Monday, November 30, 2009

Let the Fun Begin

It's always exciting to start a new cycle of training. I can't wait to be finished teaching my classes so I can get to gym and try out my new training. The anticipation about kills me. I want to find out how challenging it is and how my body will react. I just get giddy!

So, here's what I got to try out today:

Double Clean to Squat to Push Press - 12 kgs (26 lbs. each)
-3 reps/ minute for 15 minutes.
-The squat portion was a challenge. The cleans are easy, shmeazy. The presses are as well. I have a definite sticky point in the squat. It's my big toes. I keep working on them.
RPE - 7

Snatches - 12 kg - 8 x 10 L, R
-30 seconds rest between sets of 10 L, 10 R
-This took me a little less than 8 minutes to complete. In retrospect, I should have just done two more rounds for an even 10 minutes and 200 reps.
RPE - 6

It was actually a fun training session. I'm pleased with my output.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Busy, Busy

I've been busy catching up on life the past few weeks. I'm finally well. I will be starting a new phase of training - lots of conditioning. I've been working on increasing strength. Now I'll cycle back to getting my heart pumping and smoking my lungs. I don't know if I'll try the Ultimate Snatch Test again, or not. I'd like to get more than 200 in 10 minutes. Gotta have goals!

My job gets super hectic over the next three weeks. I'm an English professor, and research papers and essay exams start streaming in, all needing to be graded before December 18. My training will be a welcomed diversion. It will keep me sane, I hope!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Easing Back In

I'm feeling a bit better, so I had to do some training. I started with my Zscription. Ahhhhh!

It's been awhile since I did snatches and swings, so I thought, "Why not?" It felt great to get my heart rate up.

Snatches - 16 kg (35 lbs) - 50 left, 50 right
-I did the RKC snatch test: 100 snatches with the 16 kg in 5 minutes. Still got it! (with time to spare)

Swings - 24 kg (53 lbs.) - 10 min.
-I did 20 reps every 30 seconds followed by 30 seconds of rest. That was a workout! It felt good to get back to the basics and just sweat.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

I'm Alive!

I haven't done any training this week since Monday. Life has been really crazy, and I'm trying to kick this crud. I decided it was best to give my body a rest. Monday I'll start a new round of training. I'm really looking forward to it.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Really?

Am I really going to continue to be sick? Really? I thought I was done with this junk.

I'm sick of being sick, and I haven't even been that sick. Last weekend I had a stuffed head, so I slept most of the weekend. This weekend I was weak, tired, and unable to eat. I just can't seem to completely get over this bug, nor do I get knock down, drag out sick either. I don't even get a fever. What gives?!

My training is paying the price. I keep holding steady, but I'm not making any progress. Next week, my program is getting revamped. Until then, I'll do what I can and hope to kick this virus.

Open Palm Plate TGUs - 35 lb. plate - 5 x 2 L, R

1 Arm 1 Leg Deadlift - 24 kg - 5 x 5 L, R

Bent Press - 28 kg - 5 x 2 L, R

Same as last week. At least I'm not going backward!

Friday, November 13, 2009

I'll Take It

Not bad. That's my assessment of today's training.

Goblet Squat - 24 kg (53 lbs) - 5 x 10
alternated with
Ring Pullup Negatives - 5 x 3

Open Palm Plate Press - 35 lbs - 3 x 1, 2, 3 L, R
-First time waiter pressing a 35 lb. plate. The right side was a challenge, but I made it. The left side was a struggle. I could get one rep, but then I had to help it up a bit for reps two and three. I did a slow negative, however, to build that side.

The pullup negatives don't ever get easier. I'm convinced I don't have proper body alignment. One problem is that the space I have to train in only gives me about 7 foot clearance from the rings to the floor. That means I can't stretch out, so my body is constantly moving to change leg position on the way down. *Sigh*

Brad - can I skype you during a training session? This pullup is just ticking me off!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Me Likey!

Today's training was fantabulous! I feel like a She-Woman. Roaaaarrrrr!!!

Open Palm Plate TGU - 35 lbs. - 5 x 2 L, R
-Solid.

1 Arm 1 Leg Deadlifts - 24 kg (53 lbs) - 5 x 5 L, R
alternated with
Bent Press - 28 kg (62 lbs) - 5 x 2 L, R
-My lats are still shaking. :)
-I'm still sick, so putting up these numbers is astonishing. I can't wait to see what I do when I'm at 100%.

I best be placing an order for a 32 kg kettlebell. I need more iron!

Monday, November 9, 2009

"B"ack After It

Yay! I was able to get some training in today. It wasn't stellar or PR material, but it moved me toward my goals. After being sick for the past three days, I am thrilled with my effort today.

Goblet Squats - 20 kg - 5 x 10
Ring Pullup Negatives - 5 x 3
-Mini circuit style.

Open Palm Plate Press - 25 lbs - 3 x 3, 5, 7
-Even though I'm feeling weak from my illness, I was able to press the same as last week. I can't wait to move up to the 35 lb plate on Friday. I can taste it!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

I'll B Back

I've been asleep half the weekend. I did take a short Harley ride to revive my soul on Saturday, but that's about all I have had energy for. Hopefully I'll "B" back soon!

Friday, November 6, 2009

B Postponed

Block B training will be postponed today due to a head cold. I can't hear, breathe, taste, smell, or see well. Maybe if I kick it today, I'll be able to train tomorrow. I'll take this over H1N1, though.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

B Tough

Block B was tough on Wednesday, but I pressed through.

Goblet Squats -24 kg - 5 x 10
Pullup Negatives - 5 x 3
-This was a mini circuit.
-I am NOT happy with the pullup progress. I either need an attitude adjustment, some serious face-to-face training w/ Brad, or a new strategy. Perhaps I need some patience???? I've met other big goals, so I believe I should meet this one just as quickly. Attitude adjustment.

Open Palm Plate Press - 25 lb. plate - 3 x 3, 5, 7 reps
-Tough, but totally doable. And do I did. Woot Woot!!

I am pretty sore this morning. My pecs, lats, arms - you name it on my upper body, I'm feeling it.

I'm off to edumacate the masses on communicashon. Happy Thursday!

Monday, November 2, 2009

B Good

I'm back to Block B. It's all good.

Open Palm Plate TGU - 35 lb. plate - 4 x 2 L, R
-My wrists were screaming during these. It's been several weeks since I've done Block B, probably even a month. Yikes!

1 Arm 1 Leg Deadlifts - 20 kg - 5 x 5 L, R
-This is less weight than I was scheduled for, but I didn't want to tweak my back. I tend to do that on this drill. The lighter weight made a difference.

Bent Press - 28 kg (62 lbs) - 7 x 1 L, R
-Amazing! These felt relatively light. I don't remember the 28 going up this easily before. Heck yeah!

So, can someone tell me why I can put up 28 kg bent presses, but I can't do a pullup? I know. I need to shave about 4 inches off my height and 20 lbs. off my frame and I'll be cranking them out, right? Oh long limbs. I love you and I hate you!