So, the journey begins!

[sandwedge]

(07-08-2018, 12:59 AM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Alright, as some of you already know, in addition to being your favorite Bengals Board Moderator, I also compete in the Masters Division of the sport of Strongman.  As you can imagine, just like all the other "old dudes" in strength competition, I've suffered from the same course of injuries, hormone drops and other general setbacks.  But alas, just like all of the other hard headed individuals competing at my age, I keep pushing onward.


So, with all of that said, ya boy SunsetBengal is going to make a run at the United States Strongman National Championship in the Heavyweight Masters 50+ division, to be held at the Columbus Convention Center (the same one as "The Arnold") on June 8th of 2019.  This event will have special meaning to me, not just because I'll be returning to my home State to compete in front of family, friends, and former Semi-Pro Football teammates, but because it will signify that despite suffering two herniated discs in my prime, I can still compete at a high level.


So, what are you going to have to do, Sunset?  Ok, I'll explain it all, right here.


Event 1  12" Steel log Clean and Press away for reps at 220#

When I first saw this event released, my heart melted.  Overhead is my best event, and 220# is a weight that I play with in training, literally every week.  I fully expect to win this event, as I'm looking to get 15+ repetitions in my 60 second time allotment.


Event 2  Wagon Wheel Deadlift from bar height of 13" at 550#

I can't lie, with my herniated discs, this is the event that I might "sandbag".  However, the mechanics of the elevated lift play in favor of my injury, and I get my best numbers from that height.  We'll see how it goes, my coach has me on a great rehab program.


Event 3  Sandbag load and sled drag.

Carry a 200# and then a 250# sandbag 50' each and load to a sled, then drag the loaded sled backward 50', faster than the other guys.


Event 4  Yoke  Carry a yoke loaded to 650# 60', drop and turn around, then carry the yoke back to the start.

This will be a tough one on my spine.  I won an event with a Yoke at 600#, but that was 2 years ago.  I'll have to practice this event, then take breaks (like for weeks) in order to not re-injure my discs, in preparation for this event.


Event 5  Sandbag toss over high bar.

Sounds easy, until you try it.  20,30,40# sandbags over a 12' bar.  Takes tremendous focus, explosion, as well as precision to get the bag over the bar on the initial attempt.  I'll likely have more time just perfecting the technique of this event, than all of the others combined.




So, now that you have an idea of what I'm getting into, just be patient and I'll try to show some progress pictures and videos along the journey.

Let me know when you get to the heavy stuff!! Just kidding, good luck and stay healthy before your event! We'll all be pulling for you!