Hmm… Where to begin? Lol. Why is it that I never know where to begin?
Well, we can start with the fact that I am very excited to be competing as a powerlifter. And I absolutely love it! I think that it is perfect for my bodybuilding off season. It gives me something to work towards; and keeps my focus away from the fact that I am not stage ready. Plus, it help me put on some great muscle mass.
Okay, let’s get started!
This meet prep was 7 weeks long. Seems like a lot, but it is NOT! It just flew by!
When I started, I was very happy with where I was at. I was stronger than I have ever been. And I mean… WHO WOULDN’T BE HAPPY WITH THAT?!
Tony did my programming a little different this time around. He picked my numbers for me each week (for my competition lifts). I actually really liked it! At the beginning of meet prep it was nice because the weight felt light. But of course, as meet prep went on… Things started to get heavier.
All three of my lifts were progressing fast! WOOHOO! Even my accessory exercises were getting stronger! But… Something had hit a wall, and that something was my squat. UGGGHHH!
Week 4 of meet prep… I had to squat 265 for a double (and it was my first day at my new job). No excuses though! I went to the gym after work! And I squatted 265! My first attempt at it, the first rep moved very well, but I failed the second rep (big thanks to Sarah Ross for spotting me!). I did end up trying it again, and got another single! GOT MY 2 REPS IN FOR THE NIGHT!
My goal for my squat was 300, but that will probably not happen for this meet. And at first I was upset about that, but I quickly brushed that negative mindset off! I am stronger, and that is what matters. I am still progressing, so I need to be happy!
Now let’s talk about my bench! My favorite lift, because it is my strongest lift! At my first meet I finished with 181, which was my opener… I was not a happy camper! I finished my first meet prep benching 200. But I just wasn’t strong enough that day. And that’s okay.
For this meet, my goal was 210. I knew I had it in me!!! And training was going amazing! I was hitting PRs pretty much every week. And sure enough… On my last heavy bench day, what do I hit?! 215!!!!! Woo! Now I have to bring that strength to the platform!
Last but not least, DEADLIFTS! During my first meet prep I switched from conventional to sumo. And I PR’d on the platform with a 315 pull! I was happy! This meet prep, I have been able to beat that number! I pulled 320 for a double! YAY! My goal is to hit 340.
I’m not really sure how training numbers carry over to the platform, but I feel confident that I can hit my goal!
Throughout this whole prep/process I have done my best to stay positive and focused on what I am trying to accomplish! My first meet prep I would get very frustrated when I couldn’t do a certain weight, but this time around I had a better attitude. Plus, I am lucky enough to have two awesome coaches by my side!
Training Coach/Programmer: Tony Montgomery (my handsome man)
He has been just so amazing! He programs my training for me to be the best powerlifter I can be, as well as keeping my bodybuilding intact. And in the gym, he is always there to spot or lift off for me! He motivates me, and reminds me to have fun! I cannot thank him enough!
Nutritionist: Jason Theobald
Jason has been great! He always knows how to tweak my macros to help me achieve my goals. I am leaner this meet prep, weigh less, and am stronger! He is a miracle worker!
As I write this, I am 5 days out. And I am so ready for this! I’m so excited! I have two more workouts; very short workouts where I will be doing a few doubles. And after I weigh in, and eat some food, I will be doing a full body workout to make sure that the nutrients go to the right places (MY MUSCLES).
THEN IT IS GAME TIME!
Woo! Thinking about it gives me butterflies.
I will be sure to let you know how everything goes!