Napalm Nightmare Testing

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Garage Gym

1330

3x4

61.75

109.45

156.40

134.05

119.4

2x5

119.3

129.35

2-3/8

128.25

155

201.65

246.9

226.25

2-0

225.4

246.05

290.90

270.65

Stars

1 star = 1100

2 star = 1200

3 star = 1300

4 star = 1400

5 star = 1500 lbs

Records

3x4 - 317

2x5 - 337

2-3/8 - 468.4

2-0 - 574.75

Relative to the world records, my pinch is definitely weaker than my thick bar at about 36% of world record versus 48% of world record for thick bar.

IronMind Bags

10"x7"x3" Tool Bag - $64.95

9.5" Diameter, 17.5" Long - $79.95

Marketed as Tough-As-Nails bags, these are certainly overpriced, but seem pretty kick ass.  They also sell trucker totes.

Quarter Ton Trucker Tote - $114.95 (26" x 9.5" bottom x 15" High)

Compact Trucker Tote - $79.95 (17" x 6" x 20" handles)

Metcon

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Garage Gym

1100

No Warm Up

Metcon

Every 6 min for 4 Rounds

400 meter run

3 pull-ups

10 wall ball shots (14# to 10')

This was a fun little mover adapted from Vintage CrossFit which called for 5 rounds, 15 C2B and 15 WBS without any rest.  My version was much better suited to my goals.

Round 1 - 4:19

Round 2 - 4:04

Round 3 - 4:00

Round 4 - 4:08

Basement Gym

1600

Tsunami Bar

Tsunami Bar 

10x50 pounds

3x8x90 pounds

Lunges - Ski/Shoot

Monday, November 2, 2026

Home Gym

1200

Lunges

3x10 - with Tsunami Speed Bar - 30 pounds

These felt good.  Need to work on some different exercises.

Ski/Shoot

Four Rounds

500 meter ski erg

5 laser pistol shots

This was fun.  It was nice to get some toys out and change things up.

Body Measurements for New Jeans

Waist - 45 inches

Hips - 41.5 inches

Abdomen - 46 inches

Need to purchase 38x32 jeans

Tsunami Bar

Professional-grade flexible weightlifting bars from Tsunami Bar. This set includes one Level 1 bar (now branded as Speed Bar) with a 45 lbs per side capacity and one Level 3 bar (now branded as Force Bar) with a 135 lbs per side capacity. These bars are constructed from a black composite material and include the necessary locking collars for securing weights.

Sold separately these would be $1,249 (currently on sale for $1,185).

Screaming deal from Jeff Michaelis up in Mead, CO who listed these for $150. I have been wanting to incorporate them into my training for a while now.

There is a large library of movements and basically anything you can do with a barbell, you can do with the speed and force bar for maximizing muscle contraction and timing.

Witch Lift

Witch Lift is a Super Total competition with Olympic Lifting Friday night and Powerlifting Saturday morning.  I was excited to sign up to test my Oly total and signing up for both was a very reasonable $65.  It is an unsanctioned meet hosted at CrossFit Forever.  Nearly all of the athletes were in house lifter and there were a few friends and family in the mix.  There were about a dozen athletes for Olympic Lifting and about twenty for Powerlifting.  Prizes were awarded for the top 2 each day plus the top 2 super total.

I had a great outing and was really happy with my Olympic Lifting.  Despite being called for press out, I matched my best snatch and set a new PR on the clean and jerk.  There is something about being in front of a crowd that gets me amped up.

Day 1, Friday, October 30th, 2026

Snatch 

95

105

115 - press out

C & J

135

145

160 - press out (would have been PR!)

Powerlifting was even better.  I hit a 255 pound squat which rivals my best numbers.  I got greedy on the bench press.  I think I could have pressed 190 or 195 which would have lead to another 800+ total.  The deadlift PR was the most fun.  A 2 pound improvement may not sound like much but I was so excited to keep pushing heavy weights.

Day 2, Saturday, October 31st, 2026

Squat

225

240

255

Bench

165

180

200 - missed lift

Deadlift

315

340

357 - PR!

Total 255+180+357 = 792 (Witch Lift 10/31/2026) 211.0 (WILKS 222.72)

Total 250+185+335 = 770 (GGC 10/8/2026) 207.7 (WILKS 218.08)

Total 235+180+325 = 740 (GGC 5/3/2026) 205.9 (WILKS)

Total 260+190+355 = 805 (GGC 11/1/2025) 211.4 (WILKS 226.18)

Total 255+185+335 = 775 (GGC 5/11/2025) 209.0 (WILKS 218.87)

Total 245+192.5+330 = 767.5 (GGC 10/27/2024) 207.4 (WILKS 217.52)

Total 250+185+315 = 750 (GGC 5/11/2024) 206.9 (WILKS 212.8)

Total 245+180+335 = 760 (Lakewood 11/11/2023) 197.1

Total 245+185+325 = 755 (GGC 10/28/2023) 197.9

Total 242+165+341 = 748 (AFA 7/29/2023) 193.4

Total 235+170+325 = 730 (GGC 5/19/2023) 196.8

Total 240+195+330 = 765 (GGC 11/12/2022) 193.4

Total 235+190+325 = 750 (GGC 5/15/2022) 190.9 (WILKS 221.66)

Ergs - Tumbling

Monday, October 26, 2026

Basement Gym

1600

Ergs

1000 meter row erg

2000 meter bike erg

1000 meter ski erg

Tumbling

10 forward rolls (not for time)

ended up only doing 8

This was intended to be an easy slump buster workout, but the ergs were a grind and the forward rolls were much harder than I remembered.  I felt unsteady in set up, was concerned about my neck and was a little more dizzy than I expected to be.

USAWA 4th Quarter Postal

Sunday, October 25, 2026

Garage Gym

1300

USAWA 4th Quarter Postal

Deadlift, Ciavattone, One Arm - LEFT - 165, 175, 185

Holdout, Raised - 25, 30, 35

Continental to Belt - 165, 185, 205

415 total

This also marked Ratna's 3rd practical training session for Level 1 Status and Nisha's 23rd practical training session for Level 2 Status.

King Kong 2026

Phil, Lewis, Marc, Akeem, Joe, Kevin, Curt

Mary, Sanjiv

Curt ran the King Kong venue this year.  It was again held at Gym No 5.  Cost was $35.  $25 to King Kong and $10 to Gym No 5.

I again did not make weight, coming in at 97.0  kg

I had a good session:

• Wrist Wrench - 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, missed 70
• Thumb Blaster - 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, missed 70 (last year, hit 70.5 pounds)
• Grab Ball - 55, 70, 85, 95, 100, 105, 107.5
• Little Big Horn - 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 125 PR! (2024 I made 122; 2025 I made 115)

This was my first time testing Wrist Wrench and Grab Ball in competition and was doing really well relative to my lifts at home.

RESULTS POSTED ON GRIPBOARD

Rank - Competitor - Venue - Total Score - Wrist Wrench Score - Thumb Blaster Score - Grab Ball Score - LBH Score - Best Wrist Wrench - Best Thumb Blaster - Best Grab Ball - Best LBH

252/275 - Sanjiv Gupta - Boulder - 977.0 - 244.0 - 247.0 - 247.0 - 239.0 - 29.48 - 29.48 - 48.76 - 56.70 (men's overall)

57/58 - Sanjiv Gupta - Boulder - 214.0 - 52.0 - 56.0 - 54.0 - 52.0 - 29.48 - 29.48 - 48.76 - 56.70 (men's 105kg)

6/7 - Sanjiv Gupta - Boulder - 22.0 - 5.0 - 6.0 - 6.0 - 5.0 - 29.48 - 29.48 - 48.76 - 56.70 (men's 50-59, 105kg)

Pool Swim

Friday, October 16, 2026

Carmody Rec Center

1300

Pool Swim

1x400 FR

1x300 FR

1x200 FR

1x100 FR

--

1000 yards total (30 minutes)

Clean & Jerk

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Garage Gym

1800

Warm Up

Jumping Jacks

Hip Hammy Flow

Clean & Jerk - Testing

45

65

95

115

125

135

145 - pounds

Felt pretty good.  Worked out over 20 minutes.

One Ton Challenge Record Session

Sunday, October 11, 2026

Garage Gym

1900

Warm Up

Crossover Symmetry

Record Lifts

Clean & Seated Press - 75, 85, 95

Clean & Seated Press, Behind Neck - 75, 85, 95

Clean & Press, 12 inch base - 105, 115

Clean & Press - 105, 115

One Ton Challenge

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Basement Gym / Garage Gym

1630

Warm Up

Jumping Jacks

Hip Hammy Flow

One Ton Challenge

Lifts completed 10/10/2025, Bodyweight 208.4 pounds, Age 55, Official Nisha Gupta

Anderson Press - 125, 135

Anderson Squat - 255, 275

Hackenschmidt Floor Press - 175, 185, 195

Kennedy Lift - 345, 365, 375

Peoples Deadlift - 375, 385

Total = 1335 pounds

Last Year I got 145+305+185+380+380 = 1395.  A little behind the power curve, but felt really good for today.

#26FallGGC

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Basement/Garage Gym

1800

Warm Up

Jumping Jacks

Hip Hammy Flow

Squat

5x45

3x135

1x185

1x205

225

245

250

Bench

8x45

5x95

2x135

1x155

175

185

190

Deadlift

5x135

2x225

1x275

1x315

325

335

340

I went 7 for 9 and a 770 pound total is a huge improvement over the Spring competition.  I was as fresh as I could have been for the meet.  This year the charity was Better Through The barbell and I donated $10.

Total 250+185+335 = 770 (GGC 10/8/2026) 207.7 (WILKS 218.08)

Total 235+180+325 = 740 (GGC 5/3/2026) 205.9 (WILKS)

Total 260+190+355 = 805 (GGC 11/1/2025) 211.4 (WILKS 226.18)

Total 255+185+335 = 775 (GGC 5/11/2025) 209.0 (WILKS 218.87)

Total 245+192.5+330 = 767.5 (GGC 10/27/2024) 207.4 (WILKS 217.52)

Total 250+185+315 = 750 (GGC 5/11/2024) 206.9 (WILKS 212.8)

Total 245+180+335 = 760 (Lakewood 11/11/2023) 197.1

Total 245+185+325 = 755 (GGC 10/28/2023) 197.9

Total 242+165+341 = 748 (AFA 7/29/2023) 193.4

Total 235+170+325 = 730 (GGC 5/19/2023) 196.8

Total 240+195+330 = 765 (GGC 11/12/2022) 193.4

Total 235+190+325 = 750 (GGC 5/15/2022) 190.9 (WILKS 221.66)

King Kong Grip Session

Wednesday, October 6, 2026

Basement Gym

2100

King Kong Grip Session

Wrist Wrench - 45, 47.5, 50

Thumb Blaster - 45, 47.5 (L)

Grab Ball - 47.5, 70, 75, 80 (L)

Little Big Horn - 80, 82.5, 85 (L)

20 minutes

Warren Tetting Beginner Gripper

Well beyond what I would feel comfortable paying.  Warren Tetting Beginner, 47 pounds, bidding opened at $200 and hammered for $380!!

EMOM

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

CDOT

1200

Warm-Up - 5 min on treadmill

EMOM 24

1 - 10 walking lunges

2 - 8 push-ups

3 - 1 pull-up (first 5 DOH; last 3 neutral grip)

Moved well

800 Yard Pool Swim

Monday, September 28, 2026

Carmody Rec Center

1330

800 Yard Pool Swim

1x300 FR

1x200 FR

1x100 BR

1x100 BA

1x100 FR

--

800 yards total (26 minutes)

Deadlift

Sunday, September 28, 2026

Garage Gym

1800

Warm Up

Reverse Hyper

Crossover Symmetry

RDL

Deadlift

8x135

6x185

4x225

3x255

2x285

2x285

2x285

I have been neglecting deadlifts, so it was nice to do some respectable pulls.

With my season winding, down I am looking forward to 2027.  Half the year should include some All-Round, Grip and Hybrid Fitness competition.  The other half will be reinventing myself in the UK.  There will be fewer events to sign up for and more calendar time to fill with new adventures.

Also with my open water season winding down, I may drop in at Carmody for a pool swim this afternoon.

Chipper

Friday, September 25, 2026

Garage Gym

1600

Chipper

150 rope skips (beaded rope)

40 wall ball shots (14# to 10')

30 kettlebell swings (35#)

20 push-ups

10 pull-ups

20 push-ups

30 kettlebell swings

40 wall ball shots

150 rope skips

This was a tough workout that I was happy to wrap in 26:35.  I had to break everything up.  The first rope skips were 50-40-30-20-10.  The wall ball shots were 4x10.  The KBS were 12-10-8.  The push-ups started with big sets and ended with 2's.  The pull-ups were singles roughly every 30-45 seconds.

I did like the workout for its simplicity and I wanted to get some wall ball shots in.

Inspired by Vintage CrossFit which called for wall balls, T2B, walking lunges.

EMOM

Thursday, September 24, 2026

CDOT Fitness Center

1300

EMOM 30

1 - 10 walking lunges

2 - 8 push-ups

3 - 10 med ball sit-ups

This was a nice mover as usual.  It is getting a little stale.  I need to work in some new movements. 

Power Clean Complex

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Garage Gym

1400

Warm Up

Reverse Hyper

Crossover Symmetry

Hip Hammy Flow

PVC Pass Throughs

Build Power Clean - 45-75-95-105

Power Clean Complex

Every 2:30 x 5 sets

Segmented Power Clean - Pause at Knee for 2-3 seconds

10 sec rest

Hang Power Clean

I did this with 115, 125, 125, 125, 125 pounds and was moving well.

Programming was from Vintage CrossFit.  I skipped the metabolic conditioning.

USAWA Two Fisted Challenge

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Garage Gym

1000

Two Fisted Challenge

Bodyweight 206.8 pounds

Officials: Jarrod Fobes, Nisha Gupta, Ratna Gupta (in training)

• Finger Lift, Left, Index - 55 pounds
• Finger Lift, Left, Little - 25 pounds
• Finger Lift, Left, Middle - 65 pounds
• Finger Lift, Left, Ring - 40 pounds
• Finger Lift, Left, Thumb - 40 pounds
• Finger Lift, Right, Index - 55 pounds
• Finger Lift, Right, Little - 30 pounds
• Finger Lift, Right, Middle - 65 pounds
• Finger Lift, Right, Ring - 40 pounds
• Finger Lift, Right, Thumb - 40 pounds
• Deadlift Fingers, Index - 75 pounds
• Deadlift Fingers, Middle - 95 pounds
• Deadlift Fingers, Ring - 55 pounds
• Deadlift Fingers, Little - 45 pounds

Record Session

• Abdominal Raise - 15 pounds
• Abdominal Raise on Roman Chair - 35 pounds
• Apollons Lift - 134 pounds
• Dumbbell Walk - 78 pounds
• Repetition Team Clean & Press on Knees - 10 reps at 135 pounds with Jarrod Fobes (age 49, bodyweight 210 pounds (100kg class))

Squat - Metcon

Friday, September 18, 2026

Home Gym

1230

Warm Up

Bike Erg - 5 min

Back Squat

10x45

8x95

5x135

3x155

3x175

3x175

Conditioning

EMOM 10

4 Burpees

This was the perfect duration and volume for today.  If I do this again, I should shoot for a 50 second interval or possibly 5 burpees per round.

Hurling Practice with GAA Coach

We had the good fortune to have Colm Egan lead practice. He was in town as part of a coaching development program called elevate which started as a Friday seminar, leading the Gaels practice yesterday and leading our practice today.

We did some fun new things

Four squares, balls in center - scoop a ball, then steal

Pass to open player free for all - this was an exercise in chaos

Six players in center and then four floater players, sharks and minnows style, try to get the floaters in to overwhelm the defense; change field size to change the game

Three in a line, pass to center player and back, center player turns around and then repeat

Pass in four large squares around the field with 2 shirts and 2 pennies in each trying to maintain control

American football, catch in air in is 3 points, on ground is 1 point

6 on 6 half field with a dedicated goalie; emphasize perfect position

The discipline was new.  Listen for the whistle, no talking while Coach is talking, run off and on the field for water breaks.

I came home absolutely wrecked, but I did learn a lot including fundamentals of keeping hurley in ready position and how to step when picking up a sliotar.

Littlefoot Sprint Triathlon 2026

Another Littlefoot Triathlon in the books.  

Results

Overall 298/330

Male 55-59 7th (out of 7)

Men 146/157

Official Chip Times:

01:55:16

Swim: 21:37

T1: 3:00

Bike: 44:18

T2: 2:44

Run: 43:36

2022 Time: 1:49:06 (overcast and drizzling)

2023 Time: 1:38:42 (choppy swim)

2024 Time: 1:43:34 (good weather)

2026 Time: 1:55:16 (good weather)

My weight is the same as 2024, however the result was worse.

Swim - 0:22 slower

T1 - 0:41 slower

Bike - 4:00 slower

T2 - 0:24 slower

Run - 6:37 slower

I felt good on the swim and on the bike.  The course conditions were amazing.  However, when I look at my training volumes I am well behind on my bike/run mileage.  2024 delivered 250 miles of biking and 200 miles of running.  In 2026, I have only logged 200 miles of biking and 100 miles of running.  Swim mileage was on the order of 15 miles both years.

Aside from training more, I would not have changed anything.  I should have practiced wearing my tri kit under my wetsuit.  I might consider not wearing gloves.

Chipper

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Garage Gym

1300

Chipper

400 meter run

21 KBS (35#)

15 Box Jumps (20")

90 seconds battle rope

15 Box Jumps

21 KBS

400 meter run

This was much harder than I expected.  I finished in 15:46.  The first run was fine, first 21 KBS were unbroken and box jumps were steady.  The battle rope went 30-15-15-15-15 with roughly 1:1 work to rest ratios.  The way back down the period was slower, but tolerable.

The new gym space is feeling better, but will be much better after getting rid of The Answer and some weight trees.

Inversions - EMOM

Thursday, September 3, 2026

CDOT 

1130

Inversions

Headstand hold

Headstand hold

Kick up and hold

Kick up attempt

Kick up attempt

EMOM 24

50 rope skips

10 alt DB snatch (25#)

10 push-ups

Felt rough today, but good to get some work in.

Test USAWA Lifts

Monday, August 31, 2026

Garage Gym

1700

Straight Arm Pullover

8x15

8x25

35

5x30

1x32.5

Deadlift, One Arm

95

135

155

175

195

10 Pull-ups

mfin77 - Grip Board

• Inch trainer fbbc $80 I’ll throw in as many weights as box can hold. Also extra set of screws, smaller ones this thing has great grip seasoned
• 3 kinds of fat grips. $40 for all
• coc grippers 0.5, 1, and 1.5(2) $15 a piece
• 40lb blob USA stamped. $70
• Rogue hand bombs and 1.5 inch thumb pinch grips. $40 for both
• Titan 2.5 inch roller $20
• 3inch roller $35 silver
• David Horne gripper it’s a v2 bought in 2012 I believe have an orange spring as well $65
• Wrist roller it’s small but works $10
• Thumb protector by David Horne Protects your thumbs from getting break open Free to anyone who buys $100 Just ask for it
• Roller with the red strap, forgot what it’s called $30
• stronger grip leverage bar 2inch $25
• Rope for puldown $10
• Loading pin $15 possibly by Chris rice on here
• 3 by 4 inch Saxon bar by Pops company forget the name of the company it’s not shown $50 pickup
• 2 inch fat bar not shown $50 not shown generic

Most of the items were sold by the time I saw the post.  The only items I was interested in were the  David Horne Gripper and Stronger Grip Leverage Bar.  The leverage bar may actually still be available at $25 plus shipping to Colorado.  It would be another excuse for me to hold onto standard plates.

Medium Box shipping would have been $25, so we decided to work out a deal for the following:

(1) Stronger Grip Leverage Bar - $25

(2) Rogue Pinch Blocks - $10

(2) Rogue Cannonballs - $10

(2) Straps - $5

(1) Carabiner - $0

(1) Rock Iron Steel - The Book of Strength - Steve Justa - $5

(1) Molding a Mighty Grip - Jowett - $5

$60 for all of the items plus $25 shipping = $85

UPDATE:  9/8/2026 - Received Empty Box, filed claim with USPS.  In touch with shipper in case USPS does not come through.

GSI Rocky Mountain Regional Championship

Jim, Volunteer Loader, Sarah, Jamie, Kim, Skye, Akeem, Curt, Jeremy, Matt, Alexis, Adalene, Cristophe, Joe, Alan, Nathan

Rebecca, Nisha, Lewis, Sanjiv (Curt's wife)

Not Pictured - Jaland, Marc S

Nisha and I had the good fortune to attend the GSI Rocky Mountain Regional Grip Contest.  Curt Cenci hosted an amazing show at Mountain Man Performance in Colorado Springs, CO.  There was a tremendous field of (6) women and (14) men to vie for automatic advancement to the National Championship.

The event had been advertised for months and sponsors came out to support the contest including:

• Madkow
• Arm Assassin Strength Shop
• The Grip Show
• Cannon PowerWorks

I counted (9) combo racks at Mountain Man Performance and they have to be the premier powerlifting gym in the state.

Everybody seemed to be lifting well and having fun.  I very much enjoyed driving up the night before and having a short drive to the venue.

This is the first time I cut weight for a contest and I was happy that I was able to make the 93 kg class (at 91.4 kg bodyweight).  My pre-contest walking around weight was 94.3 kg, so dropping 3 kg (6.6 pounds) was not bad for three weeks effort.  Nisha comfortably weighed in tat 39.8 kg for the 72 kg class.

Nisha

• 2-3/8 1H NN - 49 pounds (3 attempts)
• 4x4 2H NN - 54 pounds (4 attempts)
• Inch - 18 pounds ( 2 attempts)
• Jug - 63 pounds (5 attempts)
• Farmer's Hold for Time - 69.1 pounds/hand - 11 sec

Sanjiv

• 2-3/8 1H NN - 135 pounds (7 attempts)
• 4x4 2H NN - 148.5 pounds (5 attempts)
• Inch - 51.1 pounds (6 attempts)
• Jug - 140.8 pounds (6 attempts)
• Farmer's Hold for Time - 179.3 pounds/hand - 42 sec

Nisha had personal best lifts on the Inch and Jug.  I had personal best lifts across the board and was absolutely thrilled with my performance.  I think I even bested some lifters on the Farmer's Hold.

I enjoyed seeing a lot of the familiar faces from the grip community and also nice to meet some new folks as well.  We got going at 10:00 AM and were wrapped up by 3:30 PM.  Weigh in was orderly starting at 9:00 AM, then I ate and hydrated.  I did second breakfast at 11:30.  I had everything I needed.

ARX - Active Resistance Machines

Smolov Junior - Powerlifting Cycle

Hyperice Hypersphere Go Vibrating Ball - $109

A huge shoutout to all of the event sponsors for contributing to an incredible prize pool:

The top overall man and woman will also each receive a prize pack including a custom leather forearm bracer, $150 courtesy of Mountain Man Performance, a $20 SSE gift card, and a Saxon Squeezer grip tool. Second place man and women will receive a Grip Show prize pack including a setting kit, a beanie, a koozie, and stickers. All weight class winners will receive a steel bending kit from Eat Chalk Get Big. Weight class winners will also be entered into a drawing for a Standard gripper with custom painted packaging from Cannon Powerworks.

The top male and female on the farmers hold will win $25 Arm Assassin gift cards. The pound for pound champion will win a Standard gripper with custom painted packaging from Cannon Powerworks, a seasoned Rogue GFC from The Grip Show and a $20 SSE gift card. A pair of custom MadKow magnetic Mini Horns will also be in the prize pool with a secret way to win them revealed after.

Grip Session

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Basement Gym

2200

Grip Session

2-3/8 1H NN - 95 lbs

3x4 2H NN - 95 lbs

Inch Pinch - 32.5 lbs

Jug - 100 lbs

Matched my numbers from August 16, felt really good.

What to Pack for a Grip Contest?

Chalk

Belt

Mouth Guard

Elbow Sleeves

Towel

Smelling Salts

Towels

Hand Sanitizer

Food-Food-Food & Drinks & Snacks

Gripper Collection - Complete For My Training Needs

COC

• G - 28
• S - est 38
• T - est 55
• 0.5 - est 66
• 1.0 - 71
• 1.5 - 87 (I have not closed this yet)

Standard

• Tin - 49
• Zinc - 59
• Silver - 85 (I have not closed this yet)

AtomGripz

• 1 Band - 53
• 1 Band - 58

Grip Genie

• GG2 - 64
• GG3 - 92 (I have not closed this yet)

GHP

• Level 2 - 59
• Level 3 - 70
• Level 4 - 87 (I have not closed this yet)
• Level 5 - TBD

Would like to own a Tetting just to have one in my collection - Beginner, Advanced, Super Advanced.

Would like to own a gripper around 79 pounds - Bridge 73 to 85

Other than that, I have a great collection of grippers.  I might put some aside and focus on training with the COC Grippers 28-38-55-66-71-87.  Fill the gap of 71 to 87 with RB 130 (73) and Standard Silver (85)

Training Grip

• Vertical Bars
• Anvil
• Rolling Handles
• Hub
• Grippers
• Thick Bar
• Saxon Bar
• Key Pinch
• Block Pinch
• Stub

EMOM 30

Thursday, August 27, 2026

CDOT

1400

EMOM 30

Station 1 - 10 walking lunges holding 2x10# DB

Station 2 - 8 push-ups

Station 3 - 10 med ball sit-ups (10#)

This was a good effort.  I want to continue working up the load on the walking lunges.

HEALTHWAYS Standard Set

Bar and collars along with 

2x10

6x2.5

4x1.25

--

40 pounds of weights

Listed for $80.  I would be a buyer at $40, but really do not need another set.

Gripper Rate & Return

(9) Grippers

1. COC - Sport
2. COC - Sport
3. Fake COC - P
4. COC - Trainer
5. COC - Trainer
6. COC - 0.5
7. GHP - Level 5
8. Adomove - 125 pound
9. Adomove - 175 pound

O'Kane Frisbee Hailed Out

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1C1oSJyDid/

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ErkGo4u3P/

USAWA Ol' Clark's 94th Birthday

Tuesday, August 26, 2026

Garage Gym

1830

Warm Up

Reverse Hyper

Crossover Symmetry

Hip Hammy

Ol' Clark's 94th Birthday

DL, DB Left - 171, 181, 191

DL, DB Right - 171, 181, 191* establishes record

DL, 2 DBs - 262

V Bar 1" Left - 141

V Bar 1" Right - 141

Random Link - Browser Clean Up

lostledger on eBay is selling vintage inspired paperweight dumbbells.  They look pretty cool.  The Venice Beach sold for $47 (2 bidders).  The York one is currently at $32.99 with one bid.  Plus $7.76 shipping.  He also does custom orders.

List Titan's Telegraph Key?  IronMind retail is $135, Gorilla Strength - $185

StorageTek Coal Miner's Classic - Bike Races during the late 1990's and early 2000's

Nike Colorado Buffaloes Vomera 18 Running Shoes - $185?

Otillo Swim Run - Austin November 8th?

https://otilloswimrun.com/races/

Adventure Racing?

https://rfmba.org/event/new-castle-genesis-adventure-race/

https://rockymountainadventureseries.com/races/#

Orienteering

Rocky Mountain Orienteering Club

https://www.rmoc.org/index.php/91-event-schedule/10012-bear-creek-lake-park-course

https://www.rmoc.org/jdownloads/Miscellaneous%20Documents/bclp_permanent_course_20180806.pdf

Wellington Swim-Run - RACE REPORT

I had an amazing adventure at Wellington Lake.  I completed the Wellington Swim-Run event which consisted of 3 laps of a 0.3 mile swim and 1.7 km run.  My training had been going well, but I did not take into account the colder water (60-65 degrees) and 8,000 feet elevation.  Despite these environmental factors, I executed my race plan well and finished in 1 hour 49 minutes.

• 0415 - Alarm goes off, dress, brush teeth, take meds, load car, use restroom twice, load up car
• 0500 - Get on the road to Lake Wellington.  Directions to main office was fine, then I started to get turned around
• 0645 - Park at campsite area
• 0700 - Arrive at starting line, get checked in and body marked
• 0745 - Race briefing
• 0800 - Start
• 0949 - Finish
• 1005 - Walk back to car and drive home
• 1145 - Arrive home, clean up gear and shower

After checking in, I milled about talking to Felecia, Dana and Steve among other eager race participants.  The disparity in kit and  preparation was startling.  One girl was going to do the runs barefoot and only had a racerback swimsuit.  Another girl was fully kitted with swim-run wetsuit (including the arm sleeves), belt with carabiners for holding paddles, Ark Keel pull buoy, paddles.  Prep was all over the board also.  Some entrants were primarily swimmers and another did only one open water swim a week earlier before this event.  Over half the field did not have any exposure protection (wetsuit). 

I thought I had my Garmin Fenix 7 figured out, but I did not program it right.  The first swim run had a transition included.  I struggled to push the buttons in gloves.  I just started run segments after I started shuffling up the hillside.

• Swim 1 - 19:00 minutes (651 yards)
• Run 1 - 18:22 minutes (1.12 miles)
• Swim 2 - Started roughly 8:38 AM - estimated at 20 minutes
• Run 2 - 16:56 (1.04 miles), Started 8:58 AM
• Swim 3 - Started at 9:16 AM, finished at 9:33 AM - estimated at 17 minutes
• Run 3 - 14:08 (0.99 miles) - Race Finish Time 9:49 (1 hour 49 minutes)

I fully kitted up in Saucony Guide (White) running shoes.  I originally was planning on using my Tough Mudder shoes, but the heel cup was exposed.  I wore triathlon shorts, Orca Swim-Run wetsuit, Thermal gloves, race swim cap and had my pull buoy and paddles.  

I did not practice gloves and paddles and that made the first swim a little tenuous.  All of the other equipment worked great, just like in practice.  The water was warmer than I expected (mid to high 60s), I did not need the gloves and may have been able to get by without the wetsuit.  The start was really muddy and it felt like my shoes were sinking 6-8 inches into mud.  I was thankful I snugged up my shoes and double knotted the laces.  When I finally got out of the mud and figured out how to hold the paddles swimming to the first buoy was fine.  It got tough after the turn swimming right into the sun, but I was able to follow other swimmers.  Sighting was good.

Getting out of the water and getting rolling on the run was fine, but my heart rate was stubbornly high around 148.  I ran walked the first run and was able to stay in the 135-145 heart rate.

Lap 1 - 8:37 (37 min)

Swim 2 was brutal, the wind picked up and I started into a heavy chop.  I have swam in rough water before and was prepared, but it is always unnerving to get a mouthful of lake.  I was worried that breathing on my left side would be the end of me, but the wind must have died down a bit.

Run 2, I went slower with the plan of walking most of it, but I was pleasantly surprised that my pace did not slow too much.

Lap 2 - 9:13 (36 min)

Swim 3 was much better and I was flush with confidence that I could finish under the time cap.  The run was equally pleasant.  Since I knew I would not need to run again, I went a little faster.

Lap 3 - 9:49 (36 min)

The splits were remarkably even.  One thing that surprised me was needing to urinate every lap.  I think it has something to do with exertion at altitude.  The same thing happens when I go skiing.  I used the port-o-let after Lap 1.  I urinated mid run on Lap 2 and Lap 3.  Fortunately it was a small field and not a crowded course.  Otherwise I would have just urinated in my wetsuit.

I decided to do some research on the frequent urination, it turns out at altitude, the higher respiratory rate can contribute to respiratory alkalosis and the kidneys respond by excreting bicarbonate leading to more frequent urination.

As the body acclimates to higher altitude (for most this means an altitude greater then 8,200 feet), one urinates more often as the body works to avoid respiratory alkalosis (elevated blood PH) by your kidneys excretion of bicarbonate. In time, the body adjusts and alkalosis is no longer a problem once the hiker/climber becomes acclimated. Also, in very cold temperatures, the body wants to eliminate fluid by urination so it does not have to expend energy heating it. So we are more likely to lose fluid through urination in cold weather.

Ian Taylor Trekking

Pacific Adventure Club

Felecia is part of a Denver Swim-Run training group and said she would add me to their WhatsApp.  Her and several others are planning on doing Otillo SwimRun Colorado at Horsetooth Reservoir (Experience is 1.5 mile swim, 4.5 mile run; Sprint 3 mile swim, 8 mile run; World Series is 5 mile swim, 18.5 mile run).  Late registration is still open and would be $100.  Unfortunately it is October 4th and I am committed to IAWA Worlds.  Otillo Austin is November 8th and that date would work for me.  Experience is 1765 meter swim and 8130 meter run.  Water temp would be great at 68 degrees plus it is always a joy to race at sea level.

I am glad it was a great experience and I hope to continue competing.  Who knows, maybe Sweden is in my future.

Final Results

Women

1. Dana Hunter 1:00:26
2. Kelsey Newman 1:05:50
3. Monique Knaggs 1:13:47
4. Selina Stonecipher 1:24:17
5. Dawn Henderson 1:24:51
6. Allison Romito 1:25:23
7. Lori Carlson 1:31:19 (2025 1:23:48)
8. Felicia Elenum - DNF

Men

1. Michael Pryor 57:06
2. Nathaniel Kisergreen 1:08:11
3. Conor Caulfield 1:12:00
4. Steve O'Connell 1:31:17
5. Ryan Penshorn 1:36:15
6. Sanjiv Gupta 1:49:16
7. Herbert Donovan - DNF

As the adage goes DFL (dead fucking last) > DNF (did not finish) > DNS (did not start).

2024 - 3/3 women finished; 7/8 men finished

2025 - 6/6 women finished; 7/10 men finished

2026 - 7/8 women finished; 6/7 men finished

Wellington Swim-Run

The Wellington Swim-Run event is less than a week out and it is time to put on the final touches to my preparation.  Everything has been going well, but I did get spooked by the most recent event update.

You can expect the water to be around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Please be a responsible swimmer. If you are not comfortable in cold water environments, we strongly recommend that you do some cold training beforehand (cold baths, etc.).  If you plan to wear a wetsuit, be sure you are comfortable swimming in it and can breathe easily.  The lake is at 8,000 feet in elevation.  You will not be able to swim as fast as you can in Denver or work as hard without losing your breath.  For your own safety, do not wear a wetsuit that is too tight around your chest.

I train at 5,700 feet in water that is between 70-75 degrees.  Lately, I have been swimming without a wetsuit.  Given the update, I put on my shorty wetsuit and to my relief it was not tight around the chest.  The altitude is trickier to determine.  Worst case scenario, in a panic I would just hold onto my buoy, calm down and make my way to the nearest shore which would never be over 50 yards away.  Running at 8,000 feet is no joke, but looking at the course, it is pretty flat with about 100 feet of elevation gain and then 100 feet loss to get back to the swim entry.

Race Kit

• Tri Shorts
• Running Shoes
• Goggles
• Orca Wetsuit
• Paddles
• Buoy
• Swim Cap
• Swim Gloves
• Ear Plugs

Just in case, I will carry swim socks, warm weather cap and a spare pair of shoes, tri shorts, goggles and swim cap.  I will also keep some medications and nutrition at the start finish line.

There is a 2 hour cutoff which should not be an issue.  With reasonable pacing, I should finish in 1 hour 50 minutes.  I will have a much better idea after lap 1

• Swim 1 - 18 min
• Run 1 - 16 min (0:34 cumulative)
• Swim 2 - 18 min
• Run 2 - 18 min (1:10 cumulative)
• Swim 3 - 20 min
• Run 3 - 20 min (1:50 cumulative)

2024 (Year 1) - 11 starters, 10 finishers, winner 44 minutes; last finisher 1:15

2025 (Year 2) - 16 starters, 13 finishers, winner 52 minutes; last finisher 1:24

Interestingly, none of the 2024 starters returned for 2025.  We will see what 2026 holds.

Safety first and depending on weather and water conditions.  If lap 1 is over 34 minutes, I will try to keep pace.  If lap 2 is over 1:20, I will be at risk for a DNF.  I will still start lap 3 and just note my location at the cutoff.

Race day start will be 5 AM to arrive by 6:15 AM and hopefully be at start line by 7 AM for the 8 AM start.

Time Cutoff is 10 AM, awards 10:15 AM, home by noonish?

Roman Chairs!

Jubinville Roman Chair

ROC MO Roman Chair / Back Extension

Iron Man Roman Chair

It has been a while since I have posted on Roman Chairs and I am still excited to use the one that I found locally.  However, somehow, I have come across three new designs that I wanted to archive pictures of.

Jubinville - Simple clean design with small foot print

ROC MO - This is a thing of beauty and the icing on the cake is manufacture in Denver, Colorado

Iron Man - Looks very similar to Bruce Lee's Roman chair and certainly emphasizes a minimalist design

When I get around to learning to weld, I think I would make one in this style with a rectangular frame.  Padded wood planks for foot engagement and butt rest.

Original Post

Buff Dudes

Strength Shop 53 KG Dumbbell

Single mold. 60mm diameter steel handles with cast iron globes. There are not many manufacturers of this style of circus dumbbell in the US. This was purchased from the UK but they no longer ship here. This is 117 LBs

Being offered for $200 near Cherry Creek Country Club, 30 minutes from the house.  If I were not downsizing, I would be all over this.

31kg - $104

53kg - Sold Out

58kg - $219

Goodness only knows what shipping to the United States would cost.

SSE - 110lb - $330

SSE - 120lb - $375

Shipping would be $260 from Jacksboro, TN to Golden, CO for SSE equipment

UPDATE:  8/31/2026 - I could not help myself and finally out to the seller.  He is out of town, but said I could pick it up tomorrow.  $200 is a fair price and I could probably dump it on the discord group for between $150 and $200 or on the open market for $100.  It will be an aspirational lift for me, but should be close.

IAWA World Postal / USAWA Q3 Postal

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Garage Gym

1830

Warm Up

Reverse Hyper

Crossover Symmetry

Hip Hammy Flow

IAWA World Postal

Snatch, From Hang - 95, 105, 110 - establishes record

Pullover & Push - 125, 140 - record is 270

Clean & Press, Behind Neck - 95, 105, 115 - establishes record

Deadlift, Ciavattone Grip - 315, 325, 335 beats J Vernacchio record of 320 (set in 1995)

USAWA Q3 Postal

Snatch, From Hang - 95, 105, 110 - establishes record

Pullover & Push - 125, 140 - record is 270

Deadlift - Dumbbell, One Arm (Left) - 171, 191 - beats D Vandermark Record of 176

Conversion to KG

Body Weight - 205.9 pounds (93.4)

Snatch, From Hang - 110 - 49.9 kg

Pullover & Push - 140 - 63.5 kg

Clean & Press, Behind Neck - 115 - 52.2 kg

Deadlift, Ciavattone Grip - 335 - 152 kg

Gym Scaledown

I am scaling down the gym.

At the peak - 

$16,291 - Basic, CrossFit, Cardio, Strongman, Misc (7,150 pounds)

• $6,373 Basic
• $1,770 CrossFit
• $2,690 Cardio
• $1,485 Strongman
• $4,948 (Storage, DC Blocks, OKE, Reverse Hyper, Timer, etc)

$3,710 - Vintage (3,080 pounds)

$5,422 - Grip (plus, $1,100 in tools for sale; 150 pounds?)

--

$25,273 TOTAL

I created a list of stuff to sell (7,500 pounds) and stuff to keep (4,000 pounds)

Mostly getting rid of weight plates (keep 1,200 pounds; sell 3,400 pounds)

Reducing Barbells (keep 6, sell 15)

Reducing Dumbbells (keep York 1-50, Globes, sell Iron Grip and Hex)

Reducing CrossFit (keep basics)

Reducing Strongman (get rid of everything except sandbags)

Keeping all of the grip stuff for now

Keeping all of the Concept 2 equipment

UPDATE - 8/18/2026

$14,531 - Basic, CrossFit, Cardio, Strongman, Misc

$2,613 - Vintage

$5,422 - Grip

--

$22,566 (down $2,707)

UPDATE - 8/22/2026

$14,271 - Basic, CrossFit, Cardio, Strongman, Misc

$2,493 - Vintage

$5,422 - Grip

--

$22,186 (down $3,087)

UPDATE - 8/22/2026

$13,769 - Basic, CrossFit, Cardio, Strongman, Misc

-- Basic - $5,881 (need to list some barbells and plates)

-- CrossFit - $1,230 (list Battle Rope and Med Balls)

-- Cardio - $2,690 (keeping all)

-- Strongman - $270 (keeping remaining)

-- Misc - $3,698 (will sell storage as it opens up)

$2,143 - Vintage

$5,422 - Grip

--

$21,334 (down $3,939)

Update - 8/29/2026

$13,319 - Basic, CrossFit, Cardio, Strongman, Misc

--Basic - $5,531 (need to list some barbells and plates)

--CrossFit - $1,230 (everything listed)

--Cardio - $2,690 (keeping all)

--Strongman - $270 (keeping remaining)

--Misc - $3,598 (will sell storage as it opens up)

$1,793 - Vintage

$5,422 - Grip

--

$20,533 (down $4,740)

Update - 8/31/2026

$13,002 - Basic, CrossFit, Cardio, Strongman, Misc ($13,162-double counted grip $150)

--Basic - $5,234 (need to list some barbells and plates)

--CrossFit - $1,210 (everything listed)

--Cardio - $2,690 (keeping all)

--Strongman - $270 (keeping remaining)

--Misc - $3,598 (will sell storage as it opens up)

$1,793 - Vintage

$5,422 - Grip (less $1,100 in Colorado Grip Tools Inventory)

--

$20,217 (down $5,056)

Update - 9/8/2026

$12,833 - Basic, CrossFit, Cardio, Strongman, Misc ($12,983-double counted grip $150)

--Basic - $5,095 (need to list some barbells and plates)

--CrossFit - $1,210 (everything listed)

--Cardio - $2,690 (keeping all)

--Strongman - $270 (keeping remaining)

--Misc - $3,568 (will sell storage as it opens up)

$1,693 - Vintage

$5,668 - Grip (less $1,100 in Colorado Grip Tools Inventory)

--

$20,194 (still selling but bought a 117 pound Inch Dumbbell)

Going to put a pause on selling.  Only significant items to list are Weights and Barbells.

I have listed a few sets and will add more as these sell

• Rep Color Bumpers - 2x45 for $1.50/lb - Decided to keep
• Rogue Hi-Temp - 2x45 plus 2x25 for $1.33/lb - Debating
• KG change plates

I have not listed any barbells yet, but this is roughly my order of selling.  I would like to keep the Stump Bar and Black Widow.

1. Rogue Beater Bar - sentimental
2. Unbranded Olympic Bar - good for collars
3. Elite FTS Gridiron Bar - ?
4. Unbranded Shorty Olympic Bar - small space
5. York Standard Curl Bar - sell with plates
6. Unbranded Standard Bar - pending KVW
7. Shorty Axle Bar - keep?
8. Rogue 2x Aggro Bar - premium bar
9. Rogue Stump Bar - small spaces
10. Black Widow 2.5" - keep

Target is

$8,681 - Basic, CrossFit, Cardio, Strongman, Misc

$1,976 - Vintage

$5,422 - Grip

--

$16,079 (Still need to sell $6,107 in equipment, mostly plates $4,064; need to start dropping the price)

Grip Session

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Basement Gym

1700

Grip Session

2-3/8 1H NN - build to 95 (105.00 with pin, clip, tool)

3x4 2H NN - build to 95 (110.35 with pin, clip, tool)

Inch Pinch - build to 32.5 Right (36.8 with pin, clip, tool)

Jug - build to 100 (108.30 with pin, clip, tool)

Fast 20 minute session.  Felt good and nice improvement over last month.  Want to get at least two more sessions in.

Track Workout

Sunday, August 16, 2026

D'Evelyn Track

0830

Track Workout

1 mile easy

6x100 run the straights in about 30 seconds, walk the curves

Met a masters athlete training for hurdles at a big event in St. George, Utah in October.  She had these great portable hurdles along with a set of blocks.

Colorado Heritage Highland Games

Nathan Loges, Mike Parks, Vince Delperdang, Rory McKeown, avid Boydstun, Kenny Benton

???, Jay Anderson, Sanjiv Gupta, Brant Gilbert, ???

I returned to throwing with what I thought would be a small field event.  There ended up being 10 of us in the Men's Masters class including the usual suspects (Mike, Rory, Brant) and some new throwers (Nathan, Vince, Jay).  I was squarely at the back of the pack, but I did have a lot of fun.

• Heavy Hammer - cue - wide stance, bend knees - 32.35, 33.1, 39.63 (PR!)
• Light Hammer - 48.65, 40.93, 48.8 - 
• Braemar Stone - 16.97, 16.35, 17.95
• Open Stone - 16.86 (slipped) - 21.93, 21.65
• HWFD - 16.74, 17.48, 17.37
• LWFD - 20.37, 23.73, 23.42
• Caber - cue - wide stance, bend at waist, slight bend in knee, work down lift, get under, flip - M2 Scratch, 30 degrees, 15 degrees
• WOB - 10' on third try, missed 11'
• Sheaf - started at 20 feet, estimated 12', 12', 14'

I was excited to PR the heavy hammer with it being our first event.  I was within a few feet of my personal bests in the other events, but well behind the field and the leaders.  With some practice, there is lots of room for improvement.  I am considering Colorado Scottish Festival and Estes, but will likely pass.

I wore my work boots, kilt and games t-shirt.  I utilized wrist wraps and glove.  I brought my sheaf fork, but left it in the car.  It would not have made a difference.  I brought sunscreen and needed it.

I brought some extra stuff that was not utilized - Change of clothes, rain jacket, bucket hat, tape, Olympic straps, chalk.

Lunch I brought a cooler with drinks, chicken tenders, pretzels.  I had a separate water jug that was not utilized.