I've been reading a lot about strength gyms and the hard-core attitude that goes on in them. At the time, it sounded awful. I can't imagine being motivated by the negativity demonstrated in much of what I read. I do, however, like intensity when lifting. Bringing a mental game has helped my squat, bench and deadlifts but being stuck on pressing weight for so long sapped all the grrrr out of it and left pressing as a chore. Today I added the GRRR back.
Squats 1 x 12 x air, 1 x 10 x bar, 1 x 5 x 65, 1 x 5 x 95, 1 x 5 x 115, 1 x 2 x 125, 1 x 2 x 135, 1 x 1 x 135, 5 x 1 x 140, 1 x 1 x 135, 1 x 2 x 135. 140 is a pr for squats, but really this wasn't a good squatting day, it was a day I forced the move.
Overhead press was 1 x 8 x 45, 1 x 5 x 55, 1 x 4 x 67.5, 1 x 5 x 67.5, 1 x 4 x 67.5, 1 x 3 x 67.5, press pr and I got all 15 reps plus one by making myself excited about the lift. 70lb is coming soon.
Bench press: this one suffered today, another grind. 1 x 8 x bar, 1 x 5 x 65, 1 x 5 x 75, 1 x 2 x 85, 1 x 1 x 85, 3 x 5 x 80. No spotter.
Deadlifts 3 x 3 x 135, which is where I am keeping deads for the rest of the time until the run. This is to maintain strength while avoiding back tweaks as running is tough on the back as it is.
Tomorrow and Saturday, running, next lifting day Sunday.
Don't confuse the macho bullshit of articles about strength gyms - which is after all just advertising copy - with the actual atmosphere at the places. When you go there, nine times out of ten you find them amazingly supportive.
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