I guess I should start out by letting you know a little bit about my training. I do and always have ascribed to the 5thSet Methodology. I only train 3 days a week, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. 5thSet runs on a 4 session microcycle over the course of 9 days, so every week is different. I have officially started my meet prep. My logs are starting in a really unique place, and i'm excited to share the 5thSet peaking cycle with all of you right off the bat. I'm currently getting ready to compete at the U.S Open in San Diego on April 23.
Disclosure: I am currently trained by Swede Burns and my program is tailored to my needs, in fact the only thing that has really changed over the years is the weights i'm using! He is compensated fully for his services, usually I cook and clean and do things he's too busy for, but don't worry some of these are billable services.
What a weird experience this whole losing weight thing has been for me. One minute I'm fine and totally accepting of the loss of strength, and the next i'm freaking out and upset. It's definitely a roller coaster of emotions, especially as I'm getting ready for this meet. I will say, I had decided to start dieting for this meet back in December, but for whatever reason I just didn't fully commit to it until the end of January. So here I am, 15lbs down in 2 months, and I was actually thinking I was going to get stronger or something? It's like I knew what was coming and I just didn't want to accept it.
Last night was another difficult one for me. Deadlift is something I've never really struggled with, and again, going into this training session I have no idea what I was thinking. I hit 430 instead of 440 due to a misload (no one ever said social workers could math, okay?), and after that there was just nothing left. I had hit 465 in training before deadlifting 500 in my meet in August, so it's safe to say I'm always good for way more. But still, only hitting 430 was a tough pill to swallow, considering that was around my opener just 6 months ago.
Everything is changing. I finally noticed last night my inability to get the leverage I use to off the floor, by pushing out against my belt and sitting back. I've lost 2 inches off my waist in 2 months...that's kind of huge. So, not having that 2 inches to push into my belt and get the weight moving has really effected me. I was doing my rack pulls with 390 (they were moving super easy) and looked over to swede and said, "I think I might have to start working on my speed off of the floor," to which he nodded and agreed. I've always struggled with lockout, and my speed off the floor has always been awesome. I can't wait to actually train at this lower weight and get stronger.
Warm Up: Bracing & Stretching
Deadlift:
(beltless) 135x2x3, 185x3, 225x3, 275x3
(w/belt) 315x3, 365x1, 405x1, 430x1
* I didn't anticipate 430 being my last, so no video today folks.
Rack Pulls:
390x3x3
Pull ups:
2x10 (overhand)
2x10 (underhand)
* next week I will add a 5th set of AMRAP -
Hammercurls:
10x20 & 15x20