MEET RECAP
Training went pretty good throughout, squats were great, bench was good other than the few times I had really bad elbow flair ups and shoulder problems that made it hard to train, deadlifts were mentally tough, it was a rollercoaster ride. I was off the gym due to lockdowns for almost a year, I was back to the gym for a couple weeks before this meet was announced, once it was announced I registered right away and started into my program. I had 16 weeks of prep. 8 of which was playing catch up.
Initially had plans to stay at the hotel the meet was being hosted in, but they couldn’t offer us late checkout as my son needed to be taken care of because my wife was handling me, so we drove up instead and left him with a family member.
Weigh ins were at 12, lifting started at 2. It was an hour and a half drive up, and I wanted to be there between 11:15-11:30, so we had to leave by 9:15ish. I woke up at 8 AM, started making breakfast, I had a huge serving of pancakes. Felt sick to my stomach on the way to the venue, not sure if I over ate or if it was nerves, because of this I didn’t eat any snacks. We got there on time, watched some previous flights compete, that really took some nerves off. Got registered around 11:45, did my equipment check, checked rack heights, weighed in (128.5KG/283.3Lbs) After that was done my wife and I went to the lobby and I had a big bowl of shepherds pie. At around 1:00 we headed to the warm room and I changed into my singlet and squat shoes. We just hung out for a bit and did some light warm ups and stretches. Around 10:30 we started warm ups for squats, I got my sleeves on, shoes all tied up, headphones on, I felt really good, lots of energy.
Squat
First Attempt - 247.5/545.7 I had some issues with the bar as they had set it up so off centred and for whatever reason I didn’t get them to fix it, this squat felt pretty awkward, but I was sure to bury it to sell the judges on depth.
Second Attempt - 250/551 I timed out submitted my 2nd attempt, I didn’t know you only had 60 seconds to do so, by default the weight only went up 2.5KG. My set up was much better and I blew this squat up. I was super fucking pissed about timing out though. But my wife got me calmed down, and my head back on straight.
Third Attempt - 265/584.3 I really wanted a 600+ Squat, but I didn’t want to risk that big of a jump. I settled to match my PB. It moved fantastic, probably could’ve hit it for a triple.
9/9 white lights, 3 good lifts. Bummed I couldn’t break into the 6s. I probably had another 15KG in me.
Bench
First Attempt - 167.5/369.3 I didn’t know how my shoulders and elbows would feel, but they felt good, probably due to being able to grip wider on squats.
Second Attempt - 177.5/391.4 Moved good, not much else to say.
Third Attempt - 185/407.9 This is a PB for me, by 2.9 Lbs. This actually felt good and the video looked pretty easy.
I think I left a good 7.5-10KG on the platform, I think just due to inexperience in my attempt selection. Another 9 white lights and 3 good lifts.
Deadlift
First Attempt - 257.5/567.7 I opened with my lightest option, because I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel. But this was easy.
Second Attempt - 275/606.3 This ties a PB, I hit 605 in training, once leading up to this. This flew.
Third Attempt - 295/650.4 well, I fucking yolo pulled this, flew off the ground, slowed down at the knees. I needed this to get the qualifying total. 45Lb PB.
9/9 whites, 3 good lifts. Maybe had 5Kg left in me, but my 3rd was perfectly selected.
All in all, had a perfect day, 27 white lights, 9/9 lifts, qualified for nationals. Totalled 745KG, final stat line of 265/185/295.
I definitely left some on the platform and that’s ok. I got the job done and now I’m looking forward to building on this.
Next up, Nats! Goals are currently 285/192.5/300.
