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
