Well, running “10s” had to end at some point. 🙂

I didn’t hit the 10-rep threshold on my top-set of squats today — only got 8. Still, I’m good with this.

First, running 10’s had to end sooner or later.

Second, 8 is still quite good. I mean, it’s programmed for 1+, so anything after 1 is gravy.

Third, comparing things out, I’m still making progress, still moving forward. So really, this is what matters most.

Fourth, I may have actually been able to hit 10, but I wouldn’t have been happy with the 10. After rep 6 I started to feel technique slipping. I would have a lean forward out of the hole — not getting my chest up, not “driving my head back”. And it wasn’t just once because it happens, but I could tell on rep 8 that it was happening because I was starting to tire. I know I could have cranked out a 9 and maybe a 10, but it would have been sloppy. What’s the point? So I racked it. Leave a little in the tank, especially when form is definitively breaking down.

I’m good with it all.

5/3/1 Simplest Strength Template

• Squats
  • bar x whatever
  • 115 x 5
  • 140 x 5
  • 170 x 3
  • 215 x 5
  • 240 x 3
  • 270 x 8 (8RM PR)
• Straight-leg Deadlift
  • 200 x 5
  • 230 x 5
  • 260 x 5
• Leg Curls
  • 30 x 20
  • 30 x 18
  • 30 x 12
• Hyperextensions (superset with crunches)
  • BW x 15
  • BW x 15
  • BW x 15
• Crunches
  • BW x 20
  • BW x 15
  • BW x 12
• Standing Calf Raises
  • 50 x 18
  • 50 x 15
  • 50 x 13