| EliteFTS

This April, I competed at CPU Nationals, placing second in the 63kg open category with an 825 lb total, just one pound behind first place. With the guidance of Steve Goggins, I am in pursuit of greatness, both on and off the platform.

Friday UGSS

After driving for 13 hours, my body had taken a serious beating. I was supposed to squat, but my entire shin seized during the drive and no amount of mobility, traction, tylenol, etc would settle it and I couldn't hit parallel without pain. I was supposed to wait for Goggins to start, but since he was running late, I made an executive decision and decided to start deadlifting. While I hit a 10lb PR, I think that if my body had been feeling 100% I could have gone up to 350-355, but Goggins is a good coach (Be the tortoise, not the hare).

Deadlifts
135x5
185x3
225x2
275x1
305x1 (Goggins showed up)
325x1
345x1

Sunday UGSS

Bench training, my favourite! I was looking forward to the opportunity to train bench with Vinny (the bench press king) and Rhodes, even warmed up a little with them, but had my wrists slapped for benching on a sabertooth bar and joined in with the girls. This was probably the most fun I have ever had while training bench. I hit a huge 10lb PR with Steve Goggins handing the bar to me, my family cheering me on, and even got to wear a bench shirt! It's just a thought, but I might just enter a single-ply bench only meet sometime next year.

Bench
Raw
barx10
95x5
135x3
160x2
185x1
200x1
210x1
220x1

Metal King Presser
2board
185x3
205x4
225x3
1board
225x3
245 (No video)
265(FAIL)
265x1

There are so many highlights from this weekend I don't know where to start! It was truly an experience I will remember for a long time. Above the PRs, photos, and gear whoring, the best part of the weekend for me was truly feeling like I finally know where I belong, and that is a part of the EliteFTS family. To have idols and heroes as peers and mentors who believe in me, is a feeling beyond words. I can't wait for the day I am able to pass this feeling onto somebody else.
While there was a lot of memorable moments, I will try to recount my top five moments.

Top 5 Moments

Clint Darden's speech wrapping up the Powerlifting Experience. As hard as I tried, I wasn't able to hold back my tears (So I cried twice this weekend, no biggie right?)
Yelling, cueing, and coaching attendees through tons of PRs.
I'm very much an introvert in situations like these, so it was hard for me to get out of my shell, but it was a rewarding experience to get out of my comfort zone and help others.
Watching Steve Goggins deadlift 655x5 less than a year post hip replacement. Seeing his success is amazing to me. I only hope to have a similar career in powerlifting as him.
After batting my eyes, and asking nicely, I finally got to test out a single-ply bench shirt. The reason why this is on my list is because of the coaching and teamwork that was involved. To be coached through my first time in a shirt with Bob Youngs, Dave Tate, Molly, etc, was an incredible experience.
Talking to Vincent Dizenzo about the bench press and watching him teach the bench press to attendees. I am a little embarrassed that I acted like a fan girl, but just like Goggins, I hope to one day have a similar career as him. I am thankful that he was open to all of my questions, and was impressed by his humility and passion.