Powerlifting for me in 2004

[Zander1983]

Long post...

I've been browsing some Australian and Victorian powerlifting sites and found results from all of the meets in my state this year, as well as lots of other information.

Assuming I'd compete in the 82.5kg class (181 pounds), there is an Under-23 division in which it seems I'd have a very nice time The numbers from the Australian Junior National Championships for Under-23s looked pretty damn tame, actually. The Open age numbers in my weight class are much higher and some way off yet.

There is a contest in my city on the November 29. I'm in the middle of exams and would only have one week of full training to prepare, anyway. Too soon to compete, especially considering how my life and training have been recently I'll go along and watch though, since I've never been to a competition and would surely learn a lot just being there.

I was looking through the websites with my girlfriend and she was very encouraging. I think I've got a good source of insults and motivation there She wants me to compete on the 29th because its the Victorian Junior Titles and my gym PRs would be good enough, with my bench press a standout. But I don't have any gear and would have to do it all raw. That and everything I mentioned in the previous paragraph... I don't know, any advice? My fragile ego is scared of being made to look stupid...

For now, on March 6 2004 there is a "Novice Comp" that is my initial target. After that come the State Championships in May and the Nationals in August. On account of the U-23 division and lack of competitiors, I might find myself doing okay. Although I can't help being scared that I'll embarass myself...

In the coming weeks I'll plan my attack and look into getting the gear I need.

I'm so incredibly excited I had been aiming to play football next year, but time commitments have killed that plan. Nevertheless, I'm a lot more pumped about the thought of powerlifting and actually doing alright than I ever was about football.

After tossing back and forth between my chosen paths, I think I'm finally going to stick to something that could turn out to be pretty cool.

 

[Cuthbert]

Have a go at it. I started competing in May, have done a total of 3 powerlifting/strongman shows, and the progress I have made since I decided to compete is more than I could have expected.

I think this is a VERY good idea for you. Keep us updated Zander.

 

[t3c]

dont prepare

a week isnt gonna make you any more stronger than you are now. Just take it VERY light, just getting some blood to the areas and hit up the meet. who cares how you do. one thing i learned is you have to check your ego at the door.

i PROMISE you, once you compete you will feel like your training has meaning and you will be much more focused. I thought it wasnt possible to be more focused before i competed. but once you do...its like nothing else

just get a belt from your local sporting good store...nothing special, and do the rest raw

 

[louden_swain]

Go for it . . you have nothing to lose.

You will gain some good experience.

 

[2Shy]

Do it, Zander! Red_evil talked Superwife and me into competing at an APF meet this February. Can't speak for Superwife, but my numbers are pathetic. But I plan to be there and do my best, learn and have a great time doing it.

Will he need a singlet?

 

[rjl296]

im competing in IPF provincials in Jan 2004

 

[Zander1983]

Thanks for the encouragement guys and gals

I'm considering the November 29 meet to the point where its a bit of a distraction from my exams on Monday and Tuesday!

 

[slobberknocker]

Hell yeah man. Go for it.

 

[Zander1983]

dont prepare

a week isnt gonna make you any more stronger than you are now. Just take it VERY light, just getting some blood to the areas and hit up the meet. who cares how you do. one thing i learned is you have to check your ego at the door.

i PROMISE you, once you compete you will feel like your training has meaning and you will be much more focused. I thought it wasnt possible to be more focused before i competed. but once you do...its like nothing else

just get a belt from your local sporting good store...nothing special, and do the rest raw

Thanks man. Exactly the type of advice I'd expect from you and what I was hoping to hear.

It turns out the contest in two weeks is the Victorian (my state) Junior Titles

Reading through IPF rules (the fed is affiliated and follows them), they say you must be in a suit for all your lifts. I don't have any gear and I won't be able to get what I need in time. I wonder if this will matter? Anyway, all speculation until I call the organiser of the comp.

 

[Mike_Rojas]

Knock 'em dead young man

 

[WalkingBeast]

Give it a try Zander!! I bet youll be surpirsed how well you do. Right now I see myself as the one Im competing against, and dont like the idea of someone else judging me, only to gain a trophy. But if thats not an issue for you, it can only make you stronger in the long-term. KILL that shit!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Zander1983]

Ok, its been confirmed that to compete as a registed competitor as part of the federation, I need to wear a basic lifting suit as the minimum requirement.

I'll put my order in tomorrow. Hopefully there is one in stock from what appears to be the only powerlifting gear supplier in Australia, lol. Apart from that, I'll just get a belt and won't worry about knee/wrist wraps, a squat suit or bench shirt - because I've no experience with any of them and I don't want to make it too hard on myself first time around.

I will also try to get myself some Chucks, but this will be a little trickier. I'll most probably have to lift in my Asics running shoes!

The contest is in exactly two weeks time. I weighed myself after two small meals and lots of fluids, post-toilet, with clothes on at 84kg exactly. I need to get down to 82.5kg (lose 3.3 pounds). The weigh-in is at 10am and the competition starts at mid-day. I don't know how I'm going to approach this... Any suggestions???

As for my training, since I should be taking a week off prior to the competition (from what I've read?) I only have a week where I can do stuff. Should I be finding ball-park numbers, practicing technique, just doing what I would otherwise do...??? I need a rough guide

 

[coolcolj]

I see chucks in shops here, otehrwise get some cheap Kmart or target rip offs

 

[Zander1983]

I see chucks in shops here, otehrwise get some cheap Kmart or target rip offs

Thanks, I'll have to have a better look!

 

[rjl296]

i still need a singlet

 

[thebrute]

Go for it . . you have nothing to lose.

You will gain some good experience.

i agree with swain brotha...powerlifting is a kool and "addicting" sport once you compete.."you can't just do one!!". tb

 

[tad69]

Yeah man! Do it!!

 

[Tweakle]

Sounds like a great way to keep you busting ass in the gym, hope you do ok but even if you don't set any new PR's the experience should be very useful. Good luck

 

[t3c]

if you only have to lose like 3 lbs just cut out any junk food, and try not to eat THAT close to bed

you'll make it with ease

 

[Zander1983]

if you only have to lose like 3 lbs just cut out any junk food, and try not to eat THAT close to bed

you'll make it with ease

Yeah, I'm sure I'll be able to weigh-in under 181, though it will probably require missing breakfast and fueling up after the weigh-in.

 

[louden_swain]

Yeah, I'm sure I'll be able to weigh-in under 181, though it will probably require missing breakfast and fueling up after the weigh-in.

Actually. . you don't have to cut out food.

Cut your portions down.

Start doing this in advance.

Always keep your body fueled up.

 

[Zander1983]

Of course, louden I've been doing it for a while now and will continue to do so. I'm eating quality stuff every 3 hours and drinking the insane amounts of water that I always do, so there isn't much of a problem diet-wise.

I was referring to the day of the meet. If I eat prior to the weigh-in I'll be too heavy because of the food in my stomach. Although I will experiment in days leading up to the meet, just how much I could infact get away with consuming.

 

[Zander1983]

Forgot to mention that I'm planning on 'staking out' the gym the meet is being held in. A visit will help familiarise myself with the equipment and surroundings. I'm fast on my way to becoming obsessed, lol.

 

[Zander1983]

Bump for any ideas on how I should deal with my training for the rest of the week.

I found some rough opening attempts for bench and squats tonight, as detailed in my journal.