Novels and Barbells

[Fiction2Fitness]

After a day of not much, well did laundry and we got both internet set up plus a fridge delivered to the new apartment. Just didn't do much in way of work or moving around, so I went to the gym. Meandering a little but will start peak cycle in the near future. Even if I don't get to compete, I can use it to work towards some PRs. Focused on legs today sorta.

Squat - 2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 95, 1x5 @ 135 and 3x3 @ 145

Deadlift - 1x6 @ 135, 1x5 @ 185 and 2x3 @ 205

Probably should have brought in my belt for the deadlifts but oh well. Shins ached a little. Wasn't too bad though. Then I did 5 minute warm up, 20 minute jog and 5 minute cool down on the treadmill.

[anandagirl]

Yay for internet and fridge!

[itsagoodday]

Good plan to peak towards some PRs! And wow, I can't imagine life without the internet. How did I survive in the early '90s?

Come to think of it, I can't imagine life without a fridge either lol.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Yay for internet and fridge!

Yay indeed. :-)

Good plan to peak towards some PRs! And wow, I can't imagine life without the internet. How did I survive in the early '90s?

Come to think of it, I can't imagine life without a fridge either lol.

Yeah, it's weird that apartments here don't come with a fridge. Big investment with roommates (sister and her friend) but nice to have for sure. Internet is also so vital nowadays. Have online things, newsletters, blogs, class I'm teaching and moderating site. So glad to have it.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Upper body day! Did OHP and a few other things at the gym, then 20 minutes jogging. Peak cycle will start probably next week. Don't have a scale to check my weight atm but should after the end of the month as going to Oregon for my stuff on the 24th. Not getting the highest calories with being broke and unfortunately, lower on protein than is ideal but going to keep working on it.


OHP - 2x8 @ 45, 1x5 @ 65, 1x5 @ 70 and 3x3 @ 70
chinup 2x3 and 1x2 @ bw
cable bicep curl 3x10 @ 25
overhead tricep ext 3x10 @ 20

20 minute jog on treadmill with 5 minute warm up and cool down walks.

Next day is squats. Fun times ahead. Also trying to think of a name for my peak cycle as I want to video tape it the best I can for my fledgling youtube channel. Doing a writing Q&A video soon too for it but need more content so maybe can get more than 2 followers some day.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Went to the gym last night before coming home to booze (roommates, as our other roommate just moved in now). Had an off day so just picked a random time, so little earlier than usual. Some guys were there lifting but I still did a little filming and might put together a youtube video that includes those clips soon. It was squat day, so that was fun. Though I had forgotten to put down what I needed to do in my notebook so it was a guess-ish on some numbers and such. Legs are a little sore but not too bad considering I hadn't done pause squats in a long time.

Squats - 2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 95, 3x6 @ 135
Overload - 195 1x15 count
Pause Squats - 3x8 @ 65 at 8 count
Good Morning - 3x10 @ 65
Sumo Deadlift - 1x6 @ 135 and 3x5 @ 165

[anandagirl]

Went to the gym last night before coming home to booze (roommates, as our other roommate just moved in now). Had an off day so just picked a random time, so little earlier than usual. Some guys were there lifting but I still did a little filming and might put together a youtube video that includes those clips soon. It was squat day, so that was fun. Though I had forgotten to put down what I needed to do in my notebook so it was a guess-ish on some numbers and such. Legs are a little sore but not too bad considering I hadn't done pause squats in a long time.

Squats - 2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 95, 3x6 @ 135
Overload - 195 1x15 count
Pause Squats - 3x8 @ 65 at 8 count
Good Morning - 3x10 @ 65
Sumo Deadlift - 1x6 @ 135 and 3x5 @ 165

Yay Squats!!!

[Fiction2Fitness]

On way back to LA. We packed up truck and car this morning with the last bit then drove. Stopping for the night, which is good cause I'm so tired of driving. Too many really long car trips in one month.

I did lift yesterday. I did the adult thing, and got my car serviced since it was due for oil change and such. The dealership was even able to fix my front license plate so that it's flat again, no extra charge. And since I have around 30 minutes and it was near the gym that used to be closest to the apartment I was living in, went to the gym. It was a very quick bench session but I haven't done bench much as don't like the setup at new gym. Shoulders are a bit sore, plus the awkward long car rides not helping. Didn't get the reps needed but I'm a little out of practice with bench. Need to work on it and get going with this peak cycle.

Bench press - 2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 70, 1x6 @ 80, 1x3, 2x4, 1x3 @ 90 (instead of 4x6)
face pull - 3x10 @ 45
cable bicep curl - 3x10 @ 45

[Fiction2Fitness]

Oh, and I also went for a short jog this morning before we did the last of the packing and started driving. Even after staying out late last night to get coffee with one of my coworkers from the Oregon store, I got up at 6:45 so could go jog at the park. Probably only did about 20 minutes but it was nice to do before having to spend so much time in the car.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Made it to the gym. Going to be working again tomorrow, have 5 days in a row on the current schedule, so that will be better financially. It's still so hot here and even with fans running, got rather sweaty at the gym just doing lifting. Still a bit off on the schedule for the peak cycle but will get things better organized soon.

Squats - 2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 95, 1x3 @ 135 and 4x5 @ 145
Walkout - 215 for 20 seconds
Pause Squats - 2x5 @ 95 with 8 second count
Overhead Press - 3x5 @ 65
Good Morning - 3x10 @ 65

After all the time driving and spending today with sister in her car my back has been a little sore. My legs really felt it after the pause squats in particular. Still went decent. Though just doing this peak cycle for myself. I've made the decision not to do the meet in October. While, it would be really awesome to compete in APA/WPA World, I just can't warrant spending that much. The meet alone is 125, then add plane ticket and other expenses. I'm not comfortable asking for that much as gifts either, even with a birthday coming up. So, I'll just work on PR's and then look forward to possible starting a bulk cycle soon.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Sunday I did bench press and deadlift at the gym in effort to get back together since the driving and such made it difficult to do the lifting 4 days a week. Back to the upper/lower approach now though, with both upper including bench. On the plus side of not competing, I don't have a set date to peak on per se, which is good since I need to get some of the lifts up a little in order to work towards my goals.

Sunday

bench - 2x8@ 45, 1x6 @ 65, 4x6 @ 75
ohp - 3x5 @ 65
good morning - 3x10 @ 65
deadlift - 1x6 @ 135, 1x5 @ 185, 1x1 @ 205 and 3x5 with belt at 195

205 felt too heavy so shifted down. Was supposed to do 4x6 but need to work my way up a little more. Belt helped though.


Today

bench - 2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 65 and 4c5 @ 80
chin up - 3x2, one pull up
cable bicep curl 3x8 @ 30
face pull 3x10 @ 30
bent over row 3x8 @ 80 - challenging on the last reps.


Also am trying to set up the free personal trainer session at the gym just out of curiosity. It's an anytime fitness so not quite geared towards powerlifting. One of the questions he asked when taking notes to set it up was which body part I wanted to focus on... Kinda stared for a second cause yeah, all. Not going for a particular spot. But we'll see how it goes once it gets set up. Need to work on my protein as it's easy to get carbs cheap and my roommates don't eat meat much, plus our oven doesn't actually work. We need to put in a note with the apartment cause it's brand new but doesn't get to a temperature that will actually cook anything and the stove top clicks but doesn't light so can't use them either. I have a slow cooker and sister has a pressure cooker, just haven't use them for any protein sources yet, mostly just vegetables. Able to get low calories but need to work on the macros.

[anandagirl]

Good luck with the free training appt! I have never had luck with trainers, I feel like I know better than any of them. I know there are ones out there that would kick my ass and teach me many things but I have yet to find one in person. But it will be nice to at least get a rundown of equipment, etc.

I can't use my oven right now because of the heat but I have been using the slow cooker lots. It can be really good for meat, I know you'll figure it out!

[Fiction2Fitness]

Good luck with the free training appt! I have never had luck with trainers, I feel like I know better than any of them. I know there are ones out there that would kick my ass and teach me many things but I have yet to find one in person. But it will be nice to at least get a rundown of equipment, etc.

I can't use my oven right now because of the heat but I have been using the slow cooker lots. It can be really good for meat, I know you'll figure it out!

Thanks. I haven't heard back from the gym yet so we'll see as my schedule varies every week and the new schedule for Thursday-Wednesday (the next one) isn't up yet. I really should use the slow cooker soon cause it is nice for both meats and veggies. Just nice to have food ready to consume.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Went to the gym last night and got some squats done.

squat - 2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 95, 1x5 @ 135, 4x5 @ 155 and 3 of the last sets were with belt
walkout - 215 for 20 count
pause squats 1x4 @ 100 and 1x5 @ 95
sumo deadlifts - 1x6 @ 135, 3x5 @ 155 last 2 sets were with the belt

Even though I can do without the lifting belt, it's good to practice it since I use it on the heavy sets. 155 feels awfully heavy though. Sometimes it's hard to believe I was getting up to 200 on squat before. The move proved more of a challenge in consistency than I had anticipated.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Did upper body before work. Since some days I work until 11 pm and other days I work in the morning, my lifting times vary too. There are people there most of the time, though haven't had troubles using the power cage yet. Getting to the gym and leaving are the struggles more with traffic and such. That and wanting to do some food challenges on youtube but harder to balance when on the lower calories of this pesky deficit. ;-)


bench press - 2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 65, 4x5 @ 85
overhead press - 2x8 @ 45, 3x5 @ 65
tricep pushdown - 3x10 @ 35
pallor press - 3x10 @ 20


First time showering at the gym but decided it was better than driving home then driving to work. Took a while to get near where I work, followed by trying to find a parking spot (oh hollywood).

Sunday is fun day. Going to Warped Tour with my sister. We have an interview to conduct (not sure who it is with exactly) and then a bunch of bands to watch. It should be fun.

[jsari23]

nice lifting

gotta suck about the work parking

hope you had fun at the concert

[anandagirl]

Sunday is fun day. Going to Warped Tour with my sister. We have an interview to conduct (not sure who it is with exactly) and then a bunch of bands to watch. It should be fun.

I saw the pic on IG and was jealous! I want to hear all about it

[Fiction2Fitness]

nice lifting

gotta suck about the work parking

hope you had fun at the concert

Thank you. The parking does suck but that's a common issue in LA. Even over near the apartment it's a hassle finding spots when street parking. We get one spot in the little parking area but it's awkward to get in and out of as the apartment parking area is small, so it's a hassle in general. Concert was fun. :-)

I saw the pic on IG and was jealous! I want to hear all about it

:-D It was fun. Very hot, lots of people and loud, but fun. Took a bit to get there plus park, then made it over to the stages just in time to see Sum-41, though were back so that we couldn't see the band but at least hear them. The tour had several different stages in the area and different groups performing all afternoon/evening. Interview was a bust as the guy didn't show up over at the press location. Would have been interesting as it was a musician who had started up a fitness company but oh well, maybe some other time. Didn't stay for Yellowcard as they didn't perform until after 8 as we ended up leaving early so that getting out of parking wouldn't be a big hassle. Was hot and tired anyways. Still we saw some good groups, some of which I'd heard of and others not so much which were: Reel Big Fish, Secrets, The Heirs, New Found Glory and Young Guns. Heard briefly a few others and got something from a food truck that was over priced (well sister got food and i just had a soda as wasn't hungry plus it took forever). Overall, it was good and we had fun going. Might post a few clips and images once I get my youtube stuff caught up.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Today, thought I had work at 9 am as that was what it had said at one point. Turns out I didn't have work until 11 am and tomorrow I work at 7 am instead of 9. Had 2 hours to waste and it wasn't worth dealing with traffic, driving home and losing parking spot, so spent it in Starbucks. Busy at work with not having enough people (we've had a few quit and a couple are leaving for school) yet time went by slow. Then went to the gym for deadlift day. Had a guy ask about the rack part way through my first lifts, so tried not to take too long but still got things done.

front squat - 2x8 @ 45, 1x8 @ 65, 3x6 @ 85
good morning - 3x10 @ 85

deadlift - 1x6 @ 135, 1x3 @ 185 and with belt 3x5 @ 205

cable kickback - 3x10 per leg @ 10

Deadlift went better this time as I didn't get the 205 for the reps needed last week. Did the belt on all three sets but being consistent will help for sure and I can start building up to hopefully new PRs. Have morning shifts so trying to get some food then it is time for bed.


Also, I had applied for a lower level management position at work but won't be getting it. I've been with the company for almost 4 years. Things aren't getting anywhere so I've got some things to figure out and possible moves to make. We'll see how it goes. Decision time is coming, for sure.

[anandagirl]

:-D It was fun. Very hot, lots of people and loud, but fun. Took a bit to get there plus park, then made it over to the stages just in time to see Sum-41, though were back so that we couldn't see the band but at least hear them. The tour had several different stages in the area and different groups performing all afternoon/evening. Interview was a bust as the guy didn't show up over at the press location. Would have been interesting as it was a musician who had started up a fitness company but oh well, maybe some other time. Didn't stay for Yellowcard as they didn't perform until after 8 as we ended up leaving early so that getting out of parking wouldn't be a big hassle. Was hot and tired anyways. Still we saw some good groups, some of which I'd heard of and others not so much which were: Reel Big Fish, Secrets, The Heirs, New Found Glory and Young Guns. Heard briefly a few others and got something from a food truck that was over priced (well sister got food and i just had a soda as wasn't hungry plus it took forever). Overall, it was good and we had fun going. Might post a few clips and images once I get my youtube stuff caught up.

Sum 41! Those kids are still around?

RBF - haven't seen them in years. Love those guys.

Sorry the interview didn't show but yay for the concert!

[Fiction2Fitness]

Sum 41! Those kids are still around?

RBF - haven't seen them in years. Love those guys.

Sorry the interview didn't show but yay for the concert!

They were fun. RBF mentioned how they were popular in like the 90's. They joke played a part of a Blink-182 song during the set. It was an interesting mix at Warped Tour, which is the fun of these "festivals" I think.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Had morning shift today and yesterday. Blah day in that I was up front at the cash register almost all of the shift. Drags me down a little, working so hard for over 3 years and not getting anywhere. Anyways, after that was traffic. Took me almost 50 minutes to get to the gym from work just due to the slowness of driving. At least the lifting went fine. Can't wait to sleep though.

Bench Day

band pull aparts - 3x10
bench - 2x8 @ 45, 1x8 @ 65, 4x5 @ 90
chin ups - 2, 2, 1, 1
cable curls - 3x10 @ 30
face pulls - 3x8 @ 35
bent over row - 3x8 @ 80

Bench is getting better. Am at the weight I was supposed to use at the start of this cycle so can start moving forward and work down to smaller reps and higher weights. I'm doing bench 2 days a week so won't increase each time but hopefully it helps since it's hard to increase on the upper body lifts. Need to do chin ups more cause not making progress at this point and maybe do them as part of warm up for bench or something. Hoping to switch to pendlay rows in the future but might have to wait until I get a better gym as the stacked plate setup isn't great in this small space and limited equipment location. Talked again about trainer session and they supposedly called but I can't always answer my phone and no one left a message. Might set up for Saturday as it's my next day off though. We'll see.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Novel update time because I still get writing done on the rare occasion. After dawdling and not making progress for over a month, I finally have the first draft of North West done. it's just under 60,000 words, which is a good starting point. Now it gets set aside to give some space and before the rewrite/edit, I will have to do research.

I have another YA contemporary novel started that I set aside, so might work on that and or I might start the rewrite on the fantasy story that came to 170,000 words in the first draft. I will be rewriting it into two novels. Should be fun. Time to get in more writing and work on priorities so can pay bills but also do things I enjoy.

[anandagirl]

They were fun. RBF mentioned how they were popular in like the 90's. They joke played a part of a Blink-182 song during the set. It was an interesting mix at Warped Tour, which is the fun of these "festivals" I think.

Yep, loved them in the 90's and 2000's - haven't bough an album from them in years, haven't even looked! I will always be a ska girl though

Yay for the lifting and the novel! Hopefully the gym will get back to you soon regarding the trainer session

[Fiction2Fitness]

Well, yesterday I was lazy and stayed home but was right about the monthly cycle as it started right before I went to work. Cramps aren't too bad right now at least. I stayed in bed a little later then planned this morning but still went to the gym. It was busy being mid day. Also, for the first time had a guy ask to work in on squats. He wasn't much taller than me so we just changed the weights between sets. Mine were the heavier sets as he's just getting back into lifting and working his way up. We chatted a little and after my deadlifts he took over the bar for pendlay rows. Was nice having a brief interaction while still getting stuff done.

squat - 2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 95, 1x8 @ 135, 2x6 @ 145 and 2x5 @ 155 with belt
overload - 215 for 20 count
pause squat - 1x6 @ 95 and 1x5 @ 105 for 8 count
sumo deadlift - 1x6 @ 135 and 3x5 @ 165 with belt

Actually looked at the excel sheet I have for my attempt at the peak cycle. On deadlift and squat I'm on week 8 but just getting to the weights for week 1 on bench. So, I wrote done what was supposed to happen on week 3 and did those for today. Will work my way from here and try to look at the required weights before going to to the gym. Does help to follow those programs. :wink:

[Fiction2Fitness]

Day off from work. Yay! I went to the gym though for being interested in contacting me about fitting in the training on my day off, I still haven't heard from them. Next schedule I get friday off instead of Saturday. My schedule changes every week and I can't answer my phone at work or in the car, so if they call, the note is to leave a message, so we'll see if they call some time this next week. I was going to go check out griffith park to walk around for cardio and scope out some potential running paths but I don't wanna do it alone. Guess I'll wait longer and try to convince my sister to come for a walk one of these days. I did grocery shopping instead. I did get some bolilo rolls but also got some chicken. Trying to do a little better in buying food so can make it instead of buying in the moment. Spending the rest of the day at home, getting some filming done, videos for youtube, reviewing, and maybe organizing our boxes of stuff since we've lived here just over a month now.


Bench Day

band pull aparts - 3x10
bench press - 2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 70, 1x5 and 1x4 @ 95, 1x6 and 1x5 @ 90
pull up 1x1, chin up 1x2.5, 1x2
ohp 2x10 @ 45, 1x5 @ 60, 1x5 and 1x4 @ 70
tricep pushdown - 3x10 @ 35
pallof press - 3x10 @ 20
overhead tricep extension - 1x5 @ 25, 1x6 and 2x8 @ 20


Now that I've had lunch, it's time to get on with being productive while fighting the urge to snack all day on the limited food supplies since it is "shark week" and I'll be home all day.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Note to self - eat more food before lifting when it's deadlift day.

Have to work a few mornings in a row, which means getting up before 6 am so I can drive to work, find parking and not end up late. Had a hard time sleeping last night cause it was hot and we hadn't turned on the AC until really late. Worked 8 hours cashiering and only had a black cold starbucks coffee (found in the cooler section at the store, too lazy to get starbucks from across the street). Then had coke zero during lunch break and on shorter breaks. After work, had a melty protein bar, cliff builder. Not enough for deadlift day, oops. Was so tired but went to the gym anyways. It was okay and empty until deadlifts, when I had to be loud. Of course, that is when people show up, not when I'm doing the quiet stuff.

front squat - 2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 75 and 3x6 @ 95
good morning - 3x10 @ 95
deadlift - 1x6 @ 135, 1x4 @ 185, belted 2x6 @ 205 and 2x5 @ 215
glute kickback - 3x10 @ 10

[Fiction2Fitness]

Now to ramble a little for self as it's just something I need to get out of my head though. Having a rough patch on the mental side. Sister has been trying to coax me to have fun because I guess mom is a little worried we're just working and not enjoying things. Granted we do fun little things, like going to warped tour, right now I'm just not up for much. Bills are high priority and have a few frustrations bringing me down.

Lately, things have been at a somewhat standstill. Social life has been lacking in progress for years but now work is not getting anywhere. I've been working hard for years with the one company and not made any progress in moving up. Gym progress is much slower now. I haven't found a running path so haven't been trying to get to the half marathon distance yet. Weight hasn't made progress this summer either with the random incidents bringing it back up every few weeks. I moved for a few reasons, including to shake things up and I'm starting to see that just working to pay bills is starting to drag me down. I'm not passionate about retail, for sure, and it's not helping get me to my future goals.

Puts me in that mode where I want to eat lots of candies and cakes but at the same time no desire to have anything either. I need to get around and make more changes. I've applied for some jobs but hard to say if I'll hear back from any of them since I don't have a "dream" job. I am looking into grad school but the program I wanted to apply for has no information on the next session or if/when applications will be accepted.

There is my ramble. Feeling a bit on the down side but trying to find paths to move forward in life. We'll see how it goes.

[anandagirl]

Thinking of you - you'll figure it out, one way or another, I have faith

[Fiction2Fitness]

Thinking of you - you'll figure it out, one way or another, I have faith

Thanks. :-)


We considered going to Vegas this week on my day off as sister had a DJ she could go watch to do a write up on for a blog, but think the decision is to skip. She was gone all weekend for an event and has some things this week. While I have Wednesday off from work, I don't feel up for much and financially need to pay bills so don't have spare funds for much of anything. Since I can't even get the mood up to go get a free cupcake, not up for somewhere flashy or anything.