I hope rest is all you need, and that you haven’t increased the number of injured folks to 3.
[quote]Sayjin wrote:
I hope rest is all you need, and that you haven’t increased the number of injured folks to 3.[/quote]
That would be cool if she was injured, because then we could be THE THREE AMIGO’S!
(end or sarcasm)
My body thinks it’s about 100 years old. Unfortunately it isn’t even a quarter of that. I’m super sore (mostly good sore) today… my shoulder’s a little angry but my abs are a good sore, as are my calves and quads. My hip however… ugh.
I’ve been able to walk a little bit on it (with help of Aleve), however I’ve been getting some pretty crippling spasms coming on. It starts in my glute and wraps around to the front of my hip flexor causing me to stop whatever I’m doing and tears to well up in my eyes.
Needless to say, heavy legs aren’t happening tomorrow. I’m going to play it by ear, but certainly err slightly on the side of caution when it comes to training this week. As Sayjin pointed out, the last thing we need is me joining the injured crew of him and Bartl. I’ll keep you posted.
I originally posted this last night (early this morning), but took it down. Decided after sharing it with some others that I wanted it back up. Some of the details have changed, but I’ve decided not to change my actual post.
I’m frustrated and pissed off. I first started visiting T-Nation back in January. Originally I was just reading TC’s atomic dog. Then as I got into training for my half and would complain about not losing weight or being tired or frustrated, Todd turned me onto some of the Physique Clinics… particularly Bartl’s because he was in the midst of his Tri-training.
I loved reading his posts, but even more so I loved reading the support he was getting from the Nation. It seemed people were genuienly happy for him and truely supportive. Hell, even Novagreg was getting support!
Fast forward a few months. The PC is over, but Bartl is still moving forward and gaining momentum with what he learned. He’s using his experiences to touch others (on here as well as in the ‘real world’) and is among one of my (and many others) biggest supporters.
I haven’t spoken to him tonight to get the details, but I go over to his current log and see that he’s being slammed via PM for his article on our training session with AC. I can only imagine what some of these people were saying to get Chris this fired up.
He’s dealt with a lot of shit a lot quieter than this and I’ve never seen him this pissed off about what people on a forum have to say, so I almost don’t want to know what these messages were about. What happened to T-Nation’s support? Why do these ‘bad apples’ feel the need to run their mouths? We are all here because we supposedly want to better ourselves. Regardless of what you believe, regardless of the opportunities you have had, you are here to get stronger/leaner/faster… whatever.
If you disagree with what someone says, fine - tell them why you disagree and give your POV. If you find yourself sending nasty PM’s or picking a fight with someone on a forum because of what they’ve said in the past, what they’ve done, or the colour of their freaking avatar, ask yourself why.
Look in the mirror. Are you unhappy with yourself? Do something about it. Don’t bring your negativity onto others. Sure you might feel better for a little while, but that’s it.
In the end the only way for you to be happy for others is if you are happy for yourself. Are you pissed off or jealous that Chris/Gus/Novagreg/Crew/etc got picked for the PC and you didn’t? Hell I’m jealous of these guys and I consider Chris a very close friend of mine!
But at the end of the day, I’m happy as hell for each and every one of them. They had an opportunity to change their lives with the support of some world class coaches. But you know what, they still have to wake up every morning and decide to continue along that path. As do we.
I know it holds true for many that some of the best gains people make are when they have a training partner that pushes and motivates and supports them. I know T-Nation and the people on T-Nation are that motivation and support for many of us. Use it. And be that support for others too.
My log got a lot more action after the article was posted. Whether people were trying to figure out who the hell I was and why I got to train with AC, whether they were trying to determine if I was worthy, or whether they were simply here to ensure that I am still working my ass off, it doesn’t matter. I didn’t get nasty PM’s so I will take it all as support and motivation to push myself harder.
For those of you reading my log for the first time, or simply catching up with my latest post, thank you. You are the T-Nationers that make a difference to me, the positive ones, the ones that matter. When I’m tired after a long day at work or I just don’t think I have the time to hit the gym, I’ll read some of the support I’ve gotten or think about other people’s logs, the progress they are making and the support they are receiving and use that as motivation to get off my ass.
So thank you also for putting yourself out there. For holding yourself accountable and for helping others. And for the rest of you, the negative ones, read Shugart’s article on Toxic people and see how you fit into that mold. Ask yourself why. Get out of it and be better. Not for me or Bartl or anyone else… for you.
Today consisted of cramping and “baby” hip spasms. Tomorrow afternoon consists of seeing my physiotherapist and having him make me cry.
[quote]Court wrote:
I originally posted this last night (early this morning), but took it down. Decided after sharing it with some others that I wanted it back up. Some of the details have changed, but I’ve decided not to change my actual post.
I’m frustrated and pissed off. I first started visiting T-Nation back in January. Originally I was just reading TC’s atomic dog. Then as I got into training for my half and would complain about not losing weight or being tired or frustrated, Todd turned me onto some of the Physique Clinics… particularly Bartl’s because he was in the midst of his Tri-training.
I loved reading his posts, but even more so I loved reading the support he was getting from the Nation. It seemed people were genuienly happy for him and truely supportive. Hell, even Novagreg was getting support!
Fast forward a few months. The PC is over, but Bartl is still moving forward and gaining momentum with what he learned. He’s using his experiences to touch others (on here as well as in the ‘real world’) and is among one of my (and many others) biggest supporters.
I haven’t spoken to him tonight to get the details, but I go over to his current log and see that he’s being slammed via PM for his article on our training session with AC. I can only imagine what some of these people were saying to get Chris this fired up.
He’s dealt with a lot of shit a lot quieter than this and I’ve never seen him this pissed off about what people on a forum have to say, so I almost don’t want to know what these messages were about. What happened to T-Nation’s support? Why do these ‘bad apples’ feel the need to run their mouths? We are all here because we supposedly want to better ourselves. Regardless of what you believe, regardless of the opportunities you have had, you are here to get stronger/leaner/faster… whatever.
If you disagree with what someone says, fine - tell them why you disagree and give your POV. If you find yourself sending nasty PM’s or picking a fight with someone on a forum because of what they’ve said in the past, what they’ve done, or the colour of their freaking avatar, ask yourself why.
Look in the mirror. Are you unhappy with yourself? Do something about it. Don’t bring your negativity onto others. Sure you might feel better for a little while, but that’s it.
In the end the only way for you to be happy for others is if you are happy for yourself. Are you pissed off or jealous that Chris/Gus/Novagreg/Crew/etc got picked for the PC and you didn’t? Hell I’m jealous of these guys and I consider Chris a very close friend of mine!
But at the end of the day, I’m happy as hell for each and every one of them. They had an opportunity to change their lives with the support of some world class coaches. But you know what, they still have to wake up every morning and decide to continue along that path. As do we.
I know it holds true for many that some of the best gains people make are when they have a training partner that pushes and motivates and supports them. I know T-Nation and the people on T-Nation are that motivation and support for many of us. Use it. And be that support for others too.
My log got a lot more action after the article was posted. Whether people were trying to figure out who the hell I was and why I got to train with AC, whether they were trying to determine if I was worthy, or whether they were simply here to ensure that I am still working my ass off, it doesn’t matter. I didn’t get nasty PM’s so I will take it all as support and motivation to push myself harder.
For those of you reading my log for the first time, or simply catching up with my latest post, thank you. You are the T-Nationers that make a difference to me, the positive ones, the ones that matter. When I’m tired after a long day at work or I just don’t think I have the time to hit the gym, I’ll read some of the support I’ve gotten or think about other people’s logs, the progress they are making and the support they are receiving and use that as motivation to get off my ass.
So thank you also for putting yourself out there. For holding yourself accountable and for helping others. And for the rest of you, the negative ones, read Shugart’s article on Toxic people and see how you fit into that mold. Ask yourself why. Get out of it and be better. Not for me or Bartl or anyone else… for you. [/quote]
amen
I have news… good news… better than I expected news.
So let’s preface this by saying today the pain/spasms moved from the front and back of my right hip, all the way around to also encompass the back of my left hip. So, needless to say, I wasn’t very positive going to physio this afternoon. The look on his face as he examined my ROM didn’t do much to lift that mood.
Then - the fun stuff started. I had his fingers/elbows digging into the front and back of my hips, I had him moving my leg/hip all around while I tried not to swear out loud (there was a girl about 9 there). All for him to conclude that I’m tight as hell and need to stretch and get some mobility in my hips.
He said when I dove on Saturday I ‘overstretched’ and my hip told me to go screw myself and thanked me by spasming and tightening right up.
He also had a quick look at my shoulder (what can I say, I’m VIP), to which he also said, mobility and stretching.
He said it might be beneficial to use this as an opportunity to take some time off and rest but he didn’t see an issue with me either training or playing volleyball as long as there was no pain.
I’m taking tonight off for sure because my hips are still sore from him working on them. And likely taking tomorrow off. I’m back in to see him Thursday and will likely train afterwards.
I’m thinking yoga might help. But I haven’t been in ages… anyone? anyone?
[quote]Court wrote:
I have news… good news… better than I expected news.
So let’s preface this by saying today the pain/spasms moved from the front and back of my right hip, all the way around to also encompass the back of my left hip. So, needless to say, I wasn’t very positive going to physio this afternoon. The look on his face as he examined my ROM didn’t do much to lift that mood.
Then - the fun stuff started. I had his fingers/elbows digging into the front and back of my hips, I had him moving my leg/hip all around while I tried not to swear out loud (there was a girl about 9 there). All for him to conclude that I’m tight as hell and need to stretch and get some mobility in my hips.
He said when I dove on Saturday I ‘overstretched’ and my hip told me to go screw myself and thanked me by spasming and tightening right up.
He also had a quick look at my shoulder (what can I say, I’m VIP), to which he also said, mobility and stretching.
He said it might be beneficial to use this as an opportunity to take some time off and rest but he didn’t see an issue with me either training or playing volleyball as long as there was no pain.
I’m taking tonight off for sure because my hips are still sore from him working on them. And likely taking tomorrow off. I’m back in to see him Thursday and will likely train afterwards.
I’m thinking yoga might help. But I haven’t been in ages… anyone? anyone?[/quote]
Bikram kicks ass but the 105 degree room can freak some people out.
How about more mobility work. I seem to remember you doing some good hip/leg and shoulder work a while back. What happened to that?
I hate people.
I hate people that talk in circles and just tire me out so much that when they ask if they’ve answered my question I say yes just to shut them up.
I hate people that talk on their cell phone super loudly on the commuter train.
I hate people that stand in front of a revolving door, causing a backup of people trying to get into the building and a line up of people trying to get out.
I hate people that say stupid shit. Cuz apparently I’m “lifting too heavy for a girl” and that’s why I’m semi-injured. What the fuck does that mean? I almost punched said person in the face. And I was on the phone, so it would have taken some serious talent.
I’m heading to the gym tonight. I’m dying to squat heavy, however given that it hurts to BW squat, I’m not going to be stupid. I plan on spending some time on the bike and a ton of time stretching and doing mobility work. I’m also going to do my YTWLIs so Bartl gets off my ass.
Wow! I’m tighter than… . There are a few comments that could be said there, however I wouldn’t want to lessen any of your opinions of me because it’s better that everyone still thinks I’m sweet and charming 
Anyways, I went to the gym and biked, did all of my lower body mobility work, stretched, did more lower body mobility work and did my shoulder pre-hab. Hear that Bartl…I did my YTWLIs…so stop with the hate and start with the love… I was sweating ridiculously after my lower body mobility… like almost as bad as upper body days. Kind of entertaining.
Anyways, I hate to say it, but I wish I’d been doing shoulder pre-hab all along. I’ve stuck with my lower body mobility and pre-hab, however my shoulder got neglected along the way. Either way, it’s all part of my routine now.
After all of this, I did a few short sets of BW squats (wide stance and close stance) just to see how things were feeling. And… not bad. I’m heading back to physio tomorrow and hoping after he makes me cry I’ll be able to train legs. We shall see.
I spent all of today in my own world at the gym. Didn’t really “realize” that there were others around. At one point I didn’t have my headphones on and walked by Todd and did a little bit of a dance move (or my attempt at one) and sang a few words to whatever song was on the speakers. Then realized I was at the gym and maybe wouldn’t want to be doing that.
Two girlfriends that I play volleyball with came over to do some abs by where I was stretching after. We ended up having some inappropriate (read: loud) conversations while on the mats. About people in the gym too. I love those girls. They make me howl in laughter all the time. We were discussing this one guy’s strength and how this could be used to our advantage. Dirty dirty girls lol. No shame. And again, like we were the only ones there.
Anyways, if all goes well I’ll be testing my 1RM again on Tuesday night next week. Matt, if you’re catching up on my log that’s next Tuesday the 29th around 8pm. If it works with your sched, come then. Promised good times. For everyone else, I hope to put some video up. I promised Bartl video at 185, but since I’ve surpassed that already, I’ll try to get some next week.
I love people.
Okay okay I know you�??re probably thinking “Wow…is this chick bipolar or what? Yesterday she starts her post with hating people and now she loves people? Wtf.” Well my friends, let me explain…
I love people because they do stupid shit and make me laugh at them. And when I laugh at them my work-induced stress levels decrease and right now I’m almost at the point of going crazy, so it’s nice. So I wander down for coffee this morning with a coworker and we’re (okay I was) bitching about how I hated people. We head back towards the office and what do we see? Some douchebag wearing one of those sticker “Hi my name is…” nametag things. This douchebag’s name was Tim. Well Tim, in case you didn’t know, you’re a douchebag. Why you ask? Because it wasn’t even 9am and he was still carrying his laptop bag which means he had probably left this nametag on his suit from some other day. What a dumbass.
Right now my city is being overrun by sports maniacs. I’m okay with it because I am one myself…however it also means that the cops are being asses. This morning I was driving into work and all of a sudden traffic stops dead. I was early enough that I was ahead of rush hour so this shouldn’t have happened. Well what�??s going on? The cops have set up a speedtrap type thing on the highway heading into downtown Toronto. Which means they have one lane blocked. Which means they’re causing a traffic jam. Which means people are going to get road rage and get into accidents. What the hell people!!!
So what’s going on around here that there are sports-crazed people everywhere? Well tonight Toronto is hosting the MLS All-star game. And this weekend, the city I actually live in is hosting the PGA Canadian Open. Oakville has turned into a giant parking lot. There are signs everywhere for parking. Far away too which means people are getting some exercise in at least. But it also means that I’ll have to leave my house extra early to get anywhere until Sunday.
Anyways, I’m on a conference call right now which is why I’ve written this… and it turns out they’ve (at least temporarily) unblocked T-Nation at work so I can post I’ll likely have another rant later. I’m in one of those moods.
PS. Don’t judge me, but I’ve had the song “Die of a Broken Heart” by Carolyn Dawn Johnson in my head since yesterday morning. I’m not really sure why either… I listened to my iPod on the train in yesterday and it’s certainly not on there. And I didn’t listen to the radio at all until this morning and I listened to my funny morning show, not cheesy music station. The only reason I know who sings it is because I googled the lyrics I was singing because I had no idea what it was. So anyways, I’ve been singing the first few lines of the chorus over and over in my head all day yesterday and it has started again this morning. I need help.
Okay so update time. My hip has progressively been feeling better altho my physio is making me pretty miserable. But I did go for a run this weekend (with a boy heehee)…I also made said boy dinner… and I’m not exactly a woman that cooks a whole lot I got my Push session in on Saturday too…
A. Bench Press - 4x5 - 65lbsx3, 70x1 - 75s rest.
B. Push Press - 4x6 - 22.5x6 - 60s rest.
C1. DB Flyes - 3x12 - 12.5lbsx2, 10lbsx1 - No rest.
C2. DB Laterals - 3x12 - 5lbs - 45s rest.
D. Tricep Pressdown - 2x6/12/25 - 70/35/20lbs - 60s rest.
So my weights went up from last time and everything felt decent. The laterals kind of still bug my shoulder so I stayed “down” at 5lbs. I got to the gym not sure if I was going to do a modified leg workout or a push workout… I did my mobility and the hip felt slightly tight. I want to test my 1Rm this week so decided to do push instead.
Anyways, I’m kind of giddy - I had a date on Friday night that went well. Someone I’ve known for ages. Then Saturday I got a great workout in, went to a fundraiser for Breat Cancer, and ended up at another bar (I was driving, so behaved myself) and we picked up boys from a bachelor party.
And by picked up I mean exchanged numbers. I may have gotten a number too from a Matthew McConaughey lookalike. And I’m IN LOVE with Matthew McConaughey.
Today I took my little sister (I volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters) to the Blue Jays game which was fun. She lights up my day like nobody else can. Love her to death 
I was pretty tired when I got to her house, but man, that girl can make me smile.
Now I’m sitting at home realizing it’s Sunday night and I have to work tomorrow again. I had such a jam packed weekend and am really tired! However… 4 day week this week and next I adore long weekends!
[quote]Court wrote:
I’m thinking yoga might help. But I haven’t been in ages… anyone? anyone?[/quote]
I did a Bikram class over the weekend, and wouldn’t recommend it for you. It’s a set sequence of movements and has a lot of spinal flexion/ mobility (forehead on knees to top of head on heels). I don’t think that’s what you’re looking for especially for your goals.
I do think just an everyday at the gym yoga class once in a while would help. My hips get really tight, and I find that if I drop into a small class and tell the instructor what I want they’re usually willing to adjust the class. I always come out feeling looser.
Hope it helps, and it’ll rock to see those plates on your bar!
[quote]pch2 wrote:
I did a Bikram class over the weekend, and wouldn’t recommend it for you. It’s a set sequence of movements and has a lot of spinal flexion/ mobility (forehead on knees to top of head on heels). I don’t think that’s what you’re looking for especially for your goals.
I do think just an everyday at the gym yoga class once in a while would help. My hips get really tight, and I find that if I drop into a small class and tell the instructor what I want they’re usually willing to adjust the class. I always come out feeling looser.
Hope it helps, and it’ll rock to see those plates on your bar![/quote]
Thanks pch2. I keep thinking of those yoga classes at the gym but I’m having a hard time talking myself into going into one with the cardio bunnies and yoga mommies. I should just suck it up and do it. Then lift heavy to make me feel strong again
I’m really looking forward to Tuesday and actually getting some video/pics of me squatting. I’ve been told by many that my form is good but never really seen for myself. I think I’ll video me at some lighter warm up weights because I know for PRs form usually goes to shit. Thanks for the support!
Hi Court,
Just stopping by to see how you are doing, sorry to hear about your hip. I pulled my psoas a couple weeks back, so frustrating.
It was then I discovered unabashed hatred for mountain climbers.
Glad to hear you are feeling better.
As far as Bikram yoga is concerned, I did it for about 2 years straight, pretty good when it comes to increasing flexibility.
It’s definately more than any cardio bunny can handle. They don’t want to risk their make-up running in that 110 degrees.
I think there’s a circus in town.
I will get to the above shortly. First, my gym session tonight…Pull:
Negative Pullups - I “attempted” 4 of these. I pretty much sank faster than a rock in water, but I kept putting myself back up there.
A. Assissted Pullups - 4x4. My assisstance level is decreasing each week at least for one set (or I’m getting in another set at the same assisstance level).
B. BB Row - 4x6 - 2 sets @ 80, 2 sets @ 70.
C1. Upright Row - 3x12 - 3 sets @ 30lbs
C2. Bent Over Laterals - 3x12 - 3 sets @ 10lbs
D. Cable Curl - 2x6/12/25 - 50/25/15, 45/20/10
E. Ab Circuit
Afterwards I decided to do a 3x8 of light squats. Wanted to know how feasible tomorrow is. On a pain scale of 1-10, it’s only about a 2. However my ROM still isn’t fully back. I was at physio again this morning so I’ll see how I feel tomorrow and make a judgement call.
I tore one of my callouses off on my second set of bb rows. Fucking killed. I was just starting to like them too! Bastard.
I saw a really really sad thing at the gym today. It kind of broke my heart. And I think I may have to find a new supp store because of it. One of the owners was there. Really nice guy, young, strong, etc. However… sigh… he was doing curls in the squat rack. I can’t say anymore about this because it makes me want to cry.
So generally 830 isn’t a bad time to be starting a session at the gym. The earlier crowd is gone, fewer teenagers, people keeping mostly to themselves and usually people who seem to know what they’re doing. Today however was an exception to the “serious” crowd that’s usually there. It was kind of like a 3-ring circus.
I was about to start my cable curls and I look in front of me and simultaneously see two acts that almost made me pee myself. I’m going to try to explain as best I can.
The first: Overweight guy, late 20s or so, wearing short runners shorts and a wife beater. Gets down in a side plank in the middle of the cable machine. He can barely hold a plank position. As in he’s rocking back and forth like crazy and keeps stabalizing himself with his free hand. He finally semi-stablizes himself then grabs a low pulley and starts attempting “Side plank 1 arm rows”. He does about 5 then takes a break. I would see him get down for 2 more “sets” as he was in my line of vision and he finished those two before I was done one set of curls. However, he didn’t even change to “row” the other side because as I was walking away, he moved on to bicep curls. Apparently only his right side needs work?
While said wife-beater wearing dude is making a fool of himself on the floor, another young-ish guy decides to do pull ups. I shouldn’t mock since as I stated earlier, I sank like a rock, however he was swinging his legs wildly trying to gain momentum to pull himself up. He slipped before he made it to “one” and landed about 4 inches from short runner’s shorts wearing dude’s head.
After my squats I decide to head to the mats to stretch out my hips. Crazy pull-up guy is now doing pushups. However he has his feet up on a swiss ball and each of his hands on a medicine ball. I had to force myself to take the long way to the mats because I actuallly didn’t trust myself to not kick out the ball from under his feet. Turns out I didn’t have to help him out, as he lost control of one of his hands and crumbled to the floor. I had to turn away so he didn’t see me laugh.
When I was leaving he was setting up an aerobics step platform with about 8 risers. I really wanted to stay to see what was next, however it was late and I wanted to go home more.
Oh the sights you will see…
So I played volleyball tonight. Overall, body felt good. Hips better than face. Face you ask? I got packed right in the side of my face. I think the ball at least came off the block. Knocked me on my ass and I sniffled for the rest of the game cuz it smoked my nose.
Then Todd and I left and headed to the gym - both to do legs. We took over the only two squat racks for a good half hour. Today was the day - not to hit 225, but to test my max again. This time, with video
Afterwards went through and did a semi-modified workout:
A. Squats - 3x5 75s rest - 165lbs
B. Deadlifts - 3x6 60s rest - 115lbs
C1. Sumo Squat - 3x8 0s rest - 55lbs
C2. Leg Curl - 3x8 45s rest - 90lbs
D1. Step Ups - 1x15 0s rest
D2. Leg Extensions - 1x15 - 45lbs
My legs were fried by the time D came around and they were starting to tighten up, so I hit the bike and the shower. Me thinks me is gonna be sore tomorrow! But it was worth it…watch…
Here it is… me at 205 Looking at the video it looks SO much easier than it was. I struggled getting that weight up!!!
Niceeeeeeeeeeeeee - on to 210…dare I say next week?