Well, I just finished stage 3 of my DL program.
Stage 1 was to figure out the lift, figure out the technique, the form and all that. I started at around 80#, worked myself up to 200# in something like 12 weeks.
Stage 2 was to start going heavy, but still try to hit higher reps than normal. Instead of doing the CP program, I did a modified version of Bill Starr's 5x5 version using DLs instead of squats as a staple. Went from 200# to about 280# in 10 weeks.
Stage 3 was the heavy stage. The brutal stage. The painful stage. Did the
CP 10 week program and went from 280#, roughly, to 450# today. So, over the course of 10 weeks, I increased my DL by 170#. Which is an insane 17# increase per week.
The past 3 weeks were pretty bad. My feet, back, traps, shoulders, everything basically was so sore I couldn't find a comfortable position to sleep properly. So, not only was I tired from the lifts, I was also tired because I couldn't get enough sleep.
But, I forced myself through it. Went from 3 workouts per week, to 1...which was still bad enough.
Now, I have a 450# DL.
Stage 4 is to hit 500#, which I hopefully will do before the end of the year. I have my doubts about that though, as I'm now going on a heavy squat program.
Stage 5 is 550#, stage 6 is 600#.
With time, I hope to hit at least a 650# raw, conventional deadlift, WITHOUT hooks or straps.
I don't even use chalk right now.
While the results are pretty damn impressive, it is not for the faint of heart. Unless you like pain and sore muscles for basically 4 of the 10 weeks that is.
But, the feeling of accomplishment is so worth it.