After losing my best friend on Friday and the lack of sleep I've had for the past few weeks, I strongly considered not competing in the meet this past weekend. I can't even explain the heartache and the toll it took on my body. At times, I felt like I literally had no energy at all. After talking to a couple of other powerlifters who understood and had been through my same dilemma, I opted to stick it out and dedicate my efforts to the loss of my good friend, Cuato, who was so much more than just a pet.
Due to the stress I was undergoing, my weight was already down to around 168. After some slight dehydration and skipping a couple meals, I got down to 162 pounds at weigh-ins, which was of course lighter than intended...once again. When I arrived at the meet site to weigh-in, I have to admit I began to question why I chose this meet. I was one of, if not the youngest, competitors on Master's day. It wasn't long before I began to appreciate my choice.
Before I describe my day, I have to thank those who went out of their way to help me. Although Mitch McMahon didn't make it through the squats while competing in the Junior 275s the prior day, he came back the second to handle me. I realize that couldn’t have been easy. Thank you Mitch. Thank you also to Tom Walyus and Daniel Tinajero for their help, as well as Greg Godwin who competed alongside me. Thank you to my Mom for understanding why I couldn’t spend Mother’s Day with her. Last, but certainly not least, I have to thank my wife Trinity, who fought back tears the whole day as I did my best to focus. I have to admit, although my mind was in the meet, my heart was somewhere else.
Tom Walyus, 52 year old Greg Godwin who went 683-407-551 for 1641 and 4 PRs in the Master’s 198s, me, and Daniel Tinajero (missing: Mitch McMahon)
Squats
Warm-up
145 x 5
235 x 3
325 x 2 - Ace Briefs
415 x 1 - Ace Suit (I wanted more time to work it up)
505 x 1
595 x 1
645 x 1 - Straps Up
Meet
Opener - 771 - Came up early and knew it.
2nd Attempt - 788 - Good for 3 whites and a Sub-Master world record. Went a little heavier to help with depth.
3rd Attempt - 826 - Went for a PR, hit depth, came out of the hole and stalled.
Bench
Warm-up
95 x 5
135 x 5
185 x 3
225 x 2
275 x 1
315 x 1
405 x 1/2 - Double Denim
495 x 1 - 2 board
Meet
Opener - 567 - Good.
2nd attempt - 606 - Took it too low to touch and dumped it. Switched shirts to tighter Double Denim.
3rd attempt - 628 - Went for a PR and stalled about an inch from lockout. I held it for what seemed like an eternity, but couldn't quite finish it. I don't think it could have been any closer.
Deadlift
Warm-up
135 x 3
225 x 3
315 x 1 - King Sumo Deadlifter, Straps Down
405 x 1
495 x 1 - Straps Up
Meet
Opener - 584 - Good, easy.
2nd attempt - 628 - Said "F it" and went for a full meet PR...rounded my back on the way up, corrected it, but lost my f-ing grip right at lockout.
3rd attempt - 628 - Tried again and had better form in the bottom, but was gassed and didn't budge it.
Although I didn't get any PRs, I was very close on two and was honestly just happy to make it through the meet under the circumstances. I think Cuato would have appreciated my perseverance, knowing how much he had for holding on as long as he did.
The reason I appreciated competing in this meet so much was for the camaraderie and lack of egos. Most of these guys had been at it for years and had nothing left to prove. They were more than willing to help each other out and compliment each other for their accomplishments. I also don't think I've ever had so many people go out of their way to compliment me on mine. I apologize for not remembering their names, but I was lucky to remember my own, since my mind was so clouded at the time. One guy said "I’ve been reading your log for so long, it’s nice to see that you exist!” Another said that he trained a team of powerlifters and had one of my quotes posted on the wall. The one where I describe how much time and effort goes into each PR. These comments made it all worth it for me.
Since I only went 3 for 9, I assure you this meet is not indicative of my capabilities, other than the fact that I do not give up. I know what needs to be corrected and will be prepared for the Pro/Am in August.
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