turn was tight because there was not alot of room in the gym and my handles are long and low pickup, about 13" handles. I did 2 runs with 115,165,205 and 225.
Then hit the tri's with overhead ext.,pushdowns one arm ext. and some band work. Then topped it off with some abs.

[Corey DuCharme]

That's a really low pick height. Just think how fast you'll pop up handles at 18".

[Pete Berg]

1/31
Corey, I've thought about raising the handles but my weak spot is the pickup so I'm going to leave them low, but I do find that in a meet they go up so fast that it gives me confidence at the start.
Todays workout and last of the Russian front squat program next week it's time to test the one rep max on the front squat.
Front squat 135x2x5, 185x4x3
back squat 135x5, 185x5, 225x5, 275x3, 315x2, 345x6x2
ez bar curl 75x10, 95x10, 115x10, 135x8
One arm preachers 45x8, 50x8, 55x8, 60x6

[Matt Brouse]

Pete, would you be willing to PM or e-mail me the basic outline of what you do for the russian F. Squat Routine...I've seen some differences in opinion and am curious of the way you approach it. Thank man. It looks like you've been having some fun with it lately. I like my lower handles in training too, then you grab Adamski's FW bars and you barely have to pick it at all...Keep Going man.

[Pete Berg]

2/1
This morning it was -2 F. a little to cold for walking events but got the garage temp to 40 and hit the log and did some keg loads. The kegs were frosty and slippery but still did loads to 48" with the 175, 250, and 275 lb.
log press 135x3, 155x3, 175x3, 185x3, 195x2, 205x1.
I'll hit the abs an grip later toninght

[Corey DuCharme]

Forty degrees in the garage, that's almost tropical!! :D

I haven't heated my workout space yet, so I know what you mean about slippery metal. All the moisture you put off condensates and freezes instantly. That and my plates freeze together because of residual snow stuck on them from FW.

[Pete Berg]

Hey Corey when the kegs get that hard frost on them it works like tacky and sticks to the shirt, but if your hard core touch your tounge to it and see if you can load it that way.

2/3 Time to test the front squat, the last time I can find that I did this was 6/20/06 and my PR. that day was 285.

Front squat 135x2x5, 185x3, 225x2, 250x1, 275x1, 295x1, w/belt 315x1,(PR. 30lb)325x0 I should of got this just think I was too happy with 315.
Trap bar DL's 135x5, 225x5, 315x5, 405x5
One arm row 100x3x10
Chins 3x5

[Pete Berg]

2/6
This is kind off a deloading type week for me and friday I will start back up an do a nother 6 week cycle on the russian front squat program.
Clean & strict press each rep. 140x5, 150x5, 160x5, 170x5, 180x5.
Incline press 135x5, 155x5, 165x5, 175x5, 185x5
Overhead tri ext. 90x10, 115x10, 135x10
push downs 3x10

Well I'm back to training alone again. The guy I was training events and some gym training with has been avoiding me for 2 weeks, and yesterday returned my call and told me that he can't train like this any more it's to hard on him.

[Pete Berg]

2/8
Squat 135x5, 185x5, 225x5, 275x3x5
GM's 45x5, 95x5, 115x5, 135x5, 145x5 These were to light but I want to add them to my leg day and thought it is a good place to start.
EZ bar curl 95x3x10
One arm preachers 50x3x10
Last deloading workout, tomorrow I start back up on my program.

[Corey DuCharme]

315x1,(PR. 30lb)

Great job Pete!! You are a sick man for starting the program again in a week, strong, but sick!!!!

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Corey, but it worked good so here we go again.
2/9
Front squat 135x5, 185x5, 205x3, 230x4x5

Cleans 140x5, 160x5, 180x5, 200x5

Rack DL's above Knee 135x2, 225x2, 315x2, 405x2, 455x2, 495x5, 545x2, 585x2

RDL's 225x5, 275x5, 315x5, 365x5

Bent row 3x10

[Corey DuCharme]

It's apparent by the numbers you keep posting that it works. We'll see how much you're loving it two weeks from now!! :D

[Pete Berg]

2/12 Today I came down with something but I still tried got the front squats in but nothing else just to sick.
Front squat 135x2x5, 185x5, 225x2, 245x2, 265x5x5

[Corey DuCharme]

Way to tough it out Pete. Your 5x5 weight is great, I can't imagine doing that kind of weight. I know you have put a lot of hard work and time into getting there.

Not to hi-jack your thread, but I'm going to check my one rep max tonight. With the little poop factory around, I'm cutting back to two workouts a week, so I'm going to skip week six and go for the max tonight. I'm coming off a cold and a week of less than ideal sleep and no training, so we'll see how it goes.

[Pete Berg]

Man what a past couple of weeks. I got a sore tendon in my elbow, my training partner ducked me for a while then called and told me he doesn't want to train any more and then I got the flu bad and missed a week of training. So now my training for Iowa is messed up, but there is some good in all this. I've been praying about all this and God seems to answer prayers in funny ways. I revamped my training and got back into the gym today and hit a pr. of sorts, I back squated 405 for 2 singles for the first time sense I hurt my back a few years ago and it was easy with belt only and I had more to give. I think the week off to recover was just what I needed. Now my wife got me a massage and chiro for tomarrow.

2/19 training
Back squat 135x2x5, 185x5, 225x5, 275x2, 315x2, 345x1 belt added 365x1, 385x1, 405x1,1

Front squat 135x5, 185x5, 225x3x5

GM's 135x5, 145x5, 155x5

Ez bar curl 95x10, 115x10, 135x10

One arm preacher 50x8, 55x8, 60x8

[Pete Berg]

Last week the morning temps were -20 F. today it got to a +48 f.! Thats a swing of 68 degrees. so I went out and did some farmers walks. I finished with 4 runs at 215 for 50 ft. the best time was 9.33 sec and the slowest was 11sec. then because it was so warm I grabbed my light keg 175 lb. and cleaned and pressed it for a few reps.

[Corey DuCharme]

When I took the dog out this afternoon I was blown away!! I think it was about forty or so here.

Nice squats earlier. Sounds like your back is healed up and ready to go.

[Pete Berg]

Corey, it was so nice today I did some more training outside.
2/20
13" log 135x2x5 then reps of 2 with 155, 175, 190, 200
Yoke without belt, warmed up the 6 runs of 420 for 50ft. this was to light next time I'll go 500 for unbelted short runs
Keg loads 3 singles to 48" with 175, 250, 275
To end the day I put my 235 stone to 56" without tacky.
I really need to work on my shoulders my low back and legs came along way this winter but I neglected my shoulders and it shows.

[Jay O'Neill]

Man what a past couple of weeks. I got a sore tendon in my elbow, my training partner ducked me for a while then called and told me he doesn't want to train any more and then I got the flu bad and missed a week of training. So now my training for Iowa is messed up, but there is some good in all this. I've been praying about all this and God seems to answer prayers in funny ways. I revamped my training and got back into the gym today and hit a pr. of sorts, I back squated 405 for 2 singles for the first time sense I hurt my back a few years ago and it was easy with belt only and I had more to give. I think the week off to recover was just what I needed. Now my wife got me a massage and chiro for tomarrow.

2/19 training
Back squat 135x2x5, 185x5, 225x5, 275x2, 315x2, 345x1 belt added 365x1, 385x1, 405x1,1

Front squat 135x5, 185x5, 225x3x5

GM's 135x5, 145x5, 155x5

Ez bar curl 95x10, 115x10, 135x10

One arm preacher 50x8, 55x8, 60x8
training is looking great! Squats are strong...
remember Jeremiah 29:11

[Pete Berg]

Wow Jay!, that hit the spot. Thanks

[Corey DuCharme]

Looks like you have some spring fever! Great training today! Your presses seem pretty strong considering it's an ugly butt 13" log. I hope to play outside soon too and do some farming.

If we're throwing out Bible verses, I love Psalm 37:5, apply it to everything you do and life becomes very fulfilling.

[Pete Berg]

Corey,I like that verse as well but back up one and start at verse 4. Butt ugly is a good way to discribe that log but I hope and pray it turns my press into a thing of beauty by April. Now get outside and train it has powerfull effects.

[Pete Berg]

2/21 It was so nice out 48 degrees.I just had to go out and do something. So I warmed up on the ab wheel 3x12 then pulled out the tire (600lbs.) and flipped it for 3 runs of 80 ft. I need to fix my markers I thought I had them set for 100ft. but it ended up to be 80. Today was to be an off day but it is just to nice out.

[Pete Berg]

Clean and push press 140x3, 160x3, 180x3, 200x3, 210x3, 220x1, 230x1, 240x1pr
Incline press 135x5, 165x5, 185x5, 225x3, 245x2
Overhead tri ext. 90x10, 110x10, 130x10
I have been blessed all week with good workouts!

[Matt Brouse]

240x1pr
Attaboy! :BP:

[Corey DuCharme]

PB gets a big fat PR!!!!!! Must be all those front squats popping that bar up!!! Good job.

[Pete Berg]

Yesterday did some DL's and bombed out and didn't record it but tonight I was working in the kids car and I was teaching him how to work on his car and while he was doing the work I grabbed sandbag an started loading then after that loaded the 235 stone for 5 reps then lapped the 310 without tacky

[Pete Berg]

Seated viking press I would do the reps facing away then turn around and do the same weight for the same reps. 140x5, 185x5, 210x5, 230x2, 240x2, 250x2
Overhead lockout this was more of a overhead squat lockout so I could hold the weight for 3 to 5 sec. at full ext. 135x3, 185x3, 225x3, 275x2, 295x1,1,1
Overhead tri ext. 95x10, 115x10, 135x8
pushdowns 3x10
ab wheel 3x10
wrist roller 3 sets both directions.

[Pete Berg]

Squats 135x2x5, 185x5, 225x5, 275x3, 315x3, the rest are with a belt on 365x1, 385x1, 405x1,1,1 315x5

Front squat 135x5, 185x5, 235x3x5

Gm's 135x5, 145x5, 155x5, 165x5
Normally I would do bi's next but because of the snow storm we are having I figure I work log and bi's tommorrow at home instead of going to my work gym.

[Pete Berg]

Log 135x2x5, 155x5, 165x5, 175x3, 185x3, 195x2, 205x1, 135x10
ez bar curl 115x10, 125x10, 135x8
DB preachers 50x8, 55x8, 60x8
ab wheel 3x12

[Pete Berg]

Hyper ext. 3x15
Pullups 3x6
Trap bar DL 135x2x5, 225x5, 315x5, 365x2, 405x2, 455x2, 405x6
RDL's 135x10, 225x3x15
Seated rows 3x10
My hamstrings are fried.

[Pete Berg]

30min on the recumbent bike
Ab wheel 3x15
sit ups 3x15
side bends 3x15
I need to do some kind of cardio and with the weather we have had that not been possible, so I guess it's to the gym for indoor cardio.

[Jay O'Neill]

workouts lookin good Brother! Nice work!

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Jay, The past few workouts have been a blessing as well as todays.
Clean & Push press. Cleans the first rep only. 140x3, 160x3, 180x3, 200x3, 210x3, 220x1, 230x1, 240x1, 250x1. The last few I couldn't clean so I continental cleaned them.
Incline press 135x5, 165x5, 185x5, 205x5, 225x4, 245x2
Overhead tri ext. 95x10, 115x10, 135x10
pushdowns 3x10
situps 3x15
Man how much more can God bless my workouts!

[Pete Berg]

Squat 135x5, 185x5, 225x5, 275x5, 315x5, rest with belt 365x1, 385x1, 405x4singles, 315x10 I need to keep my head up.
Front squat 135x5, 185x5, 235x3x5
GM's 135x5, 145x5, 155x5, 165x5, 175x5
Pullups 3x8
Straight bar curl 95x8, 115x8, 135x6
DB preachers 45x8, 50x8, 55x8
Ab wheel 3x10
I am off to go ice fishing for the next 4 days and I think the rest will do me good.

[Corey DuCharme]

Squat 135x5, 185x5, 225x5, 275x5, 315x5, rest with belt 365x1, 385x1, 405x4singles, 315x10 I need to keep my head up.
Front squat 135x5, 185x5, 235x3x5
GM's 135x5, 145x5, 155x5, 165x5, 175x5
Pullups 3x8
Straight bar curl 95x8, 115x8, 135x6
DB preachers 45x8, 50x8, 55x8
Ab wheel 3x10
I am off to go ice fishing for the next 4 days and I think the rest will do me good.

You are tearing it up lately!! Where are you fishing at, Devil's Lake? I went there a couple of years ago and it was a total bust. Twenty degrees below zero and no fish at all. Hardly worth a twelve hour drive. Hope you have good fishing wherever you go.

[Pete Berg]

Going to Cass Lake to do a little perch fishing and it's supposed to be 40 degrees. There is 3 feet of snow on 40" of ice so I'll still get in a work out.

[Corey DuCharme]

How was the fishing?

[Pete Berg]

Corey, I just got back and it was good, lots of perch. We started out bad, lost a wheel bearing on the trailer and had to fix the auger right away but once we got going the fish were bitting. I also gained some weight this week lots of junk food.

[Pete Berg]

Log press 135x2x5, 155x5, 175x5, 185x3, 195x2, 205x2, 140x10
Seated Viking press 140x5, 185x5, 210x4, 220x2, 230x2, 240x 2, 250x2,1, 260x1
did reps facing both directions.
Lockouts 135x3, 185x3, 225x3, 275x3, 295x2, 305x1
Overhead Ext. 95x10, 115x10, 135x6
Push downs 3x10

[Jay O'Neill]

Nice work Pete... Good strong numbers on that Log!!!

[Corey DuCharme]

Corey, I just got back and it was good, lots of perch. We started out bad, lost a wheel bearing on the trailer and had to fix the auger right away but once we got going the fish were bitting. I also gained some weight this week lots of junk food.

It's not a fishing trip if you don't lose a trailer bearing. Glad you had good fishing though.

I'm excited to see what kind of numbers you put up in the log press this year at Fox Cities. Between the massive front squat improvements and your OHP work you're going to tear it up!

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Jay and Corey. I could only get one rep last year and I am motivated to get many more this year, I have a log press in the Iowa meet in a couple of weeks so we will see if there is some improvement.

[Pete Berg]

Today was a little different, sense the weather was nice out I work some events that I'll be doing at Iowa.
Trap bar DL 135x5, 225x5, 315x5, 365x2, 405x2, put belt on for the next 2 sets 455x4, 405x6
Farmer walk 50+ feet 115x2 runs, 165x2 8.4 sec, 205x2 11.5sec.,225x2 10.6 sec. I put the fastest time for each run. I think I'll be alot faster with the taller handles.
Next was Keg load runs of 3 kegs at different heights 56"/52"/48". Kegs weights were 175/250/275 best time was 20 sec.
Then finished with stone loads

[Jay Hagadorn]

Good job on the trap bar dl's Pete!

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Jay, I think every thing is coming together at the right time.Today I got a new Inzer forever belt 13mm boy is that going to take some time to break in. I thought I would head to the YMCA where a friend of mine works and do some cleans and push presses but it wasn't that type of gym but they did have a squat rack and with new belt in hand I did what comes natural I squated.

Squats 135x2x5, 185x5, 225x5, 275x5, 315x3 rest with belt 365x2, 385x1, 405x1,1, 335x8
Front squat 135x5, 185x5, 225x5, 245x3x5
GM's 135x5, 145x5 155x5, 165x5, 175x5
Hammer curls 45x8, 55x8, 65x8, 75x8, 85x6
DB preachers 45x8, 50x8, 55x8
I will only use this new belt for meets and a few workouts before, it adds a ton more support that my old training belt does. So to keep my back strong on normal training days when I put on a belt it will be my old one.

[Matt Brouse]

Front squat 1335x5
Holy crap, what a first set!!! HaHa...

See you in Iowa, man!

[Pete Berg]

What? that' s not believable for a front squat? O.K. Then I was testing to see if any one really reads my log, ya ya that's it.:M:
2 more weeks and I'll be heading 35 south. See you there Matt.

[Corey DuCharme]

That's a smart plan for the belt Pete. I bet if you wear it loosely while doing cardio type of stuff the heat and sweat from your body will break it in some.

Nice squatting, you just had to do 3x5 with my PR goal on the fronts didn't you!! :EP:

I am very impressed with you arm strength too, 85lb hammer curls are no joke.

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Corey, I'll try that with the belt .

Today I feel dehydrated and cramped so I just worked some cleans and push presses for a hour nothing heavy just to get some work in and I'll work on getting rehydrated. Or maybe I just have pms.

[Pete Berg]

Today warmed up with chins then did trap bar dl's and finished with light cleans and power snatches. I'm a little burned out so I'm trying to do one heavy thing then do some light stuff so I don't get fried before the 31st. Next week will all be light and hopfully this plan works and I'll be primed for Iowa.
Trap Bar DL's 135x5, 225x5, 275x5, 315x5, 365x2, 405x2, rest with belt 455x4, 500x1, 405x5

[Corey DuCharme]

500x1 is a big pull! Stay sharp and kick butt in Iowa.

[Corey DuCharme]

Pete, I'm not trying to put you on the spot, but could you share some goals for your contest in Iowa?

Log Press for Reps - 230lbs.

Farmers Walk - 250lbs, (80-100ft?).

Side Handle Deadlift for Reps - 500lbs.

Keg Load - 200, 225, 250, 275, 300lbs.

It's coming up soon, but judging from your journal entries I think you're ready!

[Pete Berg]

I will be in the master division so things will be a little lighter but I hoping for
5reps log
6reps DL
I'm not sure on the rest. But I have been just in formed that my oldest son just had a head on reck with a semi truck this morning and he will need some surgery to his left hip,pelvis,upper leg and knee.So I will be in the hospital and not training like I should.

[Corey DuCharme]

I am sorry to hear about your son. I'm praying that you and your wife will be comforted, that your son will be made strong to make it through the surgery and recovery, also, that the doctors are gifted with skill and wisdom beyond themselves while repairing your son's damaged body.

Hoping all goes well. Sometimes things occur that show us what is more important than our daily pursuits.

[Jay Hagadorn]

I'm praying for your son Pete! God bless you, your family and especially your son right now...

[Jay O'Neill]

God bless you and your family.... Your strength will show through!
Thank God Your son is Alive!

[Pete Berg]

He just had surgery to his knee and will need more to repair his hip. I don't think he will get to do his second strongman contest this year. They just informed us that his recovery will be a long one. I do have pitcures of his car I will post them when I get home. I almost passed out when I seen them.

[Pete Berg]

After seeing the car I'm thanking God to have a son. Thanks for the prayers.

[Corey DuCharme]

:eek: :eek: :eek:

WHOA!! I take it the left side of your son's body is where the injuries occurred. Looks like they cut the roof of to extract him.

How's he feeling today and when is the surgery on his hip? Also, is this your son who recently joined the Marines and how is this going to affect those plans if so?

I'm praying for his recovery, and thank God he is alive!!

[Pete Berg]

Corey, He is felling better today. He couldn't join because he has asthma. They told us that when they're sure there is no more trama and stable from the surgery on the knee he will be moved to another hospital that will put his hip back together. Last year he did a meet with me in St. Could Minnesota but I don't think he will make it this year, he is already making up excuses why he won't be ready :D . Thanks again for all your prayers they mean alot.

[Paul F.X. Armstrong]

Will pray for your son
Frightening ammount of damage to that vehicle.
Good luck at the Iowa--a friend of mine will be doing the masters with you.

[Corey DuCharme]

Glad to hear he is feeling better, not bad for going head to head with a semi tractor yesterday!!

Get him all patched up in time for Fox Cities and bring him along. I'm sure he'll love the feast and maybe watching the contest will inspire him to make a comeback.

[Pete Berg]

Corey, Thats a good idea about bring him out to Fox Cities. We just got home this morning from the hospital, he got transfered to a Trama hospital that specializes in hip repairs, the Doc. showed use his 3d x-ray. He pushed his femur though the hip and punched out the back side breaking a big section out. I got a picture of his knee but I left the camera at the hospital so I'll post them later but his is going to have a big scar to brag to the girls about. No training since Monday and I'm not sure what to do about Iowa?

[Pete Berg]

Just got home last night from the hospital, His surgery on his hip took 8 hours but they found out that he tore his PCL legiment and will some more surgey for that but later down the rode. The good news is PT started yesterday and he stood up. and if his pt goes well he will come home saturday. I decided because of this I am not going to Iowa :( but my sons welfare comes first.

[TimNassen]

pete...
sorry to hear you won't be in Iowa- i was looking forward to competing against you and introducing myself... i have always followed your training log and was looking forward to meeting you....i understand your position with all that has happened in last week--i hope that all is going well and continues to go well with your sons' recovery...there will be plenty of other contests down the road - i hope we run into one another at one of them

tim nassen

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Tim, I wish I could go and at one point thought I could work it out but with him coming home this weekend that would be impossable he cant' take care of him self and he can't travel. I was told that you guys are the best masters around and that competing against you I would know where I was at, but like you said there are more contests.

[Corey DuCharme]

The good news that your son is standing and will be coming home this weekend definitely overshadows the dissapointment of not competing in Iowa. You'll be a raging bull at Fox Cities, ready to tear it up!

[Pete Berg]

3/29 I was thinking about changing my log to add my son's rehab and come back to strongman as well as my training. I'll start training as soon as he gets home. Yesterday he got out of bed as used a walker to get into a wheelchair and sat there for a few hours , this might not seem like much but after being in bed for 10 day he got the spins bad for a while. I have posted a picture of him at Minnesota's strongest man contest last year, He is 5'7" and 155lb's then, with a 175 axle.

[D.J. Satterfield]

Pete,
Glad to hear things are looking up. Take care of your son, family is definitely first. Like Tim said, there will be plenty of meets.

[Pete Berg]

Thanks D.J., I hope to here that eveyone had a good time and no injuries!
Today's therapy, Ted got up with the walker and was to try to walk 50 ft. but that didn't go to well he only made it 15ft. so he got into his wheelchair and for the first time went outside and enjoyed some fresh air. The afternoon session the PT came in and said if things didn't go better he might not come home tommorrow, well that did some good he got out of bed and made it 100 ft. with his walker. Now if his white blood count and hemiglobin are right he will be home tommorrow.

[Matt Brouse]

Pete, it was a great comp. missed you there. Look forward to seeing yours and your boys progress.

(I'll put my write up in my log!)

[Pete Berg]

A little set back today, Ted's white blood count and platelets are up, so they think he might have and infection or something. That all means he can't come home until they figure it out. He did do pt twice today, it was to get out of bed and walk 100 ft. each time and sit in his wheelchair for some time. Here is a video or some of it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVStfFtnpt0 This is a big improvement from yesterday. We want to check his weight because he looks like he has lost about 20+lbs.

[Pete Berg]

Finally he came home today!
Tomorrow I will be able to start training again for Fox Cities. Ted still has alot of rehab and one more surgery but that will be later to fix the pcl tear, but life will start to get normal again. Here is a little video Ted made of his experience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCR_TI2ePD0

[Matt Brouse]

Nice Video, good to hear he's at home. Look forward to meeting him at a contest somewhere...

[Corey DuCharme]

Great video! My wife really liked the music, who's it by?

[Pete Berg]

Corey that was Kutless and the cd is called Stong Tower, it's and awesome cd.
Back to the gym today,16 day sense my last workout, this is the longest break from training I have had in years. I think I'm going to be sore tomorrow. Ted worked some range of motion on his knee, he is not aloud to do any weight bearing exersice on his left hip for 9 more weeks and he needs for the swelling to go down for the next surgery.

Todays workout
Squat 135x2x5, 185x5, 225x5, 275x5, 315x3x5
Front squat 135x3, 185x3, 225x3x3
GM's 135x5, 145x5, 155x5
BB curls 45x8, 95x8, 105x8, 115x8
DB preacher curls 35x8, 45x8, 50x8

[Corey DuCharme]

Good luck getting off the john tomorrow!!!! :M:

[Pete Berg]

Good luck getting off the john tomorrow!!!! :M:
Now I remember why I don't like to take time off. I am sore and didn't have a great workout but gave it anyhow.
Log press 135x5, 155x5, 175x2, 185x2, 195x2, 205x1, 135x10
Seated viking press 140x5, 185x5, 230x3x2
pushdowns 3x10

[Pete Berg]

Got home from Easter dinner and felt like doing something and cleans was it.I cleaned for reps and pressed the last one.
115x2x3, 135x3, 155x3, 165x3, 175x3, 185x3, 195x3, 205x2, 215x2, 225x1, 235x1.
I worked out with my youngest son and he got a big pr of 205 in the clean.We worked on his form and he took the 205 to a full clean.

[Pete Berg]

I'm having a little trouble with getting up for training, so I figured that deadlifts would be a good start and it would be a grab bag after that.
Trap bar Dl's 135x5, 225x5, 315x5, 405x2, 465x1, 495x0
I just had a hard time doing these today I loaded the 465 wrong it was to be 455 but I put a 25 on one side and a 35 on the other, I knew it felt wrong but lifted it anyway, My head was not into this.
RDL's 135x10, 185x10, 225x10, 275x10
Bent row 135x10, 185x10, 225x8
Farmers walk 100' 1 turn 115x2, 165x1, 205x1
Yoke (unbelted) 50" 320x2, 500x2, 600x2
Sandbag carries 100' 1 turn 3 x 185 the last one I ran 10' picked it off the ground then after the 100' loaded it to 60" platform.
I need to work on moving with weight, my cardio is in bad shape.

[Pete Berg]

Today was better I did some light work with bands and bar to warm up the tri's and shoulders
Log 13" 135x2x5, 155x5, 175x4, 185x2, 195x2, 205x2, 215x0
2 1/2" axle clean and press 100x3, 150x3, 170x3, 190x3, 210x1, 220x0 this one popped out of my hands when it was over my head at almost lockout, that was scary I thought it was going to land on me.
235lb stone tried to shoulder it 3x but failed each time.My back was tired from yesterday and I was happy with how high pulled it.

[Pete Berg]

Man what a awesome day it is the sun is out and it's fairly warm, trained in a t-shirt outside for the first time this year.

Speed Squats as low as I could go.
135x2x5, 185x5, 225x5, 275x8x2
Front squats 135x5, 185x5, 200x8x2
Keg load and sled pull. I didn't notice this event is in the Fox Cities contest. I don't have 3, 200 lb kegs so I use a 275,250 and 175 for 25ft. then pull the sled back 25 ft. I did 4 runs. I got times on 2 runs of 51 and 53 sec.
Tire flip 600lb 10 flips 2x
Stones 235 to 52" platform no tacky 5x's, 310 to 48" with tacky 3x's

[Pete Berg]

Crazy press day work on some events of meets to come.
13" Log 135x2x5, 155x5, 175x5, 195x2, 205x2, 215x1, 225x0 cleaned easy just missed on the lockout.
2 1/2" axle 100x2, 150x2, 170x2, 190x2, 210x1
Press medley 135lb sandbag, 165 keg, 180 log, 190 axle. 3 runs, 45, 40, 37 sec.
Bar bend, the bars were hot rolled steel 5/16", 3/8", and 1/2". For the event they have to be cold rolled but I didn't have any on hand and the ends have to be touch to be complete. It was fairly easy to bend but getting the ends to touch was the hard part, I did each of them in under a minute.

[Corey DuCharme]

Nice log pressing!! I just realized that this is our last week of heavy training before Fox Cities. Are you feeling ready?

What the heck contest do you have to bend steel bars for?

[Pete Berg]

Nice log pressing!! I just realized that this is our last week of heavy training before Fox Cities. Are you feeling ready?

What the heck contest do you have to bend steel bars for?
Thanks for reminding me! I'm just getting my workouts and diet back in order after Ted's crash, so I'm not ready but I think I'm better that last year. BTW I took your advice and we are going to bring the boy along to Fox Cities.

The bar bend is for the Minnesota's strongest man contest. You have to bend a 1\2" x 4ft. piece of round bar untill the ends touch for time, the hard part is the ends have to touch and stay touching when you let go of them.

[Corey DuCharme]

The bar bending sounds pretty cool. Just don't blow out a bicep or pec, or let it twist and smack you in the face. I look forward to meeting Ted, we can pack some rehab mass on him at the feast!!

[Pete Berg]

Man what a crappy workout! I wasn't going to post anything but I need to log the bad with the good. I have a friend and he has spinal musclular atrophy and he loves anything thats strength related so I sometime do things like tear a phonebook or a deck of card for him. So today I got a cheap frypan and rolled it up ( first time doing it) and got a video of it and was going to put the frypan in his mailbox and put a note on it new hotdog cooker. this went well but after that it went down hill fast, the pan was easy fairly thin pan.
Trap bar DL's 135x2x5, 225x5, 315x3, 405x2, 455x1 every rep sucked the life out of me and I felt so weak.
Farmers 50 ft. runs 115x2, 165x2, 205 could hardly pick it off the ground much less walk with it.
At this point I gave in and put everything away and after getting angry about my preformance I figure live to lift another day and get over it. Sometimes when you hear that still small voice in your head, listen it just might be God telling you something you might want to know.

[Pete Berg]

Today was a little deloading work Light tri's, inclines and push presses.
Push press 135x2x3, 155x3, 175x3, 195x3, 215x2
I'll go for a walk tonight and do some active rest type things. i have a feeling that I over did it a bit trying to catch up from missed workouts.
Ted got a range of motion machine last week and yesterday hit the full range on it 0 degrees to 125 degrees, he has been streching as much as he can but his hip is stiff and untill the Doc gives the o.k. he can't push that.

[Pete Berg]

Saturday I got with Chris and Jason for a good workout. I didn't record it but we hit the log, viking press, stone press, Stone carry, and finished with stone to 48" platform. It was a good final hard workout before Fox Cities.
Today I did some light squats and tri's. Just trying to do some work not to heavy but something to keep the blood pumping and stay in a rythme, I'll do this Tuesday and Wednesday then rest untill Saturday.

[Corey DuCharme]

Sounds good, now you just have to watch what you eat so you make weight............oh wait............that's me. :(

[Pete Berg]

Hey Corey there is good news! You can weigh in before Cheescake!!

Today I did some more light work. I was done in under an hour, it's hard to get up for a workout like that. I deadlifted up to 315x3x3 then RDL's, lat pulldown's, and seated rows. I don't like to lift this way, I feel it's a waste of time but I know it's for the good to get the rest.

[Pete Berg]

Fox Cities contest was a good one again this year. I did better than I thought with all the problems I have had over the last 6 weeks.
Truck pull 21:37 need to work on my start
Farmers 16:71 I wasn't sure how I would do on this, when I crossed the finish line my back let go and I thought I was done.
Tire flip 34:68 I was timmid on this because of my back, and I slipped on the last flip and had to start it over.
Log 2 reps, I couldn't clean the log in warmups, I was to stiff and sore. I thought about passing on this event but when the time came I tried one more time and it went. I couldn't get any leg drive. I think I was to affaid to hurt my self any more.
Stones, 4 stones in 24.04 I figured it was the last event and went all out, and my back was done.
I finished 9. I am upset about my back but over all I did better in every event than I did last year. I went to the chiro today and the Doc said she can put me back together and I'll go back tomorrow and should be up for some light training tomorrow night.

[Matt Brouse]

Sounds like you made it out alive and with some solid performances Pete. Good Job. Rest up and get back at her.

[Pete Berg]

I thought it was just my back that went out at Fox Cities but, I pull my hip flexer, groin and IT band. This is the source of the pain in my back, the hip is being pulled around by the thigh stretching my back.
I needed to train so I figured that I could do some tri's and when I got dowm stairs it hit me. I dusted off the bench and did so bench pressing. I worked up to 315 felt o.k. then worked on J.M. presses after watching the video I learned what I was doing wrong and went to 135 for 5. Next was push downs and OH extensions for 3x10.
To help my back I did some light stretching and a circuit of RDL's, squat, and GM's with the bar just to get some blood flow to the area also it felt good, now it's off to get a massage.
I'm praying that tomorrow that I'll get back at it with some hard training.

[Jay Hagadorn]

Good job @ Fox Cities Pete! I am praying for your back to feel better fast...

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Jay, My next contest is June 3 so I don't have much time to get ready. So all the prayers are welcome.

[Pete Berg]

5/4 No training again! Yesterday I went to the chiro and she thought I might have hurt a disk because I was having bad muscle spasms, so today I went to the M.D. and got checked out. He informed me that it was a muscle problem not a disk problem, I thank God for that, but the pulls and straines will keep me down for another week. He put me on skelaxin a muscle relaxer and vicodin for pain. I was told to lay off of training for a least a week but I figure some grip work and benching don't really count as training.

[Corey DuCharme]

Hope you get straightened out soon, literally. :D Don't bench unless you put your feet up on the bench. It's suprising how much stress the hip flexors put on the lower back while benching. Keeping your feet up will reduce that stress and really work your front delts.

What contest do you have on June 3rd?

[Pete Berg]

Corey it's the Strongest man on Grand in St. Paul MN. I pray that everything goes well and I be back in the gym this week.

[Matt Brouse]

Rest well brother. Don't push it, I never mess with back issues.

[Pete Berg]

5/7 Well the back feels good, not 100% but good enough to workout. I didn't log this workout because I wasn't sure what I could do. I started with clean & push press worked up to 230 and the best part was it felt light and no bother to my back. I figured I would try some behind the neck jerks. It took alittle bit to get the timing down but felt good, just worked 135x5x5. Next was squats topped out with 315x5 then finished with some abs. My back feels good so I think I will slowly hit hard over the next few weeks.

[Matt Brouse]

5/7 Well the back feels good, not 100% but good enough to workout. I didn't log this workout because I wasn't sure what I could do. I started with clean & push press worked up to 230 and the best part was it felt light and no bother to my back. I figured I would try some behind the neck jerks. It took alittle bit to get the timing down but felt good, just worked 135x5x5. Next was squats topped out with 315x5 then finished with some abs. My back feels good so I think I will slowly hit hard over the next few weeks.
Awesome man, keep some ice on that badboy and keep working some mobility stuff in the hips and low back.

[Pete Berg]

Thanks Matt. I need to make sure I don't get to carried away I don't need anymore set backs befoe Grand Ave.

Today was some more light training, Front squats 5x5 with 185, Dl's 3x3 with 315, lat pulldowns and seated rows 3x10 and some abs.
Tomorrow I have a PT test for work then Saturday it's time to put the feet to the fire and get some hard work in. I plain on training the Grand Ave event on Saturday with Chris C. and Jason and then we will see how healthy the back is.

[Corey DuCharme]

It's been two weeks Pedro, what's going on?? Hope everything is alright.

[Pete Berg]

Hey Corey, The back is healing up nice. I've been training alot lately with Chris Canada and his buddy Jason, they have helped me a lot and been working with me on my weakness so I owe them big time. I have not been writing down my workouts and by the time I get home I forget what I've done. I have a meet on June 3rd and after that I'll log my work again. I did hit a pr on the tire, 910 for 3 flips.

[Corey DuCharme]

910x3!!? I guess your back is feeling better. Glad to hear it, keep training hard.

[Pete Berg]

Corey, I have had alot of help with my training, and that pushing has helped my recovery. I told Chris that when ever I come over I will flip his tire (900lbs) no matter what, well last night while training at another place Chris's wife Brandi pointed out a big tire(910lbs) and told me that sence I was training with Chris I need to get on it, so out it came. It's nice to have people hold your feet to the fire.

[Matt Brouse]

Pete, I will maybe get some vid of you to supplement your championship write-up. Mmmkay.

[Pete Berg]

Hey Matt, are you ready for that nice light shield. Good luck tomorrow.