Yes, I got to train today. Even as I was driving to the gym I felt the tension draining out of me. Having slept for maybe four hours and being tired enough on waking that my hands were shaking didn’t matter.
Today’s training
Deadlift
5x374 lbs, under 6 RPE, sumo - tried the stiff bar for a change. Knurling is too wide to fit my grip.
5x429 lbs, 7ish RPE - plates slipping on the left
5x489 lbs, 9 RPE, conventional - I enjoyed this. I’ve missed conventional. Not sure what happened, there was a bit when I started 531 where it didn’t feel so good but now after five months it’s starting to swing the other way.
10 fatman pull-ups after each set
On go the Oly shoes
3x10x297 SSB narrow stance squats - going deeper now. It’s interesting, I now feel much better the difference between legal depth and deep depth. Six months ago I couldn’t.
Preachers were interesting. On the one hand, I know for a fact that my biceps were completely isolated. On the other hand, I felt them less than with hammer curls, but I’m putting that down to the weight being light. I’ll add 5ish lbs next time.
I think for my bi’s and calves I’ll be using preachers and hammer curls and standing and seated raises respectively. Since I’m doing them twice a week, I may as well use two variations. Ditto the shrugs, barbell one day, trap bar the other.
Today’s lesson: how not to bench. Nah, I’m just tired: 11 shifts straight, about four hours sleep before training. Performance wasn’t going to happen on what is an iffy lift for me at the best of times. It isn’t like squat or DL where I know where I’m at and don’t worry overly about misses if they happen.
It’s relative, too. I was happy to be training but beach felt like garbage because I’m tired.
Plus, in terms of training it’s getting towards crunch time since I’m about six weeks out from my meet. That means I’m about as strong as I’m going to be by then, and I need to familiarise myself with heavy singles regularly and that means finding out if I’m close to where I need to be to hit my targets. So, really, I’m going to find out how well my six months investment has paid off (beyond what I already know).
It also means there’s less wiggle room with time and training sessions; well, the room’s there, but I’m less willing to use it. I don’t like the idea of running sessions together where previously it didn’t phase me.
But, if you cut away the garbage from everything I just said it boils down to perception being affected by physical factors. In this case, fatigue. In reality, nothing has changed at all. I’m actually excited to compete, I’m excited to feel heavy weight on my back and in my hands again and I’m excited to get back into training post competition.
Well I’m already a pro so I’ll just disregard that video That makes sense about the misses. How’s time with the family going? I can’t believe your working so much like that!!!
Meet?!? …where have I been because I didn’t know you were doing that! I’m very excited for you and you better post immediately after you kill it!!! Your very busy and tired but amazing physically as long as your mentally ready that day you can do it. I obviously have no clue what the meets are like but I’m proud of seeing what you post.
GOOOOO MARK!!
It’s going OK. The young fellow’s a bit confused about where I am at night and why I’m sleeping in the day (he’s four), but he’s also a bit crook (Australian for sick) so that makes him generally out of sorts. All in all it’s good. The other half isn’t overly ecstatic, but it’s more because she’s not working so she’s not used to seeing how I do things during the week. She’s a bit worried at how tired I am (I look like I’ve been in a fight around the eyes) and maybe confused I’m still training but I think she knows (I explained) it’s because I fit my training into times she’s working - I’m not overly keen on throwing everything out because she’s suddenly home. She made me a great roast leg of lamb today though, so I don’t think she’s too pissed off.
The older I get the more like my father I get: if I want certain things achieved I do what needs doing and that’s pretty much the end of it.
I got a new job about three months ago. Same kind as what I’ve been doing since 2010 but government not private. That means overtime really, REALLY pays. We started saving for a house recently and I can’t justify not taking an opportunity to make a bit extra to put away when in all honesty I just have to turn up.
I like them, but squats are stressful. You’ve got to time your knee wrapping right because either you’re late and don’t get them on right on you’re early and your feet go numb. Bench is usually the nicest part (this is me saying that) and by the time DL rolls around you’re pretty beat, but it’s DL so it’s cool. You’re basically there from maybe 0900 to 1700 if there are 45 or so competitors, longer if there are more.
You’re very kind.
Hold on to that thought. It’s about as true as it gets.
How’s life on the farm? Keeping you busy?
That’s a hard adjustment for someone so young especially if he is feeling crook. Hopefully he will remember this for the times in the future and feels more at ease. It’s wonderful your other half is so concerned even if it’s not always presented in the best way. Her taking notice and cooking lamb (sounds amazing) is a plus and she will also adjust to knowing that’s how it is. You do need to be a little selfish to get through working, family life, and lack of sleep… you deserve to be! Sounds like your locked into a great job and looking at the big picture of getting a house for your family. You absolutely have it together Sir
I never would have thought about the wraps being so complicated!!! I need to use that mentally ready comment on myself with my transition haha.
I’m always very busy!! During the week I’m working and working out plus cooking and cleaning. On the weekends I’m working on the farm which is never ending. Everyone thinks when the crops are planted you get a break but that’s not true. Working on equipment, moving cattle, working in the hay… on and on!! I love to stay busy but it’s so hard to please everyone and take care of their needs. I let it drive me crazy.
@countrygirl2016 I’ve always viewed farming as one of the toughest ways to live. I can imagine rewarding, but tough AF. Probably one reason you’re adapting to training so well.
@The_Myth I eat a bunch of lamb. There’s tons of it here in Australia, and it’s good lamb too.
Meets are a whole different animal. Different bar, different plates, different bench, a minute to get a start command after your name is called, a wedgie, people 45 lbs lighter than you lifting more than you…
Yes, I think I’ve got it reasonably together. I have to admit I’m probably a bit of a pain to be around on occasion because I do have that do what needs doing attitude.
Damn @MarkKO your log is hot right now!![quote=“MarkKO, post:632, topic:208986”]
You’ve got to time your knee wrapping right because either you’re late and don’t get them on right on you’re early and your feet go numb.
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I’m 10 weeks out from my first meet in wraps. When would you suggest I start wrapping? When the guy ahead of me is called to the platform is what I was assuming…
@max13 maybe even two guys out, I’m trying to remember. I think it also depends if you’re wrapping or someone else is and how hard you crank down on them.
My issue with waiting until the guy ahead of you is called is that you get no more than a minute from when he’s called to get a ‘start’ (and usually it’ll be closer to 30 seconds, since I don’t set up fast and I’ve only once ever gotten a 15 second reminder), then his attempt will probably take maybe 30 seconds then the bar loading and stuff, which might be two minutes. So, all up you get maybe three to four minutes to wrap both knees if you leave it until the guy ahead of you. If you start when the second guy ahead of you gets called, you’ll have around seven to eight minutes. Much better.
@max13 DEFINITELY two guys out. You have to factor in the possibility that you’ll mess up and have a wrap unroll. Also, wrapping will puff you out, so you want to get your breath back before your attempt.
I always enjoy learning from your videos and seeing your power!!!
That makes sense about the misses. How’s time with the family going? I can’t believe your working so much like that!!!