Choosing weights for next cycle (TM)

[Rob Israel]

I'm tapering for my first meet. But will soon start planning my next cycle.

I have 2 questions:
1) should I take a week off after the meet? It seems with the reduced volume the last two weeks that would be a bit much, but I imagine the meet will wipe me out. But for a week?

2) How do I pick my weights to start the next cycle? I've heard you aren't a big fan of resets on The TM.

I'm 45 and ended cycle here:
Squat: 280x5x5 and 335x3 (last 5rm was at 325, strained calf at 330 on 3rd rep)
Bench: 185x5x5 and 210x3 (these quickly went from five to 3's)

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

I usually take off a week or two after a meet, simply because I am mentally burnt out on training, but I usually regress too when I do this. You might decide to do a very light workout like Tuesday and then another light one on Friday. By Monday of the following week you can probably hop back on the program. I am not a big fan of resetting if you don't have to. You might decide to make the decision on a reset or not, on your warm up sets. If you feel slow and heavy then maybe do like 265/175 on your 5x5 day and 315/205 on your intensity day. Either way, it shouldn't take more than 2 or 3 weeks to work back up to your current status.

[Rob Israel]

That was super helpful. Thanks for your answer!