Slow Weak and Stupid

[monsoon]

So, 2014 is here and it's about time to start a log. Thanks to Uphillclimb for the encouragement.
About me. I am 38 and have been lifting one way or another for well over 20 years. I started as a weakling teenager with a few weights in my parents basement and I have come full circle as a weakling middle aged adult in my own basement. I have dabbled in all or most of the strength sports over years. I was at my biggest/ strongest about 12 years ago. Now I train because I love it and I have kids and I need to be able to kick their ass as they grow up.
I have been dealing with some spine issues that severely limit my strength but I am determined to overcome it. Keep that in mind as you giggle at the 12 year old girl weights that I use. My issues may be correctable, but would require multiple surgeries and probably cost me my job.
I work at a high stress/low pay job that requires me to maintain physical fitness levels beyond your average couch potato. This plays into my ability to recover sometimes.
I currently train 5,3,1 mostly. This year I will be emphasizing the squat as it is my weakest and my favorite. So I will be doing mini squat cycles Texas style within my 5,3,1.
Today;
I ran a little bit with the dog
Squat 5x5 with 165
Bench 175x 5, 200x 5, 225x 4,2
This does not include my extensive warmup or accessory movements.

 

[FLEXjs]

Good deal running a journal man. I lurk more than I post in the journals but I'll chime in when I think I can help.

Good luck with your lifting in 2014.

 

[IronSoul]

Good deal running a journal man. I lurk more than I post in the journals but I'll chime in when I think I can help.

Good luck with your lifting in 2014.

^^^what he said! Good luck brother

 

[PillarofBalance]

Good luck monsoon... I'm in.

 

[AorgeMlter]

Back and Arms on the 13th All caught up now.

 

[woodswise]

Good luck with your new journey Bro. When I was your age (still a youngster) I thought my best days were behind me. Fastforward 10 years, and I have been hitting all new PR's. If you can work past those injuries of yours, you will be surprised at what your aging body can accomplish! I promise. Scout's Honor. Ww.

 

[Jenner]

Good luck...slow and steady!

 

[monsoon]

Thanks everyone. Reading some of the other journals and posts, I am obviously in good company. Many of you have and are fighting through worse. I feel like a pansy.
A word about diet and cardio;
About two months ago I had a blood test for allergies that showed a lot of food allergies. As a result, I no longer eat wheat and a bunch of other stuff. I eat lots of meat, beef, pork, chicken and get most of my carbs from rice and veggies. I don't really count calories or macros, if I did, I would probably find that I don't eat enough most days. I will occasionally go 24- 36 hours without a meal due to circumstances. For sups, I use protein powder usually twice a day, fish oil, assorted vitamins and a sleep stack from true protein.
My cardio consists of walking the dog at least daily, sometimes twice. I also run occasionally anywhere from 1 to 5 miles. I also get in some loaded carries and long hikes at work on occasion. I also do some fighting/combat training.
Right now my weight is in the upper 180s I have been 236 with rough 4 abs, but that was a long time ago. I have also been 4 percent bf also a long time ago.

 

[monsoon]

Dead 195x3, 225x3, 245x3 upper right hamstring really bothering me. I did full warm up but did not do GHR.
OHP 120 5x5
Squat 140x5,5
If the hammy feels ok on Friday I am going to do a heavy 5 on squat and then joker set.

 

[Superman]

You're gonna kick ass monsoon! Life happens and its our ability to overcome that sets us apart from the norm. I'm a little younger than you but can definitely relate, keep kicking ass and taking names before ya know it youre gonna have a long list! Good luck brother!

 

[ketsugo]

Just carry on such is life . Bodybuilding and life are same you just keep trying. We all have trials and obstacles you are no different - I'm 48 many set backs spine surgery both lower and neck , desert storm vet I seen it all, put myself through college MSW , CSCS , work a shitty ass job very stressful - but ya get though and make no excuses. Every one has their story - the greatest warrior is one who conquers himself

 

[woodswise]

Get your diet right, bro, and everything else will get a lot easier.