Intro
Leading up to this meet there were quite a bit of distractions. I hate to put it in those terms because they are not distractions, but rather, training wasn't a priority. My grandmother is fighting cancer; Lily was taken from cancer; I was transitioning jobs; and Casey and I are going to couples therapy because #coupledinstrength.
These are life situations that most of us go through. I've been completely out of the radar with training and sharing my progress with you guys. It just wasn't a priority and I take responsibility for it. As an athlete, I am here to live, learn, and pass on and I have not been doing my part on paper. Know that helping others and coaching others is a big part of who I am as an athlete.
Training
After two months of being ill, I really had to make up for loss time. I had about 5 weeks to peak and push for numbers that I would potentially hit at the meet. Once I was closer, re-evaluate where I am at that point. Still under the watchful eye of Goggins, he assumed with the short period of time I had, I was not going to do the meet. Our communication still lacks here and there and we fight like a married couple when we're not on the same page. I highly recommend training under Goggins. I have made huge strides utilizing his programing and added 60+ lbs to my total. It would have taken me a heck of a lot longer to get to this point without him. Respectfully, I planned out training for the next few weeks.
4 weeks out - hit a deadlift PR at 383lbs x 1
3 weeks out - squatted 355lbs x 1, 375lbs reverse band x 1
2 weeks out - benched 175lbs x 1, slingshot for some overload work 195lbs x 3
2 weeks out - potential openers for squat and bench, no deadlifting
1 week out - leading up to the meet, on that Monday and Tuesday I do some band work and light stretching. Nothing drastic, or even a little different, than what I do on a week to week basis.
Leading to Meet Day
Two weeks prior to the meet, I was traveling to New York to see my grandmother. I got my period during that time and my weight was at about 138. This is completely normal and not stressing about making weight helps with the process anyway. Stress is stress is stress. My thoughts about making a weight class have completely shifted since I started. In fact, it was one of my biggest stressors. My approach now is if I make weight, great. If I don't, that's okay too. I have always been an advocate for body positivity and to put that as a focus didn't seem right. I would only advise to cut weight if:
1. You're 1-2lbs over. Just cut water and food the day before weigh ins.
2. Hitting a WR and/or state record
3. Other than that, no one cares and neither should you.
Two days before the meet I was weighing about 133 (yes, my body retains a shit ton of water). So I cut food and water at 6pm the night before. Weighed in on the money - 60kg.
Meet Day
My excitement and anxiousness started to kick in. Good. That's an indicator that I still want to compete. I set my openers ridiculously easy: 315/150/315
What I didn't take into account is the weather. Pittsburgh decided to make it the hottest day ever. I see the sun maybe a few times a year. It was a good reminder of my strongman days but also a reminder of how out of shape I actually am. Union Fitness did an incredible job keeping us from passing out and handed out cold water and supplements and surrounded the platform with giant fans.
Squats: 315/349/369 no good
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Someone made a comment to Casey about my performance: "she seems so cool and collected." I am still figuring out how to turn on that switch. I've written in my logs before that we need to find our alter ego. Donnie Thompson is a giant teddy bear but when he's under the bar, he is Super D. Prior meet experiences I've hyped myself up or became extremely focused (almost tunnel vision). My performance was poor. It was almost too much. When I am relaxed and talking to other lifters and treating it like another day, that's when my performance is the best. Heck, my best meet was when I was handling others and knee wrapping. It keeps me out of my own head. Strength is not the issue when it comes to meet day. I'm strong enough. It's mostly mental and technique that dictates the outcome.
If it's a strength issue, then you're playing a different game that involves your ego.
Bench: 150/165/181
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My bench has made no progress this training cycle and I've figured out that I've neglected the basics. After missing my third squat and my body was taking a beating, I was focused on finishing the meet strong with 8/9. You have to know when to push and when to back down.
Deadlifts: 315/340/363
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When picking my last attempt, I looked at MC Williams like I was gassed out - debating a 5-10lb jump for third attempt. He looked at me like that was ridiculous. Strive for 15-20+ lb jump. I went for it. This is the part where you have to figure out how to turn it up. I pissed myself with 340 and it felt heavier than it should. Heading to the platform, Jodie Burford and @chloe_callousedhands were there hitting my back and yelling with support. I showed up.
Finishing the meet strong 8/9 and just shy 10lbs from my best meet with a total 893lbs. I know I made progress considering those numbers are conservative and I'm near where I need to be (not exactly where I want to be).
Thank you to my incredible support system. I kick myself all the time how fortunate I am to be surrounded by the people I call family. Union Fitness (Candi and Doug Nostrant) did an amazing job hosting the Iron City's first meet. Second meet is already scheduled for September 22nd! If you're in the area, come out and support. If you're in the area and want to compete, what are you waiting for?
Thank you to Joe and John for being my handlers. You guys rock.
Congratulations to all the first time lifters and putting yourselves out there.
Congratulations and thank you to everyone!
Any questions, comment below or send a message to ymartinezstrength@gmail.com