I just need/want to get on a decent cocktail for lifting... Really only take protein and WF now. Maybe start up w/ the jet fuels if I start running

Jim don't you bulk then cut?

Got my goods in today will try the Dren alone for the next couple of days to see how it makes me feel.

Let me know how the Dren works Vito, ive never been a big fan of fat burners / energy pills.

Workout Tonight was disappointing
Sumo Deadlifts 485x5 - 505x3 - 530x2 ( got the 3rd rep to about 1/2 point right above the knee then it got stuck ) At this point I got insanely pissed threw my belt down kicked some inanimate objects then sat down. 5rm and 3rm pulled very smooth. I think on the 3rd pull I got tired and threw my hips forward to early.

-Pull-Ups superset with db rows
rear delt raises
Good mornings superset with hammer curls
(all above done 3 sets 10 reps)
Been following a new routine.Less time in gym been gaining some good strength right away.

Heres the Program ive been following in a nutt shell.

Week #1 5RM 85%
Week #2 3RM 90%
Week #3 1RM 95%
Week #4 6RM 70%

Weeks #1-2 are done 3 sets at 5RM and 3RM Week #3 is done 5RM - 3RM - 1RM ( performed for reps )
Week #4 is a deload week but is totally optional.
After 4th week, add 5-10lbs to bench 10-20lbs on squat and deadlift.
Three days a week, Mon- Deadlift Weds-Bench Fri-squats
A 4th day is optional but would be light assistance work and stretching.

So I'm trying to get back into my lifting form after I slimmed down a bit for my marathon. Any advice on what lifts to get back into right away? I'll definitely be deadlifting, but other than that I don't know where to go. I feel like this is sort of a clean slate. I think I want to build some explosiveness/power, but I need to be able to max a Marine Corps PFT/CFT so I can't neglect my running. Any ideas?

Damn, that's a tall order! What do you do in the Marines that requires a perfect PFT? I'm freaking out about getting to a 225 within 3-4 months to apply for OCS.

I'd recommend a powerlifting / combine routine for starters. Heres one that is geared towards explosiveness and running / conditioning. For the assistance work I would just use bodyweight type lifts, I know pull ups etc are big for military. Weighted push ups etc.

Heres a template laid out for you,. This could be changed to fit work etc. gives you a good idea though.
*
MONDAY (A.M.) - MAX-EFFORT Upper Body lift
*
MONDAY (P.M.) - Sprint work, conditioning, GPP or skill training
*
TUESDAY - OFF or Restoration techniques
*
WEDNESDAY - Sprint work, conditioning, GPP or skill training
*
THURSDAY - REPETITION Upper Body lift
*
FRIDAY - Sprint work, conditioning, GPP or skill training
*
SATURDAY - Lower Body lift
*
SUNDAY - OFF or Restoration techniques


Heres a few links
http://www.defrancostraining.com/art...s_westside.htm
http://www.defrancostraining.com/art..._westside2.htm
http://www.defrancostraining.com/articles/articles.htm

Going to try to do legs and shoulders today. I'm working with a short week so some workouts are going to get stacked.

started Dren this morning will report later

I think I might have strained something, so I wanted to see if this sounds familiar to any of you guys. I tried a new rep/set method I read about in Muscle & Fitness where you do 3 sets of 7 reps at a heavy weight, and finish with a 4th set of 25-30 reps at a lighter weight to help build strength. I did my 3 sets of 7 reps of squats at just over 200lbs and felt fine, and after 23 reps at just over 100lbs I had to stop because I thought I was going to pass out. It's this throbbing pain in the base of my skull, right where the top of my neck starts, it was so intense I honestly thought I might black out. This was 2 nights ago, and both yesterday and today anytime my heart rate is even slightly elevated (Riding a my bike on level ground, walking up/down stairs, etc.) It starts throbbing. It's some of the worst pain I've ever experienced, and I don't know if it's a headache, or a migraine, or if I strained something. Does this sound familiar to any of you guys? If it's not better within 2-3 days I'm going to a doctor.

I had the same thing happen to me doing drop sets on the leg press. Exact same pain everything down to the letter of what you are describing. I just took a week off from lifting and the pain went away. Id give it a little time and if it doesnt go away or gets worse see a doctor. Im not 100% sure what the hell that is.

I guess I'll just be taking time off until it's better then. Weak.

ya i hate taking time off, but look at it this way ya got the holiday week two days away. Enjoy yourself on turkey day, drink a few beers, and watch some football. Relax. I'd say plan on hitting the gym Monday. 6 days is a reasonable amount. Not to mention you are going to be in a high caloric state, matched with massive naps!:-):-)

I've been struggling with something very similar. I would go to work out and get a stunning headache. After a few days I couldn't even get through a warm-up on the stairmaster without stopping and staring at my toes as I counted my heart rate via the pulsing in my skull. Also was a ***** during sex! Thought my eye was going to fly out of it's socket. Would last for a few hours.

Thought it might be a sinus infection, so I finally went to the doc to see if I could get something to help. Told her the symtoms. She says it probably nothing, but I needed to get an MRI, asap. That night I had my head in a giganitc electro-magnet. Headaches brought on by exertion are a warning sign.

The MRI came up clear. That was about two months ago. I still am getting the head aches, but the frequency and intensity are way down. Can get by with an ibuprofen if it's bad.

So, you should see a doctor and make sure that it's not something serious. Probably not, but better to be safe than sorry.

Turns

I remember one guy doing a workout like that, he is built :-)

They were raving about the rep/set structure in Muscle & Fitness as being one of the most efficient ways to build strength. I thought I'd give it a shot, and all feels great, except for my damn neck/head throbbing pain. I'm going to stick with this structure for a few months. I'll keep you guys posted as to how it's working as far as increasing strength.

That sound more like a high blood pressure symptom. Sani's problem sound more like a strain.:-)

If you want to build strength heres three steps.
#1 Dont read how to get strong in a magazine
#2 Get a good powerlifting program and stick to it.
#3 Eat a lot

Dren Day 1:
woke up about 5:15 am took on an empty stomach

Energy: was like drinking coffee all day woke me up and kept me going at a steady pace. I usually drink 4-5 cups of coffee at work none needed today.

Appetite Suppressant: worked very well for this, did not eat much today and am not hungry.

Mood:kept me happy even when talking economy and politics.

overall the first day was a good one did what I expected :-)