The Return of the jedi ..2010 pix p126

No.13

Get your game face on and smash it.

Raaaaaargh!!!!!
*smashes self in face

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

Ahem.
Well that could've gone better.
I was concentrating so much on making the drive on my 170 squat I kind, sorta, forgot to make proper depth.
A mix of last week's buried fail and this weeks high success would be spot on next week.

Had a really nice 130 on the bench. Very pleasing, no shoulder pain at all; back to a moderate to narrow grip and elbows out but trying to get a bit of an arch in my lower back. Felt good. I mean, no strength to speak of but errr nice and smooth. I'm going to try reps of this next week, hopefully 3x, even if it is 3 singles.

Deadlift errr no, not so much.
Deadlifting twice a week just doesn't seem to agree with me really especially if am squatting twice as well. Something will have to give and it is going to have to be deads. I need the leg work, I don't feel as though I need the back work really.

I was gutted to have posted another disappointing performance last night, just felt hollow all the way through. But. I have had a rotten cold which, in truth, is still lingering and I am still training so wont have lost too much. Just need to ride out the storm and wait for the next wave heading in the forward direction.

I was chatting in the week about not nec. making the best of my bulking time. On the one hand I am pretty lean for saying I am supposed to be bulking so maybe need to increase the food intake. On the other hand I was 11-9 at the end of summer so have put on the 3/4 of a stone without gaining too much fat. So, hard to tell whether intake is about right to be gaining muscle with little fat or whether I need to up it a fair bit to make better gains. I think I am definitely a bit shy when it comes to eating but have definitely stalled at around 12-6/7 for the last couple of weeks so it could be that I will just have to bite the bullet (probably not too many carbs in a bullet anyway).

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

Bullets are fine.

What's your diet looking like then, mr jedi? Do you follow anything strict or just play it by ear?

Don't get too down-hearted about the session, as you said you've been recovering from a cold and your game face went AWOL. You may have not smashed it, but a nice controlled 130 must have cracked it a little

Journal

Diet is played by a fairly strict ear.
I would say that I am naturally more suited to a maintenance/cutting regime than a bulking one. Which is why it is a shame that the whey is not really working out too well; it would've been a really convenient whey to increase my cals with some protein.
I need to find myself a nice butcher's daughter who is keen to feed me up on fillet steak

Last night's debacle was somewhat explained by the cold flaring up again today. Felt sniffly again and generally as though I was wading through water. Getting a bit fed up with it now. Didn't really fancy it tonight but thought I'd better make the effort. Was glad I did as I got more done than I thought.

Squat
60-60-100 x10
120 x 12-12-10
80 x 15

Leg Ext
77kg x 15-12-10

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

Bench
100 x 10/8/6 (plus assists to make 12/10/8)

Incline 'Bells
34 x 14.5/12/11

Decline Flying + partial pressing
20kg x 15/12/10 

Cable Flying
? x 15/12/10

V-Bar Pushdown
Stack x 12/12/8

Skull/Closegrip
30kg x 12each - 10 each - 10/8

plus calves

Not bad in that I got the volume I was looking for on chest. Bit disappointed with the 100reps which turned out to be same as last week but on the other hand was better everywhere else so am thinking maybe a bit more warmup on bench or even just not really pay it too much attention. This is difficult given that Jackman is pressing ahead both literally and metaphorically.

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

You need to try and get yourself a membership card for a wholesalers mate.  I'm saving a fortune on my meat since joining COSTCO.

NABBA NE Comp Journal
http://www.muscletalk.co.uk/tm.aspx?high=&m=3759183&mpage=1#3759384

Okay will broaden the search from butcher's daughter to include single mothers with wholesale access.

Woke up with a feeling of dread appointment looming.
You know the kind of thing; dentists at 11, or told to report to the headmaster after assembly, or the bully behind the bike sheds after school.

In this instance I have a deadlifting date with 210kg booked for about 6.30pm
I can't see the point of lifting 205 again so 210 it must be.
I'm not sure why, what with my technique in tatters, my back a bit sore from work and still feeling weakened by this cold
...but I am reasonably optimistic
I really am barking mental.

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

Get that Deadlift slain my friend, im sure that it is yours if you want it bad enough.  

Do not admit mental defeat. You know what to do, get it done.

I am Ripper... Tearer... Slasher... Gouger. I am the Teeth in the Darkness, the Talons in the Night. Mine is Strength... and Lust... and Power!

Let battle commence.

I am pinning my optimism on the fact that I have done 205 basically not knowing what the fkk is going on I  have one or two things to work on re technique and will put my faith in that
...and a mighty roar of powaaaa.

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

Good man!

now head over to my journal and pick up your free complementary "Deadlift Wallpaper".

Done in the style of an 80's Metal album cover. Retro!

I am Ripper... Tearer... Slasher... Gouger. I am the Teeth in the Darkness, the Talons in the Night. Mine is Strength... and Lust... and Power!

Took these first thing and wasn't going to post due to the state of my sleep pants
However, we are all adult scientists here so am sure there will be no jocular remarks.
First up, I think my weight has now officially stalled at between 12-6 and 12-8 (inclusive).
I think I have made some gains my arms and shoulders look bigger and so do my legs. I'm not sure I should be looking this lean on a bulk though? Theere are still watery abs and took the leg shot as there is some feathering on my outer quad although it doesn't show up too well. Think the pecs are lagging a bit but am already adding one or two bits to rectify that. Press on as is or look to up the intake? Thoughts?



edit:
Apparently my sleep pants offended the sensor so picture reloaded to spare their blushes

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

It looks like you've made some good progress from your last pics mate, you look a lot thicker
Although not in this way

NABBA NE Comp Journal
http://www.muscletalk.co.uk/tm.aspx?high=&m=3759183&mpage=1#3759384

Tickets to the gun show!

I am Ripper... Tearer... Slasher... Gouger. I am the Teeth in the Darkness, the Talons in the Night. Mine is Strength... and Lust... and Power!

Rack - there wasn't that much room for manoeuvre on the increase in that kind of thickness to be fair (I am tempted to retell the story of the 'move the weight down one' debacle).

Valhalla - truly excellent work my friend I will keep the original and may also look into a shrinking it for sig or avatar purposes; you excelled yourself.

However, I wasn't fishing for complimentsmuch I am genuinely looking for opinions re diet. Carry on as I am on the grounds that I do seem to be adding some lean mass albeit slowly or madness you are trying to stay far too lean -send for the big spoon.

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

Hmmmmm, how about doing something like 8 weeks of eating everything in sight then a 6 week cut?

Say you put 14lb's on and then cut 8lb off you'll have gained a solid 6lbs of lean mass in 14 weeks.

NABBA NE Comp Journal
http://www.muscletalk.co.uk/tm.aspx?high=&m=3759183&mpage=1#3759384

RACK


Hmmmmm, how about doing something like 8 weeks of eating everything in sight then a 6 week cut?

Say you put 14lb's on and then cut 8lb off you'll have gained a solid 6lbs of lean mass in 14 weeks.

I think this is what I'm supposed to be doing bulking to Xmas and then cutting.
I just seem to be having a hard time doing enough eating.
I won't shout that loudly as people will want to punch me in the face but it's true. I think my first step will be to up the egg and milk quota, both of those are fairly easy to eat. For extra carbs it's going to have to be homebake bikkies again.
God help me.

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

Hey Jedi,

You have a hard time eating enough? in what respects? Physically? Mentally?

I am Ripper... Tearer... Slasher... Gouger. I am the Teeth in the Darkness, the Talons in the Night. Mine is Strength... and Lust... and Power!

Valhalla

You have a hard time eating enough? in what respects? Physically? Mentally?

Both.
Physically, I get reflux and digestive issues.
Mentally, I get fear of the above.

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

The mentality of eating is horrible mate, I get it a lot so know exactly where you're coming from.  I bet though if you could find a way to get rid of the digestive issues then you'd easily put more food in.  Have you heard anything else from the docs about the issues?

NABBA NE Comp Journal
http://www.muscletalk.co.uk/tm.aspx?high=&m=3759183&mpage=1#3759384

Ahh yes, I remember now that our eating problems are very similar.

If it helps, were in the same boat! You got one oar, Ill get the other.

I am Ripper... Tearer... Slasher... Gouger. I am the Teeth in the Darkness, the Talons in the Night. Mine is Strength... and Lust... and Power!

Ever had the feeling that you’re not quite going to make it?
A bit like when cartoon characters run off the edge of a cliff, there’s a slow realisation that there’s nothing under your feet but fresh air, that no matter how fast you try to run, you are not going to make it to the other side of the canyon. There’s that fraction of a second before the plunge, just enough time to turn to the camera and arrange your features into a look of world-weary resignation. Then down you go, bumps all the way.

The above may as well have been written about last night's deadlifting.
I can tell you that it wasn't for want of trying but 210 did not happen.

70-110-150-190
210x
x is such a cruel summary. It does not record the fact that I did work on my 'pulling back' tip and it did work (a bit) in that it came off the floor which it has never threatened to do previously. In fact, it came off the floor quite a way, certainly above the knee, I hesitate to claim mid-thigh but it felt like I moved it a fair old distance. The worst part about the stall was the fact that my back felt strong and up for continuing the battle but sadly goddam Elvis Palsy arrived and my legs started to do an impromptu riverdance under the bar. It started to make the whole thing look ever so slightly like Fred Flintstone's feet powering his 'car'. Which broke my concentration a bit and down she went.
B@stard.
The more I reasoned that I should be pleased I shifted it, the less pleased I was at not getting it.

Chins -not straightening arms on negative
25-12-10
I experimented with straightening on the last few reps and it definitely does tweak my shoulder so will have to continue doing them like somebody who can't do chins.

1-arm Row on Smith
50kg x 8 - 8
50kg x 8 45kg x 6 35kg x 6

Close Grip Pulldown
70kg x 12-10-8

Oly Curls
40kg warmup
50kg x 7 - 5 - 4

Incline 'Bells (no I wasn't very inclined but did 'em anyway)
14kg x 12-10-8 (barely)

Seated Curl
30kg x 12-10-8

In other news, young Michael informs me of speculation as to my 'assistance'.
Not sure why I'm the one that gets singled out for speculation when I'm the only one of the three that can't lift any-fkkin-thing

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

Well well and thrice well.......I go away for a bit and THIS is what I come back to???

SLEEP pants...

Actually, they look reasonably ok....you really wouldn't want to see the state of my sleepwear that doubles as early morning (in privacy of Bling Mansions) cardio wear....but it's one of the perks of being single muti type personage (along with being able to neglect the odd bikini wax)

mmmm still suffering after attempted deadlift incident?

My competition journal: http://www.muscletalk.co.uk/Diamante-Warrior-AmazoniaChoosing-Your-Battles-Wisely-m2398177-p149.aspx

Assault n Battery of the shoulder anatomy

Seated Dumbbell Press
3 pitiful sets -an increase of 1 pitiful set

Standing Lateral Raise Superset
4 different pairs of 'bells -2 sets of

Arnold Press/V-Press Superset
24kg/14kg
14/14
12/12
8/8

Rear Delt Standing Cable
peg3? x 12-12-12

Abs
Dragon Flag
9-4-3

Lifted Bench Tucks
confirmed as the new 'hardest thing for abs ever'

Try as I mighty might could not get rep 15 on the superset but managed the other numbers with no spotting. Not keen on more reps to be fair 12 each is plenty so
......24kg and 16kg for next week with ambulance on speed dial.

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

ChrissieG

Well well and thrice well.......I go away for a bit and THIS is what I come back to???

mmmm still suffering after attempted deadlift incident?

You can't beat going away for a bit

Ah yes, forgot to mention my back is still very, very tight/sore after the 210kg riverdance. Don't think it is an injury per se just very sore. According to 'The Wisdom of Vic' a hair of the dog type deadlift should clear my ills this evening. nfl

Not sure I mentioned it but my back is very sore.

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

So you're going to be deadlifting tonight then?  I presume it will be a light weight being used?

NABBA NE Comp Journal
http://www.muscletalk.co.uk/tm.aspx?high=&m=3759183&mpage=1#3759384

Light weight being used and, some would say, a lightweight doing the lifting.

Will be doing it for a form check as much as anything, felt much, much better pulling back but I forgot another cue of looking slightly up so want to give that a bash too. Will try and get a vid done as would like to see the bar travelling up in a straight line with none of the 'sway' either into or away from shins that has been shown so far.

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

Looking forward to seeing some footage

Journal

Sorry mate, didn't really get round to video last night will make an effort on tonights leg marathon.

Powerlifting

Squat
60-90-130-150
170 - the buried rep I was looking for.
Pleased with that, went as low as I can physically go and still had good strength out of the hole. I seem to stall a bit at the point you want your hips to push through/back to straighten. I'm thinking this will improve with more work at this weight. I hope so as I feel as though the legs are strong enough to do more.

Bench.
Could tell even on just the bar that my shoulder wasn't great.
60-90-110
120-paused to competition standard
130 x 2 with stabilising fingers
The 130 provoked that sudden fail in my shoulder, not good as it came without much pain just sudden kind of locking feeling and then pfffffffff all the strength in the joint disappears like air from a puncture. Not nice.

Deadlift.....back still sore from riverdancing210 on Tuesday.
No you may not be excused, you'll just have to do 'em sumo.
60-110-150-170-190x
That was weird. A lot less bovver on the back to the point I did reps on 150 and lifted 170 which would've been a lot more than I would've fancied conventional. Interesting but hasn't really made me want to switch.

In other news, I made a ricketts of spotting Jackman on his squat again. That is twice in 2 weeks I've made the big fella bow out of a heavy weight. If I'd done that to the Lithuanian lads at the old gym I fear I may have been required to do some David Haye-Nikolai Valuev type sparring.

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

How's the shoulder feeling today mate?

NABBA NE Comp Journal
http://www.muscletalk.co.uk/tm.aspx?high=&m=3759183&mpage=1#3759384

Shoulder feels not too bad which is the odd new development.
I've really been trying on the rehab front; plenty of stretching and some work with resistance bands and it deffo seems to be improving. It isn't bothering me at the minute for example. It is just that this sudden, out of the blue total failure bit that is now happening. Not sure whether this means RC tear or possibly a pinching nerve.

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

Legs
We were due to start with pre-exhaust so arrive at gym and find Jackman not present.
I try not to be secretly delighted by this fact as have visions of token effort then home again home again jiggity jig. Start doing several sets of 21's on the leg ext machine. I suck on this machine, it is a fact. I have some strength but my legs just BBBbuuuuurnnnnnn too much to use it. Anyway about 8 sets in, the Jackman arrives wearing a 'do-we-have-ta-I-dont-wanna' type face.
'Shall we not bother?' I ask trying to hide the eagerness in the voice -failing.
I was going to write that for a nano-second we entertained the idea but to be honest I think the idea was entertained for quite a bit longer than that before bravery returns. So;
3 or 4 more sets of 21's on the leg ext before Jackman declares 'I'm not feeling these' and suggests humungous dropsets. He is right the dropsets are better but did I mention the 12sets I've already done ffs.

Upstairs for Front Squat
I hate front squats as previously documented and haven't done them for a few weeks.
I was getting decent reps on 80kg but also trying not to notice the looks of putsomeweightonthebar.
Jackman does 120 this shames me into going heavier and have a pop at 100 n then 110. I actually found these easier than the reps and should've done 120 (but didn't). When I say easier, right from the start I am struggling to unrack and balance the bar properly so have been bouncing off the uprights and generally making a tw't of myself. See below

There is also a vid of the 110 with less comedy and indeed less baldness

Apologies to no.13 as meant to document the back squats as well but to be honest from here on in things got a lot more serious and we were either spotting or lying on the floor.

Back Squat.
60-100-
120kg x 12 I now that's no more than last week but that was fresh not pre-exhausted
120kg x 12 reps of agony which I only did as Jackman made his set (despite his pants splitting under the strain)
120kg x 11 +spotted 12th sheeeeeer agony.
Think we really pushed it there to get that last set. I am a bit broken today. Legs don't hurt as long as they are kept straight any attempt at seating self happens with a kerrrash.

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

Damn nice work lately.

I think most people have that sticking point in the squat you were talking about.. atleast I know I do hahaha

Strength - Power - Hate

Success breeds success

cricket_fire

I think most people have that sticking point in the squat you were talking about.. atleast I know I do hahaha

No sign of it in that 425 x 8.
I think the so called sticking point may just be the point at which I need to try a bit harder.


Is it me or do my crap calves look slightly less crap in the rear view.
Please also note my cute bunneh-tail signalling danger to the rest of the troupe.

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

Good lifting matey. I almost broke my wrist attempting 110kg x1 in the summer, since then I've stuck to 5-10reps, if at all...

I'll let you off on the lack-of-back-squat-video due to the "cute playboy bunny tail" thing you've got going on there.

Journal

Mate, you're strength is more impressive every week.

NABBA NE Comp Journal
http://www.muscletalk.co.uk/tm.aspx?high=&m=3759183&mpage=1#3759384

You are not named after the mighty (if slightly vertically challenged) Jedi for nothing, are you my lovely?

Impressive squattage....impressive strapping, if I might add

Sigh...Lillibet and I will be attempting to vid our FABBA Friday Freakouts from this week (haven't actually SHARED this piece of joyous news with her just yet so shhhh)

I dont think they will inspire the same kind of 'well done mate' comments but hey, we try our best!

Glad shoulder finally giving you a break. Shame about the girdle enhanced back....

My competition journal: http://www.muscletalk.co.uk/Diamante-Warrior-AmazoniaChoosing-Your-Battles-Wisely-m2398177-p149.aspx

ChrissieG

You are not named after the mighty (if slightly vertically challenged) Jedi for nothing, are you my lovely?

Are you 100% sure you're not thinking of Yoda?
I can see how you might be confused with the ears and bad back but otherwise, similar we are not. Interesting that you seem to think there is not enough jedi in the world
...most people seem convinced that there is more than enough.

As for the shoulder giving me a break...sadly errr no.
Have developed a massive bruise on my dicky shoulder from the fronts. As the first vid shows, I haven't quite got the knack so much as the knackered. Shoulder back to giving me problems as a result which is all I need going into tonight's bench. Have read about using lifting straps around the bar for fronts and will give that a bash next time.

No.13

Good lifting matey. I almost broke my wrist attempting 110kg x1

see above

RACK

Mate, you're strength is more impressive every week.

The comment re '..that's the best you've ever done it' re my unracking of the bar on the first vid was both biting sarcasm ...and perfectly true, so you may have been a lot less impressed if any of the tottering around like maniac attempts on lighter weights had been filmed.

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

Have you tried using a clean grip for fronties? I've tried convential once or twice but always ends up embaressing.

Journal

No.13

Have you tried using a clean grip for fronties?

It felt as though my arms were simultaneously being broken at the wrists and elbows, as well as pulled from their sockets. A novel experience, I think everyone should try it.
I am cr@p at the crossover grip though, so would like to improve flexibility to the point I can do the clean grip. It would probably make me a bit more stable
...plus it looks hella cool

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope

Bench
100 x 12/10/8more or less -see below

Incline 'Bells
34 x 15/12/11

Decline Flying + partial pressing
20kg x 15/12/10 

Cable Flying
? x 15/12/12

 Rope 1 Arm Pushup
?x 12/12/10

Straightbar Pushdown
31.25 x 12/10/10

plus calves

Was a great session tonight. Some really good work, interspersed with moments of comedy gold. Pleased with the bench, light touch on bar first set which I probably didn't need, as illustrated by the 10 second set and 8 on the last. Will try and confirm that next week with completely solo 12/10/8 or maybe even just move up to 105. Chest is responding to the extra volume in reps with the flying and cables, good stuff. Couldn't get to a bench for skulls, mainly as one guy was using two to perform the most idosyncratic bench dips I've ever seen. it looked a little bit like a piles suffer sitting in an old fashioned railway carriage and trying to ease his discomfort by propping his feet on the opposite seats and absorbing some of the shocks of the bumpy journey by lifting his grape bunch backside clear of the seat with arms quick to fatigue.
You had to be there I guess.
You also really had to be there for;
SAFFA karate on ususpecting jedis
My little pony t-shirts
Cluedo meets Blind Date
Strong arm isn't as strong as my weak arm which is stronger than my strong arm
But perhaps the one you really had to be there for was;

Baloo does rope pulldowns.

Deary, deary me it was kinlarious stuff.
Gym is the new Pub.

"...those aren't the roids you're looking for..."
"...those aren't the roids I'm looking for..."


Link to training partner's blog
Mark Jackman and The Great Right Hope