There is a StrongFirst Tactical Strength Challenge in Marietta Square on 4 October and I have decided to compete as a Novice. The challenge includes a max dead lift, maximum number of snatches in 5 minutes, and maximum number of overhand grip pull-ups. I have not dead lifted since January of 2013, but  will get into a gym and figure out the neighborhood of my max before competition.

Committing to the competition has energized my training, but I am not allowing myself to train more than about 30 minutes per day. I like how long I have gone without an injury and don’t want to mess that up now.

At 57 years old, I could compete in the Masters Open Class, but that would require snatching the 24 kg kettlebell. I just moved up to the 20 kg kettlebell a few weeks ago and can’t risk snatching more than 3 days per week in practice with the 20 kg bell. This week I have settled into snatching on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and taking a break on Tuesday and Thursday by doing cleans and presses instead. So I will be a 57 year old novice at the competition.

I had stopped doing pull-ups to spare strain on my shoulders more than one year ago. I started a few weeks ago doing one pull-up with each workout and have moved up to doing one rep four times lately. Soon I will work on doubles, but didn’t try this week.

I can’t tell if the strain I am feeling in my chest/gut area is from snatches or pull-ups. The feeling is not painful, but noticeable enough that I am giving myself Tuesdays and Thursdays as a break from snatches. It is taking me about 5 minutes to complete 60 snatches.

My current training program (5 days per week)

Prying goblet squats
16 kg kettlebell – 3 x 5 = 15 reps, 525 pounds

Goblet squat curls
16 kg kettlebell –3 x 5 = 15 reps, 525 pounds

Halos: 12 kg kettlebell – 3 x 10 = 30 reps, 780 pounds

Snatches MWF
20 kg kettlebell – 5 L/R x 6 = 60 reps, 2640 pounds

Double clean and presses TTh
16 kg kettlebells – 1,2,3 ladders = 24 reps, 1680 pounds OR

Get-ups TTh
16 kg kettlebell – 5 x 1 L/R = 10 reps, 350 pounds

Two-handed swings
24 kg kettlebell – 10 x 10 = 100 reps, 5600 pounds

Pullup – 4 x 1 = 4 reps