Stronger Every Day

Yesterday I started off Monday morning like any other, by going to the gym. Only thing I did differently is switched it to a back day instead of a leg day. My legs aren't sore but I figure I should rest them for a bit after running the half.

I had a pretty awesome day in the gym

Last week I did my deadlifts at 65# x15 for 3 sets. Yesterday 65 wasn't enough so I upped it to 85. 15 deadlifts in a row gets tiring, so I'm feeling pretty awesome for being able to up the weight.
(I'm doing an experiment for a few weeks and doing less weight at more reps to increase my muscular endurance, I figure it will be useful for obstacle racing as well as just training in a different way than I'm used to)

I think soon I'll be ready to up my lat pulldown weight, #85 is getting too easy.

And I'm getting better at Turkish get ups. Worked on them a couple months ago and I couldn't even get through 10 reps on each side. I am not using heavy weight at all, but now I can go 10 reps on each side no problem. They're still an exercise straight from hell, but I can see where I have made a drastic improvement since the last time I attempted them. I did 2 sets of 10 on each side, would have gone for a third set but I ran out of time.

Also - feels like it's taken forever, but my back muscles are finally showing through. I noticed it in the mirror yesterday while doing my pull ups. Been noticing it while doing squats too. Another way you can tell you have a muscular back - the edge of the tub hurts like hell when you lay back against it to shave your legs. No more fatty cushion to lean back on!

I really do love lifting. I can't live without it. It's the most liberating, empowering thing you can do for yourself on a regular basis. For me it's all about performance - how much can I lift? How am I gonna do on my next obstacle race? How long can I go before my limits have been reached? I won't ever look perfect. I still have my tummy pouch, which likely won't ever go away because I love food too much. But I have still leaned out a bit despite that fact, and I'm seeing more and more muscle definition as the months pass by. I love my muscles!

Oh yeah - my mother in law's wedding date has changed, and you know what that means! I'm going to Tough Mudder! And it also most likely means I can see my family for a bit because they are in VA. I'm quite excited.