It’s kind of sad, but I think at my age (almost 40) there are just certain records that I will never beat.
I will never beat my long jump record from college. That just isn’t happening, I tried it last year and I was about 4 feet off.
I can still grab the rim and jump pretty high but I will never jump as long as I used to.
My bench press record is also going to be tough.
Although i can still muscle my way up to 315 lbs almost every day, it’s going to be tough for me to get past 355.
First of all, I am not willing to gain as much weight. 10 years ago when I bulked up to 205 lbs, I would bench press 315 for an easy 4 reps.
Now at 170 lbs tops and without a steady spotter, it is going to be close to impossible to beat.
For the deadlift and squat, I believe I could beat it.
Yesterday I deadlifted 375 for 10 reps and it felt like a feather. For me to get back near my record of 585, I will need to start lifting in the mid 400’s for 10 reps, to be honest, it doesnt seem that far off.
I am still able to get my deadlift over 500 almost every year without even training.
For the squats, I feel like I break my “non-equiped” record if I had a consistent spotter.
Running is a mixed bag.
I am definitely slower in the 100, 200 and 400 meters, but I feel stronger in long distance.
I think I could still beat my 5-mile and half-marathon record and maybe have a slight chance to break my 5k record.
But that big question is, am I pushing myself enough?
I have been pretty much injury free for the last several years, so should I start pushing it a little more?
Unfortunately, I think the answer is “Yes”.
I want to hit some strong numbers in the gym this winter and I want to run faster in the Spring and Summer.
If I dont have any injuries, why not?
It’s time to start going harder…
-John Andre
Workout and Travel 