Beyond-Brawn-2nd-Edition

A REAL-LIFE TRAINING CYCLE FOR YOU TO LEARN FROM
Had I not finally pursued basic and abbreviated training I probably would
not have gotten past 160 pounds bodyweight and a 300-pound one-rep
deadlift.
17.48 On 23 June I deadlifted 182.5 kilos (401.5 pounds) for 15 reps, all of them rest
pause. I was ecstatic.
17.49 ough I had been doing 15-rep sets, I had long harbored a thought that 15
reps would not be enough and that I would need to do the “magic” 20 to feel
that the job was complete.
17.50 On 30 June I poured it all out and did 18 so-very-demanding reps with
the 400-pound brute. ough it was summer we had a relatively cool and
breezy day on the 30th—only 95°F (or 35°C). I could have done the entire 20
reps, but held back because I wanted witnesses other than the usual teenagers
at the gym. Except for some local soreness and heavy systemic fatigue, I
had no negative reaction to this 400 × 18 workout.
The peak
17.51 Once there was around 370 pounds on the bar, the thought of the next
deadlift session caused me considerable anxiety, even fear. I would have five
regular days and then, 48 hours before the deadlift, my mind could settle on
little else except for the deadlift. My intestines literally churned in anticipation.
17.52 On 9 July, just before midday, I was to peak. My wife and a photographer
were there to witness the event, and activity in the gym ceased as I got into
the set. I did not feel as strong as I was for the previous deadlift workout, and
it was very hot, with no air conditioning, and zero breeze coming through
the open windows of the third-floor gym. I was later to find out that 9 July
was, till then, the hottest day of 1992 in Cyprus. e local meteorological
office reported 107.6°F (or 42°C). All this took its toll because getting from
rep 10 to rep 20 was hellish. My deadlifting style cracked up more and more
with each rep—excessive rounding of my back and some asymmetrical pulling.
My style had been much better at the previous deadlift session.
17.53 My audience was appalled, my wife was fearful for my well-being, and I was
so possessed that nothing, and I mean nothing, was going to stop me getting
the 20 reps. is was the epitome of “blood and guts,” and “train till you
347