Yesterday was my birthday! I turned 27. But, birthdays are no fun just being one day. So I had another birthday today! ;-) But, I decided to stay 27 today and not turn another year that quickly. lol. I found out on my birthday yesterday that I have a double ear infection :-( So, I'm on antibiotic for a few days. I was still totally feeling like crap today, but my workout went really well!! And I don't think Brian backed any of my weight down. And I felt much better after I worked out. I usually do.
So, tonight for my birthday my parents & I took Brian & his fam to Struthers for dinner. It was such a perfect, fun night. I had a blast and I'm so glad they came. The food was excellent. And the company was perfect. And they got me a sweatshirt from Elite Fitness that says "Lift Strong." It's awesome! :) So are they.
Oh yeah, I guess you probably want to know about my workout, since that's really why ya'll read my blog, huh?
Bench Press Speed Drill - 85 lbs., 3 sets of 3 reps with all three grips (regular, medium, close). He ended up putting on a set of chains, but I can't remember what set he started that on. Then I ended up doing a set of 2 with 125 lbs., and 1 set of chains and then a single with 125 lbs. and two sets of chains.
Close Grip Bench Press - Not sure how many sets...of 5 reps, ending with 150 lbs (i think).
Single-Arm Tricep Pressdowns - 3 sets of 12, 30 lbs.
Alternating Dumbbell Military Press - 30 lbs., 12 & 7. 25 lbs., 9 (i think)
1 set of 10 Blackburns
Spread Eagle Sit Ups - 3 sets of 15.
Wonderful day. Makes me really appreciate what I have and not want to take it for granted. Hopefully I'll take care of it all well enough that I won't have to trade any of it in for a very long time.
OH! Brian gets to close on MONDAY!!!!!!! Thank you for all your prayers. Let's keep 'em comin' this weekend to make sure the deal gets sealed.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sick :-(
Well, that cold that I woke up with on Saturday has turned into the biggest monstrosity of a headache that it possibly could be. No fever or major flu symptoms, so no one has to panic. Just a stupid, ridiculous head cold that's having a good time playing games with me. Dr. tomorrow morning, on my birthday :-( Not what I wanted to do. But, I DEFINITELY don't want to miss Friday, so, I must make sure it's taken care of pronto.
Took it easy today...Brian's idea, but I was glad in the end.
Cambered Bar Rows - 85 lbs. 4 sets (i think) of 10.
Dumbbell Rows - 25 lbs., 3 sets of 10.
Lateral Pulldown - I totally don't know how much weight. Maybe 50? 3 sets of 10.
Cable Rope Iron Cross - 20 lbs., 2 sets of 25
Hammer Curls - 15 lbs. (i think) 3 sets of 15.
Wow, I really didn't pay much attention today. I thought I remembered more than that. Sorry all....I'll be back to normal soon.
Prayers for Brian and the gym please!!!!!!!!
Took it easy today...Brian's idea, but I was glad in the end.
Cambered Bar Rows - 85 lbs. 4 sets (i think) of 10.
Dumbbell Rows - 25 lbs., 3 sets of 10.
Lateral Pulldown - I totally don't know how much weight. Maybe 50? 3 sets of 10.
Cable Rope Iron Cross - 20 lbs., 2 sets of 25
Hammer Curls - 15 lbs. (i think) 3 sets of 15.
Wow, I really didn't pay much attention today. I thought I remembered more than that. Sorry all....I'll be back to normal soon.
Prayers for Brian and the gym please!!!!!!!!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Finding My Groove
Life is good. :-) Jack came back after being on vacation for almost two weeks. I was so happy to see him. I missed him being around. It is pomegranate season....my FAVORITE! My birthday is this Thursday. <3 Love my birthday <3 My parents and I are taking Brian and his family to my favorite restaurant in Struthers on Friday. Love taking people there....so proud of what has been accomplished down there. I get to cheat on my diet to get my favorite food since it's my birthday week. I haven't had gnocchi for over a year!!!!
And my workout was completely awesome today. :-D It was one of those days that you wish you could freeze in time and repeat over and over. I was kind of surprised because I've had a cold for a few days and didn't know just how run down I was with my strength, even though I don't feel bad. But, I have been eating right again. And I know that dumbbells are going to get better as I start to get used to doing them again...and it seems that the same rings true for reverse band presses. Brian said I really started to find my groove on them today. My last three sets went better than the first two (hmmm...that sounds like a familiar trend.)
Reverse Band Presses - I did some warm-up of 6 reps, but I'm not sure how much weight was on it. Then I did 235 lbs., 245 lbs., 250 lbs., & 255 lbs. Felt AWESOME. I think that doing these is going to help get me used to seeing the bar loaded with more weight, so it won't be as intimidating when I go to try the heavier weight without the bands holding it.
Dumbbell Bench Press - 3 sets of 8. 50 lbs., 55 lbs., 60 lbs. Went REALLY well today. It's still awkward, because Brian has me using a different form. But, it went SO much better than last week.
Lying Barbell Tricep Extension - 55 lbs., 3 sets of 12. 60 lbs., 2 sets of 12...Brian helped with last two reps.
Lateral Raises - 15 lbs., 2 sets of 10.
Rope Ab Crunches - 4 sets of 15. 70 lbs., 90 lbs., and 2 with 110 lbs.
Y, T, W - 1 set of 15 each way.
Stretching :-D
The only thing that would help make life a little better right now (actually, a lot better), is for Brian's deal to be finalized with the gym. I've been very bad. I keep forgetting to ask for prayers when I blog. But, please, everyone, pray this gets done soon. It's at a very frustrating state. This is going on the 5th week that he's been supposed to close and it hasn't happened yet. Please pray that everything gets completed as soon as possible. It would really lift a big burden off of all involved. Thanks everyone!!!
And my workout was completely awesome today. :-D It was one of those days that you wish you could freeze in time and repeat over and over. I was kind of surprised because I've had a cold for a few days and didn't know just how run down I was with my strength, even though I don't feel bad. But, I have been eating right again. And I know that dumbbells are going to get better as I start to get used to doing them again...and it seems that the same rings true for reverse band presses. Brian said I really started to find my groove on them today. My last three sets went better than the first two (hmmm...that sounds like a familiar trend.)
Reverse Band Presses - I did some warm-up of 6 reps, but I'm not sure how much weight was on it. Then I did 235 lbs., 245 lbs., 250 lbs., & 255 lbs. Felt AWESOME. I think that doing these is going to help get me used to seeing the bar loaded with more weight, so it won't be as intimidating when I go to try the heavier weight without the bands holding it.
Dumbbell Bench Press - 3 sets of 8. 50 lbs., 55 lbs., 60 lbs. Went REALLY well today. It's still awkward, because Brian has me using a different form. But, it went SO much better than last week.
Lying Barbell Tricep Extension - 55 lbs., 3 sets of 12. 60 lbs., 2 sets of 12...Brian helped with last two reps.
Lateral Raises - 15 lbs., 2 sets of 10.
Rope Ab Crunches - 4 sets of 15. 70 lbs., 90 lbs., and 2 with 110 lbs.
Y, T, W - 1 set of 15 each way.
Stretching :-D
The only thing that would help make life a little better right now (actually, a lot better), is for Brian's deal to be finalized with the gym. I've been very bad. I keep forgetting to ask for prayers when I blog. But, please, everyone, pray this gets done soon. It's at a very frustrating state. This is going on the 5th week that he's been supposed to close and it hasn't happened yet. Please pray that everything gets completed as soon as possible. It would really lift a big burden off of all involved. Thanks everyone!!!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Speed Day
Good day. :-) Really there wasn't a bad day this week. Just me and my brain having our normal go-arounds. My workouts are great though. Very pleased.
Speed Drill (in rack) - 80 lbs. 3 sets of 3 with regular grip. 3 sets of 3 with medium grip. 3 sets of 3 with close grip. All rested on rack when brought down and then exploded up as quick as possible.
Close Grip Bench - 135 lbs., 5 reps. 140 lbs., 5 reps. 145 lbs., 5 reps.
Single Arm Tricep Pressdown - 1 set of 12 with 30 lbs. 2 sets of 12 with 20 lbs. - My triceps are so weak :-(
Alternating Dumbbell Military Press - 30 lbs., 12. 30 lbs., 6. 25 lbs., 10. I was shocked at these numbers. My shoulders are apparently not used to doing this anymore. But, I'm sure they'll rebound soon. lol.
Blackburns - 5 lb. Dumbbells, 3 sets of 10. Rotator Cuff & Trap exercise. Pull scapula together, bend arms up at elbows, rotate parallel with the floor, straighten arm, pull back, rotate back toward floor, release scapula. :-)
Spread Eagle Sit Ups - 10, & 2 sets of 12. More like crunches than sit-ups. But, I'll get better, eventually.
Stretching!! Brian's awesome...my legs feel so loose and are so much more comfortable when I lay down and such. I so appreciate that he wants to take the time to help me out with stretching them out.
Speed Drill (in rack) - 80 lbs. 3 sets of 3 with regular grip. 3 sets of 3 with medium grip. 3 sets of 3 with close grip. All rested on rack when brought down and then exploded up as quick as possible.
Close Grip Bench - 135 lbs., 5 reps. 140 lbs., 5 reps. 145 lbs., 5 reps.
Single Arm Tricep Pressdown - 1 set of 12 with 30 lbs. 2 sets of 12 with 20 lbs. - My triceps are so weak :-(
Alternating Dumbbell Military Press - 30 lbs., 12. 30 lbs., 6. 25 lbs., 10. I was shocked at these numbers. My shoulders are apparently not used to doing this anymore. But, I'm sure they'll rebound soon. lol.
Blackburns - 5 lb. Dumbbells, 3 sets of 10. Rotator Cuff & Trap exercise. Pull scapula together, bend arms up at elbows, rotate parallel with the floor, straighten arm, pull back, rotate back toward floor, release scapula. :-)
Spread Eagle Sit Ups - 10, & 2 sets of 12. More like crunches than sit-ups. But, I'll get better, eventually.
Stretching!! Brian's awesome...my legs feel so loose and are so much more comfortable when I lay down and such. I so appreciate that he wants to take the time to help me out with stretching them out.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Bonus Blog
Hey everyone,
I'm kind of doing a juggling act here. I try not to be too down on my blogs on a bad day, because Brian reads my blogs. He has such a good heart and feels bad when things don't work out how they should have. But I told him before we started together that I don't want coddled so I try not to do too much "Woe is me" on my blog. (Although, I did a decent number on Monday, eh?) I want him to find that line and treat me like a powerlifter, unless it really is actually going to hurt me or not be productive in any way. I want him to ignore the fact that I hate half the stuff because it makes me feel different, and get in my face about whether I really want to be there if need be someday. So, I don't want to talk too much in the opposite direction. (I'm not saying he doesn't already do that, I'm just saying I want to keep it that way)
But, I also know that a lot of you learn from a lot of the stuff I go through and end up posting, so, I try not to cut too much out either. A lot of you give me your own personal feedbacks (even though you don't leave me blog comments) and I really appreciate knowing that I help you through things. And this is definitely worth posting.
Brian recently asked me when I learned to accept that this is how life is going to be. That I'm in a chair and I can't walk. I told him that I'm not sure that you ever really accept it. There's too many situations out there that are new and unexperienced, so you don't actually know that you've accepted it until you've gone through the situation and react to it.
I know I've been with Brian for over two months now. It's gone amazingly well. But...two months is not all that long to know someone...no matter how you slice it. So, unfortunately for me, I'm still having some of the same feelings that I have when I'm trying to get used to someone new in my life.
Today was not near as bad as Monday, which was why I didn't originally want to say anything. But, as I was doing rows, especially the single-arm ones, I had to keep adjusting my position because of balance and doing a one-arm exercise. And, it embarassed me. Brian had to put his hand on one side of my back to keep me from moving around so much, and it actually embarassed me. It's completely embarassing to me that I physically cannot do my exercises on my own. I like one-armed rows, because of how it works my back....but, there was an actual conscious thought process of how embarassing it is that he has to reach over and hold me down to do them properly (although, I'm grateful he knows what to do without me telling him).
I have prayer and scripture at church this coming Sunday and what I'm going to talk about is not having to do things perfect the first time. But, that the perfection of it all is that you keep getting back up and doing it until you are able to achieve it...no matter how many times you fail. Then I saw this video that someone posted on Facebook: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MslbhDZoniY. Please take a moment right now and watch it before you finish my blog.
See, the most important thing is that I didn't stop and get back in my chair and leave the gym because I was embarassed. I finished. And, sometime, in the future, I'm going to be strong enough that I'm going to be able to do 30 lb. Single-Arm Rows for 25 reps without having Brian hold me. But, if I stopped trying, it would never happen. If I stopped trying, I'd never make it to competition qualification. If I stopped trying, I'd be stuck just believing that there's something that I should be embarassed about. But there's not. So, I have to keep going, and keep training my body, AND my mind. Because, it doesn't matter where you start. It matters that you finish....And I'm going to finish strong.
I'm kind of doing a juggling act here. I try not to be too down on my blogs on a bad day, because Brian reads my blogs. He has such a good heart and feels bad when things don't work out how they should have. But I told him before we started together that I don't want coddled so I try not to do too much "Woe is me" on my blog. (Although, I did a decent number on Monday, eh?) I want him to find that line and treat me like a powerlifter, unless it really is actually going to hurt me or not be productive in any way. I want him to ignore the fact that I hate half the stuff because it makes me feel different, and get in my face about whether I really want to be there if need be someday. So, I don't want to talk too much in the opposite direction. (I'm not saying he doesn't already do that, I'm just saying I want to keep it that way)
But, I also know that a lot of you learn from a lot of the stuff I go through and end up posting, so, I try not to cut too much out either. A lot of you give me your own personal feedbacks (even though you don't leave me blog comments) and I really appreciate knowing that I help you through things. And this is definitely worth posting.
Brian recently asked me when I learned to accept that this is how life is going to be. That I'm in a chair and I can't walk. I told him that I'm not sure that you ever really accept it. There's too many situations out there that are new and unexperienced, so you don't actually know that you've accepted it until you've gone through the situation and react to it.
I know I've been with Brian for over two months now. It's gone amazingly well. But...two months is not all that long to know someone...no matter how you slice it. So, unfortunately for me, I'm still having some of the same feelings that I have when I'm trying to get used to someone new in my life.
Today was not near as bad as Monday, which was why I didn't originally want to say anything. But, as I was doing rows, especially the single-arm ones, I had to keep adjusting my position because of balance and doing a one-arm exercise. And, it embarassed me. Brian had to put his hand on one side of my back to keep me from moving around so much, and it actually embarassed me. It's completely embarassing to me that I physically cannot do my exercises on my own. I like one-armed rows, because of how it works my back....but, there was an actual conscious thought process of how embarassing it is that he has to reach over and hold me down to do them properly (although, I'm grateful he knows what to do without me telling him).
I have prayer and scripture at church this coming Sunday and what I'm going to talk about is not having to do things perfect the first time. But, that the perfection of it all is that you keep getting back up and doing it until you are able to achieve it...no matter how many times you fail. Then I saw this video that someone posted on Facebook: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MslbhDZoniY. Please take a moment right now and watch it before you finish my blog.
See, the most important thing is that I didn't stop and get back in my chair and leave the gym because I was embarassed. I finished. And, sometime, in the future, I'm going to be strong enough that I'm going to be able to do 30 lb. Single-Arm Rows for 25 reps without having Brian hold me. But, if I stopped trying, it would never happen. If I stopped trying, I'd never make it to competition qualification. If I stopped trying, I'd be stuck just believing that there's something that I should be embarassed about. But there's not. So, I have to keep going, and keep training my body, AND my mind. Because, it doesn't matter where you start. It matters that you finish....And I'm going to finish strong.
Hard Hittin'
WOW! I'm still sore from Monday, and we really hit it hard again today...can't wait to see what tomorrow brings! lol. Yesterday was interesting. I woke up hardly sore at all and ended up still sore today. Crazy. But it feels good to me. I'm taking advantage of it this week, because I haven't been sore for so long...then next week, if Brian wants me to start recovering a little quicker, I'm going to have to get after some remedies. I'm not fond of 'deload' week because it's so light and boring...but I'm thinking that now that I'm into the meat of Brian's training I'm going to need it!!! lol.
Had a great day though!
Cambered Bar Rows - 1 set of 10 @ 65 lbs. 2 sets of 10 @ 85 lbs. 1 set of 10 @ 95 lbs. 1 set of 10 @ 85 lbs.
Single-Arm Dumbbell Rows - 3 sets of 25. Absolutely killed me :) Brian wrote down 30 lbs. But, I really thought it was 20 lbs. I can't imagine that I could get through 25 reps with 30 lbs., but, maybe I don't know my own strength! He was writing everything down as I did it, so, he was probably right.
Shrugs!! YAY!! They're back!! - 3 sets of 12. I think the first two sets were 95 lbs., and then the 3rd was 105 lbs. or something like that.
Lateral Pull-down - 3 sets of 12 @ 80 lbs.
Lateral Raises, facedown on an Incline - 2 sets of 12 @ 15 lbs.
Hammer Curls - 3 sets of 12 @ 15 lbs. (piece of cake. lol)
Cable Chops (twisting from one side to the other, starting with hands high and ending low) 2 sets of 15 @ 10 lbs. 1 set of 15 at 20 lbs.
SO happy to be back into working everything out and really going at it. Feels so good. Both great workouts this week. Very happy. (Well, except for that whole balancing dumbbells thing)
Had a great day though!
Cambered Bar Rows - 1 set of 10 @ 65 lbs. 2 sets of 10 @ 85 lbs. 1 set of 10 @ 95 lbs. 1 set of 10 @ 85 lbs.
Single-Arm Dumbbell Rows - 3 sets of 25. Absolutely killed me :) Brian wrote down 30 lbs. But, I really thought it was 20 lbs. I can't imagine that I could get through 25 reps with 30 lbs., but, maybe I don't know my own strength! He was writing everything down as I did it, so, he was probably right.
Shrugs!! YAY!! They're back!! - 3 sets of 12. I think the first two sets were 95 lbs., and then the 3rd was 105 lbs. or something like that.
Lateral Pull-down - 3 sets of 12 @ 80 lbs.
Lateral Raises, facedown on an Incline - 2 sets of 12 @ 15 lbs.
Hammer Curls - 3 sets of 12 @ 15 lbs. (piece of cake. lol)
Cable Chops (twisting from one side to the other, starting with hands high and ending low) 2 sets of 15 @ 10 lbs. 1 set of 15 at 20 lbs.
SO happy to be back into working everything out and really going at it. Feels so good. Both great workouts this week. Very happy. (Well, except for that whole balancing dumbbells thing)
Monday, October 19, 2009
Ready or Not
Who ever said it gets easier the more you do it? I think they're full of crap. I think what gets easier is that you learn to mask how much it still absolutely sucks that you have to go through it.
I did dumbbells on a bench today...I really think it was the first time since I left Adam. Maybe Brian and I did incline one night at the very beginning. Dumbbells on a bench and dumbbells on the floor are VERY different. And I remembered just how un-fun it is when I'm not used to it. But, I'm home, typing out my blog, so I guess I'm going to live to see another day. Abs were an experiment today. Not fun, but, they're going to work. My trainers have always told me in regards to food that the worst it tastes the better it is for you...well I say ditto for training exercises.
Story of my training journey...learn to trust!! Learn to trust myself...learn to trust my trainer. Apparently I didn't realize that while we were tapering off all the exercises to get ready for competition, that we were tapering everything I despise...I got quite comfortable there for a while. But, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Just hopin' that Brian gets used to me being uncomfortable and stands his ground when I'm not liking things...when the trainer is certain I can do it, it makes it feel a little safer to proceed with the process.
But, enough complaining. Nothin' I haven't gone through before. Time to suck it up, Powerlifter.
I feel awesome. It feels like I'm going to be so sore tomorrow, and I'll be so happy if I am. :) I feel so much looser when I'm sore, and I haven't been sore for a really long time. I'm pretty tired, because it was the first time I worked out really hard in a while. But, it really was an awesome workout.
Reverse Band Presses - I did a few sets of 10 at increasing weights and ended up at 225 lbs and got 5.
Dumbbell Bench - 45 lbs., 10. 50 lbs., 10. 55 lbs., 8 (Brian was helpingquite a bit). 45 lbs., 10.
Lying Barbell Tricep Extension - 2 sets of 10 with 55 lbs. 1 set of 10 w/ 55 lbs. + chains. 2 sets of 10 with 55 lbs. 1 set of 10 with 45 or 50, not sure.
Lateral Raises - 12 lbs., 3 sets of 10.
Rope Ab Crunches - ended up at 120 lbs., for like 20 or something like that.
Y,T,W - 5 lb. Dumbbells, 1 set of 15 each way.
And stretching. :-)
I did dumbbells on a bench today...I really think it was the first time since I left Adam. Maybe Brian and I did incline one night at the very beginning. Dumbbells on a bench and dumbbells on the floor are VERY different. And I remembered just how un-fun it is when I'm not used to it. But, I'm home, typing out my blog, so I guess I'm going to live to see another day. Abs were an experiment today. Not fun, but, they're going to work. My trainers have always told me in regards to food that the worst it tastes the better it is for you...well I say ditto for training exercises.
Story of my training journey...learn to trust!! Learn to trust myself...learn to trust my trainer. Apparently I didn't realize that while we were tapering off all the exercises to get ready for competition, that we were tapering everything I despise...I got quite comfortable there for a while. But, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Just hopin' that Brian gets used to me being uncomfortable and stands his ground when I'm not liking things...when the trainer is certain I can do it, it makes it feel a little safer to proceed with the process.
But, enough complaining. Nothin' I haven't gone through before. Time to suck it up, Powerlifter.
I feel awesome. It feels like I'm going to be so sore tomorrow, and I'll be so happy if I am. :) I feel so much looser when I'm sore, and I haven't been sore for a really long time. I'm pretty tired, because it was the first time I worked out really hard in a while. But, it really was an awesome workout.
Reverse Band Presses - I did a few sets of 10 at increasing weights and ended up at 225 lbs and got 5.
Dumbbell Bench - 45 lbs., 10. 50 lbs., 10. 55 lbs., 8 (Brian was helpingquite a bit). 45 lbs., 10.
Lying Barbell Tricep Extension - 2 sets of 10 with 55 lbs. 1 set of 10 w/ 55 lbs. + chains. 2 sets of 10 with 55 lbs. 1 set of 10 with 45 or 50, not sure.
Lateral Raises - 12 lbs., 3 sets of 10.
Rope Ab Crunches - ended up at 120 lbs., for like 20 or something like that.
Y,T,W - 5 lb. Dumbbells, 1 set of 15 each way.
And stretching. :-)
Friday, October 16, 2009
!!!Presses!!!
Thank you Brian. :-D
I got to do 225 lbs. today ladies and gentleman!!!!!!!! Well, kinda. lol. Somehow Brian decided to let me do a little more work today. I think he could tell it was drivin' me crazy to take it so easy. So, we did reverse band presses. So, it doesn't feel as heavy as it actually is coming off of your chest because the band is holding it in the air. We started with 135 lbs and I did 10. Then I'm not sure, but he might have added 25's to that to make it 185 lbs and I did 10. And then he put on 225 lbs, and I did 4. It felt really good. I really feel my right tricep shaking...it's weaker than it should be. But, that's the mission for the winter...working on the triceps. Other than that, it felt awesome. I also got to do some Close Grip Bench - 3 sets of 10 with 95 lbs. Then Brian said "That's enough." I got my taste of it. Gotta work back up to pushing hard. So, we did some Bicep Curls with 10 lbs., 3 or 4 sets of 20, and some Band Tricep work and some Shoulder Traction with the Bands. And of course stretching.
Was nice to feel a little more than 95 lbs. So glad he lets me get away with stuff when it's not in the plans. :-)
I got to do 225 lbs. today ladies and gentleman!!!!!!!! Well, kinda. lol. Somehow Brian decided to let me do a little more work today. I think he could tell it was drivin' me crazy to take it so easy. So, we did reverse band presses. So, it doesn't feel as heavy as it actually is coming off of your chest because the band is holding it in the air. We started with 135 lbs and I did 10. Then I'm not sure, but he might have added 25's to that to make it 185 lbs and I did 10. And then he put on 225 lbs, and I did 4. It felt really good. I really feel my right tricep shaking...it's weaker than it should be. But, that's the mission for the winter...working on the triceps. Other than that, it felt awesome. I also got to do some Close Grip Bench - 3 sets of 10 with 95 lbs. Then Brian said "That's enough." I got my taste of it. Gotta work back up to pushing hard. So, we did some Bicep Curls with 10 lbs., 3 or 4 sets of 20, and some Band Tricep work and some Shoulder Traction with the Bands. And of course stretching.
Was nice to feel a little more than 95 lbs. So glad he lets me get away with stuff when it's not in the plans. :-)
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Shrugs <3
Today was the same as Monday...but I got to do shrugs. Missed them. I like them a lot. Felt really good. Very light, 10's on each side, like Rows. Good day. I'm so glad to be back. I'm ready to start hittin' some weight next week and getting back into the swing of things.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Perfection
Well, it must be all downhill from here cuz I don't think I could ever expect better results from a competition. lol.
I made all three of my attempted lifts. I got all three white lights on all three lifts. (Red lights are bad, white lights are good). And, at the end of the competition, I was asked to a meeting with my National Head Coach as one of the 'probable' lifters for the World's Team next year. :) And my Aunt Gertie & Uncle Skip were with me. And I got to see my cousin Aaron & his family and his new house. And we didn't get lost. And my flights were wonderful. There's pictures on my facebook page that I'm tagged in, from the competition, if any of you are on facebook and haven't seen them yet. Thanks for all your prayers everyone.
This is 'take it easy' week...get some blood flow through the muscles but let my body recover from the whole adventure. I'm still thoroughly exhausted, but I feel great. Did some light Rows today, w/ 15 on each side of the bar, and then down to 10, then some single-arm Rows w/ 20 lb. Dumbbell. Other than that, we did some band stretching of my triceps, and then some band traction for my biceps. Then Brian stretched me out. He was also nice enough to stretch me last night after I got home. I really needed it. It doesn't feel real nice on the muscles to go 3 weeks of stretching and then cut it off cold-turkey for 5 days. But, he's already got me at least half way back to where I was. And, he wants me to come in tomorrow to stretch too.
I made all three of my attempted lifts. I got all three white lights on all three lifts. (Red lights are bad, white lights are good). And, at the end of the competition, I was asked to a meeting with my National Head Coach as one of the 'probable' lifters for the World's Team next year. :) And my Aunt Gertie & Uncle Skip were with me. And I got to see my cousin Aaron & his family and his new house. And we didn't get lost. And my flights were wonderful. There's pictures on my facebook page that I'm tagged in, from the competition, if any of you are on facebook and haven't seen them yet. Thanks for all your prayers everyone.
This is 'take it easy' week...get some blood flow through the muscles but let my body recover from the whole adventure. I'm still thoroughly exhausted, but I feel great. Did some light Rows today, w/ 15 on each side of the bar, and then down to 10, then some single-arm Rows w/ 20 lb. Dumbbell. Other than that, we did some band stretching of my triceps, and then some band traction for my biceps. Then Brian stretched me out. He was also nice enough to stretch me last night after I got home. I really needed it. It doesn't feel real nice on the muscles to go 3 weeks of stretching and then cut it off cold-turkey for 5 days. But, he's already got me at least half way back to where I was. And, he wants me to come in tomorrow to stretch too.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
In Control
Hey everyone,
I'm in Texas at my aunt's house, ready to head to Oklahoma. I had a pretty cool revelation today and wanted to share it with you all.
I've been texting Brian the last few days about being nervous and trying to get 'ready' for my competition. On Tuesday, he texted me and said I had to do it for me and me only. I didn't tell him, but I got kind of irritated. I just can't seem to figure out why everyone says that to me all the time. I keep thinking, 'I'm not going to fly half way across the country and put myself through being out of where I'm comfortable, if it isn't something that I want to do!'. But, I sucked it up and finished the conversation politely.
I've also been reading books on getting 'mentally prepared' as an athlete. The one I'm reading right now is written by a long-distance swimmer...but it's a great read for any sport, because of the endurance that is entailed in the length of time we have to train.
So, today, Brian texts me and he tells me to 'think of something that makes me angry, and when I'm strapped in just lower the weight, pause, and crush it. Just get it done.' I told Brian, I know that it's in me to just get mad and do it, but, I don't know how to tap into it when I want to. I know it hits me at certain points, but it's when I've endured something for a very long time and I just get sick of being so discouraged, and I just finish it.
In a book I read a few days ago, written by a powerlifter, it talked about being able to fail and going back and trying again. It doesn't mean it's over and everything's finished just because you didn't get a lift. You start over and you try it again. And if you fail that time, you start over and you try again.
Then today, after Brian texted me, I read a portion of this endurance book about the stages that we go through in endurance of anything, be it a relationship, a job, a sport, or whatever. And she talks about the difference between quitters and finishers being that the quitters don't think when they hit that point of wanting to quit more than anything in the world. They just quit. But the finishers continue talking to themselves and push through. We all go through that point, but the finishers just decide they're going to do it, and do.
I started thinking about the last time I got angry and just pushed through and did it. I am pretty sure it was last Friday(if not, then Friday before). I was doing Dumbbell Tricep Extensions and my elbow started to hurt because of 'tendinitis'. It was my last rep, but I just got so mad, and pushed my arms up and the rep was perfect. Brian looked at me and said "You got pissed, didn't you?" I was trying to remember what I was thinking when I got mad, and it was that this 'pain' is not going to dictate whether or not I can continue to do what I love and want to do.
That's when I realized that I'm the one that's in control. Not the judges, not the rankings, not the people I'm up against, not my coaches, not the weight, and certainly not any kind of pain. It's me. I'm in control of the weight and what the bar does. I'm perfectly capable of making every one of these lifts...and I will. And if I don't, it doesn't mean I stop, it means I come back and do it again another time. Nothing is the end of the world. I get injured, I come back. I get worn out, I come back. I fail, I come back. Even if I fail in front of the international judges, I come back. No matter what happens, it is not the end all. They are not in control. They can not end it...only I can. When I lay down, I'm in control of how they strap me. I'm in control of my lift off. And I'm in control of what the bar does because it isn't in anybody's hands but mine. I go, I do it, and I finish...all for myself. Period. It isn't about whether I succeed or not. Just finish. Then I go home, and I get ready to do it all over again, no matter if I failed or I ranked. I came and finished what I started.
I hope this is 'it' and I finally 'get' why everyone seems to think that I'm not doing it for myself. Maybe it was all the fear of what 'could' happen that everyone sees all the time. But, it's gone...at least for now. lol. I might need a couple reminders from Brian in the future, until I get seasoned at all this. But...this time....I'm ready.
I'm in Texas at my aunt's house, ready to head to Oklahoma. I had a pretty cool revelation today and wanted to share it with you all.
I've been texting Brian the last few days about being nervous and trying to get 'ready' for my competition. On Tuesday, he texted me and said I had to do it for me and me only. I didn't tell him, but I got kind of irritated. I just can't seem to figure out why everyone says that to me all the time. I keep thinking, 'I'm not going to fly half way across the country and put myself through being out of where I'm comfortable, if it isn't something that I want to do!'. But, I sucked it up and finished the conversation politely.
I've also been reading books on getting 'mentally prepared' as an athlete. The one I'm reading right now is written by a long-distance swimmer...but it's a great read for any sport, because of the endurance that is entailed in the length of time we have to train.
So, today, Brian texts me and he tells me to 'think of something that makes me angry, and when I'm strapped in just lower the weight, pause, and crush it. Just get it done.' I told Brian, I know that it's in me to just get mad and do it, but, I don't know how to tap into it when I want to. I know it hits me at certain points, but it's when I've endured something for a very long time and I just get sick of being so discouraged, and I just finish it.
In a book I read a few days ago, written by a powerlifter, it talked about being able to fail and going back and trying again. It doesn't mean it's over and everything's finished just because you didn't get a lift. You start over and you try it again. And if you fail that time, you start over and you try again.
Then today, after Brian texted me, I read a portion of this endurance book about the stages that we go through in endurance of anything, be it a relationship, a job, a sport, or whatever. And she talks about the difference between quitters and finishers being that the quitters don't think when they hit that point of wanting to quit more than anything in the world. They just quit. But the finishers continue talking to themselves and push through. We all go through that point, but the finishers just decide they're going to do it, and do.
I started thinking about the last time I got angry and just pushed through and did it. I am pretty sure it was last Friday(if not, then Friday before). I was doing Dumbbell Tricep Extensions and my elbow started to hurt because of 'tendinitis'. It was my last rep, but I just got so mad, and pushed my arms up and the rep was perfect. Brian looked at me and said "You got pissed, didn't you?" I was trying to remember what I was thinking when I got mad, and it was that this 'pain' is not going to dictate whether or not I can continue to do what I love and want to do.
That's when I realized that I'm the one that's in control. Not the judges, not the rankings, not the people I'm up against, not my coaches, not the weight, and certainly not any kind of pain. It's me. I'm in control of the weight and what the bar does. I'm perfectly capable of making every one of these lifts...and I will. And if I don't, it doesn't mean I stop, it means I come back and do it again another time. Nothing is the end of the world. I get injured, I come back. I get worn out, I come back. I fail, I come back. Even if I fail in front of the international judges, I come back. No matter what happens, it is not the end all. They are not in control. They can not end it...only I can. When I lay down, I'm in control of how they strap me. I'm in control of my lift off. And I'm in control of what the bar does because it isn't in anybody's hands but mine. I go, I do it, and I finish...all for myself. Period. It isn't about whether I succeed or not. Just finish. Then I go home, and I get ready to do it all over again, no matter if I failed or I ranked. I came and finished what I started.
I hope this is 'it' and I finally 'get' why everyone seems to think that I'm not doing it for myself. Maybe it was all the fear of what 'could' happen that everyone sees all the time. But, it's gone...at least for now. lol. I might need a couple reminders from Brian in the future, until I get seasoned at all this. But...this time....I'm ready.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Know It All.
Ya know, maybe things don't sink in mentally because instead of agreeing with someone or saying 'okay' I tend to say "I know". This morning Brian said "JUST listen to me." He laughed, and was having fun and kidding, but, he's right. I need to just shut up and listen to him. Maybe he'll be able to break me of that habit too. He's got a lot of hard work ahead of him. lol. I'm definitely a client that he earns his money with. ;-)
We did some Benching with pauses, really light weight. Then did 135 lbs., 4 singles, because that's my opener at competition. The rest of the stuff was 2 sets of 15. Arnold Presses, 20 lbs. Tricep Extensions, 15 lbs. Lat. Pulldown, 70 lbs. Then he stretched me. :-)
I have a new theme song. I think about it all the time in accordance with my life, but I've been thinking about it lately when it comes to Brian and how we've fallen into place so well in just a couple short months. He's put in so much extra time with me. He's really been on his toes about making sure I feel good going to this meet. I'm afraid to say it, cuz I don't want to jinx myself, but I really feel confident that he's around for a long time, and that makes it much easier for me to breathe. I've wanted to put the song on a blog for a week or two, but it's a love song, and I couldn't really figure out a way to make it appropriate.
So, I found this video on youtube and it really helped me out. It's a video of all the different times that the band that sings it has gone through to get where they are. The video has to do with their place in life, not a love story to a person. So, I'm going to add that link on here. Everyone take a look at it when you get an opportunity.
I feel really prepared for my meet. I feel good, loose in my muscles, doing pretty well mentally. I feel ready. I'm excited to go see my family. A little bummed Brian can't be there, but very excited that everything is working out for him and the gym...and looking forward to him coming in the future. Lifts are going to be 132 lbs., 148 lbs., and 159 lbs. So, everyone say lots of prayers for me and I'll post on Monday after I workout with Brian again. :) You can always call me if you want results before Monday.
Here's my song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQyWMr13yro
We did some Benching with pauses, really light weight. Then did 135 lbs., 4 singles, because that's my opener at competition. The rest of the stuff was 2 sets of 15. Arnold Presses, 20 lbs. Tricep Extensions, 15 lbs. Lat. Pulldown, 70 lbs. Then he stretched me. :-)
I have a new theme song. I think about it all the time in accordance with my life, but I've been thinking about it lately when it comes to Brian and how we've fallen into place so well in just a couple short months. He's put in so much extra time with me. He's really been on his toes about making sure I feel good going to this meet. I'm afraid to say it, cuz I don't want to jinx myself, but I really feel confident that he's around for a long time, and that makes it much easier for me to breathe. I've wanted to put the song on a blog for a week or two, but it's a love song, and I couldn't really figure out a way to make it appropriate.
So, I found this video on youtube and it really helped me out. It's a video of all the different times that the band that sings it has gone through to get where they are. The video has to do with their place in life, not a love story to a person. So, I'm going to add that link on here. Everyone take a look at it when you get an opportunity.
I feel really prepared for my meet. I feel good, loose in my muscles, doing pretty well mentally. I feel ready. I'm excited to go see my family. A little bummed Brian can't be there, but very excited that everything is working out for him and the gym...and looking forward to him coming in the future. Lifts are going to be 132 lbs., 148 lbs., and 159 lbs. So, everyone say lots of prayers for me and I'll post on Monday after I workout with Brian again. :) You can always call me if you want results before Monday.
Here's my song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQyWMr13yro
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Almost Showtime
I'm a little late blogging. I went to another high school game last night, and was on the phone when I got home. Good night at training. Down to not doin' very much...getting the body to recover for competition.
Bench Press - 115 lbs., 6 sets of 4....Brian didn't put chains on tonight. Just left the weight at 70%.
Floor Tricep Extensions - 20 lbs., 5 sets of 12.
Arnold Presses - 25 lbs., 3 sets of 12.
Medball bounces & Stretching.
Wow, that really doesn't look like very much. But, I don't think I'm missing anything.
Brian is supposed to close on the deal for the gym this coming Friday!!! YAY!!!!!!! He should be ready to take over shortly after I get back. :-)
Bench Press - 115 lbs., 6 sets of 4....Brian didn't put chains on tonight. Just left the weight at 70%.
Floor Tricep Extensions - 20 lbs., 5 sets of 12.
Arnold Presses - 25 lbs., 3 sets of 12.
Medball bounces & Stretching.
Wow, that really doesn't look like very much. But, I don't think I'm missing anything.
Brian is supposed to close on the deal for the gym this coming Friday!!! YAY!!!!!!! He should be ready to take over shortly after I get back. :-)
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