posted on October 25, 2019
I am currently 2 weeks out from returning to the platform after some time off. I must say, I’m more excited than I have been in a very long time. Not so much just for myself, but because Union Fitness has a large group of lifters that will be competing as well. As of now, I believe we have a total of 12 lifters registered and ready to go. I’ve been to quite a few powerlifting meets over the last 10 years, and besides the infamous Westside Barbell in Columbus Ohio, I’ve never seen this many lifters from one gym competing at the same meet. I think that says a lot about Union Fitness, as well as the community that comes with it. Yesterday I was speaking with Cayt and Diane about my recent move to Pittsburgh. I was explaining to them how although I’ve been involved in sports my whole life, it wasn’t until I moved here that I have finally felt like I belonged to something. From the very beginning, I knew that this was where I was meant to be. Although Powerlifting is an individualized sport, you must have a great group of people in your corner to be successful. My family has always been there for me, and I can’t thank them enough. But a large majority of that group of people consist of my training partners. Besides my Fiance, I spend more time with them than I do anyone else. They have become a second family to me. The thought of all of us training for the same goal, competing up on the same platform together is very special to me. For those reasons, this will be a very special experience.
The next two weeks of training will begin to taper down as we head into the meet. Last Saturday I hit my last deadlift of this meet prep. 750 pounds moved better than I could have imagined, and I’m confident that I’m knocking on the door of an 800 pound deadlift soon. Maybe not at this meet, but definitely in the near future. Tomorrow will be my heaviest squat of prep. The plan is to take 730 for a smooth single, and then possibly 750-760 depending on how that goes. I’m nervous, but excited and confident. After tomorrow, all of my lower body heavy training days will be finished. Next Wednesday will be my heaviest bench press of prep. The goal is to make 430 feel light and easy, and go into the meet with confidence and a head of steam. If you know me, you know that my bench press has always been a weakness of mine. With the help of people like Casey and Jabez, I’m making great progress and am very confident. After this session, all of my heavy training will be finished, and the last 10 days will consist of light workouts, massages, and mobility work, ensuring that I feel my best heading into meet day. For me, this is a very peaceful time. I enjoy sitting back and reflecting on the journey and road traveled up to this point. Reflecting on the pros, cons, and lessons learned has always put my mind at peace, and has kept me focused.
I’m now physically and mentally stronger than I’ve ever been. I have a lot of people to thank for that. It’s hard to put into words what this sport has done for me. I owe it more than I could ever repay. For that, I am forever grateful.
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