This is why I’ve embraced “Chaos is the plan”. Having my plans disrupted is maddening, so I took back the power by not allowing there to be a plan.
Doesn’t work for everyone, but it’s been liberating.
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I’m good with adjusting to what I have, it’s just frustrating bc my goals are very specific.
I definitely worked hard over break with good mornings, paused squats, kettlebell swings, but I still took a massive step back in terms of my strength goals as I’m finding out
Absolutely frustrating, I get that for sure.
1 Like
Week 4: day 1 (yesterday)
Squat: 1x6-50,60,70, 3x6-80
Paused squat: 3x2-80, 2x5-60
Dead bugs: 4x13/side
Bench: 1x6-35,40,50, 2x6-50, 1x5-55
Press: 3x3-40
- a bit fatigued but squats were smooth enough, paused squats felt really good, very disappointed with press….
Okay, so the plan now is to go with sheiko intermediate + extra deadlift work on the second squat day
I HAVE LUNCH WITH ONE OF MY INTERVIEWERS TOMORROW……
My phd friends saved my arse by signing up for the lunch as well so I’m not alone
6 Likes
Week 4: day 2
55min weighted walk-27lbs in pack
- felt pretty good and went by quick
I was STARVING today and ended up eating 2700…. Oops
On the bright side, I’ll be getting 180g protein today
5 Likes
Week 4: day 3 (yesterday)
Deadlift: 1x5-80,90,100, 1x3-110, 1x6-120!!!, 1x4-115, 1x4-110, 1x6-105
Conventional DL: 3x6-95kg
Bench: 1x10-35, 1x8-40, 1x6-45,50,55
Press: 4x4-35
Pendlay rows: 3x3-60kg
- I’m back! This felt really good but killed me….
Had lunch with the speaker. She really really liked me!
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Nice work!
1 Like
Week 4: day 4 (yesterday)
Db press: 5x10/side-25lb db, 50jumping jacks btw sets, no rest
DB flyes: 5x6-25lb dbs, 50jumping jacks btw sets, no rest
Seal rows: 5x16-15lb dbs, 50jumping jacks btw sets, no rest
- quick and got good pump, bit of cardio too
Update:
My friend (that one) got into Harvard econ. Given how competitive admissions are, going straight out of undergrad like he did without super connection js virtually impossible. Of course I’m not surprised. I’ve known for 3.5 years thst he’d get into a top programme. I’m also very happy for him
The problems js that I feel behind again. I’m in a great programme and I have a decent shot at Harvard Business school, but it’s also mostly because I have connections (advisors, a famous economist, meeting half of my interview panel and the admin director over summer). It’s like I’m being propped up whereas he managed to get where he is from ability. Meanwhile, I did poorly on my pretty basic linear algebra midterm
He’s not the most intellectually capable of my friends, but he’s the one who has no glaring weaknesses and ends up with the highest average. Did I mention that his girlfriend (a year younger) scored a very very very competitive internship that is almost gaurenteed to convert into a 6 figure job? He’s even winning in areas I don’t care about.
Of course I’m going to (and have) come across ppl far more accomplished than him, but this hits differently probably BECAUSE he hasn’t reached a completely “unattainable” level (E.g. maths genius, pro athletes).
\endrant
5 Likes
Week 4: day 5 (yesterday)
Squat: 1x6-50,60,70,80, 1x4-90, 1x3-85
Paused squat: 4x2-80kg
Dead bugs: 4x13/side
Deadlift: 1x5-80,90,100,110
Good mornings: 5x5-65kg
- the squats felt amazing! A bit sore but still hit 90kg for a smooth set of 4 with at least 1 more in the tank, deadlift went well as good
5 Likes
Week 4: Day 6
Bench: 1x5-35,40,45, 4x5-50
Curls: 3x8-40lb kb
Incline bench: 4x6-40kg
- short bench session, legs dead
Update: This week has been a shite show on the nutrition front. I’ve been in a solid 300 calorie daily surplus this week. I will be more adherent next week
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Just sayin…
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Please don’t take what I am about to say as patronizing….
This is a dangerous road to walk (I have been down it too many times). Constant comparison to others is a quick road to depression and low self esteem. There is a saying (I can’t remember where it’s from): “Comparison is the thief of joy”.
You have already been accepted into an amazing graduate program and I would put money on that you would get selected into Havard too. You are probably in the top 5% of the population (conservatively) when it comes to ability and education. Most people can’t handle 1 week in 95% of the classes you have taken.
I only comment because I have been to the dark places comparisons like this lead to and they absolutely are terrifying. I think I speak for many here that we are rooting for you to succeed and are predicting an excellent future for you.
8 Likes
Alongside this “Don’t snatch defeat from the jaws of victory”
Incredibly valuable post.
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@cyclonengineer thanks for the advice. I get it. It’s a hard habit to break 
to be clear, I wouldn’t want him NOT to get into Harvard and hope that the Stanford waitlist converts.
There’s something different about this particular friend. He’s been my “measuring stick” since freshman year and I definitely overvalue his opinions.
It’s a similar position to the guy from middle school who beat me at maths except that this guy is 1) a very good friend 2) I’ve learned that the Hapsburg strategy works better for me than the Prussian one.
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This is definitely true.
This is the dangerous part. I am glad he is your good friend and he challenges you intellectually (we all need friends like that). It’s going to be bad for both of you when he errs and falls off that pedestal you put him on.
I have no clue what these are.
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Haha. Prussians like conquering things. The hapsburgs solved conflicts by partnering with competition. I guess it’s not perfect because even the Prussian royals were non-trivially Habsburg
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@cyclonengineer HBS reject
You still got into some awesome programs though. Wherever go just be sure to kick some ass and it will all be fine.
2 Likes
Week 1: day 1
Squat: 1x10-50, 1x8-60, 2x6-70, 1x8-80
Paused squat: 3x1-90, 1x3-80, 2x3-75
Good mornings: 3x8-55
Bench: 1x10-35, 1x8-40, 1x8,6,45; 1x6-50-paused, 1x3-55- paused, 1x5-50
- legs pissed but squats were smooth enough, those good mornings were hard to get through, still owe some core work
Update: I’m back up a pound. It’s not a big deal since I effectively have 2 more months to lose it
4 Likes
Week 1: day 2 (Wednesday)
55min weighted pack walk-28lbs in pack
- felt good and got HR up, went quick
Week 1: day 3 (yesterday)
Deadlift: 1x5-80,90,100, 1x4-110, 115, 120, 1x8-105lbs
Conventional: 1x6-100,95,90
Press: 1x10-20, 1x8-25, 1x6-30, 1x4-35,40, 3x2-40, 1x4-35, 1x6-30, 1x10-25
Bodyweight work: 4min walking lunges
- holy shite this was hard, top set of DL went reasonably well-felt heavy off the floor, press felt nice
3 Likes