Dsher10’s BodyBlog

Well, I set the records I was after at my very first lift meet, but fell short of registering my personal bests. I was so psyched-out by everything, the meet, all my months of training focused on just 3 to 4, 30 second lifts, that I “lost the bubble” on the platform (some of the other lifters there told me they “go blank” on the platform too). My plan had been to open with 225, an easy lift for me and a record breaker. Lift two would be 235, another (self) record lift, then 245, another (self) record breaker. That would allow me a fourth attempt, and I would go for 265.

On my very first lift, I was so over-psyched that I FORGOT to wait for the press command! Now how dumb is that? Of course, I easily made the 225 lb lift, but got three red lights. Boo! I just blew an entire lift! And there goes my 225, 235, 246 and 265 record lift progression; now I’m down to three lifts at most, 225, 235 and 245. On my second attempt, I really focused on that PRESS. Man! It seemed like AGES before I heard that command. Then I was so focused on the command that when it came and I pushed, my butt left the bench slightly for a second, and got two red lights. Now I was down to two only lifts at best, and could probably only hit a wimpy 235 for a max. But MOST troubling was the possibility of actually bombing! NO WAY! Lift three was a MUST!

I forced myself to calm down, slow down, and FOCUS. On PRESS I pushed the weight straight up, got three white lights, and heard the announcer voice over the PA: “Lift is good! New regional and state record!” Phew! Then I got a fourth attempt, and went for 235 (I probably should have gone higher). On the lift I was still too anxious, and was slow on the press. The ref pulled the lift. It was over.

So, I got my records, but with only a measly 225 on the books. I wanted much better. But everyone was very complimentary and supportive. I was the oldest guy there, and many said it took a lot of guts for me to have even have attempted to do what I did. I learned a lot! Now the first –time pressure is off, and I know what it’s like. I can also see mistakes in my training, like waiting too long to insure making weight and having to diet/cardio for a week before the meet (I came in at 217.6).

I plan to do a meet somewhere local in the spring, just for practice. I’m not focused now on setting any records, just on setting PB’s, and feeling good about what I can accomplish. I can’t wait to start training! Then back for the 2009 Regionals next September.

It’s a week off, then back to the gym. I’m unsure of what type of training program I will begin until I discuss everything with my trainers.

Well, I pushed out a personal best strict competition bench on Tuesday, and had a light, form-only training on Friday before resting a week prior my meet on September 26th.

I am surprised at how MENTAL the lifting has become! I KNOW, a does my trainer, that I have the physical strength to competition-press more than I sometimes do. Over the last few weeks I would sometimes get a mental block and get "stuck" at a lighter weight. Where I could punch out a given weight fairly smoothly, adding a mere five pounds would give me a challange. I think some of the "doubt" is related to aprehention regarding my first competition.

I have had to chill-out a bit, and learn to REALLY get my mind around the weight, and KNOW, with sure confidence, that I can accomplish the lift. I will then stay in the "groove" and slide the weight right up. But if I allow doubt to creep in, all the peices don’t always fit together, and I can falter. SO, from this point onward, I am only thinking confident thoughts, with the sure knowledge I CAN, and WILL, hit my lifts!