David's Log

[strong_over_matter]

Thur. 2/27/14

Work has kicked my butt this week. Nearly decided to skip this bench session.

Bench
135x10, 185x5, 235x3, 265x3, 295x3, 225x12
- Last week 295 was a fail. Did the lift off myself this week, which felt fine, pretty light. Reps 1 and 2 were great, but I bridged like crazy on the 3rd rep. That has not been a problem in a long time. I think I was concerned about another miss and my determination turned into leg drive gone wrong. I'm moving up next week to 300.

Viking Pess (Strict)
180x3, 200x3, 220x3, 230x1 (last time I did this weight I hit 3 pretty easily, no abilty to grind/push right now.)

Wide Pull Down
195x4x8

Going to try really hard to get work under control so I can have some energy left to lift for the final two weeks of my program.

[DV]

Thur. 2/27/14

Work has kicked my butt this week. Nearly decided to skip this bench session.

Going to try really hard to get work under control so I can have some energy left to lift for the final two weeks of my program.

I feel you, I really do. What is it that you do? What sort of hours do you put in?

[strong_over_matter]

I feel you, I really do. What is it that you do? What sort of hours do you put in?

I work in private equity. It's a small firm of about 50 extremely motivated people. The expectations on younger employees are high. At 38 I don't want to work as much / hard as did in the past. I've been somewhat successful over the last couple years cutting back on hours to about 50 per week. But when I'm working it has to be a full on assault to get everything done. That kind of pace is exhausting specially when you are dealing with 100's of millions of dollars.

[DV]

50 hours isn't exactly taking it easy, either. I get you on the full-on assault, though. My days are the same, and I've started to think about that. One thing is the hours, another thing is the intensity of work during those hours. And on top of that travelling, in my case.

At least I still enjoy what I do. That's imperative, if you have a work-schedule like this. With a 50 hour work week I'm impressed you manage to work out in the PM and manage to have as relatively long workouts as I think you do. Leaves little room for anything else, of course.

[Oldman]

You mean like Carlos who used the SSB right before me? When will I squat 760?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHihUl8IS5Q

Holy crap! That dude is strong! Do you lift with him regularly?

50 hours isn't exactly taking it easy, either. I get you on the full-on assault, though. My days are the same, and I've started to think about that. One thing is the hours, another thing is the intensity of work during those hours. And on top of that travelling, in my case.

At least I still enjoy what I do. That's imperative, if you have a work-schedule like this. With a 50 hour work week I'm impressed you manage to work out in the PM and manage to have as relatively long workouts as I think you do. Leaves little room for anything else, of course.

This is the truth. With your long work weeks, and intensity on the job, your gainz are all the more impressive, David. I agree with DV that enjoying the job is a great asset. I enjoy mine, and that really helps to keep the pace up.

Great job with the bench lately! I look forward to your next jump to 300.

[strong_over_matter]

50 hours isn't exactly taking it easy, either. I get you on the full-on assault, though. My days are the same, and I've started to think about that. One thing is the hours, another thing is the intensity of work during those hours. And on top of that travelling, in my case.

At least I still enjoy what I do. That's imperative, if you have a work-schedule like this. With a 50 hour work week I'm impressed you manage to work out in the PM and manage to have as relatively long workouts as I think you do. Leaves little room for anything else, of course.

Thanks DV. I think the biggest thing going for me is my wife Jenica. With someone who understands the desire to train hard it makes it much easier to balance everything. If you have never checked out her log in the competive section you should - straight hard worker.

Holy crap! That dude is strong! Do you lift with him regularly?

This is the truth. With your long work weeks, and intensity on the job, your gainz are all the more impressive, David. I agree with DV that enjoying the job is a great asset. I enjoy mine, and that really helps to keep the pace up.

Great job with the bench lately! I look forward to your next jump to 300.

I thought some would like to see Carlos. We don't train together but he is around often enough. My weights aren't even warm-ups for him! Nice guy with a desire to help others improve too.

Thanks for the props on the gainz! It really motivates me to be part of the forum and report my success (and failures). In terms of wrok...I've struggled with enjoying the job part. I'm up and down, but always put in my best effort regardless of what I'm feeling.

[strong_over_matter]

Sat. 3/1/14.

Birthday workout - big 38! Feeling pretty beat up at end of this training cycle. Glad it is nearing its end - feel strong, but tired, still hitting PRs each session now.

Squat
135x2x5, 225x5, 275x1, 315x1, 365x1, 395x1

Add Wraps
415x1, 425x1 (10lb PR)

- Still learning about wraps. It is clear that I need to practice LBBS with the straight bar more to be in the groove. SSB is great for strength and saves my arms/shoulders but it does not translate to LBBS form.

DL
225x5, 315x3, 425x1, 495x1, 525x1, 545x0
- 525 was an easy 10lb PR. 545 should be possible but I was worn out and rushed the set up a bit. Need to set back better.

Standing cable crunch
200x3x15

[strong_over_matter]

Sun. 3/2/14

Fatigue is redlined now. Really happy with today given how I feel. Adjusted bench down 5lbs from plan to avoid any missed reps - good idea.

Bench
135x10, 185x5, 225x3, 265x1, 285x3x3
- another baby 2.5lb volume PR

Seated Cable Row
230x8, 250x3x8
- 250 is the stack.

Hammer Strength Incline
90x6, 100x3x6

Alt. DB curl
65x5, 70x5, 60x10
- this is my best ever that I can recall, curlz PR!?!?

[Oldman]

Happy birthday, David! Nice squat and dead PRs, too.

[Bryan Dobson]

Happy birthday, David! Nice squat and dead PRs, too.

+1.