I spent some time looking over my July 2007
training journal and comparing my training and performance then to now.
Last July I was still doing moderate volume pullups, dips and other bodyweight stuff, capable of higher rep sets than I can now do.
I was doing static isometric contractions (handstand holds, pullup hang holds, ab planks, etc.) just like I still do. Except for the pullup hang hold, my hold times are better now than they were a year ago.
I was doing these all-comer track meets last July and recorded some decent performances (for me) in the 200m, 400m and 800m distances. I'm not doing much running these days due to a foot injury and left knee problems which have resulted in my current running being minimal. I did run a 6:35 mile this morning on the treadmill but most of my cardio is on the elliptical trainer these days and of higher intensity and shorter duration.
I was doing power cleans and push presses last July but now concentrate on the Olympic lifts after getting the bug last August. The weight I am hoisting is very modest but more than I was capable of last year. I wouldn't have been able to squat snatch a 45 lb. bar last August and can now do 145 lbs. on a good day.
My bodyweight is about 7 lbs. higher than last year. I had a much more chiseled body last July. Realizing that all that chisel did for me was give me a big head, I'm OK where I am currently.
My karate training was more regular last July than it is now. My knee issues make it more difficult to pivot which is very important in my martial arts training.
I now take advantage of rest days more than I did last year. Basically I am aging gracefully and have come to accept that I may not repeat some of the fitness efforts I did in the past, partly because of desire.
So what about you? What was then for you last year and what is now? As there is a more youthful crowd here, I suspect that many are still climbing the fitness performance ladder, but there may be a few, like me, who are looking up where they have been and enjoying the view from below.
Linear Mode
