Perseverance Log

[KaliBaby]

Week 2

Session 3

Felt exhausted today. Maybe it was the rain + overwhelming media coverage of 9/11

squats: 2X5 75, 85 lbs; 5X5 90 lbs
deadlift: 3X5 125 lbs
overhead press: 5X bar, 2X5 50 lbs, 3X5 55 lbs

[KaliBaby]

Week 3

Session 1

squats: 2X5 65, 85 lbs; 5X5 95 lbs
bench press: 2X5 55, 65 lbs; 5X5 70 lbs
seated rows: 2X5 70 lbs; 3X5 85 lbs

Migranes have been coming and going all week long. Took a big hit last night and felt really nauseous this morning. Bench press was a little wobbly after the first two sets, probably a result of migrane fatigue.

I need to incorporate cardio at least 2 days a week from now on. I'm feeling a bit sluggish even though my strength is building. Or is there a definite correlation there?

[KaliBaby]

Went for a really nice run this morning. Ran to the beach and onto the sand for at least a mile, then back out onto the street and partially around a lake. The weather is beautiful day, a bit chilly but bright and sunny

cardio: 37:30 minute run

Looking forward to finishing out Week 3 this weekend.

[KaliBaby]

I went to the gym earlier today to do the second session but started feeling unwell. I did a few sets of squats but then packed it in. Note for next time: FUEL BEFORE THE GYM! Will pick it back up tomorrow.

On another note, I dyed my hair last night. I haven't been red in years, and the last time was a total disaster (in 2007 when I let my host-family's cousin dye my hair in Russia).

I might keep it for 2 weeks or so, but then I'll go back to some sort of brown.



Going spray tanning in a bit, oh Jersey Shore

[KaliBaby]

Felt much better today, had some Thai dumplings before the gym. Biking was also enjoyable in the nice sunshine.

Week 3

Session 2

cardio: 54 minutes biking to/from gym

squats: 2X5 75, 90 lbs; 5X5 100 lbs
deadlifts: 3X5 135 lbs
overhead press / push press: 2X5 50, 55 lbs; 3X5 60 lbs

I'm hoping that for month 2 I can actually start on a Monday and have a more regular schedule.

[thestoatyone]

Nice work, cool hair, sorted

[KaliBaby]

Thanks stud!

Oh dear, I can't believe I lost a week of training! I only just did the 9th workout today. This week I was completely stressed out and overrun by work. I'm spending the rest of the night doing all the necessary paperwork and visuals for the week so that I won't skip workouts again.

Week 3

Session 3

cardio: 50+ minutes biking to/from gym

squats: 2X5 65, 85 lbs; 5X5 105 lbs
bench: 5X5 45, 55, 65, 75, 75 lbs
rows: 5X5 85 lbs

My arms felt a bit weak, I didn't think I could do all five sets at 75 lbs.

Fingers crossed that I can get back on track!

Two highlights from the week: 1) I played a zombie game with my students on Tuesday (or Wednesday?) and one of them actually bit me. 2) Got wasted and bonded with my coworkers Friday night.

P.S. I dyed my hair back from red. It was turning into a weird red/orange mess. Boo.

[dublin dave]

Got wasted and bonded with my coworkers Friday night.

Solid work...getting wasted is an underrated activity on this board...x

[thestoatyone]

Got wasted and bonded with my coworkers Friday night.

Solid work...getting wasted is an underrated activity on this board...x

Backed. Not helpful for the deadlifting but there's more to life...

[ninearms]

Got wasted and bonded with my coworkers Friday night.

Solid work...getting wasted is an underrated activity on this board...x

Backed. Not helpful for the deadlifting but there's more to life...

"There is no reason to be alive if you can't do deadlift."

[KaliBaby]

Got wasted and bonded with my coworkers Friday night.

Solid work...getting wasted is an underrated activity on this board...x

Indeed!

Week 4

Session 1 (Friday)

squats: 2X5 65, 90 lbs; 5X5 110 lbs
deadlift: 3X5 145 lbs

Session 2 (Saturday)

squats: 2X5 65, 95 lbs; 5X5 115 lbs
bench: 2X5 55, 65 lbs; 2X5 70 lbs; 3X5 75 lbs
rows: 3X5 85 lbs, 2X5 100 lbs

I was supposed to bench 80 lbs today but decided to hold off and make sure my bench at 75 lbs was more solid.

It's unfortunate that I'm cramming these workouts into the weekend but this week was crazy with work again. After tomorrow's session, my body is going to HURT!!!

Not sure if I'll actually be able to do a 2X bodyweight deadlift before Thanksgiving like I planned, given that I missed a whole week of workouts and I might miss another week in November (surprise visit to the boyfriend back in England).

In any event, by the end of the year, I will accomplish my goal -- I'll see to that at least!

[baldy]

It's unfortunate that I'm cramming these workouts into the weekend but this week was crazy with work again. After tomorrow's session, my body is going to HURT!!!

Not sure if I'll actually be able to do a 2X bodyweight deadlift before Thanksgiving like I planned, given that I missed a whole week of workouts and I might miss another week in November (surprise visit to the boyfriend back in England).

You can only do what you can do, just give it your all. Don't right off your goals until you get there, if you start saying your not going to get it then your not going to. Too much over thinking is bad for lifting.

Will you have time for a VF meetup while your in London, or is it going to be all romance, candles and sexy times with your man?

[Mellos]

Never give up!
You can do it

[Linnéa76]

I will accomplish my goal

That's the spirit! How much do you reckon 2 x BW will be? (In kilos if you don't mind )

[KaliBaby]

Will you have time for a VF meetup while your in London, or is it going to be all romance, candles and sexy times with your man?

I'd make time for you baldy Not 100% sure I'll be heading to London now though...

Unfortunately, today was a very low point in my relationship with habibi. He's decided to not apply for a visa to come see me and meet my family in the U.S. He has his reasons and I have to accept / respect them, but now I'm left with a half-broken heart wondering how much longer we're going to be together Cried so much today, I really don't know what's going to happen. I don't want to lose him.

Never give up!
You can do it

Thanks stud!

That's the spirit! How much do you reckon 2 x BW will be? (In kilos if you don't mind )

I'm not sure what bodyweight I'll end up at towards the end but I'm guessing my 2XBW deadlift will be between 125-130 kg.

Week 4

Session 3

squats: 2X5 70, 100 lbs; 5X5 120 lbs
deadlift: 3X5 155 lbs

Tried to focus on my lifts instead of habibi, was pretty hard

Month 1 observations / notes:

- Thighs are thicker and stronger
- I've gotten so used to looking at my face in the mirror while squatting that it may actually be negatively affecting my form -- I especially noticed today that I was leaning forward and pushing off of the front of my feet versus my heels. That's probably another reason why my thighs look thick and my ass doesn't look bigger.
- I forsee struggles with bench but will try to stick with it -- I'm glad to have a spotter now
- Deadlifts have been easy so far, looking forward to heavier weights
- Biceps are popping although my arms look a bit more slender than they did a few weeks ago
- Lost 1 inch on my waist
- Weight: 139.4 lbs and Bodyfat: 24.9% so I'm slowly but surely creeping towards my goal of 135 lbs and 20-22% bodyfat
- I still have my boobs

Looking forward to Month 2 and getting some squat PBs