I don't generally launch people right into singles from the SS model. Singles are usually started just over 5RM. This makes the first few weeks of singles "easy" but that is usually intentional. It provides a nice mental break while still pushing more weight onto the bar.
They were a nice break, but psycholigically so more than physically. I think most would agree that the press is the least forgiving in terms of technique when it gets heavy. I wasn’t getting under the bar quickly enough, but this wasn’t obviously apparent on weights as light as were used for volume day. I train alone and so without a good training partner sometimes it’s difficult to get reinforcement on form quickly enough to prevent you missing a rep. When I had a single set of 5 for intensity day and I missed it I was then stuck for a week before I could practice again and work on putting it right. I think I psyched myself out of it a couple of times as a result. The singles have helped me as much in terms of technique because I get to treat each rep as a standalone effort. And if I miss one because of technique flaws I can put it right the very next rep.
Was glad to revisit this thread three weeks later and see some additional quality input. Thanks to Subsistence for continuing to ask questions that I've had.
As I mentioned in the first post, I had been running TM. Figuring out the right squat volume and intensity while on a substantial deficit has been a bit of a challenge. I am still squatting three times a week, twice heavy and once light. I've dropped the set volume down substantially, as well, and so far things have gone decently well. If I'm particularly dragging ass, I'll do a triples instead of 5s.
I've continued pressing three times a week, alternating bench and overhead. Again, same frequency and intensity, but slightly less volume. Deadlifts remain at once a week, now on my "light" squat day rather than on a heavy day. My deadlift is actually improving a bit while everything else is mostly maintaining (335x5 last week).
Diet-wise, I've dramatically reduced caloric intake and carbs especially, while obviously upping the corresponding proportion of protein. I'm a miserable bastard, cranky and gloomy. My billable hours have plummeted, libido basically disappeared, and I am probably pretty unpleasant to be around.
All that said, I'm three weeks in, six weeks to go. Seven pounds down, about twelve to go. I hate this shit, but thanks to Andy for providing some useful feedback. Being able to actually continue lifting has made this diet slightly less intolerable than it would have otherwise been.
And, finally, cheat meals are joyous. I miss whisk(e)y. Would like to eat one cow, wrapped in bacon and smothered in bleu cheese.
Furthermore, for Subsistence -- I've also added similar accessory work, due to decreased volume on the main lifts. Weighted chins and dips, RDLs, rows, and a few others. It's working for me thus far.