Had my first training session this morning, following my meet last weekend.

Now that the weather is heating up, I've decided to add some hill sprints in a couple times a week to improve my conditioning, and the timing couldn't have been any better.

As a newbie to the powerlifting style of training, I always wondered how conditioning played a role in lifting 1-5RM? I understand that it aids in recovery, but in terms of "cardiovascular needs", I didn't see the connection...until today!

I've been using 5/3/1 for the past 5 months, and thus far, it's been amazing. After my lack-luster performance at the meet though, it became apparent that my main lifts need a lot of technical work, so I decide to implement the Boring But Big Assistance Program as outlined in the book. HOLY SHIT did it kick my ass this morning. I did my usual sets of deads as my main lift, and then hit squats for 5x10 at 185lbs (my approx. 40% training max as suggested in the book). By the 3rd set, I was gasping for air, having trouble recovering, and by the end of the 4th set, I was feeling light headed and seeing stars.

Time to get my fat ass moving...

Hill sprints seem to be doing the trick so far. Anyone have any other conditioning tricks up their sleeve for when I do find the need for a little variation?