/\ THIS.Bottom line, I think it’s a rest issue. I know you’re assuming you’re getting sufficient rest, but maybe you’re not resting long enough.
Unfortunately, many, if not most guys STILL "race" their sets - try to get as many sets as possible, come hell or high water. I routinely get emails asking me "how many reps per workout" they should be doing, or "how many reps/sets per workout is 'good'".
They *think* they are practicing autoregulation, but they're still pressuring themselves to "get the reps in" instead of listening to the feedback their bodies are giving them in the moment. As a result, they start their sets too early, and run out of gas or miss reps.
The truth is, the number of reps you get, or the number of ladders you complete compared to anybody else is irrelevant. The outcome is dependent on the individual, and his/her strengths, weaknesses, training background, and genetic makeup.
I have stated before that you guys would be surprised how few sets I can do compared to most of you. But that's the way I'm "wired."
This is 100% spot on. Thank you for pointing this out, @mightstone2k.I am resting longer than I would have thought for the beta. I’d keep going with the weights you’re using, rest more, and log how you’re feeling and performing. That’s useful data for Geoff. If you started with a true 5RM (or whatever Giant X calls for) and are missing reps, he needs to know. Maybe the programming is too aggressive. If we all adjust the programming or bell selection so we know we’ll complete it instead of taking the parameters he gave us and working within them, he doesn’t know if his parameters will work. Rest more and if you still miss reps, you’re giving him good data for his experiment.
Hopefully this makes sense and helps.