14th California Open Final Results all changed and finalised. Plus a 15-minutes indoor suitcase carry walk with a 20 kg bell (and gloves: no risk of dropping the bell through sweaty fingers today; just grip weakness towards the end. So I think gloves is the safest option). Lunch was 4 rashers of bacon, a small onion, and enough cabbage to sink Atlantis. (Plus salt, pepper, caroway seeds, and about 1 tbsp of butter.)

Delighted to say I got Rank 1, which was my goal. I did think my initial rep and the hand switch rep might not have counted but apparantly they did, so 222 reps all told in the allotted 10 minutes.

Was trying to be a superhero and go for a full 10 minutes with a 12kg after injuring my back again last week, but my technique was shot, the squirrels reappeared*, and away went my focus and concentration! I think it was 73 reps on the left and that's when the little furry buggers started swirling in my head and I lost it. I took a minute or so to try and regain my thoughts and concentration, and then attempted more with the right. But, today's not the day so I decided to sit down and apply for a new contract. Refocused and back on it, I decided to do 50 snatches right, and then (I think) it was 50 left with a 14kg but the bell was really slippery towards the end and the squirrels put in their second appearance about 30 reps in, and this caused me to lose momentary focus again, and I either went through the remaining reps on automatic or I might've skipped 10. I know not. 😄 12kg - https://youtu.be/PTZ3jd5ngbU 14 kg - https://youtu.be/FJpN8VTCby8 - *The squirrels only ever appear when I'm counting reps, and are excellent at 1) distracting me, and 2) causing me to lose count. Of course, once the count is lost and my mind refocuses, I've no idea how many reps I've lost. Mind-games galore! 😁

80 snatches left, then 80 right (1 hand switch). I used cast iron today, and as it's only 30 degrees out there decided to it in the fresh air. I'm pleased to say the session didn't feel too bad. I didn't like the glove slithering about but I'd prefer that (at this stage) than not having them and then accidentally doing some palm damage. The bloody camera shut off after 11 seconds though (and I have no idea why). https://youtu.be/r5XTH01ntcg?si=9MIHg_QTpRLrMCbR

Today, I decided to convert my shiny, slippery bell handles to non-shiny and non-slippery. I watched a couple of videos and though I started off with good intentions of doing it painstakingly by hand, it only further confirmed how quickly I can get impatient. As such, I quickly enlisted the help of Stanley. If you intend doing this with yours: - Doing by hand will take until Christmas: the time of year you start will determine whether it's this one or next! - Using too fine a sandpaper will add to the point above. When you need to get that top layer off, gritty will work better. (I used 80-grit on the sander and tore strips to finish the underside). - Use duct tape on the back of the paper else it'll tear quicker than you can say tear. - Try not to do it when it's 38 degrees C in the shade (a roaster out there). Glad I did them, but 1) I only wish I'd done them sooner. 2) Should've limited myself to a couple per day (I did 9) as my mid back is now telling me I ain't getting much sleep tonight!