PTP Strength Training - Getting Stronger While Building Running Capacity

The deadlift is my favorite lift.  It's also one that I really suck at.  Numerous attempts at video analysis, peers checking form, and trying every kind of deadlift routine I could google, beg, borrow and steal, left me with a lot of information, but none that crystallized quite like Pavel's PTP program.

It's ridiculously simple, and has zero bedazzlement.  If you're looking for muscle confusion, this is not your program.

The idea is that you work on two movements, a press and a pull, and you keep the number of sets and reps low.  Reover, Repeat.

This first cycle I set at 5 lbs of increase every workout with a 2.5lb deload every 4th workout.  It worked, but I think it might have been slightly aggressive as I was dealing with Achilles issues as well as a head cold that lasted for a couple weeks.

This next cycle will be set at 2.5lbs of increase and will keep the same deload pattern.  Hopefully this will be the right level to focus on building ligament, tendon and running strength.

For the press (not pictured in the video clip) I'll be switching to kettlebells for pressing and will work toward pressing the big bell.

The great thing about PTP is that it builds strength without the bulk.  As a runner, this appeals to me as I know lugging around extra weight is slightly detrimental to finishing some of these longer races.   It's not that I'm overly concerned with getting heavier, it's that I want to make sure that if I do, it's weight that has purpose, not necessarily aesthetics.  Although looking better never hurt anyone...

Making Gains While Sick

Yeah, making gains while sick... it doesn't really happen.

Wednesday night, I picked up a cold from one of my kids.  Hit me hard on Thursday.  In bed all day, and even walking down the hall to get water was an effort.  Friday morning I was able to function enough to open the garage gym to train a couple clients.  Still no workout for me though.

Saturday I was able to do some bench press and move relatively heavy weights a few times.  Had to flip the switch from groggy to THE GROG, and was able to hit a near PR weight (10lbs shy).

What helped me the most (besides this AWESOME woman I am married to) was sleeping when I needed to sleep.  For single parents that don't have options, I don't know how you guys do it.  Here is my best advice: Rest and recover when your body asks for it, eat good solid foods that are nutrient rich.   Don't be a hero thinking that you just need to suck it up.  Actually you do need to suck it up, but not when you're trying to recover as fast as possible.  Asking your body to build strength, fight off a virus, and raise kids at the same time doesn't work.  You make yourself weaker.

Don't get weaker.  Rest, drink water, eat right.

Today's Strong Sunday workout:

• Log Press 5-3-1
• Yoke walk: 
• 100 feet x heavy, heavier
• 200 feet for 50% of target weight
• 300 feet same weight.