Rebounding and Sit Ups

It's cold today. Which means the garage is cold. I wanted to do Sandbags today. However, my sliced up fingers from Monday aren't fully healed. I've entered a grip competition, happening this Saturday. I really don't want to open up the cuts again. Hey, I can always use core and mobility work.

Rebounding - 60 minutes.

Bench Sit Ups - 4 sets/20 reps.

Static Stretches.

My mobility seems to be getting better. I feel better and that's what matters. I had some abdominal cramping after the first set. All good after that.

Snowdaddy

Axle Press Plus

I am really pleased with Squats yesterday. This morning I was feeling my efforts. A little stiff and sore but nothing concerning. Today I hit the other end of my temple with some Overhead Presses.

Rebounding - 75 minutes.

Standing Axle Press - bar/6 reps, 2 sets/6 reps/115lbs, 3 sets/6,6,8 reps/165lbs.

High 1 Arm Cable Rows - 3 sets/10 reps per arm/20,25,30kg.

Push Ups - 3 sets/12 reps.

A really good training day. Now eat, relax then get ready for work.

Snowdaddy

Squats

Monday I went into work early to carry out some admin and to train at the base gym. Bldg 21. Unfortunately, I sliced my fingers open on a rack and started bleeding all over the place. Thats that.

Today I tried again. Success!

Leg Swings and Light Stretches.

Kettlebell Swings - 40lbs/20 reps.

Squats - 2 sets/6 reps/bar, 2 sets/6 reps/135lbs, 2 sets/6 reps/225lbs, 3 sets/6 reps/315lbs.

Static Stretches.

Solid training following up the 405s last week. Lets keep this train rolling.

Snowdaddy

Rebounding and Sit Ups

It's cold outside and the wind is blowing. The garage is cold.

Light Stetches.

Bench Sit Ups - 5 sets/12 reps.

Static Stretches.

These felt really good. Tomorrow I'll squat at bldg 21.

Snowdaddy

Push Pull

My shoulders and upper back are a bit stiff from Deadlifts yesterday. Today was excellent recovery.

Light Stretches.

45° Inclined Bemch Press - 135lbs/6 reps, 6 sets/12 reps/135lbs.

Single Arm Cable Rows - 3 sets/12 reps per arm/20kg.

Again, feeling good.

Snowdaddy

World Deadlift Day!!!

Inspired by Jón Páll Sigmarsson. "There is no reason to be alive if you can't do deadlift!"

Light Stretches.

Kettlebell Swings - 2 sets/20 reps/40lbs.

Deadlifts - 225lbs/6 reps, 315lbs/1 rep, 405lbs/1 rep, (belt) 495lbs/1 rep, 550lbs/1 rep!!!

This was my goal today. With the spirit of Jón Páll in my soul I did it! Time for some stretches, dinner and maybe a beer to celebrate. 

Snowdaddy

Standing Axle Press

After watching Bryce Johnson's Youtube video I was inspired for today's training.

Bryce Johnson

Rebounding - 85 minutes.

Standing Axle Press - 2 sets/6 reps/115lbs, 2 sets/6 reps/145lbs, 2 sets/6 reps/165lbs.

Axle Flat Bench Press - 165lbs/12 reps, 3 sets/6,8,12 reps/235lbs.

Laying Over/Under Dumbbell Flys - 3 sets/12+12 reps/10lbs.

High Cable NG Rows - 3 sets/12 reps/40,50,60kg.

Static Stretches.

Feeling really good. I definately am gaining to ability to take on more work.

Snowdaddy

Sandbags

Sunday night after Squats and after dinner I went out to trade a set of cast iron plates for a set of bumper plates. I've needed these for a little while to train axle and log. I also picked up another bag of gravel to top up my sandbags.

Monday after work I spent some time filling my sandbags. Previously, the bags weighed 120 and 150lbs. Now they weigh 150lbs (filled) and 180lbs (20lbs still required to fill). Tonight I took the 150lbs bag for a ride.

Rebounding - 30 minutes.

Kettlebell Swings - 2 sets/20 reps/40lbs.

Sandbag to Shoulder - 1,2,3,4 reps/150lbs.

I alternated right/left shoulders. No supportive equipment. I forgot to record a video. Darn. Technique is so important. Remembering that technique under weight will take some time.

Now it's time for dinner!

Snowdaddy

Squat Sunday!!!

Yesterday was spent running around. However, I did do 30 minutes on the rebounder. I wanted to be somewhat rested for "SQUAT SUNDAY!!!"

Rebounding - 45 minutes (during w/u sets).

Squats - 2 sets/6 reps/bar, 2 sets/6 reps/135lbs, (knee sleeves) 225lbs/6 reps, (belt) 315lbs/3 reps, 365lbs/2 reps, 405lbs/1 rep, 405lbs/2 reps, 225lbs/8 reps.

Static Stretches.

The first single of 405lbs was so easy I had to go again and smash a double. Which I did. My strength is coming back. I gotta keep my patience and slowly increase.

Tonight I'm going out to purchase some bumper plates. Much needed for log and axle. I think I'll also swing by Home Depot and get some more fill for my sand bags.

Snowdaddy

Deadlifts

I keep pushing. Making advancements every week. These gains aren't huge but I'm getting stronger as time goes on. Every Thursday morning I jab myself in the leg with a needle. I need to make that worth while. I keep pushing. TRT is still so new to me. Training isn't. I'm not sure how much the TRT is helping. So, I keep pushing. Until I find my limits.

Rebounding - 90 mimutes.

Kettlebell Swings - 2 sets/20 reps/40lbs.

Deadlifts - (no belt) 2 sets/8 reps/225lbs, 2 sets/4 reps/315lbs, 2 sets/3 reps/405lbs, (belt) 2 sets/2,3 reps/475lbs.

Static Stretches.

Damn! What a great training day. Next week is International Deadlift Day. International Deadlift Day is an informal global event held annually on January 16th, the anniversary of the passing of legendary strongman Jón Páll Sigmarsson, inviting everyone to celebrate the deadlift movement in his honor by posting videos and pictures of their lifts. It's a community-driven day for all types of deadlifts (Strongman, Powerlifting, CrossFit, etc.) to share their passion for the lift and remember Sigmarsson's impact, with hashtags like #WorldDeadliftDay. 

Snowdaddy

Bench Press and Sandbag

To quote myself, "Getting used to training a variety of different lifts is what Strongman is all about." Today's combo is definetely new to me.

Rebounding - 90 minutes.

Bench Press - 2 sets/12 reps/135lbs, 185lbs/12 reps, 225lbs/12 reps, 275lbs/6 reps, 3 sets/3 reps/315lbs.

Sandbag to Shoulder - 4 sets/1,2,3,4 reps/120lbs.

Static Stretches.

Bench is coming back. Sandbag is becoming more natural. Feeling like adding more weight to the bag.

Snowdaddy

Grip and Recovery

Today I'm way more stiff and sore than usual. I guess the different exercises I did yesterday at Bldg 21 hit me different. This afternoon back at er.

Rebounding - 60 minutes.

Rack Hang Parallel Grip - 6 sets/10,15,15,10,20,10 sec.

High Cable Single Arm Row - 5 sets/10 reps/15,20,25,30,20kg.

Static Stretches.

I used the Swiss Bar to achieve a parallel grip. Feeling really good.

Snowdaddy

Bldg 21

Today is the first training day for the 17 Wing Powerlifting team. I didn't have much planned for today. However, with all the fun toys at bldg 21, training will be good.

Walk around the gym floor - 30 minutes.

Yoke - 4 sets/1 side of the gym floor/195lbs (empty Yoke).

Back Extensions - 3 sets/12 reps.

Kettlebell Swings - 3 sets/20 reps/53,65,86lbs.

I didn't want to do too much. I didn't. But I did get an idea of how to use the equipment there that I don't have. I noticed they now have a log. Ya!!!

Snowdaddy

Buffalo Bar Squats

I took a break yesterday after some decent Deadlifts. Today was all about making up for shitty squats on New Years.

Rebounding - 30 minutes.

Buffalo Bar Squats - 2 sets/6 reps/130lbs, 230lbs/6 reps, 330lbs/6 reps, 380lbs/2 reps, 230lbs/6 reps.

Standing Buffalo Bar Press - 3 sets/6,6,8 reps/130lbs.

Static Stretches.

I didn't hit 4 plates but 380lbs for a double is pretty good. Again I left a little in the bank for next training day. As I was stripping the bar I decided to hit some presses. Getting used to training a variety of lifts is what strongman is all about. I feel really good for it.

Right after training I went out to buy some Axle Dumbbells. Another awesome toy for my playground.

Snowdaddy

Pa O'Dwyre RIP

Absolutely devastating news this morning. Pa O'Dwyre passed away at only 40 years old. Shocking to say the least. Pa was a charismatic fellow. I really enjoyed his controversial pod casts. I also appreciated his "don't be a cunt" war cry. He recently dieted down to showcase an outstanding physique. Something to be proud of for sure. He will indeed be missed.

RIP, Rest In Power.

Today's training was motivated by Pa's passing. I inspired to push a bit more. Nothing silly but more than programmed. 

Rebounding - 75 minutes.

Light Stretches.

Deadlifts - (no belt) 2 sets/8 reps/225lbs, 2 sets/3 reps/315lbs, 2 sets/2 reps/405lbs, (belt) 455lbs/2 reps, 505lbs/1 rep.

Static Stretches.

I added reps here and there and finished off at 505lbs. Feeling really healthy and strong. I was also feeling silly and wore a blonde wig. I'm such a big goof.

Snowdaddy

Log, ect...

Nothing planned today. Only training.

Light Stretches.

Rebounding - 60 minutes.

Kettlebell Swings - 2 sets/20 reps/40lbs.

Log Press - 2 sets/10 reps/80lbs, 2 sets/10 reps/130lbs, 2 sets/6,8 reps/150lbs.

Plate Side Laterals - 3 sets/12 reps/25lbs plates.

Single Arm High Cable Rows - 3 sets/10 reps/15,20,25kg.

Static Stretches.

Awesome upper body pump. Toworrow, lets get on some Deadlifts.

Snowdaddy

SSB Squats

I really wanted to start the new year with a 405lbs Squat. However, my left knee caused me some completely random pain. This morning it felt better so I decided to take it for a spin.

Light Stretches.

Rebounding - 45 minutes.

SSB Squats - 2 sets/6 reps/bar, 2 sets/6 reps/140lbs, 230lbs/6 reps, 230lbs/1 rep.

STOP!!! Left knee pain.

Single Arm High Cable Rows - 3 sets/12 reps/15kg.

Static Stretches.

Moving on. Tomorrow OH presses.

Snowdaddy

2026 New Year Resolution

2025 Predictions.

As I predicted in 2023, 2024 would bring conclusion. 2025 is a brand new year. New job, new sport. I really want to get into Strongman but I've got to complete a FORCE test before my one year anniversary in August. Now that I've put everything on paper sort a speak, my forcast is this. I'll get an appointment at the Men's Clinic and recieve some sort of hormone replacement such as testosterone. Shortly after that I'll start feeling like my regular self. I'll gain much needed energy and lose more body weight without comprimising strength. Once I feel like a warrior again I will be ready for battle. So far I've signed up for a chairity log lift in March. I also intend on doing a full Strongman competition in May.

Having my parents here is a load off our minds. There are here so we can help out as they get older. Driving is a big point. More so, it's nice to have them here so we don't miss spending anymore time they have left.

Seems like two out of the four children have their forever friend figured out. It'll be interesting to see where this leads. All the kids are doing well and will continue to do so 2025.

My wife will continue to enjoy where she works and we'll work at planning for retirement. Forecasting retirement NLT 2030.

Work will be work. I have a five year contract to complete. After that my time belongs to my wife and kids. I refuse to give up those golden years. 2025 will be about getting my authorizations back and be as productive as I was before I retired in 2019. There's lots of changes at work and I'm really enjoying being there. The problems I had in 2019 aren't relative. I have a new sunny disposition and enjoy work. The challenge is fun.

Happy New Year!!!

Here's what actually happened in 2025.

A Year of Strength and Growth

January began with the pain of Piriformis Syndrome. The discomfort was tough, but pigeon stretches helped me manage.

By February, I attended a Strongman seminar with Alec Jose and learned about the Training Continuum—a new approach to long-term training. I switched to rebounding between sets instead of resting.

In March, I set a Men's 50+ Provincial Record at the Charity Log Lift in Iron Age Gym, lifting 160, 180, and 190lbs.

In April, I started preparing for the FORCE test in August, focusing on endurance and strength.

May had ups and downs. I competed in Battle at the Border in Tolstoi, MB, but was disappointed with my performance, though I learned a lot. On May 25th, I celebrated my wedding anniversary with Kathy, still madly in love.

June ramped up preparations for the FORCE test. I added walking, jogging, and started learning how to run again. I also watched my eldest daughter Emilya graduate from the University of Manitoba and saw my son Lliam deployed to Latvia for six months.

In July, my dad fell and spent six weeks hospitalized. I kept training for the FORCE test. On July 3rd, I started TRT.

By August 13th, I passed the FORCE test. On August 29th, my daughter Pykea married Tony, and the wedding was beautiful.

September 1st was my birthday, spent feeding birds at the park with my family laughing and having a wonderful day.

In October, I competed at the Canadian Armed Forces Western Regional Powerlifting Championships. I hit new personal bests: Squat 210kg, Bench 162.5kg, and Deadlift 240kg.

November I regained my WSR/LVL C authorization. 24th November we were in Lunenburg, NS. to be with Kathy's mother Florence as she passed. 

By December, I felt great. My TRT was working, and I felt stronger than ever. My dad’s health was still a concern, as he had been hospitalized again, but overall, life was steady.

This year was about pushing limits, facing challenges, and staying strong—physically, mentally, and emotionally. And through it all, Kathy was right by my side.

Here's my prediction for 2026.

In April I recieved a substantial pay raise. Now my retirement date is planned for 1 April 2030. 5 years after the raise, best 5 years towards pension. The raise is making life much, much easier. As for this year I plan on trainng my ass off and winning every 50+ competition in Manitoa. Including winning the Manitoba Provincials. Powerlifting in the CAF is an offical sport. I also plan on what ever that includes. Work is going to continue to be a fun challenge. Sometime during the year I'll have to go to Comox BC for the CF295 type course.

Kathy and the kids will continue on thier regular path. Very little should change. My parents seem to be getting older very quickly. I'm not going to speculate on them. Hopefully it's all positive.

This concludes another year in review.

Snowdaddy

Bench Press

Here we go...

Rebounding - 90 minutes.

Bench Press - 2 sets/12 reps/135lbs, 2 sets/12 reps/225lbs, 2 sets/3,6 reps/295lbs.

Laying DB Flys (under/over grip) - 3 sets/12+12 reps/15lbs.

Cable Triceps Ext - 3 sets/12 reps/30kg.

A really good training day. I wanted to do 3 plates today. However, I felt a twinge in my left wrist after the first set of 295lbs. Still, training went well.

Snowdaddy

Deadlifts

No tires tonight. Straight up Deadlifts.

Rebounding - 60 minutes.

Deadlifts - 2 sets/6 reps/225lbs, 2 sets/1 rep/315lbs, 2 sets/1 rep/405lbs, 2 sets/1,2 reps/455lbs.

Static Stretches.

Good improvement, weight wise, from last Deadlift training. 455lbs with a belt was a joke. It flew as you can see in the video. Getting stronger. Baby steps.

Snowdaddy