I needed a day like Wednesday after the first two training days this week I had. I attribute all of it to a massive storm of travel, fatigue, poor nutrition, and allergies. Took me two days, but I got back in the saddle!!
I am in the middle of Week 10 of a 14 week cycle leading up to my next meet April 8 in Fort Mill, SC. I want to pull off some big numbers! My goals are 800+ total, qualify for Nationals again, and set North Carolina state records in all of the lifts. So, LET’S GO!!
Wednesday Day 2
High Bar Back Squat 1rm then -20% for 3+ – PR CITY!!! I hit 290#/132k and then dropped down to 230#/104.5k for 4 reps. The time under tension with the belt at my rib didn’t really feel great.
Squat Bottoms 3rm – worked up to 235#/107k no belt. It was pretty slow so stopped there. I really feel like these are helping me with speed out of the bottom of the squat!
Deadlifts 3rm – I was so discouraged on Monday when 335# felt so heavy and I failed to get 350# off the floor. So to say that I am pumped to have PR’d my 3rm at 335#/152k two days after that would be an understatement!! I honestly felt like I had one or two more reps in me at that weight! I waited to belt up until this final set.
Unilateral RDLs 3×5 with 70# kettlebell – it is always harder on my right side for some reason. Each week I do these, it gets more stable.
Thursday Day 4
I was supposed to use chains today on my bench. After a seminar recently where both Matt Wenning and Mark Watts talked about bands and chains, I realized the set-up I had wasn’t producing the proper stimulus. So, I decided to just work speed until I get into a place I can do it correctly.
Alternative Grip (Close Grip) Speed Bench
- 55% 2×3 (100#)
- 65% 2×3 (115#)
- 75% 1×2 (135#)
- 3×1 working up (145# – 160# – 170#/77k)
I have hit 175# at this grip before, but never with a pause, so I consider it a PR! It was fast off the chest and got harder when I hit my sticking point. I have to remember to continue to accelerate through to the end!
Accessory Work:
- Plate Lateral Raises 3×10 w/7.5# plates
- Pull-ups 3 x submaximal (10/9/6) – I didn’t rest very long between and it showed
- Banded rows into external rotation 3×10
Really hoping to finish this week out strong with some Mash Method squatting and benching!!
Weight: 72.8k