NAS Monster's of the Midwest III

Although not a Pro-Am, this Platinum level contest featured Pro level weights with the winner receiving his Pro card. Training went well for this contest although it was very rainy, and rain plus 900# yoke walks does not equal fun!

1. 12” Log clean and press each rep: We had to clean and press (each rep) a 300# 12” log. I had been hitting 4 reps pretty consistently in training so I hoped for 5 in the competition. There were some sick numbers being thrown around (like 7 strict presses by Tim Nagy) so I just wanted to get my 5 reps or so to maximize my points. When my turn came, I cleaned the log with no problems and nailed the first rep overhead. The second rep was similar, although I noticed that it felt much harder than a second rep should feel. My third rep I got to eye level and could not lock it out overhead. I re-cleaned the weight and tried again, but with a same result. I was devastated. I could not understand what went wrong. In retrospect, it was due to the fact that I was (1) training on an 8” log and (2) utilizing a power jerk technique. The 8” log is much easier to jerk and get under, so when I tried the same technique with the 12” log, I could not get under the log quick enough. It was this result that convinced me to give up power jerking and got me focusing on getting my push press stronger.

2. Super Yoke: We had to carry the 910# Arch Super Yoke for 50’. I has managed to get my times down to the 20-22 second mark in training, so I was hoping for a similar result. When I picked the weight for warm-ups, it felt heavy, but doable. When my turn came, I picked the weight easily and began walking. I was walking very slowly as I had difficulties keeping upright with this yoke. I later found out it was due to a substantial amount of the weight being centered over your shoulders, causing you to have to really keep a tight arch when walking. I dropped the yoke about halfway through, and after a few more drops and re-picks, I crossed the finish line with a time of about 30 seconds. Again I was disappointed with this time as I had hoped to be at least 10 seconds faster.

3. Hercules Hold: We were asked to hold 400# in each hand for as long as we could. I had the opportunity to practice this event once before this competition as Jon has a setup at his house. Through training, I had hoped that 30 seconds would be a good target for me. As soon as the weight was released in my hands, I felt enormous pressure on my arms and pecs. After 20 seconds, the pain was really kicking in, and I was staring at Willie Wessels who was counting off the time. When Willie got to 30 seconds, I let go. In retrospect, I think I could have held on a little longer, which would have gotten me a few more points. I believe that this was a case of where I let an intended goal trick me into not pushing myself harder.

4. Silver Dollar Deadlift: I was looking forward to this event the most. This was done in a last man standing format where everyone had to take every weight on the bar. We started light, maybe around 700#. We quickly worked out way up to 1000# and there was only a few of us left. When 1040# was loaded on the bar, only myself, Nagy, B.J. Barabas, and Heath Allison were left. Each of us was able to complete the lift which was good for a new NAS record. My attempt at 1105# (and a new World record) was almost successful; I had the weight locked out, but my strap slipped and causing the boxes to touch the ground. They gave me one other attempt, but by this time I was spent.

5. Atlas Stones: In case loading five stones was not hard enough, Willie made sure we had to work harder. We were asked to load eight stones weighing from 280-380#. The first five were to be loaded on a 54” platform while the last three were to be loaded on a 42” platform. I had torn my hand up from the deadlift, so I had to tape my hand up well before I put any tacky on. I made it through the first four stones (280, 300, 300, 330#) with no problems and loaded the fifth stone (330#) after juggling it a bit. I got to the sixth stone (360#) with very little time left. I began to lap it, but just hit a wall. My five stone time was the best for five stones, so I got some decent points here.

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