Refueling for "Blast-off"

Complements of Jordan Vezina.

Hardstyle Ventura this Saturday was a blast! I hope what I learned and relearned about tension, strength, and safety will stay with me for a long time. I wasn't able to successfully complete a one-armed push-up or pistol without assistance, but the principles and drills needed for them and all of the other exercises we did will help in just about everything I'll do that requires strength. My pull-ups became explosive, presses felt lighter, and I did a push-up in a head stand with more power than I thought I had! Pavel did take it easy on us more than he wanted. He "let" us practice a remedial drill and then practice a main exercise that uses those same principles and techniques. Simple, not easy. Pavel is a genius who drills home the lessons for the body and mind. All in all, thanks to Sean Schniederjan for being a great host, all of the other excellent attendants, RKCs or not, all ranked from Level I, II, Team Leader, Senior, Master and Chief. The company for dinner and dessert was especially nice! Oh, and a Hardstyle thanks to David Whitley for a souvenir bent horse shoe!

I had the DOMS on Thursday and Friday. Saturday morning I had a tight lower back, but soon I was warm and enjoying the pain of good tension and strength. Sunday was rest. Today was an unknown. My mobility, stretch, and warm-up session dictated what I should do:
Z-Health, 16kg Armbars & Halos, Wall squats, Pump, and Brettzel.

Eischens Yoga for Warriors (Advanced).
(RPE 16: I used subtle techniques from Hardstyle Ventura on Saturday to use better form.)

"Blast-off" will be in the form of reaching the goal of pressing half my body weight. Whether I use the "Rite of Passage" or Adam Glass' "Radiant Dawn," more research and time will tell.

Build-up: Light TGUs

After I did today's practice, I read Sean Schniederjan's Blog to find out what will be happening at the Hardstyle Ventura. From what I read about the kind of pain Pavel is going to put on us, I haven't been practicing much of the movements or any at all. The one arm push-ups, hand stand push-ups, and pistols are new territory for me. So, today I added in a few front squats to do something different. I was still a little stiff in the shoulders yesterday from last Thursday's C&Ps. If my legs are good to me later this week, I'll add a few more squats with some C&Ps, pull-ups, swings and probably skip the snatches. My practice has not been geared toward this one-day event. All I need to do is make sure I am well enough to put on my learning cap!

Mobility, stretch, and warm-up:
Z-Health, 16kg Armbars & Halos, Wall squats, Pump, and Brettzel.

24kg RKC TGU:
5-second pauses x 7 steps up and 6 steps down x 1R/1L/ x 3.
Total time under tension 6:30.
(RPE 15)

Cool Down:
Eischens Yoga for Beginners (Basic)
(RPE 15)

28kg Front Squat:
3L/3R x 3
(RPE 16)

Ask and Ye shall receive... or just show up.

The highlight of my RKC experience was when my girlfriend and I were walking back after dinner to the dorm on Sunday evening. We just happened to see Pavel and his Posse walking to a restaurant for their dinner. I was stoked to see them and had to greet Pavel. I told him that I didn't get a chance to get my picture taken with him. Well, Big W2, now Senior RKC just happened to have a camera where to my surprise, all were willing to comply! Pavel and his Posse were most gracious to pause for one of their fans. Here are the pics Will Williams took and sent to me on my belated request. Thank you W2, SRKC!


The Pose

And

The Candid Good-bye


Today's practice...
ETK Program Minimum - Week 7, Day 3:

Wall Squats, 24kg Halos, & Pumps x 10 reps x 2

32kg Practice:
C&P x 2L&R
Snatch x 3L&R

20 Two-handed Swings on the minute x 12
Total = 240

Overhead Carry singles x 40 seconds