Coach Rippetoe,
I just wanted to thank you for your work, your tough as nails approach, your methodology, and your willingness to create (and put up with) a community of people who have adopted this program.
I started this program last year and I was a mess--physically and emotionally. I had experienced a significant career setback and was not dealing well with the emotional letdown. I spun into clinical depression and as a result I got fat (really fat) and out of shape. My lower back began to deteriorate due to my desk job and was in constant pain from sciatica and arthritis (at 37 years old).
Last January (2015), when my back went out, I decided I had had enough, but I didn't know what to do. Then the thriller author Brad Thor posted a link to an article about Starting Strength--and I had to try out the program.
Since that time I have gone from a 115 lbs squat to 400 lbs and a DL of 150 to 415. There have been setbacks (I should be higher) and frustrations (my upper body strength is progressing much slower--BP has gone from 95 to 215 and PR from 75 to 165).
More, though, what has changed is my demeanor and confidence. I don't take any prescription meds for depression any longer. I am happy again. I am less angry (my wife and eight children said I was unbearable). I feel good physically and I can think more clearly.
I feel like a man once more--I have taken responsibility for my actions and have not let the pain of dissapointment destroy my life. I can work through pain, I can keep going.
Again, coach, thanks.
