Last week I came across a post on the website LiftHeavyRunLong.com #LHRL about a 6 month challenge, the #GOALGETTER challenge, that they are launching May 1. Six month is not your typical challenge. In my mind I thought that is going to create a real lifestyle change, instead of just a 12 week hard grind followed by a return to "before". #LHRL is not a huge organization like Bodybuilding.com or Body For Life, so the challenge was most likely going to be small. It sounded like it would provide some real accountability and encouragement unlike these massive challenges.
So late last weekend I followed the instructions and submitted my application video. Yep a video, and the challenge requires a weekly video update from all participants or they get Gonged Out. So far I think the challenge has < 30 people who have entered. I am sure once the official start date hits we will get a full list.
I am really excited about being part of a small, goal driven community. It seems like it could become a team environment, something that I have not found in the local gym.
For the challenge application each person has to introduce themselves and set a few goals. The grand prize if $500, but the real prize is the lifechange that would happen if I complete a 6 month challenge. Weight loss, strength gains, and other athletic pursuits are truly secondary to achieving a health and fitness level that promotes longevity. Since everyone has different types of goals I have no idea how they will decide who wins the $500, but honestly it doesn't really matter.
So here were my goals:
- Complete a 50k trail run (October 15th, Ondessonk Trail race)
- Deadlift 500 # bare handed (no straps)
- Pole Vault 8ft
I realize these goals cover a pretty wide range of topics, and are not things that typically go together. I think that is part of the draw. #LHRL is a website that represents a community of people who want to do 2 things that are not typically put together. They want to lift heavy weights, which means they want to be strong, muscular people. They also want to participate and compete in long duration endurance events. These are two things that I have always thought should be put together more often and I am excited to put them together in my life.
So why run a 50K? I think it is about taking full control of who I am. Building a higher level of fitness. Creating strong legs. Building a mental toughness that can continue to work when the challenge gets great. I have tried (with little success) to run half and and full marathons. I didn't get the results I wanted. I never got fast, and I never got lean. With this 50K my goal is to hold a 12-13 MPH pace. That is WAY slower then I ever wanted to run a marathon in. But by adding in the trail component instead of streets and making it longer I believe that pace goal will be a sufficient challent to improve my total fitness, create leanness, and make me faster when I set out for a miler or a 5K. My finish time goal is 6 - 6.5 hours.
Deadlift 500 pounds. Right now this would be a double body weight + 50# lift. By the time we get to the end of the challenge this should be a 2.6 X body weight lift. (more about weigh goals in a minute) Why 500# you ask, well the answer is to be STRONG. In 2014 I came close with a couple *successful attempts at 485. You may have noticed the *. That is because in 2014 I used straps, a lot. This time I will be doing all my training with a Double Overhand grip, DOH. Only on the heaviest sets on test days will I even switch to alternating grip. So to meet this goal I am going to have to GROW my Grip strength.
Finally you may scratch your head and say, Who pole vaults? The answer is my 2 middle school sons. One is an 8th grader who started in 6th grade and the other is a 6th grader who officially started this year (with a little practice last year with his brother). We are in a small area so middle school track practice is 2 teachers and about 100 students (maybe more) going in every direction. Sixth grade pole vaulters get taught by the highly experienced 7th and 8th graders and occasionally a high school athlete. So I started learning about vaulting. What is the Technique, what drills and progressions exist, how do you organize them. I am a coach by nature so once I got some basics figured out we went to work. My older son usually just does what I ask him. My younger son is prone to say "can you do that?". The answer is no. I have never pole vaulted in my life (unless you count using a tree branch to get over a creek). Pole vault poles come with a weigh rating. It is unwise to use a pole rated for less then your weight. So there is no pole that I can even practice with. So to meet goal number 3 I will have to get below 190 pound. THEN, after getting to 190, I can stop talking about the techniques and start trying to do them myself. Why 8 ft.? Coming into this season I told my youngest that if he could get into the 7th range that would be a pretty good first year. He has already cleared 8'3" one time, and it working hard to get consistent at 8ft and greater. So if he can do it in one year, then I think that should be my goal as well.
That's it. I know I am a long winded guy, so if you are still reading I thank you. I plan to keep this up at least weekly. Talking about Goals, strategy, process, training plans and progress.
Here is my official application video:
Here is my official application video:
Truth and Transformation!
David
This is fantastic, David! We are glad you are part of the group, and have the courage to make some changes. We are going to have a good time and get some real results.
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