Segansational's Motivation Log
- Thread starter Segansational
- Start date
Rockslide
Veteran member
Making me want to get back to the mountains. I’m going to have to start a different log for my Alaska hunt when I eventually get around to getting one set up and go up and down 6000-10000 feet for a week with 65 lbs of gear on my back.
I would beg my wife to move to northern Wyoming if she could work there. Unfortunately though it wouldn’t work for her job. I’m about as rural as she can be right now , that part of the country is a different type of rural though and can’t just commute 90 miles when it’s snowing 2 inches an hour for a week.
I would beg my wife to move to northern Wyoming if she could work there. Unfortunately though it wouldn’t work for her job. I’m about as rural as she can be right now , that part of the country is a different type of rural though and can’t just commute 90 miles when it’s snowing 2 inches an hour for a week.
akboom87
Well-known member
What kinda hunt you planning sheep?
Did a moose hunt back in 2019 up there was a blast. But kinda cheating I grew up there so my buddies still live there so I just go out with them.
Segansational
Well-known member
We flew into Bozeman and drove to West Yellowstone to start. From there we made essentially 3 stops in the park, starting with Old Faithful, Grand Primsatic, and the lower loop, then on to Lake Yellowstone, then through Hayden Valley up to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone / Canyon Lodge, then on to Norris Geyser Basin and the upper loop on the way to Mammoth Hot Springs and finally on back to Bozeman. So basically went from the West entrance and headed our way out the North entrance. We went over a period of 5 days total.
Not crowded at all! We went literally at the end of the season (as in Canyon Lodge services was closing the day after we departed), but also got lucky the weather was perfect - it had snowed the week before - but we didn't see any trace of it.
If I had to pick one thing, seeing the Grand Prismatic Spring from the Overlook was the most unique and completely stunning view. But a close second for me was Norris Geyser Basin with all of the different geothermal features - seeing the steam rising off the ground and being treated to an unexpected geyser erupting for a good 5-7 mins and actually getting "rained" on from it, was absolutely surreal. There's just nothing else like the landscapes anywhere out east. Coming from a city and even green, flat farmland in PA, seeing mountains, rivers, and everything else is truly a sight to see.
The best animal experience was seeing the bison. On the first day we drove into the park cars were backed up on the entrance road, and a minute or so later we found out why. This guy was just casually walking down the road on the opposite side and walked right by our car window!
We did see just a handful or elk, one in the distance with antlers, but not nearly as many as we expected to see. Was hoping to see more as we heard it was elk rut season, but honestly didn't see very many out and about at all.
So, that thought definitely dawned on us as we were driving on the one road back to town. The snow plow markers on the road were several feet high - at least two to 3 times what I'm used to seeing back east. So that's a good indication of what they're in for during the winter!!
Segansational
Well-known member
Bench - 5/3/1 Day
Wamr up routine.
Rotator cuff exercises, resistance bands.
Bench Press:
Warm ups,
45x10
95x8
Working sets,
135x5
150x3
165x2 - 1+ rx'd
175x1 - hit 1 easy rep, estimating this to be at about 85% capacity.
Was shooting for that last set to be about 90%, but was a hair easier than expected. Would put me right about 205# as my top set 1RM for my last attempt assuming my estimate of 85% capacity is right. So, I will likely take 165# as my opener for confidence, and then jump to about 180-185# for attempt 2, and then make a call from there whether I can go 195-205.
Hypertrophy work:
Machine Chest Press:
6 plates x 10
7 plates x 10,10
This basically felt like speed work this AM.
1 hr 3 mins, 179 cals.
Pre: 3/4 Notorious Rage, 1g Choline Citrate, 1g Vit C, 10g Collagen, 2 pumps L-carnitine gel, 3 soft gels NuligoXT.
Intra: Same as usual.
Notes
Debated trying to go a little higher today to handle 185+ this AM, but ultimately opted not to at this point, as coming in unfatigued and uninjured is still goal #1. Fairly confident with how 175 moved that 185 is there. I won't be hitting anything heavy on bench from here on out, with one more "peak" tomorrow for DLs due to my schedule - and then a deload week / light touches with 2.5 weeks left.
But counter my approach if others think differently!
Wamr up routine.
Rotator cuff exercises, resistance bands.
Bench Press:
Warm ups,
45x10
95x8
Working sets,
135x5
150x3
165x2 - 1+ rx'd
175x1 - hit 1 easy rep, estimating this to be at about 85% capacity.
Was shooting for that last set to be about 90%, but was a hair easier than expected. Would put me right about 205# as my top set 1RM for my last attempt assuming my estimate of 85% capacity is right. So, I will likely take 165# as my opener for confidence, and then jump to about 180-185# for attempt 2, and then make a call from there whether I can go 195-205.
Hypertrophy work:
Machine Chest Press:
6 plates x 10
7 plates x 10,10
This basically felt like speed work this AM.
1 hr 3 mins, 179 cals.
Pre: 3/4 Notorious Rage, 1g Choline Citrate, 1g Vit C, 10g Collagen, 2 pumps L-carnitine gel, 3 soft gels NuligoXT.
Intra: Same as usual.
Notes
Debated trying to go a little higher today to handle 185+ this AM, but ultimately opted not to at this point, as coming in unfatigued and uninjured is still goal #1. Fairly confident with how 175 moved that 185 is there. I won't be hitting anything heavy on bench from here on out, with one more "peak" tomorrow for DLs due to my schedule - and then a deload week / light touches with 2.5 weeks left.
But counter my approach if others think differently!
gphagan1
Legend
I could see how you would pick the Grand Prismatic Spring from the Overlook as the best view. Seeing pictures of it and on videos it really looks like you’re on another planet. We would love to go see it….ha, my wife and I were talking about Yellowstone yesterday, because your trip got me to thinking about it, so we pulled up some stuff online just to get an idea of what it would take for us to plan a trip next Summer, and when we got done she said “well then when are we going?”
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Dustin07
Legend
thats awesome, I've never been but my brother went up a few times for fishing and moose hunting and my wife and I ended up with a lot of fish in the freezer! for a while he had a partnership with a fisherman up there and would basically act as his distributor down here.
Ohhhhh I think I remember that, was that the one that smelled like farts??
amen brother. this is one of the reasons my wife and I will never leave PNW despite how horrible the taxes and politics are getting. I think the straw that broke the camels back for me was going to Costa Rica, which was one of my all time favorite trips ever, and then flying home over Mt Rainier and the Puget Sound, then crossing our giant bridge and just realizing how much bigger everything is here at home. We have so many friends and family that have noped out of this state for the politics and gone to Arizona, Florida, and Texas, but I could never leave Puget Sound and Mt Rainier. Thats my mountain. Everyone out here stakes a claim on Rainier
lol
Dustin07
Legend
man it seems like 531 and this meet prep have you lifting a lot more weight with a lot more intention lately, good to see you putting up nice numbers! Imagine where you'd be in a year if you stuck with this.
Hyde
Legend
When is the meet precisely? 2.5 weeks, around the 24th?
You could take 180-185 next week, 10-11 days out, IF you are very confident it’s not a close to a 100% max. And that would be to your benefit IF you are confident you could bench 185 at least for two separate singles next week. But actually only take it for precisely ONE single. Work up to something like 170x1, then if it’s just a joke take 180 or 185. Otherwise stick to something like a back off triple after with something like 145-155.
If you don’t feel extremely confident in that, then 185 is a higher percentage than you realize and you should not take it before the meet.
Also, be pausing every first rep of a set momentarily from here out on bench if you haven’t. You won’t get the press command until it’s motionless under control; it’s not a pre-determined time for the pause.
You could take 180-185 next week, 10-11 days out, IF you are very confident it’s not a close to a 100% max. And that would be to your benefit IF you are confident you could bench 185 at least for two separate singles next week. But actually only take it for precisely ONE single. Work up to something like 170x1, then if it’s just a joke take 180 or 185. Otherwise stick to something like a back off triple after with something like 145-155.
If you don’t feel extremely confident in that, then 185 is a higher percentage than you realize and you should not take it before the meet.
Also, be pausing every first rep of a set momentarily from here out on bench if you haven’t. You won’t get the press command until it’s motionless under control; it’s not a pre-determined time for the pause.
Segansational
Well-known member
I do feel like my strength base on lifts is definitely improving. Feels good, but I also miss doing more hypertophy work too.
We'll see where I land after the comp, but I may keep in DLs just so as not to lose the progress again.
Yes, the 24th.
OK, maybe I'll treat next week as one more "peak" even though this week was planned as it. I don't feel on a few lifts I got close enough to that 90% effort with what was programmed.
Segansational
Well-known member
Deadlift Day - 5/3/1
Warm up routine.
RDLs,
Empty bar x 10
+20x8,8
Deadlifts:
Warm ups,
45x10
65x8
95x6
Working sets, belted, banded pullaparts prior to each set:
115x5
135x3
145x1 - this honestly felt like a warm up. Now my lower back was feeling a bit out of alignment on left side, so wanted to be careful. A few extra leg swings and got back to it.
155x1
170x1
185x1 - Best guess was this was still only ~70-80% effort. Definitely think I've been holding back on this cycle too much for DLs. That would put me closer to 230-245# for a true 1RM.
All felt super easy from a muscle base. Program had me stop at 145#. That wasn't happening today! Tbh I think I'm just gun shy with deads still. The strength is there, but I need to just restore my confidence in the mental numbers.
Going to give it one more shot next week with a 205# pull to get me closer to my range for the meet.
1 hr 6 mins, 199 cals.
Pre: 3/4 scoop Notorious Rage, 1g Choline Citrate, 1g Vit C, 10g collagen, 2 pumps L-carnitine gel, 3 soft gels NuligoXT.
Intra: Same as yesterday.
Warm up routine.
RDLs,
Empty bar x 10
+20x8,8
Deadlifts:
Warm ups,
45x10
65x8
95x6
Working sets, belted, banded pullaparts prior to each set:
115x5
135x3
145x1 - this honestly felt like a warm up. Now my lower back was feeling a bit out of alignment on left side, so wanted to be careful. A few extra leg swings and got back to it.
155x1
170x1
185x1 - Best guess was this was still only ~70-80% effort. Definitely think I've been holding back on this cycle too much for DLs. That would put me closer to 230-245# for a true 1RM.
All felt super easy from a muscle base. Program had me stop at 145#. That wasn't happening today! Tbh I think I'm just gun shy with deads still. The strength is there, but I need to just restore my confidence in the mental numbers.
Going to give it one more shot next week with a 205# pull to get me closer to my range for the meet.
1 hr 6 mins, 199 cals.
Pre: 3/4 scoop Notorious Rage, 1g Choline Citrate, 1g Vit C, 10g collagen, 2 pumps L-carnitine gel, 3 soft gels NuligoXT.
Intra: Same as yesterday.
MrKleen73
Legend
Sounds like a good plan to me, if you don't feel you hit it then give it some more. I would think if you have 185x3 then 190x1 shouldn't be an issue, and will give a little more confidence.
I think this is a good idea, you haven't really done any sort of peaking so outside of a massive all out effort you aren't going to mess with your CNS too much. Especially if you are estimating your DL to be 20-30lbs higher. However, also keep in mind the main goal here was to make it to the show. So if you aren't that confident in the lower back then just ride this one out and give it hell on the platform instead. This meet is more of a taste tester for you. If you choose to do another one you will have the time and benefit of truly peaking for that one and that is when a lot of these timing things to cut off lifts and the like are going to be more important. Right now you haven't overreached, so your CNS is in a much different spot than it would be if you had gone through peaking, and needing to take a recovery week before the meet and the like. So I think you have a little more flexibility than someone in that situation. Just don't get hurt, as long as you don't hurt yourself, I don't think you are going to mess up your approach by pushing harder. Of course within reason.
Dustin07
Legend
good reminder, the process is the victory in this meet!
Hyde
Legend
Yes, your assessment is correct. If you haven’t really worked up maximally in training, there’s nothing to taper down from to super-compensate (like when you see me do a month-long process of hammering at 3-4 weeks out, then lightening up).
What you are doing/can do now, and what works very well for MANY less advanced lifters, is a simple ramp into the meet. You keep going heavier until a week, week & a half out, rest the week of the meet and only truly max at the meet.
In either scenario, you hit your biggest numbers at the meet. But in delayed transformation, you max much further out, taper down to shed fatigue while maintaining specific preparedness. In a ramp, you just keep raising RPE as you head into the meet. So maybe you pull 200-205 next time, and then hopefully more than that at the show after ~10 days off from deads.
What you are doing/can do now, and what works very well for MANY less advanced lifters, is a simple ramp into the meet. You keep going heavier until a week, week & a half out, rest the week of the meet and only truly max at the meet.
In either scenario, you hit your biggest numbers at the meet. But in delayed transformation, you max much further out, taper down to shed fatigue while maintaining specific preparedness. In a ramp, you just keep raising RPE as you head into the meet. So maybe you pull 200-205 next time, and then hopefully more than that at the show after ~10 days off from deads.
Rockslide
Veteran member
Either mountain goat or caribou. I would love to do sheep due to the higher altitude and physical challenge, but I’m not at a place financially where I can afford a sheep hunt. Moose hunt have gone out of sight as well although if I can ever find the right person to take me that’s lived up there I would do that one in a heartbeat, but the guided ones have just gotten so expensive
I really wanna do a tur hunt in Azerbaijan. Money and time getting over there though not sure I will ever, especially as that part of the world keeps getting less stable.
Anyways, if I ever get one booked, I’ll probably have a whole dedicated log to it full of nothing but farmers carries and 60-70% of 1 rm lower body stuff for AMRAP super setting with uphill sprints on the treadmill and jogging hiking the other days. Right now that just sounds like painful and something a psychopath would do, but I’ll do what I need to do if I commit to it.
Segansational
Well-known member
Yep, what has been great so far is that I do not feel fatigued CNS-wise at all. So either I'm working too submaximally (possible), the TRT dosage is working (probable), and the fact I've come off of a vacation / 5 days no lifting (certain this helped). Either way, I'm in a good spot as of today!
Yep, this will be the plan. Thanks for weighing in here!
Yep, assuming everything goes according to plan next week, my first bench opener is on track to be 175#.
Actually, as strange and uncommon as this is, my numbers right now across all 3 lifts are almost identical. It's uncanny. Generally this means I'm not strong enough, full stop. But it is kind of funny to see. I'm nothing if not consistent!
This is next week's programmed plan:
Squat
145x5
165x3
185x1+
Bench
145x5
165x3
185x1+
Deadlift
155x5
175x3
195x1+ (aiming 195-205 based on feel)
gphagan1
Legend
That’s actually pretty cool….you can say you are a balanced lifter.Yep, what has been great so far is that I do not feel fatigued CNS-wise at all. So either I'm working too submaximally (possible), the TRT dosage is working (probable), and the fact I've come off of a vacation / 5 days no lifting (certain this helped). Either way, I'm in a good spot as of today!
Yep, this will be the plan. Thanks for weighing in here!
Yep, assuming everything goes according to plan next week, my first bench opener is on track to be 175#.
Actually, as strange and uncommon as this is, my numbers right now across all 3 lifts are almost identical. It's uncanny. Generally this means I'm not strong enough, full stop. But it is kind of funny to see. I'm nothing if not consistent!
This is next week's programmed plan:
Squat
145x5
165x3
185x1+
Bench
145x5
165x3
185x1+
Deadlift
155x5
175x3
195x1+ (aiming 195-205 based on feel)
Segansational
Well-known member
Been away for a bit from you guys (and gal!). But life has been a whirlwind since coming back from our trip between work and some fun in between!
Very minimal to no workouts lately due to my early morning schedule. Have had to catch a few train trips up to NYC for work, plus ended up going to Comic Con (yes, nerd alert). Also saw the Odyssey in IMAX.
My son has been having a rough go of it lately. It's been making life at home very stressful. I'm definitely being tested at the moment with patience and little sleep.
Also had another job interview yesterday. Hoping it pans out, but there's a 2nd round of interviews still to get through if I'm selected to move on...
But life goes on. Back at it this morning for Peak Week #2.
Squats.
Warm up routine.
BB Squats:
Warm ups,
45x10
95x8
115x6
Working sets, belted.
145x5 - too easy.
165x3
185x2 - with knee sleeves, lift off felt heavy, but the reps were relatively smooth. Program kept me at 1+ this week.
195x1 - solid.
Knowing I have 195# in the bag consistently now (2 weeks in a row), I'll start with a higher opener since I'll be fresh on squats.
Bluetooth headphones were dead. Tried using corded and without a pocket, I kept losing it so said f*ck it and ditched them for working sets.
Hypertophy work:
Seated leg extensions
3 plates x 10,10,10
These honestly were too light, but I opted not to move up given I want to save my optimal strength for squats in about 1.5 weeks.
Foam rolling / stretching and that's all she wrote for heavy squats until the meet.
1 hr 5 mins, 236 cals.
Pre: 3/4 scoop Notorious Rage, 2 pumps L-carnitine gel, 3 caps NuligoXT, 1g Choline Citrate, 1g Vit C, 10g Collagen.
Intra: Same as usual.
Notes:
First time lifting in a singlet. I feel like a stuffed sausage and look like an 80s-90s wrestling jobber. It's not a flattering fit. How do you guys lift in these things?
I was actually expecting it to be more like spandex/stretchy fit, but it's both stiffer (not supportive though) and more unforgiving than I was hoping. The straps aren't 100% comfortable where they sit on me either with that pulling downward feel. I'm not very broad shouldered, so the wider set straps on the EliteFTS seem a hair too far out towards my shoulders if I had a choice about it. Here's a quick look at how it fits. Only positive is my quads look good.
Blood work gets drawn tomorrow to see how things are looking. Cheers folks!
Very minimal to no workouts lately due to my early morning schedule. Have had to catch a few train trips up to NYC for work, plus ended up going to Comic Con (yes, nerd alert). Also saw the Odyssey in IMAX.
My son has been having a rough go of it lately. It's been making life at home very stressful. I'm definitely being tested at the moment with patience and little sleep.
Also had another job interview yesterday. Hoping it pans out, but there's a 2nd round of interviews still to get through if I'm selected to move on...
But life goes on. Back at it this morning for Peak Week #2.
Squats.
Warm up routine.
BB Squats:
Warm ups,
45x10
95x8
115x6
Working sets, belted.
145x5 - too easy.
165x3
185x2 - with knee sleeves, lift off felt heavy, but the reps were relatively smooth. Program kept me at 1+ this week.
195x1 - solid.
Knowing I have 195# in the bag consistently now (2 weeks in a row), I'll start with a higher opener since I'll be fresh on squats.
Bluetooth headphones were dead. Tried using corded and without a pocket, I kept losing it so said f*ck it and ditched them for working sets.
Hypertophy work:
Seated leg extensions
3 plates x 10,10,10
These honestly were too light, but I opted not to move up given I want to save my optimal strength for squats in about 1.5 weeks.
Foam rolling / stretching and that's all she wrote for heavy squats until the meet.
1 hr 5 mins, 236 cals.
Pre: 3/4 scoop Notorious Rage, 2 pumps L-carnitine gel, 3 caps NuligoXT, 1g Choline Citrate, 1g Vit C, 10g Collagen.
Intra: Same as usual.
Notes:
First time lifting in a singlet. I feel like a stuffed sausage and look like an 80s-90s wrestling jobber. It's not a flattering fit. How do you guys lift in these things?
I was actually expecting it to be more like spandex/stretchy fit, but it's both stiffer (not supportive though) and more unforgiving than I was hoping. The straps aren't 100% comfortable where they sit on me either with that pulling downward feel. I'm not very broad shouldered, so the wider set straps on the EliteFTS seem a hair too far out towards my shoulders if I had a choice about it. Here's a quick look at how it fits. Only positive is my quads look good. Blood work gets drawn tomorrow to see how things are looking. Cheers folks!
Segansational
Well-known member
Weight check: 158.3#
BF: 23.6%
Weight up, BF% down. In general though I've been staying relatively steady, give or take 1#.
BF: 23.6%
Weight up, BF% down. In general though I've been staying relatively steady, give or take 1#.
MrKleen73
Legend
Hope the challenges at home with the boy get better and that you get a 2nd interview.
On the squats, congrats on repeating the 195, when you say you will start higher, are you saying you will start heavier than 195? I think that might be a bit bold if so. If 195 was a relatively easy rep then maybe, but otherwise I would start about 185. I know I mentioned previously but the opener should be something you can get about 3 reps on. Just to make sure you get that first white lite. Once it is in the bag your confidence will spike and give you that needed boost for the next attempt.
Leg sweep and quads looking great man! That is a pretty loose fit on that singlet, but at least your junk isn't getting compressed.
On the squats, congrats on repeating the 195, when you say you will start higher, are you saying you will start heavier than 195? I think that might be a bit bold if so. If 195 was a relatively easy rep then maybe, but otherwise I would start about 185. I know I mentioned previously but the opener should be something you can get about 3 reps on. Just to make sure you get that first white lite. Once it is in the bag your confidence will spike and give you that needed boost for the next attempt.
Leg sweep and quads looking great man! That is a pretty loose fit on that singlet, but at least your junk isn't getting compressed.
Dustin07
Legend
about ten times reading todays updates I thought 90% of the comments were about squished kibbles and bits.
Segansational
Well-known member
I was originally thinking a 165-170# opener. Now I'm feeling confident to do 180-185#.
akboom87
Well-known member
Sounds like you have been busy! Hopefully all turn out well.Been away for a bit from you guys (and gal!). But life has been a whirlwind since coming back from our trip between work and some fun in between!
Very minimal to no workouts lately due to my early morning schedule. Have had to catch a few train trips up to NYC for work, plus ended up going to Comic Con (yes, nerd alert). Also saw the Odyssey in IMAX.
My son has been having a rough go of it lately. It's been making life at home very stressful. I'm definitely being tested at the moment with patience and little sleep.
Also had another job interview yesterday. Hoping it pans out, but there's a 2nd round of interviews still to get through if I'm selected to move on...
But life goes on. Back at it this morning for Peak Week #2.
Squats.
Warm up routine.
BB Squats:
Warm ups,
45x10
95x8
115x6
Working sets, belted.
145x5 - too easy.
165x3
185x2 - with knee sleeves, lift off felt heavy, but the reps were relatively smooth. Program kept me at 1+ this week.
195x1 - solid.
Knowing I have 195# in the bag consistently now (2 weeks in a row), I'll start with a higher opener since I'll be fresh on squats.
Bluetooth headphones were dead. Tried using corded and without a pocket, I kept losing it so said f*ck it and ditched them for working sets.
Hypertophy work:
Seated leg extensions
3 plates x 10,10,10
These honestly were too light, but I opted not to move up given I want to save my optimal strength for squats in about 1.5 weeks.
Foam rolling / stretching and that's all she wrote for heavy squats until the meet.
1 hr 5 mins, 236 cals.
Pre: 3/4 scoop Notorious Rage, 2 pumps L-carnitine gel, 3 caps NuligoXT, 1g Choline Citrate, 1g Vit C, 10g Collagen.
Intra: Same as usual.
Notes:
First time lifting in a singlet. I feel like a stuffed sausage and look like an 80s-90s wrestling jobber. It's not a flattering fit. How do you guys lift in these things?
Blood work gets drawn tomorrow to see how things are looking. Cheers folks!View attachment 263796View attachment 263797View attachment 263798
Squats are looking good and sounds like you have a plan.
MrKleen73
Legend
185 for sure. You have already knocked 3 reps out on it. Don't start so low you are afraid of the next jump. Plus you want it to feel a little heavy to prime for the next attempt.
Dustin07
Legend
my buddy was saying last night that if he was opening at say 435 he'd make his last warmup probably 315 or even lighter. that seemed insane to me lol.
MrKleen73
Legend
Has he competed before, or is he talking out his ass? That is a HUGE jump, and the CNS might not be ready for it. He might hit his rep, but it could take more out of him than his 2nd attempt would have if warmed up properly. If the CNS isn't primed and ready it could easily see that as a shock, and be far less efficient in moving the weight.
Hyde
Legend
Honestly man that’s a good-looking singlet and appropriately sized. Where else would the straps really go/stay? If they were placed moreso just on the traps, they will just slide down the angle over time until they find that groove between trap and delt.
There’s definitely a difference between saving your energy & being confident, vs just being lazy. I mean for the guy opening 435, taking 365 even certainly isn’t going to put him out for energy. You don’t need a lot of conditioning to do 7 singles from start to finish
Also, I’d argue that the heaviest warmup is the most relevant. Like if I had to take a single squat rep with a barbell before opening in the 500s, I’m sure it would be AT LEAST 405. Squatting 1-2-3 plates to then open almost 50% higher is just silly.
There’s definitely a difference between saving your energy & being confident, vs just being lazy. I mean for the guy opening 435, taking 365 even certainly isn’t going to put him out for energy. You don’t need a lot of conditioning to do 7 singles from start to finish
Also, I’d argue that the heaviest warmup is the most relevant. Like if I had to take a single squat rep with a barbell before opening in the 500s, I’m sure it would be AT LEAST 405. Squatting 1-2-3 plates to then open almost 50% higher is just silly.
Dustin07
Legend
no he's competed a fair bit out here, not as much as me overall in barbell sports, but more than me specifically with like PL or Oly meets. He was a disciple of Rippetoe for a long time and even today will point out all the things that he disagrees with Mark on, but still tell your average newb that starting strength is the simplest learning for starting out. I can't get him to stick with ANY programming at all. if he and I were to sit down and AMRAP like 135 to 225, I would likely crush him, but I've watched him squat 500 CLEAN. he and I are wired very very differently. If he consistently squats once a month, maybe twice, he will set a PR. When he hit his 500lb squat he was trashed for weeks. maybe a month. he has an ability to grind that I don't have. When he benched with me a couple weeks ago his bench was WAY down, like 50-60lbs lower than mine but he hung with me on AMRAPs, 5 x 10s, etc and then was sick for 2 days lol.
There was a time many years ago when he and I were squatting like 185-225 side by side. a few years later he's throwing up 440 pretty much every session lol.
Hyde
Legend
I watched a guy once open at 565. He was a 220 wraps guy, and I don’t know if he took a single warmup in the back. Maybe 495 for a single that I missed. Every time I saw him he was just sitting around cocky with his coach like he couldn’t be bothered. I opened 529 that day.
He proceeded to miss 563 two times in a row before BARELY squeezing it up on his final attempt (looking like he was about to have an aneurysm). I mean we were all screaming for him not to bomb out; it was awful. I squat more than him that day and smoked his total - because I warmed up, took lifts I could actually do, and went 8/9 on my attempts.
Be in shape. Open light. Finish strong.
He proceeded to miss 563 two times in a row before BARELY squeezing it up on his final attempt (looking like he was about to have an aneurysm). I mean we were all screaming for him not to bomb out; it was awful. I squat more than him that day and smoked his total - because I warmed up, took lifts I could actually do, and went 8/9 on my attempts.
Be in shape. Open light. Finish strong.
Dustin07
Legend
well you hit the nail on the head with the lazy comment. I love him, but unless I poke him and say lets go every day at lunch, he will miss full weeks of lifting. most of his PRs came at times when I took him along every session and made him run cube or conjugate alongside me. Yesterday knowing full well I was going to be benching 300+ and that he'd be lucky to hit 245 (he's been really inconsistent all year so his 285 is now 225 unfortunately) he jsut warmed up side by side with me. I was like dude, we can change plates. you don't have to make the same jumps I'm taking.... but thats a lot of work I guess lol. I love him, but he can be lazy. I have no idea how the hell he's so strong in the squat. he does have 60lbs on me, but him squatting 2x bodyweight is still fantastic for a guy who hardly trains, I mean that would put me at 400-420 right now which I do not have yet.
MrKleen73
Legend
Some people are just built for squatting, short femurs and all the right angles and leverages naturally.
Dustin07
Legend
even though I know that is true, 500lbs is 500lbs! I think most I walked out was around 465 lol
Segansational
Well-known member
Yeah, I'm currently thinking 185# for the opener.
I hit as a sort of 1 RM test at the beginning of all this 205x1, so think I might go for that on lift #2 - I am debating whether that's too aggressive though and if 195# would be better.
And then maybe calling 225# if I feel good. But that's only if I make the jump to 205 on lift 2.
I'm having a hard time right now judging what is me pushing too hard on my first of the 3 major lifts of the day and killing the rest of my meet - vs me just being nervous/scared of the jump (ie, all of which is likely just mental).
Segansational
Well-known member
Quick cardio session this AM, as I'm getting a bit fluffy with these cookies and Heavyweight chocolate bars! 
27:29, 126 cals on the stationary bike. A little Lipoderm Xtreme and added yohimbine + caffeinated aminos this AM.
Will probably move into a mini cut following this meet. I actually might set my eyes on a BB comp next April as I saw one that is local!
27:29, 126 cals on the stationary bike. A little Lipoderm Xtreme and added yohimbine + caffeinated aminos this AM.
Will probably move into a mini cut following this meet. I actually might set my eyes on a BB comp next April as I saw one that is local!
akboom87
Well-known member
Every cookie adds pounds to the bar !!Quick cardio session this AM, as I'm getting a bit fluffy with these cookies and Heavyweight chocolate bars!
27:29, 126 cals on the stationary bike. A little Lipoderm Xtreme and added yohimbine + caffeinated aminos this AM.
Will probably move into a mini cut following this meet. I actually might set my eyes on a BB comp next April as I saw one that is local!
Segansational
Well-known member
Adds a pound to something!!Every cookie adds pounds to the bar !!
MrKleen73
Legend
Yeah, but a 260lb guy built for squatting is far different from your situation. I am not making light of it, the dude is squatting 500 regularly and I have only crossed the 500lb squat once at about 215lb in my meet, and I am built for Deadlifting. My deads were over 100lbs heavier, so it isn't that amazing for someone that size.
So are you already deciding that you don't think PL is for you? Moving to bodybuilding style training is going to derail any more PL meets or training that would specifically benefit it until after the contest.Quick cardio session this AM, as I'm getting a bit fluffy with these cookies and Heavyweight chocolate bars!
27:29, 126 cals on the stationary bike. A little Lipoderm Xtreme and added yohimbine + caffeinated aminos this AM.
Will probably move into a mini cut following this meet. I actually might set my eyes on a BB comp next April as I saw one that is local!
LMFAO!Adds a pound to something!!
Dustin07
Legend
Man thats funny cause I am basically the same way. I pulled 485 from the ground and 500 from below the knee rack long before I ever hit a 360 squat lol
Hyde
Legend
Every cookie adds pounds to the bar !!
I gotta find me a pack of these somewhere; DM your source!
Segansational
Well-known member
]
No, and I've enjoyed this meet prep. But bodybuilding has always been my first love. For me lately in life it's about doing the things I've always said I'd do - and just doing it. Feel like I've got momentum right now in all aspects of life: Work, music, lifting, mental aspect. So just striking while the iron is hot.
But we'll see if I really get the strength bug after next weekend!
Bench Day - Peak Week #2
Warm up routine.
Bench Press:
Warm ups,
45x10
95x8
135x6
Working sets,
145x5
165x3
185x1 - barely got this rep, was a grind.
175x2 - this was a bit of range finding / redemption.
Hypertrophy work:
Machine Chest Press:
6 plates x 12
7 plates x 10,10
Foam rolling / stretching to finish. No more heavy benching until the meet.
1 hr 5 mins, 268 cals.
Pre: 3/4 scoop Notorious Rage, 3 soft gels NuligoXT, 1g Choline Citrate, 1g Vit C, 10g Collagen.
Intra: Same as usual.
Notes:
Went for it this AM under practice conditions (singlet, wrist wraps, lift shoes, no elbow sleeves) on the top set. Dissappointed in my performance. 185# was a real grind unfortunately. This has me recalibrating my bench lifts.
Unsure if it's two weeks in a row of peak, or if just an off day. I have been dealing with a right shoulder blade knot and a seemingly tight right shoulder joint this AM, but I don't actually believe that was a factor.
As of now, 165# is a given for my opener, and 175# seems like something I can hit for one clean rep on likely any given day. So that'll be lift attempt 2. Will go in at 185# then for the 3rd lift attempt most likely, knowing that I'll have already sapped some strength earlier in the day with squats. So going in a little more conservative on bench, but always knew this would probably be a weak link / sub-200# lift.
Less than ideal numbers, but think this is going to be the best course of action.
Rockslide
Veteran member
I gotta find me a pack of these somewhere; DM your source!
Pour a bunch of anadrol and halo powder into some no bake cookies , pig out PWO. Literally bar lightening cookies
Rockslide
Veteran member
Rest rest rest. I suspect it’s from two weeks of peak consecutively. Your CNS needs to recover. Calories, carbs, creatine, sleep.
Don’t sweat it too much, can’t take the sets back now. Rest and recover and focus / meditate daily on visualizing moving the bar hard and fast with 185 with perfect form. If you know you can hit 175 with a brief pause during your work , load that as your first lift and violently drive that off your chest next weekend.
MrKleen73
Legend
I think you may be underestimating the power of the golgi tendon, and autoregulation for safety. If you are having issues controlling your scap today that is absolutely going to limit force production a bit. If the shoulder is tight, it is guarding against whatever is causing that knot. If it is guarding, it is also likely putting a limit on output even without major pain. So don't let this get in your head.
Dustin07
Legend
I've thought about this a lot for you. I'm pumped to see how your experience at the meet goes and what you decide from there!