Reactive Training Systems

Brady Stewart · Senior Member

RE: Big Mike's Training Log

Mike Tuchscherer · Guru

Saturday SBD
Squat +90c
75x3 80x2 85x3 85x2 75x3x2
525 x 3 x 1 @ 8
565 x 2 x 1 @ 8
595 x 3 x 1 @ 9
595 x 2 x 1 @ 9
525 x 3 x 2 @ 8

3ct ISO MIO Bench +90c
75x3 80x2 85x3 85x2 75x3x2
295 x 3 x 1 @ 8
315 x 2 x 1 @ 7.5
335 x 3 x 1 @ 9
335 x 2 x 1 @ 8
295 x 3 x 2 @ 8

Total Training Time: 72min

I had noticeable fatigue on the squats today. I managed a PR, though, so thats good.
I also decided I dont like the ISO MIOs right now. Im going to drop these for 3ct Pause Benches.
I didnt have time to do the SSB GMs I had planned today. I had to work (like everyday).

Week 1 Realization (skills eval week)
Tuesday Skills Evaluation
Suit Squat (9) +wraps
85x1, 90x1, 95x1
865 x 1 x 1 @ 8
915 x 1 x 1 @ 9
970 x 1 x 1 @ 10
972 x 1 x 1 @ 10

Shirt Bench (8)
85x1, 90x1, 95x1
635 x 1 x 1 @ 9
635 x 1 x 1 @ 9

Deadlift w/belt
85x1, 90x1, 95x1
715 x 1 x 1 @ 8
755 x 1 x 1 @ 10

Total Training Time: 158min

So this sucked. Im not even posting video of this fiasco.
First let me set the scene (i.e. make some excuses for my crappy performance). Ive worked just about every day for the past 8-10 days with some folks that I cant stand to be around doing a task that is as meaningless and wasteful as it possibly can be. This has caused me quite a lot of stress that has most certainly manifested itself physically (I can see it in my TRAC score). This workout was done during a mid day break in the job, and in retrospect, I wasnt very focused at all (which caused some problems).
I started squatting. The 865 was a little high, but not bad and I was feeling around for it too much. The 915 was pretty close depth wise. It didnt feel all that hard, either. Then came 970. As most know, I use a 2-step walkout. I took one step backward, then on my second step backward, I lost my balance. Rather than fall backward with a half ton on my back, I cut it loose. Remember, I was standing nearly-fully upright. So the half-ton barbell fell from shoulder height down to the safety pins. Plates flew everywhere and even slightly cracked my concrete floor. I was totally fine, but it bent the heck out of my Q-bar (upsetting). Its now totally unusable. So rather than end on that note, I loaded up 972 (small collars) on my Texas Power Bar. This bar felt totally inferior to the Q-bar, but I walked it out and squatted the damn thing. I cut it high, but at this point I didnt really care. The dump had me pretty shook up (which is why I insisted on re-attempting) and I could tell the difference in my walkout (being much more careful).
Oh well, on to benching, right? Wrong. I mustve lost my bench somewhere, because I sure didnt have it today. When I attempted 635 and it was kind of hard, I knew something was very wrong. I think it was the shirt. I tried a new sizing and I dont think its working out for me. Im going to go back to my other (tighter) shirts and figure something else out.
And deadlifting was just crappy. I cant believe 755 was that difficult. Stupid, really.
My new plan is this: I know about where my squat and deadlift are, so no need to change much here. I am going to re-work my bench shirt training next week so I can get some heavy work in a shirt and figure out for sure what the heck is going on. The rest of the time from here to the Arnold needs to be solid technique focus and really get stuff dialed in. This was a fiasco of a workout, but it doesnt have to stay that way.

Wednesday BSB
Bench +180pp +90c
70x3, 75x3, 802x4
215 x 3 x 1 @ 8
225 x 3 x 1 @ 8
245 x 2 x 3 @ 8
245 x 2 x 1 @ 7

Total training Time: 42min

This workout was highly abbreviated because my TRAC score is all out of whack. I need some rest.

-- Edited by Mike Tuchscherer at 14:17, 2009-02-20

Date: Feb 19, 2009

Hey mike man just shake it off. I know its frustrating as I have been having some issues with technical **** and gear the past couple workouts too. Just gotta stay positive and know/hope/pray the pieces fall into place on the big day.

Tony Parrella · Senior Member

keep in mind that you squatted 972, benched 635 and deadlifted 755 all in one workout, in the middle of the day, under a lot of stress. get some rest and youll be right back to it. you didnt get hurt from the squat dump, and you were able to come back and put up some impressive numbers.

BobW · Senior Member

Mike Tuchscherer wrote:

Ive worked just about every day for the past 8-10 days with some folks that I cant stand to be around doing a task that is as meaningless and wasteful as it possibly can be. This has caused me quite a lot of stress that has most certainly manifested itself physically (I can see it in my TRAC score). This workout was done during a mid day break in the job, and in retrospect, I wasnt very focused at all (which caused some problems).

This workout was highly abbreviated because my TRAC score is all out of whack. I need some rest.

I keep telling myself wrt work "Don't sweat the small stuff. It's all small stuff."

-- Edited by Mike Tuchscherer at 14:17, 2009-02-20

Mike Tuchscherer · Guru

Thursday BDB
Bench +90c
70x3, 75x3, 80x2x4
335 x 3 x 1 @ 7
365 x 3 x 1 @ 8.5
385 x 2 x 1 @ 8.5
385 x 2 x 1 @ 8
402 x 3 x 1 @ 9

Deadlift w/o belt
70x3, 75x3, 80x2x4
565 x 3 x 1 @ 8
615 x 3 x 1 @ 8
655 x 2 x 4 @ 8.5

Seated Military +90c
3x8 @8-9
157 x 8 x 1 @ 8
167 x 8 x 1 @ 7.5
180 x 8 x 1 @ 8.5

Total Training Time: 95min

The work today was pretty good. I PRed in all the bench movements today, which is always good.
Deadlift was a bit sluggish, but I did just pull yesterday.

Friday SBD
Squat +90c
70x3, 75x3, 80x2x4
495 x 3 x 1 @ 8
535 x 3 x 1 @ 8
565 x 2 x 1 @ 8.5
565 x 2 x 1 @ 8
565 x 2 x 1 @ 8.5
565 x 2 x 1 @ 9

3ct Pause Bench +90c
70x3, 75x3, 80x2x4
315 x 3 x 1 @ 8
335 x 3 x 1 @ 8
365 x 4 x 1 @ 9
365 x 2 x 2 @ 8.5

SSB GM (str; AB)
3x8 @8-9
275 x 8 x 1 @ 7
295 x 8 x 1 @ 7
315 x 8 x 1 @ 8

Total Training Time: 96min

Overall, this was a quick workout. I did what I needed to do and started feeling a little more efficient today. Squatting was solid not much to comment on. Benching was pretty good as well.

Week 2 Realization
Monday SBB
Suit Squat (9) +wraps
75x3, 80x2, 85x3, 85x1x3
765 x 3 x 1 @ 7.5
825 x 2 x 1 @ 8
870 x 3 x 1 @ 9
870 x 1 x 1 @ 8
870 x 1 x 1 @ 8

Bench +90c
75x3, 80x2, 85x3, 85x1x3
355 x 3 x 1 @ 8
385 x 2 x 1 @ 8
405 x 3 x 1 @ 9
405 x 1 x 3 @ 8.5

Rack Lockout +90c
4x5 @8-9
335 x 5 x 1 @ 7.5
365 x 5 x 1 @ 8
385 x 5 x 1 @ 9
365 x 5 x 1 @ 9

Total Training Time: 147min

Squats were much better this week. Im feeling more and more comfortable and stronger with 870. The last single today was pretty close depth-wise. I dont think Ill have an issue at the AC. I just need to turn my toes out a bit and be aggressive with the weight.
The bench work was decent today. It was good hitting another PR after such a short time period (benching w/ chain). The Rack Lockouts felt very strong as well.

Getting close to Arnold time

JordanLinteris · Senior Member

Hey Mike,
I know you are pretty pissed about your last workout where you wrecked your bar, but any chance of you posting that 972 squat? I want to see that!

Mike Tuchscherer · Guru

Sorry, no chance. I deleted the video this morning to make room for newer video.

And besides, I'm struggling to get my (old) camera installed on my (new-er) computer. ugh...

Mike Tuchscherer · Guru

Tuesday DBS
Deadlift w/belt
75x3, 80x2, 85x3, 85x1x3
635 x 3 x 1 @ 8
375 x 2 x 1 @ 7.5
712 x 3 x 1 @ 8.5
712 x 1 x 1 @ 9
712 x 1 x 1 @ 8.5
712 x 1 x 1 @ 8

Bench +180pp +90c
75x3 80x2 85x3 85x2 75x2
235 x 3 x 1 @ 8
250 x 2 x 1 @ 8
265 x 3 x 1 @ 9
265 x 2 x 1 @ 9
235 x 2 x 1 @ 7

SSB Oly Squat +90c
4x5 @8-9
405 x 5 x 1 @ 8
435 x 5 x 1 @ 8.5
455 x 5 x 1 @ 9

Total Training Time: 116min

As bad as pulling was last week, thats how good it was this week. The 712 was easy (as it should be). I kind of strained a rib squatting yesterday, so I had to really keep my weight back and stay tight. I think that may have helped.
Bench work had a nice PR today. The pace was pretty fast also.
The SSB work was a gut-check yet again. I PRed, so thats good, but man, does it suck!

Wednesday GPP
Recovery Conditioning Circuit 12 minutes, average HR = 110
Stretching/Cane for about 45 minutes

Thursday BDB
Shirt Bench (6/4)
up to x1 @9, then opener
605 x 1 x 1 @ 7
655 x 1 x 1 @ 9
585 x 1 x 1 @ 8.5

Deadlift w/o belt
75x3 80x2 85x3 85x2 75x2
615 x 3 x 1 @ 7.5
655 x 2 x 1 @ 7.5
700 x 3 x 1 @ 9
700 x 2 x 1 @ 9
625 x 2 x 1 @ 8

Seated Military +90c
4x6 @8-9
175 x 6 x 1 @ 8
185 x 6 x 1 @ 8
200 x 6 x 1 @ 8
205 x 6 x 1 @ 9

Total Training Time: 131min

Shirt benching is starting to come back. What really hurt me was the 3-week span of messed up training (deload for Raw Unity, down week after Raw Unity, then got sick). I suspect the sickness was the biggest player. But either way, its starting to come back. I benched today and did 655 fully legal (my butt may have moved a little, but I cant get my feet where I want them at home). I fully expect to hit this number or better at the AC. After that, I changed shirts and hit my opener. Nice and easy.
The deadlifting without a belt is only about 12 pounds behind my deadlift with a belt. Pulling seems to be getting better every time I put my hands on the bar lately (except for last week).
Even seated militaries had a good PR today.

Video of 655 bench...

-- Edited by Mike Tuchscherer at 15:16, 2009-02-27

MichaelG · Senior Member

I couldn't help but notice your 870 was listed as 85%...planning something special for the AC? Next week right?

Mike Tuchscherer · Guru

Hahaha... don't tempt me.

The fact of the matter is that I feel that if the conditions were perfect, I could squat a G. But I know how I compete and I know what my goals are. I'll honestly probably stay conservative with my squat attempts (related to how training has been going). That will put me on pace for the total I want and also help me ensure I win the cash. Going to Taiwan for World Games is going to be expensive and having $2000 in my pocket would certainly help offset those costs. So it might be a little conservative compared to training, but there's always Men's Nationals where I can uncork a big one if I want to.

MichaelG · Senior Member

Ah, that makes sense. I just thought I remember you saying you were going for the win at worlds and numbers at the AC, and got excited looking at the rather short list of quadruple digit walked out squats

.

Mike Tuchscherer · Guru

That was the original plan, but part of what I've been learning at meets (really sank in during Raw Unity) was that to win, you must compete well and be patient. My scope right now has changed slightly, so I probably won't attempt a G this time. But given wat I know now, I don't see why it won't happen sometime this year.

Nick Morneau · Senior Member

Hey Mike have you upgraded to the Super Katana or are you using the regular Katana. Its a little hard to tell which one you are wearing.

Mike Tuchscherer · Guru

Still a regular katana. It's plenty of shirt for me!

I'm working with Pete to try a super, but we'll see what happens.