Good day today. Still a ways to climb before I get to my top previously conquered weights, but heavy enough to feel reasonably strong again. For me. Feels like I'm almost actually training again, and that's a good feeling. I miss squatting a lot, but if I can train the other lifts in the meantime as I try to get my knee better, it'll be a lot easier to get through it. The past few months have been very frustrating because I wasn't able to actually train ANY lift hard at all.
Did eccentric work for the left knee throughout the session. Banded TKEs and various eccentric single leg squat/sit-down work.
Bench Press
310x5, 315x5x2, 335x1, 345x1
Notes: Amazing what a difference a few weeks makes. 2.5 weeks ago I began benching again, at 235x5. Felt heavy. Back up to 315 today, and felt hard but very do-able. I was 'supposed' to stay at 310x5x3, but 310 felt fast and I wanted the three plates back. Set #2 shown in the video below. Then did 335 and 345 just to feel the heavier weight. Can't believe I did 335x5x5 only six months ago; it moved well but felt heavy as shit.
Press
200x5x3, 145x10
Notes: Was a bit apprehensive about making all my reps at 200, after the benching. Fifth rep was a grind on all three sets (even with 5 mins rest, which is towards the top end of what I've had to use when pressing), but I made them all. Back off 145x10 was actually easier than expected. Could have done 1-2 more.
Deadlift
475x5
Halting DL
405x5
Notes: The DLs moved fast. Only about 20 seconds from start to finish for the whole set. Halting were easy too, and was able to use a DOH grip for them - so grip strength is returning. Hook on the 475 felt OK, only slightly more uncomfortable than usual; not anything like the unbearable experience it was for that 7-8 week period starting at the end of October.
Vid of bench set #2 and the 475x5 DL:
Sled Push - all with 1:45 rest
1 empty - High handles down, low handles back
4x 70lbs - same
4x 70lbs - high handles down and back