ElrondHubbard Clawing My Way Back

[thehobbes]

The weighted pull ups and chins are adding up fast, and it looks like your bp weight climbed recently too.

All in all, a good workout. Next Friday, this feeding tube gets removed, most likely leaving a gaping hole in my stomach. I don't know what kind of activity restrictions I'll have associated with that, it's possible I'll have to skip next week. If so, I'll just repeat this week when I start up again, and then continue on. I think I'll progress better without that stupid tube dangling from my abdomen.

Ah just rub some chalk in it, you'll be fine! That's very happy news EH.

[ElrondHubbard]

Midpoint week 22 already on Sunday -- feels like I just started yesterday! Made more progress on the pullups and pushups, and finally broke 200 on the deadlift, which felt lighter than I expected. Only 200 pounds to go! Low volume day.

Sunday Morning Bodyweight: 165.5, Bodyfat ~13-14%

Squats:
64x5
80x5
96x5
96x5

Incline Bench:
70x5
84x5
98x5
112x5

Deadlift:
127x5
152x5
178x5
203x5

Overhead Press:
44x5
54x5
65x5
76x5
76x5

Accessories:
Pullups/Chinups, Bodyweight, 3 sets pullups/2sets chinups, 14+13+12+12+11, 62 total. Didn't advance the first set, but added one on each subsequent set, so four up from last week overall!
Pushups, 3 sets, 45+44+42, 131 total, added one to the top end.

Still making progress, starting to feel like my old self. Maybe older...
Looking forward to Tuesday!

[RT1957]

Nice work EH and good to hear you're feeling better...looks like all those weights are moving up!!

[ElrondHubbard]

Nice work EH and good to hear you're feeling better...looks like all those weights are moving up!!

Thanks, Ron! They are -- I hope it stays that way!

Last night, end of week 22, and my last workout before the removal of my feeding tube. I am so psyched about that, I may have overdone it.

I threw in some gratuitous maximums, "just because I felt like it", and if the doctor tells me not to workout for a few days, I wanted to go in there having given all I'd got. My pullups/chinups backslid a bit, and maybe that was the reason. Oh well, I'm not too upset about it.

Squats:
64x5
80x5
96x5
112x5
131x4
165x1 Not in the plan, but I felt like I could do it, so why not!??
96x9

Bench Press:
75x5
93x5
112x5
131x5
153x4
185x1 Also gratuitous, but it went up!
112x9

BB Row:
71x5
89x5
107x5
125x5
146x4
185x1 Against the rules?
107x9

Overhead Press:
44x5
54x5
65x5
76x5
89x4
105x1 Had second thoughts, but what the heck, go for it!
65x9


Accessories:
Pullups,/Chinups, 3 sets pullups + 2 sets chinups, 7+7+6+6+6, 32 total. Lost some reps, maybe because of the gratuitous lifts?
Calf Raises, 2 sets, 65 lb dumbbell, one leg at a time. 65x44 + 65x44.
Pushups, 3 sets, 45+44+43, 132 total. Gained one, so maybe the extra lifts didn't do anything.
Seated DB shrug, 2 sets, 45x38 + 45x38. Should be alternating these with lateral raises from week to week.

Now, ready to get my belly back on Friday!

[ElrondHubbard]

No workout tonight. The doctor said no weight lifting for "a few days". I'll do a maintenance session on Tuesday, and then I'll repeat last week's numbers starting next Friday.

But it was for all the right reasons! I got my feeding tube pulled today, and I do mean pulled! The doc said "This might hurt a little", he gave it a giant tug, and I felt like I'd been kicked in the stomach. Still got some soreness and a little residual bleeding, but the pain did fade. I stuck to liquids tonight, but tomorrow I'll be able to start eating relatively normally again.

It feels great to be free of that ball and chain, and no more big lump sticking out from under my shirt! I'm like a real person again!

[Payton1221]

It feels great to be free of that ball and chain, and no more big lump sticking out from under my shirt! I'm like a real person again!

That's awesome!!!

[Cantplankwell]

No workout tonight. The doctor said no weight lifting for "a few days". I'll do a maintenance session on Tuesday, and then I'll repeat last week's numbers starting next Friday.

But it was for all the right reasons! I got my feeding tube pulled today, and I do mean pulled! The doc said "This might hurt a little", he gave it a giant tug, and I felt like I'd been kicked in the stomach. Still got some soreness and a little residual bleeding, but the pain did fade. I stuck to liquids tonight, but tomorrow I'll be able to start eating relatively normally again.

It feels great to be free of that ball and chain, and no more big lump sticking out from under my shirt! I'm like a real person again!

Went over to the OV35 misc and read your great news. This is awesome! Good luck on your progress here, I check in from time to time keep up the good work.

[ElrondHubbard]

Thanks, guys. It seems to be healing up pretty good now, a little tender, but not continuously sore. I'm already moving around easier.

[mirroroferised]

Thanks, Ron! They are -- I hope it stays that way!

Last night, end of week 22, and my last workout before the removal of my feeding tube. I am so psyched about that, I may have overdone it.

I threw in some gratuitous maximums, "just because I felt like it", and if the doctor tells me not to workout for a few days, I wanted to go in there having given all I'd got. My pullups/chinups backslid a bit, and maybe that was the reason. Oh well, I'm not too upset about it.

Squats:
64x5
80x5
96x5
112x5
131x4
165x1 Not in the plan, but I felt like I could do it, so why not!??
96x9

Bench Press:
75x5
93x5
112x5
131x5
153x4
185x1 Also gratuitous, but it went up!
112x9

BB Row:
71x5
89x5
107x5
125x5
146x4
185x1 Against the rules?
107x9

Overhead Press:
44x5
54x5
65x5
76x5
89x4
105x1 Had second thoughts, but what the heck, go for it!
65x9


Accessories:
Pullups,/Chinups, 3 sets pullups + 2 sets chinups, 7+7+6+6+6, 32 total. Lost some reps, maybe because of the gratuitous lifts?
Calf Raises, 2 sets, 65 lb dumbbell, one leg at a time. 65x44 + 65x44.
Pushups, 3 sets, 45+44+43, 132 total. Gained one, so maybe the extra lifts didn't do anything.
Seated DB shrug, 2 sets, 45x38 + 45x38. Should be alternating these with lateral raises from week to week.

Now, ready to get my belly back on Friday!

Now there's a good celebratory session

[mejulian]

I just read your misc post. I didn't know that. Great news and it is inspiring to see you going. All the best.

[RT1957]

Kinda quite in here EH....Great news on getting the tube out !!...I guess you're resting up a bit

[Cantplankwell]

Merry Christmas Elrond to you and yours, hopefully you enjoy getting your fill of solid Holiday food now! Behind on eveyones Journals, but hopefully get caught up on the holidays.

[ElrondHubbard]

Kinda quite in here EH....Great news on getting the tube out !!...I guess you're resting up a bit

Quiet here, but busy elsewhere. I was going to post my Tuesday workout last night but I fell asleep at the computer before I could open up the post! I did rest for a bit, I skipped my Friday and Sunday workouts to give my belly a chance to heal a little bit. By Tuesday I was rarin' to go, but I made it a light workout just to ease into tomorrow's. Things still progressing on the eating front. Today I was able to eat some raw carrots -- that pretty much makes the whole spectrum of vegetables available to me. The only things I still can't do now are massive cuts of meat, like steaks, and breads. I desperately miss peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! I would make that a Christmas Dinner, if I could manage it! I may try some nuts or trail mix this weekend.

My Tuesday workout was the same as the workout of Friday a week ago, Week 24 will equal Week 22, and week 23 is forfeited.

Squats:
64x5
80x5
96x5
112x5
128x5

Bench Press:
75x5
93x5
112x5
131x5
150x5

BB Row: More natural movement this time, before, the bar would smack the tube at the top end, and I'd have to go higher or lower than good form would recommend.
71x5
89x5
107x5
125x5
143x5

Overhead Press:
44x5
54x5
65x5
76x5
87x5


Accessories:
1 set BW pullups, 13 reps. Definitely taking it easy there.
1 set pushups, 38 reps. Probably more laziness than anything. Still, it felt good where the tube is no longer interfering with my lowering.

[ElrondHubbard]

Merry Christmas Elrond to you and yours, hopefully you enjoy getting your fill of solid Holiday food now! Behind on eveyones Journals, but hopefully get caught up on the holidays.

Thanks, much appreciated! Hope you not only feast, but get some time off! Sometimes, especially this time of year, it's less busy at work than it is at home.

[thehobbes]

Great workout up there, numbers are looking good! Merry Christmas to you and yours EH!

[RT1957]

Quiet here, but busy elsewhere. I was going to post my Tuesday workout last night but I fell asleep at the computer before I could open up the post! I did rest for a bit, I skipped my Friday and Sunday workouts to give my belly a chance to heal a little bit. By Tuesday I was rarin' to go, but I made it a light workout just to ease into tomorrow's. Things still progressing on the eating front. Today I was able to eat some raw carrots -- that pretty much makes the whole spectrum of vegetables available to me. The only things I still can't do now are massive cuts of meat, like steaks, and breads. I desperately miss peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! I would make that a Christmas Dinner, if I could manage it! I may try some nuts or trail mix this weekend.

My Tuesday workout was the same as the workout of Friday a week ago, Week 24 will equal Week 22, and week 23 is forfeited.

Squats:
64x5
80x5
96x5
112x5
128x5

Bench Press:
75x5
93x5
112x5
131x5
150x5

BB Row: More natural movement this time, before, the bar would smack the tube at the top end, and I'd have to go higher or lower than good form would recommend.
71x5
89x5
107x5
125x5
143x5

Overhead Press:
44x5
54x5
65x5
76x5
87x5


Accessories:
1 set BW pullups, 13 reps. Definitely taking it easy there.
1 set pushups, 38 reps. Probably more laziness than anything. Still, it felt good where the tube is no longer interfering with my lowering.

All good news and solid work being done....numbers are arising fast 150x5 on BP!! nice!!....Will there be a time when you diet won't be limited??

[ElrondHubbard]

All good news and solid work being done....numbers are arising fast 150x5 on BP!! nice!!....Will there be a time when you diet won't be limited??

It will always be limited, otherwise I'll be as big as a hippopotamus! Unfortunately, eating has always been one of my favorite things to do.

As for variety, I can't really say. My salivary glands may come back, they may not. I find that whole milk makes the best substitute so far, and it may be enough to wash down whatever needs it. My throat muscles should continue to gradually strengthen. Yesterday I was able to get a few bites of pork rib down, which was really great. I had to be careful to avoid getting any gristle in the bite, though. Bread may be the last thing to come back. I never appreciated what a big, uncooperative wad a bite of bread forms in your throat, even after you chew it. It takes some real swallowing power to force it down. I'm sure it will come around -- I can do thin flaky crusts as long as they're coated with pie ingredients! Every week it gets just a little bit better.

[ElrondHubbard]

And last night was the first session of week 24, which as far as weights goes is identical to week 22. I backslid in my accessories a bit, funny how just a few days off can so quickly reverse the gains. That's probably the biggest sign of aging.

We went to see The Last Jedi yesterday evening, fun movie but it got us back home late, and I just ran out of time for finishing the accessories. I'll be hitting them hard on Sunday and Tuesday, though.

Squats:
64x5
80x5
96x5
112x5
128x5

Bench Press:
75x5
93x5
112x5
131x5
150x5

BB Row:
71x5
89x5
107x5
125x5
143x5

Overhead Press:
44x5
54x5
65x5
76x5
87x5


Accessories:
2 sets Pullups, 25lbs x 6 reps each.
1 set Calf Raises, 55 lb dumbbell, 1 leg at a time, 55x40.
1 set Pushups, 41 reps Definitely weaker on this one.
1 set Side Lateral Raises, 10 lb dumbbell, 10x15.

After this week is done, progression will continue!

[ElrondHubbard]

Christmas Eve workout, midpoint of week 24, which was identical to week 22. It did feel good!

I'm still not quite up to speed on the pullups and pushups, it's amazing what a mere week of backing off does to me. It sure does feel better without that tube in the way, though!

Morning Bodyweight: 166.5, Bodyfat ~13%

Squats:
64x5
80x5
96x5
96x5

Incline Bench:
70x5
84x5
98x5
112x5

Deadlift:
127x5
152x5
178x5
203x5

Overhead Press:
44x5
54x5
65x5
76x5
76x5

Accessories:
Pullups/Chinups, Bodyweight, 3 sets pullups/1 set chinups, 14+13+11+11, 49 total. Not sure why I ran out of gas before I could do the last set. Could be all that ice cream I ate earlier!
Pushups, 3 sets, 42+41+40, 123 total, not back yet.

Hope everyone is having/had a wonderful Christmas day!

[Payton1221]

Morning Bodyweight: 166.5, Bodyfat ~13%

Hope everyone is having/had a wonderful Christmas day!

Dave,

How tall are you?

And Christmas was wonderful. I hope that it was for you and your family as well!

[ElrondHubbard]

Dave,

How tall are you?

And Christmas was wonderful. I hope that it was for you and your family as well!

It was fun! Ended up going to a friends house and removing the fuel pump on his truck. That still left me with a couple of hours to work on installing guy wires for my internet reception tower.

With regards to your other question, I’m currently 68.5” and shrinking. I’m only down 1/2” from my youthful height. I’m not sure how age-related spinal shortening gets dealt with in body fat calculations, or if it even matters.

[Payton1221]

I’m currently 68.5” and shrinking.

At that height, weight, and bodyfat, I'm sure you stand out amongst your peers.

I'm not a resolutioner myself, but are you setting any goals for 2018?

[ElrondHubbard]

At that height, weight, and bodyfat, I'm sure you stand out amongst your peers.

I'm not a resolutioner myself, but are you setting any goals for 2018?

My peers say I'm too skinny. I consider that a compliment. Goals for the weights? New PRs in every lift. I'll stay on Madcow for the foreseeable future, although I'll probably tweak the accessories as I go.

So, realistic or not, my 5-rep weightlifting goals for the end of 2018 are:

Bench: 215 lbs. (I was at 205 and stalled In Novembr of 2016, just after my diagnosis.)
Squat: 300 lbs. (Was at 250, but still gaining)
Deadlift: 400 lbs. (Was at 360, and progressing) If I make this one I'll reward myself with a Rogue Bar and a new pair of 45lb plates!
BB Row: 250 lbs. (Was at 232)
OHP: Tough one. I'll try for 130 at least. (Was at 120, and struggling)

I'd also like to do 20 bw pullups and 50 pushups.

Will I make them? Probably some of them. Maybe not all of them. The important thing is to be working towards it, though.

Got a lot of other goals too, which have nothing to do with weight lifting. I won't be bored.

[RT1957]

Strong goals EH....I'll be in for the ride!! Do it

[thehobbes]

With regards to your other question, I’m currently 68.5” and shrinking. I’m only down 1/2” from my youthful height. I’m not sure how age-related spinal shortening gets dealt with in body fat calculations, or if it even matters.

68.5".... oh man this is like when people do the "I'm blah blah stones of weight" thing. 5' 8.5" my calculator tells me, lol. It seems like people shrink quite a bit. Every time I'm around my older family members I feel huge compared to them and can see clear over them. This yr I've been measured in by doctors at both 5'7" and 5'2" srs, so I really have no idea where I'm at.

My peers say I'm too skinny. I consider that a compliment.

A guy at your height 160-170 would be in excellent shape I'd think. When you can't do pull ups anymore you know you've gone too far.

Goals for the weights? New PRs in every lift. I'll stay on Madcow for the foreseeable future, although I'll probably tweak the accessories as I go.

So, realistic or not, my 5-rep weightlifting goals for the end of 2018 are:

Bench: 215 lbs. (I was at 205 and stalled In Novembr of 2016, just after my diagnosis.)
Squat: 300 lbs. (Was at 250, but still gaining)
Deadlift: 400 lbs. (Was at 360, and progressing) If I make this one I'll reward myself with a Rogue Bar and a new pair of 45lb plates!
BB Row: 250 lbs. (Was at 232)
OHP: Tough one. I'll try for 130 at least. (Was at 120, and struggling)

I'd also like to do 20 bw pullups and 50 pushups.

Will I make them? Probably some of them. Maybe not all of them. The important thing is to be working towards it, though.

Got a lot of other goals too, which have nothing to do with weight lifting. I won't be bored.

I like these! You got this EH, rampage it!!

[ElrondHubbard]

68.5".... oh man this is like when people do the "I'm blah blah stones of weight" thing. 5' 8.5" my calculator tells me, lol. It seems like people shrink quite a bit. Every time I'm around my older family members I feel huge compared to them and can see clear over them. This yr I've been measured in by doctors at both 5'7" and 5'2" srs, so I really have no idea where I'm at.

It is a bit surprising at how much people shrink in height (but not in girth) as they age. I'm pretty sure it's all a result of wear on the spinal disks. My oldest daughter had to get several of her vertebrate fused at around the age of 30 (damage from competitive gymnastics as a teen) and she shrank a couple of inches.

And don't let the doctors do your height and weight! Whenever I go in they won't even let me remove my shoes or take the 10 lbs of change out of my pocket!

A guy at your height 160-170 would be in excellent shape I'd think. When you can't do pull ups anymore you know you've gone too far.

I like these! You got this EH, rampage it!!

Thanks! If you you like tragicomedies, this thread may be just your style!

[ElrondHubbard]

Strong goals EH....I'll be in for the ride!! Do it

I'm glad I have you guys here for inspiration, Ron!

[raynerd]

Just reading up on your journey. Very inspirational man! Your goals are there for the taking! Head down and plow forward, always!

[ElrondHubbard]

Week 25 is now underway as of Friday evening, and I begin to move ahead past the temporary pause necessitated by the feeding tube removal. The weights are ahead, anyway, the accessories, specifically the pullups and pushups, aren't quite there yet, but they're getting close. It felt good, and I think I'll have most of January before another interruption comes, so I should make some incremental strength gains along the way.

My last two workouts have been accompanied by wrist pain, caused by cutting stiff 1/4" wire cables with a cutter that wasn't quite big enough for the task. It was uncomfortable, but it didn't interfere with any movements, and it's gradually getting better. Unfortunately, I'll have to do the same thing for the next couple of days, until I've used up all my 1/4" cable and can start on a more flexible and easy to handle 3/16". Fortunately, I think I worked out a method that will be easier on my wrists next time, so I don't expect it to be a problem in the future.


Squats:
66x5
82x5
98x5
115x5
131x5

Bench Press:
77x5
96x5
115x5
134x5
154x5

BB Row:
73x5
92x5
110x5
128x5
146x5

Overhead Press:
45x5
56x5
67x5
78x5
89x5

Accessories:

Pullups/Chinups, 3 sets pullups + 2 sets chinups, 25 lb plate hanging off a belt: 8 + 6 + 6 + 7 + 6, 33 total. Short of my 12/08 mark by one, but at least I'm back up to 8 on the first set.
Calf Raises, 2 sets, 65 lb dumbell, one leg at a time. 44 + 44, progressing steadily
Pushups, 3 sets, 44 + 43 + 42, 129 total, not up to my 45 in a set and 132 total from a 12/12, but it's within reach.
Seated DB shrugs, 45 lbs per side, 2 sets of 38 reps each. I'm alternating every week between these and lateral raises. Not sure if it's a good idea or not, but we'll see if it accomplishes anything. I'm still a bit experimental.

And from here, onward and upward!

[ElrondHubbard]

I hope everyone had a great New Years celebration, whatever it consisted of. I'm pretty confident that for me, 2018 will be a hell of a lot better than 2017 was. Nowhere to go but up, and all that.

To finish off the old year on a high note, and to set the tone for the new year, what better than a productive workout? Sunday is always "light" day, other than deadlifts, so I had a nice session with a minimum of fuss. The pullups and pushups got me back to where I was three weeks ago, before I had to take a break for the feeding tube removal. And now it's all about looking ahead.

Sunday morning Body weight 169.5 lbs, ~15% bodyfat!!

Really, gained 3 pounds in a week??? Holidays are tough, man. It could NOT have had anything to do with ice cream. Could it? OK, there's my first New Years resolution.

Squats:
66x5
82x5
98x5
98x5

Incline Press:
72x5
86x5
100x5
115x5

Deadlift:
130x5
156x5
182x5
208x5

Overhead Press:
45x5
56x5
67x5
78x5
78x5

Accessories:
Pullups, 5 sets, 3 sets BW pullups + 2 sets BW chinups, 14 + 13 + 12 + 12 + 11, 62 reps total.

Pushups, 3 sets, 45 + 44 + 43, 132 total.


Here's to a happy and healthy 2018 for everybody!