Living the dream

[fulldaddy]

10 months ago I "re" found powerlifting and this message board in particular and I haven't been the same since. I wanted to thank everyone here who helped me when I first started out and who continue to help and inspire me. After 6 or 7 years away from heavier lifting it took some time to get my strength back but I am just loving the journey. I recently accomplished one of my biggest short term goals when I made one of Jon's top 50 lists over at powerliftingwatch.com. Training by myself I need to find things that motivate me and that list is a big one. Here is my brief progress chart so to speak

Sept 19, 2008 - first meet (6 weeks of training) 275 RAW (38 years old)
Squat 440
Bench 330
Deadlift 470
Total 1243

**After losing roughly 2 months of leg training because of a knee injury I did my first full squat with 135 on Feb 7th. Thank goodness for muscle memory.

Feb 28, 2009 Hwy (281) RAW
Squat 468
Bench 352
Deadlift 501 - had to switch to sumo - which I suck at but it is what I had to do
Total 1325

April 18, 2009 308 (281) RAW - by fed standards
Squat 556 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDd28bmTVqs&feature=channel_page
Bench 363 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek0Ftk1QFe8&feature=channel
Deadlift 501 - missed 523 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhTPzTbM4dM&feature=channel
Total 1421

I am back to conventional deads and I have my sights set on a 1500 total for my June 27th meet. I've learned a lot about training here and that has allowed me to stay healthy as of late. I am also trying to grow the sport here in town - trying to get people involved and it is happening. The local news did a story on my lifting.

I must first say the opening lines made me uncomfortable as there are quite a few guys I know in town that are stronger than me let alone the state but the story has generated a buzz and it has sparked interest. The kids I teach really thought it was cool. http://www.kxmb.com/video.asp?ArticleId=368729&VideoId=27776

I wanted to say thanks again to all of you - pros or Joe's like me - the topics, the discussion, the sharing of ideas - all of it has helped me tremendously.

[Brian C]

This is really cool. Im in the same boat as you as I left the sport due to injury and returned 11 years later to the sport at age 37. Good luck in all your ventures and may you be stronger tommorrow :)

[BigTallOx]

April 18, 2009 308 (281) RAW - by fed standards
Squat 556 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDd28bmTVqs&feature=channel_page
Bench 363 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek0Ftk1QFe8&feature=channel
Deadlift 501 - missed 523 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhTPzTbM4dM&feature=channel
Total 1421


Nice lifting.




I must first say the opening lines made me uncomfortable as there are quite a few guys I know in town that are stronger than me let alone the state but the story has generated a buzz and it has sparked interest. The kids I teach really thought it was cool. http://www.kxmb.com/video.asp?ArticleId=368729&VideoId=27776



Very cool.

[fulldaddy]

This is really cool. Im in the same boat as you as I left the sport due to injury and returned 11 years later to the sport at age 37. Good luck in all your ventures and may you be stronger tommorrow :)

That's awesome Brian - good luck to you as well & thank you. My plan has been to take this first year & a half to learn the sport, attain & build on my former strength levels (minus 35lbs of bodyweight), and looks towards the Masters Divison. After spending so much of my life training for football - it is so awesome to have something to train for again.

Thanks BTO - I think we both started posting on here around the same time and it has been really cool to watch your progress. I think I told you that you would be benching 400 this year!

I think I have a good plan that is working for me & that will allow me to progress steadily and stay healthy. I warm up/stretch every day, ice down after every workout - it may take a lot of extra time but to me it is a no brainer. I may do a geared meet by the end of the year but I'd like to squat 600 raw this year & along with a 390 raw bench (I'd be ok with 400 too haha). Now that I am back to deadlifting conventional I am excited about where that can go. Everything this year is meant to lay the foundation for 2010. Like the news story said - right now my ultimate goal isn't a number total but to represent the US in international competition (in masters competition of course). We'll see. Thanks again guys.

[BigTallOx]

I think we both started posting on here around the same time and it has been really cool to watch your progress.


Yup, and thanks.


I think I told you that you would be benching 400 this year!


Maybe you need to tell me I'll be benching 500 sometime, lol. Just kidding, I've appreciated your encouragement.

[mosley1990]

thats awsome man and awesome numbers. good luck with your training!

[fulldaddy]

Thanks Mosley - good luck with your upcoming meet and your journey in the sport.

[vdizenzo]

Go get that 1500 total at the June 27th meet! Good luck!

[chris mason]

I really enjoy reading a post like this. These sort of posts are why we have these forums. Thank you.

[fulldaddy]

Thank you guys - I appreciate the kind words. Sharing your insight & helping foster that positive environment is what makes this site such a great resource.

vdizenzo - I love the quote you have on your signature
"No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable." - Socrates

This really hit home for me as I turn 39 this summer and I really feel like I am starting to come into my own. To be able to push myself & compete in something again really reinforces a feeling of self esteem & self worth.