I scrolled through all of my pictures trying to figure out which one would best suit this post. I have a ton of Yessie and I- and she's been a rock for me through this whole ordeal- which obviously would have been very appropriate for this post. Then I saw one of Clint and I. And then another of me and Schwab with Jo and Bob Youngs. Either picture would have also been appropriate as Schwab and Clint are dealing with GI/auto-immune issues.

But then I saw this badass picture of Nate and I. Nate is my best friend's little brother. What makes Nate special? Nate beat childhood cancer. Nate's brother, my best friend, is a marine. Nate's dad is a high school football coach and a man of integrity and character. So who better to put on a post about hardship, grit, and determination than this kid? Plus I didn't even have to teach him how to take a badass picture...he's a natural.

So back to it...I trained for the first time since the last week of February- 11 weeks or so. Originally I wasn't scared to see/feel how weak I had become. Then I started training and had that 'oh shit' moment (hahaha but not really...fuck me).  Keep in mind that time off, about half of it at least, was me laying on the couch. Zero activity. I was jello at the end of that. So it's not like I'm starting back after some time off. I'm starting over, from scratch.

Day 1 (Bodyweight is back to about 210lbs, up from a low of 180, down from a recent high of 240)

Squat/Bench/Deadlift 135 3x10

[straight bar/fat bar/stiff bar deficit]

Day 2 (two days later)

Squat/Bench/Deadlift 185 3x8

[straight bar/fat bar/stiff bar deficit]

Day 3 (two days later)

Squat/Bench/Deadlift 225 3x6

[SSB/fat bar/stiff bar deficit]

I was gassed on all three days, but not as bad as I thought. AKA the blood transfusion worked. BUT on day 3 I was sore after the first set of squats and bench (I did all three days with my feet up) was hard. Baby steps. Keeping the faith. Enjoying the process.

From here out will be a balancing act of keeping my inflammation down (for health reasons), recovering well, and staying patient. I'm sure I'll throw a rant and bitch session in here shortly about how much starting over blows...but it's also the opportunity to come back with better technique and a better appreciation for the little things.