I competed in NPC Junior Nationals on June 12-13, 2015. I came in with a much bigger and leaner package than years past. Since July we have slowly transitioned from a bodybuilding split to more of a powerlifting/strength focus, while still hitting lots of volume to build mass. Scott Paltos has been doing my programming since March. We've added quite a bit of muscle and are continuing to work some technical things with my raw lifts. Raw meet in May 7th!!!

With the heavy bench done, I knew I had to hit some big squat and dead numbers this week too. But I was ready for it.  Been in a good place mentally and every time my mind starts to wander, I have mechanisms to bring me back.  Sometimes it's journaling, sometimes it's venting to a friend, sometimes it's pictures. And getting back to the BIG PICTURE.

Picked up a few books that I've been reading.  Fast reads for first thing in the morning and before bed. I'll share some thoughts about them as I get going.  I also watched one of the best baseball movies ever... The Natural. Hit me right in the feels. He hits the seam off the ball, he cracks the clock at Wrigley Field and he busts out all the lights while his side wound bleeds and his son (who he didn't even know was his son) watches in stands. (Sorry, spoiler alert).  Baseball season is here and my kids' games will start soon. Great way to start the year.  We also watched Princess Bride (one of my faves) and Martian (which was kinda like Castaway but on Mars).

 

Thursday - Bench accessories
A. DB Bench - 5x10
B. Pullups - 5x5
C. Standing shoulder press
D. Single arm lateral raises
E. Triceps
F. Front raises
G. Band pushdowns x100

Saturday - Squat and deadlift
A. Squat
245x1
265x1
285x1
300x1, easy smooth, fast, all felt great. Hit this 2 weeks ago as well, and this one was much smoother and faster. Feels light on my back so that's a good thing too.
300x1 again, and lost upper back tightness and missed.
I was pissed at first, but couldn't let it get to my head.  I had a great first rep and I know it will be there meet day.  No need to stress and carry it over into deads.

B. Deadlift
245x1
275x1
300x1
320x1, fast, smooth and easy.  Felt great. Really  moved like an opener, but most likely will be roughly a second attempt.  All depends on meet day. REALLY happy with how deads are feeling.
C. Pullups 3x3
D. Lat pulldowns
E. Rear pec deck