This is going to be a long ride…

Squat
5/5/5
250 lbs

Overhead Press
135 lbs
5/5/5

Chin up
0 lbs
3/3/3

Deadlift
275 lbs/225 lbs
1/3

Had to Clean the bar from the floor today because someone else took over the rack. Felt a bit sick during Deadlifts, so I just rushed them and got out. I noticed I was very slow off the floor when I pulled 275 lbs, but the lockout portion of the lift was easy.

Saw more stupid things in UNCG’s gym than I care to document at the moment. Going for a bike ride to the grocery store now.

Back to the grind.

Squat
225 lbs
5/5/5

Bench Press
185 lbs
5/5/5

Pendlay Row
135 lbs
5/5/5

Overall a fairly easy day physically, but very mentally challenging. I haven’t really lifted in almost two weeks, so I wasn’t quite mentally prepared for lifting today. To add to this, I was lifting in a new gym – I’m now attending the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and I’ll be using their facilities for at least the next two years.

Diet isn’t going to be amazing from this point on. I’m going to be confined to typical “college” foods for the most part, so I’m going to look to various protein powders to supplement my poor nutrition. I’ve already lost six pounds from being here, despite the fact I’ve drank nothing but soda for the last two weeks.

On the positive side of things, I discovered my school’s gym has a Hyperextension Bench. I did some Hyperextensions today without much trouble, so I decided I’d throw a 45 lb plate on my head. They went from “really easy” to “I can barely lift this.” It was fun to try a new lift, if nothing more.

Box Squats.

Box Squat
135 lbs/225 lbs/270 lbs/315 lbs
5/3/2/1

Overhead Press
135 lbs/160 lbs/175 lbs
3/1/1

I'm going to work with Box Squats for a bit in effort to better engage my posterior chain while Squatting.

I only had 30 minutes to lift today. Given the fact I've been packing and visiting the gym infrequently as of late, I'm fairly happy with the results of today.

Blah. Again.

Squat
295 lbs
4/1

Dips
0 lbs
5/5

Chin ups
0 lbs
5/2

Dumped the bar on my Squats because I was doing some pretty hardcore Good Mornings out of the hole. After the incident with Squats, I decided I just wasn't in it mentally and did some Dips and Chins instead of the usual Bench and Rows.

I don't know what was up today. It may be inadequate sleep, insufficient protein in my diet, or infrequency of lifting as of late. It may be something different entirely.

On a positive note, I received my orthotics on Monday. I used them today in my lifting shoes, and they actually did manage to improve my ability to track my knees properly fairly significantly.

Burning out.

Squat
295 lbs
3/0/0

Overhead Press
165 lbs
0/0/0

Chin up
0 lbs
4/3/3

Deadlift
N/A
N/A

Went to some generic commercial gym in Hilton Head, SC. Guest membership was $14. Equipment was awkward - rack wasn't sturdy. I've been sick throughout the week. This was compounded by my girlfriend being upset with me.

I'm beginning to believe that my career in lifting is coming to an end. My girlfriend really doesn't approve of the time I spend at the gym, and despite the fact that I do love lifting, I have to prioritize things. If it comes down to quitting, at least I can say that I had a moderately successful run, as far as progress goes.

On on unrelated note, chin up rep count likely improved because I could hang without any knee bend. Felt much better.