Sunday, February 28, 2010

Gordon: 2/27 AAU Meet Report

I was really excited about my first meet, and was eager to lift! Weighed in at 190.5, with clothes and shoes on.

Squat:
185 kg, 407 lbs (3 whites) video

Felt ok, @ 8

195 kg, 429 lbs (3 whites) PR + 4 lbs video
Not easy, not super hard either, didn't pause on the way up. @ 9.
205 kg, 451 lbs (3 reds) video
I wanted to try a weight that was a definite reach. Came up out of the hole but could not go up any further. I think I lost some pressure walking it out because it felt super heavy on my back, and dropped down too quickly. I need to spend more time under heavy weights!

Bench:
150 kg, 330 lbs (Misloaded) video

They loaded the bar incorrectly for my 1st attempt and I didn't notice because the kg plates confused me. Nate helped me lift it off, and it felt super heavy in my hands. In my head I thought, "Nate you ********, help me out a bit here." I could barely hold it still, but I decided to go for it anyway, since I thought I just had the nerves or something. It wasn't even a good negative, my left elbow buckled right away, and the bar just fell straight down on my chest and bounced a bit since it dropped so fast. Then they figured out it was the wrong weight :D
115 kg, 253 lbs (3 whites) video
Much easier than 330 lbs! @ 8.
122.5 kg, 269 lbs (3 whites) video
Still ok, @ 9.
127.5 kg, 280 lbs (3 whites) PR + 5 lbs video

Had to grind the lockout, probably could not have gone any heavier. @ 10.


Deadlift:
185 kg, 407 lbs (3 whites) video

Went up fairly fast and easily. @ 8
192.5 kg, 423 lbs (3 whites) PR + 18 lbs video
Still pretty fast. @ 9.
202.5 kg, 445 lbs (3 whites) PR + 40 lbs video
Was harder to break off the ground, then it was ok. @ 10. This is the first time in my lifting career that I had a bigger deadlift than my squat. Neat.

Thoughts:
Big thanks to Coach Nate for advice, directions, and liftoffs. Big props to everyone who came out to support us: Pat, John, Tab, and Eric. Thanks to my teammates, Rene, Frank,
Dee, Brian, and Jason for putting up inspiring lifting. Also thanks to everyone who took pictures and videos.

I enjoyed the meet immensely. Everyone there was super-positive and motivating, and there were a lot of strong lifters, young and old. I am happy that I made PRs, and am inspired to keep on training. Definitely going to more meets in the future, hopefully 2-3 a year.

3 comments:

  1. Congratulation on ... (in order of importance)
    1. Not being killed in the bench press.
    2. Wearing the best singlet.
    3. The great performance, and improving 3 PRs.

    Out of all the MIT lifters, you had the lowest starting point in terms of strength (~1.5 years ago), and now you are an accomplished powerlifter.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree w/ danny. Nice singlet! :P

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks Danny and Brian:

    1. I am very glad I didn't get killed in the bench press too. My preferred way to go would be under a super-heavy squat.
    2. It was actually Brian's singlet. It certainly stood out at the meet hahaha.
    3. I'm very happy about the 3 PRs, and will definitely keep on training! :D

    ReplyDelete