2013DEC11 (BUL D7.W16)

Paused Front Squat:
20 x bar work
75 x 3
95 x 2
115 x 1 (1:1:115)
135 x 1 (1:2:116)
155 x 1 (1:3:117)
167.5 x 1 (1:4:118)
150 x 1 (1:5:119)
151 x 1 (1:6:120)
152 x 1 (1:7:121)
153 x 1 (1:8:122)
154 x 1 (1:9:123)
155 x 1 (1:10:124)
156 x 1 (1:11:125)
157 x 1 (1:12:126)
158 x 1 (1:13:127)
159 x 1 (1:14:128)
160 x 1 (1:15:129)

* Notes:

- Last and final day of only squatting.  My plan is to resume overhead work starting tomorrow.  I must admit that I tried to snatch yesterday and the results were abysmal.  I could only managed to snatch 55kg without pain in my shoulder and bicep, and those meager attempts weren't as crisp as I'd like.  I made three attempts at 65kg and all of them were outright failures due to pain and lack of confidence.  My hips, legs, and back are exceptionally, if not disproportionally, stronger than the amount of stress that my shoulder and arms can withstand.  It's very difficult in a sport that breeds and develops speed and explosive power to try and moderate and limit these key attributes.  I tried to slow the lifts to maybe limit the pain, but that only resulted in a very slow and painful lift -- as opposed to a fast and painful lift.  Either way, it's painful and extremely frustrating to find myself struggling with the weights.  No more than two weeks ago, I was making considerable gains evidenced by nearly snatching 140kg and feeling confident at a possible 160kg clean.  Now, I find myself reduced to struggling with a 55kg snatch and cleaning the bar is a challenge -- if not out of the question.  Depressed?  You bet your ass I am, but I've started from nearly nothing before, and I'm determined to return and surpass my previous PRs.  All I need is time, patience, perseverance, and the ability to skillfully and intelligently walk the very thin line between progressing forward and injuring myself again, especially as I return to overhead movements.  Nevertheless, I'll keep posting my progress, struggles, and accomplishments as they occur.  I'm not done yet!