2013DEC13 (BUL D2.W17)

Paused Back Squat:
20 x bar work
75 x 3
95 x 2
115 x 3 (3:3:46)
135 x 2 (2:5:48)
155 x 1 (1:6:49)
125 x 3 (3:9:52)
145 x 2 (2:11:54)
165 x 1 (1:12:55)
130 x 3 (3:15:58)
150 x 2 (2:17:60)
170 x 1 (1:19:61)

12" Block Power Clean:
20 x bar work
55 x 3
75 x 2
87 x (1)10 (10:29:71)

12" Block Clean Pull:
125 x 3 (3:32:74)
145 x (3)5 (15:47:89)

* Notes:

- Why are paused back squats so difficult?  Matter of fact, why are they so difficult that I can only do just a few kilos above my paused front squat weights?  WHY?  Sitting in the bottom of the hole with a back squat (to me) is extremely uncomfortable and I find it difficult to reengage my legs to start moving the weights back up.  It's a GRIND!  I'll attribute this to a lack of familiarity, but I'm questioning that premise.  Maybe I'm to big of a pussy?

- The block cleans were akin to walking on paper-thin ice.  I made it to my goal of 87kg, which is approximately 60% of my top working weights prior to the shoulder and bicep injury.  Pulling isn't the issue, it's the turn over that causes the weirdest, most unnatural, and strangely painful sensation that is indescribable.  This odd feeling immediately causes hesitation and a less aggressive pull on the bar.  The weight is ridiculously light, but the dynamic nature of the movement makes me very nervous when I get these "warning" signals of emanate disaster from my bicep.  Plus, it fuels my psyche negatively by making me double guess and over-think the movement.  It's a vicious cycle!

- Block clean pulls were so EASY!  I wish that was a competition move because I could pull a lot more, but I remained vigilant in staying at 145kg.  I plan on pushing higher in the coming weeks; but, overall, it's the turnover in the clean which causes me the greatest fear and doubt.