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"INDIAN CASINOS"
Objective: Endurance, Sport Specific power-endurance
Warm up: whining, wimpering, delaying....
Training: (1) Run 45 minutes (ugh!!)
Switch to Climbing Gym
Warm up: 10x Frenchies
Training:
(1) Team Workout: (2 people each team)
Team 1: 30 Bouldering problems (V0, V1)
Team 2: Bouldering wall traverse wearing
25# packs until Team 1 Done
Switch positions and repeat
(2) Team Workout: (2 people each team)
Team 1: 10 Bouldering problems (V0, V1)
Team 2: Bouldering wall traverse wearing
25# packs until Team 1 Done
Switch positions and repeat
(3) 10 Rounds
Up and down climb on the Auto Belay wearing 10-35# pack. 40 hand movements each trip, 400 hand movements total. 1:1
work/rest ratio
Comments:
Brian Harder threw down the ultimate challenge to me this weekend during our long driving trip to the City of Rocks climbing
area in Idaho.
Brian challenged me to stop lifting completely for 12 weeks, begin an extensive aerobic conditioning program, loose muscle
weight, and see how it influences my uphill hiking speed and overall climbing ability.
It's hard to describe how this put me in all types of psychic contortions. Remember, I'm a gym rat, not some endurance
athlete who's recently discovered the gym, or a badass mountain athlete trying to get stronger.
I've been lifting hard for 28 years - started when I was 12 - and the gym and iron, and all that comes with it has been
a constant in my life through 3 high schools in 4 years, the academy, grad school, three careers, marriage, 2 kids, a divorce,
three serious girl friends all of whom broke my heart ..... well, you get the idea.
I was never the strongest guy in the gym, or the most athletic, but no one ever worked harder, and I've worn that knowledge
as a badge of honor throughout my adult life (not much, I know, but it's all I got.)
The gym has been so much more for me than keeping in shape. It's been my sanctuary, my home away from home, my best friend,
altar of iron, most trusted confidant. More faithful than any girlfriend. More rewarding than any job.
Brian listened patiently to my defensive excuses, then with a knowing smile, he challenged me again, noting, "you'll
gain it back fast."
But the thought of becoming a "spoon chest" like all those non-gym rats I've mocked all these years is downright
scary. Just about any guy who beat me at anything from a job promotion, to business accomplishment, to political argument,
to getting the girl, I could always put down by saying, "yeah, but I bet I could do more push ups than him!"
Then I mentioned the idea to my girl friend, who grabbing my chest and biceps, looked me straight in the eye and said,
"you lose these and I'm dumping you."
See what I mean????
There was a time in Pinedale when I cut back on my gym time and began running a lot. I lost 5 or six pounds, slimmed up,
and had people asking me in the grocery store if I was sick. I quickly started lifting heavy and hard again and drinking protein
shakes chased with a dash of creatine.
On the other hand, my dependancy on the gym shows serious sign of emotional weakness. Jesus! Am I less of a man without
my barbells and squat racks??? (don't answer that)
Brian, that bastard, loved watching me melt down at the thought. He told me I couldn't stop. That I'd be sneaking into
the gym late at night to fire off a few heavy reps of dead lifts and strip sets of bench presses.
I told Brian if I did this he'd have to coach me. He was more than willing, telling me devilishly, he'd be sending me
off on 3-hour bike rides, with little to eat, so my body would have to consume muscle for energy. Arrgghh!!
This is killing me ....
- Rob Shaul
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