Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

Okay, first I know I said I would try to keep this updated once a day (especially on the workout days) but truth be told I am incredibly lazy on the weekends. Generally I just don't feel like doing anything on the weekends aside from traning, eating and sleeping. I used to be big "going-outer" but now I rarely go to the bars. Too expensive and just plain boring.

Anyways, good things happened this weekend in terms of training. Saturday I ended my strength cycle with a strong 260# back squat for 3x5. Let me just say, I am really pleased about my squat progression. Coming off my injury I started off barely able to squat 135#. With Mark Ripptoe's Starting Strength barbell program I took my 5 rep back squat to 10# above my pre-inury 1RM of 250#. I'd say that's pretty awesome progress. Did some shoulder presses at 150# but didn't make the requisite 15 reps across 3 sets. But I don't really care too much about my presses as long as my squat is going up. Stronger hips and posterior chain makes for a better weightlifter anyhow.

I took Sunday off to prepare myself for this deload week I'm starting on Tuesday. On Saturday I am going to max out my squat to get a base for the new program I will be starting. I also plan on doing a heavy single on my clean and jerk and my snatch. I say heavy single because I'm still not comfortable going max effort on my oly lifts just for fear of injury (especically with the snatch). Basically I'll just do it by feel. If I feel I'm not staying tight or my back is getting irritated im calling it. Can't afford to have another serious injury.

Overall this cycle has been great. I've put on alot of strength and muscle mass and I feel really confident about my lifts. I am really looking forward to seeing some big progress on my total.

Gonna leave with a video of me power cleaning 195# from the ground. This was the heaviest lift I've done from the floor since my injury. Really pleased about the speed and explosiveness. Now if only I could get better at pulling under the bar....