Going into Taper week- IronBell Challenge

Finished the week on a good note doing test sets at Reebok Sports Club NYC on 6/6/14. I tested with the 28s in Biathlon. I did 7 minutes in each lift. I hit 53 reps in Jerk and 49/50 in Snatch. Snatch wasn't my best set because a couple days before I did a killer snatch workout with the 28 and 24kg bell. So going into this week I'll be preparing for the Iron Bell Challenge in Warren NJ. Its another attempt to do my best with the 28s and make CMS! The new rankings by the AKA for biathlon in the 73kg weight class I have to total 125 pts. So far my best is 109 pts (59 Jerk, 50 snatch) in competition. It'll be my second time lifting the Vulcan bells so I know what to expect and and I'll be prepared with everything I need this time. Here is a recap of this past week.
Monday Kettlebell Jerk training



Good start to the week. Next workout was a double set of Kettlebell Snatch. Hands got hot here.



Finished the week on a good note with a test biathlon set with 28kg bells at Reebok Sports Club NYC!!


Now going into taper week preparing for competition. Today I had a my first Bikram yoga session in the FlatIron district and I highly recommend it to any kettlebell lifter!! I see it helping with breathing, balance and flexibility. For myself and my tight hips, hamstring and upper back I may be finally able to release some tension up there!! This equals better rack position and better numbers in Jerk!  

New Personal best in Snatch 28kg

Recently I was able to put up a new best in kettlebell Snatch with 28kg. Here is the video of that training session. I didn't think it was great but Coach Duffey looked at it and it was a new PB. I was amazed that I had did this but when you consistently work at things improvements do happen. Check out the video!

How to improve Snatch....Snatch more often!!

Recently the Girevoy Sport union created by Mark Stapleton and Anton Anasenko had their first certification of a group of non-russians through a university on kettlebell sport. Don't know if I made that out correctly. The group that went had an experience like no other. From what everyone who went posted on Facebook I followed and it looked like a great time training for a week with one of the best lifters in the World. One of the things Anton does great besides Kettlebell Jerk is Kettlebell Snatch. Here was one of the videos that was taken during the week. Anton has a great way of training snatch especially since he does a run before he starts most of his training sets. He is at such a high level its unbelievable to watch. Here he is with Mark Stapleton after an interval run doing a swing snatch combo 10min set.


Here is another way to increase grip strength and endurance by doing the Black Snatch. This involves multiple swings and snatches. No matter how you set it up its 3 rounds: 1st- 2 swings, 1 Snatch, 2nd- 1 Swing, 1 Snatch, 3rd- Snatch. Here Anton does a 12min set with 34kg Black Snatch.


As my coach says you want to get better at something you concentrate on getting it done and do just that. Hope some of these videos inspire you to go after it and get better.
I will put up more videos about improving techniques and other ways and things to get better.

Recent Training week of March 4th

This was a week that started great and ended rough. Coach started me off with a test Kettlebell Jerk set and working on increasing numbers in both lifts. Finishing the week off continuing working around the numbers I need to make rank. I also added in a long run since the wether turned for the better.
Monday's test set was with the 26s. I have worked with them before going for a long set but never have I made it to 10 minutes 70 reps 2x26kg.


This turned out to be a challenge but I was able to make it through. Next time more reps!! There are still  a few more things i have to work on but its getting better.
The next workout was Snatch and that was a tough day. the goal was to get 6 minutes each arm with 24kg. I usually can get 4:30min 67/68 reps was my best. In this set I was able to get 65 on the right in 4mins and 71 on the left in 4:30mins. Much better than I though. I may try to add some black snatch in the workout. On Saturday I did the second kettlebell Jerk workout. which was great. I had 2x2min sets then 1 long set. the long set was with the 28kg try to reach 53 reps or get close. My body was tired haven't trained early in the morning before but I went in and lifted. I got to 4mins needed a break and then finished up with a total of 40 reps. I needed some energy. I took some Honey Zingers energy waffles and I felt much better. So good I ran 10.5 mile in 1:27.05.

I feel long runs really help out in mental strength as well as endurance. A 10 minute set sometimes feels like a long run so it has helped me get through these workouts and competition sets. I also see that some of the elite lifters are doing long runs as well. One of my favorite lifters Anton Anasenko does runs before he lifts and also competes in half marathons as well. If the best lifters do it there is no reason why I shouldn't be trying it out.

Still working....on getting better

So after the worlds I got an urge to really really go back at it and train even harder. The IKFF Nationals were a few weeks after the WKC Worlds and I wanted to see what other competitors were going to do. Kettlebell sport has grown in the USA over the last few years. WKC, IKFF, IKSFA, and now the AKA are hosting competitions all over the year which make it great for the lifters because we have more chance to compete. Last year I competed 3 competitions....this year I will do 3 in less than a month and look at competing in at least 7 competitions and a chance to go to Russia to compete in the World Championships!! This is amazing, a competition to decide who will represent the USA in the Kettlebell World Championships in Russia.
So I have been training hard to get ready for all of these competitions I will be participating in. I recently (1month and few days ago) ran a half marathon in Central park in 1:48.11

After that day I felt mentally strong but also tired. I had no idea that I could do that. This put a whole new perspective on my 10 minute competition sets. Here is a recent 10 minute set that I did in training with the 24kg bells. I set a new PR with this weight. It was great, I had no idea that I could do this.


This was a great feeling from here there is no turning back !!!

Updates...Reflecting and progressing

So the last time I posted I was getting ready for the WKC World Championships in Chicago in Oct 2012. I had a great time and it was a great experience. It really opened my eyes up to what I could do and a level I would like to get to. I am currently coached by C. Duffey of Lockout Kettlebells. He is an awesome coach and know how to get his athletes to the top level. I also added a lot of running into my program. Its one thing to get a 10 min set once or twice but to consistently and hit PR's is something totally different. Right now I'm training to get ready for a few competitions coming up in April.

Back to what happened in Chicago. I competed in the 75kg weight class and lifted the 28kg bells in biathlon. First up was Jerk. My best in training was 50 reps but a tough 50 reps. I once hit 48reps good but lost that steam. So I wasn't expecting CMS number but a good set. Here is what happened.....


Then came the second part of the Biathlon which is Snatch. Not a bad set but close to my personal best.  My best in training has been 53/53 which is very good. So since I didn't have a great Jerk set I was hoping for a much better snatch set. Here is what happened....



So now the worlds are over the a couple early 2013 competitions have passed and the competition season of 2013 is about to begin. April 6th starts my competition season and between now and then I will continue to update as well as give some tips and other videos I see and find.

Last week in review 1/23- 1/27

Last week I was able to get in 3 good days of training. I have switched my schedule around to make sure I get in at least 3 days a week training and slowly build up. I am still working at my job from early day to late at night so the day rest is much needed. My focus of the week was to increase my time and continue to build my jerk and snatch. Still throwing in some GPP into the workout. I feel like its all helping my push further in my workouts. Starting tomorrow I'll be 8 weeks away from my FIRST competition of 2012. I am hoping for good results there. So I am kicking my ass!!!

1/23/12
Kettlebell Jerk- 3min work/ 3min rest 3 sets
2x16kg 10rpm, 2x20kg 8rpm, 2x24kg 6rpm
Kettlebell Snatch- 3min/3min 2 sets
16kg 16rpm, 20kg 16rpm

1/26/12
Kettlebell Jerk- 2min work/ 1min rest 4 sets
2x24kg 20 reps,20 reps, 18 reps; 2x20kg 20 reps
GPP- BB Squats- 95lbs 10 reps, 135lbs 10 reps, 155lbs 10 reps, 175lbs 8 reps
Hack Squat- 135lbs 20 reps, 195lbs 20 reps, 245lbs 12 reps
Swings 24kg 50/50 reps
Glove Snatch 16kg 45/45 reps

1/27/12
Kettlebell Jerk-
OAJ- 16kg 12/12 reps, 20kg 12/12 reps, 24kg 12/12 reps, 2x24kg 10 reps
2x20kg 10 min 81 reps (haven't done a 10 minute set in a while!)
OAPP 32kg 12/12 reps, 12/12 reps

It was a good week of training. This week I will have to try a 10 min set with snatch.I have been practicing and it is getting better. I will be testing again. My body is responding well to the training so far. I will need to amp it up soon! I am still focused on my first comp. It feels like I'm starting all over again.

Training 11/07

Today was a small test set day. I tested to see where my biathlon is with the 24s. I know I have plenty of work to do but this is a good start back up. I did Kettlebell jerk for 5 mins at max rep and Kettlebell snatch for 3 mins a side at a controlled pace. I didn't want to hinder my training and not be able to snatch so I didn't push it. Training looked like this:
1 mile run- 8:59min Nike Plus Run
Kettlebell Jerk- warm-up OAJ 16kg 12/12 reps, 20kg 10/10 reps, 2x20kg 15 reps
Work set 2x24kg 5 mins (8,8,8,8,10) 42 reps


Kettlebell Snatch- warm-up 16kg- 15/15 reps, 20kg 15/15 reps
Work set 24kg 12,12,12/ 12,12,16 reps


So what I got out of these sets was 1. I need to do some heavy jerks 1 arm and 2 arm, 2. More heavy swing and snatch endurance workouts, 3. Right shoulder needs better alignment and left forearms needs strength.
Good amount of work but I have plenty of time.
Cool down 2 mile run Nike Plus Run

Good workout today, during Kettlebell sets max HR 167bpm, avg HR 126bpm, 639 cals. During my cool down run, max HR 168bpm, avg HR 155bpm, 300 cals. Burned almost 1000 calories.

Coach Duffey and Scott Tighe MS, Will Metcalf CMS at the WKC World Championships

Jerk Sets

Scott Tighe


Will Metcalf


Coach Duffey

Test Day!!!

Today I did a couple test sets to see where I stand with my reps and time. I did a 5 min Jerk set with 2 x 24kgs and then I did a Snatch set with 24kg a few minutes later. I achieved 43 reps in the Jerk and 31 reps R and 33 reps L in the Snatch. It was a good workout.

Jerk Test Set- 2 x 24kg 43reps
Snatch Set 24kg- 31 reps R/ 33 reps L (right shoulder felt weak in lockout)

Back Squat- 3 x 10 135lbs
Calf Raise- 3 x 15- 180lbs

Bike- 20 mins 5.4 miles

Videos
Jerk Set


Snatch Set

Orange Classic 10k race and Prior training

On Sunday June 14th I competed in the Orange County Classic 10k Road Race and finished the race in 56 mins and 47 seconds. It was a good race with a good amount of hills both up and down. A good perk of doing the race is that I ran into a bunch of classmates and friends that I haven't seen in a while. The reason I ran the race was because I was asked to by a co-worker and I was helping support the Joshua Stamm Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Both of Josh's parent are members at Sports Fitness and Fun, the gym that I work at. I was happy to help out and do the race and join their team.
My training for the race wasn't the smartest way but being that I am a kettlebell practitioner at heart. Most of my conditioning was with the kettlebells and not on the road running. I did run tho a few time. I started off by doing a 2 mile run Memorial Day weekend, and then the following week I ran 3 miles. Followed by a 4 mile run under 40mins 5 days before race day. In between and on those days I did GS and Hardstyle training.

Here are my recent training sessions before the race.

6/11/09

Warm-up:

• Stretch band
• Battiling Ropes 3 x 30sec
• Hip raise 2 x 10/10

Workout: GS Style

• 2kb Jerk @ 16kg 1 x 50
• Snatch @ 12kg 1 x 30/30
• OA LCC&J @ 24kg- 6rpm- 2 min/2 min; 1 min rest
• OA LCC&J @ 16kg- 8rpm- 2 min/2 min; 1 min rest
• OA LCC&J @ 12kg- 10rpm- 2 min/2 min; 1 min rest

Jump Squat @ 200lbs 3 x 20

6/09/09

Warm-up

• Jump Rope- 5 mins
• Stretch Band
• Shoulder rotator cuff work

Workout

Boxing- 5 x 3 min rds/1 min rest

GS Work

• Snatch @ 12kg 3 min/3 min
• Snatch @ 12kg 3 min/3 min
• LCC & J @ 12kg 3 min/ 3 min

4 mile run- 38 mins

Now back to getting ready for the AKC Cert this weekend. I'm sure there will be a lot of 2 KB Jerks and LCC& J and great tips and strategies from Valery Fedorenko and Mike Stefano. Can't wait to expand my kettlebell knowledge to the next level!!

Hard workout and easy workout 5/14 and 5/17

Hard Workout - 5/14/09

Warm-up:
Jump Rope- 8 mins (aggressively) Double unders, fast feet, turns, backwards
Push- up - 15 reps

Boxing/ Kickboxing- 5 x 4 mins/ 1 min rest
( used new Hayabusa 16oz glove. They are probably the best gloves I have used.)

Circuit: 4x
Bench Press @ 135lbs- 15 reps
Pull-up (close grip)- 15 reps
KB Front Squat @ 16kg- 20 reps
KB Snatch @ 16kg- 15/15 reps
Burpees- 15 reps

Minimal rest inbetween. I got my self to the point of almost puking. I now know the my limit and now I have to surpass that. I wasn't use to bench pressing so I'll have ot do more of those and also the burpees at the end suck but I need to do more if I want to be in better condition. Circuits/metabolic training is defiently helping and I am seeing imporvement. I will do the 300 test again in a week or so. Hopefully the time will go down.

Easy Workout- 5/17/09

Warm-up:
Jump rope- 5 mins

Workout:
Boxing- 25 mins Straight (no rest just went and did some interval work with combos)

Mini Circuit- 5 x
Clean and Jerk @ 24kg- 5/5
Burpees- 10 reps

Short and sweet, but still effective!

Felt good..will get in some HIIT Cardio on the treadmill and Concept Rower later today.

300!! Finally completed!!

Today I went after the "300" workout as a test to see where my level of conditioning is. I always wanted to do it but I never had the right reason or just timing for it. It looks interesting and tough. Maybe I didn't think that I could finish it, I don't know. But today I went after it. My reason to test myself. Also I have a couple sports I wanted to do it for. Grappling and Boxing!! Although I haven't been grappling recently, I have been doing my boxing workouts to keep myself sharp and maintain some skills. I have also added in different training tools to help me reach a conditioning level that will help me preform well in both sports. I also want this type of training to help with GS. I know that GS is more skill and technique than anything else but the cross training with circuits and GS and Strength training all help out with improving performance. A better body leads to better performance. I still will have complete GS workouts as per the Fitness protocol but then after I will add bodyweight and combat training (boxing, kickboxing) for their benefits.

"300" Workout- 17 mins, 21 sec
25 Pull-ups (some kipping)
50 Deadlift @ 135lbs
50 Push-ups
50 Box Jump on 24" box
50 Floor wiper @ 135lbs( single count)
50 Clean + Press @ 16kg ( GS style)
25 Pull-ups

Boxing- 5 x 3min rds/1 min rest
Expresso Bike ride- 6.92 miles- 27 mins

Stretch

That was all for today. It was a good workout. I will be doing similar circuit following some of Jason Statham's protocols and adding some MMA specific exercises to the mix.
Till tomorrow!!