My BodyBlog

The results of my little poll were just about unanimous - everyone wanted me to attempt 445!  It’s what I would have voted for too - I’ve always liked to challenge myself even if it means I won’t lift a new weight the first time.  I think my confidence was waning a little last week though - I often read about the dreaded ‘plateau’ that many lifters face and I haven’t reached that point with my deadlifting.  Maybe I don’t really believe that I can keep lifting heavier, and a part of my mind is preparing for that plateau to happen.  Weight lifting is just as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one, and I have to work to stay confident and positive, I know that.

Yesterday’s activities included two hours of yard work.  The lawn mowing was no big deal, but then I did some heavy lifting and dragging as we put old wood, metal and even a large chunk of concrete out by the curb for ‘clean-up week’.  I paced myself, but it was a lot of heavy back work.  I felt like saying to my wife ’sorry honey, I can’t do this today, I have to save myself for deadlifting tonight!’  Yeah, that would have went over really well!   After doing this I was really ready for a less-than-strong deadlifting session, but I had decided I was going to attempt the 445 lift no matter what.

Arriving at the gym, there was no one else there so no problem to set up for deadlifting where I wanted to.  After warming up I set up the bar to 135.  Just then a couple of guys arrived, I know them well, maybe too well because one of them loves to talk and carry on and he can sometimes be a distraction.  I did my first set, 135×10.  Felt good.  I had decided not to waste my energy on multiple lifts at lower weights.  I went right to 315 and did one lift just to make sure my form was good on heavy weight.  Felt good.  I then put on two more 45’s and it was at that point I hesitated - should I do a lift of 405 or just go right to 445?  

Then something great happened.  The two guys had noticed what I was doing and they started talking to me about it.  I mentioned I was thinking about going for a new record and the more talkative one said ‘You can do it.  I have total confidence in you Tony.’  And he wasn’t kidding around this time.  So I loaded the bar up to 445 and then I WAS confident.  My mind had shifted to that place where I was totally focused.  I prepared myself, stood over the bar, and just did it!  I exploded from the bottom and had no trouble with the sticking point, I finished strong, locking out at the top for several seconds - honestly, I felt like I could have held that weight up there forever.  I know that was the best deadlift I have ever done - good form, smooth and powerful - what an awesome feeling!  Even after that lift I had energy to spare - I did a set of 315×4 to finish the session.  Needless to say my confidence is at an all-time high, I’m more motivated than ever to keep working at it and I do believe in myself more than ever now.  I’m going to lift that 500 pounds.  No doubt about it.

After deadlifting I did 6 sets of hamstring curls, 5 sets of lower back extensions, and then rewarded myself by blasting biceps, doing 16 sets in all.  I left the gym feeling great!  Thanks to all who support me here on bodyspace - you are one of the reasons for my continued success! 

This entry was posted on Monday, May 25th, 2009 at 7:47 am and is filed under Training. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.