Snatching at 16 RPM

Decided to cut my reps per minute down to 16 today and pushed for 8 minutes total.  This workout really gave me reason to pause.  I found that the pace of 16 rpm is really a good pace for me.  I feel like I could easily hit 10 minutes at 16 rpm.  Could have done it today.  If I can hit 90 jerks and 160 snatches I will be 1 rep shy of Level IV classification at the 90+kg weight class.  If I get under 90kg then I will make the cuttoff no problem.  I am not sure I can make a full 10 minutes at 18 rpm, especially after a hard jerk effort.  I think at this time, I will make a decision on my snatch rate based on my jerk performance and my weigh in, but I think 16 rpm may be the safest for me and should allow me to hit a full 10 minute snatch effort.

Snatch(16kg) 15/15

Snatch(20kg) 15/15

Snatch(24kg) 16 rpm x 8 minutes - 1 switch - 128 reps

No assistance work today.  I am planning 2 last workouts prior to the comp.  Either Monday (jerk) and Tuesday (snatch) or Sunday (jerk and snatch) and Tuesday (jerk and snatch).  Will decide on the fly.

Backing Off

Starting to taper for the competition.  Energy back up after a couple nights of good sleep.

Jerk(16kg) 15

Jerk(20kg) 15

Jerk(24kg) 10 rpm/8 rpm alternating x 8 minutes - 72 reps

Felt good today.  Was starting to suffer, but could have made the final 2 minutes.  No assistance work until after the comp.  Only 3 more scheduled workouts until the Arnold.

Getting Closer

Still in a bit of a funk with low energy levels.  Decided to take it a bit easy today.

Snatch(16kg) 15/15

Snatch(20kg) 12/12

Snatch(24kg) 18 rpm x 7 minutes - 1 switch

OAJ(32kg) 10/10 x 1

Sustained a bit of hand trauma at the DIP joint of 3rd finger ripping a bit of callous.  I hadn't shaved them recently.  Luckily, it wasn't a major injury and should heal quickly.

Jerk Day

Survived another weekend call.  Not much energy tonight.  Need to catch up on my sleep.

Jerk(16kg) 15

Jerk(20kg) 15

Jerk(24kg) 10 rpm x 6 minutes

Swing(32kg) 20/20 x 1

Feet Elevated Pushups 15 x 3 sets

Was attempting 7 minutes of jerks, but just ran out of gas.  I am hoping that a couple of early nights to bed will revive me.

162 Snatches in 9 Minutes

Pushed the snatches today.  Decided to go for 9 minutes (4.5 minutes each hand).  Things went very well.  I felt strong today.  My grip didn't suffer and my form held together for the entire time.  I think I could have done the extra 30 seconds on each arm to complete the full 10 minutes or 180 reps.  Whether or not I can do this several hours after a big jerk effort is yet to be seen.

Snatch(16kg) 15/15

Snatch(20kg) 12/12

Snatch(24kg) 18 rpm x 9 minutes - 1 hand switch - Total 162 reps

OAJ(32kg) 15/15 x 1 set

My hands really were not an issue today.  I have started to just heavily chalk my fingers only and keep my palms free of chalk.  This seems to work the best for me at this point.  My 1 arm jerks continue to get stronger.  15 reps is becoming much easier these days.

91 Jerks in 10 minutes

Well rested today after sacking out at 9:00 PM last night.  Decided to give my updated Arnold goal of 90 jerks a try today.

Jerk(16kg) 15

Jerk(20kg) 12

Jerk(24kg) 10 rpm alternating with 8 rpm x 10 minutes - last minute pulled off 9 reps - total 91

Swing(32kg) 20/20 x 1

Felt good.  Last minute was true gut check.  I actually like the alternating rep scheme.  I am not sure I can pull off 10 minutes at 10 rpm yet.  The longest I have gone is 7 minutes at 10 rpm.  At that point I started to fall apart.  Legs burning.  Panic breathing.  By alternating 10 rpm x 1 minute with 8 rpm x 1 minute I am actually able to stay relaxed.  I was able to rest in the rack on the 8 rpm sets and get control of my breathing.  I figure if I am feeling good on the last minute I can pound out a few extra reps.

Weight this morning - 197.7    I have started watching my portion size with meals.  I am hoping this is enough to get myself consistently under 198.

Just placed my order for a second 32kg comp bell.  If I am able to hit Level IV classification at the Arnold I will have to start working the 32kg for jerks and snatches to keep progressing in the WKC classification scheme

Snatch Day

Why is it that my best performances seem to be on days that I am trying to find all of the excuses in the world NOT to work out?!?  Had a crazy day at work, followed by my sons birthday celebration tonight, leaving me with another late night workout.  Hands were a bit tender from 32kg swings yesterday, but hit the snatches anyways.

Snatch(16kg) 15/15

Snatch(20kg) 12/12

Snatch(24kg) 18 rpm x 8 minutes - 1 hand switch

OAJ(32kg) 15/15 x 1 set

Snatches felt strong tonight.  Grip fatigued on the left, but my right hand felt great and I truly think I could made another full minute on the right.  Still aiming for 180 snatches at the Arnold.  Flights times for the Arnold Classic have now been posted.  I can't wait for the big event.  It is going to be a great experience.