Martin roy training log

[Martin Roy]

That's an excellent suggestion; I'll give the single arm db snatch a try. In the past I've experimented with it from the floor but it didn't feel all that comfortable. However from the hang position with the hip drive, it's very similar to the power position in wob and the path of the weight is straight overhead, tracking the path of the weight in wob. In one form or another, this off season one of my main goals is to improve and strengthen the power of my hip drive. Faster, stonger, and more explosive. This should directly translate to all of the throws, assuming improved technique from more drills and reps.

Okay, before going further I acknowledge that I am in a foul mood at the moment for good reason, as set forth hereinafter.

Catching up: Wednesday was back and posterior chain day, but it turned into new equipment auditioning day. The gym has put in a lot of new stuff, replacing older equipment that worked very well, imho, and didn't need to be replaced by shiny new gear. So, I spent the session trying on the new pull-up station, seated bench row device, pec deck, cable pulling unit, and several other new exercise baubles.

I don't like them - hand positions are generally too wide, angles are different, the movement doesn't feel right. If I can't adjust or find substitute lifts, I'll look for a new gym.

Thursday was off for recovery.

Friday started great, finished angry. Began with the short squat session that went great. A couple sets with 205 to start, a set of 5 with 225 and another at 255. Then bumped up to a set of 3 at 265 and final set of 3 at 275. Cooled down with a fast set of 10 with 135. At this point I was feeling very good because 275 went up smoothly and I planned on hitting 3 sets of 5 at 275 on Monday. This would put me at the point I wanted to reach as my base for moving back up over 300. And it's only the beginning of November.

After that I rode the bike for awhile to loosen my legs; treadmill walk for a few minutes because it just feels right after squatting. Then, the old pec deck both directions with moderate weight.

At this point every thing is humming along according to plan. I went in to do easy standing laterals with 15 dbs to prime my shoulders for snatches. BUT as I leaned forward ever so slightly to initiate the lift, my back spasmed. I stopped immediately and spat out, "Are you effing kidding me!" I made a few more pointed comments questioning the reality of the situation. Bitched in great detail to a friend in the weight room about basic existential issues and the dearth of fundamental cosmic fairness. Then went back to the treadmill to walk because it facilitates getting things back in place.

Left furious. Iced it at home. After awhile it was apparent that, although it's tight, it's not serious. It will be fine in a few days, but it throws me off schedule. The lesson I'm taking from this is that I need to boost core work starting today.

So, Cosmos, point taken. I've calmed down and I'll do my planks and twists diligently. If I may, though, can I ask You to find a less disruptive way to deliver Your messages in the future?

I promise I'll listen.