The Race

1 year. 4 plates.

Reflecting

Everything is more fun as a competition.  When my coach mentioned that his next fitness goal is a 400 lb. bench press, I wondered if anyone else at the gym could chase that down this next year.  A handful of CrossFit coaches and athletes at our gym bench over 300 and a few in their prime were close to 400, but it is a big goal for everyone.  In the powerlifting world, there are specialists with one rep max bench presses around 1,000 lbs. but in the generalist CrossFit community the crowd thins out between 300 and 400 lbs.  One article estimates that about one in a hundred males can bench 300 lbs. while only about one in 10,000 can bench 400.   

Training

5 AM trail run:

Then this morning’s white board:

4 Rounds

• AMRAP 1 row for cals

• AMRAP 1 DB Hang C + J 50 lbs. single dumbbell

• AMRAP 1 toes to bar

• Rest 1:00

And in the corner:

So that’s one year starting today.  For anyone unfamiliar with barbells, the bar weighs 45 lbs. as does the standard blue bumper plate, so one plate on each side is 135.  Half of the general population can bench press that.  Two is 225 which fewer than one in fifteen can bench.  Three is 315 and four is 405.  Four is our goal because it is a good approximation of the level of strength that is impossible with genetics, size, and general fitness alone.  Some people are just naturally strong, but over 400 lbs. is something that requires work to get there.  My hope and expectation is that this is something that will be a big personal accomplishment for the winner.  We tweaked the goal to 405 from 400 because as one of the coaches said “405 is cooler”.

Fueling

In addition to the prize money, the winner gets a tomahawk steak from the New Canaan Butcher Shop.  In theory, this won’t be an ideal prize for a vegetarian; in practice, I think it is a pretty low risk. 

Supplementing

BYOS – bring your own supplements.  You own your body so whatever you want.  Take every advantage.  Make good choices.

Measuring

The standard is butt on the bench and a video confirming the weight.  The competition is intended only for current gym members (not to be unfriendly to anyone new, but not looking for someone who has already benched 405 to just walk in and win it).  Will report back with any progress plus where I and others end up in a year. 

Recovering

I’ve benefited from sauna several times per week for about a half an hour.  In addition to sweating it out, it serves as a bit of an input detox.  It is the only time I’m both alert and not getting new inputs from work, family, etc.  I don’t take separate time to meditate so this is my shot to just sit, breath, and think.  Worth it. 

Closing

I just put down my deposit for a Slater Lifting Log – the last piece of gym equipment I need / want / will ever purchase I promise (to be stored nearby my collection of last trucks and last guns).  No specific plans for it, but these are a lot of fun.  Possible anniversary gift for my long-suffering wife.  Reaction TBD.