TRAINING FOR THE APOCOLYPSE

[Bret SD]

I know I have a separate Health Thread going but thought this to be of particular importance in light of today's events.

Not long ago 98valk mentioned Starting Strength and a strength guru named Mark Rippetoe. I commented he has some interesting things to say. There was some talk awhile back of his involvement in Army fitness, according to Rip, strength training trumps most all other endeavors. He went on to say rucking with weight wasn't as necessary for our troops, that strength training would prepare them for the task.. personally I'd like to see that theory tested.
He went on to say something along the lines of 'if you weigh less than 200 lbs you're not a man'. Considering the average weight of our most highly trained military specialists being under 200 lbs that's quite a statement. I see powerlifters waddle around barely able to move, or the ones who can move explosively can't do it for very long.

I think his views are 180 deg off from reality, when the wheels fall off the thin veil of what we call 'civilization' a heavy bench press, deadlift or back squat isn't going to save you or make you harder to kill. Carrying around and feeding a body with 100 extra lbs of muscle will become a severe liability in a survival situation. Your inability to cover long distances quickly on little food will all but ensure your demise.

I'm not advocating against strength training, what I'm saying is we must recognize what will truly help us in such a nasty scenario. When training with a barbell and going for a Max lift, if you get out of your groove your strength disappears, such is the problem with using artificial implements. I highly recommend training with kettlebells, that ball of iron has a mind of its own and you're constantly fighting forces from many different directions. As such your body builds strength through wide ranges of motion, throw in mace training and you have another ball on a stick which again presents strength needs on many different planes.

In my twenties I was a 250 lb bodybuilder, I've lived as a big guy with pretty decent strength and really enjoyed it. Even then I knew my strength had some serious holes in it, but my priorities were different. Since then I'm a karate practitioner since age 27 and have continued strength training. Training for function and survival is much better, I can move better now and still run/walk/carry for long distances. On top of that I can do it fasted and maintain strength on much less food.
At 175 lbs I feel as strong as ever, and am possibly stronger pound for pound than ever in my life (depends on how you measure).

Why am I writing this?
I believe a scenario of anarchy is now more probable and even likely, think about the run on food, water and toilet paper when covid first hit. People lost their collective minds and the 'every man for himself' scenario kicked in.. over nothing but perceived fear.
I know many here are of the older variety, and at 62 I'm not immune to age either. It's important we take steps toward survival now, more than ever. The huge battle won't be with guns and knives, rather it will be with nature.. and ourselves.

How will you do it?

https://www.nonprophet.media/journal/training-for-the-apocolypse

[cookiedough]

I am not too worried about being fit in shape for the apocolypse.  More so longevity to live and am not in shape as I should be way overweight lb. for lb. vs. say a 200lber. with more muscle mass.  At our age almost all of us age 50 and older, is more about fitness than muscle mass.  I would love to be 200lbs. again in high school, but highly unlikely but should be 250lbs. or so. IMO.   Yah,  a 175lb. fit person can outlast long distance most anyone 250lbs. and above if both in shape/fit.    At our age, I do not care as much as about an apocolypse as living longer as I age and get fatter.

[John Schmidt]

Although somewhat heavier than I'd like(~208), at 5'10" I'm not super obese by any stretch. In the gym, nearly all my workouts consist not of heavy weight, but of lighter weight and multiple set/reps. I now generally will shoot for at least 4 sets with anywhere from 12-20 reps of a light weight. When approaching the last 3-4 reps of the last 2 sets I really have to grunt to get them out. With proper form when doing an exercise, I've found one gets more endurance and strength along with the high reps. Yes, I could lose another 25 lbs. possibly, but would look like I'm all eyeballs and teeth....i.e., too thin for my age and size. That conditioning, along with being comfortable in the wild learned as a youth & military, I think I'd do rather well when the chips are down. I can even tan my own hide, however not in the same manner my dad did numerous times while I was growing up. 

[Jess from VA]

The older and weaker I get, the larger my calibers and magazines.

And some irons sights got replaced or supplemented with dots, lasers and crosshairs.

I do not intend to do physical battle with the zombies (or run long distances from them on foot).  

I have the right index finger of a 20yo.    (and a fairly short temper, which I continue to work on)


EDIT: I think I'm not really weaker (at all) (though weights that will screw up my back are out by rule), but endurance is certainly down.

[Bret SD]

I am not too worried about being fit in shape for the apocolypse.  More so longevity to live and am not in shape as I should be way overweight lb. for lb. vs. say a 200lber. with more muscle mass.  At our age almost all of us age 50 and older, is more about fitness than muscle mass.  I would love to be 200lbs. again in high school, but highly unlikely but should be 250lbs. or so. IMO.   Yah,  a 175lb. fit person can outlast long distance most anyone 250lbs. and above if both in shape/fit.    At our age, I do not care as much as about an apocolypse as living longer as I age and get fatter.

Training for a healthy, productive and happy life is paramount. Our health and strength don't gradually leave us, rather there's a steep dropoff as we near EOL.. for some people it happens much sooner. I have zero control over longevity, but can sure as hell stay in the game physically until the end, God willing.

Luckily my normal training is basic training for the apocolypse, though that isn't my primary motivation. Being able to cover some ground is important, as well as the ability to swim, climb, crawl and jump.
Specificity rules the day in training, if I use an air-dyne for my aerobic training I shouldn't expect the fitness and strength acquired there to transfer over to running and/or carrying weight over long distances. Many strong bicycle riders will tell you the same thing, if you want to run, you have to run to get there, especially when we get older.

[Bret SD]

Although somewhat heavier than I'd like(~208), at 5'10" I'm not super obese by any stretch. In the gym, nearly all my workouts consist not of heavy weight, but of lighter weight and multiple set/reps. I now generally will shoot for at least 4 sets with anywhere from 12-20 reps of a light weight. When approaching the last 3-4 reps of the last 2 sets I really have to grunt to get them out. With proper form when doing an exercise, I've found one gets more endurance and strength along with the high reps. Yes, I could lose another 25 lbs. possibly, but would look like I'm all eyeballs and teeth....i.e., too thin for my age and size. That conditioning, along with being comfortable in the wild learned as a youth & military, I think I'd do rather well when the chips are down. I can even tan my own hide, however not in the same manner my dad did numerous times while I was growing up. 

John I think at your age you're doing great, definitely in the very small percentage of your age cohort as far as exercise goes.

I think we all must make an honest assessment of our abilities and limits, personally I don't ever feel what I do is going to be enough. In the event of a real societal breakdown all preparation will be tested and many seemingly obvious oversights will occur, nevertheless I'll keep doing my best and let the chips fall where they may.

[Bret SD]

The older and weaker I get, the larger my calibers and magazines.

And some irons sights got replaced or supplemented with dots, lasers and crosshairs.

I do not intend to do physical battle with the zombies (or run long distances from them on foot). 

I have the right index finger of a 20yo.    (and a fairly short temper, which I continue to work on)


EDIT: I think I'm not really weaker (at all) (though weights that will screw up my back are out by rule), but endurance is certainly down.

Jess I had lower back problems my whole life until I started using a simple two hand kettlebell swing, and that ain't no BS. My LB is more bulletproof now than at anytime in my life.
Endurance should come back to you quicker than most due to your training and run history, for quality of life and longevity I believe some type of regular locomotion over Terra Ferma is irreplaceable, and this comes from a former cardio snob.

[Jess from VA]

Well, I got my workout today.  Giving this fat/tall bastard a really good scrub is more work than any two cars I ever owned.  The 8' roof is especially fun on my 8' stepladder.  I have no garage (and if I did, it wouldn't fit in it anyway), and it sits under giant oak trees (and the thousand birds who sh!t in them).

I didn't name it the USS Yorktown for nothing.  



The downside of new vehicles is the natural desire to keep them new looking as long as possible.

See those two rectangular holes in the bumper above the running lights?  That's where your foot goes so you can wash the windshield (without a stick brush, which I use).  And even from the hole, I cannot reach the whole thing.  I am not Kareem Abdul Jess.  

[Bret SD]

Well, I got my workout today.  Giving this fat/tall bastard a really good scrub is more work than any two cars I ever owned.  The 8' roof is especially fun on my 8' stepladder.  I have no garage (and if I did, it wouldn't fit in it anyway), and it sits under giant oak trees (and the thousand birds who sh!t in them).

I didn't name it the USS Yorktown for nothing.   



The downside of new vehicles is the natural desire to keep them new looking as long as possible.

See those two rectangular holes in the bumper above the running lights?  That's where your foot goes so you can wash the windshield (without a stick brush, which I use).  I am not Kareem Abdul Jess. 

Haha, Nice van!

Can you fit a Valk in there if need be?

[scooperhsd]

YES - I think he can . Even with a windshield. The big issue is getting it loaded and unloaded - safely and without injury / damage to MC.

[Bret SD]

YES - I think he can . Even with a windshield. The big issue is getting it loaded and unloaded - safely and without injury / damage to MC.

Cool, if I had to haul my bike that would be a nice way to do it, then I could reach over and give her a love pat now and then 

[Jess from VA]

Of course it will take a Valk Interstate, and staggered, probably two.  It comes with a row of high strength tie down D rings on each side of the floor.  I had the whole floor sprayed with Rhinoliner so it isn't a slippery skating rink in there anymore. A bit quieter too, though it is not really a noisy ride.

The lowest floor in it's class at only 20" (because of front wheel drive) (like for a ramp).  6'2" ceiling inside.

Still a bit small for half court basketball game.  

This is one of the reasons I bought it (to haul a valk interstate).  But I always wanted a truck, just not one to commute in city traffic (so I waited until retirement).  And with $11K off the sticker (about $27K) it was really more truck with more utility for the money than most 3/4ton pickups by quite a bit.  With front wheel drive, it only tows 6,800lbs, but I hate (HATE) towing trailers, so the inside space makes up for that.  With a big Pentastar 6, it pushes 280HP (and a super smooth 6speed auto) (24gal tank), and is quite peppy.... though racing it is out.  

And it's considerably cheaper than motels (without ever sleeping on the ground).  I have a beater full size living room recliner in back for napping.

The other thing I love is sitting about 4' off the ground with a windshield like a monster widescreen TV.  The view ahead is well above nearly all traffic (including all pickups).  No rear windows, but a backup cam (which I rarely use), and great big mirrors (I always use).  No rear windows, but I am so used to picking my easy-depart motorcycle parking spots, I just do the same thing with the truck.

And returning to the Apocalypse spirit of this thread..... this thing would mow down zombies like nobody's business.     (just keep the windshield washer fluid topped up)

[cookiedough]

pretty good deal on a dodge van V6 for 27K you cannot touch a new or near new 1/2 ton truck for under 35K nowadays most over 40K new.  If it serves your purpose is all that matters.

Heck,  I would buy a slightly cheaper honda ridgeline if it could tow over 5000 lbs. like the ranger or coloroda or tacoma able to tow 7000lbs. since my enclosed trailer if 2 atvs or 2 cycles inside weights pushing 4600lbs. which IMO a ridgeline would not be able to tow maxing out at only 5000lbs. vs. wanting 7000lbs. to be safer.  The V8 1/2 ton trucks do not get over 20 mpg especially towing and the V6 honda ridgeline at say 24 avg mpg would serve my daily purposes better except towing my one enclosed trailer which I only do a few times per year is all. 

[Bret SD]

Of course it will take a Valk Interstate, and staggered, probably two.  It comes with a row of high strength tie down D rings on each side of the floor.  I had the whole floor sprayed with Rhinoliner so it isn't a slippery skating rink in there anymore. A bit quieter too, though it is not really a noisy ride.

The lowest floor in it's class at only 20" (because of front wheel drive) (like for a ramp).  6'2" ceiling inside.

Still a bit small for half court basketball game.   

This is one of the reasons I bought it (to haul a valk interstate).  But I always wanted a truck, just not one to commute in city traffic (so I waited until retirement).  And with $11K off the sticker (about $27K) it was really more truck with more utility for the money than most 3/4ton pickups by quite a bit.  With front wheel drive, it only tows 6,800lbs, but I hate (HATE) towing trailers, so the inside space makes up for that.  With a big Pentastar 6, it pushes 280HP (and a super smooth 6speed auto) (24gal tank), and is quite peppy.... though racing it is out. 

And it's considerably cheaper than motels (without ever sleeping on the ground).  I have a beater full size living room recliner in back for napping.

The other thing I love is sitting about 4' off the ground with a windshield like a monster widescreen TV.  The view ahead is well above nearly all traffic (including all pickups).  No rear windows, but a backup cam (which I rarely use), and great big mirrors (I always use).  No rear windows, but I am so used to picking my easy-depart motorcycle parking spots, I just do the same thing with the truck.

And returning to the Apocalypse spirit of this thread..... this thing would mow down zombies like nobody's business.      (just keep the windshield washer fluid topped up)

That's a nice van, it almost doubles as a toy hauler the way you're using it. I swear, if I wasn't in a relationship I'd consider selling off almost everything and buy a something like that to go around the country and live in many different areas to check them out.