About 6 months ago I decided to stop competing in powerlifting events. I won’t get into the “why” here because it isn’t as important as what I learned. I’ve always lifted with a purpose or goal. For the last 20+ years whenever I grabbed a bar it was to improve either the way I looked or my strength performance. A funny thing happened when I removed those two drivers…I got bored. Bored to the point that lifting became a task I hated but needed to do, like taking out the garbage.
I found myself walking around in a very lazy state. I can only imagine this is what the “part time” lifters go through. They lift till they see some marginal results then move on to other distractions in their lives.
I hate this feeling. One would never suspect what an important part training played in my life. There will come a time when I will no longer be able to train as hard as I want to but this self imposed “pusification of effort” has hurt me in a profound way. It’s like a self inflicted wound.
I don’t think I’m alone in this. Tomorrow, and every morning after I will wake up and train. I’ll celebrate my 40th birthday in 10 months with new PRs in every lift and will compete again. A 600lb unequipped deadlift is within my reach this year at 185lbs and will be my primary goal.
Its hard without a goal. My intensity in the gym has increased a ton since I decided to compete, and gave myself some goals. Before that, I had about 20 years of the same regime and no gains. That sucked.
Train Harder,
old lardass
This is just one of the reasons I keep a training log. I’m “competing” every workout, but what I’m competing against is my previous workout. It also forces me to push myself. It’s easy to forget that you only make gains when you try to do more.
For any seasoned lifter, the inner game is what it is all about and you have to do whatever it takes to “stay in the game.”
[quote]happydog48 wrote:
This is just one of the reasons I keep a training log. I’m “competing” every workout, but what I’m competing against is my previous workout. It also forces me to push myself. It’s easy to forget that you only make gains when you try to do more.
For any seasoned lifter, the inner game is what it is all about and you have to do whatever it takes to “stay in the game.”
[/quote]
That is a great point about keeping logs (and posting them up here too).
I like to shoot for the stars. Some goals I am serious about, other are stepping stones to get to the serious ones. There are a few things I would love to accomplish.
In the overall picture. It’s all about being healthy and having a quality of life that is second to none. Being able to do the things that make me smile. Is far more important than owning something that may make me smile.
Sitting back watching the big screen HD t.v. is surly enjoyable. However the thrills I get from going 40km on my speed blades is off the scale. Flying down the Malahat section of highway on my road bike. At 85+km while praying not to get a flat can not be easily put to words.
I love working out. It makes life so much more exciteing and enjoyable. Plus I love doing what others can only dream of doing. Their loss, what a shame.
Welcome… I was in similar boat as you, except I never competed previously. I am now training for an event in August 2009, and perhaps one in early spring.
Hey guys…wow, the site has changed since I was last here! As part of my “get back in shape” plan I went back to old school hard work which didn’t include the internet. I unplugged myself from the sites and staopped typing about training…and just trained.
My weight hasn’t had any crazy drops but I’m much more cut and conditioned. In May I’ll be going to a beach vacation…the thought of being on a beach is totally helping me stay motivated.
Here’s the update…Still not online much, lost 3 pant sizes (hello abs), making great lifting progress, I’m 7 pounds away from my goal weight with 4 months left to go, I am conditioned. Life is good, before / after pics in a week or so…don’t give up the fight!
[quote]HARA wrote:
About 6 months ago I decided to stop competing in powerlifting events. I won’t get into the “why” here because it isn’t as important as what I learned. I’ve always lifted with a purpose or goal. For the last 20+ years whenever I grabbed a bar it was to improve either the way I looked or my strength performance. A funny thing happened when I removed those two drivers…I got bored. Bored to the point that lifting became a task I hated but needed to do, like taking out the garbage.
I found myself walking around in a very lazy state. I can only imagine this is what the “part time” lifters go through. They lift till they see some marginal results then move on to other distractions in their lives.
I hate this feeling. One would never suspect what an important part training played in my life. There will come a time when I will no longer be able to train as hard as I want to but this self imposed “pusification of effort” has hurt me in a profound way. It’s like a self inflicted wound.
I don’t think I’m alone in this. Tomorrow, and every morning after I will wake up and train. I’ll celebrate my 40th birthday in 10 months with new PRs in every lift and will compete again. A 600lb unequipped deadlift is within my reach this year at 185lbs and will be my primary goal.
Don’t let this happen to you.
[/quote]
Hara, I’m struggling with this too. One reason I started lifting was an intent to have one last go at Judo. Some shoulder injuries, some pressure from the wife, finding I could do karate again after all (I won’t get into the mental reasons I had that were blocking me), and suddenly the need for raw strength is kind of gone. I’m finding it hard to push myself to make the workouts a priority.