Training for Strongman without strongman implements?

[Trevor Lane]

So, I have decided to do my first strongman competition in July: http://www.nastrongman.com/pdf/2011/ltr.pdf, but I do not currently have access to any strongman implements and may not until after this contest. So, I was curious about thoughts on approximating events with standard barbells & dumbbells. My thought was to train something like this (at least until I can get access to some implements):
Tuesday - Push my Honda pilot, with my dad "driving" (might be able to build or buy a harness to pull with)
Thursday - Axle clean-and-press approximation using Fat Gripz (clean once, press for reps) 175-225 in case they consolidate novice & lightweight
Chain Yoke walk approximation using loaded barbell – 450-500 lbs for 80’, one turn (60 second limit)
Saturday - Zercher Deadlift to approximate atlas stones, shooting for 295
TBD approximation for trailer deadlift shooting for 525 (might move this to Tuesday & use a wheelbarrow to approximate the trailer)

Any suggestions are welcome, and please recommend any other implement "approximations" you may know of for other strongman events in case other members are interested in them.

[BendtheBar]

Bump. This was moderated and I just saw it. Don't want it to get buried.

[5kgLifter]

Strong hessian sacks filled with sand or gravel; in internal bags, if using sand with it being so fine.

[bruteforce]

I had a yoke built at a local welder's shop and made weights from 5 gallon buckets, quikcrete, and 1" PVC

[Fazc]

I think the only problem will be that you have to bear in mind Strongman isn't just about strength. Strength endurance and the ability to run/jog very fast under weight is very important. Running around with weight is a far-cry from being statically strong or even from just walking/dragging weight along and that needs to be catered for in training and you need some conditioning to be able to do so safely.

Strongman is a lot more than just static strength which you'd find in a PL or OL competition.

[Fazc]

This is a video of JC, one of the 105kg BSM competitors. Look at the SPEED on that, with a 660lbs yoke. Absolutely immense:

[bruteforce]

Originally Posted by Fazc

I think the only problem will be that you have to bear in mind Strongman isn't just about strength. Strength endurance and the ability to run/jog very fast under weight is very important. Running around with weight is a far-cry from being statically strong or even from just walking/dragging weight along and that needs to be catered for in training and you need some conditioning to be able to do so safely.

Strongman is a lot more than just static strength which you'd find in a PL or OL competition.

That is very true. Picking a 700 pound yoke is easy. Moving with just 500 pounds is a nightmare. Speed is big, and so it safety/technique. If the yoke begins to swing, there's a whole new level of difficulty in just staying alive, much less moving it forward.

Speed is a large part of what put me down to 4th in the competition i did last year. I'm a slow lumbering beast. My strength was lacking too, but some of the competitors were unbelievably fast. Resilient little buggers too. I still hadn't recovered from the yoke and it was time to do the Conan's wheel. I have GOT to get my conditioning up this year.

[Fazc]

Originally Posted by bruteforce

That is very true. Picking a 700 pound yoke is easy. Moving with just 500 pounds is a nightmare. Speed is big, and so it safety/technique. If the yoke begins to swing, there's a whole new level of difficulty in just staying alive, much less moving it forward.

Yeah, I'll say quite honestly no way I could do that stuff. No chance in hell.

[BendtheBar]

I remember Max Misch deadlifting a weight, resting it on his knees from a squat position, maneuvering his arms underneath, and then "zerchering" the weight. I always wondered if I could do this myself. Might be worth a shot.

[TitanCT]

Originally Posted by Trevor Lane

So, I have decided to do my first strongman competition in July: http://www.nastrongman.com/pdf/2011/ltr.pdf, but I do not currently have access to any strongman implements and may not until after this contest. So, I was curious about thoughts on approximating events with standard barbells & dumbbells. My thought was to train something like this (at least until I can get access to some implements):
Tuesday - Push my Honda pilot, with my dad "driving" (might be able to build or buy a harness to pull with)
Thursday - Axle clean-and-press approximation using Fat Gripz (clean once, press for reps) 175-225 in case they consolidate novice & lightweight
Chain Yoke walk approximation using loaded barbell – 450-500 lbs for 80’, one turn (60 second limit)
Saturday - Zercher Deadlift to approximate atlas stones, shooting for 295
TBD approximation for trailer deadlift shooting for 525 (might move this to Tuesday & use a wheelbarrow to approximate the trailer)

Any suggestions are welcome, and please recommend any other implement "approximations" you may know of for other strongman events in case other members are interested in them.

just move to CT and train at poundstone performance?