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[Fire36]

First post here and looks like a great place to share tips and get some great advice. I started the Stronglifts workout last summer and was super impressed. Wanting to continue gaining strength for my job. I also compete in the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge "The toughest two minutes in sports" and want to learn how to become stronger and better at this grueling event.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Fire36

First post here and looks like a great place to share tips and get some great advice. I started the Stronglifts workout last summer and was super impressed. Wanting to continue gaining strength for my job. I also compete in the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge "The toughest two minutes in sports" and want to learn how to become stronger and better at this grueling event.

Welcome to the board Fire36. We try to keep the forum a very respectful and encouraging place that is free of trolls, etc.

The board has strongman competitors, powerlifters and bodybuilders. I think we have a high density of competitors, so there is a lot of practical and real world experience.

I'm not familiar with the Firefighter challenge. Maybe you can tell us a bit more about it...

[Fire36]

The "Challenge" is 5 job specific tasks. There are a couple different categories as far as how you can compete. Basically the events break down like this, and this is done in FULL turnout gear ( protective gear we wear with an air pack) this adds an additional 45-50 pounds you have to carry.
You begin by carrying a 42 pound "hose pack" up the tower which is 5 stories, drop the hose pack and hoist another hose roll up to the top of tower( another 42 pound roll). Run back down the stairs and hit the forcible entry simulator which is a 160 pound piece of iron hit with a 9 pound shot mallet moving it 5 feet.
Run through a serices of cones to drag a charged hose line 75 feet this weighs approx. 125 pounds, ending with dragging the rescue mannequin ( 175 pounds) 100 feet.

This is a timed event and you run against the clock and head to head with another competitor. There are male and female categories, tandem teams and relay teams. Only the individuals run the course "hooked" to the air pack.

Check out Firefighter Combat Challenge Website

[BendtheBar]

I was exhausted just reading about it. How many times have you competed, and what's the best you've finished.

[Fire36]

Done the relay event 5 times and have ran the individual once, with a time of 4:29 which my goal was to just FINISH and be able to say I did it. Now I want to get stronger and improve my time. At the time I ran the individual event I only weighed 150 pounds. I started the Stronglifts workout this past summer and have put on 15 pounds while dropping my body fat 4%. I'd really like to get up around 185 or 190 eventually while keeping my body fat % low.

[AthleteCreator]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

I was exhausted just reading about it.

My thoughts exactly. I honestly believe I started breathing a bit harder.

You can keep that "event" for yourself. lol

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Fire36

Done the relay event 5 times and have ran the individual once, with a time of 4:29 which my goal was to just FINISH and be able to say I did it. Now I want to get stronger and improve my time. At the time I ran the individual event I only weighed 150 pounds. I started the Stronglifts workout this past summer and have put on 15 pounds while dropping my body fat 4%. I'd really like to get up around 185 or 190 eventually while keeping my body fat % low.

Stronglifts is a solid approach. Where are your lifts currently?

[Fire36]

Due to just getting back from the World Championships in Vegas where our Relay team ran in the prelims, I have not lifted in about 2 weeks.
My squats are 160lbs 5x5, bench is at 135lbs 5x5, OHP is 85lbs 5x5 deadlift 190.

I have alot of work to do, but have been impressed with what this workout has done for my strength compared to where I was at. I consider myself still a beginner in the gym and have finally let the pride issue go, and realized everyone starts somewhere and its not too late to get stronger.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Fire36

Due to just getting back from the World Championships in Vegas where our Relay team ran in the prelims, I have not lifted in about 2 weeks.
My squats are 160lbs 5x5, bench is at 135lbs 5x5, OHP is 85lbs 5x5 deadlift 190.

I have alot of work to do, but have been impressed with what this workout has done for my strength compared to where I was at. I consider myself still a beginner in the gym and have finally let the pride issue go, and realized everyone starts somewhere and its not too late to get stronger.

Never to late to get stronger. I think if you keep at it, you will easily hit a 250 squat, 200 bench and 300 deadlift by Summer.

Would you consider another approach other then Stronglifts?

[Fire36]

I suppose I would consider it, if I can continue to see the progess I have this fall. My goal was to hit 1.5x body weight and I'm just now able to do BW for a 5x5 lift.