Back to Past Training Logs

 

Past Training Log

 WABDL Midwest Regional Bench Press and Deadlift Championships - Minneapolis, Minnesota - May 26, 2007

 

Friday, May 4 - Update

Curses! Foiled again!!

On Tuesday, April 24, I had another bout of severe intestinal bleeding and was hospitalized for three days. I lost approximately 1.5 liters of blood. However, this time I went to the hospital immediately rather than waiting until I was at death's door. Because of this, I'm recovering quite well and should be able to return to light training in another week. Obviously the Minneapolis meet is out of the question, though I'll judge there. It's possible I may lift in Lansing in July depending on how training goes. Gus has given me a medical waiver for Worlds, so there's no pressure to qualify in a hurry.

This is just one more obstacle to overcome, and I've overcome many before.  Obviously, there is some disappointment but this is not getting me down at all.  I've found coming back strong as ever and then some after injury or illness to be very rewarding--not that I recommend seeking out injury or illness.  This is just a temporary setback, an annoying delay, nothing more.

One change in my training is that I will focus on deadlift and place bench on the back burner for awhile as I would really love to break the WABDL world record at Master 308, currently at 755. By focusing on deadlift and getting my bodyweight down under 290, I feel that I can do it.

This is the end of this log. I'll start a new one in a week or so when I begin training again.

On a brighter note, I deposited my dissertation yesterday.  Last night was the first time in several years that I've been able to fall asleep without thoughts of the dissertation hovering like a cloud over my head.  I slept like a rock.

Thursday, April 19 - Deadlift Day

BWT - 303.8

Finally, a decent workout . . . 

Deadlift -

225x3
315x1
405x1

Straps up (in the old suit) . . . 

500x1
585x1 Very fast . . .
675x1 Almost as fast as 585 . . . 

Stiff-Leg Deadlift -

545x3

Rack Squat -

585x1
675x1
725x1

Abs . . .
Tuesday, April 17 - Bench Press Day (or so I thought)

BWT - 303.8

Yet again, my hand-off man and spotters failed to show up and didn't have the courtesy to let me know. Yet again, I lost a week of heavy training. I have four workouts left before Minneapolis and I'm having serious doubts as to whether I will be prepared to try 700. I'm also more and more seriously considering focusing on deadlift and ditching the bench since I can train the deadlift without having to depend on others for help. How sad, though, since I've developed a pretty decent bench.

Bench Press -

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1

Shirt on . . . 

405x3
495x3

My good hand-off man and spotters are no-shows. Shirt off.

Close-grip Bench Press -

315x5
335x3
350x2

Shoulder P/Rehab . . . 

Abs . . . 
Thursday, April 12 - Deadlift Day

BWT - 307.1

Damn! Whatever killed my workout Tuesday came back and killed this one, too. I worked up to my 500 warmup, which felt fine. But my final warmup with 585 was a gut-buster. It was all I could do to lock it out. Am I still tired from last week? This is getting frustrating because I'm running out of time. If I can't pull a smooth 675 next week, then Minneapolis is off. In any case I might have to drop bench and just focus on getting the WR in deadlift. Bench doesn't mean a whole lot to me, anyway.

At some point, I'm going to put my suit on the shelf and train raw for awhile. I'd like to pull a raw 700 deadlift. That's real strength.
Tuesday, April 10 - Bench Day

BWT - 305.3

My workout was a non-starter today. I went through my warmups up to 315, but everything felt heavy, slow, and even painful. Clearly I'm still wiped out from last week's dissertation defense as well as Collinsville. I shut the workout down and went home. Hopefully, my deadlift on Thursday will be fine.

I have only 5 heavy workout opportunities remaining until Minneapolis. I need to put together at least two workouts with 700 or 700+ 2-board presses. But I might have to do just one more week at 2s and then drop down to 1s and full-range. At this point, bench could go either way in Minneapolis, but at least deadlifts are on schedule.
Thursday, April 5 - Deadlift Day

BWT - 305.3

Deadlift -

225x3
315x1
405x1

Straps up . . . 

500x1
585x1
655x1


Stiff-leg Deadlift -

525x3

Rack Lockouts -

495x1
585x1
675x1

Exceedingly Heavy Lat Pulldowns -

2 sets

Abs . . . 
Tuesday, April 2 - Support-Lift Day   hehehehe

BWT - 307.7

Bench Press -

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1

Shirt on . . . 

3-boards -

405x3
500x3

2-boards -

585x1
655x1
675x1

Last two sets were not as fast as last week. My sleep and/or food must be off this week, and maybe execution.

3-boards -

500x12

Hadn't tried reps in a while and wanted a change.

Shoulder P/Rehab . . . 

Bike X 20mn

Abs . . . 
Thursday, March 29 - Deadlift Day

BWT - 307.6

I planned on a moderate day as I haven't been sleeping well this week. Four new lifters showed up . . . nice to have FNGs but it makes it very difficult to get my workout in the way I want.

Deadlift - 

225x3
315x1
405x1

Straps up . . . 

500x1
585x1

At this point it was two hours into my workout and I was getting tired. Stopped pulls here. Will go for 655 next week.

Stiff-Leg Deadlift -

500x4

Belt too tight and not enough air for a fifth rep. I'm a quiche-eater and a half-man.

Rack Squats -

495x1
585x1
700x1

Abs . . . 
Tuesday, March 27 - Bench Press Day

BWT - 310.7

I took all of last week off while IMPE was closed to rest and recover from allergies. I still have the allergies. ;-b 

I went in at 5:30, but once again my handoff guy, whom I had specifically asked to inform me of any changes of plan, was not there. He's a self-centered write-off, never to be trusted again. I went home, then came back at 7:30 to work with a real squad: Lance Moore's boys.

This would be a light week and the first week with 2-boards.

Bench Press -

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1

Shirt on . . . 

3-boards -

405x3
500x4

2-boards -

585x1 fast
655x1 very fast

On to 700 next week . . . 

Close-Grips -

315x5

Shoulder P/Rebab . . . 

Abs . . . 

Week of March 19 -

I'm taking a down week this week to recover from a cold and also to get over some soreness in my elbows and back. I wouldn't mind benching this week, but we only have access to Kenney Gym on campus during Spring Break and I don't want to risk a 700+ attempt on a bench that is not specifically designed as a heavy-duty bench.
Thursday, March 15 - Deadlift Day

BWT - 306.5

Deadlift -

225x3
315x1
405x1

straps up . . . 

500x1
585x1
645x1

Rack Lockouts -

495x1
585x1
635x1

Abs . . . 

Judged the lame IMPE bench meet. The IMPE staff member in charge failed to show up. ILPL ran everything.
Tuesday, March 13 - Bench Press Day

BWT - 308.5

This was a workout that almost wasn't due to no-shows among my usual hand-off man and spotters. For whatever reason, he and his crew failed to show up. However, he left no message by phone, email, or discussion board. Thus, I had no inkling that I would be scrambling to find spotters. Had I received just a few hours notice, I would have been able to put together a spotting crew. Denied that simple courtesy, I had to rely on luck.

Fortunately, Lance--a teammate who has consistently proven to be reliable--finished a lab early, received my message, and came in at 7:30pm. However, I arrived at 5:30pm, began warming up, and was in the shirt at 7:00pm. I would take my top set at 8:00pm, which would cost me.

A little context here: this workout was to mark my first shot at 700 on the bench. I'd been anticipating this workout for days, going over it in my mind. Imagine my fury to find that my usual hand-off/spotting crew had bailed with no notice. This was especially frustrating since Spring Break is next week and workouts might be hit or miss.

5:30 . . . Made some calls to find spotters; left a few messages.

5:45 . . . Begin slowly warming up.

Bench Press -

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1

6:30 . . . Made more calls.

6:45 . . . Got Lance's message that he'd be in at 7:30pm.

7:00 . . . In the shirt.

3-Boards -

405x3
500x3

Cussed my way through this set as the inexperienced spotters kept grabbing at the bar.

7:30 . . . Lance arrives.

585x1
645x1
700x1 PR

Tried a second, but I wasn't stable enough on the bench. I was also getting tired and cramped.

Hmmmm. . . . Could I have hit that second rep if I had tried it at 6:30 instead of at 8:00pm??

Abs . . .

Basic principle: Workouts are Holy; they are Sacred. Boozing doesn't trump workouts.  Copulation doesn't trump workouts.  Only family, God, and country trump workouts, and even when that happens at least have the courtesy to give those who depend on you a heads up so that they can make other arrangements.  That's part of team lifting.

We DO have a team, don't we?
Thursday, March 8 - Deadlift Day

BWT - 308.2

Deadlift -

225x3
315x1
405x1

Straps up . . .

500x1
625x1

The lockout was so fast that I almost lost my balance backwards. This has never happened in 22 years of powerlifting.

Stiff-Leg Deadlift -

515x4

My abs cramped on the fourth reps. Ouch.

Rack Squats -

495x1
595x1
675x1

Cardio -

Bike x 20mn

Abs . . . 
Tuesday, March 6 - Bench Press Day

BWT - 308.9

Another Tuesday, another bench press show for the geekish minions of IMPE.

Bench Press -

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1

F6 Super Plus on . . . 

3-boards -

405x3
500x3
585x1
675x1
675x2  rep PR on 3-boards

I was going to try 675x2~3 on the first set with it, but I forgot to tell Charles that I was going for more than one and he did the right thing and called for the spotters to take it. This was my "JP moment" of the cycle. I came back and got two strong, clean reps on the second set.

I may add an intermediate set after 585 . . . maybe 635. My second rep on a heavy set is better than the first, and my second set with 675 was better than the first. I probably need more warming up.

Close-Grip Bench Press -

275x10

I was wiped out, so I wet lighter on these this week.

Shoulder P/Rehab . . . 

Abs . . . 

Old-School Squad is back. I now have nine lifters training with me. Granted, most of these are IEI lifters, so they are not regular UIUC students and they may only be around for one year or so. One ILPL officer complained to me about that some time ago, but you recruit where you can recruit. And I'd put my recruiting up against his any day.
Thursday, March 1 - Deadlift Day

BWT - 307.9

Another day of my "Philip Glass" approach to powerlifting (that's for you well-rounded music aficionados who may be reading this).

Deadlift -

225x3
315x1
405x1

Straps up . . . 

500x1
605x1 Faster and stronger than 585 last week.

Stiff-Leg Deadlift -

495x5 Much stronger than 475 last week.

VHPs (Very Heavy Pulldowns) -

3 sets . . . 

Abs . . . 
Tuesday, February 27 - Bench Press Day

BWT - 308.4

Bench Press -

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1

F6 Super Plus on . . . 

3-Boards -

405x3
500x3
585x1
655x3 PR

2nd was wobbly, but I controlled it. First and third were very strong.

Close-Grip Bench Press -

315x5

Shoulder P/Rehab . . . 

Abs . . . 

Thanks to everyone for boards and spots. Thanks very much to Lance for coming in the handoff and motivate. I think we attracted some attention at IMPE tonight.
Thursday, February 22 - Deadlift Day

BWT - 306.7

Deadlift -

225x5
315x1
405x1

straps up . . . 

500x1
585x1

Stiff-Leg Deadlift -

475x5

Rack Squats -

495x1
585x1
635x1

Heavy lat pulldowns . . . 

abs . . . 
Tuesday, February 20 - Bench Press Day

BWT - 308.6

Bench Press -

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1

F6 Super Plus on . . . 

3-Boards -

405x3
500x3
585x1
635x3

First two very explosive; third strong and steady. 655 next week.

Close-Grip Bench Press -

315x5

Shoulder P/Rehab . . . 

Abs . . . 

Thanks to Charles for handoffs, and Steve, MaCayn, Harry, and Chris for side spots and boards.

Some guy who works at IMPE said in my presence that he doesn't approve of the gay "lifestyle."  I . . . "corrected" him.  It sure as hell ain't a lifestyle.

Lifestyle.  I HATE that expression.  Makes it sound like I have to follow a dress code or something.

Friday, February 16 - Supplemental

No lifting this week. Bench day was squashed due to the blizzard. I thought I'd get a deadlift workout in yesterday, but started feeling feverish and tired. Nothing worse than a deadlift workout when illness is brewing.

So this is an unscheduled rest week. No problem . . . I can use it.
Thursday, February 8 - Deadlift Day

BWT - 306.5

Deadlift -

225x3
315x1
405x1

Straps up . . . 

495x1
545x1

Stiff-Leg Deadlift -

455x5

Rack Squat -

585x1
585x1
585x1

Heavy Pulldowns . . .

Captains of Crush . . .

Abs . . .
Tuesday, February 6 - Bench Press Day

BWT - 304.3

Bench Press -

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1

Shirt on . . .

3-boards -

405x5
500x3
585x3
605x3

Very very smooth and easy . . . 

Close-grip Bench Press -

315x3

3-Board Close-grip Bench Press -

365x3

Shoulder P/Rehab . . . 

Abs . . .
Thursday, February 1 - Deadlift Day

BWT - 303.8

Deadlift -

225x3
315x1
405x1

Straps up . . . 

500x1

Very smooth. Much easier to get to the bar in this my second workout in the new Titan suit. I'll start pushing up the numbers next week.

Stiff-leg Deadlift

425x5

Leg Press . . . 

Lats . . .

Abs . . . 

. . . and off to Bloomington to pick up Dai. 
Tuesday, January 30 - Bench Press Day

BWT - 304.7


I brought in my loose 54 F6 today since I haven't done a shirt workout in roughly a month. Wasn't sure there would be enough people for handoffs and spots . . . but thanks to Charles, Brent, Harry, and Steve, I got in a good workout.

Bench Press -

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1

Shirt on . . .

3-board . . . 

405x5

2-board . . . 

500x1

Full Range . . . 

525x1

This might be the lightest I've touched in this shirt.

Close-Grip Bench Press -

335x4

Shoulder P/Rehab . . .

Abs . . . 
Tuesday, January 23 - Bench Press Day

BWT - 305.3

Bench Press -

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1
335x5
350x3

Close-Grip Bench Press -

315x6

Shoulder P/Rehab . . . 

Abs . . . 

Back in the shirt next week I think.
Thursday, January 18 - Deadlift Day

BWT - 303.0

My return to pulling officially begins today. I am testing out a new version of the Titan Deadlift Suit. I believe they've made some changes in how the seams are placed. Overall, though, a very careful return to pulling today as I need to be able to walk tomorrow at work.

Deadlift -

225x3
315x1
405x1

Straps up . . . 

500x1

This FLEW off the floor. While the straps are nearly loose enough for me to put on, once the knees and hips unlock it doesn't take long for the suit to tighten up and it feels like you're sitting in a chair. The sizing is perfect (a custom job), though it might need another inch of strap. It was VERY difficult to get my right hand on the bar (I set the left hand first). The best thing about this suit next to the tremendous kick off the floor is that I can breathe normally when standing with straps up, something I couldn't do with the Inzer MaxDL, better known as "The Constrictor."

Stiff-Leg Deadlift -

405x5 very easy

Some heavy lats . . . grip work . . . abs.

Something interesting: I discovered a gay blogger/strength trainer in Atlanta who has named me his 2006 Person of the Year. Here's what he wrote:

My 2006 Person of the Year is John Hudson, a powerlifter and former collegiate wrestler who broke the world record in the deadlift for super heavyweights in his age category (40-46) in May, and coached his Illinois team to the World Bench Press and Deadlift Championship in November. He'll graduate into the next age group in 2007.

He works as the director of academic reading and writing at the Intensive English Institute in Urbana (scroll down to see the Hudson article), training foreign students in the English language before they apply to American colleges. And he has inspired some of these foreign students to go into powerlifting, including a 105-pound Taiwanese student who broke the junior world deadlift record in his very first competition.

In contrast to the constant stories of people who only come out through their lawyer's statements after either trouble brews or their carefully crafted glass-house 'reputation' is placed in jeopardy, John has been out-and-about for a long time. He hopes that through his achievements, people will grow comfortable in changing their stereotypical attitudes about the LGBT community.

John's powerlifting website also includes updates on his nationwide search for an assistant professor job. Best wishes for him in 2007!


Kind of nice when someone thinks you're making a difference. I'm honored.
Tuesday, January 16 - Bench Press Day

BWT - Didn't Check

Bench Press -

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x5

Close-Grip Bench Press - 

295x5

Shoulder P/Rehab

Abs

A short workout to get back into the swing of things.
Saturday, January 13 - Update

I haven't worked out for three weeks. The first week was due to my trip out east for job interviews (which went very well, by the way). The second week was due to family/holiday visits that had to be postponed due to job interviews.

Week three was due to a severe cough. It sounded and felt like I had a cat in my chest.

Feeling better now, though, and plan to be back in the gym the 16th. Meet plans are still forming. I might due the APF/AAPF Junior Nationals in April, but I will almost certainly do the WABDL Midwest Regional in Minneapolis the end of May.

For those who haven't checked my academic job search page, I've completed or scheduled interviews and/or campus visits with the following schools:

Binghamton University
University of Texas at Arlington
Louisiana State University - Shreveport
California State University - Fresno
Northwest Missouri State University
University of Houston - Downtown
University of Alaska - Fairbanks
University of Southern Mississippi
University of Alaska - Anchorage
Saginaw Valley State University
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Marshall University
Friday, December 22 - Deadlift Day

BWT - 305.1

A poor workout today as my lower back was still quite sore from heavy bench on Wednesday. My recover was probably impacted by my poor sleep the last couple of nights. I have eight job interviews next week, so I've been a tad stressed.

Stiff-Leg Deadlifts -

I basically warmed up to 405 with these and then did a couple with 455 before stopping. My back felt too sore and I didn't want to risk straining something just for the sake of my ego.

Did some shoulder P/rehab after.

I will be gone all of next week so might have to do some "toning" in a hotel gym. The week after next I'll also be traveling, but at least there should be a decent gym.
Wednesday, December 20 - Bench Press Day

BWT - 308.8

I ate a very big and very late lunch about an hour before working out. This had an impact on my setup and stability on the bench.  Had gas, too.  Heavy weight and gas: not a good combination.

Bench Press -

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1

Shirt on . . . 

3-Board Bench Press -

405x3
500x2
585x1
640x1 Very strong and I may have had two in me, but my stability wasn't good at all, so I decided not to risk it.

500x12 Triceps were fried at around ten.

Cardio - 

Bike X 20

Abs . . . 
Thursday, December 14 - Deadlift

BWT - 302.9

Stiff-Leg Deadlift -

225x3
315x3
405x1
430x5

Shrugs -

405x15
495x15
585x10

Pause Squats -

135x5
185x5

Cardio -

Bike X 20

Abs . . . 
Wednesday, December 13 - Addendum

I've been thinking of last night's board transgressions on my 625 set.  No, I'm not remorseful about disciplining the board boy.  Such grievous offense must have disciplinary consequences, particularly since it certainly risks serious consequences, not the least of which is injury to the lifter.  Besides, though I was firm, forceful, and very clearly angry, I delivered my reprimands in a way that would both teach and convey the seriousness of the matter.

I've been thinking, too, that such occasional moments of board boy or spotter iniquity can be useful in several ways.  After all, things can go wrong on the platform just as easily as in training.  It can be reassuring in competition to have had such experiences in training, knowing that one is able to adjust on the fly and complete a lift in spite of bobbled handoffs, misloads, boards shoved into the nose, handoff-man flatulence, and so on.  Perhaps it's the high-maintenance benchers--you know the ones; the benchers who need tweaks, tugs, and adjustments to shirt and belt on every set, the benchers who wouldn't think of going horizontal without a good cranking of some sort--who are the ones who would struggle most when the unforeseen and unfortunate occurs on the competitive platform.

So I look at yesterday as a successful workout.  I was able to complete nearly three reps at 625 with the end of a 3-board pushed into my nose and blocking my airway.

Tuesday, December 12 - Bench Press

BWT - 302.1

Bench Press -

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1

Shirt on . . . 

3-Board Bench Press -

405x3
500x3
585x1
625x2, about an inch from locking out a third. The board boy had the end of the board shoved up under my nose, which pushed the board into my face when the bar hit the board. It also interfered with my breathing, and was exceptionally distracting. I was . . . displeased. The offending board boy was . . . disciplined.

500x15, failed on #16. Not bad after the 625.

Cardio -

Bike X 20mn.

Abs . . . 
Thursday, December 7 - Deadlift Day

First deadlift workout since getting out of the hospital in September.

BWT - 303.5

Stiff-Leg Deadlift -

225x5
315x5
405x5

Pause Squats -

135x5x3

Shrugs -

405x15
495x12

Cardio -

Bike X 20mn

Abs . . . 
Tuesday, December 5 - Bench Day

BWT - 301.5

Bench Press -

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1

Shirt on . . . 

3-Boards -

405x3
500x3
600x3

Wanted 600 for four or five. Four is my current PR. I think my triceps were still fatigued from close-grips on Friday, which explains the trouble locking out on the right on #3.

Close-Grip Bench Press -

315x5

Tricep Pressdowns . . . 

Shoulder P/Rehab . . . 

Cardio -

Bike X 20mn.

Abs . . . 

For anyone who is interested, I've posted a page under "Articles and Advice" where you can follow my progress on my academic job search.
Friday, December 1 - Light Bench Day

BWT - 303.1

I haven't benched since before Worlds, so I wanted to get into the gym and do something before getting into the shirt this coming Tuesday.

Bench Press -

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1

Close-Grip Bench Press -

315x5
335x2

Shoulder P/Rehab . . . 

Abs . . . 

Cardio -

Bike X 20mn

Felt okay . . . recovered now from the post-food poisoning nutrition problems. Back at it hard and heavy next week.
Tuesday, November 14 - Bench Press

BWT - 306.6

Bench Press - 

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1

F6 Super Plus on . . . 

3-boards -

405x3
500x3
600x4 Easier than 585 last week . . . 
500x17 PR and 8500 lbs. of work in one set.

Shoulder P/Rehab . . . 

Abs . . . 
Thursday, November 9 - Deadlift

Coaching today and hyperextensions. Still resting my back for a return to deadlifting following Worlds.
Tuesday, November 7 - Bench Press

BWT - 308.1

Bench Press - 

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1

F6 Super Plus on . . . 

3-boards -

405x3 Very difficult to touch the board.
500x3
585x4 Smooth and Easy
500x15 PR

This is the best I've felt since getting out of the hospital.

Shoulder P/Rehab . . . 

Cardio -

Bike X 15mn.

Abs . . . 

I exercised my right to vote today and enjoyed voting against the biggest jerk in Central Illinois, whose name will not sully this log.

On a sad note, my favorite parakeet died today. I was very touched that he wanted to sit in my hand for his last few minutes of life instead of by himself or with the other parakeets. He wouldn't leave my hand. He was a sweet little bird and I'll miss him alot.
Thursday, November 2 - Deadlift

Did some coaching today. Cervantes and Hae-ryong both hit good PRs.

Did some heavy upper back. Still giving the lower back an overdue rest.
Tuesday, October 31 - Bench Press

BWT - 307.9

Bench Press -

135x10
185x5
225x5
275x1
315x1

F6 54 on . . . 

2-boards -

500x3

3-boards -

550x2 PR in the 54, believe it or not

2-boards -

500x3

Close-Grip Bench Press -

315x5

Shoulders and Tris . . . 

Abs . . . 
Thursday, October 26 - Update

Just did some coaching today, working with Harry Chung and Cervantes Hernandez.  Cervantes has great potential as a deadlifter; he just needs to develop his lockout.  His build is ideal for pulling.  His nickname is "El Torito" . . . the Little Bull.

Next week I'll start a new cycle for a mid-winter/early spring meet.  My primary goal at this point is getting healthy.  I'll be working on increasing flexibility, endurance, and grip strength, while taking it slow and steady with the heavy weights.  I'll be increasing the cardio to cut some fat, though I'll keep calories high so as to have good workouts.  My weight at my next meet should be around 290.

Some goals for the coming year as far as lifts:

- a PR deadlift, 727.5 +

- WABDL Master 40-46 WR deadlift, 755+

- 700 bench press

- 1400 Ironman total

- 2000 total

Thursday, October 19

It is with great regret that I've decided that I won't be lifting at the WABDL World Championships in Las Vegas this year. My recent hospitalization really took a toll on my strength, and while I've been making some progress in getting it back, there simply isn't enough time and my body is not responding as I expected it would. This week, in particular, my back was weaker than last week, and I have some shooting pains that suggest that I may have strained something in the lower back or upper hip.

Rather than put in a sub-par performance, I've decided that I will be doing the best for myself by not lifting this year and instead taking my recovery at a more reasonable and sane speed. More importantly, I can be of more help to Team Illinois by being available to encourage and coach our lifters. Finally, I can do my part for everyone by serving in the judges chair.
Tuesday, October 17 - Bench Press

BWT - 304.3

Bench Press -

135x10
225x5
275x1
315x3
365x1
315x7

Close-Grip Bench Press -

295x5

Shoulder P/Rehab . . . 

Abs . . . 
Thursday, October 12 - Deadlift Day

BWT - 300.6

Deadlift -

Tried yet another Metal Deadlifter with no luck. The hips fit but the straps are too short. Used the Max DL 38 today . . . 40 would be better.

225x3
315x1
405x1
500x1
600x1

About as slow with the 600 as the 500 was last week, but progress is progress.

Stiff-Leg Deadlift -

405x5

Rack Squats -

585x1
675x1

Coming along nicely . . . 

Abs . . .
Tuesday, October 10 - Bench Press

BWT - 296.6

Bench Press -

135x10
225x5
275x1
315x6
335x3

Close-Grip Bench Press -

275x8

Shoulder P/Rehab . . . 

Abs . . . 
Thursday, October 5 - Deadlift Day

BWT - 293.4

Deadlift - 

225x3
315x1
405x1
500x1

As I though, my speed is gone. I know next week I'll be stronger and better than this week, but I sure did pull like a queer this week.

Stiff-Leg Deadlift -

315x5

Rack Squats - 

495x1
585x1

Abs . . . 

In my impatient moments, I have to remember that I almost died just over two weeks ago. I am actually quite fortunately to be pulling 500 today.
Tuesday, October 3 - Bench Day

BWT - 293.8

Bench Press -

135x10
225x5
275x1
315x5

I knew my bench would take a hit, but this wasn't too bad.

Close-Grip Bench Press-

225x15

Shoulder P/Rehab . . .

Abs . . .

Tuesday, September 26 - Bench Day

BWT - 298.0

This was my first time back to IMPE since my release from the hospital.  I did one set of fast reps with 135 just to see how I felt . . . not as much energy as usual, but shoulders felt good and my speed is still good.  After this, I did 15 minutes on a stationary bike.  I'm taking it easy for the rest of the week so as to be 100% for next week.

I will pull moderately next week, going up to 500 to see how it feels.  If it's good, I may venture up to 600, but no higher.  I'll have 6 weeks to prepare for Worlds which should be enough, if all goes well, to be in low-700s territory with an outside shot at an all-time PR pull.

Thanks again to all who have emailed, called, and visited to wish me well and a speedy recovery.  You all pulled for me; soon I'll be pulling for all of you.

 

© Copyright 2006 John H. Hudson.  All Rights Reserved.