I really struggled with not competing at this meet. I was fortunate enough though to go and coach and come back home with no health issues. Was worried about flying and traveling for the first time since my surgery. We got to Vegas Saturday and met up with the crew. We hit a all you can eat sushi spot right away. All the girls made weight and were low key due to lifting Sunday. After sushi my wife and I went out and about and ate at a nice restaurant at the Palozzo. The scene and resorts there are insane. Super detailed and plush. After dinner we walked around and hit a couple spots and watched the bellagio water fountain scene. After that we headed back and caught some sleep.
We woke up Sunday and slammed some breakfast then headed to meet Chels, Kayla, and Kristin. Chels and Kayla started warming up first. All looked great. Judging was strict as hell. Everything was checked and calls were on point.
Kayla had a so-so meet prep cycle. To be fair she had a lot going on in life. There were many days she would have to train in my groups at 6am. How she did that I have no idea. She also at times when we would go heavy would sneak out of work come lift at 11-12 then fly back to work. She also started a new job and just closed on a house. All her numbers in training were good for the circumstances but not great. She is a beast and I would guarantee a 965-1000lb total next meet. She still set a bench and Deadlift PR. Her total would have been a PR but her second squat attempt got called for knee wrap length. The weight itself was 385lbs and a smoke show. 400lbs is her next meet. I remember seeing her outside at the track doing sprints a year or so ago and recruiting her. She is a solid piece to our team. Big things from her in the years to come.
Chels needed the day she had. She has always been a beast but has had mental blocks of sorts last couple meets. And , lol, even though she had mental blocks still totaled elite. This meet was huge for her Pr in all three lifts and the total. I feel that the biggest thing for her and Kayla was meeting their internet crush Gracie V. The great thing about Chels is she isn't close to plateauing. She is so close to breaking out and setting a 1000lb total.
Kristin is our super heavy. I cannot say enough about her. She is an ex D1 thrower and has a great base already. She almost matched her PR on the squat, Set a PR on the bench and dead and total. This is only her second meet. Kristin no joke has potential to total 1200 at next meet.
Aaron was prob the biggest surprise. He went from almost nit being. Able to do the meet due to health issues to winning his weight class in the juniors. He has lost about 25lbs in the last 3-4 weeks. He has totaled over 1700lbs at 198 weight class. He totaled at this meet at 181lbs around 1500lbs. Thus new weight class for him is good he can only get better.
So for the meet we had three first place Juniors (Chels, Kayla, Aaron) and one second place juniors (Kristin). Kayla and Chels coefficient was second overall in their weight class. Everyone had around 12-18 lifters in their weight class from around the world. The goal starting Monday is 10-12 weeks of heavy volume followed by 10-12 weeks of meet prep.
Our powerlifting team is growing stronger literally. We have picked up 3 lifters from STL and three females from the area. I am very happy with the direction this team is going. We have the best coaching and facility in the area bar none. If anyone is in the STL area look us up.
Would like to give a huge thanks to my wife. She has from day one helped me and especially at this meet helped me function. Also want to thank Coach Randy and Coach Ed for helping. We couldn't of done it without you guys.