Friday, January 16, 2009

Thoughts on the Warrior Diet and my own shortcomings

I posted a youtube clip in August to keep myself accountable to 100 days on the Warrior Diet. Things went well for several weeks then I went off track a bit. The problem wasn't the schedule, which I really like, it was my tendency to make lousy food choices, especially when I am dealing with problems. Yes kids, the Iron Tamer is an emotional eater.

What sorts of problems? Well, the fact that I was told I shouldn't swing or snatch during my meniscus rehab affected me in 2 ways. 1st and most obviously, those drills are my big calorie-burners. Not being able to do them OR having a suitable replacement took a toll on my activity level.

More than that though, I was pained by having these activities denied me for my own good. That slight depression, combined with seeking comfort in food and the abundance of holiday junk fare is not a good combo.

I put my focus on tearing cards (which improved tremendously) and working toward a 40kg Bottom Up Press. My error here was excessive volume in the BUP. For some reason, I cannot handle the same volume in BUP as I can in standard KB C&P. ( A valuable lesson in retrospect) My suspicion is that it has something to do with the massive amount of nervous system activity in the hands. Neither of these activities is a huge calorie burner and falling short on my BUP quest just added to the sadness.

Fortunately, my video plan worked, even when I didn't feel like I wanted it to. I continue to recieved emails asking about the WD, why no update, etc. This post is the answer. Simply, I slacked off. More accurately, I CHOSE to slack off.

All is better now, and since the beginning of 2009 I have been steadily dialing in the WD. Physically, I am stronger now than ever. I am snatching and pressing the 48kg with more authority than ever. My 40kg Bottom Up Press came quicker thant I thought, once I dialed in the correct volume. On a whim I deadlifted 500lbs this week, despite the fact that I haven't practiced the deadlift in over a year and that is 25lbs short of my absolute best ever. And I feel lighter, mostly because I am.

I feel good. Very good. Thanks to everyone who has emailed me and asked. I vow more regular updates this time. I am ready to rock.

11 comments:

Laura Nepodal said...

Your honesty is really inspiring, Dave. You've got this, no doubts. Each day is a success! Keep kicking ass.

jm said...

While it's awfully nice of you to mimic the failings of us mortals, we don't actually believe it!

Kidding aside, as trite as this can sound it's true: failure is quitting, success is picking yourself up, recommitting and getting back at it.

_No_matter_how_many_times_it_takes.

So one more time, wiser than the last time; dig in and push the line.

jm

Boris T said...

Very inspiring post. I wish you luck.

Dan Cenidoza said...

Interesting Dave. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't lost strength on the WD but then again, when I went on the diet I also switched my training focus. The fact that I am not training the press like I was 25lbs ago I'm sure has as much to do with the loss of strength as the weightloss itself... possibly even moreso.

Do you eat at all during the day? It's usually black coffee and water for me until dinner.

Iron Tamer said...

Thanks folks.

Dan-A handful of nuts, a glass of milk or some cottage cheese, sometimes with an apple.

SG Human Performance said...

Great post Dave. I admire your honesty as well and greatly appreciate your patience with your knee and your athletic trainer in trusting that he was doing what was best for you and your knee. In the long term it will pay of tremendously.

In retrospect, what would do differently for a workout?

P. J. said...
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P. J. said...

Way to stick with it and thanks for keeping the updates coming.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I agree with the others, your honesty is inspiring. I have been on the WD for 15 days now. I struggle with, is the WD right for me, because I feel like I am wasting away.
Thanks to you I will not quit but see it through.
My GOALS are worth it to me!

Bill Fox said...

I'm watching you.