Back At It

Wow...having a new job really takes its toll. Well, my job is not so new anymore as I have been at it for over a year, but it is definitely different. Mentally more exhausting and much busier than my first year. That said, my training continues. I have been moving into multi-ply gear and at my last meet in December, I achieved a pro total; totaling 1714 lbs. I am shooting for another meet this Sunday. Not really looking for a goal in my total as much as I want a PR in my squat. Need to break 700 lbs. Will Sunday be the day? Stay tuned.

The Pity Party is Over

As I have made abundantly clear, I had a rough day at the Olympia. Not only did I only pull my opener, I couldn't even move my second and third attempts. The weight felt so heavy, I thought it was a misload. Of course, it wasn't...it was just heavy. And I shouldn't have been that surprised. My training has been anything but optimal...and my preparation for the meet was even worse. I knew this going in, but thought it wouldn't matter. I have done this before...trained normally, not powerlifting, and still able to handle some heavy weight at the meet. Last weekend, however, was not the case...and it was humbling...so humbling, I actually contemplated quiting. Sure I would still workout, but maybe I was done with competitive powerlifting. Done competing, really?

In retrospect, Vegas was not that bad...in fact, I actually had a great time. I was able to hang out with the sport's best, spending much of my time with the greatest, such as Ed Coan, the prolific powerlifting icon, and Stan Efferding, one of the strongest raw powerlifters of all time. Mark Bell, my coach and mentor, allowed me to be a part of his booth. Heck, strolling The Strip with my teammates Juan and Jim was definitely classic. Still, for some reason, I couldn't shake my performance and all the fun in powerlifting just left me...and quiting was contemplated. But thankfully, time heals all wounds and I am ready to get back at it. I just need to face reality.

I am not 20 anymore and my recovery time has slowed. While I am still a firm believer that you can lift heavy at any age as long as you take care of yourself, you still have to be realistic. My buddy, Treston, simply said when you train, "your overtraining." What's annoying is he's right. What is even more annoying is that I preach against overtraining all the time, and here I am overtraining. So here's the deal...I need to lift smarter and lift like a powerlifter. I am not a bodybuilder anymore and don't have to do curls every week; I am sure my arms will get plenty of work from holding 600 lbs in my hand. Actually do some true speed work and pull conventional. I will mix it up, but most importantly; I just need to be smart...and maybe listen to my training partners a little too.

Who knows when my next meet will be? But one thing is for certain, there will be another meet.

Hello...Miss Me?

Yes, it has been over five months since my last post...but this doesn't mean I had stopped training. It has just been different. In my new job, evening work is often required and getting to the gym at night, especially after attending a dinner or event, is very difficult. Morning training sessions have become the norm, and as such, I find myself training alone.

I have only competed once since the transition; a bench only at that. When you compete in gear, it is damn near impossible to train for a full power without the help of your training partners. They help with your gear, they spot you, and most importantly, they motivate you. I am hoping, now that the Legislature is out until January, I will be able to get back with the team and dial it back in.

I am shooting for my first multi-ply meet in November. It's a local meet, hosted by my powerlifting team. And perfect to help me get back in the game. If I pull it off, it will be my first full power meet since January. Let's see how it goes.

On another note (and one more pressing) is the Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas this weekend (September 16-18). I started a tradition of going to the Olympia last year. Yes, its only year two but I plan to keep it going. As for the powerlifting, I figured since I am there, I may as well compete. But in what? I am in no condition to do a full meet. How about the deadlift only? This is the one lift that is a bit easier to do solo...and it happens to also be my best lift. Sounds like a winner.

I have three more days to make weight...165 lbs. So far, I am on track. The one part that sucks is the night before weigh-ins is my birthday, and nothing says happy birthday like trying to make weight. As for the lift itself, I am shooting for anything over 633 lbs, which is my current 165 lbs weight class personal best. But if I am off that day, oh well...I am in Vegas.

I leave on Friday, compete on Saturday, go big Saturday night, and leave on Sunday. Sounds like a good weekend.

And as always, good times.

The Man Purse

"It's where I keep all my things. Get a lot of compliments on this. Plus, its not a purse, its called a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one."

Ha! Just one of the many hilarious quotes from the movie, The Hangover...and a quote that is thrown at me almost daily. Why? Well, I am one of those folks that actually utilizes the satchel, or "man purse" if you will.

Its not because I have a new job. Its not because I am trying to be fancy. And its not because it's a "Coach" (although I dig Coach...thanks Alli!) It is...yes folks...where I keep all my things.

By things, I really mean food, supplements, and all else needed to keep me on track. To some extent, the purse has become more prevalent due to the new job but to be fair, it existed long before. In the morning, I grab my supplements and my food and throw it in my bag. A glorified lunch pale I guess. Then, at work, when I need to leave my office for a long period of time, I grab my purse and out the door I go. Come noon or 2 pm or whenever, when it is time to eat, I go to the bag. The food in the Capitol is not known for its health content (unfortunately) and is limited. So this thing becomes a life saver. I grab my chicken and tortilla...or my protein powder and shaker...and go on with my day.

Look, I have been busy in my new gig and it has been difficult to get to the gym. But I have still managed. If it weren't for my ability to keep a positive nitrogen balance (constant source of protein) and keep my energy up throughout the day, I can tell you that making it to the gym would be that much more difficult.

So, I will continue to wear my "purse" and you can continue to mock me. But please keep in mind, the next time you pass out in the middle of your workout or fail to make it in entirely; I hope you don't mind a little ribbing. Long live the purse. Good times.

New direction

After almost 15 years with the State Legislature, I decided it was time to pursue a new - albeit related - career. Professionally and personally, it was the right move...but definitely not one taken lightly. I am expecting a change. In my new role as a lobbyist, I am certain to have many busy nights that may interfere with my training. And since many of those nights will be attending social affairs, my diet could easily take a hit as well. My goal...stay on track.

Right now, my training schedule is Monday mornings, Tuesday nights, Thursday nights, and Saturday morning. Monday...no problem. Why? Few work requirements at 6 am. So if this is the case, why not Saturday? For the most part, Saturdays are safe...but there are times, such as a weekend in April, that will require my attendance to out of town events.

As for the evenings, Thursdays should be fine since Members are gone and few events happen that late in the week. But Tuesday - one of the busiest nights of the week - is another story. So what to do?

First, I just need to plan ahead. Few events happen without notice...so for those weekend events, I will train on Friday. I have a few training partners that can make themselves available on Fridays; all I need is to give a little notice. For Tuesdays...and while it may suck...it looks like another morning workout. Deadlifting is tough enough but in the morning, its a whole new element. But what's worse: training in the morning or missing it all together.

Look, no matter what change in my life, I will continue to do what I do. On April 15, 2009, my daughter was born. On May 24, 2009, I entered a meet on a whim and pulled 650 lbs, which to date, is my best competitive deadlift. My bench and squat weren't too bad either. My point...life changes are inevitable...but it should never be used as an excuse to quit training.

Trust me, I have heard it all...but all I heard...were excuses. Keep on and good times follow.

Energy Supplements (and the deadlift)

I am trying out this new supplement called Rage. It's made by Universal Nutrition; you know the one with the "Animal." I love their product line and since they became a sponsor of powerliftingwatch.com, I figured I would give Rage a try. In terms of a jolt of energy, I have to say the thing does the trick. The only problem is - once in a while - I experience a little tingling in the ears. It could come for the beta alanine which has cause reaction before, so its not that big of a deal.

I only take Rage on days I train...specifically about 30 mins before. On all other days, I use Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy. I really like this product. The caffeine source comes almost entirely from green tea and green coffee. Amino Energy comes in two flavors: grape and fruit fusion. Both taste good and make a good substitute to coffee.

I feel comfortable recommending Amino Energy to anyone not sensitive to caffeine. However, I would tell all others to use Rage with a caution...only because of its intensity.

On a side note, Mark Bell told me today - or I should say reminded me - that I just simply need to back off the heavy deadlifts. I will be the first to admit that it is tough for me to stay light...especially after a good couple weeks. But eventually, your body just says uncle. I know this but sometimes, I just need to be told. The is especially true now that I am dabbling in multi-ply. Multi-ply really taxes the nervous system and squatting in the gear week after week is going to take a toll...especially for a newbie. Not a great day in deadlifts today and so for awhile, I am just going to work on getting stronger...maybe some deficit deadlifts, rack pulls, and band work. At the end of April, I will test my strength again. Maybe...hopefully...I will get closer to 700 lbs. All the Rage in the world is not going to get me there...smart training will.

New favorite supplement supplier

Quick post and a shout out to my new favorite supplement supplier. Nothing against bodybuilding.com, but prosource.net has great quality product, namely their brand. Their amino acids are produced by the Japanese company, Ajinomoto; a company known for producing the highest quality protein and amino acids. Also, their creatine is derived from Creapure, a high quality product from Germany. All good stuff and at greatly reduced prices. While delivery to the west coast (they are based in NJ) can take a week, it is well worth the wait.

Add my protein powder from trueprotein.com and you have a great arsenal.

www.prosource.net

www.trueprotein.com