Less than 4 Weeks to GPC Nationals

Today was far from a typical Sunday as I needed to get under the bar at the final qualifying event for Nationals. Full credit to the PTC boys for putting on an event so the few remaining stragglers, me included didn't miss out.

Given it is only 3 weeks out we took token lifts. Curiously I was a little distracted today leading to a couple of dopey mistakes that provided a little comic relief for the crew.

For the squats I warmed up to a couple of wheels and paused a few times in the bottom. Given it was early on a Sunday I had my typical old man tightness but felt okay despite an adductor twinge. Fast forward to the platform and as I descend for what should be a nice easy lift I start to let my mind wander and quite literally forget what's going on. Consequently I stand up and ignoring the rack call I rack the bar earning 3 reds quite oblivious to what has just happened. Dopey fucker.. but at least it gave the crew a nice laugh and more than a little deserved piss taking.

The bench is wheeled out and I am slated for a single lift at 88% of 1RM which should be no problem. Now prior to this my warm up goes well until I load the bar with an extra ten each side to replicate the weight on the platform. Again I manage to zone out and pick the two green plates erroneously thinking they are the typical green Olympic 10's per the gym I train at. In fact they are 15's and now I have my PB loaded. Net result I pin myself to bench with the unexpectedly heavier weight. 

A quick recount and chuckle uncovers my error but too late for anything as I'm now called to the platform. Thankfully someone with half a brain has loaded this bar and I comfortably pause and push out the lift.

Deadlifts again were very easy and though I didn't manage a warm-up other than a couple of kettle bell lifts I was surprised just how much easier the weight felt with a Texas bar. It actually felt 30kg's lighter than the actual weight.

Now qualified I can focus on grinding out the last 3 weeks of training. It was great to catch up with the PTC crew and again fantastic to see several of the crew volunteer their Sunday to ref, spot load etc. Just a great culture and shows why this is such a great sport.

Despite the mishaps I learnt plenty today:

• not having access to a Texas bar will actually help me for Nationals as the Texas felt so much lighter off the floor
• despite the issues I have been having on squat set up it all seems to come together on the platform. I can't quite explain it but under the mono and with the better bar the balance feels so improved
• Remember the fucking calls! I haven't been in a competition since last Nationals so I better focus on the damn ref

Actually a great day and can't wait for Nationals.

Stay Strong

Thomo