Hyde’s Strength Odyssey

Oh man I'm sorry to hear about the wife's injury flare up, is she seeing improvement there? Hopefully the stress of prep doesn't compound it mentally for her.

Hyde said:
Happy with my ability to maintain my bodyweight lately; energy and training have been so solid at this weight/intake, and I can make basically anything I really want fit calorically at this size. A shake, a couple chicken & rice meals, and a frozen pizza or something random would be the most normal depiction of my diet at the moment
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how are you feeling at this weight from a health perspective (sleeping/breathing, etc)?

Hyde said:
Great day of training. Took nearly 3 hours, but I actually got all the things done I wanted to do, and both squats & pulls were moving well.
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what did your intra workout nutrition look like for a 3hr session? that sounds like an absolute blast
 
Sounds like things are looking up with the wife's recovery. As you said if nothing else salvaging an enjoyable family trip will be great, but hope she is also able to do well competing.
 
Dustin07 said:
Oh man I'm sorry to hear about the wife's injury flare up, is she seeing improvement there? Hopefully the stress of prep doesn't compound it mentally for her.



how are you feeling at this weight from a health perspective (sleeping/breathing, etc)?



what did your intra workout nutrition look like for a 3hr session? that sounds like an absolute blast
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Yeah yesterday was the best day this last week and she did not take any Naproxen. She went to the gym for some pump work today but I don’t know how it went yet.

I feel good overall. I think part of that is not being on blast (smaller traps/neck & less water retention for sleeping), or forcing a bunch of food, but I also think my body has spent more time in this range so it’s more accommodated now as well. It’s fast weight gain that is especially difficult to deal with.

The usual ProSynthesis17 before I leave the house, Rice Krispy bar on the 12 min drive, and 54g Karbolyn intra, except I also add a second Rice Krispy bar after squats. So 34g more carb.

I did get shaky during curls at the very end, so I popped 2 glucose tabs before the drive home. That 5-plate set of reverse hypers caught up to me!
 
So here’s something cool:

Focus XT has been out of stock forever, and I tried some samples of Psycho Pharma’s Infinite Brain from the Olympia that I really enjoyed. So I bought a tub a while back that I’ve been using for most of my training sessions, and just ordered more. When the new tub arrived, it was green instead of white and the label was lacking Taurine, the Di-caff Malate, and Theobromine - and the Mucuna Pruriens no longer showed the standardization (previously 98% L-dopa).

I messaged the company yesterday, a rep passed along my info, and the actual owner called me back today explaining the mixup. Basically they want to sell Infinite Brain worldwide, so they had to drop Taurine for Japan, Malate for Europe, Mucuna can’t be over 50% (so they decided to keep the 98% for now but not put any % on the label), etc. Anyway, they haven’t updated the US Amazon image to reflect the new label, but he said he’d send me a remaining old formulation white tub to make it right, and to keep the new green one.

I wanted to share because that level of customer service can be hard to come by - if there are any products they make you’d like to try, I can vouch they will stand behind their products 100%. Their guarantee on the webpage is not just lip service.
 
SkRaw85 said:
Psychopharma is Bugenhagen’s company isn’t it?
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No, Bugez had a supplement sponsorship with them for a long time, and very recently he said on YouTube he’s becoming a partner with them soon, which is cool.

I have seen a video somewhere before of the owner, skinny fella big into playing rock music who said he’d always been into energy/stimulant supps. Not like a meathead, more of a lifestyle guy you’d see pounding those old Redline drinks to go to a concert, then getting up early to get his gym in before work.
 
Hyde said:
So here’s something cool:

Focus XT has been out of stock forever, and I tried some samples of Psycho Pharma’s Infinite Brain from the Olympia that I really enjoyed. So I bought a tub a while back that I’ve been using for most of my training sessions, and just ordered more. When the new tub arrived, it was green instead of white and the label was lacking Taurine, the Di-caff Malate, and Theobromine - and the Mucuna Pruriens no longer showed the standardization (previously 98% L-dopa).

I messaged the company yesterday, a rep passed along my info, and the actual owner called me back today explaining the mixup. Basically they want to sell Infinite Brain worldwide, so they had to drop Taurine for Japan, Malate for Europe, Mucuna can’t be over 50% (so they decided to keep the 98% for now but not put any % on the label), etc. Anyway, they haven’t updated the US Amazon image to reflect the new label, but he said he’d send me a remaining old formulation white tub to make it right, and to keep the new green one.

I wanted to share because that level of customer service can be hard to come by - if there are any products they make you’d like to try, I can vouch they will stand behind their products 100%. Their guarantee on the webpage is not just lip service.
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LOVE Infinite Brain. Loved the test booster “ThunderStruck” and the fat burner “Far Beyond Driven”. Both, coincidentally a great song and album!!!
 
Though I understand it is a business and sales equal money, it is too bad the mix was altered to accommodate worldwide sales. Infinite Brain put me in the ZONE at work when we were doing network upgrades.
 
Hyde said:
I feel good overall. I think part of that is not being on blast (smaller traps/neck & less water retention for sleeping), or forcing a bunch of food, but I also think my body has spent more time in this range so it’s more accommodated now as well. It’s fast weight gain that is especially difficult to deal with.
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Right on man, glad you're doing well then. when I was cutting down there were times where I started feeling like I was getting the loose skin of an old man despite still feeling 20 years younger than I am and I wondered how risky it was for us to run big bulks as skin loses it's elasticity, but a week or two later here I am and everything seems great tbh.

Hyde said:
The usual ProSynthesis17 before I leave the house, Rice Krispy bar on the 12 min drive, and 54g Karbolyn intra, except I also add a second Rice Krispy bar after squats. So 34g more carb.
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Solid. I'm almost shocked to see you throwing down the extra aminos. I always swore by them and had a favorite (modern BCAA+, specifically the "+") and just hadn't restocked in a long time. I've seen a lot of people (such as Layne) come out lately and start to determine that the additional aminos weren't all they were cracked up to be. I like the profile of the ProSynthesis though, I could see getting that with a scoop of dextrose for my intra workout.

Hyde said:
but he said he’d send me a remaining old formulation white tub to make it right, and to keep the new green one.
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now can you do the same thing with jack3d?
 
PolishHamm3r77 said:
Though I understand it is a business and sales equal money, it is too bad the mix was altered to accommodate worldwide sales. Infinite Brain put me in the ZONE at work when we were doing network upgrades.
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I’m not 100% on this, but he made it sound like they will be making another batch of Infinite Brain soon in the future as it was, the “American” version if you will.

I used the new green tub this morning with a cap of SNS Eria Jarensis, and that sufficiently offset the missing dicaff malate & theobromine, had a good experience. Tasted & mixed up just the same, felt solid.

When SNS gets Focus XT back out, that is always a terrific product for easier work. I can’t wait for that, because Steve has some cool new flavors coming.

Dustin07 said:
Solid. I'm almost shocked to see you throwing down the extra aminos. I always swore by them and had a favorite (modern BCAA+, specifically the "+") and just hadn't restocked in a long time. I've seen a lot of people (such as Layne) come out lately and start to determine that the additional aminos weren't all they were cracked up to be. I like the profile of the ProSynthesis though, I could see getting that with a scoop of dextrose for my intra workout.
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These aren’t just random aminos along with BCAAs - it’s 32g of EAAs in the ideal ratio for human muscle repair. Mike claims that it’s actually equivalent to greater than 32g of actual protein from whey or meat - more like a 2-scoop protein shake in net effect. It has 135 calories or so per full serving (3 big scoops).

But it’s not dairy, so it doesn’t cause any bloating and is very easy to knock back quickly without being filling. It does not taste particularly good and would be terrible diluted in water to sip - I slam it in 5oz, then chase it with a little more water to rinse my shaker. It is also cheaper than most 2-scoop whey shakes.
 
PolishHamm3r77 said:
Though I understand it is a business and sales equal money, it is too bad the mix was altered to accommodate worldwide sales. Infinite Brain put me in the ZONE at work when we were doing network upgrades.
Click to expand...

I’m not 100% on this, but he made it sound like they will be making another batch of Infinite Brain soon in the future as it was, the “American” version if you will.

I used the new green tub this morning with a cap of SNS Eria Jarensis, and that sufficiently offset the missing dicaff malate & theobromine, had a good experience. Tasted & mixed up just the same, felt solid.

When SNS gets Focus XT back out, that is always a terrific product for easier work. I can’t wait for that, because Steve has some cool new flavors coming.

Dustin07 said:
Solid. I'm almost shocked to see you throwing down the extra aminos. I always swore by them and had a favorite (modern BCAA+, specifically the "+") and just hadn't restocked in a long time. I've seen a lot of people (such as Layne) come out lately and start to determine that the additional aminos weren't all they were cracked up to be. I like the profile of the ProSynthesis though, I could see getting that with a scoop of dextrose for my intra workout.
Click to expand...

These aren’t just random aminos along with BCAAs - it’s 32g of EAAs in the ideal ratio for human muscle repair. Mike claims that it’s actually equivalent to greater than 32g of actual protein from whey or meat - more like a 2-scoop protein shake in net effect. It has 135 calories or so per full serving (3 big scoops).

But it’s not dairy, so it doesn’t cause any bloating and is very easy to knock back quickly without being filling. It does not taste particularly good and would be terrible diluted in water to sip - I slam it in 5oz, then chase it with a little more water to rinse my shaker. It is also cheaper than most 2-scoop whey shakes.
 
2/20/24

Banded Floor Angels
Band Pullaparts, Tris, Flyes, Presses, Lats
Wall Slides

Dynamic Bench, power bar
45x10,5,5
+doubled minibands
45,95,135x3
155 5x5 very short rests

Paused Widegrip Benchpress
185,225x5
255,260,265x8

EZBar Tri Extensions
+0,50,70x12
+90x12+4 rolling
+110x8

DB Pec Flyes
55x13,16

DB Supinated Wristcurls
15 2x15

Seated DB Clean & Press
20 3x12

Swissbar Push-ups, bottom of rack
30 total reps, varying grips

Feels like things are moving in the right direction again with the elbow/shoulder mobility. Widegrips are already tied with the best set of 8 I’ve ever done on them & it’s only week 2, so looking forward to taking those to new heights. Felt like the mayor of Titty City already this morning by end of flies.
 
Hyde said:
2/20/24

Banded Floor Angels
Band Pullaparts, Tris, Flyes, Presses, Lats
Wall Slides

Dynamic Bench, power bar
45x10,5,5
+doubled minibands
45,95,135x3
155 5x5 very short rests

Paused Widegrip Benchpress
185,225x5
255,260,265x8

EZBar Tri Extensions
+0,50,70x12
+90x12+4 rolling
+110x8

DB Pec Flyes
55x13,16

DB Supinated Wristcurls
15 2x15

Seated DB Clean & Press
20 3x12

Swissbar Push-ups, bottom of rack
30 total reps, varying grips

Feels like things are moving in the right direction again with the elbow/shoulder mobility. Widegrips are already tied with the best set of 8 I’ve ever done on them & it’s only week 2, so looking forward to taking those to new heights. Felt like the mayor of Titty City already this morning by end of flies.
Click to expand...
Awesome the range of motion and less pain! Awesome sets of paused bench too!!
 
2/21/24
BW 255.8

KB Suitcase Carries
KB Swings
KB One-leg Deadlifts
Hip Stretches
Split grip Hang from pullup bar

Beltsquat
90,180,270,360x5
+parallel box
360,410x5

Sumo Deadlift, Tex deadlift bar
155x5
+minibands
265,375,441,485x1
507 MISS

RDLs, Tex deadlift bar, beltless
265x8
+straps
355,405x8

HS CSR
90,135x12
180x8
225x6

No idea how much tension the minibands added to the Sumo pull, but 485 was a maximal strain. Still, had good energy left so I added 10kg more - figured if I could improve my technique I could still pull the 507. I did not improve technique lol; got it a few inches off the ground but as soon as the bands kicked in it was over

Hit beltsquats heavy prior, made some great progress on RDLs after, & finished with a heavy Hammerstrength row to finish out an intense session.
 
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Nice and juicy session there!
 
Hyde said:
2/21/24
BW 255.8

KB Suitcase Carries
KB Swings
KB One-leg Deadlifts
Hip Stretches
Split grip Hang from pullup bar

Beltsquat
90,180,270,360x5
+parallel box
360,410x5

Sumo Deadlift, Tex deadlift bar
155x5
+minibands
265,375,441,485x1
507 MISS

RDLs, Tex deadlift bar, beltless
265,355,405x8

HS CSR
90,135x12
180x8
225x6

No idea how much tension the minibands added to the Sumo pull, but 485 was a maximal strain. Still, had good energy left so I added 10kg more - figured if I could improve my technique I could still pull the 507. I did not improve technique lol; got it a few inches off the ground but as soon as the bands kicked in it was over

Hit beltsquats heavy prior, made some great progress on RDLs after, & finished with a heavy Hammerstrength row to finish out an intense session.
Click to expand...
Intense session is an understatement….. I wouldn’t be able to walk for a week if I tried that workout….impressive.💪
 
gphagan1 said:
Intense session is an understatement….. I wouldn’t be able to walk for a week if I tried that workout….impressive.
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Before the beltless set of 405x8, I told myself out loud that this is going to be really hard - and that’s okay. It’s okay if it sucks. All I have to do is give it all I’ve got, focus on staying tight, and whatever happens happens.

It felt easier than 355!
 
Hyde said:
2/21/24
BW 255.8

KB Suitcase Carries
KB Swings
KB One-leg Deadlifts
Hip Stretches
Split grip Hang from pullup bar

Beltsquat
90,180,270,360x5
+parallel box
360,410x5

Sumo Deadlift, Tex deadlift bar
155x5
+minibands
265,375,441,485x1
507 MISS

RDLs, Tex deadlift bar, beltless
265x8
+straps
355,405x8

HS CSR
90,135x12
180x8
225x6

No idea how much tension the minibands added to the Sumo pull, but 485 was a maximal strain. Still, had good energy left so I added 10kg more - figured if I could improve my technique I could still pull the 507. I did not improve technique lol; got it a few inches off the ground but as soon as the bands kicked in it was over

Hit beltsquats heavy prior, made some great progress on RDLs after, & finished with a heavy Hammerstrength row to finish out an intense session.
Click to expand...

Fark dude….brutal session. Your conditioning is impressive.
 
BennyMagoo79 said:
Fark dude….brutal session. Your conditioning is impressive.
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It’s funny you say that (and I appreciate it), because I really feel like based on what I read from a lot of high level lifters that my conditioning is truly lacking - I am constantly thinking I need to find a way to increase my work capacity.

Not in some self-deprecating overly humble way, but just the hard facts that I could improve faster if I could address more weaknesses concurrently.

In the case of Wednesday nights, it’s mainly just a time issue - I tend to only have a couple hours to get this session in after work and still get home by 8:30 to tuck my son into bed. But the other days, I have been trying to wake up earlier so I can spend more time doing some extra work I often neglect. It would be more ideal to increase the density of the session, but that is tougher than training longer.
 
2/23/24

Band Pullaparts, Flyes, Presses, Tris, Lats
Banded Floor Angels

Bench, power bar
45 3x5
+80 chain
45,135,185x3
225,265,295,315,320x1
-80 chain
285 5x6

Tbar Rows
90x15
135 4x12

ss w/ Klokov Press
45 3x15

NG DB Bench
60,70,80x15
90 2x10

alt w/ Widegrip Lat Pulldown
130 4x15

Rope Cable Tri Pressdown
40 5x15

ss w/ Seated DB Rear Delt Flyes
25 4x15

Busted my ass for this one. Added L-Carnitine back in Wednesday, and 300mg of that added preWO and an extra Rice Krispy bar helped me push through to the end of this 160 min session. My shirt was soaked.
 
Hyde said:
It’s funny you say that (and I appreciate it), because I really feel like based on what I read from a lot of high level lifters that my conditioning is truly lacking - I am constantly thinking I need to find a way to increase my work capacity.

Not in some self-deprecating overly humble way, but just the hard facts that I could improve faster if I could address more weaknesses concurrently.

In the case of Wednesday nights, it’s mainly just a time issue - I tend to only have a couple hours to get this session in after work and still get home by 8:30 to tuck my son into bed. But the other days, I have been trying to wake up earlier so I can spend more time doing some extra work I often neglect. It would be more ideal to increase the density of the session, but that is tougher than training longer.
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It’s a juggling act for sure. I’m in the same boat and my conditioning is waaaaaay lower than yours. Family/work/training/life is a giant energy allocation. If I put too many eggs in one basket, the others will inevitably suffer, everytime.
 
Hyde said:
2/23/24

Band Pullaparts, Flyes, Presses, Tris, Lats
Banded Floor Angels

Bench, power bar
45 3x5
+80 chain
45,135,185x3
225,265,295,315,320x1
-80 chain
285 5x6

Tbar Rows
90x15
135 4x12

ss w/ Klokov Press
45 3x15

NG DB Bench
60,70,80x15
90 2x10

alt w/ Widegrip Lat Pulldown
130 4x15

Rope Cable Tri Pressdown
40 5x15

ss w/ Seated DB Rear Delt Flyes
25 4x15

Busted my ass for this one. Added L-Carnitine back in Wednesday, and 300mg of that added preWO and an extra Rice Krispy bar helped me push through to the end of this 160 min session. My shirt was soaked.
Click to expand...

Stronk af!
 
SkRaw85 said:
It’s a juggling act for sure. I’m in the same boat and my conditioning is waaaaaay lower than yours. Family/work/training/life is a giant energy allocation. If I put too many eggs in one basket, the others will inevitably suffer, everytime.
Click to expand...
I feel the plight. I lift after work, out at 5, start drinking pwo and listening to Five Finger Death Punch about 20 min from home, change clothes and be in garage for 6ish. 1hr and 30 min later and the fam has already eaten and I miss quality time breaking bread w them. Lifting in a.m. is not an option as the garage is under both bedrooms and I’d wake everyone up. I was doing 2 min between sets, dropped to 90 sec, this week is a deload so dropped to 1 min and I am sweating like a pig. I’m really only shaving 15 to 20 min off my workout time Might switch back. Such a balancing game at this point.
 
PolishHamm3r77 said:
I feel the plight. I lift after work, out at 5, start drinking pwo and listening to Five Finger Death Punch about 20 min from home, change clothes and be in garage for 6ish. 1hr and 30 min later and the fam has already eaten and I miss quality time breaking bread w them. Lifting in a.m. is not an option as the garage is under both bedrooms and I’d wake everyone up. I was doing 2 min between sets, dropped to 90 sec, this week is a deload so dropped to 1 min and I am sweating like a pig. I’m really only shaving 15 to 20 min off my workout time Might switch back. Such a balancing game at this point.
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A labor of love
 
SkRaw85 said:
A labor of love
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It really is. It has to be.

I was putting on my shoes this morning reflecting on what I wanted to accomplish today in training, when I had the thought, ‘What if I suddenly died & never got to accomplish my lifting goals - wouldn’t that be a waste?’.

Then I immediately realized that there is no end goal or arbitrary number where I will be satisfied if I hit it. More is enough. This is about the process, all that goes into trying to progress. I will do this as long as I derive satisfaction from training!
 
Hyde said:
It really is. It has to be.

I was putting on my shoes this morning reflecting on what I wanted to accomplish today in training, when I had the thought, ‘What if I suddenly died & never got to accomplish my lifting goals - wouldn’t that be a waste?’.

Then I immediately realized that there is no end goal or arbitrary number where I will be satisfied if I hit it. More is enough. This is about the process, all that goes into trying to progress. I will do this as long as I derive satisfaction from training!
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If it becomes no longer enjoyable then what is the point? It’s the fruits of my labor that keep me coming back
 
Hyde said:
It really is. It has to be.

I was putting on my shoes this morning reflecting on what I wanted to accomplish today in training, when I had the thought, ‘What if I suddenly died & never got to accomplish my lifting goals - wouldn’t that be a waste?’.

Then I immediately realized that there is no end goal or arbitrary number where I will be satisfied if I hit it. More is enough. This is about the process, all that goes into trying to progress. I will do this as long as I derive satisfaction from training!
Click to expand...
100%.

There is a version of me that is soft, weak and fearful and the the only difference between him and myself is my desire to be stronger, bigger and faster than yesterday.
 
I am with you guys on the effort required to get it all in and still have some life balance.
 
Smont said:
You never seen dedication till you watch someone power through a party size double stuff oreos in one sitting. And if anyone is wondering.....there are 52 oreos in a party size.
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Here I am thinking I was the man…I smashed 2 rows of a 33 count night b4 last. The title is yours
 
Smont said:
You never seen dedication till you watch someone power through a party size double stuff oreos in one sitting. And if anyone is wondering.....there are 52 oreos in a party size.
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Hahaha! Me and the kiddo split about 10 of those bad girls last night. I salute you sir.
 
2/25/24

BandedFloor Angels
Serratus Activations
Wall Slides
KB Suitcase Carries
KB One-leg Deadlifts
RFE Split Squats

Squat, Duffalo bar
55,105x5
215,325x3
+belt
369x3
+2-ply sleeves
402,413,424,435,446x3
457x5

Hacksquat
90,180,230x12

Well, it was a nice ~7 weeks since finally using the antibiotics & getting right, but I’m sick again. My son and wife had it last week from his daycare, but thought I had dodged the bullet somehow - wrong. Basically just drainage & fatigue. Yesterday I was feeling extra achey & unrecovered, and I am due a deload anyway. We are heading to the Arnold Thursday morning, so I will be skipping my Fri & Sun sessions next week since recovery will be trash anyway.

Today I didn’t have any endurance, so I took regular rest periods & just focused on squatting harder (since I won’t get a third week of the wave anyway). Did over 1,100 more lbs of squat volume than last week, basically a squat & leave kind of day. I’ll put my deadlift AMRAP Wednesday in lieu of ME work, and cut accessory down then too I’m sure.
 
Hyde said:
2/25/24

BandedFloor Angels
Serratus Activations
Wall Slides
KB Suitcase Carries
KB One-leg Deadlifts
RFE Split Squats

Squat, Duffalo bar
55,105x5
215,325x3
+belt
369x3
+2-ply sleeves
402,413,424,435,446x3
457x5

Hacksquat
90,180,230x12

Well, it was a nice ~7 weeks since finally using the antibiotics & getting right, but I’m sick again. My son and wife had it last week from his daycare, but thought I had dodged the bullet somehow - wrong. Basically just drainage & fatigue. Yesterday I was feeling extra achey & unrecovered, and I am due a deload anyway. We are heading to the Arnold Thursday morning, so I will be skipping my Fri & Sun sessions next week since recovery will be trash anyway.

Today I didn’t have any endurance, so I took regular rest periods & just focused on squatting harder (since I won’t get a third week of the wave anyway). Did over 1,100 more lbs of squat volume than last week, basically a squat & leave kind of day. I’ll put my deadlift AMRAP Wednesday in lieu of ME work, and cut accessory down then too I’m sure.
Click to expand...
I feel for you man, the daycare and early school years are just one bug after another.
 
BennyMagoo79 said:
I feel for you man, the daycare and early school years are just one bug after another.
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Yeah I know what I’m signed up for; I love the development we’ve seen in my son since moving him to a preschool last summer, & he really loves going too. All worthwhile things have a cost!

As long as it’s what my wife had and she doesn’t get sick before her comp, idc if I feel bad. I want her to have a great experience.
 
SkRaw85 said:
Sorry man, regardless, that looked like a fun skwaat run!
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Took a lot of discipline to go in & get going, but around 400lbs my body finally flipped the switch & got in the zone. That was probably around the point my subconscious realized if you don’t really commit to this you’re about to get f*cked up
 
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