The Tactical Strength Challenge intrigued me the first time I read about it. That was last March and I knew that the April 2009 event wouldn’t be in the cards for me. So I looked to do it in September. I trained for it and did OK. I showed up did my Dead lift, my pull ups and finally my 5 minute snatch test.

Didn’t get earth shattering results but I did participate. Originally, when I reviewed past results from the experience I knew my numbers wouldn’t be all that exciting relative to the competition but I also knew I didn’t particularly care. I just wanted to do it and wanted to do it each 6 months and see if I could improve my numbers each time.

I’ve been working with Marty Gallagher to improve my raw strength. There is a great possibility that my dead lift will rise by 25% since September when I do the April TSC. Marty has helped me greatly improve my technique and I’ve taken multiple steps backward in load as I’ve improved my method. Not always easy on the ego but for me to hot my medium goal of 2 times bodyweight pull and then get to 2.5 times that I needed to get better. The strength will follow.

The Tactical Pull up has also improved quite a bit. If you want to dial up your pull ups then I think reading either the Naked Warrior or Convict Conditioning would be worth it for you. Pull ups are tough for me and I hate doing them since they are so challenging. Other programs to consider would be the Fighter Pull Up program or Recon Ron’s system. I expect to increase my pull ups by 100% at the April TSC.

Finally, the RKC Kettlebell snatch test. Looking to improve 25% here as well. Find out how I’ve done it here.

Train With Purpose,

Sandy Sommer RKC