RandallEW Finally Logs a Log

[caveman]

I saw that you subscribed to my youtube channel, which was surprising both because I didn't realize I had a "channel" and because you are the first and only person to do that. Glad to see you are back in the states and lifting again. We are similar in strength levels and I plan to follow your log for motivation. Congrats on the 405 squat!

[RandallEW]

Thanks! You're the first to reply to my log, so we're even. ;-) I'm still figuring out how to get back on plan with 5/1, so it will be a while before I know for sure where I am and can start progressing again. I'll see you around the forums...

[RandallEW]

Sat. 1/11
Press: 125x5x3
Squat: 285x5x3 (+10 lbs)

* Sticking with my plan to do 3x5, moving up as quickly as seems reasonable. I think I'll alternate bench/squat and press/squat until the squat doesn't feel ready by the next workout, which is when I'll put the deadlift back in. I'm just trying to get the body acclimated to lifting again.
* Weights felt good - nothing too hard yet, and I feel fine except for some light stiffness in my hips (might be time to investigate myofascial release).

[RandallEW]

Mon. 1/13
Bench: 195x5x3 (+10 lbs)
Squat: 295x5x3 (+10 lbs)

[RandallEW]

Wed. 1/15
Press: 130x5x3 (+5 lbs)
Squat: 305x5x3 (+10 lbs)

[RandallEW]

Sat. 1/18
Bench: 205x5, 195x5x2 (+10 lbs, +0 lbs)
Squat: 305x5x3 (+10 lbs)

• Bench was very tough as 205, so I backed off 10 lbs. and did 2 more sets. I assume this is where I should be, which is depressing, but so be it.
• Squat felt fine - no problems.
• Trying to decide if I should go back to 3 sets across or use the 5/1 method right away. Being older, I'm thinking 5/1 might be easier to recover from.

[RandallEW]

Mon. 1/20
Press: 102.5x5, 120x5, 135x5
Squat: 325x5, 315x5 (+10 lbs, +0 lbs)

• I guess I'm near the limit for my squat now, too. So, I plan to implement Karl's 5/1 properly starting on my next workout. Here we go...

[RandallEW]

*** Estimated Maxes: DL - 365, SQ - 390, BP - 245, PR - 162.5 ***

Mon. 1/25
Bench:

• 65% x5 - 157.5
• 75% x5 - 182.5
• 85% x5 - 207.5

Squat:

• 65% x5 - 252.5
• 75% x5 - 292.5
• 85% x5 - 330

Chins: 8x2


This was my first workout in 5 days due to my training partner suffering a hammy strain (we lift in his basement), and I was concerned about that causing problems. The weights felt heavy, but the lifts were solid. I think I've picked the appropriate starting weights for these 2 lifts.

[RandallEW]

*** Estimated 1RM: DL - 365, SQ - 390, BP - 245, PR - 162.5 ***

Mon. 1/27
Press:

• 65% x5 - 105
• 75% x5 - 120
• 85% x5 - 137.5

Deadlift:

• 65% x5 - 235
• 75% x5 - 272.5
• 85% x5 - 310

Made everything OK, but the last DL was ungodly slow. After driving home and getting a shower, I was like jello - so wiped out. I was too tired to do chins at my house.

[RandallEW]

*** Estimated 1RM: DL - 365, SQ - 390, BP - 245, PR - 162.5 ***

Wed. 1/29
Bench:

• 75% x5 - 182.5
• 85% x3 - 207.5
• 95% x1 - 232.5

Squat:

• 75% x5 - 292.5
• 85% x3 - 330
• 95% x1 - 370