cesimpson

So, it seems I’ve lapped myself. My next post - this one - should be about Friday’s workout. But I’ve had another workout this morning. Might as well write about both of them at once and catch up.

Steelers v Jaguars

I watched the Steelers v Jaguars game last night. First, it was a good game. It was close and exciting down to the end. There were a few too many penalties - and way too many stupid penalties - for my liking…but it’s still early in the season.

What I did like, and always have liked about the Steelers, is that they are one of the toughest, baddest, meanest, hardest-hitting team on the gridiron. There have always been teams known for being particularly bad ass - the Raiders and Ravens, for instance; the Bears often; the Buccaneer’s D-backs of several years ago - but the Steelers, in my mind, epitomize hard, tough, mean, driving American Football. Always have.

They showed that again last night. They ran well on the ground. Every receiver put his head down and fought for yards after the catch. And Ben Roethlisberger was a beast. That was a hell of a show for a healthy NFL quarterback - more so for one with a shoulder injury.

I like football. I like playing football and I like watching football. I like American Gridiron Football, Futbal, Rugby Football, Aussie Rules…it doesn’t matter. I like football in all its forms, and last night’s game was a classic example of everything I love about it.

I wanna be the Steelers when I grow up.

Friday’s Workout

Appetizer

10x Overhead Squat @ 45#

8x Overhead Squat @ 95#

6x Overhead Squat @ 115#

4x Overhead Squat @ 135#

The Main Course

20x “Breathing Squats” @ 250#

Side Dish #1

AMAP Dips @ BW+50# (8x)

AMAP Chin Ups @ BW+50# (0x) + AMAP Chin Ups @ BW (6x)

AMAP Knees-to-Elbows (12x)

Rest

AMAP Dips @ BW+50# (10x)

AMAP Chin Ups @ BW (4x)

AMAP Knees-to-Elbows (10x)

Side Dish #2

10x Bent-Over Barbell Rows @ 155#

AMAP Push Press @ 155# (6x)

Rest

10x Bent-Over Barbell Rows @ 155#

AMAP Push Press @ 155# (5x)

Dessert

5x Snatch-Grip Deadlift @ 250#

5x Snatch-Grip Deadlift @ 225#

5x Snatch-Grip Deadlift @ 205#

Performed with as little rest as possible between sets.

Just enough time to quickly load the next weight and lift again.

Friday was the first fail of this experiment. Chin ups at 50# were simply not happening. That, and today’s (Monday) performance, makes me realize I need to amend the schedule just a bit. That’s OK. The squats are the main thing and they’re going strong.

This Morning’s Workout

Appetizer

10x Overhead Squat @ 45#

8x Overhead Squat @ 95#

6x Overhead Squat @ 115#

4x Overhead Squat @ 135#

The Main Course

20x “Breathing Squats” @ 255#

Side Dish #1

AMAP Dips @ BW+55# (11x)

AMAP Chin Ups @ BW+35# (6x)

AMAP Knees-to-Elbows (12x)

Rest

AMAP Dips @ BW+55# (10x)

AMAP Chin Ups @ BW+35# (3x)

AMAP Knees-to-Elbows (12x)

Side Dish #2

10x Bent-Over Barbell Rows @ 165#

AMAP Push Press @ 165# (3x)

Rest

10x Bent-Over Barbell Rows @ 165#

AMAP Push Press @ 165# (2x)

Dessert

5x Snatch-Grip Deadlift @ 255#

5x Snatch-Grip Deadlift @ 230#

5x Snatch-Grip Deadlift @ 205#

Performed with as little rest as possible between sets.

Just enough time to quickly load the next weight and lift again.

Between the Barbell Rows and the Push Presses, I couldn’t Clean the bar up to my chest. I had to put the bar on the rack and front squat it up. That 10# jump finally got me. I’m trying to decide how to handle Friday and going forward. I think I have two options:

1. Keep the same weight (155#) and try to pump out more reps each day
2. Lower the weight back down (maybe 135#?) and start increasing each week again (optionally increasing by 5# instead of 10#)

The good news: that hook-grip is really working to secure my grip, and my thumbs are becoming tougher/less sensitive to the crushing of the bar. They only hurt for about 90 minute after the lift, rather than the 6-8 hours of last week. =)

Best Quote of the Weekend

Early Saturday morning, I went over to my Uncle’s shop. He and the other guy who works there - Randy - were loading bikes onto a trailer, getting ready for a show that day. The topic of conversation turned to the OJ verdict.

Uncle Mark

They convicted him…12 counts…kidnapping, armed robbery…he could do life.

Randy

Life? Wow. ~contemplation~ I guess karma’s a bitch, ain’t she?

Uncle Mark

~pause~

Yeah. So is being stupid.

If only the entire world lived by that principle.