Ben H.

[lhprop1]

Right now, we're in the middle of playoffs, so between practice and matches, I don't get to make it to the gym as much as I'd like.

Please, feel free to given any tips or suggestions.

Sat, 4/23-Match

Sun, 4/24-Event training for Strongest Man on Grand
-Timber Frame carry
-Medley (2 flips-800 lb tire, small finger, anchor chain drag) Splits: Tire-13 sec, finger-30 sec. The chain didn't move.
-Arm over arm (Ford truck w/ parking brake)-40' in 60 sec

Tue, 4/26-Practice

Wed, 4/27-Gym
-Power Cleans: 3 x 5 @ 185
-Axle C & P (2 1/2" axle): 2 x 3 @ 165 (clean), 2 x 3 @ 185(clean), 3 x 1 @ 205 (continental)
-DB Snatch: 3 x 8 @ 80 (each hand)
-Ab work (supermans): 3 x 10

Thur: 4/27-Practice

[lhprop1]

Sat, 4/30 -Match

Sun, 5/1-Match

Mon, 5/2-Gym
-Deadlift: 2 x 10 @ 225: 2 x 8 @ 315: 1 x 1 @ 405
-Stiff-legged deads (off 3" platform): 1 x 10 @ 135: 2 x 8 @ 225: 1 x 6 @ 275

[lhprop1]

Wed, 5/4

Deadlift
3x10 @ 225, 3 x 8 @ 315, 1 x 1 @ 425
SLD (off 3"platform)
1X10@135, 2X6 @225, 1x4@275
Strict Press (Behind the necK)
1x6 @ 155, 1x4@155
Lockouts
Russsian WHeels

Thursday, 5/5-Practice

Sat, 5/7 Match

Tue 5/10
Rack Deads(3" below the knee)
1 x 10 @ 185, 2 X 10 @ 315, 2x4@405

Bent rows
1X10 @135, 1 x 10 @ 185, 1 x 6 @ 225

Hammer curls
1 x 10 @ 40, 1 x 8 @ 50, 2 x 8 @ 60

WED 5/11
Cleans 1 x 6 @ 155, 1 x 5 @205
Band squats(Blue & Green bands--choked)
1x8 @ 155, Just Green bands 3 x 4 @ 245

Stones-High platform work

weighted situps, 1 x 15 @ 35, 1 x 12 @ 50

Sat 5/14--Event training IN THE RAIN

800 lb tire--4 flips
Timber frame(530 lbs)--about 40', Paul was in the way
13" Log press , NEW PR--235
Chain drag--560lbs for about 20'. TOO WET.

Tue 5/17--practice

Wed 5/18

Rack deads (3" below knee)
1x6@245, 1 x6 @ 335, 2 x 4 @ 425, 1 x 2 @ 445

Axle deads (2 1/2" axle) 1 x 6 @ 225, 1 x 6 @ 315, 2 x 2 @ 365

5-dot jumps (30 sec rest between sets)
2 x 50 --side to side
2 x 50 front to back
2 x 50 triangle
2 x 50 reverse triangle

Weighted decline situps
1x 15 @ 25

Thurs, 5/19--Practice

Sat 5/21-Match-Win (50+ to 0 in 1st half)

[Jacob Sauter]

How tall are you Ben? Weight? Nice workouts

[lhprop1]

I'm 6'1", about 228 lbs, give or take 1 or 2 lbs depending on what I had for lunch.

[Jacob Sauter]

You play rugby? What position/team?

[lhprop1]

St Paul Pigs RFC. I cut my teeth at loosehead prop (hense the name, LHPROP1), but there are too many fat kids on our team now who can only play in the front row. Luckily, my speed makes me versatile so I've been playing mainly flanker and lock this year.

[Michael Nunn-Weinberg]

St Paul Pigs RFC. I cut my teeth at loosehead prop (hense the name, LHPROP1), but there are too many fat kids on our team now who can only play in the front row. Luckily, my speed makes me versatile so I've been playing mainly flanker and lock this year.

I used to work out in St. Paul at St. Clair Fitness with a guy who played for the Pigs. Blond haired guy named Will (I forget his last name). He wasn't that big but he could squat 4 plates a side for reps. Is he still on the team?

[lhprop1]

Nope, Will Bryant is no longer with us. He was a hell of a player, but after his appearance on Elimidate, he got bit by the acting bug. Last I heard, he was in CA trying to get into movies. We like to give him shit, though, so look for him when "The Attack of the Chainsaw Zombies" or some other blockbuster B-movie hits the big screen.

[Michael Nunn-Weinberg]

Nope, Will Bryant is no longer with us. He was a hell of a player, but after his appearance on Elimidate, he got bit by the acting bug. Last I heard, he was in CA trying to get into movies. We like to give him shit, though, so look for him when "The Attack of the Chainsaw Zombies" or some other blockbuster B-movie hits the big screen.

So that's what happened to him. Thanks for the update.

Where do you do your event training?

[kara]

-DB Snatch: 3 x 8 @ 80 (each hand)


damn cool that you do these! rare & strenuous. how do you feel they compare to barbell snatches?

[lhprop1]

Where do you do your event training?

I mainly train with Dave O. and about a dozen other guys named "Jeff", but I've got an axle, a 235 & 325 stone, and a few kegs that the gym owner lets me keep there.

damn cool that you do these! rare & strenuous. how do you feel they compare to barbell snatches?

Personally, I like them a lot more than barbell snatches because you don't have to train your form for forever (3 words starting with "for", what are the chances?) and a day for them to be effective.

That said, there's just something about performing a perfect bb snatch that fills you with the ultimate feeling of power like you could walk over an pick up your neighbors house. Fun stuff.

[lhprop1]

Tues 5/24

Rack deads (3" below knee)
warmup 1x12 @ 245
5 x 5 @ 385

Turkish Get Ups (65 lb barbell)

DB Snatch
80 lbs--5/hand
90 lbs--4/hand
100 lbs-3/hand

[Michael Nunn-Weinberg]

I mainly train with Dave O. and about a dozen other guys named "Jeff", but I've got an axle, a 235 & 325 stone, and a few kegs that the gym owner lets me keep there.


Cool. Which gym?

[SqeezeMasterFlash]

The alley behind Jeff Peterson's house gym and the boiler room of Dave Ostlund's appartment building gym. If you used to train at St. Clair you're probably near us. We usually train at Laurel and Fairview.

[Michael Nunn-Weinberg]

The alley behind Jeff Peterson's house gym and the boiler room of Dave Ostlund's appartment building gym. If you used to train at St. Clair you're probably near us. We usually train at Laurel and Fairview.

I was in St. Paul when I trained at St. Clair. I'm in Minneapolis now (Penn and 62) but it's still not that far away. Who do I ask about training with you guys?

Ben: I feel like I am hijacking your thread....sorry about that.

[lhprop1]

Thursday 5/26

Power Rows
3 x 6 @ 245

Stones
325 was light. 375 laughed at me.

8", 7'-long Log
135 x 10 (1 clean, 10 presses)
165 x 8 (1 clean, 8 presses)
215 x 3 (1 clean, 3 presses)

2 Board Press (narrow grip)
1 x 8 @ 215

Weighted situps-(50 lb plate behind head)
1 x 15
1 x 11

[kara]

Personally, I like them a lot more than barbell snatches because you don't have to train your form for forever (3 words starting with "for", what are the chances?) and a day for them to be effective.


hey congrats on your new "for" PR ;) very interesting about the db snatches and so true! bb snatches can take forever to master. going to try some db snatches this week. :)

[lhprop1]

800 lb tire--warmup.
530 lb timber frame--no time taken
650 lb timber frame--no dice.

A few plays with a 1-armed press at the yoke. Two successful on each hand.

A few conans rotations of the fingal's finger and I was gone. I've got new boat to play with.

[lhprop1]

Thurs, 6/2--Practice

Mon 6/6

Rack deads: 1 x 10 @ 245, 5 x 4 @ 405
Power Jerk (working on mechanics): 1 x 10 @ 135, 5 x 4 @ 185
Shot put: 6 throws with 18 lb shot. All throws between 30'-35'.

[Mike Westerling]

800 lb tire--warmup.
530 lb tire frame--no time taken
650 lb tire frame--no dice. Not strong enough yet.

A few plays with a 1-armed press at the yoke. Two successful on each hand.

A few conans rotations of the fingal's finger and I was gone. I've got new boat to play with.

What are the tire frames?

Is one arm press at the yoke just trying to press the empty yoke with one arm?

Is Conans rotation of the finger just using the finger as a CW?

Just curious.
Thanks,
Mike

[Mike Westerling]

..and moved to flanker my second season. Did you ever notice that when the scrum breaks the fat props just kind of hang on your shirt so they dont have to go running after the ball? I used to go nuts because I was always in shape and wanted to get to the ball (my first season I actually was the highest scoring player on the team). I ask because you seem as though you wouldn't want to be hanging around hoilding shirts with a bunch of fat guys while the ball goes spinning by. Nice workouts by the way.
-Mike

[lhprop1]

What are the tire frames?

Is one arm press at the yoke just trying to press the empty yoke with one arm?

Is Conans rotation of the finger just using the finger as a CW?

Just curious.
Thanks,
Mike

"tire" should be "timber". I was drunk when I posted that. Good catch. Yeah, the yokes were empty and I was just conaning the finger around because it's easier that moving the tires and everything back to the other end.

[lhprop1]

Tue 6/7

Power Cleans: 5 x 4 @ 205
Front Squats: 3 x 6 @ 205
Dips: 3 x 20
Catch w/ 16 lb medicine ball for 3 min while balancing on swiss ball

[SqeezeMasterFlash]

Looks like some pretty good stability work with that medicine ball.

[lhprop1]

Looks like some pretty good stability work with that medicine ball.

I usually do it with the 8 lb ball, but some stupid lady took her ball and went home. The 16-lb was about as pleasant as a kick in the nuts.

By the way, I lost 5 lbs from the time I weighed myself at the contest Sun morning to the time I went to the gym Mon night. If you were 3 lbs over before the contest, I can guarantee you would've made weight by the end of it. Not that it matters now, though.

[lhprop1]

Mon 6/13

Squat (first time w/ back squats since Feb.)
2 x 8 @ 225
5 x 4 @ 315

Good mornings
1 x 10 @ 135
2 x 8 @ 185
1 x 8 @ 225

Plow lifts
2 sets of 5/side w/ empty bar

Tue 6/14

Rack deads
1 x 10 @ 335
5 x 4 @ 415

Power Jerk
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 6 @ 185
2 x 2 @ 205
2 x 2 @ 225

[lhprop1]

Thurs 6/16

Power Cleans
1 x 8 @ 185
3 x 4 @ 205

Stones
235 & 325 to 53"

Ladders (50m, breaks at 10m intervals)
2 sets

[lhprop1]

Sunday 6/19

Event training

Yoke
Front carry
Odd Object loading

[lhprop1]

Wed 6/22

Event work

Farmers
2 75' runs, 255/hand, worked on turns

Yoke
580, found my stride

Harness pull

[lhprop1]

Sat 6/25--St Cloud Contest

The weight classes were a little different (201-265), so I was at a bit of a disadvantage, but oh well. There were 10 competitors in the MW class.

Farmers Walk--250/ hand, 150' with one turn. I screwed up on the turn a little, but didn't have any drops and managed the course in right around 30 seconds. It was good enough for 4th.

Log Medley--13" logs, 220, 240, 260, 280. I hit the first one easily, and just barely missed the lockout on the 240 (which would've been a PR). I tried it a few more times, but it just wasn't going. 7th place.

Yoke--80', 600 lb. I was a little worried about it because I'd only done it twice before in training and that sucked. I managed the course in right around 30 seconds with only two drops. The second drop could've been avoided, but I tried to lengthen my stride about 10 feet from the finish and that screwed me. I took 5th.

Odd Object Load--fire hydrant, railroad tie, dual-hub from a semi tractor, and a 300 lb switch block from a crane all loaded to a 50"-or-so truck bed. I loaded all 4 in 41 seconds which was good enough for 3rd or 4th.

Harness pull--Semi tractor for 90'. The under 200s went and made it look like a sprint so they ditched the rope. After that, they discovered it was slightly down hill, so they turned it around and had the middle and heavys pull it up hill. Even after deciding that we would have to use the rope, it sucked. Only two guys finished it, and I came up about 10' shy of the line (I could swear he had the brakes on). It was good enough for 3rd or 4th.

Overall, I came in 5th, and only 1 point out of 4th. Had I been able to get the 240 log, not dropped the yoke the 2nd time, or did better on my turn on the farmers, I may have done better. No one to blame but myself.

[SBaier]

Great job Ben!

[ScottDowney]

Nice one bro

[Dave Ostlund]

Good job Ben! You'll always discover when you look back at contests that there were about half a dozen little things that could have bumped you up a couple places. Strongman quite frequently becomes a game of inches and fractions of a second.

[SqeezeMasterFlash]

You still beat my fat ass!

[Jacob Sauter]

Great job Ben!

[lhprop1]

Tue 6/28

Deadlift (from floor)
1 x 10 @ 245
1 x 8 @ 335
1 x 1 @ 425
1 x 1 @ 445 (PR)

Axle press (2 1/2" Axle--no clean, just power jerks)
1 x 10 @ 165
3 x 4 @ 205

Axle Hangs (put axle on top of squat rack and hung from it)
This is nearly impossible to do for more than 10 seconds. Holy cats!

Seated DB Press
1 x 10 @ 35
1 x 10 @ 45
1 x 8 @ 60

[lhprop1]

Thurs 6/30

Practice

Fri 7/1 Contest prep

Farmers--A couple of runs at 250 for 80' or so.

Tire flip--800 tire, 7 or 8 flips

Tues 7/5 more contest prep

Stones
1 series of 220-320, 58" down to 44"

Overhead band press
2 x 5 @ 245 from chest level
3 x 3 @ 245 from eye level (failed last rep of last set)

[Lance Peterson]

What is your next contest?

[SqeezeMasterFlash]

Farmers, Tire, Stones, Pressing? Looks like you're doing Big Tony's.

[lhprop1]

Jeff, if I was getting ready for Big Tony's, I'd have about a dozen posts cursing that damned timber frame. I plan on doing Big Tony's, but the specific contest I'm preparing for is this weekend in Tulsa, OK. OK Strongest Man (http://www.nastrongman.com/contestinfo/forms/070905OK.pdf)

The fact that my girlfriend has been down there for the last 1 1/2 years played no small part in my decision to do this contest.

[SBaier]

Best of luck this weekend!

[lhprop1]

7/9 Oklahoma Contest Report

Log Press (225 on a 13" log): I ended up only getting one rep. Luckily one or two guys got 0 and another 3 or so only got one as well. This is my worst event by far and needs serious work.

Farmers (230/hand, 75'): Finished the course in 9.97 seconds which was .6 out of 1st and .3 out of 2nd. I took 3rd.

Car deadlift hold (Chevy Cobalt): Straps were allowed and it felt like it was about 550-600 at the handles, and the handles were right at my knees. I finished with a time of 31.00 seconds, which was good enough for 5th or 6th. I had bad foot placement, and if I could've been 1/2 step forward or so, I think I could've gotten a better lockout and held on for another 5 or 10 seconds.

Tire flip (650 tire for 75', 75 sec limit): The first 3 flips were really quick and felt great. About the 5th flip, I realized I no longer had any skin on my knuckles. On the 6th & 7th flip, I went into another world and blacked out for a little bit. On the last flip, I heard Dione yell "You've got 5 seconds left!" and just gave 'er hell one last time. I finished the course with less than 2 seconds to spare. It was good enough for 4th or 5th.

Stones (200? up to 340? or thereabouts, 54" down to 44"): Loaded all 5 in 51 seconds, good enough for 2nd place.

Overall, I took 5th out of 10. As with St Cloud, one more rep on the log would've boosted me to 4th place in the final standings. It's my biggest weakness and I'll have to address it. As soon as I can figure out how to deadlift and press, I might not be half bad at this thing. On a side note, as my girlfriend and I were leaving Tulsa after the contest, we passed a bank clock that said the temp was 104!

[SBaier]

Great job this weekend! I need to work on my deads as well ... this has always been my weak spot, but it is starting to come around!

Again great job (are you doing the Heartland in Council Bluffs, IA?)!

[lhprop1]

My buddy invited me to his "engagement shower" on that day. Men aren't supposed to go to "showers" unless they involve a brass pole, copious amounts of booze, and a leggy lass or two. Trust me, I'll be there.

Besides, it's probably my last shot to qualify for the midwest championships in September.

[Dave Ostlund]

Awesome job Ben!

I know how you feel about the press. Just keep grinding away at it and it will come up.

[SBaier]

Great Ben ... I hope to see you there!

As for the shower thing, I couldn't agree more. I like the good old days when the ladies had the showers, and the men had the bachelor party. I was even OK with the ladies having there own version of the bachelor party. However, I refuse to do the shower thing!! What's the next step? Men only go to the showers and women only go to bachelor parties?? Tell your buddy, "Friends don't let friends go to wedding showers"; then invite him to the Heartland with you!! Save this poor soul.

[Wayne Meyer]

Ben, are you competing in Cottage Grove, Mn?

[lhprop1]

No, Wayne. I was holding out to go to the Fargo, ND contest the day before, but now it's on hold. I don't think there are any spots left for Tony's show, but I'll probably be there to watch. It's only 10 minutes from my house.

[Wayne Meyer]

Ben, I talked to Jason A. today (who is Refereeing) Tony's contest and he said there were still spots open in both divisions. So maybe you might want to check with Tony and double check that.

[Mike Westerling]

Sounds like you had a good time at your contest. Isn't it great when you're going fuzzy and all you can hear is Dione with the time-lol. Great job!

[lhprop1]

Tues 7/12 Hence begineth my quest to improveth my presseth

Incline bench
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 10 @ 185
3 x 4 @ 225

Rack deads
1 x 8 @ 335
1 x 5 @ 425
My back was really sore, so I decided not to push it any harder that night.

Tricep pushdowns
3 x 10 @ 150

[lhprop1]

Thurs 7/14

Practice

Despite the soul-crushing heat, I seem to have found some blazing speed. In fact, I was fast enough that I was burning our Kenyan wing all night long and I felt NO FATIGUE! I attribute this speed in no small part to my strongman training. It's going to be a fun rugby season.

[lhprop1]

Mon 7/18
Power Cleans
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 205
5 x 3 @ 225

Incline DB Press
3 x 10 @ 55
-I tweaked my elbow during the cleans so I had to drop the weight down significantly.

Wed 7/20
Log (9")
180 x 5
210 x 3
230 x 1

Front Carry on a yoke
A couple of runs @ 370.

Rolling Thunder
Worked my way up to 145.

Thurs 7/21
Practice

Fri 7/22--Contest Prep
-A few light runs on the conans.

Standing DB Press
1 x 5 @ 50/hand
1 x 5 @ 70/hand
3 x 4 @ 90/hand

Stones

[lhprop1]

7/24 Contest Report--Cottage Grove, MN

First event was the Conan's wheel. The weight was around 530 and was 1 revolution for time. I ended up getting 10.8 seconds which was good enough for 1st. It was the first time I'd ever taken 1st in an event.

The second event was supposed to be the car deadlift hold, but it turns out the Model A Ford was just a bit too much. The organizers opted to go ahead with the log press while they were swapping it out for a Saturn.

The log was 225 lbs on a 13" log for reps, with a clean before each press. Since I took 1st in the previous event, I was lucky enough to get to go last in the log. When all of the other competitors had gone, 2 reps was the number to beat. I stopped after my 3rd rep (which was a PR itself), but easily had enough in the tank for a 4th rep and I'm almost positive I had enough for a 5th. I won this event as well.

The third event was the car deadlift hold. The handles were low, wide, and very skinny (I've got drumsticks thicker than those handles). I ended up only getting 4.1 seconds which was good enough for 4th. The winner only got 18 seconds and that was over 2x what the next closest competitor in either heavies or lights got.

The fourth event was the weight for height w/ a 56 lb weight. None of the lightweights had done this event before, so we were all equally inexperienced at it. I got the 9' opener and 10' with no problem. Then on my first attempt at 11', the weight went up, RESTED ON THE BAR, and then fell back forward. My remaining 2 throws were no good. I took 4th.

The final event was the caber toss, another event in which none of us had any experience. We had to qualify with a light caber and then all of us who qualified got to use the real one. Only three of the lights qualified, and the 2nd place competitor was among those who didn't qualify. I ended up not being able to flip the big one, but got a 65 degree throw which was enough to win the event.

I ended up winning by only 3 points. The performance on the log was a nice surprise and makes the short-term goal of 250 seem a lot more attainable. I just wish I hadn't gone last so I could have seen just how many reps I can get at 225. Council Bluffs, IA is next.

[Wayne Meyer]

Ben,
Congradulations on what I beleive your first 1st place finish. You have come a long way sense that first training day at my house. You might have to soon change your title to: "Strongman Tweener" (LOL).

Congrats once again.

- Wayne

[Carl Johnson]

Hey great job. The 13 inch log is really hard for me any suggestions. Can't wait to compete with you at Big Tony's. Good luck in Iowa.
Carl

[lhprop1]

Hey great job. The 13 inch log is really hard for me any suggestions. Can't wait to compete with you at Big Tony's. Good luck in Iowa.
Carl

I really have no idea. I ate a pound of lamb before I headed off to the contest. You might want to give that a shot.

Personally, as for many others, it's a matter of learning to use my legs. I'm getting better at it but nowhere near what I want to be.

[lhprop1]

Took a little time off to let my back heal up.

Thurs 7/28 Rugby practice.

Mon 8/1

Rack deads
1 x 10 @ 335
4 x 4 @ 425

Standing DB Press
1 x 5 @ 80/hand
4 x 5 @ 90/hand
1 x 1 @ 100/hand

5 min playing catch while balancing on the stability ball.

[lhprop1]

Wed 8/3

Stones--(I was also being the guinea pig for Dave's new tacky. This is some AWESOME stuff)
225 to 66", just barely missed 72"
275 just barely missed to 62"

Conans
couple revs at 430/480

Yoke
couple runs at 460
I struggled with 605. I don't know why.

[SBaier]

Are you still doing the Heartland? I didn't see your name on the list. I hope you are; looking forward to meeting you.

[lhprop1]

Wed 8/10

Full Oly Cleans--(It was my first time I can remember actually doing these. I had an experienced oly lifter watching and he said my form was good.)
2 x 5 @ 135
2 x 5 @ 155
2 x 3 @ 175 (split jerked last rep)

Deadlift-from floor
1 x 5 @ 315
1 x 3 @ 405
1 x 1 @ 455 (new PR--10 lbs closer to 500)

[lhprop1]

Thurs 8/11--Practice

Sat 8/13--Event day

Axle C & P
225 x 2

Yoke
600 for 75'. 24 sec.

Medley
3 flips w/ 600 tire
450 sled drag-50'
275 stone to 48"
-73 seconds

Farmers
225. Handles were very thick. I only made it about 100' before my grip failed.

[lhprop1]

Tues 8/16--Practice (conditioning and skills)

Wed 8/17

Just worked on pickups on the god forsaken timber frame in prep for Big Tony's

Thurs 8/18--Practice (conditioning and skills)

Sat 8/20

Big Tony's Contest. Not much to report here. I just realized that I need to get a hell of a lot stronger if I want to play ball when the big boys are on the field.

Mon 8/22

Deadlift w/ green bands (doubled)
3 x 5 @ 245

Speed log
205 log (6 or 7 footer)--Reps--1, 2, 1, 3, 3

Tues 8/23--Practice (conditioning and skills)

Wed 8/24

Practice (conditioning and skills)

After practice

Rack deads
1 x 10 @ 315
3 x 5 @ 405
I was rounding my back horribly on the last set, so I stopped before I killed myself. It may have been fatigue setting in.

Full Cleans
I just did a bunch of triples @ 135 as a cool-down.

Thurs 8/25--Practice (situational/full contact)

[Mike Westerling]

How about a few details? Sounds like it was a rough contest, super heavy.

[lhprop1]

I guess I was on par with what I'm capable of, but it was a pro/am, and therefore, very heavy. Not to mention it's without a doubt the best competition I've been up against thus far.

Medley: 2 flips w/ 800 lb tire, and carry a 600 timber frame 40'. The tire was no problem and someone commented that it looked like I one-motioned it on both flips. The frame didn't move. That was due, in part, to it getting water-logged the night before and partly due to them not having the correct weight to make it an even 600. It was probably around 640 or so. Either way, I just need to get stronger.

Log medley: I got the 225 with no problem but couldn't get the 2nd log at 250. I'm working on that and hope to have the 250 by nationals.

Conans: It felt like it was somewhere around 500 or so. I got 1 1/2 laps.

Deadlift: Due to time constraints, it was changed from an 18" max dl to a 500 lb dl from the ground for reps. Again, due to there not being the correct weights there, it turned out to be 535 for reps. That would've been and 80-lb PR. I had it hovering off the ground a wee bit and if it would've been 500, I really think I could've set a 45-lb PR. Maybe next time.

Stones: The only event I even did half-assed at. They were 250, 275, 300, 340, and 365 to a 48" platform. I got the first 3 in 13 seconds, but the diameter on the 340 was HUGE! I gave it a few shots at loading it, but it wasn't going up, so I set it down, re-lapped it and got a good high grip on it. Just as I was starting to go up, the whistle blew.

I ended up 9th or 10th overall out of 12. Like I said, I just need to get a lot stronger if I want to be competitive when the big boys come out to play.

[lhprop1]

Sat 8/27

Standing db press
3 x 6 @ 80/hand
3 x 5 @ 90/hand

Light cleans

Mon 8/29

Speed bench (first time I've benched in a long time)
4 x 3 @ 225

Banded Front squats (choked purples)
1 x 6 @ 135
3 x 4 @ 185
1 x 4 @ 205
1 x 2 @ 205
1 x 1 @ 225

Speed log (8"/6' long)
3, 5, and 4 @ 180

[lhprop1]

Tue 8/30 Practice (fitness and skills)

Wed 8/31

Practice (skills and live play)

After practice--Stones

Thurs 9/1 Practice (set pieces and live play)

[lhprop1]

Sat 9/3--Rugby match (Win. 31-5)

Mon 9/5

Deadlift
1 x 10 @ 225
1 x 8 @ 315
1 x 4 @ 365
2 x 2 @ 415

Tue 9/6--Practice

[lhprop1]

I just realized it's been a while since I've updated. It's partly because we're in the middle of rugby season and I'm just trying to maintain and partly because I've been recovering from an injury.

Sat 9/24
Deadlift
1 x 10 @ 245
5 x 5 @ 335

Catch w/ 10 lb med ball while balancing on stability ball for 5 min.

Supermans.

Tue 9/27 Practice

Wed 9/28
Deadlift
5 x 5 @ 355

Thurs 9/29 Practice

[lhprop1]

Sat 10/1 Match
Played 3/4 of the A side match and all of the B side match.

Mon 10/3
Squat (this was the first time in quite a few months that I've done plain old back squats, I wasn't sure what to expect)

2 x 8 @ 135
2 x 8 @ 225
4 x 4 @ 315
They felt really good and I even had someone compliment me on my form. I could've gone quite a bit heavier, but I need to keep fresh legs for practice.

Axle (press only)
1 x 15 @ 115
2 x 2 @ 205
2 x 8 @ 185
Wrist and elbow are still really banged up from the accident. I'll have to get that fixed before nat's.

Tricep pushdowns
3 x 10 @ 150

Dot jumps
1 x 50 (each)--side to side, front to back, triangle, reverse direction

Tue 10/4 Practice

[SqeezeMasterFlash]

Nice pressing skinny

[Carl Johnson]

Hope you can get that wrist to heal soon! See ya at nationals.
Carl

[lhprop1]

I'll be there, Carl. My entry was postmarked 10/4. I think that's the first time I've ever got an entry in on time.

[lhprop1]

Friday 10/7
Light pre-match workout
15" deadlift
1 x 8 @ 245
3 x 3 @ 425

Sat 10/8
Rugby match

[lhprop1]

Monday 10/10

15" Deadlift (I'm still trying to get the feel for this. It seems like it's a lot more back than usual)
1 x 8 @ 245
4 x 3 @ 425--pauses at top and bottom

Cleans
--I did a few singles at 155, but my wrist is still pretty messed up, so I hung it up.

Standing DB Press
1 x 10 @ 60/hand
3 x 8 @ 75/hand

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 10/11
Practice/Punishment for losing to our arch rivals

Played a full match with sprints at half time and after the match. I'm glad I didn't squat Monday.

[lhprop1]

Wednesday 10/12

Front Squats
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 6 @ 185
1 x 5 @ 205
3 x 3 @ 225

SLDL
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 8 @ 225
3 x 8 @ 275

Keg Clean & Press
2 x 3 w/ 165 keg

[lhprop1]

Thurs 10/13--Practice

Sat 10/15--Match

Mon 10/17

Farmers
1 run w/ 200 for 100' w/ 1 turn
2 runs w/ 220. 1st run was about 175', 2nd was 140' or so, each w/ 1 turn

Harness pull
2 runs of 100' w/ Dodge Ram.

[lhprop1]

Tues 10/19--Practice (played three 20 min periods balls out)

After practice . . .

15" Deadlift
warmup
1 x 5 @ 315
1 x 2 @ 405
1 x 1 @ 445
Failed 465 twice
1 x 1 @ 425

Pullups--1 x 12

[lhprop1]

Wed 10/19

Stones
255 to 58" a few times
300, 320 to 54" a few times
340 to 50"
Had 375 lapped, but couldn't get it loaded.

[lhprop1]

Thursday 10/20 Practice

Friday 10/21
Power cleans
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 6 @ 185
3 x 5 @ 205

BTN Hammer Press machine thing
3 x 10 with 140 lbs on (I don't know what the doohickey weighed empty)

Saturday 10/22
1st match--Win 105-0 (yes, 105-0)
2nd match--Win

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 10/25
Farmers
203 for 175 w/ a turn at 100'

Harness Pull
2 pulls of 100+ feet

I was feeling pretty crappy, so I just kept it light.

[lhprop1]

Thurs 10/27

Squat
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 8 @ 225
1 x 4 @ 315
2 x 3 @ 325
3 x 4 @ 325

SLDL
1 x 8 @ 225
3 x 5 @ 315

Sun 10/30

Ran through all events for nats except DL. Worst training day of my life.

Tues 11/1

Deadlift
1 x 10 @ 245
1 x 8 @ 335
1 x 4 @ 425
Had 475 to my knees, but missed it. Would've been a 20 lb pr.

Power cleans w/ 2 1/2 Axle
3 x 3 @ 165

Log

This was probably my last training day before Nationals. My goal is to not get last.

[Patrick McGuffin]

Well here is to not getting last!!!!!!!!!! :BP:

[Paul Neuhaus]

This was probably my last training day before Nationals. My goal is to not get last.
Great attitude. That was my goal at my first contest. Oh yeah...you were there. Hey, good luck Ben. Maybe I'll make it next year.

[Mike Westerling]

As far as your goal of not getting last....

...let's borrow a quote from the great Custard the Cowardly Dragon as he prepared to battle the Wicked Black Knight:

"At least I'm in the mood
to be the toughest chicken
that was ever chewed."

Good luck!
-Mike

[Jay Hagadorn]

As far as your goal of not getting last....

...let's borrow a quote from the great Custard the Cowardly Dragon as he prepared to battle the Wicked Black Knight:

"At least I'm in the mood
to be the toughest chicken
that was ever chewed."

Good luck!
-Mike
Ha, Ha, LOL!!!

I bet you'll do great. Good luck.

[lhprop1]

11/5/05 Nationals Report

There were 60 competitors overall in the lightweight class and 33 in the 231 class. My goal was just not to be the caboose in either.

The day started off with the deadlift. I got a big ol' goose egg on this one. Dione was saying it was 550, but it was no where near that. I swear to God, it was as heavy as a car.

Second event was the 220 log for reps. I only got two, which really disappoints me. It was good enough for a tie for 10th in the overall lights and tied for 9th in the 231s.

The third event was a 240/hand Farmers walk for 160' with a turn at 80' (no drops allowed). The implements were big tanks with relatively thick handles. I took it down and made the turn with no problem, but the length of those implements caused them to wiggle from side to side. I was moving pretty well and my grip was fine, but one of them caught my knee and that was it. I got 98.5', which was good enough for 25th in the 231s and 35th in the overall.

The fourth event was the harness pull (no guide rope). We pulled an F350 Dually for 80'. The surface was a little slick at the start, but I was able to get my shoes cleaned off well enough to get a good start. About halfway down the course, there was a lot of chalk and whatnot still on the floor from some previous events and it got pretty slick, but I was still able to keep my feet moving and finish with a time of 31.71. I ended up taking 20th in the 231s and 23rd overall.

The final event was the stones. They were 230, 260, 300, 330, and 360 all to 54" platforms. I knocked the first three out pretty quick and then went for the fourth one. I had it up to the lip of the platform, but I just couldn't extend any higher. I set it down, re-tacked, and looked up to see Travis Ortmayer staring down at me. I thought that would be enough inspiration to get that one thrown up there, but unfortunately it wasn't. It really pissed me off, because I've been tossing my 325 to that height with ease. I ended up with 3 stones in 17.7 seconds which was good enough for 11th in both the 231s and the overall.

I didn't finish last and I met a lot of cool people from this board and a few others. In the end, I took 28th out of 33 in the 231s and 36th out of 60 in the overall.

Next year will be VERY different.

[lhprop1]

To paraphrase Happy Gilmore: "Only 364 days until next years Nationals. I gotta get stronger!"

Monday 11/7

Incline Bench
1 x 10 @ 135
3 x 8 @ 185
3 x 3 @ 205
1 x 1 @ 225

Standing DB Press
2 x 8 @ 70/hand
2 x 6 @ 80/hand
1 x 3 @ 90/hand

Sprints
3 x 200m w/ 30 sec rest inbetween
(it's amazing how quick you lose fitness when you don't run daily for two weeks)

Tricep pushdowns
3 x 10 @ 150

Weighted situps
3 x 10 w/ 25lb plate behind the head

[lhprop1]

Thursday 11/10

Squats
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 10 @ 225
1 x 5 @ 315
5 x 5 @ 325

Good Mornings
1 x 10 @ 135
2 x 5 @ 225

L Holds
3 x 30 sec each

[lhprop1]

Sunday 11/13--Sunday Funday w/ Dave O., Josh T., and the Peterson boys.

Warmup on a 660 yoke. HA!
570 yoke for about 60'

Team tire flip--1500 lb tire
5 flips in 90 seconds

Farmers
200 suitcases for 220' w/ a turn

Pressed Inch DB (2 handed)

Stones
Got 235 to 66"
Just missed 330 to 54.5". If it was 54", I would've had it.

[lhprop1]

Monday 11/14

Squats
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 20 @ 235

Log
1 x 8 @ 135 (clean each rep)
2 x 3 @ 185 (one clean)
2 x 3 @ 205 (one clean)
1 x 6 @ 155 (one clean)

SLDL
3 x 8 @ 275

Bent Rows
1 x 10 @ 135
2 x 8 @ 185

Dips
2 x 15 (bodyweight)

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 11/15

Flat Bench
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 8 @ 185
3 x 5 @ 225 (failed last rep of last set)
I really, truly suck at benching.

Karlsen Crucifix Flyes
2 x 2 @ 25 lbs/hand
(each rep is 7 lat raises and a 10 second hold at the side)

BW Pullups
10/9/8

Tate Press
3 x 10 @ 35/hand

Seated Rows (wide grip)
3 x 10 @ 120

[lhprop1]

Wednesday 11/16

Squats
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 20 @ 240

Incline Bench w/ Log
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 8 @ 155
3 x 5 @ 185

Rev. Hypers
3 x 10

[lhprop1]

Saturday 11/19

Squats
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 20 @ 245

Log
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 185
1 x 2 @ 205

SLDL
1 x 10 @ 225
3 x 5 @ 315

[lhprop1]

Monday 11/21

Deadlift
1 x 10 @ 225
5 x 5 @ 355

Flat Bench
1 x 10 @ 135
5 x 5 @ 225

Rev Hypers
3 x 15 (bodyweight)

Pullups
10, 7, 7

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 11/22--Light day

Power Cleans
1 x 3 @ 135
1 x 3 @ 185
3 x 2 @ 225

10 min balance/agility work on dyna discs

Axle Clean & Press
1 x 3 @ 165
1 x 2 @ 185
1 x 1 @ 205
Failed the clean on 225

[lhprop1]

Wed 11/23

Stones
225 to 63"
255 to 58"
300 to 54"
340 to 42.5"
375 to 45.5"--New PR. Easy. I could've easily got it to the 45.5" platform, if not higher.

Bring on the 400.

[SBaier]

Great job Ben! Keep after those Pr's!

[lhprop1]

Saturday 11/26

Yoke Walks (multiple short distance runs-about 20-25', indoors)
460, 550, 600

Farmers (multiple runs, same distance as yoke)
240, 280

Stones

Front Squat (w/ green bands)
1 x 6 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 185
1 x 3 @ 225

[Mike Westerling]

.....375 to 45 is awesome! Nice work!
-Mike

[Jay Hagadorn]

Ben-

Great job on the progress! Keep it up. Stones are looking nice...

[lhprop1]

Monday 11/28

Flat Bench
1 x 10 @ 135
2 x 5 @ 235
2 x 3 @ 255

Log
1 x 5 @ 135
1 x 3 @ 185
3 x 1 @ 205
1 x 1 @ 225

Stability work/penny picks on the dyna discs

Seated Rows-Close grip
1 x 10 @ 150
2 x 10 @ 200

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 11/29

Deadlift
1 x 8 @ 245
1 x 6 @ 335
5 x 5 @ 365

Pullups
10, 7, 5

Rev Hypers (w/ 25 lb plate)
3 x 10

[lhprop1]

Thursday 12/1

Squats
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 8 @ 225
1 x 5 @ 315
1 x 3 @ 365
1 x 2 @ 365

Incline Log Press
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 8 @ 185
2 x 5 @ 205

SLDL
1 x 10 @ 225
3 x 5 @ 315

[lhprop1]

Monday 12/5

Deadlift
1 x 8 @ 225
1 x 6 @ 315
5 x 5 @ 375

2 1/2" Axle Press (one clean, power jerk)
1 x 8 @ 115
1 x 5 @ 165
2 x 3 @ 205

[Jay Hagadorn]

Ben-

I like the simplicity of your workouts, along w/ the intensity of course. Are you doing anything for endurance or is the event training it?

[lhprop1]

Ben-

I like the simplicity of your workouts, along w/ the intensity of course. Are you doing anything for endurance or is the event training it?

I've kind of slacked off on the endurance during the rugby off season and have just been taking my fitness for granted. I still do some 200m interval sprints now and then, but I've been using these few rugbyless months to really concentrate on getting my strength up. After all, my fitness isn't my weakness, it's my static strength.

The 2nd week of January, I'll be hitting the sprints and endurance work again as I have to be in match fitness by the beginning of March and our preseason starts Feb 1.

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 12/6

Box Squats (12" box)
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 6 @ 225
3 x 5 @ 275

Incline Log Press
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 8 @ 185
2 x 5 @ 205

Back extensions
3 x 10 w/ 35 lb plate

Weighted dips
3 x 10 w 50 lb plate

[lhprop1]

Wednesday

Flat Bench
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 8 @ 225
5 x 3 @ 255

Bent Rows
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 8 @ 185
3 x 5 @ 225

Bodyweight Pullups
11/8/6

Dyna Discs
10 minutes, penny picks

[lhprop1]

Thursday 12/8

Stones
300, 320, 340 all to 50" a few times, worked on speed
Missed 375 to 50"

Tricep band push downs
8 x 8 w/ purple bands (very little rest btw sets)

Weighted situps
1 x 15 w/ 25 lb plate
1 x 15 w/ 35 lb plate
1 x 7 w/ 50 lb plate

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 12/13

Deadlift
1 x 8 @ 315
1 x 1 @ 405
1 x 1 @ 455
1 x 1 @ 495--PR

Log
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 6 @ 185
1 x 3 @ 205
missed 225

Incline Back Extensions
3 x 10 w/ 45 lb plate

Weighted Dips
3 x 7 w/ 75 lbs

[Paul Neuhaus]

Tuesday 12/13

Deadlift
1 x 8 @ 315
1 x 1 @ 405
1 x 1 @ 455
1 x 1 @ 495--PR


Dude, what kind of freaky "mojo" is in the air? I hit a DL PR yesterday of 495 as well. I was so freakin' mad, because I couldn't pull 500.

The DL at Tony's this year will be a Car DL w/ side handles. Maybe more than half our weight class will at least get a rep!!!

[lhprop1]

I don't know. I guess it's just us rookies finally stepping it up. I don't know about you, but I'm sick of having a shitty deadlift and log so I'm doing something about it.

As for 500, my goal was to hit it before the end of 2005. I'm already making deadlift plans for New Years Eve.

Are you coming to Dave and Jeff's contest in January?

[Paul Neuhaus]

No, I won't be doing that one. I'm mailing out my entry today for Chicago's Strongest Man on April 22. Then, Tony will be promoting a Silver contest here in Appleton on April 29, just one week later. I haven't decided yet if I'll be doing any other contests before then.

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 12/20

Deadlift
1 x 8 @ 245
1 x 5 @ 335
1 x 3 @ 385
3 x 1 @ 425

15 minutes Balance and agility work

[lhprop1]

Wednesday 12/21--Light Event training

Light Yoke

Light farmers

Chain drag

Light oil drum carry

[lhprop1]

Thursday 12/22

Squat
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 225
3 x 5 @ 315

Strict Press
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 165
3 x 3 @ 185

Incline Back Extensions
3 x 12 w/ 45 lb plate

[Mike Westerling]

Merry CHristmas Ben!
-Mike

[lhprop1]

Monday 12/26

Deadlift
1 x 5 @ 225
1 x 5 @ 315
1 x 5 @ 405

Log
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 185
3 x 3 @ 205

Squat Cleans
1 x 5 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 155
3 x 3 @ 185

Seated Rows-Close Grip
3 x 10 @ 150

Weighted Dips w/ 75 lbs
3 x 7

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 12/27

Bench
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 225
3 x 3 @ 255

Keg Squats
3 x 8 w/ a 165 keg

Split Jerks
1 x 8 @ 135
2 x 5 @ 185
2 x 3 @ 225

Jump Squats
1 x 5 @ 135
3 x 5 @ 185

Dot Jumps (30 sec rest between sets)
-side to side 2 x 50
-front to back 2 x 50
-triangle to right 2 x 50
-triangle to left 2 x 50

[lhprop1]

Thursday 12/29

Incline Log Press
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 6 @ 185
2 x 5 @ 205

Plate pinches--25 lb plates

Axle hangs--2 1/2" axle

[lhprop1]

Saturday 12/31

Deadlift
1 x 5 @ 225
1 x 1 @ 315
1 x 1 @ 405
1 x 1 @ 455
1 x 1 @ 500--PR

Front Squat
1 x 8 @ 135
3 x 5 @ 225

[Patrick McGuffin]

Sweet deadlifting Ben!

[lhprop1]

Thanks. The only thing on my mind the last month was hitting 500 before 2006. I made it with about 13 hours to spare.

[lhprop1]

Monday 1/2

Squats
1 x 5 @ 225
5 x 5 @ 315

Close Grip Bench Press
1 x 10 @ 135
3 x 6 @ 185

SLDL
1 x 5 @ 225
3 x 5 @ 315

Shuttle Runs
3-1 minute shuttles, 2 min rest

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 1/3

Log
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 2 @ 205
3 x 3 @ 205
1 x 2 @ 225
1 x 1 @ 225

[lhprop1]

Saturday 1/7

Yoke--80' runs
350 x 2
440 x 1
530 x 1
620 x 1
710 x 1 (only made it about 10')

DB Snatches
warmup w/ 95
110 x 1
just missed 120

Tire flips

[lhprop1]

Monday 1/9

Rack deads (2" below knee)
1 x 5 @ 315
3 x 5 @ 405

Strict Press
1 x 8 @ 135
3 x 4 @ 185

[Nicolette L.]

Workouts are looking real good! Hey Congrats on your DL PR. That is great. Good attitude as well. I will be keeping my eye on your progress. Keep it up! :D

[lhprop1]

Thanks, Nic.

Tuesday 1/10

Stones-all to 50" platforms
300, 320, 340, had 375 lapped, but couldn't quite get it

Keg Cleans
3 x 5 w/ 225 keg

Thick Handled DB Press
80 x 6/hand
100 x 4 (left hand)
100 x 1 (right hand)

Band Tri Pushdowns (monster mini)
4 x 10/ hand

[D.J. Satterfield]

That is some very nice stone loading Ben.

[lhprop1]

Thanks, DJ, but it's not my best effort.

Thursday 1/12

Log
Worked up to a single @ 185
Max reps @ 135 in 1 minute, clean each rep. 9 reps.

Squat
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 6 @ 225
1 x 5 @ 275
3 x 5 @ 325

SLDL
1 x 5 @ 225
3 x 5 @ 315

[lhprop1]

Saturday 1/14

Stones
Loaded 300, 320, 340, and 375 to 50". 375 to 50" is a PR.
Loaded 400 to 42.5". PR

Farmers
240 for 50m w/ 1 turn. 32 sec

Misc other event training.

[Paul Neuhaus]

Damn Ben, you're killin' those stones! Is Dave sharing his secrets with you

It's frustrating for me to see how well you're doing on stones, because I know that youw DL is only 5# more than mine, but you're smokin' me in the stones. :BB:

[lhprop1]

I have no idea how I'm doing it, Paul. Maybe Dave's got a secret set of stones filled with styrofoam with big numbers painted on them that he only rolls out when I show up.

[Paul Neuhaus]

Jason did tell me that Dave's stones are easier than our's because of the shape and girth. Like our 340, for instance... It isn't a small stone with lead weights in it. It's just a BIG FREAKING STONE with just concrete. So, with my short arms, it feels like much more than just a 40# jump from the 300, because the 300 is all gravy for me now.

Maybe some time later on this year, we can make it out there for some training. It helps to try different equipment sometimes. We'll have to see, though. That is a pretty long drive.

[lhprop1]

I know what you're talking about. The 330 at Big Tony's (the pic in my avatar) seemed a lot tougher than Dave's 330. Then again, I don't do a full contest before I load stones in training, either.

[Paul Neuhaus]

In your avatar, you're doing better than you think. That's the 340!!!

The series went 250,275,300,340,365. We don't have anything between 300 and 340.

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 1/17

Deadlift
Numerous singles @ 315. Worked on form

Log
Worked up to single at 195
1 x 10 in one minute @ 140

[Mike Westerling]

...thought you might get a kick out of this...that is pudz right?

[lhprop1]

It certainly is. The legs give it away. I just wish I could see the number on his back so I know which position he plays. My guess would be either flanker or hooker. Or Prop, if he's a real man.

[lhprop1]

Wednesday 1/18

Box Squats-12" box
1 x 5 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 225
3 x 3 @ 315

Incline back extensions
3 x 15 w/ 45 lb plate

[lhprop1]

Saturday 1/21

Minnesota Winter Challenge--Contest Report

The 1st contest of the year was a blast. There was an open division and a novice division. There were no weight classes for either, so I was competing with 190-lbers and 380-lbers.

Farmers walk: 240/hand for 75 meters, with a turn every 25 meters. I ended up making the first two turns pretty quick and without any drops. I dropped it just past the 2nd turn, and then about 1/2 way down the last leg of the 25 meter run. It was good enough for 2nd.

Max Stone load, 3 attempts: I fucked myself on this. I decided to open with 310 instead of 330 like I originally planned just to be sure I didn't blow the 330. I ended up loading 310, 330, and 360 very easily and truly feel I had enough for the 387 if we had one more attempt. Unfortunately, I ended up tying for 1st and not even getting a shot at the 387. Very disappointing.

I was in 1st overall going into the third event, the carry medley. The implements were a 150 lb or so oil drum, a 240 sand bag, a 285 keg, and a 450 front carry. The competitor could choose any order in which to complete the 20 meter course, so I chose to carry the oil drum first, the keg 2nd, the sandbag 3rd, and the front yoke last. My reasoning was that since no distances were measured (only split times once the line was crossed), I'd go for the least akward first, ending with the one that would be easiest to do multiple pickups on in case I needed to set it down. My stragegy backfired in the most spectacular way. I got the oil drum pretty quick, but then got stymied by the keg. I had to duck walk it the last 10 meters and got it across the line with only a few seconds to spare. I finished way down the line on this one, just behind that 8 year old girl.

The 4th event was the press medley, which consisted of a 200 lb axle, a 120 thick handled dumbbell (one arm pressed), a 225 keg, and a 275 log. I got the first two pretty quick, but was stymied by the B.C.R.U. (bulk cylindrical refreshment unit, a.k.a. the keg) once again. I was middle of the pack on this.

The 5th event was the drag medley, which consisted of dragging a 550, 600, and 725 anchor chain 10 meters each. I got the 1st two really quick, but I just didn't have enough for the last one. I got it a meter or so past the line and I was done. It was good enough for a really crappy placing.

At this point, I was starting to feel like Schoonie in the prelims of the '02 WSM, just watching my hopes of placing in the top three prance away on the shoulders of others. On the bright side, my brother was still in contention for the win in the novice class, so that was pretty cool. Going into the 3rd event, I was in the lead. I was now in 6th place heading into the final event.

The final event was a 600lb yoke for 20 meters, followed by a 750 tire flip for the same distance. I was a little slow on the yoke, but I finished up with 4 flips of the tire. At that point in the day, I had nothing left. I finished in the top half.

My performance in the final event was enough to get me a 4th place finish overall, but still 4 or 5 points out of 3rd. My brother ended up 3rd in the novice class. It was a great contest with really heavy events, and went really quick for the number of events and number of competitors. After MedleyFest '06, my brother and I were in a respectable amount of pain and we set out to kill the pain the only way we know how.

[Chris Canada]

Ben you did great job man. You looked soild.

[Paul Neuhaus]

Damn Ben! It sounds like you've improved a lot since I saw you last. Great job!!

I like the sounds of the max stone event. However, I think they should just let you guys keep going until you miss one, or at least give you 4 attempts. Otherwise, sounds like a great contest.

[lhprop1]

Thanks, Chris and Paul. I've always wondered how some of the lights would fare against some of the heavies. Chris, you just made me realize that I have to get a bajillion times stronger if I ever want to bump up to the heavies.

[D.J. Satterfield]

Great contest Ben. You have got some awesome stone loading going on there.
Yeah, that would be cool to have everyone in one group. Good work.

[Carl Johnson]

Nice job on stones lately Ben, i don't think I'll be betting about stone loading with you again. Ah, screw it, I will. How bout we bet some beer for big tony's contest stones in August.

[lhprop1]

I'm up for that Carl. Don't sell yourself short, we've always been neck and neck in stones, usually less than 2 seconds apart from each other.

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 1/24

Log
Worked up to max single @ 205
1 minute, clean each rep @ 145: 10 reps

Power Clean
1 x 3 @ 135
1 x 3 @ 185
2 x 1 @ 225
1 x 1 @ 245

Strict Press
1 x 5 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 155
1 x 5 @ 185

[lhprop1]

Wednesday 1/25

Squat
1 x 5 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 225
1 x 5 @ 325
3 x 3 @ 365

Stones

[lhprop1]

Friday 1/27

Deadlift (in my living room)

1 x 8 @ 225
1 x 5 @ 315
5 x 5 @ 365

Saturday 1/28

Yoke
2 x 25 meters @ 520
2 x 20 m @ 610
700 for 10'
700 for 20'

Chain drags

[D.J. Satterfield]

Deadlifting in your living room, it doesn't get any better than that.
Good work Ben.

[lhprop1]

Monday 1/30

Squat
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 225
5 x 5 @ 315

SLDL
1 x 5 @ 225
3 x 5 @ 315

Balance and agility work

[Wayne Meyer]

Hey Ben,
I understand you have improved greatly in all areas of training, keep up the good work! Are you planning on competeing on the 18th? You might be the man to finish all of the kegs.

- Wayne

[lhprop1]

Hey Ben,
I understand you have improved greatly in all areas of training, keep up the good work! Are you planning on competeing on the 18th? You might be the man to finish all of the kegs.

- Wayne

Thanks, Wayne. I've improved, but I wouldn't say it's greatly or in all areas. I've improved some in certain areas. I'm still really weak on my static strength and pressing.

I'd love to do your contest, but I've got so much going on these few months, that's literally my only weekend off since last weekend until the end of April when rugby season ends. I need some time to collect myself.

I'll most likely be there watching, though, and I'll see what I can do to meet your request of bringing some buxom ladies for our viewing pleasure.

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 1/31

Log
Worked up to single at 215
150 x 10 in 1 minute. Clean each rep.

Bench
1 x 8 @ 135
5 x 5 @ 225

Split Jerk
1 x 3 @ 135
1 x 3 @ 185
1 x 2 @ 205
1 x 1 @ 225

Tricep Pushdowns
3 x 10 @ 150

[Wayne Meyer]

Ben,
While competing I had the complete opposite problem, I had a ton of static strenth but not a lot in agility or athleticism. We at the Institute for Advanced Fornication would be most appreciative of you adhering to our request of bringing scadly attractive SINGLE :EL: women!

- Wayne

[lhprop1]

Thursday 2/2

Deadlift
2 x 5 @ 225
1 x 5 @ 315
3 x 5 @ 375
5 x 1 @ 375--setups

Zercher Squats w/ axle- Pickup from floor
1 x 5 @ 115
1 x 5 @ 165
1 x 5 @ 205

[Paul Neuhaus]

Ben,
I just saw your post on the Anvil on the Chicago Contest thread. Shows you how much I follow baseball...I had no idea that they "sold out" Comiskey Park. That's really sad and pathetic. It really angers me when these "corporate pigs" don't value the history of a stadium. There was a lot of angry people in Chicago when Chicago Stadium was demolished and "sold out". I could go on and on about the historic events that took place in that stadium. Sure, it needed to be rebuilt, but don't sell out and change the name which is it's identity!

For example....
The only time the Bears ever hosted an indoor home game was at the old Chicago Stadium. It was the NFL Championship game (now called Superbowl) against the Portsmouth Spartans (they were later moved to Detroit and renamed the Lions). The Bears won that game.

Just one piece of Chicago Stadium history for ya.

At least the Bears have enough integrity not to "sell out" Soldier Field. I was at the old Soldier Feild, and I've been to the new one, and I can honestly say the new one is way better and it needed to be done. The old one was falling apart. But, they didn't sell out. The Bears franchise put up a lot of money toward the new stadium so they could keep the name. Bank One simply put up enough money to be the "title sponsor" of the stadium.

OK...I'm done ranting. I just had to get that off my chest.

Thanks for listening. You're a pal!

[lhprop1]

Monday 2/6

Deadlift
2 x 5 @ 225
5 x 3 @ 315
Setup every rep. Just kept it light to work on form.

Squat Cleans
2 x 3 @ 135
2 x 3 @ 155
3 x 2 @ 185

Incline Back Extensions
2 x 15 w/ 45 lb plate

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 2/7

Log
Singles-135, 155, 185, 205, 225
Max reps in 1 minute, clean each rep 155 x 8

Seated DB Press
1 x 10 @ 55
1 x 6 @ 70
3 x 5 @ 75

Pullups
12 (1 assisted)
12 (2 assisted)
8 (2 assisted)

Sprints
200m intervals

[lhprop1]

Thursday 2/9

Bench
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 225
1 x 5 @ 245
1 x 2 @ 275
1 x 1 @ 300 (sadly, this is a PR)
3 x 3 @ 245

Bent rows
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 185
3 x 5 @ 225

Axle Press (almost strict, very minimal leg drive)
1 x 8 @ 115
3 x 4 @ 205

Tricep Pushdowns
3 x 10 @ 150

[Paul Neuhaus]

[b]Bench
1 x 1 @ 300 (sadly, this is a PR)

"Sadly"???
Quit being so hard on yourself!

My max DL is still only 495. When I finally break 500, I won't be saying "sadly" it's a PR. I'll be doing freakin' cartwheels! Take the PRs for what they're worth. At least you're making progress, which is more than some people can say.

[lhprop1]

"Sadly"???
Quit being so hard on yourself!

My max DL is still only 495. When I finally break 500, I won't be saying "sadly" it's a PR. I'll be doing freakin' cartwheels! Take the PRs for what they're worth. At least you're making progress, which is more than some people can say.

I said sadly because up until recently, I could go 6-8 months without using the bench for anything more than something to rest my foot on while I tied my shoes. I just thought I'd start working it in to see if it helps my crappy log work its way up to a mediocre log.

I still couldn't care less about my bench. When people at the bar ask how much I bench, I'll still say "I have no idea."

[Paul Neuhaus]

I still couldn't care less about my bench. When people at the bar ask how much I bench, I'll still say "I have no idea."
I feel the same way. Bench press is the only exercise I don't do for training my log press, (aside from the occasional CG bench) but people always ask what I can bench. Most of the people who ask in bars have no concept anyway, so just tell them you can bench 600!

[D.J. Satterfield]

Give the bench a try for awhile Ben. I am the same way, hate benching, it is my worst lift when I PL. I started back doing them and mixing in lockouts, board presses, etc. to help with tricep strength on the log. The biggest thing I like about them is they allow you to handle more weight than just regular overhead pressing. I think that is the most beneficial thing about them. As far as your bar question about how much do you bench, just tell them "More than you." :M: Just my 2c worth.

[lhprop1]

Friday 2/10

Squat
135 x 10
225 x 5
315 x 5
365 x 3
387 x 1
405 x 1

SLDL
1 x 5 @ 225
3 x 5 @ 315

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 2/14

Log
135 x 8
Singles
155 x 1
185 x 1
205 x 1
230 x 1

Reps in 1 minute (clean each rep): 165 x 9

Front Squat
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 185
1 x 5 @ 225
3 x 3 @ 245

Strict Press
1 x 6 @ 135
3 x 5 @ 155

[lhprop1]

Wednesday 2/15

Deadlift
2 x 5 @ 225
3 x 5 @ 315
-kept it light, setup before each rep, concentrated on not rounding back and finishing with legs/hips at the same time.

Power Cleans
1 x 3 @ 135
1 x 3 @ 185

First practice of the year Thursday and I'm sure our coach will be testing to see we've kept up our fitness in the off season, so I wanted to keep it really light tonight. No need to draw his ire.

[lhprop1]

Thursday 2/16--Practice

Monday 2/20

Deadlift
2 x 5 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 225
1 x 3 @ 315
2 x 3 @ 365
1 x 1 @ 405

Still setting up on each rep and still working on form. I'm not rounding my back, but (according to a very experienced powerlifter) it seems that I'm initiating the pull with my legs, rather than my hips. It feels really akward and I know it'll take some time, but if anyone has any pointers, I'm open to suggestion. Unfortunately, I don't have any video.

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 2/21

Log
135 x 5
155 x 1
185 x 1
205 x 1
225 x 1
235 x 1

Max reps in 1 minute, clean each rep
175 x 8

Rugby practice 10:00-12:00. I'm getting too old to be out this late on a week night.

[Paul Neuhaus]

Ben,
Are you competing in Chicago's Strongest Man?

Who else is coming down from there besides Chris Canada?

[lhprop1]

Ben,
Are you competing in Chicago's Strongest Man?

Who else is coming down from there besides Chris Canada?

Yup, I'm a' comin' hoss. And Ah'm a bringin' ma Minnesota posse wit' me.

If I remember correctly, Adamski, Paul Belyeat, me, Canada, Danny King, and maybe one or two more are going to be there, too. The full list is posted on the 2nd to last page on the Anvil.

Hell, if I didn't already have tickets to the Twins/Sox game that night, I'd say move the contest here to accomodate the majority. J/k, Chi-town's a fun time.

[SqeezeMasterFlash]

I missed out on entering before it was full, but I'll probably be there to watch.

[Paul Neuhaus]

I missed out on entering before it was full, but I'll probably be there to watch.
Jeff,
How 'bout makin' it out here the next week for the Fox Cities Strongman??? Pete Berg already signed up. The rest of you MN boys may as well follow suit!!

[lhprop1]

Thursday 2/23

Practice

Friday 2/24

Stones
1 series, 225, 250, 300, 320, 340, 375 to descending platforms 63" down to 44". Missed last stone. I'm a pussy.

Safety bar squats
3 x 5 @ 225

It was a really bad day. The combination of no sleep due to late practices and feeling sick had me lifting like a little girl. I'll probably have to cut back on my training for a little bit until our practice schedule is normalized. As it is right now, having practice until 11 or 12 at night makes it kind of tough to do anything productive until they come up with a subsitute for sleep.

[SBaier]

Where do you guys practice? I hope it isn't outside in that lovely stuff you call winter up there... I would call it a miny ice age every year!

[lhprop1]

Until we've got enough daylight to have productive 2-hr practices every night, we split it up between a few places. One of them is a school gym that we can only get from 7:30 to 10:00. Another is at a domed field house with turf (full contact scrimmages, woohoo!) and we can only get that from 10:00 to midnight. Tonight we're outside so we can get used to the cold.

Our first match of the playoffs is IN Green Bay on April 1st. I'm still hoping it's just a bad April Fool's joke, but I'm afraid it's not.

[Paul Neuhaus]

Our first match of the playoffs is IN Green Bay on April 1st. I'm still hoping it's just a bad April Fool's joke, but I'm afraid it's not.
Hey, you'll have to let us know! Maybe you can swing out to Tony's for a training day!

Are you actually gonna have to play on Lambeau Field?!?! :disgust:
You might as well burn your shoes when your done!

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 2/28

Practice--Outside in the ice and snow.

Wednesday 3/1

Log
135 x 5
155 x 1
185 x 1
205 x 1
225 x 1
Failed PR attempt at 240 four separate times.

Max reps in 1 minute (clean each rep)
185 x 4 -- while setting it down on the 4th rep, my back went kaputski.

Trap Bar Deads
245 x 5
335 x 5
2 x 3 @ 425

Really sh*tty session. I guess I'm just in a rut right now. I think it has something to do with my sleep deprivation and poor diet due to not having enough time to cook decent meals. Hopefully I'll break out of it soon.

[Nicolette L.]

Ben,
Hey man I am sure you will climb out of the rut soon. I know it is frustrating. Good luck! Keep us posted.

[Carl Johnson]

I keep missing on the 12 inch log at 240 also. Let's make a bet and see who can get 250 first. That way we can have some more motivation.
Carl

[lhprop1]

I keep missing on the 12 inch log at 240 also. Let's make a bet and see who can get 250 first. That way we can have some more motivation.
Carl

I'm up for that one. I bet one of my buddies in Chicago a case of Grain Belt Premium (bottles, of course) that the Twins would finish the year ahead of the Indians. That means I'll be bringing an extra case of beer with me to the Chicago contest.

I'll put up a 12 pack of any Minnesota beer of your choosing (might I suggest Pig's Eye Lean, it's wonderful this time of year). What's your half?

[Carl Johnson]

I'll go with a local favorite. Lakefront brewery, how about a couple six packs. Dark or lighter Ben?

[SqeezeMasterFlash]

I'm surprised Ben hasn't posted yesterday's workout yet. Pay up Carl.

[lhprop1]

Easy there, Jeff. I don't have a naked lady machine at home. I had to wait until got to work today.

Thursday 3/2--Practice

Saturday 3/4

Squat

1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 6 @ 225
3 x 3 @ 315
Just kept it light so I didn't screw myself for the match on Sunday

Axle-135
Log-210
Axle-233
Log-240
Log-250
Axle-233
Sorry, Carl. I didn't want to go for the 250 that soon, but they made me. "They" being Canada, Adamski, Belyeat, Ford, and Danny King. I guess beer is the ultimate motivator for me. Just imagine what I'd be doing if the prize for the WSM was a lifetime supply of free beer.

Stones
-light series to 48", missed 6th stone. Damnit!

Farmers
200 for 90'
300 for 10-15'. It was right after I greased up with baby oil to get rid of the tacky, so it was slipping out of my hands.

Sunday 3/5--Rugby match

[Carl Johnson]

That was fast! I'll have your beer for you at the Appleton Contest, or if you don't go to that one at the chicago contest.
Carl

[lhprop1]

That was fast! I'll have your beer for you at the Appleton Contest, or if you don't go to that one at the chicago contest.
Carl

I'll be at the Chicago contest if we don't make it to the Midwest finals. But the midwest finals are in Chicago, as well, so either way, I'll be there. I'm hoping to make it to Appleton, too.

[SqeezeMasterFlash]

Apparently all we have to do to get Ben to PR is to scream "FREE BEER!!!" while he's lifting. He made that 250 look easy.

[lhprop1]

Like I said, Jeff, just imagine what I'd be doing if the prize for WSM was a lifetime supply of free beer.

Monday 3/6

Rack deads-22 1/2", exactly the top of my knee cap.

1 x 8 @ 225
1 x 8 @ 315
1 x 6 @ 405
4 x 3 @ 495
1 x 2 @ 545

Flat bench
1 x 10 @ 135
1 x 8 @ 225
1 x 3 @ 275
Just barely failed 305
3 x 3 @ 255

[Carl Johnson]

Ok, just want to make sure it was done on a 12 inch log before I pay out.
Carl

[lhprop1]

It was the grey/silver log of Adamski's that we used at the Midwest Regionals. Either 12 or 13 inches.

[SqeezeMasterFlash]

It's a 13" log

[Carl Johnson]

Yeah, Matt Wanat has one of those logs. Nice job Ben, those are the hardest logs to press for me.

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 3/7--Practice

Thursday 3/9--Practice

Friday 3/10

Squat
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 6 @ 226
3 x 5 @ 315

Yoke
460 x 20' down, 20' back
550 x 2 x 20'
640 x 2 x 20'
710 x 1 x 20' (no drops)
710 x 1 x 20' (3 or 4 drops)

Saturday 3/11--Tournament

After the tourney at the bar

Overhead girl press
1 x 1 @ 130 (easy)
1 x 1 @ 160 (fairly easy, but she wiggled)
failed 200+ (that was just stupid)

[lhprop1]

Monday 3/13

Deadlift

135 x 8
225 x 6
315 x 5
3 x 3 @ 405

Log
135 x 5
185 x 3
205 x 2
225 x 1

Had to leave because the gym was closing early due to the blizzard.

[Nicolette L.]

That is some great dedication. Too bad the gym closed. How is practice going? Keep it up!

[lhprop1]

Practice is going fine. Our first playoff match is April 1 in Green Bay. I expect nothing less than a tilt in our favor.

Tuesday 3/14

Front Squat
2 x 8 @ 135
1 x 6 @ 185
1 x 3 @ 225
1 x 3 @ 245
2 x 1 @ 275-I think this was a PR, but I'm not sure.

DB Snatch
5/hand @ 70
5/hand @ 80
3/hand @ 90
3/hand @ 100

I was good for 20-30 more on these, but the DBs stop at 100. Has anyone ever tried duct taping 10s to the sides? How does that work?

Axle hangs--2 3/4" axle on top of the squat rack. Double over-hand
12 seconds
8 sec
6 sec

[lhprop1]

Wednesday 3/15

High pulls--all light, just working on form

Squat cleans
Numerous singles at 135 and 155. Again, just working on perfect form.

Snatch grip DL off 3" box
1 x 5 @ 135
3 x 5 @ 225

[Mike Gill]

Snatch grip DL off 3" box


Hey man keep it clean, this is a family show.

[lhprop1]

Thursday 3/16

Practice 10:00-Midnight

Friday 3/17

Stones
225-340, 63" to 45"

Squat
1 x 8 @ 135
1 x 6 @ 225
3 x 5 @ 275

It was a bad training day.

Saturday 3/18

Log
205 x 2
225 x 1
failed 255
205 x 6 in 1 minute

Sled Drags
3 x 100' @ 490

Sunday 3/19

Rugby match

[D.J. Satterfield]

Ben -
Friday looked pretty good, nice stone work.

[lhprop1]

Ben -
Friday looked pretty good, nice stone work.

It wasn't. It was one of my worst stone sessions ever. That was supposed to be a series, but instead, I loaded the first two, took a break, loaded the third, took a break, and then loaded the last two. I cramped up on the 375 and never did get it loaded. I guess that's what happens when you're running on 3 1/2 hours of sleep.

[Paul Neuhaus]

At the rate you're going, you should do very well on the stones at Tony's Pro/Am this year.

250,275,300,340,365 all to 48" for the 231s

[lhprop1]

At the rate you're going, you should do very well on the stones at Tony's Pro/Am this year.

250,275,300,340,365 all to 48" for the 231s

I hope so, Paul. My first goal this year (other than a National Championship for my rugby team) is to make it to Nationals for strongman. After that, my #1 goal is to win stones at nationals.

[Paul Neuhaus]

I hope so, Paul. My first goal this year (other than a National Championship for my rugby team) is to make it to Nationals for strongman. After that, my #1 goal is to win stones at nationals.
Well, you ought to make it to Nats AND do well on the stones, coming out of the "Ostlund Camp"!!!

In the meantime, I'll be stealing raw milk and beef from the Bargmann farm. I want what they're having! HAHA

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 3/21

Practice

Wednesday 3/22

Deadlift
135 x 8
225 x 5
315 x 5
3 x 3 @ 405

Board Press
135 x 8
3 x 6 @ 225

[lhprop1]

Thursday 3/23

Practice

Saturday 3/25

Match-Injured

Tuesday 3/28

45 minutes stretching

Front squats
45 x 8
135 x 6
135 x 3--Reinjured. Gimp

Tricep pushdowns
3 x 10 @ 150

On a related note, if anyone knows a fast way to rehab soft tissue damage (lumbar fascia) other than a cortizone shot, let me know. Playoffs are Saturday and I fully expect to be on the field one way or another.

[benjamin d. moore]

Go to a doc or chiro that has access to ultrasound and knows some art. Should get you going a little better in a couple sessions.

[lhprop1]

Sunday 4/9

20 min. stretching

Squat
8 x 10 with just a broomstick
Felt really good

Lat Pulldowns
1 x 10 @ 110
3 x 8 @ 150

Axle Strict Press
75 x 10
95 x 10
115 x 10

Everything felt pretty good last night, but it took a lot of discipline to not try to lift heavy.

[SBaier]

How is the back feeling? It is always difficult to hold yourself back.

[lhprop1]

It was hurting Sunday morning, but it loosened up a lot as the day went on. After the race, I went to the gym and it was feeling awesome. It's tough to hold back because it didn't hurt at all when I was in the gym, and I feel stupid just going light, but I was only front squatting 135 when I reinjured it.

My body says "go" but my head says "whoa". Stupid head.

[lhprop1]

Monday 4/10

20 min stretching

Rack Deads (18")
10 x 6 @ 95

Pullups
11, 7, 7

[Paul Neuhaus]

Ben,
How's your back coming along? Will you be able to sign up for the Fox Cities contest?

[lhprop1]

Ben,
How's your back coming along? Will you be able to sign up for the Fox Cities contest?

I should be fine as long as I don't do anything stupid just yet.

I'm able to sign up for Fox Cities (my hand still works), but the question is, will I be able to compete. When is the cutoff?

[Paul Neuhaus]

When is the cutoff?
The deadline is this Saturday. But, I've never known Tony to turn down an entry as long as we haven't hit our limit. I think we have 30 men right now, 20 LWs and 10 HWs. When we hit 40 men, the door will be closed.

We're limiting this contest to 40 men, plus women. So, we could end up with a total of 45 athletes.

[lhprop1]

Tuesday 4/11

Practice

I ran the warmups and ball handling drills, but we went into contact drills immediately after that for the entire session so I had to bow out. I ran shuttles and intervals for about 30 minutes until my back started tightening up.

[lhprop1]

Wednesday 4/12

20 min stretching

Squats
10 x 10 w/ just the bar

Power Jerk
45 x8
65 x 8
5 x 8 @ 95

Time to step it up.

[lhprop1]

Thursday 4/13

25 min stretching

Incline log press
135 x 10
155 x 10
3 x 8 @ 185

18" Rack deads
45 x 10
95 x 10
5 x 8 @ 135

Everything felt really good, but I'm still pretty cautious. Some guys were squatting next to me and I asked them if I could "try something really stupid." I did a walk out with 315 and it felt awesome. I'm really close to being 100%.

[lhprop1]

Saturday and Sunday

I spent quite a bit of time in the batting cage this weekend. I hit 200-250 balls and pitched even more. I think this probably did more for my injury than most of the stuff I'd done. It also made me think I can make my triumphant return to the diamond this year on the town ball team. Man, I'm an idiot.

Monday 4/17

Log-one clean
3 x 8 @ 135
1 x 8 @ 155
1 x 5 @ 185

Trap bar holds
335 x 30 sec
425 x 30 sec
515 x 0. I felt something "not good" happen. I decided to quit while I was ahead and still walking.

[Paul Neuhaus]

Ben,
Are you still competing in Chicago this weekend? Just curious because of your back.

[lhprop1]

Ben,
Are you still competing in Chicago this weekend? Just curious because of your back.

I'm going to give it a shot. I'll probably sit out the dealift, though. I'm going to warm up and see how it feels.

Tuesday 4/18

Sled drags
Warmup 355 x 40 m
445 x 2 (20 m each)

225 keg/445 sled medley (20 m each)
1st run: 15.29 (keg), 42.3 (final)
2nd run: Not timed
3rd run: 13.0 (keg), 42.9 (final)

[lhprop1]

Wednesday 4/19

Rack pulls (18")
45 x 10
135 x 10
3 x 6 @ 225

Incline DB Press
55 x 10
70 x 10
3 x 8 @ 80

Supermans
1 set of 6

[lhprop1]

Saturday 4/21 Contest Report--Chicago

Truck Pull
22,000 lb tractor for 80'. This felt alright, but everyone was having trouble with the start. Once I got it moving, it went fine. 37.5 seconds. 4th place.

Log
10" log, 220 for reps, clean each rep. I felt something bad happen on the first clean and it went downhill from there. I got two reps, good enough for 7th out of 8.

Deadlift--475 for reps
I warmed up just to see how everything felt. 335 felt ok, but pretty heavy considering I hadn't deadlifted in 3 weeks. When I finally stepped onto the platform, I barely even broke it off the ground. I got a fat ol' goose egg on that.

Farmers hold--305/hand
At this point, I had Nick Detman's fiance performing ART on my back after every event. He's a lucky man. I was a mess and no matter how much I tried, I wasn't going to lock it out to start the clock.

Medley 220 keg, 680 sled, 60' each.
Finally, something I could do. I finished right around 35 seconds, not sure how I placed.

I finished 7th out of 8 in the 231's. Despite my miserable performance, I really needed to do this to gauge where I'm at right now and see what I need to do. I've got a lot of work ahead of me.

It was a beautiful day I met a lot of really cool people. And Carl Johnson brought my 12 pack from the 250 log bet. It's just too bad my Twins couldn't whup those pesky White Sox that night.

[Mike Gill]

Glad to see that you were in good enough shape to be there and get back in the saddle.

[Paul Neuhaus]

You really hung in there Ben! See ya this weekend.

[craig kruse]

how's your back doing?

[SBaier]

Way to stick with it Ben! I hope the back gets better soon.

[lhprop1]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys. I'm feeling pretty good right now.

Monday 4/24

Deadlift (in my living room)
135 x 10
5 x 6 @ 225

Tuesday 4/25

Squat
2 x 10 @ 135
5 x 8 @ 225
This felt really weird. Not painful, just akward. I guess that's what happens the first time you squat in a few years with a properly aligned pelvis.

Heavy bag sprints
Sprint 10 yards, tackle/pickup heavy bag, run 5 yards
Backpedal 10 yards
Repeat 5 times

2 sets of this with a happy little bone-crushing hit on the bag for the last hit.

[lhprop1]

Wednesday 4/26

Log (one clean, press for reps)
135 x 8
185 x 6
205 x 2
205 x 3

Pullups
8, 8, 5, 6

[lhprop1]

Thursday 4/27

Light stones

Axle Deadlift-double overhand
342 x 1 just to see if I could do it

[Paul Neuhaus]

Ben,
Are you driving out here today?

[lhprop1]

Yeah, but we won't be getting there until later. What time are weigh-ins tonight and tomorrow?

[Paul Neuhaus]

Today at Tony's house, the weigh-ins are from 4:30-6, and the feast is at 6.

Or, you can weigh in tomorrow at the contest. I'll get to the contest sight around 8:00, and I think we'll do weigh-ins until around 9:30. The contest starts at 10:30.

Call me if you need to. 920-470-5985

[lhprop1]

Saturday 4/29 Contest Report: Fox Cities

It was a cold and blustery day in Little Chute, WI on Saturday. I think the temps only reached 55. Due to circumstances, I didn't sign up for the contest until the day of the event. This left me as the leadoff man for all of the events except the last one. I actually kind of liked going first on all of them, rather than sitting around trying to figure out when you had to go on the next event.

The first event was the harness pull with a day cab truck for 80' with a rope assist. It went really smoothly and I finished the pull in 22.28 seconds. The rope actually slowed me down quite a bit, as it did with many of the competitors and I think I could've shaved at least 1-2 seconds off my time if I'd ditched it sooner. I took 6th out of 23 competitors on the event.

The second event was the arm over arm Hummer pull for 60'. I was pulling it just fine, but for some reason, trying to reel in the slack on the rope caused me a lot of problems (maybe I was pulling it too fast). Regardless, I turned in a time of 30.42 which was slow enough for 18th place on the event.

The next event was a 12", 205 log for reps with only one clean required. Going first and considering that log is by far my worst event, I was pretty sure I set the bar low enough for the rest of the competitors to put a decent final standing realistically out of reach. However, my 7 reps stood up pretty well and landed me in a two-way tie for 3rd on the event and boosted me up to 5th in the overall with my two best events to go.

The fourth event was the farmers walk with 240/hand for 80'. Even though this is one of my best events, I was a little worried going into this because my back was really killing me and I hadn't given it a try in over a month. It felt alright, but I couldn't really find my stride. I made it through the course in 12.30 seconds which held up for 5th in the event.

The final event (as should be the case with every contest, IMO) was the stones. The set was 250, 250, 275, 300, and 340 to a 48" platform. Going into it, 1st place was already out of reach, but 2nd and 3rd were within striking distance and I knew I had to load all 5 if I wanted any chance of bringing home some hardware. I loaded the first four pretty conservatively in 19.11 seconds. Unfortunately, I had the last stone up and when I went to give it that final push to put it on the platform, my back gave out. The 340 was not to be. This is going to haunt and drive my training for a long time. I ended up 4th in the event.

At the end of the day, I ended up a distant fourth in the final standings. Again, one lousy event (the arm over arm) and a few very minor mistakes proved to be the difference between being in the hunt and being forgotten.

It was a well run contest and went pretty quick for the number of competitors that were there. The highlight of the day was definitely seeing Dave, Josh, and Karl all stuffed into the cab of Dave's truck. And Karl was crammed in the back seat!

[Paul Neuhaus]

This is going to haunt and drive my training for a long time. I ended up 4th in the event.

At the end of the day, I ended up a distant fourth in the final standings. Again, one lousy event (the arm over arm) and a few very minor mistakes proved to be the difference between being in the hunt and being forgotten.


Ben,
You did an awesome job considering the condition your back was in a week ago. I also have one HORRIBLE event haunting me because it kept me out of the top 3, and it's actually one of my best events in training. Too bad you weren't at the after-party so we could cry into our beers together!

[lhprop1]

Ben,
You did an awesome job considering the condition your back was in a week ago. I also have one HORRIBLE event haunting me because it kept me out of the top 3, and it's actually one of my best events in training. Too bad you weren't at the after-party so we could cry into our beers together!

Yeah, how's that for some Twilight Zone sh"t. You beat me on stones and I beat you on log. Who'da thunk it.

[Corey DuCharme]

Ben, I didn't get to meet you because you weren't at the feast and I didn't want to bug you during the contest. Anyway, you did awesome. Your intensity was sky high all day in spite of the bland weather and your back trouble. I loved your attempt at the 340, you set a great example of how strongmen should compete. (He didn't stop trying until he collapsed and time ran out) Good job, maybe we'll meet at the next one.

[Matt Brouse]

Hey Ben, just read your log and you are looking Solid bro. (aint seen on drsquat for a while...)

Just curious of something...What was the deal with the Cottage Grove contest last year? I friggin lived there most of my life and when I leave someone holds a contest?!?!? I never heard of it.

Is there a report (scores and stuff) floating around the net anywhere?
Is it going down again?
Thanks a lot man!

[SqeezeMasterFlash]

Hey Ben, you still alive? Are you planning on competing at Grand?

[Mike Gill]

Bens PC access at work has unfortunately but cut off. I got a quick note from him last week but until he gets a naked lady machine (his words)at home I don't think he can be posting much.