tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572355407995044132024-03-21T16:58:08.517-05:00Strength and BeerTales of a Trophy HusbandAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-56984093321758281802012-12-28T20:57:00.002-06:002012-12-28T20:57:28.765-06:00123 Jump!<br />
Off-season Block 1.2<br />
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Squats<br />
45x10<br />
135x10<br />
185x10<br />
225x10x7<br />
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Good Mornings<br />
95x10x3<br />
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Triceps Press<br />
45x15x3<br />
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Video is worth it for my training partner.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-33200964063414688062012-12-22T21:56:00.000-06:002012-12-22T21:56:04.836-06:00Bullets, Guns and MissilesAll cleans of all kinds today. Just triples, doubles and singles. Started out doing very deliberate full cleans to hammer the idea of "get under the bar" into my head. Managed to work up to a PR (from the floor) of 255.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-34176965151767219782012-12-21T19:25:00.001-06:002012-12-21T19:25:10.654-06:00Stone Smoked PorterThe first thing I was afraid of trying this beer was that Stone would overdo it with the smoke flavor. They did not, and it's a very balanced Porter. Sweet aroma - smoke really hides out until you take a sip. Hoped for a little softer, maltier taste, but it is a Stone Brew after all. Mouthfeel is excellent. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3zY44_tvH6iaZrccdpINYDntRfziG_3yp9u_7gHckQkqU6rWxX8NH-uUzVbDKRPQv6MXvIV2eVjh72aRxGWfcI7l-iYBDW2QLyBVf_ytGSSICgwbaHgmIkkpfiIQLYVcp78yOgtzLQ/s640/blogger-image-120346053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3zY44_tvH6iaZrccdpINYDntRfziG_3yp9u_7gHckQkqU6rWxX8NH-uUzVbDKRPQv6MXvIV2eVjh72aRxGWfcI7l-iYBDW2QLyBVf_ytGSSICgwbaHgmIkkpfiIQLYVcp78yOgtzLQ/s640/blogger-image-120346053.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZk6qBUdJ7Bs_IYeJrGMADU5zbD1udVhJc6lNorzr1h1RJYrx9hjUkCGfWmouaYRcThy6sO6mZPCDGj05zhAgvSSb6PhyphenhyphenE1bdmGFLFH6P1BQPe3cyBOmRve4qN0tKZfszh3A2jF3UfA/s640/blogger-image--1405102918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZk6qBUdJ7Bs_IYeJrGMADU5zbD1udVhJc6lNorzr1h1RJYrx9hjUkCGfWmouaYRcThy6sO6mZPCDGj05zhAgvSSb6PhyphenhyphenE1bdmGFLFH6P1BQPe3cyBOmRve4qN0tKZfszh3A2jF3UfA/s640/blogger-image--1405102918.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-51872489175110070362012-12-21T12:14:00.003-06:002012-12-21T12:14:33.163-06:00Refusing to Use MetalJust a collection of the off-season throwing videos I've made thus far. Big off-season for me this year, so I want to get off on the right foot with regular throwing.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Hammers - need the most work here.</span><br />
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/fW24_AMC7yo/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fW24_AMC7yo?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fW24_AMC7yo?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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Open Stone - full spin is coming back, and progress is finally being made.<br />
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HWFD - Gain weight, Mike.<br />
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20 lb Sheaf - Feels good. Just need to get some practices in with speed.<br />
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More Stones - Really trying to get my finish fixed.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-68149339784221773302012-10-31T15:09:00.001-05:002012-10-31T15:13:42.039-05:00Eat Floor. High Fiber.<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Still just kinda jackin around until <a href="http://www.austincelticfestival.com/" target="_blank">Austin Celtic Festival</a> is over this weekend. After that, I will start my off-season in earnest. Did a lot of overhead work today. Definitely zeroed in on a weak point - my shoulders. I can push press 225 most days, but I was struggling to strict press 165 today. Gotta target delts and triceps a little more these next few months.</span></span><br />
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<u>Strict Press</u></div>
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45x10</div>
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95x5</div>
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135x3</div>
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95x10x3</div>
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<u>Push Press</u></div>
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135x3</div>
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185x1</div>
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205x1</div>
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<u>Speed Deads</u></div>
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275x5x3</div>
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<u>Chins</u></div>
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10, 8, 6</div>
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<u>Superset Standing Triceps Press/Upright Rows</u></div>
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12/10, 12/10, 12/12</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-31625507888129718612012-10-29T23:40:00.000-05:002012-10-31T15:15:57.483-05:00Do I suck a lot more, or a little more?Got a good week of training in last week, and I'm ramping up for the off-season fairly well. Hannah continues to rob the wife and I of precious sleep, so I have to make do with what level of rest I get. I got the "lift heavier" bug these past couple of sessions, so I loosened up the routine and kinda did whatever. Nothing wrong with testing myself a little to see what I lost over the course of the season in terms of top-end strength.<br />
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Cleans, snatch and deadlifts:<br />
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Squat variations and ugly, ugly, bench press:<br />
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I have been really getting into the idea of experimenting more with hard cider recipes, so I picked up the following at Austin Homebrew today:</div>
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<li>Bavarian Wheat Yeast</li>
<li>Champagne Yeast</li>
<li>1 lb. Wheat DME</li>
<li>1 lb. Golden Light DME</li>
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...and then I forgot to get apple juice. It's tough to be this way. To be me.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-34611741681096384212012-10-15T12:15:00.003-05:002012-10-15T12:15:34.155-05:00Man, I totally had a kid! AGAIN!Really the only thing of actual importance that has been going on with me is the birth of my daughter, Hannah Michelle Beech. Here she is just after being born:<br />
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<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/577037_4575456861536_945160909_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/577037_4575456861536_945160909_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here she is making a grumpy, yet awesome face a few days later. Seriously, this kid is Queen Grumpface.<br />
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I have had a pretty successful season thus far making beer for<a href="http://lukewhatscookin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Luke's</a> big bad tailgate extravaganzas. The biggest hit so far has been a simple blonde ale that I really knocked out of the park. Hmm...replicating a batch; that should be easy in a garage brewery with no computers or skilled brewers.<br />
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My highlands game season is coming to a close. I have two more games in Austin and Salado, but I am kind of considering this last weekend's Celtober Cowtown Throwdown the official "end." So, re-capping my first year in the games:<br />
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- Competed in 9 games (will be 11 by year's end)<br />
- Earned the right to throw with the A's by my 3rd ever games (north texas kickoff)<br />
- Traveled out of state for a games (greenville, sc)<br />
- Won my first overall games (sherwood forest faire)<br />
- Gained 15 lb.<br />
- Met and befriended throwers and ADs from all over<br />
- Recruited 2 athletes to the sport<br />
- Learned that entertaining and engaging the crowd is incredibly important for the sport<br />
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I can definitely live with that list. Let's look at the numbers now as compared to 11 months ago:<br />
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Braemar: 28'-1" --> 32'4"<br />
Open Stone: 36'-2" --> 40'-10.5"<br />
Heavy Weight for Distance: 17'7" --> 30'-9"<br />
Light Weight for Distance: 36'-8" --> 62'-7"<br />
Heavy Hammer: 54'-7" --> 68'-4"<br />
Light Hammer: 87-7" (didnt throw this in 2011)<br />
Caber: 12:00<br />
Sheaf: 22' with 16# bag --> 24' with 20# bag<br />
Weight Over Bar: 10' --> 13'<br />
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Looking those over, I'm supremely disappointed with open stone, especially given how much I work on it. Breaking 40 feet was great, but I am consistently stuck between 36 and 38 feet. Hammers are abysmal, but that's simply from lack of practice. Can't use that excuse any more. This off-season I will acquire every single implement so I can train how I need to.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-29526044204526609692012-06-21T10:21:00.004-05:002012-06-21T10:22:53.716-05:00Apples and SteelLots of pretty cool happenings around here. After years of suffering the insufferable in corporate gyms, I finally found a good deal on a rack, barbell, and weights and got my home gym started. Have already broken it in with a couple of lifts, and clearly I need to adjust the Feng-Shui of the set-up and build a platform as well. Loving it, though. Happy Father's Day to me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5zGt_FPzbZapn_qoLkX8L_9snklmuNr0le3f1FFeAw_35Msi7kx8b_3crK6EA4LkB7QQVIYQo8XeM2TL8tFUSO7ncMlODhabsINtG4SOQlkMMXOxFxmQb3BwHJN9q7q4ffdkwy7z4w/s1600/rack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5zGt_FPzbZapn_qoLkX8L_9snklmuNr0le3f1FFeAw_35Msi7kx8b_3crK6EA4LkB7QQVIYQo8XeM2TL8tFUSO7ncMlODhabsINtG4SOQlkMMXOxFxmQb3BwHJN9q7q4ffdkwy7z4w/s320/rack.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My awesome wife also got me a legitimate pair of weightlifting shoes for Father's day so I can finally squat without my knee exploding every few weeks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjxCrEbUyBFr3jXO1yvLK0miGQOhMs6yEbofBOr2le7csQtrhuzk3wzJ_jB4RJs04Uz54UsFe2c1O5aO6V1XQCxcgQh1VdlUO_NAx0CD9z92gVG6pEF9SZKgF6yMQRTS3GVy8Fwe-gw/s1600/shoes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjxCrEbUyBFr3jXO1yvLK0miGQOhMs6yEbofBOr2le7csQtrhuzk3wzJ_jB4RJs04Uz54UsFe2c1O5aO6V1XQCxcgQh1VdlUO_NAx0CD9z92gVG6pEF9SZKgF6yMQRTS3GVy8Fwe-gw/s320/shoes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I haven't competed in a Highland Games since June, and I will be back at it in Huntsville, TX the first week of August. Looking forward to coming off a long rest and a couple of training cycles to get my throws locked in. I am really trying to emphasize hammers and sheaf, as I have really been disappointing in those events. Caber is a monster I need to conquer, but that might take a whole off-season.</div>
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Here's me throwing the 20 lb. sheaf in my front yard. It's feeling more natural every time I touch it.</div>
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I am down to the last few pints of my very first all-grain batch, the "Ill-Advised Pils." I am happy with this beer overall, especially the color and clarity. I am a believer in secondary and cold storage/lagering more than ever after this batch. My gripes are a touch of diacetyl, and a little unwelcome bitterness from using whole leaf hops and leaving it to sit on them for far too long. I think this is a good start to getting a regular, easy-drinking beer ready for tailgaiting season, though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0H7NyAFQw_iHV-lrPouzIXZxp-SpDYvFCPvbpm4dfjmx_UvuDRnv5MUyQ_Gv45WXfrVsG2HdzefKxZFiK2r5WoQcqOfSzaLxd7Zc2q6LYqdTYHl-P9S6YgSJPbjXofxRjUbZDM-HRg/s1600/pils.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0H7NyAFQw_iHV-lrPouzIXZxp-SpDYvFCPvbpm4dfjmx_UvuDRnv5MUyQ_Gv45WXfrVsG2HdzefKxZFiK2r5WoQcqOfSzaLxd7Zc2q6LYqdTYHl-P9S6YgSJPbjXofxRjUbZDM-HRg/s320/pils.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next up is a hard apple cider I decided to try making on a whim after talking to Forest Rogness, owner of Austin Homebrew Supply. It's super simple: 4 gallons of apple juice, 2 lb. of dried malt extract and Belgian wit yeast. It's now in cold storage and I am gonna try force-carbonating and kegging it for kicks. Boom.</div>
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<span id="goog_944367484"></span><span id="goog_944367485"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-83989843067268369702012-05-03T21:42:00.001-05:002012-05-03T21:42:52.807-05:00Predictably, he sprayed himself.Started a new job a couple of months back. It's rewarding, it's basically a start-up but it can also be kind of consuming. Just starting to re-establish some balance.<br />
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Highland Games have been going well. Headed into my 4th of the season <a href="http://www.texasscottishfestival.com/">this weekend in Arlington</a>. I switched from spin to glide in the open stone, so that's earth-shattering. I'm also training regularly with a friend who also happens to be the #1 amateur thrower in North America.</div>
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I have yet another failed pilsner in the works. That style is cursed. This one is probably going to end up being called "steam beer" so people finally think I know what the fuck I'm talking about with homebrewing.</div>
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In other news, IT'S FINALLY STARTING TO HAPPEN:</div>
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<b>FREE LABOR</b></div>
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<span id="goog_435485515"></span><span id="goog_435485516"></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-70350345663781661572012-02-22T21:41:00.006-06:002012-02-22T22:11:38.807-06:00Stupid Left FootThings are quiet on the beer front, but I did have a chance to throw together a small tasting dinner with <a href="http://lukewhatscookin.blogspot.com">Luke</a> at his place. We did a Mardi-Gras theme dinner with 4 courses. Since it was just us and our wives, we took some bigger chances to experiment with new techniques and pairings before we decide to another dinner for a broader audience. I<span style="font-size: 100%; ">t went down like this:</span><br /><b><br /></b><div><b>Gumbo Consomé</b><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">2010 Blufeld Riesling - Mosel, Germany</span></span><br /><br /><span><b style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; ">Gulf Trio</b><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> (Boudin Ball, Crawfish Boil, Raw Oyster)</span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Katana Junmai Ginjo Sake - Shizuoka, Japan</span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Boulevard Brewery Two Jokers Belgian Wit - Kansas City, MO</span></span><br /><br /><b style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; ">Blackened Redfish</b><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Lemon Lassi (Indian Yogurt Drink)</span></span><br /><br /><b style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; ">King Cupcake & Beignet</b><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout - Petaluma, CA</span></span></span><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>The Riesling was probably the best pairing of the night, but I almost think that's cheating; Riesling pairs with almost anything. The Katana saké went really well with the oyster (again, no surprise) but it sucked out loud with the boudin ball. The Belgian wit worked with the boudin ball and nothing else. The lassi did what I intended it to - cut the spice and added acid - but the texture and mouthfeel was too much for an entrée. The Cappucino Stout was a good enough beer on its own, and the concept was right, but cold drinks suck with those desserts.</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Oh well. Gotta try everything, even if its not perfect. At least Luke got to show off his high-powered vent hood while blackening the fish.</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAcPqYk6T9amnKUe7gkEkqB535h9g31a0lmfMpL_avVpoxWg4c248LRPb95ETew-JlpxPE_OMrnENlVYo6DfMWuXVPvpRG7S7ns7SI8LVjpqIXGFAWXY_U14H9gmeX0bzWVmejJVbkQ/s1600/vent.JPG"><span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAcPqYk6T9amnKUe7gkEkqB535h9g31a0lmfMpL_avVpoxWg4c248LRPb95ETew-JlpxPE_OMrnENlVYo6DfMWuXVPvpRG7S7ns7SI8LVjpqIXGFAWXY_U14H9gmeX0bzWVmejJVbkQ/s320/vent.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712176347932614178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></a></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Training has been going well, and my first Highland Games of the season is this weekend in Fort Worth. I am lifting 3 times a week and throwing 2 times, so I have been pretty beat. I am adjusting though. </span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Today was pretty crazy:</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b><span>Speed/Power 1.2</span></b></div><span><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><u>Warm Up:</u></span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">5 min treadmill</span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">LOTS of foam rolling</span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">a little static stretch and band work but had no patience</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><u>Push Press</u></span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">45x3</span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">95x3x2</span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">135x3x8</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">I was doing funny things with my head today.</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><u>Deadlift</u></span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">225x3x2</span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">295x3x10</span></span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Vld6pDoUODE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" style="font-size: 100%; "></iframe></span></div><span><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><u>Chins</u></span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">10x3</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><u>DB Rows</u></span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">130x10x2 - Grip gave out before I could finish, time to strap up.</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">THEN</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">I went and threw with a guy named Spencer Tyler. He was the #4 amateur Highland Games thrower in North America last year. So yeah, I had to show him the ropes.</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><u>Stones</u> - 5 stands, 5 reverse, 5 or 6 fulls. No great distance breakthroughs, but a lot of new stuff to process. Staying on my left forever out of the back.</span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><u>HWFD</u> - Only 5 or so 2-spins. Spencer found an issue with my cast that I need to work on now.</span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><u>16# Hammer</u> - 4 or 5 tosses. Still basically a n00b on this one.</span></span></span><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">I'm tired.</span></span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-35458514533134758842012-02-15T22:31:00.008-06:002012-02-15T22:54:37.338-06:00But I have been pooping so well!<div><span>Interesting week, athletically speaking. I took last week easy in the weight room since it was my de-load week. I also decided at the last minute to register for a fencing tournament that was taking place on Sunday. I only had enough time to get my gear out of storage, make sure it was working and try on my fancy pants. No practice at all. I really just wanted to scratch my competitive itch since I hadn't done anything to test myself physically since last November.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRce2iPKeHCjOkl9cSixKhvFk3S9FsxcIptnYHsPCQtKjHKHHGUHxuSi7r5rZ1wEAB0OsoaW7MKCcOvHz35zp38T6CPMEkTcqhRTb8zK2Nxrldau_NoiZhSG6V9lutORMKTcEglzNJw/s1600/gear.JPG"><span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRce2iPKeHCjOkl9cSixKhvFk3S9FsxcIptnYHsPCQtKjHKHHGUHxuSi7r5rZ1wEAB0OsoaW7MKCcOvHz35zp38T6CPMEkTcqhRTb8zK2Nxrldau_NoiZhSG6V9lutORMKTcEglzNJw/s320/gear.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709590487460222098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></a><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span>It was a pretty fun tournament, I only saw one person that knew me from back in the old days, and a 10-year old girl told me I was "hot." Also, I made it to the finals, but lost and took 2nd place.</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsEZhaL2bFCan2EK9oNnJyiEE9G8TSjRjd-pFRuyYhJcghOYJ7A-KKq3wTYaE0ASShJVQjXAjO2YXopKJfp7yx3U9ilC6SmdxPeLmm2tCRzuamyjkByLFR0Gd96dPD9Bn2C-b9JldQg/s1600/medal.JPG" style="font-size: medium; "><span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsEZhaL2bFCan2EK9oNnJyiEE9G8TSjRjd-pFRuyYhJcghOYJ7A-KKq3wTYaE0ASShJVQjXAjO2YXopKJfp7yx3U9ilC6SmdxPeLmm2tCRzuamyjkByLFR0Gd96dPD9Bn2C-b9JldQg/s320/medal.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709591339234703874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></a></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span>This week was the first "speed" phase for me in <a href="http://thedriftalifta.blogspot.com/">Matt Vincent's</a> program. It's always a challenge for me shifting gears from strength work to moving lighter weights as fast as possible. I think having throwing to tie it all together helps it make more sense though. Today looked like this:</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><u><span>Warm Up</span></u></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span>5 min treadmill</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span>Foam Roll</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span>Static Stretch</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span>Yoga Complex</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><u><span>Push Press</span></u></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span>45x5</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span>95x3</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span>125x3x10</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span>Bar speed actually got better as I progressed into the later sets.</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><u><span>Deadlift</span></u></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span>135x3</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span>275x3x11</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span>I felt like I was flying through these, but I imagine they looked pretty slow.</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><u><span>Lat Pulldown</span></u></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span>3 sets of 10</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><u><span>Barbell Row</span></u></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span>135x10x3</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><span>Throwing is up to 2 or 3 times a week and there is still a lot of ugly to work out. I r<span style="font-size: 100%; ">ecently discovered that another excellent highland games thrower named Spencer Tyler lives just down the road from me. We are planning to throw together this weekend. If I don't eventually get good at this sport, it will be 100% due to me just not trying hard enough.</span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-64433832512090254442012-01-29T12:57:00.003-06:002012-01-29T13:55:53.676-06:00Gearing up (to get get drunk)<span style="text-align: left; ">Lots of training and preparation for highland games right now. First games are on February 25-26 in Fort Worth, and I'm feeling strong and ready. Picked up some nagging training injuries, but nothing that should hold me back. One more week of pure strength training and I will switch gears to an in-season program with more emphasis on speed and maintaining strength.</span><div><br /></div><div>Finally got my fork ready for sheaf too.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLffdSCAEzp0GcCKf7XbHjll9fBxqzqhgitGMcwaOFUrT8DIkx1-afDzz7k801V4wjLXAnegtYoV2gFWRDVXSW_gCBkxEHd4a_4aIpqkV9mh_HAUcyDlpMHTP9l3HVhYfoIOfN_ap20A/s1600/fork.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLffdSCAEzp0GcCKf7XbHjll9fBxqzqhgitGMcwaOFUrT8DIkx1-afDzz7k801V4wjLXAnegtYoV2gFWRDVXSW_gCBkxEHd4a_4aIpqkV9mh_HAUcyDlpMHTP9l3HVhYfoIOfN_ap20A/s320/fork.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703139943674969410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a><br /></div><div>Got the 16 lb. practice sheaf stuffed and sewn shut (thanks, honey) but I'm not going to show it because it's um...not...aesthetically pleasing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Had a pretty busy day with booze yesterday. Finally got the cabernet sauvignon I have had aging in the closet into bottles. Looks and tastes pretty good, but definitely still needs a few weeks in the bottle to finish. Bottling this stuff reminded me why I went to kegging for my beer: saving immense amounts of time.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HYv8jPR-0tibGX5FOOJqoTu4P9Z_SS7rmpq5o6Tx28SFzQ89BLKJJsXTQ3vYu74SY_KFLmD0U_jGN1pPnx4OKb-NHVXmzb5M1M806yDM4Iihf0xd610d24cnu-lr93kOPpeTnUJirg/s1600/wine.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HYv8jPR-0tibGX5FOOJqoTu4P9Z_SS7rmpq5o6Tx28SFzQ89BLKJJsXTQ3vYu74SY_KFLmD0U_jGN1pPnx4OKb-NHVXmzb5M1M806yDM4Iihf0xd610d24cnu-lr93kOPpeTnUJirg/s320/wine.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703139954884035986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>Finally got my Highland Games Ale in the keg last night and force-carbonated it today. It's pretty much a Scottish Export 80/- with a tiny tweak to the hop profile. It tastes pretty hoppy, which isn't exactly what I was going for. Maybe spending the rest of the week in the keg will smooth it out.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_s8APfjR3rGnjZdCe1r3kiZHfSYf02pKBR2ZNfOhgnAQ3aWvpnXQ9RoWPrTmjSpz3P9cXr3uF6T4mDwdKK7idRTsqV0Id5mpYSVq7whyU2nedpVt9yfasVKqtEOLA1r-iL56hhSk_1g/s1600/highland+games+ale+1.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_s8APfjR3rGnjZdCe1r3kiZHfSYf02pKBR2ZNfOhgnAQ3aWvpnXQ9RoWPrTmjSpz3P9cXr3uF6T4mDwdKK7idRTsqV0Id5mpYSVq7whyU2nedpVt9yfasVKqtEOLA1r-iL56hhSk_1g/s320/highland+games+ale+1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703139948560723474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_s8APfjR3rGnjZdCe1r3kiZHfSYf02pKBR2ZNfOhgnAQ3aWvpnXQ9RoWPrTmjSpz3P9cXr3uF6T4mDwdKK7idRTsqV0Id5mpYSVq7whyU2nedpVt9yfasVKqtEOLA1r-iL56hhSk_1g/s1600/highland+games+ale+1.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJmql_2CRL7ohjypsiWlYi8ykfiQzlt97WCbP9wgqp7YjxjL55uD8ORDrj-6cv2ih4EvujvH-Jgmli7JUDE8YkLd9FDFyej2r62QTgzUxPPoDcRzd_6eW_5h774XpOUdetMrgLf1fdw/s1600/highland+games+ale+2.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJmql_2CRL7ohjypsiWlYi8ykfiQzlt97WCbP9wgqp7YjxjL55uD8ORDrj-6cv2ih4EvujvH-Jgmli7JUDE8YkLd9FDFyej2r62QTgzUxPPoDcRzd_6eW_5h774XpOUdetMrgLf1fdw/s320/highland+games+ale+2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703139948728850226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In other beer news - the kind that doesn't require work on my part - I received my first shipment from the Great American Beer Club! A free 12-pack! Ashley's dad and stepmother gave me a two-month membership for Christmas. Hopefully I will get some of these brews up for Tasting Tuesday sometime soon.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><u><br /></u></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuDKs409LtuwAV8uPRmpRgIt0zPNDf5QSqFRkf3f0aeYOflM5LNSFQoEgUf0rHcj641ztZ8GaSAQuhazw1vJq-TYEA8FjiRQTUuxwX0dajX0qcMkJt22mQfBxIy03VOsbNk9Oewtp8Q/s1600/BOTM.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuDKs409LtuwAV8uPRmpRgIt0zPNDf5QSqFRkf3f0aeYOflM5LNSFQoEgUf0rHcj641ztZ8GaSAQuhazw1vJq-TYEA8FjiRQTUuxwX0dajX0qcMkJt22mQfBxIy03VOsbNk9Oewtp8Q/s320/BOTM.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703139943004669106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-3162002334446151082012-01-24T19:29:00.007-06:002012-01-25T11:14:27.264-06:00Tasting Tuesday - Coffee Porter<div style="text-align: left;">I am pretty stoked about this review for a couple of reasons. I'm a big fan of <a href="http://realalebrewing.com/">Real Ale Brewing Company</a>, and I love malty stouts and porters. As such, I was thrilled when they released another limited run coffee porter. A lot of beer nerds around here were excited about it, and I'm certainly no exception. This brew features organic fair trade coffee from <a href="http://katzcoffee.com/">Katz's Coffee</a> and is gaining a ton of goodwill around Texas for that alone.</div><div><br />
</div><div><div><b><u>Shade Grown Coffee Porter</u></b></div><div>Real Ale Brewing Company - Blanco, TX, USA</div><div><u>Style:</u> <a href="http://www.bjcp.org/2008styles/style12.php">American Porter</a></div><div><u>ABV:</u> 5.6%</div><div><u>IBUs</u>: 40</div><div><u><br />
</u></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBLu-HEBz6Ulms0I5SGjU7brYcH3onB65XNrUESiHk33CdNiAmpLwd61kLZHJ0LtxGl5c3gBxqdGfpIHHOynZvtCBQQkE0Khh9SihUty14X1194sSeOvL_xDTawO1MWxXFuQv5UCDTg/s1600/coffee+porter+1.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBLu-HEBz6Ulms0I5SGjU7brYcH3onB65XNrUESiHk33CdNiAmpLwd61kLZHJ0LtxGl5c3gBxqdGfpIHHOynZvtCBQQkE0Khh9SihUty14X1194sSeOvL_xDTawO1MWxXFuQv5UCDTg/s400/coffee+porter+1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701381107979110802" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></a><div><u>Appearance:</u> Extremely similar to black coffee, unsurprisingly. Has a nice burgundy or ruby coloring to it that makes it really nice to look at though. Thick, rocky head - 1.5 fingers at least, which surprised me. Side note: if you don't drink this out of a mug, you are doing it wrong.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br />
</u></span></div><div><u>Aroma:</u> The coffee is front and center on the nose. What's nice is that some chocolate and brown sugar character from the malt really come through to highlight it. Almost a latté softness to it.</div><div><u><br />
</u></div><div><u>Taste:</u> Again, the coffee is the star, and with good reason. It's a rich and pleasing flavor that doesn't make the overall experience more acidic. The malts act as a perfect sweetener to the bitter coffee, and the low carbonation keeps the bite at bay nicely.</div><div><u><br />
</u></div><div><u>Mouthfeel:</u> As mentioned, the carbonation was low, but not so much as to thin out the beer. My initial impression was "silky" and I will stick with that. There is a slight astringency that doesn't quite fit in, but it's not enough to detract from the sweet-coffee-ness of it all.</div><div></div><div><u><br />
</u></div><div><u>Overall:</u> Not shockingly, this was one my favorites I have tasted recently. I love malty beers and Real Ale executes them as well as anyone. It's not the only coffee porter on the market by far, but I think it stands out because of the fresh taste and smooth blending of all the flavors. Pick up as much of this beer as you can before it goes away.</div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>Another one in the books. This is a really hard job. Follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/strengthandbeer">Twitter</a> and share your thoughts on this brew if you've been lucky enough to have it!</div><div><br />
</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvAwVGBSAo7iwtJ_bVzR3tOkM8XU7UuwGKSFRKHosz68XC-0awHia6Js2_fL2GGwfxOHZxZjNiIxqzdy-_29HjpOahjgIdcvswiKLkZLa3PeBSFkYpdjQO1k-KBuf1K6dDrRNm9srlw/s400/coffee+porter+2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701381480396119170" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-41492931777557829252012-01-17T22:47:00.004-06:002012-01-17T23:25:22.606-06:00The perfect pairing refers to our friendship<span style="text-align: left; ">Last Saturday, my buddy Luke from </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X6VoFBCE9k" style="text-align: left; ">Luke What's Cookin</a><span style="text-align: left; "> put together a wine/beer pairing dinner for our friends that were having a housewarming. We had been wanting to do it for a while, and this was a great excuse.</span><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyj1j4wGPCwQmAGxUecJhy8EMg88VQFFr_TjYqKRYJxcjGf2ibhkP7kHknSISKYl6m_eYtlH35z2Tjx2hklMg8NHYD0ld4h4qdZY_tQCNrClKrlSlPx8dSsLRuT5YL4uGa9Q6Mgw6DIA/s1600/booze.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyj1j4wGPCwQmAGxUecJhy8EMg88VQFFr_TjYqKRYJxcjGf2ibhkP7kHknSISKYl6m_eYtlH35z2Tjx2hklMg8NHYD0ld4h4qdZY_tQCNrClKrlSlPx8dSsLRuT5YL4uGa9Q6Mgw6DIA/s320/booze.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698833741838441858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Booze.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://lukewhatscookin.blogspot.com/2012/01/5courses5beers5wines.html">Luke wrote a pretty exhaustive post</a>, so I will try not to re-hash to much of it. Luke, being a very talented chef, planned and executed 5 incredible courses. My job was to pair a beer and a wine with each. Here is the menu with pairings in its entirety:</div><div><br /></div><i>Course #1: Herbed Spring Mix with Goat Cheese, Almonds, Orange<br />Beer #1: Ommegang Rouge, Flanders Red Ale, Cooperstown, NY<br />Wine #1: Verdemar Albariño, 2009, Riaz Baixas, Spain<br /><br />Course #2: Chicken and Andouille Gumbo<br />Beer #2: Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, India Pale Ale, Milton, DE<br />Wine #2: Chateau Routas Rosé, 2010, Provence, France<br /><br />Course #3: Pork Belly, Confit Tomato, Frisée<br />Beer #3: NXNW Northern Light, Pilsner, Austin, TX<br />Wine #3: Kenwood Pinot Noir, 2010, Sonoma County, CA<br /><br />Course #4: Venison Leg Roast, Potato Celeriac Purée, Roasted Squash<br />Beer #4: Chimay Premiére, Belgian Dubbel, Hainut, Belgium<br />Wine #4: Red Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008, Patterson, WA<br /><br />Course #5: Roasted Banana Semifreddo with Peanut Butter Caramel<br />Beer #5: Rahr & Sons Ugly Pug, Black Lager, Fort Worth, TX<br />Wine #5: Tott's Gold Medal Cuvée, San Joaquin Valley, CA</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I was floored by how well Luke was able to execute his cuisine. It was fun to go over each one with him and pick out minute things that might work better, but overall he really showed his talent. It was incredibly fun to try and pair drinks with his stuff. I wanted to do two things with the pairings: 1. Have the pairing of food and drink create a taste experience that doesn't exist independently in either, and 2. Use one drink to accentuate the flavors of the course and the other to subdue or soften them.</div><div><br /></div><div>I accomplished 2. a lot better than 1. and I think we can chalk that up to lack of experience. The pairings went over pretty well from what I could tell. No surprise here, but more people seemed to think the beer pairings were spot-on with the food. My take-home lesson is that I need to keep learning wine. Definitely planning to do this again though, and I think we want to expand the audience. I will keep everyone posted.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Training continues to go well, and I feel stronger than ever right now. I went out to throw this afternoon and had quite a day.</div><br />16# standing put to 30 ft<br />16# with reverse to 33 ft<br />16# spin to 35<br /><br />22# braemar to 30 ft <b>PR</b><br /><br />HWFD - 20 ft <b>PR</b><br /><br />LWFD 52 ft <b>PR</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I will take three personal records in one session. Yes, I will.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-38723937748731665952012-01-11T19:58:00.005-06:002012-01-11T22:00:28.200-06:00No, no, you throw it with a pitchfork<div style="text-align: left;">If you ever need to build a sheaf for highland games, make sure to give yourself a few days lead time.</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrjkS1IJZfR49uFWuCeUactB5TY57uCrAUCb9ULGSO68ZD5kX6Lh_kN3U78OvwbIBEjOm05aT7e-I4Q_Cc1hat0Akey_2sWC0MOtWDylJHDg0YS-la8DNOYIks37LfjcYTeWYu1wAyw/s1600/sheaf.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrjkS1IJZfR49uFWuCeUactB5TY57uCrAUCb9ULGSO68ZD5kX6Lh_kN3U78OvwbIBEjOm05aT7e-I4Q_Cc1hat0Akey_2sWC0MOtWDylJHDg0YS-la8DNOYIks37LfjcYTeWYu1wAyw/s320/sheaf.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696563128904918178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a>That's a box containing 20,000 feet of bailing twine, being stuffed into a burlap sack. Unrolling a 10,000 foot spool of that is about is exciting as you would expect it to be. Luckily Ashley brought home some<a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/143/65383"> Shiner Spring Dortmunder</a> and I got to enjoy it in my oh-so-proper glassware from Christmas. Sheaf is an event I haven't practiced at all since my last games, and the season is rapidly approaching. I had a knack for it right out of the gate in my first try at it, but I'm gonna need a lot more than 22 feet to run with the big dogs.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The next big thing for me in highland games is a clinic/get together with throwers from the region as well as the Vincent brothers (both pros). I started brewing a Scottish Ale for the occasion that I call Heavy Athletics Ale, and I think it's coming together after an initially slow start to primary fermentation. I transferred it to secondary earlier this week to get it cleared up and hopefully subdue some of the substantial hop bitterness.</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGDU2P7xV1aB2eky2-KpsrLumkrj0uv3i5MloZdyXOEQfENC7ljfVJ-5RQFVEMsmU6kaOm1A2XlFCwwB3YTbHs5hB0Z9AR59KsVsWTb8UISk806JUubpTKq_TFZKfdDulXS-JXiO9JA/s1600/scottish.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGDU2P7xV1aB2eky2-KpsrLumkrj0uv3i5MloZdyXOEQfENC7ljfVJ-5RQFVEMsmU6kaOm1A2XlFCwwB3YTbHs5hB0Z9AR59KsVsWTb8UISk806JUubpTKq_TFZKfdDulXS-JXiO9JA/s320/scottish.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696563127608213810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a><div style="text-align: left;">I am feeling pretty positive about the upcoming season. I am setting PRs in the gym as well as when I'm throwing. They are small in the great scheme of things, but I finally got the light weight for distance to fly 50 feet last week, and my open stone spin is finally catching up to my glide. Heavy weight for distance is still dismal, though.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kCf7315QvX0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div><div><br />
</div><div>Trained with Ashley this week, and had a ton of fun. Today was not my best training performance by a long shot, but at least I got in there and pushed myself. Our little guy gave us a very rough night last night, so I had a feeling it would catch up to me during deadlift. Boy was I right.</div><div><br />
</div><div><u>Push Press</u></div><div>135x5</div><div>155x5</div><div>170x5<br />
<br />
<u>Deadlift</u><br />
315x5<br />
345x5<br />
385x5x2 - I called it right there. It was horrible, and going for the 5th set would have been nothing but ego. Just didn't have gas in the tank.<br />
<br />
</div><div><u>Chins</u></div><div>10x3<br />
<br />
</div><div><u>DB Rows </u></div><div>120x10x2</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-9761215549868847852011-12-27T22:23:00.007-06:002011-12-28T00:04:43.440-06:00I mean, it's the blog title<div style="text-align: left;">I made out like a bandit on Christmas. Check it:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx59jd6vYwTtNzl5PahawdV1HrMrHHYfVSEafwF4YOmBy65U3D5bfRoibWGBthXs3e0iNG5YqOuFaEzl5eiAAFZ7wHvQ9KddS2dWCk4lQkv9h-5UOjaE5AxDTBC5UTiByeCAzaaBohqA/s1600/xmas.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx59jd6vYwTtNzl5PahawdV1HrMrHHYfVSEafwF4YOmBy65U3D5bfRoibWGBthXs3e0iNG5YqOuFaEzl5eiAAFZ7wHvQ9KddS2dWCk4lQkv9h-5UOjaE5AxDTBC5UTiByeCAzaaBohqA/s320/xmas.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691036735607060082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Glass Goodies</u></div><div>- Dallas Cowboys Mugs</div><div>- Set of Beer Glassware</div><div>- 4 Pilsner Glasses</div><div>- <a href="http://nxnwbrew.com/">NXNW</a> Growler</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Books</u></div><div>- Brew Chem 101</div><div>- Yeast</div><div>- Beers of the World</div><div>- He Said Beer, She Said Wine</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Other Goodies</u></div><div>- Subscription to a "Craft Beer of the Month" Mailing List; a 12-pack every month!</div><div>- A chalkboard tap handle</div><div><br /></div><div>I guess I should get good at making beer now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today I was right on, thematically speaking. There was strength stuff and there was beer stuff.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Squats</u></div><div>45x5</div><div>135x5</div><div>225x3</div><div>315x3</div><div>375x1 <b>10 lb. PR</b></div><div>385xF</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PNflgVEbd4Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Bench</u></div><div>45x5</div><div>135x3</div><div>185x3</div><div>225x2</div><div>260x1 <b>5 lb. PR</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><u>Barbell Good Mornings</u></div><div>135x10x3</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Weighted Dips</u></div><div>45x10, 10, 9</div><div><br /></div><div>Felt really great to break through on two lifts that have stalled for a while. I haven't mentioned it previously, but my current training is being programmed by <a href="http://thedriftalifta.blogspot.com/">Matt Vincent</a>, a former LSU track and field standout and current pro highland games thrower. Matt and I got to know each other back when I was running a previous website. Since I have taken to the highland games, he asked me to be a guinea pig for a training program tailor-made for throwers. It's simple but effective, and I can feel that the gains I'm getting are going to translate to longer throws. </div><div><br /></div><div>As much as I feel like I know about programming, I have to admit now that I'm not ready or able to do it for myself. Matt knows his shit, so I'm doing what he says.</div><div><br /></div><div>After training, I picked up the little man from daycare and started a brew day. I am doing my own take on a Scottish Ale this time around. Partial mash yet again, as I bought the ingredients before I got my 20 qt. brew pot for all-grain.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAf5UYET6Mk7Yg2EQ9OdMBAmiJ286xLBWWSVSM6dtpCxKzNAdRhEVLdtYJWe6sU-M-y-K032xlGKH4XKko1dIRL67hnN3aDJFAH6UjOOiTb1gJTTR1YITq6TDPNJ72_LTfYUHMs9Vksg/s1600/HA1.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAf5UYET6Mk7Yg2EQ9OdMBAmiJ286xLBWWSVSM6dtpCxKzNAdRhEVLdtYJWe6sU-M-y-K032xlGKH4XKko1dIRL67hnN3aDJFAH6UjOOiTb1gJTTR1YITq6TDPNJ72_LTfYUHMs9Vksg/s200/HA1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691052196310513410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdw3S7xBPMdEy9yuF3laEGT1SddTlkV2wyXxV7hnmAL7wDaXmT_ue2SD8RzbouGDFKTxbEDl7Tsjw_6bjt2tUHPo4y-Pf0NzE-JoxkxzQi3nobnU968vBTmKHu4lf1lbHD_L_44beUw/s1600/HA2.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdw3S7xBPMdEy9yuF3laEGT1SddTlkV2wyXxV7hnmAL7wDaXmT_ue2SD8RzbouGDFKTxbEDl7Tsjw_6bjt2tUHPo4y-Pf0NzE-JoxkxzQi3nobnU968vBTmKHu4lf1lbHD_L_44beUw/s200/HA2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691052192608981810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinw3_5DCV_dkLydRNY6dCW0fpboDIIu-tl-Zpm0P28Z3kGEZHpqulU80uQauMsLqnDHOvFqTj_BE2vfG0X-H_CS_z4yIRTz5H-VRd87Nckr01ZGyrrwLMzy8kxzCVdE01cWAaHFjx0qA/s1600/HA3.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinw3_5DCV_dkLydRNY6dCW0fpboDIIu-tl-Zpm0P28Z3kGEZHpqulU80uQauMsLqnDHOvFqTj_BE2vfG0X-H_CS_z4yIRTz5H-VRd87Nckr01ZGyrrwLMzy8kxzCVdE01cWAaHFjx0qA/s200/HA3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691052195968124162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6tY2RI7JDJ__MxwsTJcECZOnN1ximth9qKTuH28odo8Ubcjw5-UovXNV4XWmc6XFgEgZQwvogD5gFLrTiznBveJ-u7XMKtFQSls-6kwo_ja-j2tRL6RsgeBPbcuNXVdGEt-n4SONBg/s1600/HA4.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6tY2RI7JDJ__MxwsTJcECZOnN1ximth9qKTuH28odo8Ubcjw5-UovXNV4XWmc6XFgEgZQwvogD5gFLrTiznBveJ-u7XMKtFQSls-6kwo_ja-j2tRL6RsgeBPbcuNXVdGEt-n4SONBg/s200/HA4.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691052199586705938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>If you live in Central Texas and haven't picked up a bottle of what I'm drinking in the last pic, you are missing out. It's <a href="http://realalebrewing.com/beers/coffeeporter">Real Ale's Coffee Porter</a>. Great cold weather brew.</div><div><br /></div><div>The brew session went ok. I didn't have Ashley there to help, and I really missed the extra brain and hands. She's nice to look at, too. The only two problems were a slight sanitation slip up (tip of garden hose in cooled wort) and the wort temperature being too low at yeast pitching because how cold the damn ground water is now. Still, hoping to see bubbles soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>The biggest change I made to the Scottish Ale was the addition of .25 oz Saaz hops for aroma. I had some leftover from a failed lager, so I thought it might rein in some of the hoppiness from the Kent Gold hops. Kent Gold were 5.8% alpha acid and the Saaz was 3.5% or so. I figured by splitting the final .5 oz of hops between the two, I could mellow it out and show some malt while adding a little "USA, USA" feel to it. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://hopville.com/recipe/1042689/scottish-export-80---recipes/highland-games-ale">Check out the recipe on Hopville.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I also finished the keg of cranberry ale. RIP.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-6269474583729768992011-12-07T09:24:00.013-06:002011-12-13T11:53:18.962-06:00Tasting Tuesday - NXNW Holiday Ale<div style="text-align: left;">If you follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/strengthandbeer">Twitter</a>, it's no secret that I'm a big fan of North by Northwest. They are a brewpub with excellent cuisine and an ambitious and creative beer selection, and a true Austin original. Plus, they are on my side of town, so I visit regularly. I thought it would only be appropriate that I include one of their current seasonals in a Tasting Tuesday.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><u>Holiday Ale</u></b></div><div>North by Northwest Brewpub - Austin, TX, USA</div><div><u>Style:</u> English Barleywine</div><div><u>ABV:</u> 8~9%</div><div><u>IBUs</u>: Unknown</div><div><u><br /></u></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKUi254FD8aDOYOjJ_B7NwHnG76fRHCrA7szQanAb0uAMDx0O0bYkHu1ubbS-_BJYDIt_vwSsSqlGLxybcyOjjrZZT-KhiSSzi8X3L_BerFIw7ci7ccFybxE8srFFE8l4rJ58cuzdJg/s1600/holiday+ale.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKUi254FD8aDOYOjJ_B7NwHnG76fRHCrA7szQanAb0uAMDx0O0bYkHu1ubbS-_BJYDIt_vwSsSqlGLxybcyOjjrZZT-KhiSSzi8X3L_BerFIw7ci7ccFybxE8srFFE8l4rJ58cuzdJg/s320/holiday+ale.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683424340389618690" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a><div><u>Appearance:</u> Pours a fairly clear mahogany. Thin head with decent retention for such high ABV.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><u>Aroma:</u> Light and sweet, barley is definitely at the forefront.</div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><u>Taste:</u> Rich, warm barley sweetness with a significant nose and mouthful of alcohol. Gasoline notes appear a bit on the breathe-out.</div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><u>Mouthfeel:</u> A little thinner than your average ale, but it fits perfectly with the barleywine style. Fairly low carbonation really lets the malt sit on your palate and work its magic.</div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><u>Overall:</u> This is my first experience with any ale that is a self-proclaimed 'barleywine' and I have to say I enjoyed it thoroughly. Based on the style I was honestly expecting the warmth from the alcohol to be the feature. However, I was pleasantly surprised with how forward the malt was and how NXNW really let it define the character. The alcohol is muted enough to keep it drinkable, but also compliments the spiciness in the ale.</div><div><br /></div><div>I liked it so much, I got a fancy NXNW growler-full:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG3Vl0xrOu8efBME2rcqpQ1lExmzTO28RgM2PBXTQw-oc3WIfAwFiZbHItPQTrJy65PS4LRjEZI5yYpUi15i5h0muTP9x0Xb5dBWWfzvH4qOZnsZrzJqxmOzlr1iiuZUNmdajW8wK6g/s1600/growler.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG3Vl0xrOu8efBME2rcqpQ1lExmzTO28RgM2PBXTQw-oc3WIfAwFiZbHItPQTrJy65PS4LRjEZI5yYpUi15i5h0muTP9x0Xb5dBWWfzvH4qOZnsZrzJqxmOzlr1iiuZUNmdajW8wK6g/s320/growler.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685487423417022146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-51521359865951865732011-11-30T21:30:00.002-06:002011-11-30T21:39:28.734-06:00I take requestsNew program. Working on maximal strength in this phase.<div><br /></div><div><div><u>Warm-up:</u></div><div>5 min. treadmill</div><div>Foam Roll</div><div>Stretch</div><div>3 sets of jump rope</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Squat</u></div><div>135x5x2</div><div>225x5</div><div>255x5</div><div>275x5x3</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Bench</u></div><div>135x5</div><div>155x5</div><div>195x5x3</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Barbell Good Mornings</u></div><div>115x10x3</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Weighted Dips</u></div><div>25x10x3</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Met with the wife and kiddo and worked on my open stone for a little bit. I have a very small coach:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/C4ulpVs_1Zc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-34607129070308376802011-11-27T19:42:00.008-06:002011-11-27T23:08:32.530-06:00I bought some tights<div style="text-align: left;">Working out is just an excuse to use caffeine.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjke764sOWA5npP39YLXwUjswOM58Jiaxy_be9RE8HzoVyi-jjqKnCiIP3ikPmsqLp1sWTULr0X1SxFGiNwGM8_i12-dj5h9d1tYxPL6WLBIHTXdOeZEQnKwfIx6pxrXMBJTLh0JwWUmw/s1600/speedstack.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjke764sOWA5npP39YLXwUjswOM58Jiaxy_be9RE8HzoVyi-jjqKnCiIP3ikPmsqLp1sWTULr0X1SxFGiNwGM8_i12-dj5h9d1tYxPL6WLBIHTXdOeZEQnKwfIx6pxrXMBJTLh0JwWUmw/s320/speedstack.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679908569566817394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Push Press</u></div><div style="text-align: left;">Didn't really warm up properly, just did 3 sets at 65 lb.</div><div style="text-align: left;">115x3</div><div style="text-align: left;">135x3</div><div style="text-align: left;">155x11</div><div style="text-align: left;">205x2 - Just for fun</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I messed around a little trying to figure out where I stand in terms of push press strength. 205 was a little tough after the work sets, but still easy enough.</div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><u>1-arm DB press</u></div><div>45x10x5</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Chins (multiple grips) Superset with Cable Curl</u></div><div>5x5 / 5x12</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Weighted Dips</u></div><div>25x10, 10, 8, 6</div><div>BWx10</div><div><br /></div><div>Worked on open stone footwork. Matt Vincent had a <a href="http://bit.ly/rMppCm"> really great blog post</a> where he broke down specific positions in the spin, and I spent about 30 minutes working on hitting those at progressively faster speeds. Matso owns.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfmeL9h00EB-NxVs2c5XEg42OfhDMUk9lKUJWkbsWVRiTyLeCz5vVxHM2ud4xuDnjSyEoYcFoZW2QL3Izm_mmV3Gn747-CBU4848SLFKZDXUx_mvVSYqFZxY9eNopKFNIJvUrkUcIIA/s220/picplz+2011-08-15+14.21.05.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfmeL9h00EB-NxVs2c5XEg42OfhDMUk9lKUJWkbsWVRiTyLeCz5vVxHM2ud4xuDnjSyEoYcFoZW2QL3Izm_mmV3Gn747-CBU4848SLFKZDXUx_mvVSYqFZxY9eNopKFNIJvUrkUcIIA/s220/picplz+2011-08-15+14.21.05.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 165px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-71692885823810226752011-11-26T16:01:00.008-06:002011-11-27T22:47:01.371-06:00Goals and Turkey<div style="text-align: left;">Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. I sure did.</div><div><br /></div><div>As badly as I wanted to get my keg of cranberry blonde to the UT-Kansas State tailgate extravaganza, it just hadn't conditioned well enough to share with the masses. A couple of days after, I force-carbonated it again while my little boy played with Hot Wheels in the garage:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJglthxH7AAZtTtvP9QGl95pR1md19q-Ucze5FASQTHYAPvUiOR7KxK4ZUWEqYjMwGYSsS3SVC1GP0eKDaKFG3UHFycE6IJhiYrPS1oT2rduZWmdkvDNvk6Gi547_LB6bhty11ofkWJg/s1600/forcecarb.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJglthxH7AAZtTtvP9QGl95pR1md19q-Ucze5FASQTHYAPvUiOR7KxK4ZUWEqYjMwGYSsS3SVC1GP0eKDaKFG3UHFycE6IJhiYrPS1oT2rduZWmdkvDNvk6Gi547_LB6bhty11ofkWJg/s320/forcecarb.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679429005099327106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After this round it really came together and has become more and more enjoyable every day. It was ready for Thanksgiving, and it was cool to be able to share my hobby with the family. Of course, I drank most of it myself but that's the beauty of brewing your own. I still have a few pints left, so of course I am pushing the beer on everyone that comes over so they can bask in my brewing genius.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am considering throwing together a <a href="http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/beer/an-exceptional-family-of-beers/seasonal/christmas-ale">Great Lakes Christmas Ale</a> clone this weekend. All grain, baby. If you've never had this stuff, I highly recommend it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Early in the week, Ashley's family was in town. Her dad is a brilliant guy, and I always like getting to spend time with him. He is a wine and coffee-lover, and shockingly I didn't get any time to discuss brewing with him. Nonetheless, he made his famous gravy and there was much rejoicing. We went out to eat most nights other than Thanksgiving, and the first night out was family-style Chinese. I consider family-style dining to be a competition, FYI.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrD6MR9TSlxJTQbEvgcpRRH1v1EYDAivQ1cGmO38-MruIyt9t8BxLhm5vzLeWmVCZBiCDxtTVlyt2utj22FlqGwxdrjNElmasQexDksBwZkWH__hktYjRvXdXHxFpVQp-Cd4awdmTHw/s1600/famstyle.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrD6MR9TSlxJTQbEvgcpRRH1v1EYDAivQ1cGmO38-MruIyt9t8BxLhm5vzLeWmVCZBiCDxtTVlyt2utj22FlqGwxdrjNElmasQexDksBwZkWH__hktYjRvXdXHxFpVQp-Cd4awdmTHw/s320/famstyle.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679432218788424754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My brother and his girlfriend came in late Tuesday night. He brought some early birthday presents for his nephew, and oh man did he make an impression: tee-ball set, baseball glove, soccer goal, soccer ball, football, basketball hoop and plenty more small gifts. I think he sees being an uncle as a competition, and who are we to argue?</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVj-7iNIHmgsfvdGKyXFvOkmr7-LAl6OM_cM4mT_K-zhQZlOCatSzg3oZTaR3gWdkmcceIa-3i9tAi1I89dCWYjM02xa1DCm4xASIjJJ1omERGF60agAX0Zrj4I4uSLHCB6Aaj0kc5g/s1600/newbat.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVj-7iNIHmgsfvdGKyXFvOkmr7-LAl6OM_cM4mT_K-zhQZlOCatSzg3oZTaR3gWdkmcceIa-3i9tAi1I89dCWYjM02xa1DCm4xASIjJJ1omERGF60agAX0Zrj4I4uSLHCB6Aaj0kc5g/s320/newbat.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679432874134190722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We actually had our Turkey Day on Wednesday since Ashley was scheduled to work on Thanksgiving day. Thursday was tons of outdoor fun with my brother and little guy. We even went to a park and I took some highland games implements to show off with. Actually, I wanted to get my brother's input on my throwing since he has a unique perspective. While he has never done highland games, he did play three years in the Major Leagues as a starting pitcher. He is one of the best natural athletes I have ever known, and I think it's safe to say he knows a thing or two about rotational power. Unsurprisingly, he had some good insight. I hope I can translate some of that into more distance.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone headed home on Friday. The only problem I was left with was cleaning up leftovers and finishing off a keg of cranberry blonde. First world problems.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePKRcCmMkeD6OLQiuUAC1LUAslzEcMRQMMkc5VKK1vmXVDnrZlQg_qGyqHCsPQE7P1Rfjhe35kNmPbPDrRME_BOuOi5c1kfzGtC1gqJpYzxgSDsdnM7makmmuKCSiSlX7mnwZ7vdR2w/s1600/leftover.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePKRcCmMkeD6OLQiuUAC1LUAslzEcMRQMMkc5VKK1vmXVDnrZlQg_qGyqHCsPQE7P1Rfjhe35kNmPbPDrRME_BOuOi5c1kfzGtC1gqJpYzxgSDsdnM7makmmuKCSiSlX7mnwZ7vdR2w/s320/leftover.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679435992721649730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-78088849542833144112011-11-18T22:05:00.004-06:002011-11-18T22:32:59.759-06:00Scavenging for Gains<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig77St7Ep_ELOYMT8NwnooadNJIjmlefuiG5RGVys1vL3JRcsT0nh4ZoybKSf2KKtJun-UwDCHfx5jFyiGzh_q7_RW_vQUbAjG293PNwejtWwJuWD0Gu1TOPVxbXIUXkIHrbEguSJjSg/s1600/san+gabriel.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig77St7Ep_ELOYMT8NwnooadNJIjmlefuiG5RGVys1vL3JRcsT0nh4ZoybKSf2KKtJun-UwDCHfx5jFyiGzh_q7_RW_vQUbAjG293PNwejtWwJuWD0Gu1TOPVxbXIUXkIHrbEguSJjSg/s200/san+gabriel.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676558654634432914" /></a>Before I trained today I drove about 10 miles north of my house to the San Gabriel River. I parked illegally by the shore and walked out into a dried up portion with a bathroom scale under my arm. I was looking for stones. Not just any stones - stones that I could balance in my hand and throw. I have an obsession, I admit it. Found a decent 22 lb. stone and a few good open stone candidates. I love Texas, but it's not the best destination for finding suitable stones for highland games. Any piece of limestone that weighs over 10 lb. is approximately the size of a basketball.<div><br /></div><div>Slammed my energy drink and headed to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lords-Gym/209397879093574">Lord's Gym.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Deadlift</u></div><div>Warm up 135x10x2</div><div>285x5</div><div>325x5</div><div>365x5</div><div><br /></div><div>Felt a little stiff-legged from squats earlier this week, but good overall. Bar was moving quickly enough.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>High Pulls</u></div><div>135x5x5</div><div><br /></div><div>Felt a little uncomfortable with these. Honestly can't remember the last time I ever did them. Started clicking by the last set, which was the one I filmed.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>DB Swings</u> (no KBs at this gym)</div><div>50x20x3</div><div><br /></div><div><u>100-Foot Carry Medley - Farmer's Walk / Hydrant Carry</u></div><div>4 trips</div><div><br /></div><div>Threw my new 22 lb. stone a little. The handle is a little strange, and the wrist wrap exacerbates that problem. I had decent tosses with a couple of different hand positions though.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/80z2OPUHBg4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cale, the owner of Lord's stopped by right as I was finishing up. We had a great conversation about the future of the place and what we want to do there. A lot of potential and a big gaping hole in terms of strength facilities around here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I really want to take my cranberry ale to my buddy's tailgate for the UT Football game tomorrow morning, but it still tastes so flat and thin. Gonna try to force carbonate it one more time tonight and see what I get.</div><div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-46584115347465413872011-11-15T18:13:00.007-06:002011-11-15T23:11:03.625-06:00Salado Tossing<div style="text-align: left;">Saturday was my 2nd ever Highland Games, which took place at the 50th Annual Salado Gathering of the Clans. It was a really impressive event and you could really learn a ton about the amazing amount of Scottish tradition in Central Texas. Great shops too - I took the opportunity to upgrade my highland games outfit with a little Longhorn flair.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMf14P9OSVmRt1_mCWIs5ExbSnbpCYlqjGWZh3x8PylblywYispuxJsqLuh4WzRY060kQqApG1bsg_PcqM625pL96TBY0mQYMiZrFk9UGU4ZnHRvLXF6Pc0w0IyH1lHQzz0C0JLSQcw/s1600/flashes.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMf14P9OSVmRt1_mCWIs5ExbSnbpCYlqjGWZh3x8PylblywYispuxJsqLuh4WzRY060kQqApG1bsg_PcqM625pL96TBY0mQYMiZrFk9UGU4ZnHRvLXF6Pc0w0IyH1lHQzz0C0JLSQcw/s320/flashes.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675450488225825858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Since I wear the tartan of my wife's clan on my kilt, I felt compelled to stop by their tent as well:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEHhCz7H1AhJ25lMYXg3IhOyHt-29KDJyz6B7GnQaqH8DhkvtYcaRacD9NtXrP1qftteIwgSxe9MO9H7sOedc8CpFiVUf-PDMzQama48LnjRN9DfUw56NXTJ3BLit5x-DPLKdvr-30w/s1600/henderson.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEHhCz7H1AhJ25lMYXg3IhOyHt-29KDJyz6B7GnQaqH8DhkvtYcaRacD9NtXrP1qftteIwgSxe9MO9H7sOedc8CpFiVUf-PDMzQama48LnjRN9DfUw56NXTJ3BLit5x-DPLKdvr-30w/s320/henderson.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675450500616963122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>The competition itself was very well-run. The field and the crowd were both great as well. Dave Boyens was the Athletic Director for these games, and he did a stellar job. He was a genuinely fun guy to hang out with and his whole team really seem to love what they do. I will spoil the ending and say that I performed much better than I was expecting. I am very pleased with my finish. Before I get into the particulars, though, I feel like I should address something that my brilliant wife pointed out:</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Not everyone reading this blog really knows what the heck Highland Games are.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even if you do know what they are, odds are that unless you have competed you don't know the ins and outs. It's okay; this is called "being a normal person." I will take this opportunity to give a quick 1-sentence description of each event so when I blabber on about them at least you can get a mental picture. If that sounds unbearable, I don't blame you. For that reason I will also provide you a link to the official rules of <a href="http://www.nasgaweb.com/rules.asp">North American Scottish Games Athletics</a>. That way, if you want more information on how it works, you can get it from people that know what the hell they are talking about. There's also <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highland_games">Wikipedia</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Highland Games, or Scottish Heavy Athletics is a thousands-of-years-old sport that is the result of Scotsmen daring each other to throw heavy things to see who could fling it the farthest. It has an amazingly rich tradition and was even a precursor and inspiration to the modern Olympics.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Braemar Stone:</u> A stone of 20-26 lb. is "put" from a standing position like a modern shot put for distance; no run up or spinning allowed.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Open Stone:</u> Even more like the modern shot put, a stone of 16-22 lb. is thrown in any style desired so long as the stone is "put" i.e., kept against the neck until release.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Light Weight/Heavy Weight For Distance:</u> A 28 lb. or 56 lb. weight, usually attached to a metal handle with a chance, is thrown using any technique desired.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Weight Over Bar:</u> A 56 lb. weight is thrown over a high-jump style bar that can be raised as the attempts get higher.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Sheaf Toss:</u> An implement meant to approximate a bale of hay is thrown for height using a pitchfork.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Hammer Toss:</u> A 16 lb. or 22 lb. hammer is thrown from a standing position for distance.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Caber:</u> A log or pole that is wider on one end than the other is hoisted by the competitor and tossed; scoring is done by relating the landing position of the turned caber to a clock, with 12 o'clock being perfect. If the caber isn't turned, the angle the caber reached in the attempt is judged (but turning it always outscores not turning it).</div><div><br /></div><div>Got all that? Great job, everyone. Here's how I did in Salado (the order of the events is just as it was on Saturday):</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Weight Over Bar</u> - 10 feet</div><div>First time I had thrown the 56 lb. weight for this event. I was just happy to get into double digits to be honest. I had the height on 2 of my 3 attempts at 11 feet, but I just couldn't line them up right.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Sheaf</u> - 22 feet</div><div>Incredibly happy with this result. The best throws of the day were 24 and 26 feet, and to come in as a newbie who had never even attempted the sheaf toss before, I was really amazed with how well I did. </div><div><br /></div><div><u>Braemar (24#)</u> - 27 feet, 5.5" inches</div><div>Another result I was happy with. 2nd best throw of the day. While not technically a PR, the stone was 3 pounds heavier than the stone I threw 28'1" last week.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>LWFD</u> - 47 feet, 1 inch (PR)</div><div>It's a PR, yeah, but still a lot of work to do on this event.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>HWFD</u> - 16 feet, 5 inches</div><div>Both weight for distance events are still a glaring weakness, but the heavy weight really gives me problems</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Hammer (22#)</u> - 54 feet</div><div>First time throwing a real hammer, but I have practiced the movement. I managed 3rd place with this throw somehow, but I was throwing 65 feet in practice consistently right before we started. Damn it.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Caber (16'6", 120 lb.)</u> - 70 degrees</div><div>No one turned this caber. It wasn't really the weight or the height that made it hard, but the way the taper was cut at the bottom. I picked it well twice, but it was hard to keep it solidly planted in your hands. I threw it to 70 degrees twice, but honestly I think I had a little more than that on the second one. Bonus phallic imagery (yes that's me):</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3On8ZfLVp_dvErgQnU3lTp01Dk84sMWIYdgTA5uz9zsXNyrMkxOAPa8cqfpYncEDVBxTO_W-fnOTBWIuJwkAVw-RpcZGMnxHl5XEryC_bF4w6hqdDOFXO3L3MWuoStUItskpDe18ew/s1600/mb+caber.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3On8ZfLVp_dvErgQnU3lTp01Dk84sMWIYdgTA5uz9zsXNyrMkxOAPa8cqfpYncEDVBxTO_W-fnOTBWIuJwkAVw-RpcZGMnxHl5XEryC_bF4w6hqdDOFXO3L3MWuoStUItskpDe18ew/s320/mb+caber.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675453607668638242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When it was all said and done, I came in 3rd place in the Open class! I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty excited about that. This isnt like a powerlifting trophy that I got because I was the only one with my weight class, age range, division, veteran status, blood type and eye color - I actually won it against serious competition. Oh, and I got the requisite nerdy, strength sports hardware to prove it too:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOO65SsK0xno5EkuSqwM4lHzKYgnsiYLxRoPs9pnzB2qP3vhDWBL5QGBNufGXGzifpt_fUTK0hE03S1bhaqNof4zLJBeD9zkzEGVxTMiH_8k25LsvR80es8Pl127ZVzMwATVeVsOs9g/s1600/knife.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOO65SsK0xno5EkuSqwM4lHzKYgnsiYLxRoPs9pnzB2qP3vhDWBL5QGBNufGXGzifpt_fUTK0hE03S1bhaqNof4zLJBeD9zkzEGVxTMiH_8k25LsvR80es8Pl127ZVzMwATVeVsOs9g/s320/knife.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675450624152419570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Kevin, our 1st place winner, is an awesome guy I met at the Austin Celtic Festival. He is over 40 and was really thrilled to win 1st in an open. The guy that edged me out for 2nd place was a 6'11" monster by the name of Rebel. Here he is tossing the weight over bar:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4riSgVy3pgVi1LdEIcl8DGKO_HqfwFB9gssPd0pudqf7KakMZxmxtFuqP5aWhskqFvUheWWcJfQdslxVblzRQ2CE6RHkS1C1yrR8HWH_r3kAvRF01JoLlITtndYpHJK7ViecQTCR-w/s1600/rebel+wob.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4riSgVy3pgVi1LdEIcl8DGKO_HqfwFB9gssPd0pudqf7KakMZxmxtFuqP5aWhskqFvUheWWcJfQdslxVblzRQ2CE6RHkS1C1yrR8HWH_r3kAvRF01JoLlITtndYpHJK7ViecQTCR-w/s320/rebel+wob.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675450512852865650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After the games finished up, I hit the up the refreshment stand...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqyxPVEbBmdD3_GBjr8aAhH6O7KgeTNOtEWM1qACmndbXFXRBaqXGw_OJTDFMpTHesw9cbSACy2JYzVS0B1AmycYPTchgoYJvyLWNvR4lKDc5PB_tGksSoK41wLwYHrnc0erM9vEMeg/s1600/guinness.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqyxPVEbBmdD3_GBjr8aAhH6O7KgeTNOtEWM1qACmndbXFXRBaqXGw_OJTDFMpTHesw9cbSACy2JYzVS0B1AmycYPTchgoYJvyLWNvR4lKDc5PB_tGksSoK41wLwYHrnc0erM9vEMeg/s320/guinness.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675450493895350338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...and took some pictures with the other winners. Please note the enormousness of the man next to me:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UnleOYrWDf-EG8jkTRlWr-jVBDTQ76aEaOmrfO3jV7IS5Fet6herVcfynK5xrYAgSnKY0odHIiJTu0XBP79JD5ItmeZut976dwbJoFreXSjQ4d-1MPZX79crM6pZppWlBZYRPCRIbQ/s1600/open+winners.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UnleOYrWDf-EG8jkTRlWr-jVBDTQ76aEaOmrfO3jV7IS5Fet6herVcfynK5xrYAgSnKY0odHIiJTu0XBP79JD5ItmeZut976dwbJoFreXSjQ4d-1MPZX79crM6pZppWlBZYRPCRIbQ/s320/open+winners.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675453604076154882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-46486678505560841842011-11-11T08:10:00.008-06:002011-11-11T13:29:53.630-06:00oh, stone!<div style="text-align: left;">Wrapping up a pretty cool week here, not gonna lie to you.</div><div><br /></div><div>After the Austin Celtic Festival last week I kept training like a madman all week. I am obsessed with learning these throws. I lifted three times this week and threw four times, and I am definitely feeling it today. I am debating whether or not I am going to compete at the <a href="http://www.ctam-salado.org/Gathering/Gathering.htm">Salado Gathering of the Clans</a> tomorrow. It certainly couldn't hurt to get more experience in real games, but I also have a ton of work to do in order to be any good at this sport. My weight for distance throws are pretty dismal, and I'm still underweight from powerlifting at 198 lb. Plus, I just decided to start using the spin to throw the open stone, so I have to figure that out before the distance really comes.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z4w-KjJKYak" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I finally took the plunge on getting set up to keg my home brew. Stopped by the best homebrew supply store on the planet and picked up a 5 gal. cornelius keg, a 5 lb. CO2 tank and a regulator. I had them walk me through the entire kegging process there in the store. I told them "explain it to me like an idiot." I said this because I am actually an idiot.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7aPMQedIpXQvEOT4GfNFFNVSzENxlglDSKBXZXC8jwTLEhAnQhyReNSSP2r5cbzjuLSo8N5e5dMIXeGr-SL09R74YSXYcyYM7NaHUvrctWtElI-va4N_AsxGadztHXpyhu3XsZLjvw/s1600/corny.JPG" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7aPMQedIpXQvEOT4GfNFFNVSzENxlglDSKBXZXC8jwTLEhAnQhyReNSSP2r5cbzjuLSo8N5e5dMIXeGr-SL09R74YSXYcyYM7NaHUvrctWtElI-va4N_AsxGadztHXpyhu3XsZLjvw/s320/corny.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673748409533294898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully I can get my cranberry blonde ale in the keg today. I pulled out a sample of it for a gravity reading and a taste a couple days ago, and overall it's drinkable. The cranberry hasn't come through exactly how I wanted - more of the bitter skin taste and not as much of the tart fruitiness. I a hoping a little acid blend and a touch of corn sugar in the keg will help to even it out. As always, time is usually what settles out any weird flavors, but I really wanted this to be ready for tailgating the UT-Kansas State game on November 19. At the very least I hope it's good to go by Thanksgiving.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrxxy5ro9KzAHSZ8lEo43rpwrseuiJwchu_MrXggx95EgZ2t4t-TL020IXZQmHEb1BrGpFYMFzkiYRqqZncIzsIwOaL0pgVfoTh_rFyE100QIrUSwhbtsjmxf8-VZnORk7TM_XQCEzw/s1600/cran+ale.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrxxy5ro9KzAHSZ8lEo43rpwrseuiJwchu_MrXggx95EgZ2t4t-TL020IXZQmHEb1BrGpFYMFzkiYRqqZncIzsIwOaL0pgVfoTh_rFyE100QIrUSwhbtsjmxf8-VZnORk7TM_XQCEzw/s320/cran+ale.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673750684277085378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The most important thing that happened this week though? My wonderful wife Ashley's birthday! Since I have known her, every time we have seen one of those inflatable bouncy castles she has said something like "It would be so fun to rent one of those! I love them!" So, I obliged:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSouNpJngFg_FbrbWkO3LeZq-myt1naJeNia3A5L0anka8lv2IBCgd5blCVMjiHyPyowhJVPcZjk6zRhggA3o3Oak-oqE8SOy3dyuI6LAkA7vzldzcji-i9B5audrvrn8_NnWCKxllTg/s1600/ashley+bounce.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSouNpJngFg_FbrbWkO3LeZq-myt1naJeNia3A5L0anka8lv2IBCgd5blCVMjiHyPyowhJVPcZjk6zRhggA3o3Oak-oqE8SOy3dyuI6LAkA7vzldzcji-i9B5audrvrn8_NnWCKxllTg/s320/ashley+bounce.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673753767975185618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div><div>Someone else had a pretty good time too:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdIymbUWXkVDC7X6j3HUKa8jhg0gBj2-uZRxuH0GVMy2YErwHUOX8kXdWDv6s9YHXNpOJQ0p9BpuQLrI_aucdL4dWvidFChXeoD3gyJddMUyllV_61XphK6H97hfpA0mkh0D2trr8VA/s1600/evan+bounce.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdIymbUWXkVDC7X6j3HUKa8jhg0gBj2-uZRxuH0GVMy2YErwHUOX8kXdWDv6s9YHXNpOJQ0p9BpuQLrI_aucdL4dWvidFChXeoD3gyJddMUyllV_61XphK6H97hfpA0mkh0D2trr8VA/s320/evan+bounce.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673753772573068866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div><div>Ashley had a great time and really loved her gifts. The one I was most apprehensive about was the shoe rack I built. She had some terrible, crappy shoe rack for ages that fell apart every time she touched it, so I knew I had to do something. I figured I would try my hand at carpentry, and it actually turned out okay. Because all of her shoes don't quite fit on it, we decided I could get some more practice by building another one; maybe combined with some more shelving. MAYBE IT COULD HAVE A KEG AND TAP HANDLES AND....oh.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway - if you read this, honey: I love you and will build you all the shoe racks your heart desires until death do us part.</div><div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-43665993151083594252011-11-06T17:29:00.008-06:002011-11-06T22:57:37.359-06:00and now i'm eating twice as much<div style="text-align: left;">Saturday was my first Highland/Scottish Heavy Games at the <a href="http://www.austincelticfestival.com/index.html" style="text-align: left; ">Austin Celtic Festival</a>. As I have been telling anyone that will listen, I am completely hooked now and this will be my focus in training. The idea of throwing heavy things clicked with me as soon as I tried it, and some of the techniques felt natural right off the bat.</div><div><br /></div><div>I got to practice for a couple of hours last week with Mike Baab, the organizer and host of the games and one hell of an athlete himself. If you didn't already know, Mike was an outstanding center for the Texas Longhorns and had a long NFL career as well. He is also an incredibly nice guy and a great ambassador for the heavy games. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZxjUXKOov2rO4juxUd-nlaLiyn1HKf8-TnO_3FpWzfIvCeVWVeSgTIymuFqhJmC8j6sBFDUNiQh3Du0BFj-r1iToRYBzKiX2bQC35ILRgCiQco5DMyNsNV45-ivqkjskPsGnt4FPpw/s1600/baab.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZxjUXKOov2rO4juxUd-nlaLiyn1HKf8-TnO_3FpWzfIvCeVWVeSgTIymuFqhJmC8j6sBFDUNiQh3Du0BFj-r1iToRYBzKiX2bQC35ILRgCiQco5DMyNsNV45-ivqkjskPsGnt4FPpw/s320/baab.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672079147263514258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>By the time the real thing came around, I was very happy that I had taken the time to handle some of the implements and learn the rules. It could have been pretty embarrassing to step out there completely unprepared, although we did have a guy do that and he turned out alright. I had also spent a great deal of my spare time in the last week building my own implements and practicing at Lord's Gym up the street from me; I really didn't want to fall on my face my first time out.</div><div><br /></div><div>We started at 9:00 AM with a rules primer and we were throwing the braemar by 10:00. The stone they used was 21 pounds, and I had been practicing with 24, so lucky me. My first attempt ended up being my best, and even though I tried to crank it up for the third attempt my form just fell apart. Oh well.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Braemar - 28 feet, 1 inch</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Next up was open stone. I decided to take a conservative shuffle on my first attempt, glide on the second, then go for broke with a full spin on the last. Again, my first attempt was solid, then I proceeded to throw about 3 feet shorter with a glide. I decided to forgo the spin and just try to shuffle again with more "umph," but it fell short. First throw was a winner again.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Open Stone - 36 feet, 2 inches</i></div><div><br /></div><div>While I was comfortable with the stone puts, I haven't really mastered the weight-for-distance throws yet. It showed. First of these two throws was heavy weight for distance. Since I was in the novice class I got to throw the 42 lb. weight instead of the normal 56 lb. It didn't honestly make that much difference though.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>HWFD - 17 feet, 7 inche</i>s</div><div><br /></div><div>Light weight for distance I could obviously muscle a little further, but it was still ugly. Just went with a single spin, same as HWFD.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>LWFD - 36 feet, 8.5 inches</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is Mike Baab throwing the LWFD the correct way:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ldV9-MMmbhI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>After LWFD we took a long break during which we got lunch and Mike did the kid's games. Extremely cute. Can't wait until my little man is old enough to try. After the break was the caber, which is always a crowd favorite. A group of at least a few hundred was on hand to witness the log-flipping madness. I fueled up with a sheperd's pie and hit the field.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffx72pNuz6_VqTV3sdaY4rAwMptqLh0bN1HS0I9yQe3Gh_sY-JmcjQGALNM2csHTIJZHt7rskVcLr8RS-OE6Jdkte9dDLyTMQM5FCk_xTbU6ame37USgyG3TQosoGNr5WTM-TGsISWQ/s1600/shepherds+pie.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffx72pNuz6_VqTV3sdaY4rAwMptqLh0bN1HS0I9yQe3Gh_sY-JmcjQGALNM2csHTIJZHt7rskVcLr8RS-OE6Jdkte9dDLyTMQM5FCk_xTbU6ame37USgyG3TQosoGNr5WTM-TGsISWQ/s320/shepherds+pie.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672079144389139906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There were four cabers on hand, each increasing in difficulty. Our group only got to 3 of them, and only the strongest guys turned the 3rd. My results were pretty unexpected considering I had never turned the 2nd one in practice.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Caber Toss</i></div><div>1st caber - 12:00</div><div>2nd caber - 11:55 (only novice to turn it)</div><div>3rd caber - hahaha no</div><div><br /></div><div>I was fired up when I turned that 2nd caber. The crowd was into it as well since Mike told them this was my first games. Big roar from me, big cheer from everyone. Awesome. As if I needed more ego stroking. Best part though? My 2-year old boy and my wife got to see me do it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Final event of the day was weight over bar. I felt really good about this event after practicing only a couple of times before we started. I didn't practice it all before the games, but I think it plays into some of my strengths. Plus, I was again throwing the 42 lb. instead of the 56 lb. weight. Here is some video of my successful 10-foot attempt (make sure sound is on for maximum adorable levels):</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2nggUSWpWXM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>The biggest mistake I made was not listening to Mike and coming in too fast. I started at 9 feet, which meant I would have to attempt every height afterwards until I failed. I realized the wisdom of Mike's advice when I threw the damn thing 14 feet high on my 9-foot attempt. I finished with a best of 13 feet, but I know I could have had 14 if I paced myself and actually learned how to set up for the event.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Weight Over Bar - 13 feet</i></div><div><br /></div><div>The games took place over two days, and as it turns out a lot of the big throwers came on Sunday. The biggest was Andy Vincent, a pro strongman and a buddy of mine from back when I was running a fitness competition website called Now You Try. We had never gotten to meet in person so I took the opportunity to shake hands and chat for a bit. Awesome guy, great athlete and extremely fun to watch. Andy also has pro football experience, so his feet move amazingly quick for such a big man. Check it:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Cwt6TmWxGJU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>As I sit here typing, I don't know the results of the games but Andy looked like he was on a good pace to win. I am definitely pulling for him. Andy's attitude and everyone else's at these games typifies exactly what I love about strength sports, especially highland and strongman. At the end of the day, we are really competing against our own best performances. We may win prizes based on how the numbers play out, but we aren't usually "gunning" for each other (unless it gets tight or the stakes are high). All the guys this weekend were incredibly supportive, willing to help the newbies and overall were light-hearted and genuinely enjoyed themselves. Powerlifting has a lot this too, but also it has a little bit of a problem with taking itself to seriously. Conversely, that's pretty much impossible to do when you are wearing a kilt and throwing rocks someone found while bagpipes are playing. </div><div><br /></div><div>That, among many reasons is why I think I have finally found a real home with the heavy games. I will keep competing in anything that comes my way, but I have a burning desire to get very, very good at this.</div><div><br /></div><div>I came away with a few notes for myself after the experience:</div><div><br /></div><div>- Need cooler socks.</div><div>- Need tacky (sticky tar, basically) to train with on caber.</div><div>- Time to gain weight back. Get to 225 lb. at least. Grub time.</div><div>- Gotta incorporate more olympic lifting.</div><div>- Must master the spin for weight for distance. Stepping stone to a lot of the other events.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not much in beer news this week. I wanted to bottle my cranberry ale today but I was A) sore as hell and B) thinking I don't want to bottle it at all and just take the plunge into kegging. Added to all of that, my son was sick for the past couple of days. With Ashley working today I wasn't about to leave him alone to run to the brew store. Probably the coolest thing beer-related this week was my buddy Aaron sending me some beer nerd log books by <a href="http://www.33beers.com/">33 beers.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnX_5wU_ogb0eDunW3B591j9FDIqSTLM0o0OGnbw8jMJ1GNw3Z7wJdbqH5UoJqInzAgOa4EPb0js548bBcYkxhjqEToI2VITpV1QCMcWo6QppvmncFRlr99-zN8fPVWQkxv1K4KMKESA/s1600/33.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnX_5wU_ogb0eDunW3B591j9FDIqSTLM0o0OGnbw8jMJ1GNw3Z7wJdbqH5UoJqInzAgOa4EPb0js548bBcYkxhjqEToI2VITpV1QCMcWo6QppvmncFRlr99-zN8fPVWQkxv1K4KMKESA/s320/33.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672079152048922130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Life is pretty neat. What cabers do to my lilly-white, crepe paper skin is not so neat. I look like a raccoon attacked my neck and shoulder.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57235540799504413.post-32388376097929542942011-11-01T22:23:00.003-05:002011-11-01T22:31:19.861-05:00stick flippahOh yeah, I also trained today.<br /><br /><u>Squats</u><br />45x10<br />135x10<br />215x5<br />245x5<br />275x5<br /><br /><u>Kettlebell Swings (with a dumbbell)</u><br />50x12x4<br /><br /><u>5 caber flips with 16' 4x4</u><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lB7e552SbUQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /><u>5 open stone throws with 16 lb.</u><br />With a shuffle step I hit 31 feet. I spun for 33 feet. Not a lot of difference yet, really.<br /><br /><u>5 braemar throws with 24 lb.</u><br />Didn't measure<br /><br /><u>3 hammer throws with 20 lb. hammer</u><br />41, 41, and 45 feetAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15193397150035347758noreply@blogger.com0