Reflections

            In his 1790 pamphlet, Reflections on the Revolution of France¸ Irish political theorist Edmund Burke wrote, “Difficulty is a severe instructor, set over [to] us by the supreme ordinance of a parental guardian and legislator, who knows us better than we know ourselves . . . [h]e that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper.”  Burke’s idea that one must wrestle with difficulty in order to grow is indeed applicable to the Nemesis Program, because I am steadily strengthening my body and slowly building the mind of champion.  Sore hips, keep squatting.  Tired, keep squatting.  Don’t want to be here, lose the negativity, then keep squatting.  I believe this is the type of mental toughness John Broz strives to instill in his athletes.

            To date, I have added 40# to my back squat and 30# to my front squat, all while raising my total, aka the mathematical sum of my best snatch and clean and jerk.  The best tip I can give anyone following the Nemesis Program is to become efficient with your squat attempts.  Learn how to take 7-10 percent jumps while working up to that day’s maximum, as this will help you save energy for that day’s final singles.  My other recommendations are more mundane: take advantage of your gym’s voodoo floss bands (or better yet, buy your own), increase your daily fish oil dosage, add two tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil to your lunch or dinner (I eat mine straight off the spoon afterwards), and don’t be afraid to ice your knees at some point after your workout.  Keep in mind that once one workout ends, preparation for the next begins.

            Tomorrow is a great day to PR.