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.

Better late than never.

Thursday was 90% squat, and can I just take a second to comment on how good everything felt?  90% ended up being like 369, but I did 380 instead...because, why not?  Even this was easy, so I put 400 on.  This is when things went south. It's important to note, I've actually never failed a squat. As in, I've never had to dump the weight or anything crazy. When I set up for this squat my footing was off, and when I took it out of the rack I felt like I was off.  However, I proceeded to try to squat it anyway. Lesson learned.  My feet weren't positioned far enough in front of me and when I came out of the hole I went straight forward.  There really was just no chance of me ever getting it. Oh well.  I didn't attempt it again, because at this point I was cramping everywhere and just totally tapped out.  Maybe I should drink more water or something. I've been trying to stay on top of that, apparently I'm failing.

I'm 3 weeks out now, and the fatigue is starting to settle in. I told all of you that the 5thSet Peaking Cycle was brutal, but I'm not sure you understand.  Hopefully one day you'll have the pleasure of experiencing it, it's pretty magical.  Nevertheless, I will survive.

Squat:

barx2x8, 95x3, 135x3, 185x3, 225x3, 275x1

(wraps & belt) 315x1, 335x1, 355x1, 380x1, 400(fail)

380 Squat video ---> here

400 FAIL video ---> Here

*kind of interesting, squat with no wraps for me is struggle city, however, I think I'm getting the hang of it and I can't wait to work on it after this meet!

Split Squat:

bodyweightx4x12 - adding 1 rep per week

Rows: 

barx12, 115x12, 190x12

Shrugs:

190x12 & 240x12

Reverse Hyper:

180x3x15