AK's Starting Strength Log
I started the SS novice program on the 25th of Sept-- didn't have the book then and was very cautious with my starting weights on the advice of the SS wiki site. I do have the book now.
Starting stats: 34 year old male. 6 ft even. 162 pounds. Never lifted weights with any regularity in my life. (Probably redundant given my height and weight.)
First workout weights followed by the the weights I used the last time I did each lift.
Squat 95--150
Bench 85--120
Deadlift 95--155
Press 55--65
Power Clean 55--75
I haven't missed any reps in any workouts yet but have been very conservative about the weight increases between workouts. I've been following the program strictly and have cut out all cardio. I do ride my bicycle and walk to get around (I live downtown and don't own a car) but I don't have to go far and take it very slow. I've tried to cut out longer cycling trips.
I currently live next to a small city-run boxing and fitness center with all the equipment I need and insanely cheap dues ($50 for a year), but will be moving in the next 4-6 months to a rural location where I'll either need a home gym or drive 12 miles into town, so I want to be very anal about following the program while I have such convenient circumstances. I literally jog about a 1/4 mile to the gym on MWF when they open at 6am and I have the weights all to myself.
Not counting calories but I've always had a good appetite. I worked up to GOMAD in the first week. Hadn't had milk in a while and it upset my stomach slightly at first but that went away quickly and now my gallon goes down easy. Other that that I just eat big meals and I try to snack a lot all day. I estimate I'm getting at least 4000 calories in daily.
So far so good. I already feel stronger and have gained 10 pounds. I'm just getting to point in the last week that the workouts feel pretty difficult. The first week I resisted the temptation to lift more and focus on technique. I did some chins and dips after the first few workouts because I didn't feel like I'd worked enough. No such sensation on Wednesday or Friday.
I plan to take some video soon to have my form checked so that I can try to break any bad habits early.
I'm enjoying weightlifting very much. Got my fractional plates in the mail today so I'll have them when the time comes. Chalk is on the way.