Strong Man Chip

2026 Spring Garage Gym Competition
Squat - 505 (all time PR)(+5 from fall GGC)
Bench - 300 (tied meet PR)(+20 from fall GGC)
Deadlift - 565
Total - 1370 (all time PR)(+5 from fall GGC)

Bonus: Failed PR attempt DL @ 590
The 600 deadlift and 1400 total remain elusive… for now

This deficit deadlift isn’t (just) good because it’s a smooth single at RPE 8.
It’s really good because it comes a week after virtually no deadlifting at all (2 weeks after tweaking a previous low back injury). The peak into the GGC is derailed a bit but considering how much pain I was in two weeks ago this is a huge step forward and I’ll still be able to perform somewhat.

This is a good lesson that we are not machines that break and we cannot catastrophize pain into movement avoidance. Strength is adaptation and we recover by moving and getting stronger.
Swipe to see some archival footage of last weeks movements that I actually remembered to record.

I can’t help but pour one out and raise a glass to a true classic and legend. Once I found out that the industry leading IPA with 30 years under its belt was going to be discontinued this year, I had to get my hands on one more HopDevil to bid him farewell. This true classic has beautiful notes of pine and subtle citrus that aren’t for everyone. Pairs with tears and fond memories, maybe a really nutty cheese. May you be honored by your hazy brethren and not outlived by your crazy imperial cousins. You will be remembered 🫡

Mann, wer hätte das gedacht
Dass es einmal so weit kommt
Wegen 99 Luftballons?