Following on from my bench I was 6/6 and had a 17.5kg improvement in my total from states. My confidence was running high and I wanted to make a point on the deads.
Simply put deadlifts have been my favourite lift and given my arm length it is one of the only physical benefits I bring to the platform. At States I was dissapointed by my pulling and through poor attempt selection and running out of energy I missed my PB by 2.5kg.
Not today, my opener went up fast and strong and my second attempt was set at my current PB. I was confident this would go up well as I doubled this in my final week of training but I wanted to be conservative with my 2nd attempt and lock in a small improvement from States. Three white lights ensued as again it went up well.
I spoke to Paul Rucci as I came off the platform and asked him about my third attempt. Prior to the meet I pencilled in a big 3rd attempt which was 10kg over my PB and I was stoked to hear Paul confirm my thinking and call for 180 on the bar.
Back in the warm-up area I rehearsed the lift, this would be the first time I pulled four plates! For a second I second guessed my attempt selection but a quick word with Coach Rucci calmed the nerves as he looked straight at me and said 'Thomo you have 180'.
Out to the platform and I was calm, my set up quicker than normal but the minute I touched the bar it was aggression as I commenced the pull.
The pull actually felt like my best of the year, I wanted this bad and it felt all at once that the effort of the last 14 weeks prep went into this lift. I locked it out nicely, waited for the refs call and then paused watching the three globes light up white across the board.
Check out the video below, one of my favorite elements is that Australia's greatest ever powerlifter Adam Coe is the MC and calling my lift, a weight he probably curled in his day but an honour to lift in front of Australia's best.
Elation as the meet comes to an end with the perfect finish. I had the option of a 4th lift but again coaching feedback and common sense prevailed. I have a PB, I'm uninjured...leave it at that!
I will wrap up the meet tomorrow but for now I am just savoring a great experience.
Stay Strong
Thomo
Well done Thommo, you're an inspiration for all of us novice powerlifters who are starting out somewhat beyond our first flush of youth
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike I just really want to build the Masters arena and go to comps and find 30-40'Thomo's giving it a crack. As I said the camaraderie is just amazing, the way team mates and competitors alike support each and every lift.
ReplyDeleteAnd really with GPC just setting the standard for great competitions its a fantastic time to step into powerlifting.