A 12-week strength cycle: deadlift 160kg → 180kg

Over these 12 weeks I moved to a more structured periodized plan, and the results beat training by feel.

Key changes

• Less volume, more intensity. Two deadlift sessions a week instead of three, but more focused.
• Track everything. Weight, sets, RPE — all logged.
• Respect recovery. Sleep and food matter more than the sessions themselves.

Weeks 1-4:  5x5 @ 70%
Weeks 5-8:  5x3 @ 80%
Weeks 9-11: 3x2 @ 88%
Week 12:    test 1RM -> 180kg

The data does not lie: manage training like a project and progress becomes visible.