Originally Posted by
Ryan Arnold
8/14/19
Press: 125x5x4
Deadlift: 325x3, 295x5
This workout looks unimpressive, and shorter than normal(I've just changed programming). But it is significant in a non-obvious way. Its the first time I've felt good about training in almost 2 years. Let's recap:
On 10/27/17 I racked 405 after taking it down for a 20lb Squat 5RM PR that moved surprisingly fast. The day after that happened I experienced system fatigue that did not go away for 2.5 months, caused me to even have bloodwork done, and had residual effects that lingered for the better part of 2 years. Training through soreness for those 3 weeks leading up to a Mock Meet I did on 11/18/17 really wrecked my body. I strained my left Quad when I PR'd my Squat at the Mock Meet. Afterwords I had sciatic symptoms, numbness in my leg, and there must have been some connection to my back because I seemed to tweak it every couple months for like a year. Fast forward to this Spring and I strain the Quad AGAIN, forcing me to stop my cycle at a Squat of 335x2. Luckily this time I actually REALIZED I had strained it and rehabbed it properly(Thanks John Petrizzo I owe you a beer!). Anyway, Squatting has felt good and normal the last few weeks, my form on all lifts feels dialed in, and I finally feel ready to get strong again. I think I have a good plan for programming for a while, so If I can avoid injury, all I have to do is show up and execute. I hope to compete at South Brooklyn in the Spring next year and then hopefully be back in PR territory next fall.