Novels and Barbells

[Fiction2Fitness]

Not much to report as I've just been working and I'm still a little sore. No gym yet but might go after work tomorrow as I'm working a mid-day shift. Other news though. I applied for a transfer and it's official, I'm moving to LA. My first day at the store there is June 11th, so I've got a lot to do in a short time. Okay, a lot is an understatement. Better get busy.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Quick lifting session. Went to see about possible cancel of membership. It's one of the gyms with a contract, so have to get that all figured out. There is a location somewhere there but the city is bigger and it wouldn't be close to the studio apartment and no idea where we're going to move once my sister and I find a place to live closer to where I will be working. The gym says it has to be 25 miles away or further to cancel, so we'll see what he has to say on it when the gym owner is back next week. Not on program yet and throat is sore so wasn't quite up for gym but lifted anyways.

squat 2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 95, 1x6 @ 135 and 3x5 @ 155 - very slow, no belt

good morning 3x10 @ 95
front squats 2x5 @ 95 - hands didn't like these and hurt, right one in particular

cable kick back, single leg - 3x8 @ 40

elliptical for 25 minutes while watching food network

I was going to run tomorrow but am taking over a morning shift as a favor for a coworker, so I'll work then go up to Portland for an errand and donuts. Maybe run on Friday and do upper body lifting tomorrow night instead.

[itsagoodday]

Oh wow, stopped by to see how things are going and you're doing great in here! Workouts, submission to an agent, a job transfer and a move. Awesome! You're making me feel like I must be standing still in comparison

[Valkyrie08]

I like lifting, and writing, and doughnuts, ergo, I like this journal!

[Fiction2Fitness]

Oh wow, stopped by to see how things are going and you're doing great in here! Workouts, submission to an agent, a job transfer and a move. Awesome! You're making me feel like I must be standing still in comparison

And yet it seems like I have done nothing because I have so much to do in like 10 days. Thanks for the comment. I'm also sure you do quite a lot too. ;-)

I like lifting, and writing, and doughnuts, ergo, I like this journal!

- Why thank you.

[anandagirl]

Exciting times for you!

[Fiction2Fitness]

Tiring times too. lol

I went for a short run yesterday. Then ended up working 10 hours as got asked to clock in early when I stopped by work to drop something off to a coworker. Follow that by no sleep. So tired. After the rough day yesterday (which included struggles like having a bottle of wine break that I then had to clean up), I was tired but when I tried to sleep, nothing. Went to the gym before 5 am. Did the natural thing after no sleep and deciding to lift weights after having a long day that included 25,000 steps... I decided to try a squat challenge. I'd seen it from Alan Thrall and a couple others with the intention of doing it some time later on but randomly decided since it's Memorial day and I was in the gym, why not? So, I filmed equating my body weight (135) for 22 reps and will post on youtube with links to the Lift for the 22 that the challenge wants to bring awareness towards.

Lifting:

Squats 2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 95, 1x22 @ 135 and 1x8 @ 135
- filmed the 22 set, did the 8 extra for fun afterwards in a different set

Deadlift 1x6 @ 135, 1x5 @ 185 and with belt 2x3 @ 215

cable bicep curl 3x10 @ 60
tricep pushdown 3x10 @ 70

30 minutes on elliptical

Then I walked outside at the park cause the places I wanted to try breakfast fast food from weren't quite open yet with the holiday and all. Sadly, since I hadn't gotten stuff from their breakfast in like 10 years Burger King no longer had the item I enjoyed. No more cimi-minis. Struck out at Taco Bell too as had to pick something other than the waffle taco I'd heard about. Got dollar items and they were eh. Donuts are better. Will have squat video up on channel soon.

[Fiction2Fitness]

So much going on but quick little things.

Trying to decide between Texas Method and a version of 5/3/1 to do over summer. I like some aspects of both and a couple hesitations as well. I like the idea of 4 days a week more than 3 but at the same time, I don't know what my new work schedule will be like. I also don't know what equipment will be available at whatever location I attend. Not sure I can get out of the contract with the current gym, so may have to rely on whatever is the closest location to either home or work once I'm settled down in LA.

Started packing but have so much to do. I move in a week and it's hard to figure out what is really necessary since I have to make all that I can bring fit in my small car. I also have to pack up my stuff that I'm leaving so the roommates can have it out of the way until I come get the rest. I do really appreciate them for being okay with the whole situation.

Diet wise, I am taking a full on, couple week diet break. Between all of the stuff involved in getting moved and the recent result struggles, it was time to do more than a mini vacation from calorie tracking. I have been watching calories for over a year, 1.5+ ish at this point with just small breaks done throughout. The focus on macros and trying to get things to make each amount was becoming daunting. It's nice to not stress over protein every day, which helps show how much I needed to step away for a little bit. If I don't get in the 120's in June, it's okay. Once I'm in LA, I'll figure out how to get the ranges I need with just a mini fridge and studio apartment until we move to a bigger place. I'll be back to deficit in a while. And for now, I'll enjoy the time I have left with my current coworkers and not worry about the calories in the pizza or croissant. mmmm

Doing a lot of things online but finally made more progress in novel draft tonight. Finished chapter 21. Just need to figure out how to end things enough to let go of draft one.

[anandagirl]

Hang in there girl, it's probably good to take a diet break because with all the stress and change right now, you don't want to beat yourself up over slipping here and there.

And 22 rep squat you're a better woman than I!

[itsagoodday]

22 reps holy cats!!!! Let me start by saying I would never be able to do that. At any weight. And sure as heck not at bodyweight lol. And even if by some miracle I did pull it off, I wouldn't be able to hang around to do anything else at the gym, because I'd be in intensive care.

Trying to decide between Texas Method and a version of 5/3/1 to do over summer.

I'd probably recommend 5/3/1, I think everyone I know who's done it has liked it. And it's got a lot of flexibility with the different options like BBB, First Set Last, Jokers, etc. TM, well about half the people I know who've done this liked it, and the others didn't, including a few folks whose lifts went down while running it. But then others have had great success with it, so who knows lol.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Random couple of days. Yesterday, I didn't have work so tried another income potential up in Portland while also doing a couple of things I wanted to do. I filmed some clips for youtube for a Bro day of eating. Got to try out a food truck I'd noticed a year ago called the Cultured Caveman, which had "paleo" style food options. I stopped by gym in morning but the guy wasn't there so did 30 minutes elliptical. The female owner (it's own by a couple) did give me a good suggestion. On the drive down to LA, one option for a place to stop is actually the gym. I can use any location within the company and they have many in Cali. Might do that, do a little walking on treadmill or something (along with bathroom) along the way. I also stopped at the gym after getting back from Portland and did some random arm/upper body things. Pull-ups and curls for the youtube video, plus some other things.

Today, had work but freight didn't show up until my shift was over. I'll have to put away whatever is leftover tomorrow. Went out for pizza with coworkers afterwards. I hadn't had an actual pizza yet this year, since dairy issues and all, so it was a very nice treat. Did have a donut on my lunch break too cause national donut day, which I'd gotten from Bluestar Donuts in Portland. It was interesting. Creme Brûlée, which I like the idea of but not sure I like the flavor but I can say they got the dessert spot on with the donut version. Lifted weights at the gym a little bit later.

squats 2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 95, 1x6 @ 135, 3x5 @ 165
parts of power cleans, 45 1x6ish, 65, 1x2ish, 55, 2x5ish. Did some parts of the movements that I didn't count as full reps.
sumo deadlift 1x6 @ 135, 1x5 @ 185, 215 fail, 2x2 @ 215, 1x5 @ 185

Squats are going super slow and feel very heavy considering they aren't that close to my max even. Really can tell I've meandered and don't have program consistency. Didn't have belt with me either but I've done over 180 without belt. Deadlift was rough and yet not. I've only done 225 on sumo once, but 215 went easy on conventional recently. First attempt though for 215 sumo just didn't happen. I got it off the floor maybe an inch max. Instead of walking away, I reset, took a moment then gave it another try. I would have gotten 3 reps on the third attempt but the plates at this one shift and roll some with their odd shape. I would have had to reset completely, so i didn't go for a third rep.

Getting tired but I really need to pack. Trying to figure out what I can take but also need to box up all the stuff I can't so it can be stored out of the roommates' way until I can come get the rest. So much to do. Might be time to panic just a little. I leave very early Thursday morning...

[Fiction2Fitness]

Hang in there girl, it's probably good to take a diet break because with all the stress and change right now, you don't want to beat yourself up over slipping here and there.

And 22 rep squat you're a better woman than I!

Thanks. I do think the break was a good idea. Weight might go up a big deal but it's not really a terrible thing. It's nice to not worry about how many grams of protein I've gotten in a day. I still get vegetables and other good things. Also, nice to be a little more social since I'm saying goodbye to everyone soon.

I don't like high rep ranges at all, to be honest. The amrap in stage one of NROLFW was bleh cause after 12 reps of anything I'm liked "why am I still doing this" and even more so with things like squat and deadlift. My deadlift didn't improve at all from the first week to the last of stage one just cause I didn't want to do more than 15 reps. But, the squats this time were for a good cause. Not that I have many subscribers (just 2). Still, good reason but it was rough to get them all done in the same set. Probably should have done it in the safeties, thinking back. Won't be testing rep maxes any time soon though. hehe

22 reps holy cats!!!! Let me start by saying I would never be able to do that. At any weight. And sure as heck not at bodyweight lol. And even if by some miracle I did pull it off, I wouldn't be able to hang around to do anything else at the gym, because I'd be in intensive care.

I'd probably recommend 5/3/1, I think everyone I know who's done it has liked it. And it's got a lot of flexibility with the different options like BBB, First Set Last, Jokers, etc. TM, well about half the people I know who've done this liked it, and the others didn't, including a few folks whose lifts went down while running it. But then others have had great success with it, so who knows lol.

- Thanks. The 22 was rough but not that bad. Pushed through it for the cause, though not going to do it again. ;-) I do think I'm going to go with 5/3/1. The split days mimic the meet prep more and I like having more of an upper lower split. I like the 4 days and hopefully can fit it in with whatever schedule they give me down in California. Just want to decide so that I can get going too because meandering doesn't help much in strength gains.

[jsari23]

congrats ont he job transfer

oh yum donuts and pizza!

keep up the great lifting

[itsagoodday]

Good job coming back and nailing the 215 sumo! It's funny, usually when I fail a lift, there's no point in going back and trying it again because I'm just not going to get it. But if it's something like just not being in the right frame of mind, or maybe being a little off on the first attempt, it's absolutely the right thing to do to try again.

No panicking on the move! You got this

[Fiction2Fitness]

congrats ont he job transfer

oh yum donuts and pizza!

keep up the great lifting

Thanks. Late responding but obviously, moving makes things a tad busy. ;-)

Good job coming back and nailing the 215 sumo! It's funny, usually when I fail a lift, there's no point in going back and trying it again because I'm just not going to get it. But if it's something like just not being in the right frame of mind, or maybe being a little off on the first attempt, it's absolutely the right thing to do to try again.

No panicking on the move! You got this

I survived the move, yay! lol And thanks. Most often when I have been able to deadlift not more than an inch it's give up time. Hasn't happened often but still. However, it's normally when trying to hit close to max so that 215 was a frustrating wtf type moment, so I decided to try again. Will go better once I'm consistent and working a program. I notice just doing random isn't helpful for strength gains.


So far, I have lifted once. Found one of the anytime fitness locations. It's only 10 miles away but being LA the distance takes longer than other places. Still wish I could get out of the contract but if not, it'll be manageable. Still need to find out my work schedule before can cement down the lifting days but getting closer. Will do Wendler's until do peak cycle. Need to sign up for the meet still and ask for the plane ticket for my birthday. The meet isn't until October, so have time. Also, we're looking for apartment and hope can go get the rest of my stuff this summer cause I just packed up the car and left lots of stuff behind. Felt a little bad and really appreciate my roommates who were okay with it.

Anyways, first LA lift went okay.

Squat - 3x5 @ 135
OHP - 3x5 @ 65
Deadlift - 1x6 @ 135, 3x5 @ 185 (conventional, sumo, conventional)


Kept it simple. Had a guy comment on my strength though, complimented me even though I wasn't even going heavy on any of the lifts. Suggested I look someone up who has a crazy bench number and trains powerlifters. Nice idea but the gym and training is over 100 a month and yeah, as fun as that might be to actually have a gym focused on powerlifting (and other strength based options, like strong man), it's not in the financial cards. Even if I got a promotion I wouldn't make enough. Still, nice to have some random person say you seem strong even when you don't feel it as much.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Started my attempt at 5/3/1 on the 14th. Didn't post in this forum yet from that one, and did a little out of order. I started my week 1 with OHP. Will need to do peak cycle by August if entering the October meet so we'll see how this goes.

Ohp 2x8 @ 45, 1x5 @ 55 then 1x5 @ 60, 65, 70
Power clean attempts with bar then 2x5 @ 65
Seated row 3x8 @ 70
Lat pull 3x8 @ 70

Downloaded the app on my phone yesterday. Was going to go to gym after work but by 11 pm didn't feel like driving to the one closest that is open 24 hours. So, I went today instead during day as I have a light work week. They were doing schedule when transfer was still going through so I am only working 3 days this week. I am glad inventory is today, so that stuff will be done for this year. Things will be a little more normal Sunday, when I work again. Went to gym today and used the app for 5/3/1 though didn't put my accessories on that one. Didn't follow exact either cause some of the recommended numbers weren't manageable with the available plates but got close enough.

10 minute warmup on elliptical

Squats
warmup - 2x10 @ 45, 1x6 @ 95, 1x3 @ 110
1x5 @ 120
1x5 @ 135
amrap 155 1x7

leg press 3x8 @ 225
good morning 3x8 @ 95
sumo deadlift 1x6 @ 135 and 2x5 @ 175

A sort of plus about lifting at a general, commercial gym is that any heavy lifting seems like a lot to some of the other people. Different location than the first time I lifted, though same as the OHP day. More people there being mid-day and had two women comment on my squat weight (which was the 155 this time). It's a bit of an ego boost. That and when mentioning the meet and such, one made a comment about how I probably only weight around 100. pfftt. In my range for how short I am but not quite. lol. Though, it's quite a change from weighing over 200 to having someone in LA think I weighed 100. Ego boost indeed.

Now to get busy on other things. I finally got another video up on youtube and I have one more to upload in a couple of days. Put up the Bro day of eating and up next is Pre-LA physique video. Need to figure out what I'll film next. Always something to do. But I now have internet at apartment as I set up the wireless router. One major thing marked off the list. Next up is find more income.

[JustBulk]

5/3/1 is my fav routine, have fun with it!

[anandagirl]

Nice to get those ego boosts! 5/3/1 app - might have to check that out! Still considering a program for when I finish New rules

[Fiction2Fitness]

Yesterday was OHP day. Didn't do much accessories as I did the lifting before work, then had to deal with an apartment situation. Almost didn't make it to work on time cause that and traffic. Luckily, OHP is one of the easier days.

OHP
warmup - 2x8 @ 45, 1x5 @ 50
1x3 @ 55
1x3 @ 60
1x7 @ 70

seated row 3x8 @ 70
lat pull down 3x8 @ 70

[Fiction2Fitness]

5/3/1 is my fav routine, have fun with it!

Thanks for the comment. We'll see how it goes.

Nice to get those ego boosts! 5/3/1 app - might have to check that out! Still considering a program for when I finish New rules

:-D They are fun, those boosts. The app is different. I have to round up or down because I don't have fractionals below 2.5 at anytime fitness but still making it work for now.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Wow, I have gotten behind on here. Been busy trying to work both the main job and a side one, so haven't done much online at all but I have been lifting. Saturday before work I had bench press day. Thursday was squat day. And yesterday evening, I did deadlifts. Though I keep forgetting my phone, which makes it hard to follow the app recommendations, but yesterday I had written down the main lift numbers in my notebook ahead of time, and that helped. It went okay but everything is a bit in the air right now so we'll see how everything falls in the end.

Unfortunately, part of the stand still right now is waiting for bad news. My step-grandmother (stepdad's mother) has been suffering from Alzheimer's and the last few years have been rough. Now, she can't even get out of bed so it's waiting, which could be any day. If we have to, me and my sister are going to drive to get there but until then, on hold.

I haven't been eating the best, in that I've been not eating enough. I was going for around 1300 for this part of the cut but I've been just over 1000 on a few days. Not quite what I want to also facilitate lifting heavy. I'm between 128-130 on the scales right now. Working on food but budget is rough right now trying to make the rent for the new place. August will be easier, but July is going to be a very tight month.

Now for the fun, the lifting:

Squat Day
Squat
1x8 @ 45, 1x8 @ 95, 1x3 @ 135, 1x3 @ 155, 1x5 (amrap) @ 165

good morning - 3x10 @ 60
leg press 3x8 @ 225
pallor press 3x8 @ 20

Bench Day
1x8 @ 45, 1x8 @ 50, 1x8 @ 60, 1x3 @ 70, 1x3 @ 85, 1x6 @ 95

chin up 3x3 bw
bicep cable curl 3x8 @ 35
facepull 3x8 @ 35

Deadlift Day

low bar squat (for warm up) 2x8 @ 45, 1x8 @ 95, 1x5 @ 135, 3x3 @ 155 with belt

Deadlift 1x6 @ 95, 1x6 @ 135, 1x3 @ 160, 1x3 @ 185, 1x6 @ 205


There. Bit more caught up. Have a lot to do but will try and get things going online more and not forget the forums.

[anandagirl]

Sorry to hear about your step-grandmother Hugs to you

[Fiction2Fitness]

I have lifted the last two days and worked main job but not much else. I'm not used to morning shifts and have been really tired lately. At least getting sleep but having to go to bed earlier than my usual. Went to other location yesterday but don't think I'll go there as it's more of a hassle driving even though mile wise it's a smidgen closer to work.

OHP Day
2x8 @ 45, 1x5 @ 50, 1x5 @ 60, 1x3 @ 65, 1x5 @ 75

lat pull 3x8 @ 75
overhead tricep ext 3x8 @ 20

Squat Day
2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 95, 1x5 @ 115, 1x5 @ 135, 1x3 @ 155, 1x5 @ 170
last two were with belt, app says 1rm is about 200

good morning 3x8 @ 95

Not sure on when I'll get bench and deadlift in for week 3 and next is "de-load" week. Got the unfortunate news this morning that grandma passed away. Just waiting to find out the details before we start driving over to Wyoming. Will have to figure out work, signing lease, and all of that stuff too. Will handle it and get over to be with family.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Sorry to hear about your step-grandmother Hugs to you

Thank you.

I'm home with my family.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Has been a long set of days. We had the rosary on the 4th of July at the Catholic church. Then watched fireworks at home because we live right where the small town does its holiday show. Yesterday was the funeral. Glad it's over and everyone is going back to the daily grind. Stepsisters' are both gone and we're driving back to LA tomorrow.

I did find a gym. It wasn't there last time I was in town, so it was interesting to check out what would be available. And it's a crossfit small gym. Has more weight lifting stuff than the commercial gyms and only cost me 5$ for a day pass. I was able to squat, bench and deadlift.

Did just a warm up with squats, doing light weights. I kept them light so it counts for the "deload" week I'm supposed to be doing. Then I did the bench and deadlift I was supposed to do over the weekend. Failed on 4th rep of the amrap in bench but tis okay. I hadn't done bench in a while. All the food and such showed with the lifting belt though. Had to use the 3rd hole instead of the 4th hole. Will be happy to get back to eating regular and less dairy too.

Squats
2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 95, almost 115 (had kg plates along with lb) 3x5

Bench Press
1x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 55, 1x6 @ 65, 1x5 @ 80, 1x3 @ 90, 1x3 @ 100 (failed 4th rep attempt)

face pulls 3x8 @ 40

Deadlift
1x6 and 1x3 @ 135, 1x5 @ 170, 1x3 @ 190 and 1x5 @ 215 (last two with belt)

[itsagoodday]

Hey! I need to catch up in here

So sorry to read about the passing of your grandma!

Re: summer budget crunch, I hear you on that. Summer is always my leanest months for income, anxiety about making my ends meet goes through the roof as a result, ugh.

All the food and such showed with the lifting belt though. Had to use the 3rd hole instead of the 4th hole. Will be happy to get back to eating regular and less dairy too.

Belts are jerks. Well known fact. I had to let mine out a hole the other day and I was like yup, you're a jerk, belt.

[jsari23]

sorry for your loss

keep up the great lifting

[anandagirl]

Yay for $5 gym!

Glad that you are through this tough time and can get back to your normal routine

[Fiction2Fitness]

Hey! I need to catch up in here

So sorry to read about the passing of your grandma!

Re: summer budget crunch, I hear you on that. Summer is always my leanest months for income, anxiety about making my ends meet goes through the roof as a result, ugh.

Belts are jerks. Well known fact. I had to let mine out a hole the other day and I was like yup, you're a jerk, belt.

Thank you. I know some of the belt stuff was water and such. It's a pain but I'm sure things will be back to the usual soon.

sorry for your loss

keep up the great lifting

Thank you.

Yay for $5 gym!

Glad that you are through this tough time and can get back to your normal routine

The gym was a nice find. Still working on that routine but hopefully soon.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Getting settled in new apartment now so hope to get somewhat of a schedule going. I went to the gym after work. My hours are minimal right now, so have to go talk to the person managing the schedule as there was a slight issue from the transfer. I'm going to get a lifting schedule at least, though want to get a new gym in the future. Then figure out a peak cycle despite not being certain I'll get to compete in October. We'll see how it goes.

Just did some light lifting today.

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

OHP - 1x8 @ 45, 3x5 @ 65
front squat - 2x8 @ 65

good morning - 3x10 @ 75

Now eating veggies made in the pressure cooker. mmm