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.