So it may surprise some of you to know that I didn’t grow up an athlete. In fact, I didn’t do anything of consequence athletically until I was almost 38. So maybe that’s why it’s so important to me to succeed at powerlifting and have my moment in the sun.
Today was bench day. And I really felt despair after my session because the realization hit me that I’ll never be good at benching. At least not good enough to go to nationals with respectable numbers. I’m really, really struggling in the bench. And the challenge is that since I’m competing geared next month I have such a narrow window with bench. The bar has to be heavy enough that I can touch my chest and hold the pause but manageable enough that I can press it. I have about a 15-lb spread max. That’s it.
It’s possible that I’ve been moving too fast. Pushing my recovering shoulder too hard. I have some minor bicipital tendonitis as well as lateral epicondylitis in my affected arm. I’m just concerned that it may ultimately affect my grip. At any rate, I plan to return to a lot of rehab work after my meet and significantly lower my bench numbers.
Today was bench day. And I really felt despair after my session because the realization hit me that I’ll never be good at benching.[/quote]
I know you don’t want to hear it, because I get the idea you’re a bit of a perfectionist, but
looking on the bright side it is the best one of the three lifts to suck at (not that you suck, it’s just the lift you’re less good at… back track…back track). I mean having a crap squat or deadlift would be far more damaging as far as your total goes.
Today was bench day. And I really felt despair after my session because the realization hit me that I’ll never be good at benching.[/quote]
I know you don’t want to hear it, because I get the idea you’re a bit of a perfectionist, but
looking on the bright side it is the best one of the three lifts to suck at (not that you suck, it’s just the lift you’re less good at… back track…back track). I mean having a crap squat or deadlift would be far more damaging as far as your total goes.[/quote]
Seriously. I am often ahead after Sq and B, and terrified of losing it on the Dead because I know I don’t have the strength/skill to pull for a win. You’re doing great, Snapper.
Today was bench day. And I really felt despair after my session because the realization hit me that I’ll never be good at benching.[/quote]
I know you don’t want to hear it, because I get the idea you’re a bit of a perfectionist, but
looking on the bright side it is the best one of the three lifts to suck at (not that you suck, it’s just the lift you’re less good at… back track…back track). I mean having a crap squat or deadlift would be far more damaging as far as your total goes.[/quote]
yeah, wait and see how your rehab goes before despairing. i do know how you feel, though, i feel the same way about my squat. lol at your front squatting. deadlifts are my feel good exercise. clearly that means i’m not pushing myself hard enough… but after struggling with the bar on oly lifts it is fun to put some weight on the bar and feel my neck get as big as my head.
[quote]kpsnap wrote:
So it may surprise some of you to know that I didn’t grow up an athlete. In fact, I didn’t do anything of consequence athletically until I was almost 38. So maybe that’s why it’s so important to me to succeed at powerlifting and have my moment in the sun.
Today was bench day. And I really felt despair after my session because the realization hit me that I’ll never be good at benching. At least not good enough to go to nationals with respectable numbers. I’m really, really struggling in the bench. And the challenge is that since I’m competing geared next month I have such a narrow window with bench. The bar has to be heavy enough that I can touch my chest and hold the pause but manageable enough that I can press it. I have about a 15-lb spread max. That’s it.
It’s possible that I’ve been moving too fast. Pushing my recovering shoulder too hard. I have some minor bicipital tendonitis as well as lateral epicondylitis in my affected arm. I’m just concerned that it may ultimately affect my grip. At any rate, I plan to return to a lot of rehab work after my meet and significantly lower my bench numbers.
Okay. Enough whining.[/quote]
Snapper,
I don’t know whether to give you a hug or a slap in the back of the head. I get your sense of urgency and your desire to excel. And having found your sport later in life (not late though) I appreciate that you want to take on every opportunity to participate.
But, honestly, I can’t figure out why you are back in gear so quickly and why you are ignoring the signs of not readiness your body appears to be sending you.
I don’t mean to lecture and/or not be supportive. You know your body, its limits, and what risks you’re willing to take. Just be smart, be careful, and think long term. You’re doing that right?
Baby steps Snap, baby steps. You are making progress every day. 6 months from now you will look back and be able to say “look how far I have come!”, and on and on.
[quote]FarmerBrett wrote:
I know you don’t want to hear it, because I get the idea you’re a bit of a perfectionist[/quote]
Whatever would make you say that?
[quote]kimbakimba wrote:
“Never” is a long-assed time. I think its too early to make such a sweeping statement.
[/quote]
How dare you question the Great and Powerful Oz.
[quote]Nadia Comeandeat wrote:
But, honestly, I can’t figure out why you are back in gear so quickly and why you are ignoring the signs of not readiness your body appears to be sending you.
[/quote]
How dare you question the Great and Powerful Oz. Oh wait. I already said that.
I get a huge kick out of the fact that my daughter calls this website “Tester-Stone” or “Testeroni.” Reading has never really been her thing.
Conventional DL
5/115
5/135
4/150
3/175
2/195 belt
1/225 full gear
1/245 PR! (2.2 times BW)
3/210
Hitting the 245 was the first PR I’ve had since my powerlifting meet last March. I don’t count rep PRs, only weight PRs. I had to work for this and was way dizzy afterwards. Really a thrill. It’s amazing how much a single pull can take out of you.
Wide-Stance Squat
5/95
5/115
2/2/140
5/115
5/95
Finished up with lat pulldowns and weighted hypers.
Conventional DL
5/115
5/135
4/150
3/175
2/195 belt
1/225 full gear
1/245 PR! (2.2 times BW)
3/210
Hitting the 245 was the first PR I’ve had since my powerlifting meet last March. I don’t count rep PRs, only weight PRs. I had to work for this and was way dizzy afterwards. Really a thrill. It’s amazing how much a single pull can take out of you.
