Gone Training

Some Sick Paint

2012-02-17T16:08:00.000-08:00

Found a site with some sick duracoat, if you are really into skulls this guy has some awesome stuff.

Here is the link to his site Hillbilly 223

KydexRush

2012-02-13T17:51:00.000-08:00

Guest post, it mentions me (which is cool) and it is pretty spot on. For comments his email is linked at the bottom

The "Kydex"Rush of 2012

My office has had a pool on going as to when “the bigger” kydex makers will be forced to lower their prices (one already has). The proverbial lid has been blown off kydex holsters; first came a review from Kitup.com and 101 Holsters burst on the scene charging $55 and not nickel and diming for customization. PhillyEDCs “how to” video started a wave of people making their own holsters.

A quick search on youtube and you will find no less than 12 channels making kydex holsters this week. Albeit they suck, but that is just a function of time and money, i.e. how much time do they have to practice before they run out of money? Their problem is making a holster takes a long time especially to make it right; one can’t just put in an hour a day because one holster takes an hour, and only if one knows what they are doing and don’t screw up. If you do screw it up, back to the beginning, time and money wasted.

The “Kydex Rush” has begun. Make no mistake; the top 3 companies are feeling the squeeze as is evident by their goon squads harassing various holster makers recently. When you’re the top dog you don’t worry about young pups that is, until you start to see hundreds on the horizon.

Back to the time and money. I find myself laughing out loud at the computer when the youtuber is describing his smooth draw, his little arms shake and sweat beads off his brow as he tries with all his might to draw the bluegun from the holster. I’m sure if they stick with it, they will eventually get it right, but then the daunting task comes of breaking even.

Back to the office pool, before you add you dollar, consider 4 variables for your equation (weigh them as you see fit):

1. % of market share lost

2. Amount of time needed to produce a quality product

3. Peoples love of labels

4. Fan boys, which until this weekend I had no idea what a fan boy was.

#1. This one is tricky, because we really have no idea how big the “biggs” are. They could have 20 employees or they could have 4, they could make 1000 holsters per week or 100. We can only guess, because people tend to make stuff up, lie, or exaggerate. The trend seems to favor companies with a long wait. A longer wait doesn’t necessarily mean a better product but that is the perception. If they are a small shop and purport to be a large company they could withstand an onslaught of competition for quite a while, however if they grew to fast, cracks in the dam will overwhelm them and they will be forced to lower their prices.

#2. Some of the videos I’ve watched on youtube are hilarious; the holster process is in a crazy order, ridiculous designs, impossible retention, and stupid amount of definition (only to lose the definition when they heat the holster up because they can’t get the bluegun out). For most they will simply cut their losses and close shop. For others, they will make some extra money working weekends and have a nice holster every time they purchase a new gun. One or two may actually sell more than 10 holsters a month to people other than themselves. I still don’t understand why people put up a video of a holster they’ve made that looks awful. There is no patience in the youtube world. Rather than wait until they get feedback, actually test it and make it aesthetically pleasing, they rush it to market. The results are typical, they look like some dude making a holster for the first time i.e. ugly. When you go so far out of your way for originality, you end up with a hybrid of ridiculousness that looks like what you were not trying to copy in the first place. The best are people that actually think theirs is original and blast others as copycats or try to patent their piece of kydex with holes cut into it.

#3. This is the biggest wildcard. I had no idea just how cold blooded some people were, until people started committing murder over $200 shoes that cost $10 to make by child slaves in China. I will never understand this behavior. The backward logic is, X super hero uses Y, then if I use Y I’ll be X, wrong. There is nothing magic about Kydex, it all goes back to time and money. Material to make a kydex holster is about $10, so why pay $100 and wait 3 months when you can pay $50 and get it next week. If you understand this logic then you are truly what monopolies hate, consumers with brains. Competition is fantastic for the consumer, can you imagine how much a cell phone would cost if there was only Apple?

#4. Defined by the urban dictionary: A pathetic insult often used by fan boys themselves to try and put down people who don't like whatever it is they like. Instead being happy that everyone gets to own a nice kydex holster, they only want themselves and their friends to own one. They are part of a secret club and will give up their life to ensure no one else gets in. Also interesting to note that fan boys are a huge proponent of “made in America”; of course this doesn’t translate to their personal lives when they log onto the internet with their Ipad and shop at Wal-Mart. It is interesting how certain companies make a lot of money off people that feel better buying name brand stuff. If you handed a fan boy two products without the names, they wouldn’t be able to tell the difference, of course they will swear on their mother’s grave they can.

More people making kydex holsters is a win for the consumer with lower prices, shorter wait times and better customization. It is extremely cool that you can contact a holster maker and have them customize exactly what you want. Never before has this been possible, the “Kydex” Rush of 2012 will be interesting to watch. How long can the “bigs” survive with inflated prices and wait times, and how many new kydex makers will try to claim their piece of the kydex fortune?

Questions/Comments

Duracoat Aftermath

2012-02-13T12:59:00.000-08:00

You never really know how many friends you have until you start spraying Duracoat. A normal Saturday can turn into an awesome Saturday with friends, firearms and Duracoat.

In all we painted about 20 things (pistols, rifles, knives. magazines and lights), are the perfect? They were when we painted them but after a couple weeks of time on the shelf, a day of training and blemishes are apparent. It could be that we didn't sand enough (bead blaster may cure it) or we didn't wait the recommended 4 weeks (we waited 2). The point is I may have gotten mad if I paid $150 per pistol and it started to wear off (which it will anyway no matter what you do). Since we painted them ourselves, it gives the pistol character.

I did purchase a upgraded air brush, figured I'd paint just about every firearm I ever buy and my friends pitched in. Also bought some clear masking film to make some designs, the blue tape on blue tape method worked ok, but the film should work better.

Stay away from the named brand paints, the Magpul FDE is my favorite but the Trijicon and EOTech are shiny like finger nail polish. I'm going to try some of the tactical colors next, but Magpul FDE is the staple for Flat Dark Earth.

Next Level of Juice

2012-02-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

The next level is a blender that will blend it all up, not leaving anything to throw away. Thus more food, more nutrients and less waste.

Enter the BlendTec or Vitamix. Isn't competition great one company comes out with something awesome then another company comes out with a similar product but more awesome, but competitively priced with the less awesome product. The vicious cycle continues forever until we the consumer win.

Downside they cost $400

Will they do the job? If they can blend an IPAD they can definitely blend up kale.

Get on the Juice

2012-01-29T16:41:00.000-08:00

30 days since new years, all the new faces at the gym determined to "get in shape" have given up and my workouts can continue as normal. On to hippies; seems as the years go by everything they said is true, from foreign entanglements, non-GMO food, various powers of green plants, eating organic and Green Drink (or juicing).

If you try anything this year you must go to the store by a juicer ($50 at Walmart) a whole bunch of fresh fruit and vegetables and blam! The first time I drank a super green drink my skin started to tingle and my body felt like someone had just jump started my battery. It is hard to put the feeling into words, it was incredible. I had a rush go through my body that I had never felt before, the only way to understand is to try it for yourself.

I'm 90 days in and I will never ever go with out green drink again; every morning it starts with green drink and sometimes a green drink smoothie around 2pm. The good thing about juicing is you can taking anything and throw it in there. I know you think it is going to taste awful but when you add apples or pineapple it taste awesome.

Important: find a glass or cup that is big enough to hold 32oz of liquid yet short enough to fit under the spout. If you want a super super drink add super green powder but this will thicken the juice and is awesome but will nullify some of the sweet taste. Use the blender after adding super green powder.

My receipe:
2 apples
Kale (at least 3 large leafs)
Spinach 2-3 cups
2 stalks of celery
2 carrots
ginger
1 cucumber

Break your Plateau
JT

Still not convinced watch the trailer below for "FOOD MATTERS" or follow the link to youtube where you can watch the entire film.

New Pistols

2012-01-25T17:58:00.001-08:00

Now making holsters for:

Glock 34/35
Glock 36
Ruger LCR
Sig Saur 238
Walther PPQ
HK USP 9/40
SIG SP2022 w/rail

Magazine Carriers

2012-01-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

The Pistol Magazine Carriers are now located under the corresponding tab. Example all Glock Magazine Carriers are located under the Glock Tab along will the Glock Holsters.

J-Frames are Here

2012-01-15T19:24:00.000-08:00

I haven't ever shot a revolver until a couple of weeks ago and they are awesome. I had to have one, definitely a cool gun.

Duracoat, Do It

2012-01-15T19:20:00.000-08:00

Blue tape, Q-Tips, Cotton balls

There are a ton of Duracoat videos on youtube, I have watched a lot of them. If you continue to watch them you will have no idea just how awesome Duracoat is. For months I sat on the sidelines with excuses like it takes to long and I don't have an air compressor, for 2012 make a goal to Duracoat something.

I had no idea just how incomplete my life has been up to now. I am currently running out of stuff to Duracoat and running out of Duracoat.

Yes, there are professionals who will Duracoat your pistol and yes they charge a lot ($150 minimum) it is all about time, and it is time consuming, in a good way. Prep takes a long time, and the longer you take the better off it will turn out.

Crunch the numbers:

Pro:
-1 pistol $150 min

You
-EZ Kit $54.95 (I bought this and an extra color +$17.95)
-Air compressor $100 (go to Lowes 1.5gal tank)
-at least 4 pistol + magazines + holster + knife

Total <$300 although can you really count the air compressor? You can use it to pump up tires and clean off your keyboard etc. Once you buy the air compressor it is done no more costs.

Colors: EO Tech Flat Dark Earth and Magpul Flat Dark Earth

If you are considering using Duracoat you know you will paint more than one pistol (knifes, holsters, remotes, magazines).

The real challenge is finding things to Duracoat and choosing the colors.

I pass along the following advice:
1. Wear a mask, spray outside or in the garage with the doors up
2. Make a plan; gather all items to duracoat in one central location
3. Buy a bigger bottle to spray out of, the bottles that come with the EZ Kit barely hold 2TBSP of Duracoat which runs out fast.
4. Order 10 free samples of the colors you are thinking about. Lowery Weapons sends them out for free and you can see exactly what the color will look like.

Break Your Plateau

JT

Water or Coke

2012-01-05T22:08:00.001-08:00

WATER

75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. (This likely applies to half the world population.)

In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.

Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%.

One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied (in a University of Washington study).

Lack of water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

Preliminary research indicates that 8 to 10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.

Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

COKE

In many states the highway patrol carries two gallons of Coke in the trunk to remove blood from the highway after a car accident.

You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of Coke and it will be gone in two days.

To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl and let the "real thing" sit for one hour, then flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china.

To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers: Rub the bumper with a rumpled-up piece of aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.

To clean corrosion from car battery terminals: Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion.

To loosen a rusted bolt: Applying a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.

To bake a moist ham: Empty a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan, wrap the ham in aluminum foil, and bake. Thirty minutes before the ham is finished, remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.

To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of Coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains.

Coke will also clean road haze from your windshield.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. Its pH is 2.8. It will dissolve a nail in about four days. Phosphoric acid also leaches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase in osteoporosis.

To carry Coca-Cola syrup (the concentrate) the commercial truck must use the "Hazardous Material" place cards reserved for highly corrosive materials.

The distributors of Coke have been using it to clean the engines of their trucks for about 20 years!

Now the question is, would YOU like a glass of water or Coke?

Buy 4 Nalgene bottles and a water filter.

Break your Plateau
JT

Current Wait

2011-12-14T15:40:00.000-08:00

Update 5JAN12, current wait time is about 17-20 days

Due to a couple large orders, all orders after 14 Dec 11 will start shipping the week of 6 Jan 11. Current wait time is about 3 weeks; after the current large orders get filled the wait time will go back to the normal 10-14 days.

JT

Zombie Shirt

2011-12-10T15:17:00.001-08:00

You can only hope...

Wait there is More

2011-12-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

Apparently there is a whole series of "Diesel Weasel" Max lifts, I recommend watching them all; I can't stop watching the squat. It is on my top 5 funniest things ever. If you watch the video head to youtube and read some of the comments they are just as awesome as Max

Awesomeness

2011-12-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

quote from Jim who owns crossfit havoc "don't ever do any of these"
hahaha this video is awesome
The best comment by TBW92 on youtube "he held that max attempt for almost 30 seconds. That's so ridiculously unsafe in itself that I'm truly baffled as to how he isn't permanently cripple"

Hire a trainer a professional someone who can look at your form and help you get better, or join a crossfit gym for a month get training then continue on your own. Bare minimum look up how to _____ on youtube and watch people do it.

10 More Reasons

2011-11-27T07:08:00.000-08:00

As if you needed another reason to buy a gun this holiday season; 10 videos of people rushing to buy cheap junk. Just think these people are fighting over crappy towels and picture frames, what will they do when they don't have any food.

here is the link to 10 videos

this is my favorite, if this lady will spray people with pepper spray for some junk from china...maybe zombies are real

Appendix carry catching on

2011-11-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

Did I just see Travis Haley draw from an appendix?

Commanders Challenge #1

2011-11-23T21:59:00.000-08:00

There are 3 Commanders Challenges, where I challenge the entire company, with each challenge repeating every 3 months (we will complete each challenge 4 times per year) today was the 4th month so back to challenge #1. If anyone beats my time they get a 3 day pass and their name on the belt.

5 pullups and 5 dips

2 muscle ups
20m low crawl
4 bag lifts from ground to shoulder (#80/#40)
50m run with bag
30m buddy drag
5 pushups
50m run with bag

WINNER: ME hahah time 91 seconds.
Tally: ME 4 Company 0
I had a new dude in process who was touting a 300+ pt score and I actually thought he may beat me..wrong his time 4 minutes +

Another Serpa Fail

2011-11-21T12:05:00.000-08:00

Received a couple hate mails about my airsoft comments and it is barely past noon and the video doesn't even have that many views... soo posting a video of some good old fashioned family night and more serpa fails, back when I didn't even know what a serpa fail was. The slow motion is great to see serpa fails that you couldn't see at regular speed.

Like I said i'm down with airsoft it is a great way to train, I bought 12 airsoft guns for my kids that one day may come just in case the GOV tries to ban them. I like playing airsoft when people have realistic equipment not magazines with 1000 bbs, m4 mags with 30bbs and hand guns with 17 AND when everyones gun shoots the same speed.

"Battle Belt" Magazine Carrier

2011-11-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

The new carrier takes up 2 rows, much easier to manage your space.

To order click here

Surfire 60 round Magazine vs. Regular 30 Mags

2011-11-16T18:25:00.000-08:00

Perusing the web and came upon the Surefire 60 round magazine, awesome I'll take one...$129??? Whoa $50 ok but $129.

A little bit of math
1 Surefire 60 round =$129 + shipping
or
10 PMags @ $14.20 = $142 + free shipping

Carrying 60 rounds would be cool but for $129 hell no... I'm taking the 10 PMags

JT

The real side of war

2011-11-11T15:51:00.000-08:00

Ever want to know what it is like? This video tells it all, I never stopped laughing. Hopefully this gets 1,000,000,000 instead of Justin Beiber

Brokos Belt

2011-11-06T19:32:00.000-08:00

Best Piece of Gear Ever

Threading holsters through your belt is a pain; pant belt loops get in the way, takes time, space is limited and what about taking a lunch break. Enter the Brokos Belt, as I scanned the web looking for a battle belt I wasn't sure if I wanted to drop $100 just because you can use a belt or attached it to molle. What I found was they all are $100 and viking tactics has the only design that allows you to use the belt. Companies will soon all fall in line because the option of attaching a gun holster to your belt is huge.

I bought the belt so my shooting set up is ready to go, I go to the range, put it on and training begins. No more putting on holsters and pouches, it is awesome.

My "Battle Belt" isn't set up to rush out the door in a Mad Max scenario, if that was the case I would move. I'm not living anywhere (unless it is 15 months or less) where I have to worry about grabbing my belt and moving to contact.

I get airsoft but even with airsoft there is a level and this dude goes way over and looks ridiculous. Holly crap 20 magazines is a bit much, but whatever, at 2:05 I'm thinking who the f*&k does this. I blame video games

Made a new pouch to fit on molle, lose an 1 inch over the regular mag carrier, adjustable tension, perfect for my brokos belt.

Break Your Plateau

Commanders Challenge #3

2011-11-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

Time for the 3rd Commanders Challenge, once again I reign supreme. Although if one of my soldiers didn't have a leon lett moment, he would have won by a second or 2 but as it stands me 3 company 0

Best part of the day, Soldiers trying to drag the 200lb bag I don't think they thought it really weighed 200lbs.

The Challenge:

10 ankles to bar

traverse parallel bars (5m) without touching the ground

back crawl 15m

50m farmer carry with 2 5gal water cans

200lb/100lb bag bear crawl drag 30m

5 push ups

50m farmer carry with 2 5gal water cans

Winning time was 1:40

My Gift to Serpa Owners Everywhere

2011-10-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

It is only a matter of time, it might be draw 1 or draw 1,000,000,000 eventually your mind will go else where you'll draw and experience a serpa fail. Sooo before that fateful day comes I deliver to you the gift of all gifts. Watch the video and after you shoot yourself in the pelvis apply the tourniquet, send me a thank you card during your recovery and I'll send you a holster and a smile.

Some Afternoon Fun

2011-10-18T05:33:00.000-07:00

Found a lost gem of a workout area. After a good pushup and pullup workout, a young gun thought I was tired enough to challenge me up the rope...WRONG. Still got it

A Day off..Yes Please

2011-10-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

Not sure why the gov. is still pushing the whole Columbus discovering America but hey a day off is a day off. Range time

New Photos Soon

2011-10-03T18:55:00.001-07:00

In the process of taking new photos, they will be added soon

CDR Challenge #2

2011-09-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

20fit cargo net tower

Another 30 days of responding to emails and other tedious busy work has passed, whcih means for a couple hours we get to act like soldiers once again.

Commander's Challenge #2 took place at TA98 Obstacle Course. 16 stations over 1000m from monkey bars, rope climbs, 1 rope bridges, 3 rope bridges, low wires and rope swings (everything a person would need to feel super hooah).

Of course a 4 day pass, the coveted Commanders Challenge Championship belt and bragging rights were on the line.

200m Hill from Hell

The competition was much more fiece this time with a couple of my soldiers gunning for my title, but my razor sharp mind, and super determination broght me a second win.

1st run 6:40
2nd run 6:14

Break your plateau
JT

Time for Strength

2011-09-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

Fall is upon us, dreams of sunny days by the pool are over, time to pack on strength. Let your diet slip a bit take some time off to recover, 4 weeks of rehabbing my shoulder (moblitywod) and a week off to recover it is time to train for new PRs.

I will be reaching back into the 5x5 days x2 week (squat, deadlift, bench) 2 days of crossfit and 1 day of 400m/800m sprints. 16 weeks later I hope to achieve my goals.

Supps: Creatine, Protein, BCAA's, Caffeine, Omega3, CLA, Tribulus

My super friend Justin helps a lot with the supps

Goals:

Squat 405lbs
Deadlift 525lbs
Bench 375lbs
Total 1305lbs

The last time I hit my PR was OIF 07-09 Demon Platoon 1000 club, total weight 1285lbs but I was 255lbs not 200lbs.

Break Your Plateau

JT

Christmas Come Early

2011-09-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

Christmas has come early for some Texans, some might think it is Christmas here all year long and it might be but Christmas is a lot of work

Best Movie Line Ever

2011-09-17T10:17:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I've never seen this before...Best Line Ever

More Serpa Fails

2011-09-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

Just read that the USMC is buying Blackhawk Serpa's for the Core....terrible news. I wonder how many ND's this will cause. Wearing a thigh harness looks cool but I'm not a fan and even worse is wearing it on your chest. Enjoy

Why haven't I ever seen Action Figure Therapy

2011-09-12T18:27:00.001-07:00

I don't get on the internet enough, but I could watch this all day...if you don't like strong language hmmm better not listen

PMAG vs Troy Battle Mag (CBIR)

2011-09-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

It is still amazing to me when I encounter Officers, NCO's and Soldiers who haven't ever see or touched a PMag. What planet are they living on.

Well they are pretty similar, the PMag is a little heavier but I don't count ounces. You will have to add some grip tape to the Troy it is a little slicker than the PMag.

Price:
PMag $14.20 +$5.00 for the Ranger Plate =$19.20
Troy $13.95 + $0 for the pull tab = $13.95

I like the PMAG better, it just feels better in my hand but the troy has the price. I thought the Troy pull tab (feels like soft rubber) would break after a couple hundred mag changes but so far hasn't even phased it.

The followers are similar except the PMag's is more rigid, I can depress the Troy follower and make it uneven, I can not do the same with the PMag. This may not even matter since I haven't ever experienced a jam due to magazine error, a few jams shooting wolf ammo ;).

Conculsion: is still up in the air, I think the PMag looks more cool, it feels more cool but the price point is pretty huge. You'll have to make your own decision on this one but either is better than what the Army hands out.

If you have a loved one going down range do not let them leave without 8 magazines, it would really suck to get shot because your weapon jams due to the crappy USGI Magazine.

Break Your Plateau
JT

1st Commander's Challenge

2011-08-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

handsome devil

1st event in the books and a huge success, my Soldiers were a bit hesitant leading up to the event (thinking I was going to try and kill them) but soon learned today was all about hard work, having fun and everyone competing to help each other reach the next level of physical fitness. If I were a young soldier and my commander challenged me; I would gear the entire month between challenges to beat them and earn a 4 day pass and legend status.
Link for full story here

Once a month the Commanders Challenge is held, any soldier that beats me gets a 4 day pass. There are 4 challenges and every 4 months we repeat the challenge so we can measure improvement
Challenge #1 was held today and consisted of

5 pull ups or 2 muscle ups
5 dips (if you did muscle ups then you could skip the dips)
15m high crawl
#40/#80 duffel bag lift x4 (#40 rx'd for female and #80 for male)
50m run with duffel bag
5 pushups
30m buddy drag
50m run with duffel bag

Living Large

2011-08-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

Photos from the Mina Sauk Falls, the pictures of the falls without water are super.

More Serpa Victims

2011-08-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

Skip ahead to 1:36 to see the serpa fail. Don't look to much into who made this video, I eat plenty of animals, the dude who pulls the gun forgets the most important piece to drawing your pistol, you must separate the pistol from the holster at 1:36 of the video.

Paddle holsters are for little kids, if you are serious about shooting and if you carry a gun you should be, attach the holster to your belt.

Who needs the Brady Campaign when you have gun owners like this, dude is the poster child for every gun grabber in the world.

Oh and I love when he draws he places his hand on the slide to cock the pistol because he knows it is not loaded...

Piece of Garbage Serpa holster that I never practice with...Check
Unloaded pistol...Check
Needlessly draw a handgun that will someday be taken away and used on myself because I'm an stupid old man that somehow has made it through life because of people like me that do all the hard and nasty work that people like him would have died long ago attempting....check
Make a fool of yourself on youtube...check

Hey stupid next time some crazy activist is taking your picture trying to get a rise out of you just keep driving...or give them exactly what they wanted...school yard 101

Another Serpa Victim

2011-08-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

First this is hilarious
Second how does this stuff make it to youtube..dude post that video of you so millions of people can laugh at you, you'll be the man...wrong
Third don't use a blackhawk serpa..GARBAGE

The law of diminishing returns does not apply to this video

Hindered by Space???

2011-08-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

A sweet custom job, perfect for those times when you run out of space on your belt
Specs:
Weight:
Regular Magazine Carrier 2.35oz
Regular Magazine Carrier w/ Piggyback 3.35
everything else is identical

Not bad considering a pistol magazine carrier will weigh in at around 1.85oz and is about 4inches long

Haven't included them on the site yet, need a better name (maybe)

Deuter Kid Comfort II

2011-08-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

After 50 or so miles walked wearing the Deuter Kid Comfort II (DKCII), rain or shine, safe to say I have an opinion or two. I used this pack for 2-6 mile hikes, which for me is the right amount of distance for the kid. For the specifics on the pack and company, click here, I own three Deuter packs and they are all awesome, I like the company, they have a good vibe and the packs look cool. After borrowing a DKCII for a while I finally gave it back and bought one for myself. I get most of my gear from Back Country Edge, they are located in PA have awesome customer service, great deals and will match prices. They also have a sweet program called Inside Edge Points. (disclaimer, I buy all my gear no one has given me anything free, once I figure out how to get a job as a pack tester...jackpot)

If you buy a DKCII, ensure you buy the Sun/Rain cover, I also bought the full rain cover which is really handy when you encounter rain. I bought the DKCII because I liked the size and look over the DKCIII. The III is too tall, I thought the height of the kid seat was unnecessary, and will increase the heat and cut down on air flow to the kid.

Cons:
Hydration Sleeve - The biggest complaint is the H2O sleeve is rather small, it takes a lot of effort to get a full 100oz Camelbak bladder into the sleeve. Once it is in, there is no loss in comfort, just getting it in is a huge pain.

Pros:
Easy Adjustment - Deuter calls it Veri Quick. This allows you to adjust the height of the shoulder straps depending on the users torso size. It is a great feature, it is quick and uses velcro.

Air Flow - Prickly Heat Sucks, anyone who has been to Ranger School knows, it is terrible. The backing is made of breathable foam and allows a good amount of circulation. I wish they would have added their Air Contact System, but then again his isn't really designed for 10-15 mile multiple night hikes.

Comfort - I am used to carrying heavy loads for long distances with crappy equipment, see molle rucksack. This pack was extremely comfortable, lots of adjustments which made for enjoyable hikes for me and kid.

Security - The kid says secure which is important. The shoulder and waist strap gives the kid stability, and getting in and out is a breeze.

The pack is awesome, best I have tried, the kid loves getting into it and instead of wasting time on the couch watching balls being thrown aroundwe are outside enjoying life. If the world ends in 2012 wouldn't you rather be enjoying yourself instead of worrying about Al Gore and MAN BEAR PIG

Break Your Plateau

JT

Molle Compatibility

2011-07-26T10:08:00.001-07:00

Esee 3 in MARPAT attached to my kit, with 2 small molle-lok. Notice the flat sides, if you are going to attach to molle as your primary carry option send me a not with your order to keep the sides straight.

No Molle-Loks? An easy fix are pieces of kydex that the knife sheath screws into included on orders for molle gear

Works great for Gerbers, SOG Multi Tool and Leathermans. Compatibility

Add caption

Aftermath of The Falls

2011-07-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

It was a great trip, a true test of what you are made of. When someone in the party goes down, are you willing to carry more than your share of the load, 100% and then some. Are you just trying to get a go everyone else be damned. Someone goes down pick them up and move out, stop wasting time, complaining isn't going to solve anything and the more it sucks the better it is. Want to see what your made of; try carring a 70lb dog for 10 miles up a mountain.

#1 heat causalities can happen at anytime or in this case hot rocks and dogs paws are a disastrous combination ARE YOU READY? Dog Boots are a must, whoever tells you that dog boots don't work use musher's wax punch them in the face for 2 reasons:
1. They are an arm chair general who has never ever been outdoors (sort of like a dude named Collin, reviewing a pack, that has never seen the outside of his cubicle)
2. Musher's wax, by itself, isn't going to save your dogs from hot rocks, maybe the mean streets and hazards of a walk down the street but not 14 miles. Using both is best but BOOTS are a must. Ruff Wear Bark'n Boots (review coming)

If you venture to the Falls and it hasn't rained for months, don't bother it is just another pile of rocks.

The Falls with no water

Which Protein ?????

2011-07-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

I use Dymatize Protein Powder because I like products that taste good and don't fake it. They put right on the label NO ASPARTAME, if you are eating products with aspartame good luck. So I emailed them to says thanks for making a protein powder without poison.

Haven't tried Dymatize Protien.....Follow my blog then email me and I'll send you a sample.

Break Your Plateau
JT

Diet Plan

2011-07-21T11:34:00.000-07:00

My make shift eating plan for going Paleo, so far so good, my first Fran time was 4:58 retest in about 8 weeks. I realize there are some Paleo no no's, but I'm not a professional athlete, lets see some of the worlds best crossfitters live in a bunker or on top of a mountain for 15 months getting shot at and see how they handle it.

Meal #1
3c Kale
16oz H2O
3 Protein Scoops Dymatize (2 Strawberry, 1 Chocolate)
1c Blueberries

Meal #2
1oz Almonds
1 Cliff Builder Bar

Meal #3
1c Cottage Cheese
1c Pineapple
16 Wheat Crackers (Back to Nature)
1tsp Peanut Butter

Meal #4
Paleo Kit

Pre Workout
1 Protein Scoop Dymatize
1/2c Pineapple

Post Workout
2 Protein Scoops Dymatize
(1 Casein, 1 Whey)

Meal #5
8oz Chicken
1 Red Pepper
1Green Pepper
1/2c Onion
Cube and place on a wood stick, grill

Bedtime
1c Cottage Cheese

Break Your Plateau
JT

First Date with Fran

2011-07-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

10 weeks of straight crossfit training, I decided to give Fran a trying thinking my time would be around 4 min or less....Damn being tall does have disadvantages; distance traveled on squats, press and pull-ups. This was a lot harder than it looks, who knew 95lbs could be so heavy.

hahahah Awesome

2011-07-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

I love magpul and this was funny

Mina Sauk Falls

2011-07-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

A quick visit to the Mina Sauk Falls and to the highest point in Missouri. The 14 mile loop is not a difficult hike unless you run out of water and have a couple of casualties (Dogs). The dogs are fine a little beat up with torn pads but they will survive. They are currently recovering with 24 hour pampering. Water along the trail currently is pretty scarce, if you do go ensure everyone in your party has the capacity to carry more than 64oz of water, 150oz is good 200oz is better. Taking a pet, dog boots are a must, Ruff Wear makes sweet Bark'n Boots (search the web for the best deal).

My packed weighed 42lbs which is heavy for a 1 night out and back trip, but I'm big so I don't mind carrying the extra weight, I want to be comfortable. I wouldn't normally carry 4 knives either or all that 550 cord.

Pictures from the hike coming soon

Gear Taken:

Deuter Air Contact 65 +10

Kelty Gunnison 2.1 with ground cloth(tent is not a must but it is good to test it out) Left the rain fly at home added Marmot Universal Gear Loft
Blast Match (This broke while in use, the steel piece fell out. A regular flint and steel is better and less expensive )
Tarp with 6 bungee cords make shift shade
Rain Jacket (just in case)
2 pair socks
1 pair pants
1 shirt

Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp

Therma Rest SOLite Pad

Sleeping Bag 15 degree (could have just taken an US Army poncho liner)
550 Cord for building stuff and tying knots
First Aid Kit
Camp Pillow

Kitchen/Food
Stove; MSR Pocket Rocket w/canister of fuel

Pot: Snow Peak Trek 700

MSR Spork
Mountain House Beef Stew
5 Paleo Kits

Water
Filter: MSR MiniWorks EX (The filter is awesome, it screws right onto a nalgene bottle)
4L Dromedary Bag (used while at base camp)
100oz Camelbak Bladder
1 32oz Nalgene Bottle

Knives
RTAK-II
Junglas
K-BAR Bowie
ESEE 3
WD-40
Leather Gloves

Bug Spray
Mosquito Net (best $1.96 I ever spent)
DEET 100 ( the more DEET the better to keep off ticks, only found 3 which is a win in my book)

RTAK II and KBAR Bowie

2011-07-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

A couple of sheaths for the RTAK-II and the K-Bar Bowie, excellent knives both come with crappy sheaths. The photos are a lower quality because my good camera is broken.

So You Want To Join the Army

2011-07-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a great video about what happens after you watch awesome stuff on tv then decide to join the Army

Make sure and rate it

DIY Paleo Kit

2011-06-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

On to the paleo diet, if I am going to compete in the crossfit games, the top crossfitters are all on the paleo diet so try I will. I have noticed that paleo kits from steves original seem to be popular, at $5.75 and $6.50 for the grass fed version, seems a little pricey. The problem with most diets are: 1. I have a real job 2. I am not a professional athlete 3. I don't have millions of dollars or hundreds of thousands to pay for a professional cheif or meal service. 4, 5 and 6 I cook all my meals which means I prep all my meals and clean up after all my meals. Time, Time, Time.

Items needed:

Beef Jerkey
Organic Blueberries
Organic Almonds
Organic Pinneapple
Food Saver Bags
Food Saver Vacuum Machine (what??? you don't own a food saver, tisk tisk. When chicken is $0.90/lb you have to be ready to take advantage).

All products with the exception of the nuts were bought off amazon.com, the almonds were bought locally. The paleo kits do not come with blueberries but I like them so mine do, all fruit and nuts are organic but the jerky is not. Why??? refer to reasons 1-4.

Blueberry Bag
3oz Jack Links Jerky ($1.16/oz) or use Organic Jerky ($1.67/oz)
40g Blueberries ($2.13/40g)
1oz Almonds ($0.36/oz)
1 quart bag ($0.40/bag)

Total price per pouch $6.37 (Organic $7.90)
Calories 550 Fat 17 Carb 50 Pro 51
The price tag of $6.37 is pretty steep also especially when my normal meals average out to $3.15, but these will prove invaluable while training or on the road and are actually a meal replacement (360 calories is not a meal replacement more like a snack)

Pineapple Bag
3oz Jerky ($1.16/oz)
1/4c Pineapple ($1.60)
1oz Almonds ($0.36/oz)
quart bag ($0.40)

Total $5.84 for pineapple

I also used apple chips which is even less

Break Your Plateau!

JT

For all of us Math Nerds a full cost to calorie comparison is below

Mine (M) vs Steves Original Large (SOL)

Weight
M - 5.7oz
SOL - 4.3oz

Cost
M - $6.37
SOL - $5.95 (plus shipping)

Calories
M - 550
SOL - 360

$/Calorie
M - $0.011
SOL - $0.016

If I were to make mine 360 Calories the price would be $3.96 Almost $2.00 savings, for $0.42 more I get blueberries which I like, organic, and almost 200 more calories

Protein
M - 51g
SOL - 28
M>SOL by 23g

The Great Flood of 2011

2011-06-24T06:34:00.001-07:00

Good Luck Omaha, the pictures tell it all

Click here for full set

If you follow the Webbots...HIT

Turkey Sausage w/ Fresh Veggies

2011-06-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

I hate eating out. Why? I don't know what they put in the food and paying for a meal that sucks is the worst. This meat costs about $6.00 and feeds 2 people, there is no way you could even get close to that cost or the amount of food or the QUALITY of food.

1 package (6 links) of Turkey Sausage. Peel off the intestine wraps
2 red peppers
2 green peppers
1/2 yellow onion
1 garlic clove
2tbsp olive oil

add oil and garlic to pan and cook for a few minutes, slice veggies add to pan. Grill turkey and cook all the way, drink beer and wait. combine all ingredients and enjoy

Be careful when adding wet veggies to oil it will splatter

Slice turkey down the middle and peel off the coating

Grill

drink a beer while waiting

Eat enjoy

Drink Soda

2011-06-16T15:48:00.001-07:00

What if I guzzle soda all day I'll get FAT???? WTF good article though

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/what-happens-to-your-body-after-you-drink-a-soda-every-day-for-a-long-time-2494154/

Cheat Days

2011-06-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

Any good meal and workout plan must include a cheat day, and seeing as this is Mojito month (well it might not be but I sure want to be) Mojitos all around

Blackberry Mojito

-1 Muddler (you have to have a muddler to make fresh drinks)
-2 lime wedges
-couple blackberries
-2 tsp sugar
-couple leaves of fresh mint
-1 or 2 shots rum
-Club Soda

Add limes, blackberries, sugar, mint and muddle until they are all good and smashed creating a lots of juice. Add rum, ice and fill with Club Soda. DONE

Picture coming tomorrow on cheat day/fight day...

Couple Custom Pieces

2011-05-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

A few quick pics of some custom sheaths I made for the neighbor. ESEE 3 and a Cold Steel Pusher

What do you carry

2011-05-22T22:05:00.000-07:00

Cold Steels FGX Pusher is pretty sweet (here for details). The neighbor brought it over and we worked out a couple designs, I love messing around with Kydex. Horizontal carry attached to belt loop, cell phone was used for size reference.

The videos that Cold Steel makes jacking stuff up are sweet.

1st Class Done

2011-05-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

12 weeks later and my 1st class is off to Ranger School. My little babies are all grown up and leaving the nest. All received slots, 1st Muscle-Ups were achieved and all left in fantastic shape.

The group energy is very similar to my Pre-Ranger class and we went straight through (although time at Ranger School is irrelevant, go pass, receive tab). The vibe given off is success, I have a great feeling about them.

Good Luck to All

Break Your Plateau
JT

5 Weeks Down

2011-05-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

Almost at the halfway point of my 12 week cut phase; I had a goal of dropping to around 209lbs but I am already there (vegetarian diet). I feel stronger and still have pretty good size, current lifts are 475lb Deadlift, 245lb Push-Press and 10 muscle-ups. Time to reassess; I will shoot for 195lbs. At 200lbs I'll see how I feel and make corrections as needed.

Break Your Plateau
JT

Day 1

Day 35

Crossfit or Weightlifting

2011-05-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

Maybe they are the same thing. I love lifting weights but crossfit is totally awesome, but am I going to get ripped just doing crossfit....Universe is presenting me with a huge dilemma, a definite fork in the road. The real question is how do I incorporate both....time to ponder.

FYI if I were a young 2LT living in a small hotel room with no dishwasher and limited ability to cook what would I do...I would definitely make a protein shake every morning and probably at night. At this point in my life I am not washing dishes by hand. All Blenders are exempted.

Fresh Tofu Salsa Mex

2011-05-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

photo taken after eating a couple

I know, I know TOFU??WTF? This recipe is so freaking good, you won't even know it has tofu except I told you. This will go great with Corona. The salsa recipe is from the fire roasted tomato can, it was my genius to add black beans, tofu and put it all together in a corn tortilla.

Prep time 15min
Cook time 20 min

1can black beans (drain and rinse)
1can fire roasted tomatoes (drain)
1/2 red onion (more than the original recipe, I like them)
2tsp fresh garlic
1 jalapeno (seeded)
salt
cilantro (small handful, I like cilantro too)
1/2pkg (8oz) Firm Tofu
1/2c cheese
juice from 1 lime (or 2tbsp)
corn tortillas

Chop up jalapeno, garlic, red onion, cilantro and tofu into small pieces then add all ingredients to a bowl and let sit for 3-4 hours (overnight is best). Warmup tortillas in a pan, until firm (prevents from getting soggy) add mixture fold over and hold with a tooth pick. Fill up the pan with rolled tortillas then add remaining mixture over the tortillas top with cheese. 350 degrees for 20 minutes, top with salsa and serve with a Corona and lime.

Watch video to see it in action, fyi I didn't edit my video and I'm not an actor and in the video I forgot to add the lime, it was added later

Chest Workout Update

2011-05-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

In sticking with strong man lifts on the Bravo workout day, I've been racking my brain for a strong man chest exercise. Today at the gym after heavy dumbbells and hammer strength machine I thought of it (not sure if it would qualify as an actual strong man lift) plyo push ups.

The last 2 exercise of the workout:

1. place two 5lb weights in front of where my hands would normally go for push ups, then push up and jump to the left ensuring the opposite hand hits where the 5lb weight is, then push up and jump back to center then to the right etc for 15 reps then 5 regular push ups (3 sets)

2. I took the bumper 45lbs plates, stacked up 1 on each side and did 16 (2 count) push ups. Narrow on the ground then jump up to the plate for a wide deep dip push up then back to the ground repeat. Next stack up 2 plates 16 (2 count) next 3 plates 16 (2 count) then superset from 3 plates to 2 to 1 and max reps on each. Platforms will work better than plates (6in, 12in and 18in).

I am always unsure if my ideas are hard or if I am just a pussy...good thing I have 10 2LTs that are going to be my guinea pigs on Monday. This is crucial to ensure I keep pushing myself and Break My Plateau

JT

Diet Math 101 Part 2

2011-05-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

Now you have a range of calories to consume a day. What should you eat and how much of Proteins, Carbohydrates and Fats.

First you need to figure out what are your goals. Are you an elite athlete, a bodybuilder or regular person who just wants to trim up and show off your abs for summer. A good rule of thumb for regular people who wants to trim up are 50%(Carbs) 30%(Proteins) 20%(Fats) of your total caloric intake. Like everything else you need to try it then adjust on how you feel and the results you receive.

Once you start reading labels you will notice that they report Carbs, Proteins, Fats (CPFs) in gram form but I only know how many calories to eat...well you will need to convert calories to grams.

First figure out your ratios for CPFs we will use 50%-30%-20%

Next take the total calories you are going to consume (we will use 2,000 calories to keep the math simple).

Multiple each category by the percentage

2000 x 50%(.5) = 1000 calories of carbohydrates

2000 x 30%(.3) = 600 calories of protein

2000 x 20%(.2) = 400 calories of fat

4-4-9 Rule

Carbs and Protein equals 4 grams per calorie

Fat equals 9 grams per calorie

Now we will convert the number of calories of CPFs into grams that you will eat per day

1000 calories of Carbs / 4 = 250 grams of Carbs per day

600 calories of Pro / 4 = 150 grams of PRO per day

400 calories of Fat / 9 = 44.4 round up to 45 grams of Fats per day

Now you are ready to read labels and fill in your meals

Daily Totals

In our example we would eat each day:

2,000 calories

250grams of Carbs

150grams of Protein

45grams of Fats

Divide the totals by the total number of meals you are going to eat each day (we will use 5 meals per day). You now have your guidelines on how to structure you meals

5 meals per day consisting of

400 calories – 50grams of Carbs – 30grams of Protein – 9grams of Fat

Break Your Plateau

Send Comments and Questions Here

USSA Close Quarters Training (CQT) After Action Report

2011-05-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

CQT – AAR

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): The course was awesome (watch the video); we did everything in the video and more. I went expecting to be placed in uncomfortable situations where someone was punching me in the face to see how I would react and receive guidance on what I could have done better. USSA DELIVERED!

The instructors, Michael Brown and Brandon Bennett were fantastic. They knew the material; they practice the material and were able to deliver the information so each person could understand it. The class demographic was very diverse with the oldest over 60 and the youngest around 13, yet they were able to tweak the course to meet the need of each individual. Meaning it doesn’t matter if you were a high speed Green Beret or my Grandma, you’ll enjoy the class and Michael and Brandon will push you accordingly.

I can tell when someone is faking it i.e. not practicing what they preach (hundreds of hours of powerpoint by people who just read slides qualifies me). Brandon and Michael don’t fake it, they don’t offer theories or tell you what you want to hear; they offer you real world strategies and the truth. When asked about defending against a much stronger person Brandon said “It’s a fight and fighting is hard”; He brought a realistic approach to the class (sobering, I’m sure for fans of movies or self defense classes where the instructor teaches 100lb females how to kick a 250lb male’s hind parts with punches to the face). “There are no magic holds, no ninja death grips or secret moves to win; you have to work harder than the bad guy.” Brandon Bennett.

The best part of the class was receiving a real understanding about what hand guns can and cannot do, and what happens if you introduce a tool (handgun or knife) into the fight at the wrong time.

#1 you cannot extend the gun towards the person. It is probably a natural reaction from hundreds of hours of shooting paper targets because everyone did it the first time. The gun is going to jam and you are not going to tap and rack when someone is punching you in the face.

#2 if you immediately go for your gun or try and hurry the draw, the gun is going to get taken or AGAIN it will jam and become useless.

Seeing the following paragraph transpire was well worth the price of the class; you won’t believe it until you experience it, personally I didn’t which is why the first time I pushed the gun out just like I was shooting a cardboard target and of course it Jammed.

Overall the class was great, the material flowed smoothly I never felt over burdened or overwhelmed by too much material, it was just right. The pace was good, I am in good shape and I went home extremely sore. After every situation the instructors took the time to critique each student, they went over what you did that was good and gave you ideas to improve on based on your skill level body type etc. The class environment was fantastic; Michael and Brandon did a great job fostering a positive and open learning environment, you can tell they love teaching and both have a knack for it.

If you carry a gun, you need this course.

Break Your Plateau!

Update to leg workout

2011-05-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

My squat is lacking, so must squat more time to change up the Bravo Workout.

Leg Bravo Workout
Warm up
Back Squat 10(warm up) 135 then 5 sets of 15 reps with 225lbs
Lunge 135lbs for 20 lunges each legs(40 total) x 3 sets
Front Squat 5 sets of 5 reps 185lbs
Step up (24inch box stand) 100lb barbell 20 reps each leg(40 total) x 4 sets
Extensions 3sets 12 reps
Curls 3 sets 12 reps

Calves

The step ups kicked my ass, gives me a great idea for tomorrows Pre-Ranger workout...:)

Break your Plateau
JT

Cheat Meal

2011-05-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

Fight Night and what better to eat than pizza, if you can't make your own crust your local store should have some organic crusts.

Homemade pizza crust
1can of Muir Glen fire roasted tomatos (use as sauce)
artichoke hearts
spinach
fresh mozzarella (fresh mozzeralla comes in ball form) just break it apart and place on pizza

Layer tomatoes then spinach then cheese and artichoke hearts last. heat in oven @450 degrees for about 15minutes, rotate the pizza halfway through cooking and use a pizza stone if you have one.

Add a couple Sam Adams seasonal..complete

Diet Math

2011-04-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

I gave a class on nutrition, here is a snip it, figuring out how many calories you need to eat in a day.

Getting in shape is about behavior and disicpline; if it were just about the numbers there wouldn't be so many smart people that are over weight. This will give you a good starting point on the number of calories you need to eat each day. The trick is to SEE how you feel and adjust the number accordinglly, if you are tired add more calories, if you start to add weight subtract calories. The good news is you have your entire life to practice, what else are you going to do?

Don't believe anything I say, try it and KNOW

Body Weight x 10 = Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)
RMR x .20 = Daily Activity Burn (don't worry about the 20% it is not as important as the final number which is were all your tweaking will occur)

RMR + Daily Burn +600 (this number respresents the number of caloires you will burn by exercising, 600 represents a good hour of cardio/weight training. If your exercise is walking reduce the number to 200) = Calories Needed

Example: Male 200lbs who does 30minutes of weight training and 30minutes on the treadmill each day

200 x 10 = 2,000
2,000 x .20 = 400
2,000 + 400 + 600 = 3,000

If his goal is to lose weight (1-3 pounds per week)
He should start out eating 2,500 calories (500 less calories per day x 7 days = 3,500 calories or 1 pound). Now is when you will tweak the numbers depending on how you feel. Add or subtract calories in multiples of 200.

Break your Plateau

JT

Send questions to me

Will work for Beer

2011-04-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

Not just any kind of beer, the days of drinking Bud Light, Natural Light and any other cheap beer in college are OVER. My friends know that when they get a really good knife it usually has a really really crappy sheath. Solution, Sam Adams and the good old barter system equals sheaths...

3 weeks in

2011-04-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

3 weeks into my cut phase and experimenting with a "Vegetarian" diet, the results are awesome. I feel fantastic: I am stronger, have tons of energy and mentally I am dialed in for every workout. Try eating Vegetarian for 21 days and you'll be hooked.

PR Time Again

2011-04-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

When I hit the gym I never know exactly how good I'm going to feel until I start my first set, so trying for a PR really isn't something I plan on. I start my warm up and my brain tells my body that it's time. I was hoping for a 265lb push press but after getting 225lbs 3 times the weight jumps off the rack and crashes to the floor, which is fine but it spiked my adrenaline and my quest for a PR was not happening after that.

O Course

2011-04-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

After 2 days of getting beat up @ US Shooting Academy Close Quarters Training Class, dauntless week started and the O Course is up first. My team was awesome, never quit, and a fun day was had by all.

Almost a new PR

2011-04-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

working on a new personal record (PR). My PR is 500lb during the first and only Demon Platoon 1000lb club during Iraq 07-09, and i was 252lbs not 212lb.

Week 2 Diet

2011-04-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Getting used to a Vegatarian life style is tough, old habits die hard, but you can't argue with results. After 2 weeks down to 212lbs, my abs have come back faster and my vascularity (probably not a word but should be) is better than ever

Wake Up
32oz Water

Meal #1
1c Milk
3 protein scoops
1c blueberries
2500IU Vitamin D

Meal #2
1oz Almonds
1 Cliff Builder Bar
Animal Multi Vitamin pak

Pre Workout
1/2c pinneapple
1 protein scoop
400mg caffeine (1hr prior to workout)

Workout
2tbsp Gatorade powder
5g creatine
10g bcaas

Post Workout
2 protein scoops
5g creatine

Meal #3
2 wheat tortillas
1/2c refried beans
2c fresh vegetables (red pepper, mushrooms, artichoke hearts)
2tbsp salsa

Meal #4
1c cottage cheese
1c pinneapple

Meal #5
4oz Pasta
1c sauce (Karma Chow Recipe) Mel’s Zesty Marinara Sauce
1c broccoli

If I get hungry later I'll have some milk with Back to Nature Classic Creme
drink plenty of water (at least 100oz)
3tbsp of Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar twice a day

Break your Plateau
JT

Awesome, Mustache Man

2011-04-12T18:14:00.000-07:00

I need the recipe of that shake

Rage Against the Machine makes everything better

2011-04-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

Who needs anti-gun organizations when we have gun owners like this

2011-04-04T18:05:00.000-07:00

Just one more reason to own a 101 Holster, kydex will not warp over time full story here...We (gun owners) are our own worst enemy. We (and when I say we I mean people not including myself) don't clear our weapons when we clean then, don't unload before dry firing practice and send rounds through hotel walls into the neighbors house and into kids. We shoot ourselfeves in the leg (and it is always the people that know best), because we are too stupid to perform a simple check of our holster to see if it is too old or if a round is in the chamber. Simple PCC/PCI (pre-combat checks and pre-combat inspections) or how about looking at the damn holster once in a blue moon.

Totally embarrassing I would continue with a rash of insults but at least he published the story so other people can learn from it. Although it seems that every time some loser shoots themselves it is always "the gun" just went off, like it has a mind of its own. Or the infamous "They" told me to do it.

New Diet

2011-04-04T01:14:00.000-07:00

My current Diet is posted here.

Cut Phase Begins

2011-04-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

Today started my "Cut Phase" in order to survive and look good as the temperature rises. Over the winter I went from 208lbs to 222lbs with around 13% body fat. My goals for the "Cut Phase" are 212lbs with 6-7% body fat. Pictures are added to track my progress and keep me honest, plus I hate when people play I have a secret and won't tell me what they do or don't practice what they preach.

Break Your Plateau
JT

Before Bulk Phase Dec 2010
208lbs 8%Body Fat

Before "Cut Phase" April 2011
222lbs 13%Body Fat

12 Week Cut Phase

2011-03-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

As summer draws near it comes time to once again shed the gained pounds during the winter bulk phase in order to function better as the weather heats up, and to look good at the pool. My plan will consist of alternating between 2 workouts for each mustcle group every other week. For example:
Sunday - Legs plan A
Monday- Arms plan B

Plan A will consist of straight sets with heavy weight for 8-10 reps usually 4 sets for 4-5 exercises
Plan B will super-set all exercises

Of course my weight lifting will be augmented with my Pre-Ranger program I run for 2nd Lieutenants (which currently is focusing on building core strength and improving our cardiovascular endurance)

The diet portion has been pretty tricky to plan as I am in the process of trying out a vegetarian diet, but will help from websites like KarmaChow which posts awesome recipes it is starting to come together. Specific details posted Sunday when I will begin.

8 Weeks of Growth Phase has Ended

2011-03-22T04:07:00.000-07:00

8 weeks ago I started a growth phase to gain 12 to 17lbs, I started at 208lbs and this morning I weigh in at 221lbs, Success. Tomorrow I start my 12 weeks phase to shred the extra body fat I gained in preparation for summer.

How will I do it? Well for the next 21 days I am going to become a vegetarian (not a vegan), I will still eat animal bi-products i.e. milk, cottage cheese, etc, why? I like to know not believe. If someone tells me that eating like a vegetarian will make me feel better then I want to know for sure and the only way to know is to do.

Information is key, with information you can use all of it, none of it, or some of it. If I receive information and after using it realize it is garbage then I can simply check it off my list and now I know.

I'm sure it will be tricky in the beginning, finding new recipes, new foods to dial in my diet. Life is about adventure and every time you start a new diet or workout program it is an adventure.

Break your plateau!

JT

sneaking in

2011-03-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

i was able to inflitrate an enemy convoy on my way to the rally point, hopefully ill get there in time

Part 2 of Where is Nutnfancy

2011-03-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

Busy working on part 2 of my journey to join the Nutnfancy crew or to go out shooting with him for a day, and when I say busy I mean drinking a Sam Adams

Charlie Sheen Needs Help

2011-03-09T04:45:00.000-08:00

Charlie,

Dude you need to get your life together. You make like $40million per year hire me for $200k I'll come out and kick your ass into shape. You need help and for small chump change I'll provide.

I never understand celebrities you will never change when you go right back to the same old routine with the same leaches that tell you what you want to hear, instead of the truth.

Charlie think about it $200k (obo) and I'll straighten up your life.

Have your people call my people and we'll do lunch

Meal Plan

2011-03-01T06:16:00.000-08:00

2 more weeks to go until my strength phase ends and i begin a 12 day rest period. My meal plan this week is a repeat of Week 1.

New favorite workout was inspired by my friend who recently received his North American Strongman Pro Card...basically he is really strong and tries to lift really heavy stuff.

Warm up/stretch
Deadlift 5x5 #405
Push Press 5x5 #205
Farmer Walk 600m total with #100 dumbbells (300m, 150m, 150m)
Front Squat 5x5 #225 (using the power clean grip lifting the weight from the floor good explanation here)
Cool down/stretch
Break your Plateau!

Meal Plan #4

2011-02-22T06:06:00.001-08:00

You'll notice that I eat similar foods every day, I do this for two reasons: I like the foods and it is simple. The simpler your diet is (predictable) the more likely you'll stick to it, I am busy and don't have a million dollars to hire a personal chef and trainer or all day to contemplate my meals. I eat on the go, I make my meals in the morning (sometimes the night before) pack them in my cooler and hi hoe hi hoe off to work I go.

Meal Plan gives you 2800-3200 calories, depending on different brands, portion sizes, etc.

Meal #1

Immediately after waking up drink 24-32oz of H2O, your body depleted itself of water while you were sleeping, replenish it.

3 egg whites

3 eggs

1/2c Granola Cereal

1c Milk

2500units of Vitamin D

Meal #2 (2 hours before workout)

1c Cottage Cheese

1c Pineapple

Multi-Vitamin (Animal Pak)

Pre-Workout

400mg Caffeine

1 scoop Protein Powder

During Workout

2tbsp Gatorade Powder

5g Creatine

10g BCAAs

Post Workout

2 scoops Protein Powder

Meal #3

1can Tuna

2slices Mulit-Grain bread

1 Roma tomato

1 V8 (low sodium)

1 Cliff Builder Bar (peanut butter)

Meal #4

10oz Chicken

2med Potato

1c Broccoli

Meal #5

1c Cottage Cheese

Bedtime

ZMA

Water (ensure it is filtered)

100oz per day (I drink 3 to 4 Nalgene Bottles)

Add 3tbsp Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar to one bottle a day

Add a couple cheat meals (not days) or snacks a week. Tip like Oreo Cookies, try Back to Nature Classic Creme, no High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Break your Plateau!

JT
send questions and comments to me

Sweet M&P9 in Flat Dark Earth

2011-02-17T12:03:00.000-08:00

What is not to love, Smith and Wesson M&P9 is a fantastic weapon very cool looking and Viking Tactics is equally fantastic, put the 2 together and you get a super cool pistol. The retail price is $749.00 argh pretty freaking high for a new paint job and some night sights but I imagine that it will settle around $600 in stores.

If only my piggy bank contained an extra $600...one day...maybe

Meal Plan Week #3

2011-02-14T17:48:00.000-08:00

I am currently in an 8 week phase to gain strength, I started at 208lbs with the goal of reaching 220-225lbs (but strength is most important). My cardio and ab work is lower during this phase, my workouts are shorter and the diet is not as strict (giving my body and mind a rest).

You'll notice that I eat similar foods everyday, I do this for two reasons: I like the foods and it is simple. The more simple your diet is (predictable) the more likely you'll stick to it, I am busy and don't have a million dollars to hire a personal chef and trainer or all day to contemplate my meals. I eat on the go, I make my meals in the morning (sometimes the night before) pack them in my cooler and hi hoe hi hoe off to work I go.

Meal #1
3 egg whites
3 eggs
1tbsp Ketchup
1/2c Oatmeal
1c Blueberries (heat in microwave for 45 seconds then add to Oatmeal)
2500units of Vitamin D

Meal #2 (2 hours before workout)
1c Cottage Cheese
1c Pineapple
Multi-Vitamin (Animal Pak)

Pre-Workout
400mg Caffeine
1 scoop Protein Powder

During Workout
2tbsp Gatorade Powder
5g Creatine
10g BCAAs

Post Workout
2 scoops Protein Powder

Meal #3
4oz Pasta
2tbsp BBQ
10oz Chicken
1c Broccoli
Mix all together

Meal #4
1 whole wheat tortilla
1/4c Cheese
10oz Chicken
2c Spinach
2tbsp Salsa

Meal #5
1/2c Cottage Cheese
1 scoop Protein Powder

Bedtime
ZMA

Water (ensure it is filtered)
100oz per day (I drink 3 to 4 Nalgene Bottles)
Add 3tbsp Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar to one bottle a day

Add a couple cheat meals (not days) or snacks a week. Tip like Oreo Cookies, try Back to Nature Classic Creme, no High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Break your Plateau!

JT

Far Out

2011-02-09T20:08:00.000-08:00

Just finished watching Far Out, If that guy and his wife aren't Ranger qualified then no one is. What a great show, hilarious watching the city slicker try to fish. Great show, what a story, fantastic tale of surviving in the last frontier.

Under Armour Base Layer 2.0 Review

2011-02-05T22:30:00.000-08:00

Under Armour Base Layer 2.0

It’s February and freezing. How do you stay warm? Well I have been a fan of Under Armour for a couple of years (using their workout and compression shorts), I knew they had a line of cold gear but for some reason I never tried it. Flashback, New Year’s Eve 2010: wife to me “why does it sound like a freight train is coming down the street?” The reason is simple; it is a freaking tornado that is destroying half the neighborhood, needless to say that I’ll never disregard the tornado sirens again. Back to the original question of saying warm in a central Missouri winter. Good cold weather gear is a must because when a tornado hits your house in the middle of winter and you can only take one bag of stuff, it better be filled with the right stuff.

It just so happened that my wife has a sort of 6^th sense of tactical coolness and can always buy me something really cool that I never knew I needed, until the very second that I see it and can’t believe how I ever lived without it. Under Armour Base Layer 2.0 is just such a product. In fact I was so pleased with the way it performed I went out and bought one more pair for myself, the significant other and the two kids I don’t even have yet (always good to be prepared).

If you are impressed, just wait until I get to the “Why” I love the base layer line, how I tested it and the test results.

For gear to be good, and I mean really good ($69 each good to be exact) it must perform the same whether I’m walking the dogs in a snow storm because my house doesn’t have a fence or sitting on some hill waiting for who knows what in Helmond Providence, southwest Afghanistan.

First, devise a plan because everything good comes from a plan. Richard Burns said it best, “The best laid plans of mice and me...” I gave myself a time line of 30 days, 01 January 2011 to 31 February 2011. This just happened to be the month I had set aside to prepare my Pre-Ranger Course that starts in February (15-20 Second Lieutenants take the first step in earning a Ranger Tab) and my house was leveled by a tornado and I don’t have anything else to wear. If only the weather would cooperate, of course this is central Missouri where the temperature changes hourly. (Temperature highs of 60 degrees and lows of 1 degree, the monthly weather report found here).

The testing conditions are as follows: Three areas would be used, sitting around for two to four hours (both day and night), 2-4 mile day/night hikes, and 6-12 mile morning ruck marches. My uniform of choice would be two fold, for the mornings and sunny days a regular Army issued ACU top and bottom. For the evenings and days with snow or rain fall, the regular Army issued wet weather top and bottoms were used. The two uniforms were never used in conjunction with each other.

The “no movement” portion of the test involved me sitting on a metal bleacher at the local dog park for an hour of play time, no matter how cold it was outside (the hotel room was way too cramped for three people and two large dogs, even the dogs were getting cabin fever). The “no movement” phase also included 2-3 hours at a time inspecting the various patrol bases’ my group of Lieutenants would soon come to know as “home sweet home.”

The light walking phase (your basic day/night hike) consisted of myself, Aussie and Sugar (Black and Yellow Lab) walking the paths that I will use for the patrolling phase of my Pre-Ranger Course. Walks were conducted on and off trails, with minimal gear (small back pack with various essentials) walking an average of three to four miles per hour for no more than three hours, while taking short 15-30 minute breaks every couple of miles (using GPS to mark future ambush sites).

Forced movement meant, a 6-12 mile ruck march with 30-60lb ruck sack at a 15 minute per mile pace on a paved surface (walking for 1 ½ -3 hours with a heavy backpack at a pace of four miles per hour). All ruck marches were conducted early morning (0500-0800) while it was chilly, to say the least.

First things first, the 2.0 is not designed to be worn during a ruck march with the goal of walking as fast as you can (sometimes running) to meet a certain time and distance standard, nor should you consider wearing it for such a task. Your body will heat up faster and you will sweat more; a much better choice would be a lighter base layer that has more wicking properties and is much thinner. Carrying the 2.0 in your ruck sack to change into after the ruck march is a fantastic idea, and would make your lounging around at either your patrol base or base camp a more pleasant experience. I however set out to push the limits of the garment and must report my findings. During each of my eight ruck marches I sweat profusely, especially during the nine and 12 milers, my perspiration rate was extremely high with all areas in contact with the ruck sack soaked (specifically the shoulders, middle back, lower back and hips area). Staying warm while moving was not a problem, the real test came after I stopped to cool down and stretch. The 2.0 did a pretty good job of wicking away as much moisture as it could but it stayed damp throughout the ruck march and cool down. It did however keep me warmer that I thought it would, I would not say I was comfortable but I was not freezing and was not showing any early signs of hypothermia. After 30 minutes of cooling down and stretching I did put a fresh pair of ACUs on, the 2.0 was still damp but the fresh top layer made things a lot better, I could have stayed outside all day working and been fine.

Sitting for long periods of time with little to no movement when temperatures are in the low teens can become the longest and most miserable experience of your life. For example, sitting on a hilltop in Afghanistan, laying in an orchard near Baghdad during the rainy season, or sitting on a metal bench at a dog park wondering why I haven’t been placed in a new house yet. All three have one thing in common; they become much worse when it is cold. The 2.0 kept me warm on all outings with little movement, however I could have been warmer wearing the 3.0, but the 2.0 did an adequate job. If the temperature drops below 20 degrees or the wind gusts start to pick up, you will be comfortable but you will want to add a layer. For winter nights with low temperatures and gusting wind you will be much better off wearing the 3.0, which is exactly why I bought a pair of the 3.0 too.

In my opinion the 2.0 made its money as a base layer during the light walking phase (your basic day hike or hike to your base camp) when temperatures were between 20 and 50 degrees. I believe it is best suited for all day wear in an environment like a base camp doing the various tasks needed for position improvements (collecting fire wood, building your hooch and exploring the area). During my movements with a light day pack the 2.0 did an amazing job wicking away the moisture from my skin, especially after hiking up a couple steep hills. I stopped to check the area for a good ambush site, my heart rated slowed, my body started to cool down and the 2.0 wicked away the moisture and my body stayed toasty warm. If you are moving around while it’s cold outside, the 2.0 is your best option. Upon finishing the walks and arriving back home I removed the top layer and stayed extremely comfortable lounging around playing video games. The key to making the 2.0 perform at its peak, is performing some sort of movement, walking the dog, working on a roof, or a little run’n’gun when temperatures are in the low to mid 30’s.

The 2.0 is a phenomenal product, it looks great, and it feels great. The retail price of $69 each is a little step but in my opinion it is worth every penny; my only suggestions to improve the product would include making it in the USA and adding more colors. The 2.0 will give you the best of both worlds, thick enough to retain body heat and thin enough to wick away sweat and keep your body warm and dry all day long. I ordered an XXL top and XL bottom, my measurements are 6’3 208lbs, Chest 54in Waist 33in (I ordered the larger bottom because my thighs, the L was way too tight on my thighs).

send comments to gonetraining@gmail.com

Draw, Move or Both

2011-02-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

A normal Saturday at the mall, a busy parking lot filled to capacity with cars; Dozens and dozens of shoppers about, a glimmer catches your eye, is it a shopping cart, a cell phone…GUN. Threat 25 meters away, what do you do? Draw, let the bullets fly and what happens happens. Move to cover, possibly run away, or move and draw cooking off rounds as you go.

How fast can you move and draw your weapon simultaneously? Can you do two things as fast as one? How many bullets will be flying towards you in the time it takes to draw? How can you make yourself more difficult to hit? Are you really going to fire rounds while running away, in a crowded parking lot?

All of the aforementioned questions will undoubtedly flash through your mind and must be addressed (best to be thought out before the situation arises), but which technique is best? Draw Move or Both.

First option, move and draw. Movement will make you a more difficult target to hit, but are you moving the fastest you can while performing another task? Will your draw be the smoothest it can while moving and will your shots be the most accurate while moving? The answer to all questions is no. Moving will make it more difficult for you to get hit but moving will also make it equally difficult for you to shoot and hit your target; it’s simple, with an increase of difficulty comes a decrease of accuracy. Bad guys have no such restrictions. Accuracy is of no concern to them, they will continue to fire until stopped or their pistol runs dry. While lying down a high volume of inaccurate fire is a necessary evil for Soldiers of [insert your favorite war here], it cannot be tolerated by citizens in a busy mall parking lot. Shooting from the hip while making a dynamic movement seems to be the preferred technique of enemy fighters around the world (invariably from watching too many VHS copied 80s movies starring Stallone), it doesn’t work (regardless what your local hillbilly says).

Next option is another favorite of movie stars filled with too much bravado, Draw. While “Make my day, Punk” works in Hollywood, pushing the limits of your training with your life on the line is not the preferred technique. Game day is no time to take unnecessary risks, if you’re wrong, you don’t get paid, get the hot model wife or try again because you’re dead. How fast can you draw from concealment? [Insert time here] Every second it takes you to react, draw your weapon, acquire the target and fire, is a second worth of bullets flying towards your head. Simply put, standing and trading bullets produces three outcomes: you get shot, bad guy gets shot or you both get shot (two of those are bad). Avoiding getting shot is paramount to winning the gun fight and winning is all that matters. Thus you must give yourself the best chance of not getting shot and winning the gun fight

Shooting or not shooting is irrelevant to winning; both have the possibility of achieving your goal, winning the fight. Therefore, if your threat is 25 meters away moving, moving to cover or running away will put you in the best possible situation to win; by moving you make yourself more difficult to hit placing time and distance between yourself and the threat. Distance and time are your allies. Safe to say most thugs aren’t dedicating time honing the fundamentals of shooting a gun (There are not many Mike Seeklanders out mugging people). The more time you have to draw your weapon and acquire the target the more likely you are to stop the threat; in order to obtain more time you must create space, to have space you must move. Moving to cover provides you protection from bullets and gains the initiative; if the threat charges there will be an easy shot by leaning from behind cover and chopping him down. A flanking movement allows time to run the opposite direction or to set an ambush as he makes his approach.

Moving first, gives you the best chance of winning the fight. Moving provides you with space and time which are both critical pieces to the puzzle of survive and win. There is no honor when fighting for your life; you either die or win and WINNING IS EVERYTHING!