The power of TB
Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2017 7:35 pm
Short bio - I first started following the TB philosophy in late 2015. Though serious back issues put me down for much of 2016, I used that time to become familiar with the TB S&C approach and planned out my "comeback" as well as preparing for several GORUCK events. I have pretty much stuck to the TB philosophy the entire time as it is simple, effective, and realistic to fit into your life.
Fast forward a bit - my last GORUCK event (a Tough, a 12 hour team based endurance event) was in late September. Since then I have primarily been hitting the barbell and doing some sprints, but have gotten under the ruck a few times for some low mileage. No intention whatsoever of doing another event until March. I put in a tough SE-style workout with my ruck and 4 miles on Saturday, rested Sunday, and then did some max strength work Monday.
On Tuesday I learned of a custom GORUCK event being hosted a few hours away from me. It was scheduled for Wednesday. I decided what the heck, let's do this.
Wednesday I woke up at 0200 hours and drove out to hit our start time of 0830. It was a beat down for about 7 hours, definitely a very physically tough and mentally challenging endeavor. We were being smoked physically, we were soaking wet in ~40 degree weather, rolling in the mud, and having a "great time" carrying lots of heavy stuff while wearing soaking wet rucksacks. 12 showed up, 4 had to drop out (and no shame at all in that, it was brutal). I did more than survive, I felt I thrived and am pretty happy with my overall performance.
If I had not been on the Tactical Barbell train, I doubt I would have even considered this opportunity. If I had, chances are that 5 wouldn't have made it through. I felt confident though in my programming and previous conditioning that I went after it, did the best I could, and ended up pleased with my performance.
The approach works folks - it's not rocket surgery, but it doesn't need to be. You figure out your intent for your training block, determine what your focus will be for that intent, balance it with your other attributes so you are at least maintaining them, structure it in the most intelligent way you can, and then execute it. Put in the work, and the results will speak for themselves. Grouchy out.
Fast forward a bit - my last GORUCK event (a Tough, a 12 hour team based endurance event) was in late September. Since then I have primarily been hitting the barbell and doing some sprints, but have gotten under the ruck a few times for some low mileage. No intention whatsoever of doing another event until March. I put in a tough SE-style workout with my ruck and 4 miles on Saturday, rested Sunday, and then did some max strength work Monday.
On Tuesday I learned of a custom GORUCK event being hosted a few hours away from me. It was scheduled for Wednesday. I decided what the heck, let's do this.
Wednesday I woke up at 0200 hours and drove out to hit our start time of 0830. It was a beat down for about 7 hours, definitely a very physically tough and mentally challenging endeavor. We were being smoked physically, we were soaking wet in ~40 degree weather, rolling in the mud, and having a "great time" carrying lots of heavy stuff while wearing soaking wet rucksacks. 12 showed up, 4 had to drop out (and no shame at all in that, it was brutal). I did more than survive, I felt I thrived and am pretty happy with my overall performance.
If I had not been on the Tactical Barbell train, I doubt I would have even considered this opportunity. If I had, chances are that 5 wouldn't have made it through. I felt confident though in my programming and previous conditioning that I went after it, did the best I could, and ended up pleased with my performance.
The approach works folks - it's not rocket surgery, but it doesn't need to be. You figure out your intent for your training block, determine what your focus will be for that intent, balance it with your other attributes so you are at least maintaining them, structure it in the most intelligent way you can, and then execute it. Put in the work, and the results will speak for themselves. Grouchy out.
