CT Spring Classic Recap...and the Way Forward!

So the meet this past weekend went just about as well as it could have gone! There were Meet PR's, American Records set, good friends reunited, new friends made--and more specialty donuts than one's mind could fathom. Seriously-- boxes and boxes and boxes of donuts. It was incredible.

For a Meet that was meant to just be for "Practice"/ Fun, I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. I hit a Meet PR in Squat, Deadlift, and my Total-- and broke two USAPL Junior American Records (in Squat and Deadlift).

Meet Results:

160kg Squat (AR)(Competition PR) [352.64 lbs]

87.5kg Bench [192.85 lbs]

190kg DL (AR)(Competition PR) [418.76 lbs]

437.5kg Total (Competition PR) [964.2 lbs]

The Meet

Things I wanted out of this meet:

- To have a good meet, feel comfortable (mentally/physically) on the platform. Basically, not be a "head case"

- Not stray far from my competition weight throughout training, so that I can feel good physically for the meet

- Execute the lifts with MY form, and not do weird stuff that I never do just because I'm "under pressure"

- Hit Meet PR's

- Have FUN! Enjoy competing

I was able to accomplish every single one of these goals on Meet Day, and while the PR's were small, and these goals may seem not that "grand"-- they're what I needed to work on, and need to continue to work on.

How was I able to accomplish my goals?

1) Planning Ahead. After the Arnold, I talked to my coach (Mike T who does all my programming), my nutrition coach (also one of my close friends), and my training partners-- and discussed what needed to change in order for me to be more successful going forward. I came up with a list, and did everything I could to address the issues we identified.

2) Utilizing my Support Systems. I asked for help from my coaches and training partners.

3) Actually sticking to my macros-- trusting the process

4) I was lucky enough that my Nutrition Coach (who has also been one of my training partners in the past) was able to come and handle me/run my numbers at the meet-- this made a world of difference for me. I was relaxed because I knew I was in good hands, and he ran my numbers PERFECTLY.

What Now?

Since it was  a practice meet, there was no peak, and we're right back into normal training. I feel great, I'm eating lots, my weight is right where it should be-- I couldn't be in a better position to make some great progress in the months ahead!

First training session back is actually back  in TX, visiting my family before my summer fellowship starts up! When I'm back in my hometown I train at the Original Metroflex in Arlington-- it's not Total Performance Sports, but I still always feel right at home. It's also an opportunity to train with some of my best friends from back home!

Main Work:

Last Repeat Set of Squats

[youtube= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jM6O4F8W9M]

GPP

[12 minutes]: Seated V-Bar Rows/ Ab Wheel-outs + Planks (EDT style)

Cardio

[15 minutes]: moderate pace walking at an incline