So, I was looking for big things from this show, as I have radically changed my entire training regimen up so as to get "stronger' instead of the conditioned and speed athelete I have been up to now. At the same time, I was tentative going into the show, as I broke my foot in a wicked sweet skateboarding accident about 4 weeks ago (go ahead and get the laughs out of the way).

1st event - 315 axle clean and press for reps 60 secs (clean every rep) - I originally was going to try the over under straight clean method I have been training with, but in warm-ups I missed a 305, so I just decided to play it safe and go with the continental until I am more sure of the other way. I started out and actually felt good even without being able to fully push-press like I am used to. I have been training my strict press a lot, so I ended up with a solid 5 reps. I am very happy with this, as pressing has been one of my weakness and this was good enough for mid-pack, so hopefully more work will put me up top soon!

2nd event - Max Deadlift 3 attempts must pick pre-chosen weights - I was very excited for this event, as I have been training my deadlift EXTREMELY hard. I wanted to pull as little as possible so I went ahead and opened up with 755 and smashed it easy. My next available jump was either 795 or 815 and I wasn't sure on the 815 so I went with the 795 and pulled it pretty solidly. Bergmann had pulled 815 on his second attempt so the only way to beat him was to "leap frog" him on my 3rd attempt, but the only available jumps were 815 or 855, and 855 scared me, so I shot for the 815, pulled it and tied for 2nd with Cervenka, who made the 815 look easier than mine but not quite as easy as Bergman's.

3rd event - 930lb Yoke 65ft(?) - I was dreading this event the most since this is what has been giving my foot the most trouble, but I went out and finished the yoke without any drops but in a very slow time for me. Yoke is usually one of my better events but I finished low in the pack on this day. I'm not sure anyone could've touched Bergman's speed on this event...he was incredible.

4th event - Block Load and Chain Drag (275, 295, 315 blocks 40ft/pc, 700lb chain 50ft) - This was a FREAKING BRUTAL medley! It was the 4th event and it was hot outside which made it even more difficult. I started out and my wind actually held up pretty good considering I have been doing less and less "cardio events" in an effort to improve my "strength". I put up a decent time, but was not good enough to hang with Big Tom on this one - his chain drag was ridiculous, it was like he was carrying a toy! A big props to Matty Parkes who was one of 3 guys to finish. Matty has improved his conditioning so much it's unreal.

5th event 365 stone over 52' bar for reps - I started out with too much tacky and bobbled the first stone but got into my groove and ended up loading 6 reps. By this time my back was fried! I felt good about my reps until I saw Big Tom step up and one motion 8 reps!!!!