Still on the Right Side of the Grass

[gymdad150]

11/2/23

Cycle Two / Week Four

Squat-
120kg 5*4; 3 Count Close Grip Bench 85kg *2, *1, X; Tempo Down BSS 16kg 8*3; Pendlay Rows 75kg 1*3; Close Grip Pulldown 130lbs 12*3
Energy was good...until it wasn't on the Bench work. Squats were good; maybe a little high late in the sets. Haven't put together that kind of Squat session in a long time.

Bench -
75kg 6*4, 3 Count Bench 87.5kg 1*4; LTEs, Curlz, Flys for successories.
Better Bench session, my spotter shamed me into getting after the sets on short rest...hey, it worked. LTEs were in PR territory: 40kg 8*3

Deadlift -
XXX...picked up a back tweak on Thanksgiving evening, how...don't know?!?!; Close Grip Bench 70kg 6*3; Tempo to Tempo In Place Lunge 30kg 7*3; Cable Mid Rows 180lbs 10*3.
Tried to warm up and then go through a loading progression, but had to call it a day at 70kg. Did what else I could. Trying to breath while bracing all afternoon long was a bit much.

SBD Saturday -
Lots of Double Leg Ext / Curls / Press; Bench; Chest and Shoulders...NO PULLS (***sigh***).
Still a member of the walking wounded. I need to get into my acupuncturist ASAP...Monday can't come soon enough.

So, a tough way to end a good cycle. Onto training in earnest for NYSs.

I put in an email to my PCP, in regards to my Thyroid medication. I explained that while things have been going better , I'm still not as "energetic" as I should be. I included my USAPL lifters page, showing my results going back to 2017 (which I should have done well before this...I'm a dummy). Anyway, he acknowledged that drop in performance since 2019, and how it is directly related to my Thyroid issues: big muscle weakness / atrophy / lack of energy / endurance.

TL:DR - I'm getting another bump in my dosage. It's still below where normal protocols would put it, but it's a start not having to argue with him. Should things not improve, he's open to another bump (which would put me at a "normal" dosage).

Onwards...

[gymdad150]

12/3/23

NYS Prep - M1 /W1

Squat -
110kg 3*4; 3 Count Bench 80kg 1*3; Tempo Down Single Leg Goblet Squat 25lbs 8*3; Rev Fly and Copenhagen Planks for successories.
Nice to finally open a cycle at that weight, it's been too long.

Bench -
70kg 4*4; Close Grip Bench 77.5kg 1*4; Tempo Down Incline Fly 40lbs 7*3; Tempo Down Dumbbell Press 35lbs 8*3; Tri's and Chin-Ups for successories.
Coming in light to start, though the Tempo Down sets were interesting.

Deadlift -
170kg 2*2; 3 Count Larsen 65kg 4*3; Single Leg Banded Hamstring Curls 30*3; Tempo Step Downs; Pull-Ups and Neutral Grip rows for successories.
I wasn't sure that I would be able to pull today. Fortunately the acupuncture work I received on Tuesday did their magic.

SBD Sunday -
Single Leg Extension / Curls / Press 12*4 50lbs / 50lbs / 150lbs; Larsen Bench 155lbs 3*3; Rack Pulls 295lbs 8*3; Dumbbell Bench and Copenhagen Planks for successories.

A little tired coming off announcing the meet yesterday. Speaking of which, lots of new lifters came out to compete yesterday...about 40 or so. There were some strong women and men, who will be something to see in a year or two with more experience under their belts. Nice to see a mix of young and old competing.

So an easy week to start the prep. Energy levels were good. My back is still a little cranky, but not enough to hold me back. Bench...we're just doing lots of every variation. It's gotta work sometime?!?!

[gymdad150]

12/9/23

NYS Prep - m1/w2

Squat -
120kg 3*4; 3 Count Bench 81kg 1*3; Temp Down Single Leg Goblet Squat 35lbs 7*3...Rows, Flys, Planks for successories.
Still working on getting my mind into the right spot for Squats. I'm still afraid of not getting out of the hole...I really need to re-build my confidence. All due to thhe way this thyroid issues has taken the strength right out of my legs. I'll get there...

Bench -
77.5kg 4*4; Close Grip bench 82.5kg 1*4; Tempo Down Incline Fly 40lbs 7*3; Tempo Down Dumbbell Press 35lbs 8*3...Tri's and Bi's along with Chin-Ups for successories.
Just putting in the reps. This is another lift where the sapping of strength is effecting the ability to generate power.

Deadlift -
185kg 2*2; 3 Count Larsen Bench 67.5kg 4*3...Step Downs, Pull-Ups, Rows, Leg Extensions for successories.
It's not heavy "heavy", but it's a long way from 227.5kg...sigh.

SBD Saturday -
Belt Squats 245lbs 12*3; 3 Count Larsen 72.5kg 3*3; Big Wheel Pulls 143kg 8*2; Incline Dumbbell Bench, Leg Ext, Leg Curls, Copenhagen Planks for successories.
Some new toys in the gym...finally a Belt Squat set up I can do without knee pain. Pretty good day...50lbs in the Incline bench...haven't had those in my hands comfortably in ages.

While I might be going "woe is me" up thread, I'm actually pleased with where I am at the moment. It's all about getting my mind right. I think my body is responding to the increase in thyroid meds. I'm able to push my knee further than I have been...if the knee works, I can perform simple as that.

[gymdad150]

12/16/23

NYS Prep - m1/w3

Squat -
125kg 3*3;3 Count Bench 82.5kg 1*3...SIngle leg work, Rows, Flys, and Planks for successories.
Squats felt great...it's so nice to be able to say that with no qualifiers.

Bench -
80kg 4*4; Close Grip Bench 85kg 1*4...Tempo Dumbbell Flys and Press, Tri's, and Chin-ups for successories.
A good day, not crazy good, but comfortably strong.

Deadlift -
190kg 2*2; 3 Count Larsen 70kg 4*3...Rows, and Pull-Ups for scuccessories.
I thought the Pulls were slow, but upon revisiting the videos, they were just fine. Bench was really fast as the sets went along.

SBD Saturday -
Belt Squats 97.5kg 12*3; 3 Count Larsen 75kg 3*3; Big Wheel Pulls 153kg 8*2...Dumbbell Incline Bench, and Copenhagen Planks for successories.
This new Belt Squat attachment is a revelation: very comfortable to use, and should pay big dividends down the road. Bench was OK. Pulls were as good as they have been in ages, really locked in.

Looking forward to Week Four. I haven't felt this good / strong in quite a while. Fingers crossed, I think my body is responding to this recent bump in thyroid meds...it's been about a month.

[DCR]

Squats felt great...it's so nice to be able to say that with no qualifiers.

I dream of this. Sounds like you had a great week of training.

[gymdad150]

Squats felt great...it's so nice to be able to say that with no qualifiers.

I dream of this. Sounds like you had a great week of training.

Thanks...

The last few years have been a real struggle. This thyroid issue took my legs from me.

I'm not the best squatter out there, but I'm capable of more than I've been able to do. So yeah, I'm pretty happy with the way the week went.

[gymdad150]

12/23/23

NYS Prep - m1/w4

Squat -
130kg 3*4; 3 Count Bench 85kg 1*3...Cable Mid Rows, Revs Flys, Tempo GS Lunges for successories.
Squats were just fine. First time in a while I've repped out 130 and not felt like death. Good successories...

Bench -
82.5kg *4, *4, *4, *3; Close Grip - 72.5kg 1*4...Temp Flys, Tempo Press, Tri's and Bi's, Chin-ups for successories
Ohhhhh noooooo...
I made a huge mistake with Tuesday's cardio routine. Normally I swim, and I alternate Crawl with Breaststroke. This time I did everything Butterfly. Big mistake...BIG. My shoulders were trashed for Bench day. My coach rolled his eyes when I told him why everything sucked so badly today. I really do know better...

Deadlift -
195kg *2; 3 Count Larsen 72.5kg 4*3...Mid Rows and Pull-Ups for successories...
Could not get into a comfortable position to pull, and it almost cost me...QL got a little grabby on the 2nd rep. Enough so that I cancelled the 2nd set. Bench was better. A little disappointed with todays work. First time in a while I've walked out of the gym not happy with myself.

SBD Saturday -
Belt Squat - 107.5kg 12*3; 3 Count Larsen 77.5kg 3*3; Big Wheel Pulls 143kg 8*2...Incline Bench and Bi's and Tri's for successoiries...
Loving this Belt Squat at the moment. Bench was OK. Pulls were conservative, and felt OK...but you could tell the QL was just waiting to announce itself.

And that's the end of this first cycle. My energy was much better through out the month...enough so that I went and did that idiotic cardio last Tuesday. Anyway, I'm in a good place...as long as my QL doesn't go shit the bed.

Merry Christmas to one and all...

[gymdad150]

12/30/23

NYS Prep m2 /w1

Squat -
110kg 2*3; 4 Count Larsen 70kg 1*3; Tempo Down Goblet Squat Lunge 35lbs 8*3...High Rows and Flys for successories.
Was fighting with lightheadedness at the bottom of the Squats, otherwise they would have been rocking.

Bench -
70kg 4*4; Close Grip 77.5kg 1*4; Tempo Down Incline Fly 40lbs 7*3; Tempo Down Press 30lbs 8*3...Tri's and Bi's for successories
Basic Bench day to start the cycle.

Deadlift -
Paused Deadlift 150kg *1; Deadlift 130kg 4*3; 4 Count Spoto 70kg 3*2...Pendlay Rows, Revs Flys, Chin-Ups for successories
Coach had me coming in really light to satrt this cycle, what with my back being suspect from the week four work...I felt OK pulling.
My energy levels were down, and my attitude was really poor prior to coming into the gym. Nothing like a good session to get one's mind right

SBD Saturday -
Tempo Pause Belt Squats 107.5kg 10*4; 4 Count Tempo Pause Bench 72.5kg 2*2; Big Wheel Pulls153kg 5*2...Leg Exts, Tri's and Bi's for successories
Nice end to the week with all this "time under tension work". These Belt Squats are the cat's whiskers. If I'm gonna get to 400lbs, this variation is gonna be the reason I get there. The Temp Down Bench felt better than a regular Bench...hmmmm. Pulls were OK

For the week as a whole, I was a little tired, but nothing that is concerning at the moment. Due to the compressed schedule this week, there was no "cardio".

Happy Hew Year all y'all...

[gymdad150]

1/6/24

NYS Prep - m2 /w2

Squat -
120kg 2*2; 4 Count Larsen 72.5kg 1*3; Tempo Down Goblet Squat 35lbs 8*3...Rows, Flys, Leg Curls / Exts for successories.
A little tired today, but no lightheadedness.

Bench -
77.5kg 4*4; 4 Count Close Grip 72.5kg 2*3...chest and shoulder work, plus Bi's and Tri's for successories.
Crazy day... I forgot where I was in the cycle and was doing stupid shit before realizing it. I went back and did the correct work.

Deadlift -
Paused at 165kg *1, Deadlift 145kg *4, 130kg 4*2; 4 Count Larsen 72.5kg 3*2 ... Rows, Flys, Chin-Ups, Leg Curl / Ext Wall Sits for successories.
Came into the session tired, but found a second wind. Pulls felt good.

SBD Saturday -
Tempo Pause Belt Squats 120kg 10*3; 4 Count Bench 72.5kg 2*2; Big Wheel Pulls 163kg 5*2 ...Leg Work, Bi's and Tri's for successories.
Again, I'm tired today...and never really rallied. None the less, I got the work in.

Looking back on the week, I see that I was "tired" more often than not. Could be the Thyroid issue...AGAIN. More likely it was the life stress of another cancer check up.

It's been four years since I underwent radiation and hormone treatment for prostate cancer. The every six month check ups get old...REALLY FAST.
I was due for a check up back in September, but I cancelled it...it was right in front of Raw Natls, and I wasn't in the mood for bullshit.

I put on my big boy pants and went in on Wednesday, fully expecting to find that my numbers were trending on the wrong direction. Miracle of Miracles, my bloodwork remains at the bottom of the range, and has been stable at that number for the last three years.

The medical team is of the opinion that if my next two check up continue to show no alarming activity, I get to ***whispers*** RING THE BELL !!!

So, fingers crossed; trying not to get to far over my skis...I may come out the other side of this shit show. My only ask is, can we get a handle on this Thyroid issue...it's fucking with my blood pressure readings now.

Onwards...

[DCR]

I put on my big boy pants and went in on Wednesday, fully expecting to find that my numbers were trending on the wrong direction. Miracle of Miracles, my bloodwork remains at the bottom of the range, and has been stable at that number for the last three years.

The medical team is of the opinion that if my next two check up continue to show no alarming activity, I get to ***whispers*** RING THE BELL !!!

Fuck. Yes. You’re a beatdown on this shit. Happy for you.

[gymdad150]

1/13/24

NYS Prep - m2 / w3

Squat -
130kg 2*2; 4 Count Larsen 77.5kg 1*3...Rows, Flys, Leg work for successories.
Squats were OK...they lack "pop".

Bench -
82.5kg 3*3, 4 Count Close Grip 77.5kg 2*3...Flys, Tri's and Bi's for successories.
I felt pretty good, optimistic ... but the bar moved slowly.

Deadlift -
Paused Dead 180kg *1, Deadlift 160kg *4, Deadlift 145kg 4*2; 4 Count Spoto 75kg 3*2 ... Revs Flys, Pendlay Rows, Leg Work, Chins for successories.
180 wasn't hard, but it wasn't "fast".

SBD Saturday -
Tempo Down Belt Squats 130kg 10*3; 4 Count Temp Down Bench 75/77.5/80kg *2; Big Wheel Pulls 173kg 5*2 ... Leg Work, Hack Squats, Bi's and Tri's for successories.
I like these Belt Squats, I can load them and move them without pain. Bench moved really nicely. Pulls were work.

That's week three in the books. I'd like the weights to be a bit higher, but it what I can do at the moment.

I stumbled across a couple of thyroid studies that hadn't showed up in previous searches...amazing what other browsers will bring up as opposed to Google. Anyway, these studies were done on athletes (power athletes in one of them). Main takeaway is that athletes suffering from Hypothyroidism lose Type II muscle fibre...which explains so much: lack of explosiveness, lack of strength in major muscle groups.

There's much more to dig into, but this was eye opening enough for me to put a call into Dr. Nichols office to see if they can address my concerns in a more effective manner than what my PCP guy has been willing to do. I'm waiting for a call back...

Onwards to week four!

[gymdad150]

1/20/24

NYS Prep - m2 / w4

Squat -
140kg *2, X; 4 Count Larsen 80kg 1*3...Hack Squats, Single Leg work, Rows and Flys for successories.
140 was such a grind, I had nothing left for the second set. I'm tired...

Bench -
85kg *2, *1, 80kg *3; 4 Count Close Grip 70kg 2*3 ... Flys, Bi's and Tri's, and shoulders for successories.
I had absolutely nothing to give. What were supposed to be triples...weren't. Had to dial down everything else just to get the movements in.

Deadlift -
Paused 190kg X...X...*1 (finally), 170kg *4, 155kg 4*2; 4 Count Spoto 77.5kg 3*2 ... Pendlay Rows, Revs Flys, Chiin-ups for successories.
I had to make three attempts to get 190kg. This is really aggravating. At least I didn't quit the session.

SBD Saturday -
Temp Down Belt Squats 125kg 10*3; 4 Count Down Bench 77.5kg 2*3; Big Wheel Pulls 165kg 5*2 ... Single Leg work, and Bi's and Tri's for successories.
Not as tired today, but I paid attention to what I was loading on the bar. Not bad for three days in a row ... and having shit the bed for the week.

So, week 4 of this second cycle ends on a less than stellar note. I'm so tired on the top sets. My inability to perform like I could when I was healthy is grinding on me tbh.

Heck of a way to celebrate turning 69 y/o...

Kinda glad I got closed out of Raw Natls.

Still waiting to hear from Dr. Nichols clinic.

[gymdad150]

1/28/24

NYS Prep - m3 / w1

Squat -
115kg 1*3; 3 Count Close Grip 75kg 2*2; SSB Step Ups 6*3 ... Pulldowns , Rows, Revs Flys, Planks for successories
First week of the new cycle, singles and doubles...coming in light. The weight felt heavy if I'm being honest...moved OK, just felt heavy.

Bench -
75kg 2*2; 4 Count Close Grip 70kg 2*3; Tempo Down O/H Press 40kg 6*3 ... Tri's and Bi's for successories
Tired...again. The Overhead Press shows up for the first time in years...and just baked my Anterior Delts

Deadlift -
165kg *1, 152.5kg *2, 140kg 2*3; 3 Count Tempo Down Larsen 75kg 2*3 ... Pendlay Row, Chin-Ups and Revs Flys for successories.
I'm fighting how I feel, and how the lifts are actually moving.

SBD Saturday -
Squat - 80kg 5*5; Close Grip Bench 60kg 3*3; Paused Deadlifts 140kg 3*3 ... Incline Fly, Incline Bench, IYTs and Shoulder Clusters for succesories.
Sets of fahves on the Squats was unexpectedeven at these light weights.
For the first time since I can recall, my Ankles, Knees, and Hips were happy and compliant, and that made the Squats unexpectedly great...such dorsiflexion.

I wasn't expecting to be so tired this week.

And on that note, I did hear back from Dr. Nichol's clinic. I need to get my PCP to forward my latest physical and all my labs. Once that gets addressed, then I need to get the bloodwork that he wants to see, after that the consultation takes place. So it's a process. I'm stepping into the unknown here, being a traditionalist, and so a little nervous how this all works. But god knows I haven't been well served addressing this thyroid problem.

Onwards into the fog...

[gymdad150]

Default
2/4/24

NYS Prep m3 / w2

Squat -
125kg 1*3; 3 Count Close Grip 77.5kg 2*2; SSB Step Up +10kg 6*3 ... Pulldowns, Rows, Flys, and leg work for successories.
Not a bad session, though I was having lightheadedness issues again. Shoulders are cranky. Still we had fun today ...

Bench -
80kg 2*2; 4 Count Bench 72.5kg 2*3 ... Cable Press, Tempo Down Overhead Press, Tri's and Bi's for succesories.
Shoulders are as bad as they've been for a while, so I've scheduled an acupuncture session for Friday. Energy a bit low.

Deadlift -
175kg *1, 162.5kg *2, 150kg 2*3; 3 Count Larsen 77.5kg 2*3 ... leg work and Chin-Ups for successories.
I'm really tired, and I shouldn't be this tired. Shoulders still cranky, they get addressed tomorrow.

SBD SUNDAY -
Safety Squat Bar 90kg 5*5; Close Grip Bench 65kg 3*3; Paused Deadlift 150kg 3*3 ...Leg Curls and Leg Extensions for successories
I was absolutely gassed after doing the live stream commentary for Mustache Mayhem 7 yesterday. So I got the SBD day in today...nice that the gym has now gone to 24 hour access. For feeling beat down, it was a really good session.

I got into my acupuncture specialist Friday. Both shoulders got treated, and I was stuck front and back...for an hour and a half. Did I say I hate needles...well, I do! Anyway, 48 hours later, my shoulders feel much better, save a little residual pain anteriorly in my right shoulder. I have a follow-up appointment this coming Friday which should knock this issue down for the time being.

And along the medical front, I heard back from Dr. Nichols's clinic. I have a blood draw tomorrow, and an appointment TBD once the results hit his desk. I really, REALLY hope that we can find out what my issue is, and how to appropriately address it.

On to Week Three, and we're about a month out from NYS's...

[gymdad150]

2/10/24

NYS Prep - m3 / w3

Squat -
135kg 1*3; 3 Count Close Grip 80kg 2*2 ...light cable work, single leg work for successories.
I wasn't expecting much today, and I surprised myself on the singles. Shoulders are still wonky.

Bench -
85kg 2*2, 4 Count Close Grip 75kg 2*3 ... light cable work for chest and arms...Pressing was right out, my right shoulder did not like that at.all.
Shoulders were still not right, so I went to a one block movement, which worked just fine. Me of previous years would have been cursing up a storm for not being able to do a "proper" movement...I know better now.

Deadlift -
185kg *1, 172.5kg *2, 160kg 2*3; 3 Count Larsen 80kg 2*3; Double Leg Curl / Ext 135lbs 10*3
I had an extremely hard time getting passed the "warm-up" period. So much so that I thought I might have to quit the session.
Fortunately I was able to break through the overwhelming fatigue and get in a pretty solid day's work.

SBD Saturday -
SSB Squat 100kg 5*5; Close Grip Bench 70kg 3*3; Paused Deadlifts 160kg 3*3; Single Leg Curls / Ext 75lbs 15*3
For as bad as I've felt all week long, I felt pretty damn good today. Still using the Safety Squat Bar, and a One Block on the Bench to keep my shoulders quiet. Had another acupuncture session, and I think we've calmed things down quite a bit. I'll finish out this training block using the SSB for Saturday's session, and the One Block all week long.

I'm all set up for a consult with Dr. Nichols on Thursday, now that the bloodwork is back from the Lab. Man, I hope he's got some new and different ideas...fingers crossed.

Week Four coming up. I'm lacking confidence in the Squat...until I do it; you never know what the Bench will do these days; I think my Deads are coming around...we'll see.

[DCR]

I'm all set up for a consult with Dr. Nichols on Thursday, now that the bloodwork is back from the Lab. Man, I hope he's got some new and different ideas...fingers crossed.

Been following your weekly updates - good luck at the consult.

[gymdad150]

2/17/24

NYS Prep - m3 / w4

Squat -
XXX...; 3 Count Close Grip 70kg 2*2 ... Really light Rows, Pulldowns, Step Ups. Can't call them successories, I barely survived today.
I couldn't get past 110kg for one warming up. Everything hurt from top to bottom, stem to stern. Coach and I can only point to Saturday's session being too much, and I just didn't recover fast enough. That, boys and girls has never happened ... EVER.

Bench -
87.5kg 2*2, 4 Count Close Grip 77.5kg 2*3 ... Cable work for chest, Bi's and Tri's.
Shoulders are still not 100 percent, so the One Board Block is still in use. I feel better today, but still tired and easy to fatigue.

Deadlift -
195kg *1, 180kg *2, 160kg 3*2; 3 Count Larsen 82.5kg 3*2 ... Double Leg work for successories.
195kg moved pretty well, might have had another if pressed ... a much better showing than the last time I tried to hoist 190kg. I must be fully recovered based on today's session...***shakes head***

SBD Saturday -
SSB Squats 85/95/105/95/85kg *5; Close Grip Bench 70/72.5/75kg *3; Paused Deadlifts 167.5kg 3*3 ... Single Leg work and Hack Squats for successories. We'll see if I can recover by Monday ***Spock Eyebrow Raise***

So that's the end of Week Four, and it really was a mixed bag: Shit Show Monday to a reasonable showing Thursday. Looks like I have a de-load week coming up, and then into a peaking block for NYSs. I had an epiphany after Thursday's session: My fatigue / lack of explosiveness is akin to being bi-polar (which I have been treated for in the past). I can cycle high to low and back again daily / hourly / by the minute / by the second ... only I'm really aware of when it's happening (I could never tell with my mood swings until after the fact, or some one would bring it to my attention.

And as I mentioned in my last post, I had a consult with Dr. Nichols scheduled for Thursday morning. Said consultation took place.
As I have long suspected, Dr. Nichols believes I'm being woefully under dosed. Additionally, being on Synthroid is not the optimal agent of choice to address this issue. Accordingly, I will switch over to NP Thyroid which is an active compound (T3) of desiccated thyroid glands (Synthoid is an inactive compound T4). He is of the opinion that my issues should be easily addressed with this change in medication and dosage. The effects won't take place overnight, but should happen a lot faster than the Synthroid benefits ... unfortunately not in enough time to make a discernable difference before NYSs.

Dr. Nichols also looked at my Free Testosterone numbers, and finds that they too are at the low end of "acceptable" and should be addressed. I explained that while I'm still competing in USAPL, I run the risk of a drug test at any meet, and if the Thyroid situation resolves itself and I get back to being me ... well, the change in my numbers would certainly raise suspicion warranting a drug test. He said he understands my situation, and is happy to table it pending a change in my "competitive situation".

Oh, and this change in meds may have a beneficial effect on mood swings as well. Dr. Nichols dropped a couple of Pub Med articles on my that addressed High Dose Thyroid treatments on mood disorders ... not gonna say no to that.

Oh, oh, and he looked at my PSA numbers and was taken aback at how low they were, given the type of Prostate cancer treatment I underwent. He said he only sees number as low as mine with people who underwent a Prostatectomy. He said I should let the folks at Roswell know he was impressed, and thought they did a bang up job for me. That was heartening.

So I should have my new meds in hand by Tuesday. I'm signing on with his Clinic for the coming year, and I'm informing my PCP that he is no longer responsible for addressing my thyroid issues. That should be a really fun conversation.

[gymdad150]

2/23/24

NYS Prep - m4/w1

Squat -
120 / 127.5kg *1; Single Leg work, Pull-Ups, Rows and Planks for successories.
Low on energy, and I'm a little down at the moment.

Bench -
82.5kg *1, 72.5kg 2*1; Flys, Dumbbell Incline Bench, Tri's and Bi's for successories.
I'm at sixes and sevens at the moment. I'm tired, slow, and I hurt in places I normally don't hurt in.

Deadlift -
185kg *1; Double Leg work, Pulldowns, and Rows for successories
185kg moved glacially.

SBD Saturday -
Not really SBD work: Larsen Bench, Leg Press, Light Shoulders and RDLs
Today was set up to manage fatigue

So...

My coach and I engaged in a hard conversation which took place over the whole of the week. I'm not responding well to training, and my lifts are slow bordering on labored.

Based on that fact, we've decided to withdraw from NYSs. It's been a hard 24 hours post W/D. But it is a fact, my body is not cooperating. I don't need to step on the platform. I don't need the experience. I don't need to prove anything...to myself or others.

But still, I'm really disappointed.

I started the new meds on Wednesday. I can tell they're in my system, as my pee smells smoky. Unfortunately, any positive effects won't show up for a couple of weeks.

Swear to god, I feel like Pheidippides at Marathon...I've been pushing myself for four years, and now that I've crossed a "finish line", I'm dead (metaphorically).

The only thing I can hang my hat on at the moment is that even though I'm mightily disappointed, I'm not depressed, nor have I lost my bearings.

All we can do at the moment is wait to see if, and how I react to these new meds. In the meantime, my programming will be changed as I'm not expecting to be competing any time soon.

And that ladies and gentlemen is the state of the union on 2/23/24 ...

[DCR]

The only thing I can hang my hat on at the moment is that even though I'm mightily disappointed, I'm not depressed, nor have I lost my bearings.

That’s as inspirational as anything in these logs. Rooting for you with these new meds.

[gymdad150]

3/2/24

On the new meds w1

Squat -
130kg *1, 115kg 1*2; Leg Press 270kg 5*5, Single Leg Ext / Curl 80lbs 10*3; Pull-Ups, Cable Mid Rows and Planks for successories
Tired, slow ...

Bench -
85 / 87kg*1, 75kg 1*2; Cable Fly, Chin-Ups, Dumbbell Press, Tri's for successories
Feeling a little more energy

Deadlift -
175 / 190kg *1, 170kg 1*2; Double Leg Ext/Curls, Dumbbell Bench, Pulldowns, and Cable Mid Rows for successories
Probably the best I've felt in ages

SBD Saturday -
Larsen Bench 77.5kg 1*3, Leg Press 320lbs 10*3, Double Leg Ext/Curls 90lbs 30*3, IYTs
And just like that, we're tired and lack "pop"...

So it's been a little over a week into the new meds. I definitely notice a difference in the little things: getting off the couch without a struggle, walking up stairs with a little more umph, sleeping better...much better.

Gym work is improving. You have to look for it, but it's there. Thursday was the highwater mark; Saturday was probably unrecovered. I'm looking forward to seeing how Week Two unfolds. As the doctor said, it will take 3-4 weeks before really noticeable improvements are seen, so I'm trying not to get too far over my ski tips.

On a completely different topic, we have multiple competitors down at the Arnold: a few women's masters lifters, one who set a new US and world record in the bench at 150.5kg; Another woman in the A7 Challenge who's going to be a formidable competitor in the coming years; and right now two women in the Grand Prix. I'm surrounded by such talent. It really is motivating.

On to Week Two ...