Lift meet results.
Well, the lift meet was not very satisfying. After over a full year of hard training, including 300+ pound floor/chain benches, 290 lb board presses, 275 lb meet attempts, and 260 lb official lift presses, I only got a measly 235 lbs in the record books, just 10 lbs more than a full year ago! Sure, it’s a regional and state record, but a far cry from the 280 lbs I was planning on! I planned for 235, 265 then 275 and, if I got a fourth lift, 280. I really felt I could do it, even though my left elbow was bothering me all day. But I immediately knew something was amiss on my 235 opener.
It wasn’t heavy, but it went up too slow, almost hesitating at the mid-transition point, though my form was perfect. Damn! That’s a weight I can do in my sleep! What was the problem? Based on that, I should have gone for 255 for my second lift, then 260 for my third, and 275 for my extra fourth, if I got one. I could have gotten 255-260 for sure (though no PR). Instead, I went for a 265 meet PR on my second.
The bar exploded off my chest and didn’t feel all that heavy, but suddenly, it didn’t want to go beyond midpoint. What the hell is this? I thought. I can DO this! And have before! But my arms seemed to give out, and the weight actually began to LOWER. Now THAT I have never done before! Of course they pulled the lift. I had to repeat the 265 for my third attempt, and when I did, the ref waited a loooong time to give the press command, but the bar went up quickly – to mid point. Then my darn arms again seemed to cave and the pulled the lift. It was over. No fourth lift, no 265, 275 or 280 lift. Just that measly 235! Damn!
The only things I can think of are my elbows. They felt weak, and sore. Still are. Actually, I think I may be suffering from over-training. I haven’t missed but a few workouts in over a year and a half, and have been suffering from sore joints for some time. Both my resistance stretching therapist and my chiropractor/kinesthiologist have been urging me to take some time off (like 1-3 months) for full recovery before I really mess myself up. I have been putting them off, choosing instead to “work through” the issues, gutting it out because I want it so bad. But I finally have to admit that I can’t. I’m no machine, and I’m also 65 years old. They are probably right.
So, I’m thinking doing just that. I may start out with a 5-6 week lay-off, with therapy. I would still love to do a local October AAPF/APF meet, but I don’t know what would happen if I went to the meet without any more training, just recovery. A new plan might be to begin heavy training again in maybe 4-8 weeks, or once I felt my recovery is complete, and then hit the May 2010 APF/AAPF meet. Based on the progress I’ve made this year, I can’t imagine that I won’t be able to hit that 300 mark next year! I just need to figure out the best way to get there!
September 12, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Take a month off Don. Give those elbows a break. Your lock-out strength is affected by them being all banged up. When they feel better build up your tricep strength. But You already know that’s hard to do with bad elbow’s. Keep your head up man, you still rock. I hope I’m hitting it just as hard when I’m 65 ! That 300 will be yours !