Over several years there has been a lot of talk about the mental/preparedness of going into a meet and getting you mind set to do what needs to be done.

As a seasoned lifter this has become more and more of the only way I can execute any max effort lift. Even in the gym and Ive had zero sleep but the day calls for maximal effort. Sure I guess I can wait for the day I have slept but those days are so far apart I'd never get to lift heavy.

Anyhow I most definitely make my mind up before the lift if I am going to complete the lift. Sure there are technical issues that can be made that will not allow you to execute the lift , however if its a strength problem I know that your mind can blast thru any physical barrier. I know this to be true because I have overcome many physical injuries thru lifts that physically should have never been completed but my mind made the ultimate decision.

Then the heart component comes in and this my friends "trumps everything". Pain, doubt, weakness, stress, hell even a miss loaded bar. Whatever the bar is loaded to you will find a way to lift it. I have so much passion for sports in general but this sport has stamped my heart in so many ways. Being a major part of my life for most of my life isn't the only reason I love it. Being in a gym for whatever purpose has always been home. A comfort zone even when I'm crippled because of it. I'd rather be sitting in the gym doing nothing and feeling its peacefulness then sitting on my couch iceing my post op knees. It's heart that makes you different from any other lifter, this isn't given or taught . It is the "it" factor. You wont know how much heart you have till you've been knocked down and heard 100 No(s) from everyone you care about , this is where you decide that its all worth it because this is what's builds my fire and keeps it burning. It allows all the pieces to fall into place. I'm not the strongest woman or even remotely close to how strong I used to be and that's not why I do it. I do for me. To test myself, making my self stronger from the inside out.

There is one thing to take from all this,  going thru all the ups and downs. I'm still Enjoying this Ride.

Thanks for Reading