Deadlifts - 1st set sumo, 2nd set conventional

315 x 2, 2

405 x 2, 2

455 x 2, 2

505 x 2, 1

Sumo only: 525 x 1(PR), 545 x 0, 1(PR) + 10 shrugs 

Notes: Amazing how back-friendly sumos are. The first attempt at 545 was basically a pause deadlift, as I broke the weight off the ground but for some reason couldn't lift it more than an inch up for a few seconds. No problem whatsoever with pain. Got it on a second attempt.

I could have kept pushing the conventional stance, but based on how 505 felt (not awful but I could feel some aggravation) I opted to play it safe. Very happy with this return to heavy pulling. My priority is walking away pain-free. I'm no longer going to accept pulling big numbers and then needing to heal my back for days on end. Letting go of the ego in regards to sumo (e.g. it looks stupid, it's cheating, etc.) is an exciting development.

SSB front squats

200 x 10 

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Super-set with SSB back squats

200 x 10

Notes: another new practice is keeping the loading on my back very moderated after heavy pulls. This way I'm not guessing what caused any potential injury, the main top sets or the assistance work grinding out reps of deadlifts afterwards. If I want to do more deadlifts, or perhaps good mornings, for repetition work I'll do them later or the next day. For any single session, I am alotting a certain amount of back-loading "currency" that I can use up and run out of before stopping.