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It Is Cold

Last night we got our first “winter storm” here in St. Louis. I know, it’s nothing at all like those seen by some of you in Wisconsin, but it was a winter storm nonetheless. Temperatures were below freezing, there was snow and sleet, and it all happened just in time for rush hour drive home.

Yippee!

I hope my sarcasm was apparent. Actually, let’s try that again.

<sarcasm>Yippee!</sarcasm>

I hate the cold. I hate winter. I wouldn’t survive even one September in a barren winter-wasteland like Wisconsin. Couldn’t do it. I, at once, feel both envy at your strength and pity for your plight. =)

The only thing I like about winter is curling up under a blanket, with my wife, in front of a fireplace, with a cup of coffee (appropriately augmented, of course).

Well, I have to go to work, we have no fireplace, and I can’t spike my morning coffee and expect to keep my job for very long.

Therefore, winter sucks. I hate it.

Warm Up
5x Bench Press @ 115#
5x Bench Press @ 135#
5x Bench Press @ 155#
Work
5x Bench / Pull Up Superset
5x Bench Press @ 170#
5x Pull Ups @ BW+5#

I tried to be very strict about allowing 60 seconds between sets. The last set of pull ups wasn’t going to happen, so they became chin ups. ~shrug~ Maybe next time.

The 170# felt awesome. Very strong. I may have to try to find a spotter soon, just to see where I am for a 1RM. This commitment to the bench, I think, is really paying off.

Deadlifts
5×1 @ 225#
5×1 @ 275#
5×1 @ 285#
5×1 @ 295#
5×1 @ 305#
5×1 @ 315#
5×1 @ 325#

Each single of a set was exactly on the minute. I rested long enough between sets to load the bar, get a drink, and wait for the second hand to hit the 12.

The 325#s were tough.

RDL
5×5 @ 225#

My spinal erectors and glutes were blasted. I was surprised by how much my abs were worked, though. I guess I always ‘knew’ - in a very book-ish sorta way - that deadlifts were good for the abs, but I can’t say I’ve ever felt it.

Today I felt am feeling it.

5 Comments

  1. Katie wrote:

    I also hate the winter. And as I am one of those unlucky Wisconsonites, I command you to pity me! Pity! Also, keep your fingers crossed that I get a job in Puerto Rico.

    Friday, December 7, 2007 at 5:48 pm | Permalink
  2. J.B. wrote:

    Come to Seattle, one and all! It never gets too cold, never gets too hot, and isn’t California.

    Sunday, December 9, 2007 at 10:02 pm | Permalink
  3. ces wrote:

    I most certainly feel sorry for you.

    I have no idea how you do it. I understand there are natives there, and their DNA has probably evolved to handle such extreme conditions (like the bacteria that live near thermal vents on the ocean bottoms)…but a transplant like you? Wow!

    Seattle - I’m working on a visit first. That might help me sell the ‘nice place to live’ angle.
    …but don’t count on it. =)

    Monday, December 10, 2007 at 12:42 pm | Permalink
  4. J.B. wrote:

    You’re welcome any time.
    We’ll leave the light on for you.

    Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 9:07 am | Permalink
  5. Jesse wrote:

    This morning I biked to work behind a bobcat that was simultaneously plowing snow and scattering salt in my eyes.

    For what it’s worth, the bobcat had the most offensive exhaust fumes I’ve ever inhaled for 12 minutes nonstop.

    Gotta Love Wisconsin.

    Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 11:36 am | Permalink

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