Really appreciate this episode, Rip. As a 42 y/o, pushing 43, I am busting my ass to get strong while it's still (relatively) easy. The sleep thing is pretty critical. I wasn't sleeping great for most of my NLP and I finally addressed that with otc sleep aids once I switched to intermediate programming. Consistent rest has made for far more consistent recovery and workouts going according to plan.
One question I have as it relates to minimum effective dose. How do you determine when to drop a set from the 5x5 volume work? When you're not able to recover prior to the next intensity day? For the record, things are working fine now. I just don't want to be "that guy" with angry joints and tendons in the next few years.