In just under two weeks, I’ll be competing in my second USAPL sanctioned meet: The Twin Cities Powerlifting Open 2015 at Allegiance Fitness in Mounds View.
As you may know, powerlifting is a strength sport that consists of three attempts at maximal weight on three lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. The highest amount completed in each lift is added up for a total. Those with the highest total wins the division they are in.
I haven’t talked about it much outside the gym because, well, it’s just something that I’m doing. And, with being in full summer swing, I’m kind of feeling a little less prepared than I was for the Twin Ports Open back in May. In all reality, I’m probably just fine – I’ve been doing all of my training and showing up to Sunday open gym to complete my Saturday workouts when I’ve had to miss for things that involve life (I LOVE GOING TO YOUR WEDDINGS AND SHOWERS AND TAKING VACATIONS, OK?!). So, there’s that. I think my uneasiness probably has a lot to do with how my training weights increased quite a bit this last cycle…things JUST FEEL SO MUCH HEAVIER.
You might recall that at the Twin Ports Open, my PR’s jumped a bit:
Before Twin Ports:
- Squat: 255lbs
- Bench: 135lbs
- Deadlift: 300lbs
After Twin Ports:
- Squat: 270lbs
- Bench: 135lbs
- Deadlift: 314lbs
After the meet in May, Coach Sampson started us on a pretty rigourous 10 week training program that wraps just in time for the Twin Cities Open, and I started this program with my new PR’s. Things have really felt heavy but I’ve been pushing through. You can see the 10 week program here. I just finished week 8. I’m sweating just thinking about it.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the value of training with a team, though. My female-identified teammates make this process so much more tolerable. We laugh, we cry, we swear, we talk about our periods (No, really. We do). There’s a reason I joke with our coach when I welcome him to “The Red Tent”. These people are my family. And it’s because of their support and encouragement that I continue to strive for improvement. So, thank you Ariel, Lara, Hannah, Mindy, Marijke, and Colette! (and Coach Sampson!)
Of course I want to do well at the Twin Cities Open. I’d be lying if I said otherwise. There’s something incredible about wearing an old timey swimsuit (singlet) while lifting heavy things in front of a group of people that thinks it’s cool to be doing so – and the feeling of that adrenaline pulsing through your veins? Well, there’s nothing like it. So, we’ll see what happens. I’ve got one USAPL meet under my belt already, so I know what to expect. I know I can do it, I just hope I can improve from last time. I MEAN I HAVE DONE ALL OF THE WORK SO MY BODY BEST NOT LET ME DOWN!
If you’re interested in coming (yes! We can have a cheering section! Come see me in this beautiful Solcana branded singlet!) here are the details:
- Date: August 22nd 2015
- Location: Allegiance Fitness
- Start Time: 8:00 A.M. – specific lifting times (flights) TBD, so stay tuned! Get your signs and personalized t-shirts ready!