Being new to lifting (~8 months in) I find that the first rep in a set of deadlift feels like hell, with a straining feeling in my lower back (no significant pain) but the remaining reps feel good. Is this normal or is it likely a form issue that is getting corrected during the set?
Also, is the shins 1" from the bar in step one of the five step method a big deal? I seem to need about 2" to get my hips low enough to straighten out my back. The bar still seems pretty close to middle of the whole foot.
I am a 60 y/o male running week 5 of the Bridge 1.0 and really liking the program, although I am still adapting to the volume demands (pooped but not too sore). My deadlift is right at 225 and I want to take it a lot further and need to get things sorted out. Making good progress on the squat and the bench is creeping up as well. I am coming from a long distance running background in my youth, so I am relatively weak, but never felt so strong at any time in my life. Thanks for all the great information and programs you are putting out.