Friday, April 13, 2007

The John Wayne Weekend

I believe it was John Wayne who said, "A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do." So, after knocking off work tonite, I'm going home to paint my house that should've already been painted. What's this gotta do with Z-Health and strength training? Nothing and everything.

Stress is either good or bad. Training is a bad stress. It causes the body to break down and you get stronger--adapt--as it builds itself back up. Laughing and having a good time (within reason--drunken stupors don't count) is good stress and aids in the training process.

I can't remember the last time I laughed--a really good from the bottom-of-your-gut laugh. I can't remember the last time I had a really good training session--it was before I went on the cruise back in February--so at least two months.

This week, I did two days of singles: Snatch above knee, Clean above knee, and Back Squat, each with 70%. Then I did some rehab work--KB and bodyweight and last night, chins with weight (+16kg/3 x4 sets; +24kg/2 x3; +32kg/1 x2) and descending sets/increased reps with the KB press.

I also got some ART yesterday on my left elbow and right knee. I've been doing Z for a year and am ecstatic with the results. However, due to the stress levels, I needed outside assistance. I followed it up with some Z and knew it was the right decision.

So as soon as I get done writing this, I'm going home and cleaning house--literally. The plumber owes me money and was supposed to finish the kitchen Tuesday. So I have another plumber coming to finish the job today. It'll cost me extra, but it's worth it. The painter's crew hasn't shown up for the last two days. I'll put on some old clothes, cut in the edges, and get rollin'. The first two floors will be done this weekend--by tomorrow night. I know, cause I'm doing it myself.

That's my training for today--my training stressors. Sometimes a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. When I hit the platform on Sunday I know I'll be stronger for it.

5 Comments:

Blogger Christine said...

You'll probably sleep better knowing it's done. "If you want a job done right....."

7:47 PM  
Blogger Mike T Nelson said...

Good luck man!

I have been thinking a lot the past few months about stress and its effects.

I do really believe as David Allen points out in his book "Getting Things Done" that it is about managing the items that have your attention and doing what will give you the biggest "bang for your buck" first.

He also points out that it is really about KNOWING what you have to do and having it in a trusted system that you will review. No one is able to get everything done, but the fact of knowing what you need to get done allows your brain to relax. Similar to the idea of writing out a list of stuff. You always feel better once you are done, even though you did not do one item on it!

I know my best lifting days are when everything I need to do is accounted for (not completed) and my inbox is processed and empty. That way I can put my brain to use at the task at hand (lift heavy stuff).

Long tyrant, but there you go.

Take care!
Mike T. Nelson

10:06 AM  
Blogger Franz Snideman said...

Amen brother. nice post and I hope your house gets finished soon!

6:53 PM  
Blogger Royce said...

Find a way to laugh man. It's important. I went through a couple of hard years where I didn't laugh or cry or feel. It's horrible.

If you have not seen it rent the movie Being John Malkovich, get lost in the profound weirdness. That's what broke my no laughing spell. I don't know if that'll work, but brother it's worth a try at least.

Good luck man.

11:26 PM  
Blogger Geoff Neupert said...

Thanks for all the good advice, guys and "lift like a girl."

Laughed my butt off at a friend's house for dinner on Sunday night--stomach-cramping laughs. Good stuff.

5:03 PM  

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