Dufisthenics

Last week a younger kid started up a conversation with me regarding the Tough Mudder since  he saw I was wearing one of the shirts from the three events I did.  In addition to the Mudder we talked about triathlons as the kid did his first one this past year.  Every gym session he starts out with a run on the treadmill and he is fast, very fast.  I am sure he can complete a 5K in less than 20 minutes.  So anyway we have talked off and on since last week.

I happened to notice he has a very odd habit.  As soon as he is done with his run on the treadmill he immediately goes outside and sucks down a cigarette.  After finishing it he is back in the gym doing his weight resistance portion of his workout.  I get the distinct feeling he is embarrassed by the habit.  Twice now, including today, he was out in the lot smoking while I was coming out.  As soon as he saw me he took a turn in an opposite direction, perhaps hoping I wouldn’t spot him with his cancer stick.  I thought this was odd as I have no stake in the game.  Sure, I think smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your body but it’s your life, if it doesn’t affect me, why should I care?

So today I continued my unexplainable surge in pushing power, geting 245 pounds off my chest for the first time this decade without assistance.  Albeit this is on decline bench instead of flat bench but I NEVER have gotten 245 pounds up in decline, ever.  My bench press buddy showed up just as I was ready to attempt 245.  It wasn’t easy but the bar never stopped moving.  I hope to ride this wave hopefully to a 250 pound one rep max, a goal we both set three or more years ago.

Despite setting a new 1RM max, my numbers on the downside of the pyramid matched last week as well.  Also in the past, when I would be going for a 1RM, I would hardly do any reps outside of a few light warm up sets, wanting to keep my power reserves full.  Today I gradually went up with 5 sets before going for 245.

Today’s Workout

5 minutes cardio/stretching

Decline barbell bench press – 135lbs x 10, 185lbs x 5, 205lbs x 3, 225lbs x 1, 235lbs x 1, 245lbs x 1, 225lbs x 4, 205lbs x 6, 185lbs x 10, 135lbs x 15