Training Log Update – January 2013

It’s been way too long since I posted a training log update. Actually, I haven’t said a word about my training since my last powerlifting meet way back in November. But there’s a reason for that.

After setting a handful of PRs at the meet, I started using a purchased program so I didn’t want to log exactly what I was doing and give away programming that an established coach worked so hard to create. Also, I’ve been battling off-and-on issues with my left shoulder (a result of some training imbalances leading up to the powerlifting meet) so the bulk of my training during December and early January just wasn’t that interesting.

But patience, persistence and some quality active release technique has gotten me where I need to be health-wise, so I’m back in the saddle. I’ll be competing in the APF 2013 Spring Iron Frenzy on April 13 – just 10 weeks away. This is my first meet outside of Vermont and the first alongside my friend and fellow strength enthusiast Harold Gibbons. He recently competed in his first powerlifting meet and runs a quality blog that you should read.

Anyways, my strength numbers tailed off a bit with a 14-pound weight loss, but not too much. My deadlift seems to have taken the biggest hit, but squat and bench are moving along nicely. I’ll be taking a more moderate approach leading up to this meet to stay healthy and avoid the nagging injuries that Sheiko always seems to bring. As Jim Wendler wisely said, better to lift a few less pounds and lift for a lifetime than lift a huge amount of weight once and get injured.

The biggest program changes: less bench press volume, lots of inverted rows, and more weak point training like pause squats and speed deadlifts.

Check out some random highlights from my last few weeks of training. And head over to my Fitocracy page to see exactly what I’ve been doing.