[Rich]

Rich on July 15, 2018 at 9:59 am · in reply to: base planning #10811

Thanks, Scott. The book and the training program are both excellent. You and Steve have done a great job. I plan to use this program for years to come as you suggest. The surgery was a big deal, but it was successful, and I consider myself lucky.
I am cleared by the doc, and my back is doing fine. Kind of a funny story: I was at the doc, orthopedic surgeon, he had already cleared me to return to work a couple months earlier, and in this follow up appt, I asked him if I could start skating again. I play ice hockey in a recreational league. As soon as I asked, he says “That’s where I know you from! I thought you looked familiar!” The doc played in the same league a few years before and recognized me. He played in a different division, and if I played against him, I didn’t remember him. Anyway, we had a good laugh about it. He said I was fine to start playing again.
As you suggested, I did spend time (June to April) in a general flexibility and weight training routine, going to the gym nearly every day. But, I wasn’t making much progress and your program was a welcome change. I developed some tendon pain in an elbow that started from lat pull downs. Still feel it, but it doesn’t stop me from doing any of the exercises.
Are pull ups “safer” using straps, or something other than a fixed bar?
I’ll stick with the base period as I planned it. The Z1,2, and 3 workouts will have to be on a treadmill since that’s all I have access to. I used to run a bit 25 years ago, but stopped after the first back surgery in 1994. I am reluctant to start again. The treadmill is working for now. It should be good for the Z3 workouts as well. Beyond that is too far in the future to worry about now.
I will be in Spain visiting with my wife’s family, and am looking at doing some hiking in the Sierra Nevadas in November.

[Rich]

Rich on March 29, 2018 at 8:55 am · in reply to: planning my transition period #8962

Thanks Scott and Adam. I’ll reduce the volume and add some treadmill time.

Rich

[Rich]

Rich on March 24, 2018 at 9:00 am · in reply to: Training plans, Basic Fitness Test and Weight Loss #8849

I just completed a 5 day mountaineering course with Colorado Mountain School. Guide told me my fitness level was poor. I bought a copy of TftNA and am about halfway through. I am thinking about buying the 24 week training plan even though I have no plans of doing a big mountain. But, I won’t decide until I finish the book.
I was planning on doing the Alpine Combine fitness test today and then going to the gym later to try the Killer Core Routine.
I think I understand what a box step is, but what is a box jump? I assume jump up on the box and back down with both feet at the same time? Is that right? With no pack? And in running shoes, no boots?
Next question, I have no idea what my training volume should be. I was thinking I should go for a bike ride and see how I feel after an hour, then two hours, in Zone 1. Noting the time during the ride when my fatigue became excessive and then using this time as 25% of my weekly volume.
The book is excellent. I wish I had done this 30 years ago.