Training Log: Entry 3492

AM WORKOUT (0400 wake up via alarm)

**12 LABORS: STEALING THREE OF THE GOLDEN APPLES OF HESPERIDES**

*Tactical Barbell Operator* Cycle 2, Week 5, Workout 1

MAIN WORK

SSB front squats

5x3x245

ALTERNATE w/

Log clean and strict press away

5x3x170+1 push press rep per set

NG weighted chins

5x3x42.5

ASSISTANCE CIRCUIT

5 rounds, 30 seconds per movement of

24kg KB swing

375lb SSB front rack hold

Dips

HLR

Push ups

BPA

4x25

4 minutes on the rower

Notes:

* Felt pretty good coming into this, and that’s something I’ve observed with my time on Tactical Barbell Operator: fatigue management is done so well that I never feel too beat up to train, and my performance IN training tends to be pretty sharp.  I have some days that are better than others, but I’m pretty much always in a ready state to perform.

* Tried to focus on hitting the bottom of the front squat quickly and smoothly, as that seems to be carrying over really well into lapping the stone.  On the log, I made it a point to get from start to end quickly.  Basically doing my best to disrespect the log.  If I build it up in my mind and treat it like a big deal, it will be, whereas if I treat it like an everyday thing, it’ll be that too.  On the second set of log I got a little off balanced, but otherwise no issues.  The push press is hit and miss, but I’m glad I’m getting in the reps.  Chins feel solid: I like the low reps.

* The most challenging part of the conditioning circuit continues to be holding that SSB after the swings and regaining my composure/breathing, which I think is going to have excellent carryover to my carry medley.  I’m also really trying to “throw” that kettlebell.  All this said, there’s a slight chance I miss this competition due to a work obligation, which I’m waiting to hear about, but, in truth, upon discovering that, my world didn’t collapse like it normally does.  I’m honestly pleased with how prepping for this competition gave me a good vector for my training and got me to discover just how well this program works out.  But, of course, I still want to compete.

* Couldn’t help but play with my new toy for a few minutes.  Doing my best not to get stupid with the rower this close to gameday: that can come later, but I wanted to at least get a feel for it.  If nothing else, I can start developing technique so that, when it’s time to use it, I know what I’m doing.

* I weighed in at 81.7kg, which is a 2.9kg drop from last week.  Given last week was my weigh in post travel/cruise, this isn’t unexpected at all: I needed to “dry out” and stabilize.  I DO feel like this speaks well of how beneficial the Maximum Definition diet is when it comes to drying out in this matter, similar to the Atkin’s induction phase or the Dukan Diet phase 1 or any other phasic diet approach.  There’s also the element of me being 3 days “gum sober”, so I’m dealing with less bloating and a significantly reduced artificial sweetener intake.  Either way, it bodes well, I am once again below my weight class and in a good place.

* …which leads us into breakfast, which is also a fantastic combination of Gaston and Hercules/Heracles (I prefer the greek spelling, but no one else does).  1lb (ish) of grassfed New Zealand leg of lamb that I cut into steaks, sprayed with duck fat and some salt and air fried at 425 for 8 minutes, alongside 3 pastured hard boiled eggs and 4 egg whites mixed with grassfed beef tallow.  Yup: lamb for the greek, eggs for Gaston: try to find a more anabolic pairing right there.  The original intent was 8oz of lamb, but I realized that tonight will be my family meal, which is traditionally lower in protein due to the higher carb content, so I figured this would be a good opportunity to get in whatever I’m missing.  I’m going to play the rest of the week by ear, as I’ve got the lamb cut into 8oz (ish, I’m no butcher) portions and I’ve been able to stock up on egg whites to be able to manipulate my protein content as needed.  Given I’m below my weight class now, I’m not too concerned about overeating, but I also know not to “overcorrect” in that regard.  Once the competition is over and I don’t need to worry about making a weight class, I’m definitely just going to play it all by ear and go full Gironda on it.

* Family meal tonight is going to be some farmer’s casserole and some wonderful oatmeal/peanut butter/butterscotch/chocolate chunk cookies with honey and skim milk, and then a nice evening walk.  The plan keeps on working.  This is also, technically, NOT fully in line w/Maximum Definition, as Gironda wants a pure carb meal with no protein for the sake of filling up the muscles, but, as always: being a family man comes first.  We can make it all work.