Squatter's Journal-The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

[Squatter]

Originally Posted by BigJosh

Pretty Damn Good benching session Jim. Get SOME!!!! Congratulations on the PR match. You'll smash through that PR in no time.
Hang in there man, keep smashing weights when you can.

Thanks Big J!! After I did it, I thought it was a PR. I think if I did a proper 1 RM ramp up and attempt, I would have had more. So, my benching does have a bright future, especially if I can incorporate Big Al's suggestion.

I hope to be back squating and deading next week.

[Squatter]

DEADLIFT SESSION

So, my Physiotherapist has cleared me to Squat & Deadlift. He did this because he managed to get the Facet Joint 3/4 to move on Monday's treatment. He gave me some stretches to do at home until the follow up visit next Tuesday. He told me I can go all out on Bench & OHP, ease back into Squats and really ease back into Deadlifts. He said Deads are usually problematic for people with chronic back issues. I thought in my mind I'd rather be dead that not be able to deadlift. My back is usually strong as a mule, but can also be fragile as an antique piece of China at the same time.

I also sent in my entry form and fee into Predator Barbell for the upcoming July 7th meet. The hotel rooms are booked. My lifting attire has also arrived (as you may know already), yet I still feel totally unprepared. I am starting to get some nervous tension already, as I tend to worry more now than I did when I was younger. I am confident in my bench right now, but far from it with my deads and squats, mostly due to this recent injury setback.

I really pray that my lower back now will co-operate so that I can reach the goals of 275 bench, 475 deadlift, and 435 squat - around a 1200 total. Today I felt really humbled and weak, and those goals seemed like a 100 years away.

Power Cleans
135 X1
135 X1
135 X1

Deadlifts
115 X3
135 X3
185 X2
205 X1
225 X1
245 X1
265 X1
265 Fail
Done.

[mab54]

At least the Doc cleared you for lifting, and he did say ease back into it. You willl bounce back stronger, it will be quicker then you know it.

[markievicz]

sweet car jim , glad to also read that you are cleared to lift again...

[LtL]

Remember it's just lifting. You're competing with yourself which mean you can't lose. You'll do great.

LtL

[BendtheBar]

My back is usually strong as a mule, but can also be fragile as an antique piece of China at the same time.

I know how that is Jim. It's like walking on glass. Every rep, every day has to be perfect.

[MikeM]

Ltl nailed it. Just do your absolute best and you're a winner. I don't think Job had tougher character tests before his first meet. You'll do great!

And great benching! Hopefully, the back comes back stronger than before.

[Squatter]

Originally Posted by mab54

At least the Doc cleared you for lifting, and he did say ease back into it. You willl bounce back stronger, it will be quicker then you know it.

Thanks Mab. I am hoping as I ease back into squats those darn knees will stay <>.

Originally Posted by markievicz

sweet car jim , glad to also read that you are cleared to lift again...

Thanks Mark!! It's a gem for sure. I am sure I will own it forever this time.

Originally Posted by LtL

Remember it's just lifting. You're competing with yourself which mean you can't lose. You'll do great.

LtL

I feel better already Big Al, after reading your post. Your right, I got nuttin' to lose. I still wanna get at least close to my goals just for myself.

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

I know how that is Jim. It's like walking on glass. Every rep, every day has to be perfect.

That will be my motto from now on Steve. Once again, thanks so much for your words of wisdom. I am not sure how I hurt my back this time, but if every rep is near perfect my risk of injury again would be close to nil

Originally Posted by MikeM

Ltl nailed it. Just do your absolute best and you're a winner. I don't think Job had tougher character tests before his first meet. You'll do great!

And great benching! Hopefully, the back comes back stronger than before.

I will do my best Mike

[Squatter]

Just a quick update. I have decided to take at least 1 week off of lifting, if not 2 or more. Even though my physiotherapist cleared me to deadlift, and that amount of weight, that Facet Joint apparently did not agree. I had no pain during the session, but quite a bit about 30 minutes after. So, back to physio and home TLC, and just hope my back heals up relatively quickly.

I think all this extra work I have been doing, such as clearing out my mom's house, and my workplace move. did not help matters. Because I am big and strong, I end up doing all the heavy lifting. Even tho we had movers, there is still lots of lifting to do.

Now that the workplace move is over, and most of the heavy crap is out of my moms house, my back should get plenty of recovery time.

It's amazing tho how fast some mild depression hits when I can't lift. All the more reason to make sure every rep of every day is perfect after this recovery, as Steve said earlier. The last thing I want to do is not be able to attend the meet due to an injury.

[markievicz]

i think thats a good idea to rest up for the 2 weeks jim , you know your body and know how best to look after it.