Programming Deadlift on 3 Day Texas Method with Narrow SQ/DL Gap
Age: 42
Height: 6 feet
Weight: 225 lbs
Finished LP and have been running three-day Texas Method for four weeks with the following 5 rep PRs:
SQ: 335 lbs
DL: 355 lbs
BP: 240 lbs
OP: 142.5 lbs
I probably fit into the "artificially weak" deadlift category as my 5 rep max for my deadlift (355 lbs) is only 20 lbs heavier than my 5 rep max for the squat (335 lbs). I suffered though a series of deadlift deloads during the early to middle stages of LP due to bad form and psychological barriers about the lift itself. I was eventually able to correct my form (with the help of this forum) and break through the psychological barriers to hit a solid groove on the deadlift towards the end of LP. I am currently running 3-day Texas Method. Now that I have put all of the form issues and other problems behind me, I really enjoy the lift and am adding five pounds to the bar every week per the TM program design. My question is, what is the best way for me to put more distance between my squat and deadlift within the constraints of 3 day TM? I think adding 10 pounds per week once per week might be a little too much for me at this stage and was thinking of deadlifting twice per week (1x5 on volume day and 1x5 on intensity day) so I can add 10 pounds per week to my deadlift (spread over two sessions) versus 5 pounds per week for the squat. I would like to run this for at least a few weeks to increase my deadlift numbers and the gap between my deadlift and squat. I'm just wondering if this is going to be too hard on me from a recovery perspective as my quads, glutes and hamstrings are generally pretty shot from squat volume day. Or should I just not worry about the relatively narrow DL/SQ gap at this point? Any recommendations or feedback is appreciated.