'IRON WOLF' LARO PRESSED 395LBS ON THE DECLINE!

This week Monday I felt a surge of moxie and nitro-DESIRE to attempt the golden sombrero! After going through my chest press progression making reps at 365, 375, 385 and fighting through 390 for a single half rep, I moved on to 395 and then 400lbs.

It took me three times to finally press 395, having failed twice and on the third attempt w/ my gym partner Don James behind me for support, fought thru a whopping sticking point and went North with the bar! That 395 rep was perhaps one of the best reps I ever had int the gym whereby one would think once the bar paused, it'd either remain in inertia or go south. But I made the rep. A watershed moment for the Iron Wolf. At less than 180lbs I pressed almost 400lbs.

Soon after the 395, I loaded the decline bar with 400lbs, the Golden Sombrero I had been chasing for six months. Truthfully, holding 400lbs, as I've said before, is like holding the moon. This time, however, it felt more reasonable and I managed two attempts. Failed on both. And on the last try. pressed the Sombrero for just more than a quarter rep but not a full or half rep by any means. yet, a new bar was set for my personal best - to finally rep out on 400lbs for a more legit half rep. The quarter rep didn't count and shouldn't. I was too tired by that point (too many heavy loaded sets) and my body just wasn't ready to manage that weight.

Moral of this tale is this:

NEVER EVER QUIT till you make the **** rep! There's nothing so satisfying than fighting your way thru a sticking point and keeping the bar going north. Feels better than if the rep goes up like a toothpick. My new objective is still the 400lbs and after that will be 405lbs, w/ eight Olympic plates on the decline bar. For now I'll hold my head up high knowing I conquered 390-395lbs as I continue my quest for the golden sombrero!

Chris I.W. Laro