Because a Gun Isn't Enough

[Ericmt]

I've been doing Starting Strength since mid-July, and figured I'd start an online training log. For a little background on me, I'm 32, 6'5", ~250 lbs. I used to weigh 376 lbs, but lost that. I'm a firearms instructor, and understand that to defend yourself, you can't "just shoot the bad guy" (hence the title). You need strength and speed to win a confrontation. I also participate in judo, hapkido and krav maga, but am taking a break from judo and hapkido while I go through the linear progression.

Here's my starting numbers in mid-July:
Squat: 115x5x3
Press: 70x5x3
Bench: 95x5x3
Deadlift: 195x5
Power Clean (started 4 weeks later): 85x3x5

I've also had 3 sessions with Nick Klemetson, who's a superb coach, BTW.

[Ericmt]

Saturday, 9/19/15 (I normally train Mon Wed Fri, but was having some insomnia problems and decided to take my two day break a session early):
Squat
45x5x3
85x5
125x3
170x2
215x5x3

Bench
45x5x3
80x5
115x2
150x5x3—going to add another warmup set

Power Clean
45x3x2
65x3
90x2
115x3x5

Monday, 9/21/15
Squat
45x5x3
85x5
130x3
175x2
220x5x3

Press
45x5x2
65x5
85x2
105x5x3

Deadlift
135x5x2
185x3
235x2
285x5

I'm really excited to go for two plates on squats Wednesday.

[carson]

Welcome. You are going to be quite strong based upon your start.

[Agilic]

Missed this one get when it got started. Welcome and sir, you are a large man. I'm trying to convince my 6'5" buddy to bulk into the 240-250 range. I look forward to seeing some big weights getting lifted (take your time getting there) and show us some videos in order to constantly stay on top of your technique!

[Ericmt]

Well, hell. Right after I start this training log I miss my first workout after going 2 months straight without a miss. I'm going to train Saturday, and the last time I trained was Monday. Do I need to re-do the previous weight I used for squats, or can I go up 5 lbs? Advice would be very appreciated.

[Ericmt]

Try for the 5lb increase. Since you've been at it for 2 months, you might have gotten a little extra supercompensation and since you're (luckily) in the novice phase I doubt you've detrained at all.

Will do. Thanks, man.

[HandPlaneSteve]

Subbed... because I like guns and gun people.

[Ericmt]

Subbed... because I like guns and gun people.

Then I'll post updates on my firearms training, as well.

[Ericmt]

Saturday 9/26/15
Squat:
45x5x3
90x5
135x3
180x2
225x2, 205x5x2

Bench:
45x5x3
70x5
95x3
125x2
155x5x3--Need to push more with legs

PC:
45x3x2
70x3
95x2
120x3x5--Form isn't that great. Need to meet with my SS coach when I'm in town.

Monday 9/28/15
Squat:
45x5x3
90x5
135x3
180x2
225x5,3 205x5

Press:
45x5x2
65x5
85x2
110x4,3,3

DL:
135x5x2
185x3
235x2
290x5

Hell, I start my online log, and can't hit my squat 2 days in a row, and miss my press. I'm not sure what to do. I've been strength training for 2.5 months. Is it time for a reset on squat and press? It had been really hard to make my 3x5 on them the past 2 weeks or so. Also, my body has just felt really worn down the past couple weeks, especially in the quads and shoulders. What do you guys think? Also, if I need to reset, how far do I back off on them?

[Ericmt]

Firearms Training and Teaching:

Taught a private NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home to a guy on Sunday. When I was talking about the pros and cons of fanny pack holsters, I mentioned that one con was that they're not very stylish. He replied, "If you're wearing a fanny pack, you're gonna need a gun!" That was the quote of the day.

After class, I practiced drawing and shooting one round from my seconday (left) hand. My current goal to become completely ambidextrous with pistols. That went really well, and went on to draw with my left hand, bursting off the X at the 1:00, 3:00 and 5:00 and firing one shot. This was the first time I had run my left hand from a left-handed holster with live fire, and was surprised how easy it went. The time I've spent dry firing with my left has really been paying off.

My M4 pistol is arriving today, so I'll pick that up. I'll probably sight that in, as well as my m4 rifle, tomorrow. I've got an Aimpoint Micro T2 to mount on the M4 pistol. I have a rifle class (Suarez International Rifle Gunfighting 1) October 3 and 4 in Ohio, so I've gotta have my equipment ready for that. That will be my 7th class I take this year, and my 4th Suarez International course this year. Really looking forward to it!