Just Shut Up and Lift Heavy

[drew]

I get drunk for any reason. I was dancing with every girl there. Awesome awesome night.

Seb, I'm just using an Inzer Blast right now. No reason to get too high-tech and geeked up yet. I need to work my top-end strength more first.

[DumbellDude]

Nice benching and PR man, things are looking good !

[drew]

Thanks DD. Wish I could say I'm feeling good too! We're getting there though.

[Stumprrp]

awesome PR and awesome you had a good time last night!

[drew]

Werd bro. Thanks.

[Stumprrp]

what drinks were on the menu? lol

[drew]

Lots of tequila sunrise, some redheaded sluts, kamikazis and beers.

[Coke]

Good deal Drew, the shoulder is making some improvements, I'll drink to that - :D

[LiftingKid]

I get drunk for any reason. I was dancing with every girl there. Awesome awesome night.

Seb, I'm just using an Inzer Blast right now. No reason to get too high-tech and geeked up yet. I need to work my top-end strength more first.

Then that is the shirt I will start off with when I get to a 250 RAW bench (another 1.5 years at least).

[Sidior]

haha yes dancing with the sluts when intoxicated....booze makes everything so much easier:D

Congrat on the PR

[drew]

Coke, cheers! :)

Seb, it's a good starter shirt. I'd like to graduate to a Rage X when I get some money. I suggest you get into a shirt sooner though. It's not too early to learn how to use it, as long as you keep working your full ROM without it and keep getting stronger.

Sid, thanks bro. It was a good night.

Just got finished playing a double-header of wiffle ball. Shoulder is aching right now, but it was fun. I also managed to rip off a finger nail, get kicked clean in the face, and did 3 or 4 face plants. I love wiffle ball!

[drew]

I had so much to do this morning I couldn't get to the gym before they closed. Then I tried Southside and they were closed, I tried a few other places, no luck. I went to my old high school hoping some of the football team might be there, nope. So I dragged the sled. For a bit. And I mean a bit. It kicked my ass.

(All on grass) Forward drag with 2 plates for 100 yds; 3 X Sprint 50 yds with 1 plate (holding straps behind back). 2 X Sprint 50 yds with 2 plates (I had to walk the last 10 yds. This killed me). Forward drag with 2 plates for 100 yds. And done.

[DumbellDude]

Drew, you always find a way to put a workout man!

[LiftingKid]

I had so much to do this morning I couldn't get to the gym before they closed. Then I tried Southside and they were closed, I tried a few other places, no luck. I went to my old high school hoping some of the football team might be there, nope. So I dragged the sled. For a bit. And I mean a bit. It kicked my ass.

(All on grass) Forward drag with 2 plates for 100 yds; 3 X Sprint 50 yds with 1 plate (holding straps behind back). 2 X Sprint 50 yds with 2 plates (I had to walk the last 10 yds. This killed me). Forward drag with 2 plates for 100 yds. And done.

Yeah, part of the hardcore southside atmosphere is being open at very random and unconsistent times :)

But, you got a workout in, so it's all good in my opinion.

[drew]

Thanks fellas. It was better than nothing. My gym used to be open until 4 on Sunday, but they changed it to 2 for some reason. I just got back from playing water basketball and then poker. I catapulted one of my friends about 5 feet into the air in the pool. His mom goes "Mark, he just threw you lik eyou were nothing!" BWAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!

[DumbellDude]

He now tosses around full grown men... What's next? Menhir's ??? LOL

[Pup]

Midget tossing...much like Dwarf tossing, although the Dwarf's beard is easy to grip (much like a mug of guinness)...I applaud you on finding new ways to improve your explosiveness.

[drew]

I once tossed my nephew like that right after tossing my neice. Well, he was only about 40lbs and his sister was more like 80 lbs. He was so light I didn't think he would ever come down. Scared the crap out of myself.

[drew]

Some bench work today:

Warmup RCs, bench 10x45 5x95
CG 3-board: 5x135 3x185 3x225 3x245 2x275 missx295 8x225 6x225
BB Row: 8x185 8x185
Low cable row: 15x75 10x105
Rope Tri pushdown: 20x100

Shoulder feels ok today. Right bicep is kind of aching because of it. Very unstable on the bench. I could barely hold 295 which was why I missed it. Will take it easy on the bench for at least a week now.

[Chubrock]

Be smart man. I know you want to push some big numbers, but you ain't gonna push **** if you **** that shoulder up too bad.

[drew]

Yeah, I know. I'm trying to be smart and still train hard. I'm taking it a day at a time right now.

[DumbellDude]

That's good bench Drew. You're doing the right thing to take it easy.

[getfit]

Yeah, I know. I'm trying to be smart and still train hard. I'm taking it a day at a time right now.
That's good hon! I'm waiting for you to stop by, 2pps on squats is waiting ;)

[Coke]

No need to ask for trouble, training around the problem is clever and keeps you in a competitive mode when all clears.

[drew]

DD, I'm taking it as easy as I'll let myself really. I don't want to do anything stupid.

Sylvia, when I get some money (who knows when that will be) I'll take a trip.

Coke, trouble is my middle name, just not when it means I can't bench. :D

[LiftingKid]

Some bench work today:

Warmup RCs, bench 10x45 5x95
CG 3-board: 5x135 3x185 3x225 3x245 2x275 missx295 8x225 6x225
BB Row: 8x185 8x185
Low cable row: 15x75 10x105
Rope Tri pushdown: 20x100

Shoulder feels ok today. Right bicep is kind of aching because of it. Very unstable on the bench. I could barely hold 295 which was why I missed it. Will take it easy on the bench for at least a week now.

:( Hope that bicep feels better bro.

[Chubrock]

Got a question (one of many I may have over the next several days) for ya Drew. How often do you box squat compared to squatting without a box? I was reading a Tate article, and he stated that they hardly ever squat without a box. Was wondering if you follow this same ideal or not.

[drew]

Seb, feels fine. The bicep isn't the issue, it's more the pain radiating from the shoulder. I remember when I broke my scapula and thought I had broken the humerus.

Chub, I box squat every week on DE day. I never free squat on this day. I box squat once every 4-5 weeks for ME work, but recently I've realized that this is killing my free squat technique so I'm trying to work that back in. I'll most likely do a ME box squat and then a ME free squat the following week.

[Chubrock]

How do you currently have your split structured? I'm looking at switching back to a PLing split over 3 days, but I would like to have a 4th day to just do some conditioning and flexibility stuff. I'm wondering how to structure that type of split. Any suggestions?

[drew]

My cureent split is:

Monday: ME upper
Tuesday: Off or sled dragging
Wednesday: ME Lower
Thursday: Off
Friday: DE Upper
Saturday: DE lower
Sunday: Off or Sled dragging/extra ab work

If you want to do conditioning/flexibility work, just do it on any off day. As long as you're not going too crazy with it, it shouldn't affect your lifting days.

[mrelwooddowd]

Whatever happened to the Pablo experiment?

[Chubrock]

Gracias senor. Do you think I'd run into any problems doing:

Mon- ME Upper
Tues-ME Lower
Wed-Rest
Thurs-DE Upper
Fri-DE Lower

[drew]

Mr ED, he quit. I tried to make it easy on him, and he still just didn't want to handle any kind of diet. He managed to lose a few pounds and I got him into the gym to teach him a few things. Unfortunately, he wasn't as serious as I thought he was.

Chubo, That should work just fine. It's pretty close to what I was doing when I first started.

[getfit]

My cureent split is:

Monday: ME upper
Tuesday: Off or sled dragging
Wednesday: ME Lower
Thursday: Off
Friday: DE Upper
Saturday: DE lower
Sunday: Off or Sled dragging/extra ab work

If you want to do conditioning/flexibility work, just do it on any off day. As long as you're not going too crazy with it, it shouldn't affect your lifting days.
I like this :)

[drew]

It's worked really well. Also, I can move the DE bench to Thursday and the DE squat to Sunday if I have to in any given week (since these are very important to my training, I wanted to keep them versatile).

[drew]

Today's session: Brutal

Squat: 10x45 10x135 20x225 10x315

Done.

I had no idea what to do today. It pretty much came down to wanting to really bust my ass without putting a lot of extra stress on my shoulder. I decided on this on my way to the gym. I had originally planned to work up to reps of 405, but decided against it. I wanted to quit after the 5th rep on 315 but forced myself to keep going. By rep 10, I barely locked my knees out and it took forever to walk it back into the rack. Once the weight was racked, I dropped out from under the bar. This was brutal and I never want to do it again. My glutes and lower back are on fire. I could barely make it up to my apartment. I'll sleep very well tonight.

[DumbellDude]

Your'e insane! That's why we like you!!

[Chubrock]

Hahaha I like your style bro.

[drew]

Thanks fellas :D

BTW, my post-wo meal:
1.25 lb ground beef
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
1 cup frozen mixed veg
4 bowls Total Raisin Bran
3 cups whole milk

[Pup]

Now that is a PWO meal...jesus h. christ

[Sidior]

impressive squats, but the PWO meal was more impressiver...uh er

[drew]

Thanks fellas. I'm still pretty hungry though.

[DumbellDude]

Yummy!!!

[LiftingKid]

Thanks fellas :D

BTW, my post-wo meal:
1.25 lb ground beef
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
1 cup frozen mixed veg
4 bowls Total Raisin Bran
3 cups whole milk

That sounds great :)

Why not add a couple tortillas to the meal too, burrito time!

[Stumprrp]

Thanks fellas :D

BTW, my post-wo meal:
1.25 lb ground beef
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
1 cup frozen mixed veg
4 bowls Total Raisin Bran
3 cups whole milk

that a boy! anything less then 1 lb of meat isnt a meal!.

[muscle chic]

Wow!! You were serious!! That's a large meal!!

[Coke]

Squat: 10x315...This was brutal and I never want to do it again.

That is sweet...real nice and intense stuff Drew, do this $hit again - :thumbup:

[drew]

Thanks everyone. I lift big, but I eat huge.

Coke, you know I'll do it again. I was thinking that next time I'll just do 10x225 then try for 10x365 and then maybe try a couple reps of 405.

Today was a very quick bench session:
Warmup RCs
Bench: 5x3x135 3x3x155
BB Row: 3x10x185
Pushdown: 5x75 10x50

[Chubrock]

How'd the shoulder feel?

[LiftingKid]

Thanks everyone. I lift big, but I eat huge.

Coke, you know I'll do it again. I was thinking that next time I'll just do 10x225 then try for 10x365 and then maybe try a couple reps of 405.

Today was a very quick bench session:
Warmup RCs
Bench: 5x3x135 3x3x155
BB Row: 3x10x185
Pushdown: 5x75 10x50

So your shoulder held up ok on the benching then? Higher rep squatting is evil.....

[drew]

As long as I get it really warm, and really focus on what I'm doing, I can bench alright. The shoulder doesn't affect me too much until I get close to 300, and then I start shaking like mad. I'm hoping I hold together for the next 5 weeks, get a good bench number, then I'll back it off and go to a doctor.

[mrelwooddowd]

**** the numbers, dude

this should be a PWO meal journal

holy ****!

[getfit]

Wow!! You were serious!! That's a large meal!!
he's a big boy :D

[Clifford Gillmore]

Thanks fellas :D

BTW, my post-wo meal:
1.25 lb ground beef
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
1 cup frozen mixed veg
4 bowls Total Raisin Bran
3 cups whole milk


Thats the best you got? I'll take you on...

[drew]

he's a big boy :D
Who told you? ;)


I like to eat.

Risky, if I had more for the food budget, I could eat a hell of a lot more than that.

[WillKuenzel]

Budgets suck. We bought a house and my eating out budget plummeted. I had to fight to keep the grocery allowance high. Granted my food bill for the month could rent a small apartment for a month or power a small country.

You haven't had anybody look at the shoulder yet? Maybe a massage therapist could so some good, or a chiro. I'm lucky in that my chiropactor and some massages are covered on my insurance. It took some looking to find a good one but it was worth it. Just a thought.

[drew]

My insurance sucks Will, it will probably end up costing at least $200 to get my shoulder right again. Worth it if I had it. I just paid my rent and all my bills and I now have $1.80 in my checking account.

Last night I did something stupid. I was at a wedding and I rolled my ankle while dancing. I felt evrything come apart, and then jam back together. It was very unpleasant. I'm not walking so great today. Plan is to stay on my ass today and tomorrow and hope to hell that I didn't do any real damage. I'll also be on a steady diet of glucosamine and valerian root for a while. I hope this doesn't set me back too much, but I'm not messing around anymore. I'm going to take some rest and get myself healthy.

[Stumprrp]

good drew rest up dude i hope you get better

[drew]

Thanks bud.

[offhegoes03]

geez man, that sucks about the ankle, shoulder, etc.. rest up so that you'll be good for the competition.. when is it again? september?

[LiftingKid]

Rolled ankles suck, I can say that by experience. In BJJ we were doing a counter to a guilotine choke, taking them back. My ankle rolled and I was limping for quite a bit. Best of luck to you in terms of recovery.

[DumbellDude]

Hope it's nothing serious Drew.

[drew]

Thanks fellas. I'm hoping to be up and about in a couple days. I just picked up some crutches so I can stay off it completely.

Chris, I'm 5 weeks out. I've done ok with worse injuries and less time, but I was really hoping to get some heavy sessions done in the next few weeks.

[mrelwooddowd]

I think taking some tiem is a good idea for sure.

Good luck with it, dude!

[Sidior]

gl with the ankle bro, im sure some R&R will do you good anyways

[cphafner]

sorry to head about the ankle, rest it up. Insane squatting the othe day!

[drew]

Thanks all, and thanks cp. I thikn the squatting may have contributed to this. I even had a feeling like I might hurt something that night. Oh well.

I might go to the doc if this isn't much better in a couple days. The swelling is about the same, but not really any discoloration. I've been taking hot baths (as usual) and trying to move it around in the water. I've gotten a little mobility back already, so I'm cautiously happy about that. I'm walking with crutches and trying to stay off of it as much as possible. I just slathered some blue heat on it and wrapped it up. That should at least alleviate the pain for a little while. I'm sleeping fine, which is fantastic. Depending on how it feels tomorrow, I may try and do some DB benching tomorrow and maybe some 45 hypers or even seated GMs (if I can figure out how to unrack/rack the weight) on Wednesday. I will probably be doing plenty of ab work and hopefully I can do pullups, if my shoulder holds together.

I think I'm going to lay off all the anatomy studying for a while. When I felt and heard my ankle cracking, I could also see the different parts moving around in my mind's eye. It was pretty gross.

[LiftingKid]

If you find a way to unrack/rack the bar on seated good mornings w/out using your ankle, I will deem you highly creative :)

[drew]

Well, if I do them light enough, and keep the bench close to the rack, I can probably do it with just my left foot on the ground. I CAN bear weight on my right foot with no pain, it's just when I try to move it around that I have problems.

[getfit]

you'll get better Drew :) i'll send you some dessert :D

[drew]

Just come and take care of me. :D

[Pup]

You're broken man...you need 3 things...immerse your body in the river guinness (aka the atlantic ocean), the healing touch of a greek goddess (our resident greek should suffice), and one of those furry russian hats (not sure why, but as ridiculous as those things look, they gotta have healing powers)

[drew]

I always wanted one of those hats...

Does a harbour of LI sound count as the Atlantic? Cuz I got one of those down the street.

I hit on a Greek waitress in a Diner last weekend and found out she was married. Drunk, I asked her if I was bigger than her husband and she said yes. Sweeet.

[muscle chic]

I always wanted one of those hats...

Does a harbour of LI sound count as the Atlantic? Cuz I got one of those down the street.

I hit on a Greek waitress in a Diner last weekend and found out she was married. Drunk, I asked her if I was bigger than her husband and she said yes. Sweeet.


Ballsy!!!;)

[Chubrock]

So when are you going to come down here or me go up there to lift some?

[drew]

When I get some money and when I can walk again :D

You're welcome to come up here anytime. Just let me know.

[Clifford Gillmore]

Got Paypal drew? Risky will look after you after a decent casino stint.

[drew]

Risky, you's the best.

Well, I can sorta walk now. Doesn't hurt if I keep it still or even if I stand on it. I've been trying to get it to flex up and down with some success but side to side is still out of the question. I really hope this thing is better in a couple more days.

I've canned the idea of trying to do some lifting around this because I really could use the rest and I think it will hinder my progress right now. So I'm stuck here on my ass doing nothing. Blah.

[getfit]

Hope you get better soon Drew :)

[Sensei]

Enjoy the rest. Get better soon!

[DumbellDude]

Get well soon Drew!!!

[Coke]

Continuing to rest up is the only way to go Drew...lifting will have to wait, more time for others things - :D

[Chubrock]

Try not to look at to much p*o*r*n. Might end up making that shoulder worse...

[Sidior]

Try not to look at to much p*o*r*n. Might end up making that shoulder worse...

or at least rotate hands

[LiftingKid]

Risky, you's the best.

Well, I can sorta walk now. Doesn't hurt if I keep it still or even if I stand on it. I've been trying to get it to flex up and down with some success but side to side is still out of the question. I really hope this thing is better in a couple more days.

I've canned the idea of trying to do some lifting around this because I really could use the rest and I think it will hinder my progress right now. So I'm stuck here on my ass doing nothing. Blah.

Are you taking antiinflammatories and keeping the ankle elevated?

(You probably are but I am just wondering)

[drew]

Thanks everyone. I'm actually going to the doc in a few minutes just to make sure nothing is seriously wrong. It's feeling pretty good today actually.

I have been keeping it elevated as much as I can. Tough to do at work, but I try. I've just been taking Advil but I stopped today.

[drew]

Walking around is much better today. Very little pain, just some numbness from time to time.

Doc said everything is still attached and there don't appear to be any tears, which is awesome news. I went today for an x-ray just to make absolutely sure there is no fracture. I should find out tomorrow. If all is well, I'll be lifting again very soon. At the very minimum I'll be dragging the sled.

[getfit]

Hope all goes well Drew :)

[drew]

Thanks Sylvia. :D

[offhegoes03]

good to see that you're actually taking time off so that you don't aggravate it anymore.. get back up to 100% and then tear it up in the weight room.

[drew]

Yeah Chris, I think it was a good idea. I checked one of my charts and I haven't taken a full week off since the end of March, which was the week between two meets. So, I can justify taking at least a full week off right now to get healthy.

[DumbellDude]

Good news Drew. I'm pretty sure it won't be a fracture.

[drew]

Yeah DD, I sure hope not. I'm walking pretty well, almost normal. Stairs are a challenge though. If there's no fracture I plan to be full strength in 3 weeks.

[Chubrock]

Nice nice, when's the comp?

[drew]

Sept 16. Not much time to get healthy and get ready. I think as long as I can pull 450 and bench 300 once before then, I'll be good to go. My goal now is just to get a total. I'd like it to be at least 800, but I'm not being picky right now.

[Chubrock]

Push/Pull event? No squat?

[drew]

Yeah just a push/pull. I've been trying to get a full meet here in CT for a while, but no luck yet.

[drew]

Got x-ray results back today. Nothing abnormal. Great news. Just going to keep taking it easy for a few more days and ease my way back into training.

[getfit]

nice to hear things are ok Drew.You'll be better in no time at all :)

[Pup]

Excellent news Drew!

...I may have to drink a Guinness to celebrate ;)

[Sensei]

Great news! The rest might do you good! Sounds like a couple weeks of training followed by 1.5-2weeks taper - I'm sure you'll do well.

[drew]

Thanks everyone!

Well, I just got home from a night out with the fellas. I danced more than I shoulda, but I was taped up pretty well and the ankle feels fine right now (with lots of tequila). Hopefully it will feel ok in the morning. I danced with lots of girls, snatched one from some guy who moved in before I got the chance and told her he was a scumbag. :D Then I kissed some chick because she was wearing a button that said "Kiss me, it's my birthday" so I did. I also met an old college friend who I never thought I'd see again, so that was awesome. Great night.

[Goodwinm]

super news drew. glad x-ray was clear :)

[LiftingKid]

Excellent. Sounds like it was a fun night.

[Coke]

Drew would paint the town with crutches if he had too, lol - :D ...great recovery again, all is well that ends well!!

[Sidior]

glad to hear it isn't serious bro

[drew]

Still working on the recovery part fellas, but we're getting there. Thanks.

A couple of other random things that happened last night (that I remembered today). Some Irish dudes were hanging out with us and buying me drinks while trying to pawn this girl off on me and my friend Kevin. There was a bikini contest at the bar which I managed to take a few ok pictures of with my phone. Hot.

[offhegoes03]

hah nice man.. sounds like a good time and I'm glad to hear the ankle isn't seriously injured.

[drew]

Thanks Chris.

OK, I did a crappy little workout today, but it was nice to get back in the gym.

RC stretching/warmup
BP: 10x45 10x45 5x95 5x135 5x135 5x185 7x225 10x135
Pullups: BWx10, 4

And done. Benching was tricky as I couldn't get my feet under me and therefore couldn't get an arch and it was tough to stay tight. All things considered, I'm surprised I got 7 reps on 225. I'm going to see how I feel tomorrow. Shoulder feels pretty loose right now, which is great. Ankle isn't great, but I think I'll get there.

[LiftingKid]

Thanks Chris.

OK, I did a crappy little workout today, but it was nice to get back in the gym.

RC stretching/warmup
BP: 10x45 10x45 5x95 5x135 5x135 5x185 7x225 10x135
Pullups: BWx10, 4

And done. Benching was tricky as I couldn't get my feet under me and therefore couldn't get an arch and it was tough to stay tight. All things considered, I'm surprised I got 7 reps on 225. I'm going to see how I feel tomorrow. Shoulder feels pretty loose right now, which is great. Ankle isn't great, but I think I'll get there.

Sometimes just being in the gym could help an injury heal, especially when you look at the mental aspect of morale during injury. I always feel better when I work out :)

[DumbellDude]

Great news Drew. Getting back to the gym will do you good!

[drew]

Thanks fellas. It felt great to be in there.

[Kana]

Glad to see your back at it.

[drew]

Thanks bro. Glad to be back.

[Coke]

Sometimes I think just walking into the gym is half of it, happy to see you mending so well Drew.

[drew]

Thanks Coke. The mending continues...

Walking around was much easier today. Still having trouble twisting and turning on the right foot, but I think that's a few days away. Going down stairs is much easier, up is not a prblem, but not perfect yet.

I went into the gym with the idea of testing to see how much weight I could put hold without pain. I was surprised...

Rack Pull (4" below knee): (I was going to start higher, but I used the decision-making method of: that's where the pins were already set).
5x135 So far so good
5x225 Still easy, better not over do it.
3x275 Hmmm, ok.
3x315 Ummm, I don't feel any pain
1x365 I should stop here, but it feels so light
1x405 (Held at top for 5-count) Still light
1x455 (Held at top for 5-count) OK, this was a little heavier.
Missx505 OK, the bar moved out of my groove and I wasn't going to fight with this weight. There is still time to do that. Very happy, I should go home but...
1x455 (Held at top for 5-count)
1x405 (Thumbless grip held at top for 15-count)

GMs: 8x225

Only did 1 set of GMs because walking it out and back made me nervous, they felt good though. I would say today was a huge success. I need some sled work and some speed work in the next 2 weeks. I probably will do no squatting until after the meet. Grip is right where I need it to be. I should be able to hold onto anything I can pull. As a sidenote, I pulled something in my right arm, possibly the rear delt, but I can't tell. I feel it in the tricep area, but I don't think it's the tricep. Wierd.

[getfit]

nice drew, i'm hoping you get better soon :)*hug*

[drew]

How'd you know I was a hugger? ;)

Thanks.

[Stumprrp]

drew man good to see you back lifting heavy

[drew]

Thanks Stumpy. Realllly nice to be lifting heavy again.

[getfit]

How'd you know I was a hugger? ;)

Thanks.
big boys always like hugs :)

[drew]

big boys always like hugs :)
True. Especially from sexy girls. :)

[LiftingKid]

405 thumbless, impressive!

[drew]

Thanks Seb. I like to use a thumbless grip sometimes to help with my overall grip strength.

[Pup]

Kickass session Drew...someday i'll have to journey east so we can toss around iron and get drunk.

[drew]

Thanks Pup. Come by any time.

[DumbellDude]

Ace lifting bro! Way to get back!!!!

[drew]

Thanks bud. Not all the way back just yet, but well on the way.

[Coke]

You're definitely on the way to the new Drew, expecting big things from you always - one of the few to hold it down!!

[drew]

Thanks Coke. I do my best :D

[Kana]

Strong pulls, bud! Hopefully that pull is nothing serious.

[Sidior]

Great session man, good to see you back at it. What numbers are you hoping for at the push/pull meet?

[Chubrock]

Nice and slow brother, nice and slow.

[WillKuenzel]

As a sidenote, I pulled something in my right arm, possibly the rear delt, but I can't tell. I feel it in the tricep area, but I don't think it's the tricep. Wierd.
I bet its the lat. I did the samething a while back. Thought it was a high strain back in the tricep but was actually my lat. Nothing major but try stretching out the lats a bit more.

Good to see you back at it.

[drew]

Thanks fellas.

Sid, I was originally hoping to total 900, but that's not going to happen. I'll be thrilled if I can get an 800 total.

Will, you're probably right. It makes sense.

[drew]

Almost like a real bench workout. Gosh!

BP: 10x45 5x95 3x135 3x135 3x135 3x155 3x155 3x155 3x155
2-Board Close Grip: 15x185 10x185 5x185

I'll most likely do some lat work tomorrow. Just really wanted to see how my bench technique is doing, NOT GOOD. I need to work on flexibility with my right ankle. I'm benching with my feet out in front and wide. I can't keep any kind of arch in this position and I'm having a little trouble staying tight. Also, the lack of arch is making my lower back cramp up. 3 weeks to go...

[Goodwinm]

good session man. And solid benching.
christ huge 2 board close grip benchin. w00t for high reppage!

[drew]

Thanks Goodwin, I'm going to try to work more reps into my tricep work for a while.

[Coke]

The effort was not bad bro, it is great to see you go in and take a self-critical approach concerning your lifting.

[drew]

Yeah, Coke, not too bad. I'm trying to get form back while maintaining strength and not overdoing it or causing another injury with just 3 weeks left. I try to be very critical of how I'm lifting (nobody else can be as honest with me) I just wish I could afford to videotape my lifts (I have no camera, no money,) so I could actually see what I'm doing wrong (and what I'm doing right).

[Stumprrp]

nice triples big drew! how u feelin dude?

wide stance is coming along nice man! sittin back hittin parallel no problem, gonna try my best to get to that meet so i can get crushed lol, is there a raw division?

[LiftingKid]

Yeah, Coke, not too bad. I'm trying to get form back while maintaining strength and not overdoing it or causing another injury with just 3 weeks left. I try to be very critical of how I'm lifting (nobody else can be as honest with me) I just wish I could afford to videotape my lifts (I have no camera, no money,) so I could actually see what I'm doing wrong (and what I'm doing right).

I hate how I seem to get all my injuries a couple weeks out from a meet :(

Are you thinking in terms of doing push/pull or deadlift only for the meet?

[drew]

Thanks Rob. There is no "raw" division, but you don't need a bench shirt either.

Seb, this will be my 4th meet in a row that I'll be lifting with an injury. Of course, I set PRs in the last 3. :D I'm hoping to do the push/pull. If I can get my feet back enough on the bench, it should be fine. If I can't, I'm going to have to see what kind of weight I can handle with the shirt if I keep my feet out in front. I may not be able to touch with 275, which was going to be my opener, if I can't get a solid arch.

[drew]

Ummm, this was not planned. 10 seemed like a good number:

Box Squat (~2" high and 4" higher than I normally train): 10x45 10x135 10x185 10x225 (Thought it was wise to stop here)
GM: 10x225 10x275 10x275

Wow, felt really strong today. Wish I was healthier. I could have done some serious iron damage. Oh well. Got to have a good talk with an old-time PLer. Strong old guy, but really busted up. We traded ideas on how to get his knee/hip back to normal and he complimented me on my squat form :D Chatting with this old guy was more valuable to me than any lifting I did today.

[Stumprrp]

real nice lower body session drew.

i wont look like an ******* if i bench with no arch right? lol

[drew]

Thanks Rob.

Nobody that gets up on the platform and lifts looks like an a-hole. You just get up there and do what you can do. Not everyone lifts with an arch. Not everyone lifts with a shirt. Not everyone deadlifts with a belt (because I'm there, and I'm always the only one deadlifting without a belt :D )

[getfit]

I'm always the only one deadlifting without a belt -uh huh! nice i like that.

[drew]

:)

[Stumprrp]

me too man i dont use anything lol not even straps anymore woot.

[DumbellDude]

Great box session Drew. Bench form will come back as soon as your ankle is good. No belt DL here too.

[drew]

Thanks DD. I know it will. I just hope I get my ankle back soon.

[LiftingKid]

Thanks Rob.

Nobody that gets up on the platform and lifts looks like an a-hole. You just get up there and do what you can do. Not everyone lifts with an arch. Not everyone lifts with a shirt. Not everyone deadlifts with a belt (because I'm there, and I'm always the only one deadlifting without a belt :D )

lol, why is that? Does the belt throw you off as opposed to a suit?

[Coke]

It is indeed a matter of getting on that platform and doing what you do...the old school peeps know their stuff bro.

[drew]

The belt throws me out of my groove. I like to drop fast and come up fast. A lot of times the belt just gets in the way. I don't wear a suit to DL.

[Chubrock]

Drew's my idol!

[drew]

woo! :D

[Sidior]

Ummm, this was not planned. 10 seemed like a good number:

Box Squat (~2" high and 4" higher than I normally train): 10x45 10x135 10x185 10x225 (Thought it was wise to stop here)
GM: 10x225 10x275 10x275

Wow, felt really strong today. Wish I was healthier. I could have done some serious iron damage. Oh well. Got to have a good talk with an old-time PLer. Strong old guy, but really busted up. We traded ideas on how to get his knee/hip back to normal and he complimented me on my squat form :D Chatting with this old guy was more valuable to me than any lifting I did today.

Great session man, for not being healthy everything is looking solid.

[drew]

Thanks Sid. Trying my best to keep it real.

[LiftingKid]

The belt throws me out of my groove. I like to drop fast and come up fast. A lot of times the belt just gets in the way. I don't wear a suit to DL.

I see. To each his own :)

[drew]

A little bench work today:

(Did RC stretching between each set)
Incline BP full grip: 10x45 5x95 5x135 3x155 3x185 3x205 1x225 (Stopped here, not going to push it.
CG 2 board: 9x225 5x225 10x185
Pullup (Alternated between Wide grip and neutral): BWx5, 5, 4, 5
BB Row: 5x185 (Stopped here, I was spent).

Interesting thing happened. I decided to do the inclines so I wouldn't have to worry about stressing the ankle. The right shoulder was going nuts after the 3rd set, so I tried massaging it and figured something out. If I do a lateral raise to 90 deg, then dig my fingers into the shoulder joint (Between the front delt and the pec insertion) I can alleviate the impingement to the point where I have absolutely no pain in any direction. The only problem is the pain comes back as soon as I finish my bench set. I think this could help me get healthier though.

[Chubrock]

What'd the Doc say? Sounds to me like you have a bit of bursitis.

[drew]

I haven't spoken to the doc about my shoulder. I will get a full physical after the meet.

[Stumprrp]

nice workout big drew and sick post workout meal :P

[drew]

Heh, thanks Rob. :D

[Sidior]

Great benching. Also seems like some interesting self diagnosis going on here, glad to see you will be seeing a doc after the meet though.

[drew]

Thanks Sid.

Yeah, I'm just trying to figure some stuff out. Hopefully it will mean a more comfortable (and higher) bench.

[Stumprrp]

how many cals do u think u pack in a day, 4-5?

[drew]

Some days it's pretty weak. If I'm busy at work, I might only get 3K. On other days I try to pack them in and can get 8K easily. I'm probably averaging about 5-6. 5K usually keeps my weight steady, and it hasn't moved too much in a while.

[LiftingKid]

8k!!!! How do you do that? I struggle to get to 4k.

[Clifford Gillmore]

8k!!!! How do you do that? I struggle to get to 4k.

Bwhaha, Ive done alot more. Liquid is your friend, high calorie crap is too...


So how is Drew's world? I cant be assed reading a bunch of stuff I've missed so so sum it up for me. And don't let the truth get in the way of a good story .

[Stumprrp]

yeah thats cool bro 5k to maintain is sick, im with you and wags 5+ cals is easy as hell with liquid and high cal food.

my last gorge was 2700 cals worth of pizza and add in like 10 buffalo drum sticks so thats like 3400 cals in 20 minutes lol

[drew]

Seb, lots of whole milk, ice cream, fatty meat. I can put down a ton of food.

Risky, things are un the upswing. Ankle and shoulder are starting to come around. Meet in 18 days. I met Ron Jeremy on Friday night by complete chance. All is well.

Rob, just open mouth, insert food. :D

[Clifford Gillmore]

I met Ron Jeremy on Friday night by complete chance.


As long as it wasn't at a swingers party your ego is still intact eh?

Good news about the ankle/SH/meet. Fawking awesome.

[Coke]

I can put down some food at times but not like you guys, I mean that is serious eating...2 weeks is plenty of time for you to come through and take over at the meet like you always do Drew - ;)

[Chubrock]

Dude you met the Hedgehog? That's awesome! Was he with any hookers?

[drew]

Ron was walking by the bar as I walked out. It was ridiculous. He had about 15 girls with him, and more were latching on as he walked by.

Coke, I sure hope so man. :)

[getfit]

Ron was walking by the bar as I walked out. It was ridiculous. He had about 15 girls with him, and more were latching on as he walked by.

Coke, I sure hope so man. :)
ain't that sweet ;)

[LiftingKid]

That is a weird way of alleviating the pain :confused:

I wonder why that works.....

[mrelwooddowd]

LOL..I knew there was a reason I keep coming back here.

I read he was a school teacher first. That's hilarious to me.

[drew]

Pat, he actually has a Masters degree in special ed.

[Pup]

This journal reeks of awesomeness...that is all :cool:

[DumbellDude]

Good benching Drew. Glad things start to feel better. Interesting thing about your shoulder.

[drew]

Thanks Pup and DD :D

I just finished a local poker tourney and came in 2nd. $500 in my pocket makes me a happy boy. This was the 4th time I've cashed in that tourney (1st, 4th twice, and 2nd).

[DumbellDude]

Awesome!:thumbup:

[Coke]

That is so cool - I remember when you won the other times...I'm looking for a loan the next windfall though bro - :D

[drew]

When I win the WSOP, you guys all get a cut. :D

[Stumprrp]

drew im heading to get some mcdonalds breakfast pre workout u proud of me :D

[Chubrock]

How's everything feeling today?

[drew]

Very proud of you. MackDonald's for the win!

Shoulder is creaky, but better than usual. Ankle is hurting, and I decided to take today off and just do some band stretching and maybe some ab work later on.

Right bicep is pretty tight, but I'm sure it will be fine.

Everything else feels good. Lower back feels really strong, about where I want it to be. Mentally I'm feeling good, ready to move some heavy weight and ready to be in pain during the meet. Been there before, just a matter of getting and keeping my head right.

[LiftingKid]

Are you going to take a good deload prior to the meet?

I know you will pull some huge weight there :)

[drew]

Right now I'm planning on pulling heavy next week sometime and probably putting the shirt on and pushing one or 2 heavy singles to make sure I can touch my opener (especially if I can't get my feet back). I probably won't lift at all for 6-8 days before the meet.

[LiftingKid]

Right now I'm planning on pulling heavy next week sometime and probably putting the shirt on and pushing one or 2 heavy singles to make sure I can touch my opener (especially if I can't get my feet back). I probably won't lift at all for 6-8 days before the meet.

Alright, do you think 4 days off with a really light session 5 days out is ok? (that is what I am doing) Otherwise, I will probably just take the week off before the meet.

[drew]

That should be fine. I always go by Louie's advice. 2 weeks out, there's very little you can do to get stronger, and a lot you can do to get injured. So do only what you feel is necessary and no more.

[DumbellDude]

You're on top of the game man. Meet is on the 18th?

[Sidior]

Sounds like a solid plan bro, make sure to keep things on track and you should do well at the meet.

[Coke]

Do all you can to keep ahead of the pack between now and the meet Drew, get plenty of rest and nutrients in.

[Stumprrp]

Do all you can to keep ahead of the pack between now and the meet Drew, get plenty of rest and nutrients in.

I second this!

[drew]

DD, it's on the 16th.

Thanks fellas. I'm trying to keep my head right. I know I can deal with the pain if I must, and it looks like that will be the case. Ankle feels stable, just very painful if I go to the extreme end range with it.

Went out for steak last night with a cute girl. I've been trying to get this girl fowhat seems like forever. I gotta keep her out of my head come meet time though. :D

[drew]

Real quick: Bench PR of 315 tonight. TOTALLY unplanned. Ankle feels good and strong, shoulder feels stronger than it has in years. More later.

[Sidior]

awesome PR man, was that in the shirt or raw?

[DumbellDude]

Great PR Drew. Everything's in check. So the meet's right before your bday? That's cool, it would suck if it was the other way around.

[Sensei]

Good luck Drew. Nice PR! When is the meet again?

[HeavyBomber]

Sweet PR dude.

[Coke]

Super to hear of the PR out of the blue on your bench, not surprised at all!!

[drew]

Thanks fellas. This changes my meet strategy a bit now as I'm planning on going 315 for my 2nd and then see what happens for my 3rd. Really happy. Here's the whole workout:

BP: 10x45 5x95 3x135 5x3x155 3x185 1x225 (Add shirt) 1x275 1x315
CG 2 board: 18x185 8x185

And done. I was initially planning to go to 300 with the shirt, but the 275 came up so fast and easy, I decided to just go for it. Glad I did.

Inicidentally, it's 9:50 AM and I just got home. I'm still drunk. Two words: Free Mojito.

[LiftingKid]

Very nice pressing Drew. Exactly 2 weeks out :)

[Hatred]

I know you can do it brother. You are going to kick some ass. I wanted to stop in and thank you for the support and motivation lately.

[drew]

Thanks fellas.

No problem Hatey, you know I love you.

[DumbellDude]

it's 9:50 AM and I just got home:thumbup:
Very nice workout Drew. I'm realy happy for you man, you'll do well in the meet.

[drew]

Thanks DD. My confidence is very high after that one.

[KevinStarke]

Bout freakin time bitch.

[drew]

Yeah yeah. You better get back to it or I'll be out-benching you soon.

[Chubrock]

Killed that bench man. What do you owe the sudden increase to? Do you think Wolfys tip on benching out really wide helped?

[drew]

It's a lot of things. The extra rest was probably a small factor, but I've been practicing some different technique too. I think the biggest difference is I've been doing a ton of extra tricep work lately.

[drew]

Tune-up: Pullin'

DL: 5x135 3x225 1x315 1x365 1x425 missx495 3x405 (thumbless grip).

I missed the 495 at the knee and was drifting forward. In a meet, I would most likely be able to get this, but I was on zero psych and didn't want to blow my load or injure myself.

[LiftingKid]

So 500+ for the meet? Psyching up must put 10-20% on most individuals lifts.

[drew]

I'm gonna see how I feel after I bench. I will either open with 425 or I might do 405 thumbless (for fun). For 2 I'll either go right to 500 or I may back down and take whatever I need to total 800 (If I get the 325 on bench, I'll go to 475) and then go balls-out for my 3rd.

[Coke]

Gonna do super on all moves at the meet...great news about your bench.

[Stumprrp]

big drew nice job on the 3 plates man

[drew]

Thanks fellas. :)

[DumbellDude]

Good numbers there Drew !

[Chubrock]

Aight bro, give me an update.

[drew]

11 days to meet time. Feeling good. Feeling strong.

[DumbellDude]

You started counting days... that's good! Everyone's excited.. Anyone else from WBB going to the meet? Kevin?

[drew]

Kevin will not be at the meet. As far as I know (and hope) he made it to San Francisco, though I haven't talked to him in a couple of weeks so that's not confirmed, but he was planning to go there.

LiftingKid will be at the meet and I think Stump was considering going, but not sure if he will be there.

[Stumprrp]

yeah drew im not sure if i can come, if its on a weekday i cant for sure if not i can try to get there.

[drew]

It's next Saturday, the 16th.

[LiftingKid]

yeah drew im not sure if i can come, if its on a weekday i cant for sure if not i can try to get there.

Not to pressure you too much but....






COME TO THE MEET :)

[Stumprrp]

lol i really want to come! what time would i have to get there?

[drew]

Weigh-in on Saturday will be 8:30-11 followed by the rules briefing and then bench starts at 12. I would get there no later than 10.

I will probably get there around 10:30 or so since I'll be weighing in on Friday.

[Sidior]

are you dropping to compete in the 198s?

[drew]

Yeah Dave, I'm planning to go 198 for sure. I've been 205-206 consistently for a few weeks and I figure if I start Thursday night I can easily make 198. Just gotta get real wet early next week.

[getfit]

Good Luck with everything Drew :)

[DumbellDude]

I'm flying out on the 17th. Next time I'll make it there.

[drew]

Thank you Sylvia :)

It's all good DD. My birthday is on the 17th.

[Sidior]

Yeah Dave, I'm planning to go 198 for sure. I've been 205-206 consistently for a few weeks and I figure if I start Thursday night I can easily make 198. Just gotta get real wet early next week.

awesome man, those numbers are going to be even more impressive a weight class down

[drew]

Yeah Dave. And they'll be even more impressive when they're bigger! :)

Nothing special today:

Spread Eagle situps: 10xBW 10x45 10x45
Pistols (wall assisted) 1x5 (each leg)

I wanted to just do some ab work and try the pistols to see how my right leg is doing. My right quad has definitely lost some strength, the left side is much stronger. Not too much I can do about it right now. Maybe some front squats on Saturday but most of the next 5 days will be abs, lats, and technique work.

[Chubrock]

Day 10, complete.

[Sidior]

Sounds like a solid plan. Seeing how you handle the week before a meet will make it easier to sort out myself prior to a meet if I ever compete.

[Coke]

It's gonna be real tight here within the next week, you can handle it though bro - have a great mindset for it all!!

[drew]

Thanks fellas. I'm just so damn bored! I hate not lifting heavy, but I know I need the rest. Will go out for dinner and a few rounds of pool before football.

[Chubrock]

Watch that ankle playin fball bro.

[drew]

Oh snap son, I meant watching! I'm in no shape to play right now.

[Chubrock]

Haha I was wondering for sec. Thought I was going to have to bitch slap you.

[LiftingKid]

Haha I was wondering for sec. Thought I was going to have to bitch slap you.

lol.

This next week better fly by.....

[DumbellDude]

rest up (or do some bicep curls for the fun of it....) you'll lift heavy after the meet.

[drew]

I hope to lift heavy AT the meet lol. bicep curls... fun? Eh... :)

[DumbellDude]

I hope to lift heavy AT the meet lol.
Yeah, that too!!!!!! You'll do great man!

[Hatred]

I just wanted to drop by to tell you that I Hate you.....


and Love you man.
I appreciate your style of support for me and know that when you look at my legs that you inspired what they were and will be....

Pay attention to this man. He's an asset to the site and i hope that he tracked down the elusive northeastern bald beaver tonight.

[drew]

Thanks for stopping by Josh.

Alas, the light-skinned variety of hairless northeastern beaver was more elusive than usual. HOWEVER, the dark-skinned variety was plentiful, and we bagged us a short one.