I’d like to share stories that really make you humble yourself, and eventually change. (…think the Phoenix Theory)
First off I saw an old friend last weekend, he’s 18 years old and a senior in hs. (I’m 20 now a junior in college) I’ve been busting butt lifting and eating right, really intensifying it in the last 6-8 months (doing pretty well I’d say). However, this freak, is 6’3’’ 230lbs, benches 405, squats 540, power cleans 275, I believe, and runs a 4.55. He’s straight up solid muscle–in short he made me feel weak and pathetic. (accepted full scholarship to a Big East school)
This did make me very happy for him, but a reminder that “I’m not shit yet” and I think if people told themselves it more often, and just worked as hard as they could, they’ll continue to excel past their goals.
Secondly, if you ever need straight up angry motivation to train, have your girlfriend of just under 3 years sleep with another guy 1 week after you “back it off a bit–to pursue personal endeavors for the time being” (her disclaimer I suppose). Although I lifted heavy yesterday and did a good bit of yard work, I managed to set 3 PR’s today after I found out in my squat (well, 4RM), chin ups, and lunges. The iron doesn’t lie or leave me, and it never will.
So please, share some life and lifting stories that put things in perspective and ultimately better you.
I used to get pissed sometimes that I have such a fast metabolism, which can make it difficult to eat enough consistently to put on muscle.
I used to think it sucked having to eat until you almost throw up.
Then I met someone with a genetic disease involving the digestive tract. He was expected to die like 30 years ago but is still very healthy today. The problems he puts up with when it comes to eating I can’t even fathom.
[quote]DouglasJ16 wrote:
Secondly, if you ever need straight up angry motivation to train, have your girlfriend of just under 3 years sleep with another guy 1 week after you “back it off a bit–to pursue personal endeavors for the time being” (her disclaimer I suppose). Although I lifted heavy yesterday and did a good bit of yard work, I managed to set 3 PR’s today after I found out in my squat (well, 4RM), chin ups, and lunges. The iron doesn’t lie or leave me, and it never will.
[/quote]
although my ex and i weren’t together for that long, I’ve found this to be true, anytime i think about it, expect a pr to be made. but yeh anytime i meet someone bigger or stronger its a reality check because at my current gym its a definite big fish in a tiny pond scenario
Everytime I reach new PRs in strength or size, an injury takes me out for months… and back to square one. Like this tendinitis I’m presently battling in elbows and knees.
But recently my awesome chiropractor (active sport dude) had a freak accident which damaged his spine, and now after 2 unsuccessful surgeries he walks with a cane, can’t work, can’t lift his young daughter, can’t do ANY sport or exercise, and worse… has erectile failure. There’s no medical solution for him.
Seeing him and hearing his story has made me appreciate what I have, and I realize I am dealing with road bumps, while he faces an impenetrable wall daily.
I had the perfect life for 7 years. A long term live in gf. I had a small family. I was working full time. Really proud of everything I had. For the first time in my life everything was normal and I was madly in love. Then after a while she started going out and cheating on me. I never knew what happen. Suddenly she moved out. My kid was fucked up and insecure. I was destroyed when I found out about the other guy. I looked at myself long and hard in the mirror.
I seen a really skinny nerd looking guy. One that was way to into computers. One that could not relate to anyone. I looked really bad. I was less then average. So I decided to rebuild what was left of my life at that point.
I started working out at home. I was reading everything on bodybuilding. Reps …training how to do this or that. I was convinced that I could build myself up. Work out that anger and hurt and frustration.
I gained so much that in order to keep up. I joined a gym. Sure I worked out before. But as a part timer. Not giving it my all. So with my new knowledge of training from T-Nation and BodyBuilding.com. I started working out hard.
I went from 170lbs skinny fat guy with computer desk posture. To 200lbs in 3.5 years. I am stronger then before. I am well received by women. I get comments from people saying I didn’t recognize you. You look much healthier and bigger then before.
There is still that rip in my soul that might never be fully healed up. And when ever I need some person motivation. I think of my family and kid and the pain of losing everything and then next rep comes out. So there is that fire still burning at me and its was keeps me going for the next set, next work out and so on.
You can call it therapy in iron. You can call it unhealthy if you like. But it saves my sanity and gives me the peace. I need to be a good father to my daughter. A good employee. A good friend when my friends need it. So the gym is my time to reclaim my soul one small piece at a time. One rep at a time.
I don’t have any good stories. I know that compared to a lot of people in the world, I’ve lived a very privileged life, and I’m thankful for that.
And that’s what makes me “suck it up” when life takes a shit on me, because aside from something very traumatic like the loss of a family member or friend, most of my trivial shit pales in comparison to day to day life for people living in poverty in 3rd world countries.
[quote]analog_kid wrote:
And that’s what makes me “suck it up” when life takes a shit on me, because aside from something very traumatic like the loss of a family member or friend, most of my trivial shit pales in comparison to day to day life for people living in poverty in 3rd world countries.
[/quote]
Word.
Even reading these few stories makes me appreciate what I have even more. Guys, do realize I did NOT start this to be a sob thread.
I think just being able to workout is awesome, and by doing it we are doing ourselves a favor and are more thankful than most fat slobs in the world.
Although I decided to burn the bridge with the hoe I do have workout fuel for a while now. Anyone else have good stories about physical feats or PR’s sparked by a certain event?? Justified fights included, which I haven’t completed ruled out yet.
Every time I see a physically disabled person it makes me want to train harder. Why should I bitch about being sore from heavy squat day when there are people that can’t even move their legs. I bet they would kill to fell the kind of “pain” from deadlifts
Im not going to get into great detail about either event, but the workouts following the death of my grandfather and the death of my dog were easily some of my most aggressive training sessions ever.