A Cheerful Misanthrope

Training
961

[quote]Court wrote:
ouroboro_s wrote:
Year in review

I joined T-Nation Feb. 2 last year and I thought I would do an overview of what’s happened during that time.

Happily for everyone here, I’ll only touch on training milestones and leave my sad love life out of it.

I’m not sure why you didn’t want to include your sad love life. I figured that would be pretty short, so it’s not like it would have added length to your “I’m the best” post.

I’m not sending a cheque. If you’re nice, I’ll make you cry next time I wrap your knees.[/quote]

Okay, bitch. If I were the best, I wouldn’t be standing, giraffe like in the third place spot on the podium last weekend.

I just think it’s cool that I’m such a rock star.

Actually, what I think is cool is that, in middle age we can still make so many changes in our lives and have a lot of surprises left for us. It’s not that I’m the best, it’s that in some respects, I feel like my life is just starting because I have more freedom, ambition and drive than I did 10 or 20 years ago.

I’m just channeling that drive in a certain direction. It sure as hell isn’t being chanelled into sex.

Edit: I think I’m heading to Home Depot in a bit to see if I can get the stuff for our own pullers. I may also pick up some collars to take to the gym with me because the ones from today suck ass.

962

This is my home made wrap tightener puller. It isn’t pretty but it does the job. It cost $2.00 to make.

The picture didn’t post. I’ll try later but it mostly looks like rope tied around a piece of plastic plumbing pipe. I tried it a few times and it’s good.

I also got my new collars. I went to the fitness depot right at 5 when they were closing. I gave them the big globby eyed look and they let me in :slight_smile:

963

O,

I love to give you a hard time but I gotta tell you I admire you. You’ve come a long, long, long way in the past year. Not only your numbers, but your attitude.

You’re finally starting to see your potential and are starting to understand that you belong up on the podium as much as anyone else.

Just think how much farther you’ll be when you post on your next T-Nation “anniversary.” You’ll be much farther along, both psychologically and physically.

Knock 'em dead!

964

[quote]WxHerk wrote:
O,

I love to give you a hard time but I gotta tell you I admire you. You’ve come a long, long, long way in the past year. Not only your numbers, but your attitude.

You’re finally starting to see your potential and are starting to understand that you belong up on the podium as much as anyone else.

Just think how much farther you’ll be when you post on your next T-Nation “anniversary.” You’ll be much farther along, both psychologically and physically.

Knock 'em dead![/quote]

Thanks very much weatherman. You are much sweeter than Court but then, a lot of people are.

I’m actually surprised at the changes I’ve made in my life. I kind of thought of the year in review when I was replying to one of the newer ladies threads and the evolution we all go through.

Two and a half years ago when I quit smoking I would never have conceived of doing what I’m doing now. It isn’t so much about lifting heavy weight, it’s about putting myself out there and competing; doing it in front of people. That was a huge thing for me.

Since you and I are similar in age you may understand the belief that many people our age have that we are on automatic pilot, that there isn’t much new coming our way. I’ve discovered a love of competition and hope to do it for a long time.

However, the biggest lesson I’ve gotten this year is that I’ve made it happen. There’s lot’s of other cool things I can do as well. I don’t need to lie around, watch t.v. and count the minutes until I die.

965

[quote]ouroboro_s wrote:
WxHerk wrote:
O,

I love to give you a hard time but I gotta tell you I admire you. You’ve come a long, long, long way in the past year. Not only your numbers, but your attitude.

You’re finally starting to see your potential and are starting to understand that you belong up on the podium as much as anyone else.

Just think how much farther you’ll be when you post on your next T-Nation “anniversary.” You’ll be much farther along, both psychologically and physically.

Knock 'em dead!

Thanks very much weatherman. You are much sweeter than Court but then, a lot of people are.

I’m actually surprised at the changes I’ve made in my life. I kind of thought of the year in review when I was replying to one of the newer ladies threads and the evolution we all go through.

Two and a half years ago when I quit smoking I would never have conceived of doing what I’m doing now. It isn’t so much about lifting heavy weight, it’s about putting myself out there and competing; doing it in front of people. That was a huge thing for me.

Since you and I are similar in age you may understand the belief that many people our age have that we are on automatic pilot, that there isn’t much new coming our way. I’ve discovered a love of competition and hope to do it for a long time.

However, the biggest lesson I’ve gotten this year is that I’ve made it happen. There’s lot’s of other cool things I can do as well. I don’t need to lie around, watch t.v. and count the minutes until I die.[/quote]

I feel I should be offended, but I’m not… :smiley:

WxHerk is such a sweetheart. Honey, come post in my log and I promise to be nice to you if you say nice things about me.

Ouro - You know I tease. I’m impressed with you too. I just can’t get all gushy or people will think I’ve gone soft. The bigger ‘fun’ bitch I am to people, the more I like them. That’s all you’re getting out of me :slight_smile:

966

[quote]Court wrote:
ouroboro_s wrote:
WxHerk wrote:
O,

I love to give you a hard time but I gotta tell you I admire you. You’ve come a long, long, long way in the past year. Not only your numbers, but your attitude.

You’re finally starting to see your potential and are starting to understand that you belong up on the podium as much as anyone else.

Just think how much farther you’ll be when you post on your next T-Nation “anniversary.” You’ll be much farther along, both psychologically and physically.

Knock 'em dead!

Thanks very much weatherman. You are much sweeter than Court but then, a lot of people are.

I’m actually surprised at the changes I’ve made in my life. I kind of thought of the year in review when I was replying to one of the newer ladies threads and the evolution we all go through.

Two and a half years ago when I quit smoking I would never have conceived of doing what I’m doing now. It isn’t so much about lifting heavy weight, it’s about putting myself out there and competing; doing it in front of people. That was a huge thing for me.

Since you and I are similar in age you may understand the belief that many people our age have that we are on automatic pilot, that there isn’t much new coming our way. I’ve discovered a love of competition and hope to do it for a long time.

However, the biggest lesson I’ve gotten this year is that I’ve made it happen. There’s lot’s of other cool things I can do as well. I don’t need to lie around, watch t.v. and count the minutes until I die.

I feel I should be offended, but I’m not… :smiley:

WxHerk is such a sweetheart. Honey, come post in my log and I promise to be nice to you if you say nice things about me.

Ouro - You know I tease. I’m impressed with you too. I just can’t get all gushy or people will think I’ve gone soft. The bigger ‘fun’ bitch I am to people, the more I like them. That’s all you’re getting out of me :)[/quote]

Hey come on now. You have a whole fan club starter kit posting on your log. Leave me someone. Maybe if you pissed on your socks.

I made my puller. I tried it out and it works :slight_smile:

967

ouroboro_s,

Wow! That’s quite the year. I’m hesitant to congratulate you on such an impressive year since I wouldn’t want you to become complacent with your accomplishments.

So rather than just congratulations, I’ll say, “you’ve established a solid base this year, let’s see what you can build on it!”

Good look at the Nationals…(and then the Worlds)!

968

[quote]Ruggerlife wrote:
So rather than just congratulations, I’ll say, “you’ve established a solid base this year, let’s see what you can build on it!”

Good look at the Nationals…(and then the Worlds)![/quote]

Well put, sir. Well put . . . . .

969

[quote]Court wrote:

WxHerk is such a sweetheart. Honey, come post in my log and I promise to be nice to you if you say nice things about me.
[/quote]
I’m on my way!!

970

and in unrelated news… I just got a $703.00 hydro bill. I knew it would suck because of the water thing. Last week I spent $230 on a plumber to fix the issue. Fuck.

971

Monday February 2 Home:
OH Press:
70x2x6
70x3x5

BB curls
55x10
55x7
55x6
55x5

Fr raises
30x11
30x10
30x10

Dips with 30 lb weight and feet elevated
1x12
2x11

Weighted side bends - 30lbs
3x10

Weighted chins - 25 lbs
3x3
1x2

I’ve been doing weighted chins for a year with 15lbs. I tried 35 lbs a couple days ago and managed 2 very ugly reps. I’m not sure how many more plates I can throw in my daughters back pack.

I am looking forward to going into the gym before long, throwing on the dip belt and doing at least one with a 45.

972

[quote]ouroboro_s wrote:
Monday February 2 Home:
OH Press:
70x2x6
70x3x5

BB curls
55x10
55x7
55x6
55x5

Fr raises
30x11
30x10
30x10

Dips with 30 lb weight and feet elevated
1x12
2x11

Weighted side bends - 30lbs
3x10

Weighted chins - 25 lbs
3x3
1x2

I’ve been doing weighted chins for a year with 15lbs. I tried 35 lbs a couple days ago and managed 2 very ugly reps. I’m not sure how many more plates I can throw in my daughters back pack.

I am looking forward to going into the gym before long, throwing on the dip belt and doing at least one with a 45.
[/quote]

You really should try to get to the gym for this workout next week so you can do DB curls instead and do them in the squat rack with Neely Dan :slight_smile:

973

[quote]Court wrote:
ouroboro_s wrote:
Monday February 2 Home:
OH Press:
70x2x6
70x3x5

BB curls
55x10
55x7
55x6
55x5

Fr raises
30x11
30x10
30x10

Dips with 30 lb weight and feet elevated
1x12
2x11

Weighted side bends - 30lbs
3x10

Weighted chins - 25 lbs
3x3
1x2

I’ve been doing weighted chins for a year with 15lbs. I tried 35 lbs a couple days ago and managed 2 very ugly reps. I’m not sure how many more plates I can throw in my daughters back pack.

I am looking forward to going into the gym before long, throwing on the dip belt and doing at least one with a 45.

You really should try to get to the gym for this workout next week so you can do DB curls instead and do them in the squat rack with Neely Dan :)[/quote]

That was something I had hoped to do… kind of a dream of mine until I found out he was arrested for fighting in bars. Now I’m kind of scared of him and, well, a bit attracted as well.

974

[quote]ouroboro_s wrote:
Year in review

I joined T-Nation Feb. 2 last year and I thought I would do an overview of what’s happened during that time.

Happily for everyone here, I’ll only touch on training milestones and leave my sad love life out of it.

Since I joined I’ve competed in two strongman competitions and 3 powerlifting meets. Actually I’ve done all this since June 21 of last year. No wonder I’m a bit tired at the moment.

When I joined, I was working with a trainer and trying to teach myself powerlifting but I was a bit lost about how to get where I wanted to go. Last summer, it all started to gel for me in finding coaches and training partners that helped me put my feet on the path to where I want to be. I stopped foundering around for direction.

Since I’ve pointed myself in the right direction for me and have applied myself to that end, I’ve made some pretty good gains. I don’t think its that I’ve suddenly become stronger. It’s more that I’ve had concrete goals to focus on and the direction to get there.

My current (geared) maxes at 56 kg body weight are:
Squat: 253
Bench: 132
DL:281

Targets for the next meet are:
squat: 275/285
Bench: 150
DL: 305

I don’t know my raw maxes anymore. Maybe in the summer I’ll have time to figure that out.

A big personal achievement for me is actually getting out there and competing and discovering that I love it. Another is qualifying for our Nationals in April. The other thing is that I have a reasonable chance of qualifying for worlds this April. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t do anything foolish in Moosejaw.

If I get there, it will be one year after my first meet.

My litany of personal achievements isn’t for a pat on the back (I’d prefer cash) but to illustrate how solid direction can change your performance. I’ve gotten a lot of direction and information from people on this site that have helped immensely in pointing me to where I want to go. A lot of things gelled for me after talking to a lot of people here.

I make break out in song.

PM me if you need an address to send the cheques to.[/quote]

I’m really glad you posted this. I always am reading how you should lift with people who are stronger and more knowledgeable than you, but since I don’t have that available to me right now, this forum has been an awesome close second. When I am deciding how much weight to use for lifts, I always think about all of the crazy strong women, half my size on the forum. It always makes me push myself just a little harder than I might otherwise. Seeing how much progress you have made in just a year makes me realize that if I bust my ass I can make some huge gains in just a year. I apologize for the sappiness. I just couldn’t help it. This forum has taught me so much.

I look forward to seeing how much more you accomplish on your way to Nationals and worlds.

And the check is in the mail.

975

[quote]ouroboro_s wrote:You really should try to get to the gym for this workout next week so you can do DB curls instead and do them in the squat rack with Neely Dan :slight_smile:

That was something I had hoped to do… kind of a dream of mine until I found out he was arrested for fighting in bars. Now I’m kind of scared of him and, well, a bit attracted as well.[/quote]

Sounds like a match made in Ontario, what with your propensity to swing at anyone who gets within arm’s reach! :wink:

On a serious note; you’ll get that dip with the “45” as soon as you fasten it to you. You’re strong enough; just get your mind right and get pissed off at the dip bar, not the chicas giggling as they and their boyfriends curl the 25 lb bars on the bosu balls!!

Knock it on its ass, girl!!

976

This is my biggest loser rant. I don’t watch a ton of tv but I’ve gotten very invested in this show.

Last night Jillian was saying how she didn’t like to hear trainers tell their clients it’s okay if the scale doesn’t go down when they lose inches. In her opinion that’s a bunch of bullshit excuse making. The scale needs to go down for there to be any measurable progress.

If I could have, I would have reached into the tv and punched her in the face. Maybe Bob is the same way and that’s why he’s as skinny as a freaking ferret. What kind of trainer advice it that?

Also, her big nutrition advice for breakfast was Cheerios.

Sorry, Weatherman, if it seems like I’m crabby and violent lately, it’s February in Ontario. We’re all kind of pissy :slight_smile:

977

Wednesday Feb. 4, Gym
Bench
45x10
65x5
90x5
95x4
100x3
105x2
110x1
90x5 with pause last rep
80x10 pause last rep

CG Bench
90x2x8
90x1x7

DB Bench
40x8
40x4
35x7
35x6
I’m determined to get all sets with 40 in the next few weeks. I’ve been using 35s for months and it’s time to move up.

Lockouts
135x4
140x2
145x2
145x2

Squat
45x10
75x5
100x5
135x4
165x3 suit on straps down
185x2 suit on straps up
220x3 suit on straps up

Bottom start squat
at hip height
185x5
205x5

at waist height
225x5
245x3
265x2x0 I just could not break this off the pins.

978

[quote]ouroboro_s wrote:

Sorry, Weatherman, if it seems like I’m crabby and violent lately, it’s February in Ontario. We’re all kind of pissy :)[/quote]

Why does everyone else on this board in that part of your nation seem to be pleasant. Even Court offered that should I frequent her log she would be sweet and courteous (no pun intended). The aforementioned are also mired in February; is it unusual that Februaries in Canada are cold?

I’m worried that if you keep up this violent and borderline sociopathic behaviour, as much as it does turn me on, you just might end up starring in a “Chicks in Prison” movie. If it’s any small consolation, I’d definitely go see it and then buy the DVD when it came out.

On 2nd thought; keep it up! Do you realize the “street cred” you’ll have on this board when you get hauled off to the “Big House?” You’ll be a legend. I’m sure they have computers in prison. You’ll be able to contribute to this board and regale us with tales of the various “beatdowns” you’ve participated in.

979

[quote]WxHerk wrote:
ouroboro_s wrote:

Sorry, Weatherman, if it seems like I’m crabby and violent lately, it’s February in Ontario. We’re all kind of pissy :slight_smile:

Why does everyone else on this board in that part of your nation seem to be pleasant. Even Court offered that should I frequent her log she would be sweet and courteous (no pun intended). The aforementioned are also mired in February; is it unusual that Februaries in Canada are cold?

I’m worried that if you keep up this violent and borderline sociopathic behaviour, as much as it does turn me on, you just might end up starring in a “Chicks in Prison” movie. If it’s any small consolation, I’d definitely go see it and then buy the DVD when it came out.

On 2nd thought; keep it up! Do you realize the “street cred” you’ll have on this board when you get hauled off to the “Big House?” You’ll be a legend. I’m sure they have computers in prison. You’ll be able to contribute to this board and regale us with tales of the various “beatdowns” you’ve participated in.
[/quote]

Maybe NeelyDan and I could share a prison cell. He gets in bar brawls from time to time. Some of them have even been in my neighbourhood.

I really don’t think I’d do well in prison. There’s way to much togetherness for my taste. Maybe solitary would be okay as long as I had a good book.

I’m not sure why Court is being sweet to you. She really is not a sweet person. That’s why I like her. Her mocking laughter is what has helped me get out of the hole on more than one heavy squat.

There is one key difference in why she may appear sweet, she’s 24 and I’m 44. I’m on the outer edges of peri-menopause with the attendent hormonal shit. In the past few months this had led to more than one person being a victim of anger napalm.

980

[quote]ouroboro_s wrote:
This is my biggest loser rant. I don’t watch a ton of tv but I’ve gotten very invested in this show.

Last night Jillian was saying how she didn’t like to hear trainers tell their clients it’s okay if the scale doesn’t go down when they lose inches. In her opinion that’s a bunch of bullshit excuse making. The scale needs to go down for there to be any measurable progress.

If I could have, I would have reached into the tv and punched her in the face. Maybe Bob is the same way and that’s why he’s as skinny as a freaking ferret. What kind of trainer advice it that?

Also, her big nutrition advice for breakfast was Cheerios.

Sorry, Weatherman, if it seems like I’m crabby and violent lately, it’s February in Ontario. We’re all kind of pissy :)[/quote]

The biggest loser makes me crazy violent as well. The frustrating thing is that not only are those people subjected to wrong information but so is the rest of the viewing population.