Welcome to this week’s edition of Friday Thoughts, where I share what’s been on my mind this week. Before we get into it, did you know that the 154 in this title is because I have been doing a Friday Thoughts Blog every Friday for 154 weeks, or 3 years.
I’ve actually been writing the blog everyday for over 8 years. I’m not the best writer in the world, though I have gotten better. I also don’t have hopes of going pro and writing a book or something. I just want to be able to convey my thoughts clearly and this a been a wonderful practice to hone that skill. Please realize—the whole point of the blog is to display consistency.
You might read it every day, you might pop in occasionally. Either way, I bet you know that I posted a blog early in the morning on a weekday, and you know you can click on that link and read something to make you think about your health and wellness more or differently than you would have otherwise.
It’s all about consistency; just like in the gym. When I started writing, someone told me, after 1000 shitty blog posts maybe a couple good ones will sneak out.
Training Ramblings
You probably saw my 200 pound sandbag shoulder. I’ve been wanting to try this for years! The biggest hurdle to overcome was where to put this thing? I missed my first attempt, got it on the second and much cleaner on the third. I would like to try 10 for time, and see how quickly I can get it done.
Luke wasn’t able to get it up, so he’s got some work to do.
We also discovered it was 214 pounds, not 200. So, there’s that, too.
Weightlifting World Championships 2026
The Weightlifting Worlds are underway. As always, let’s clarify: weightlifting (very important to distinguish one word) is a sport where lifters complete two lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Both movements start with a barbell on the ground, and the lifter gets the weight over their head. This is NOT powerlifting, which is the heaviest squat, bench press and deadlift you can do. Weightlifting is in the Olympics, and often referred to as Olmpyic weightlifting. Which is very redundant, and like calling it Olympic swimming, btw. Anyway, these athletes aer incredible, and their skill, technique, strength, athleticism and drive are on full display.
There are a handful of US athletes taking the platform. Hampton Morris and Mirana Ulrey snagged some medal for the US.
One of my favorite lifters is Karlos Nasar from Bulgaria. He’s crazy strong, and surely will do something impressive in his session next week.
What Do You call a pig who knows karate?
Saving these to make Elliot laugh later… Maybe not the first one though.
(A Pork Chop!)
That’s it, see you in the gym!
—Justin Miner