This past weekend I began to have a break through in training. Its funny how all of the sudden things begin clicking. My training schedule was actually inverted this week so my max effort squat was Saturday and dynamic effort bench was Sunday.
7/25
I did not get to train in the morning like usual. Today two other interns and I worked the Make-A-Wish foundation's annual walk in Columbus. It was a gratifying experience to see little kids enjoy simple obstacle courses so thoroughly. Sometimes, myself included, we forget how easy it really can be to make a difference in the lives of others. We spent a total of three or so hours at the park and Its evident the impact stretched far past that time span. I was still able to make a trip to train at the compound a few hours later. For the first time all summer I was squatting alone. Ill admit I was a bit anxious. No one to work the mono (first world PL problems) and no one to coach me. I was also scheduled to hit a heavy triple. I took it as an opportunity to really see where my new squat form was at neurally and strength wise. I approach the whole session methodically and objectively. Took a long warm up, video taped every set and only went heavier if it looked good on the video. After about 13 total sets I hit my top set and it felt pretty good regardless of fatigue and the situation. It was 40lbs under my lifetime best but I am very happy with my starting point. The technique began to feel more innate and I actually felt my hamstrings.
7/26
After the first "good" session in a while yesterday I was determined to keep the ball rolling. I went into the session with the same confidence and mindset from the day prior. I ended up having a good bench session and things were starting to click the same way yesterday. It was just Joe, Matt, and I in the gym. We used the American Press Bar for the dynamic work and did a fifty rep set as a backdown afterwards.
I left the session feeling just as beat up as I do every weekend but I certainly had some extra confidence this weekend. Mechanics are starting to move in the right direction but more importantly I'm healthy and in the mindset to facilitate progress so I know its just a matter of time before things fall into place. Come November 14th I know I will be prepared.