For the past year I have watched the rapid physical decline of a loved one subject to the cruel ravages of Mesothelioma. It is poignant, heartbreaking and at times fills me with utter despair watching the final moments of a life being overwhelmed by the pain of such an insidious affliction.
It is moments like these that keenly focus your thinking on individual mortality and the frailty of the human condition. Certainly from this perspective the pursuit of physical perfection embodied in strength sports is exposed for the illusory nature of its offering: from the day we are born the clock commences as does our slow physical degradation.
Recently I listened to a seminar by a renowned social scientist who opined that all human life is a tragedy, that we move from ignorance of mortality in child hood to a deliberate avoidance of this truism in adulthood.
Due to events 3 years ago I am utterly cognisant of the fleeting nature of our existence. I eek out every moment I can understanding the bittersweet oblivion facing us all. Everything we own, have achieved and care about will ultimately fail.
I am not frightened of the end, in fact there is true humanity in embracing the days loving more deeply, embracing tighter smiling in the face of the mundane and ridiculous we are faced with daily.
I love life, I love who I have become. I understand my place in the world and its not defined by my status, wealth or possessions.: they are fleeting. I live each day grateful for the persistence, industriousness and good fortune that placed me exactly at this moment.
Thomo
Friday, June 1, 2018
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Reflections and Restarts
Writing for enjoyment is the salvation I too often forget. When life is complicated and professional and personal issues are pressing the first item jettisoned from my routine is writing.
In corporate life I am an adept keyboard warrior slicing through a slew of inbound requests while producing slide decks at a prodigious enough rate to give a McKinsey consultant pause. But when life asks more of me I always forget just how relaxing I find writing even if it is only for myself.
I am not sure why I like to write but I find sentence structure and the challenge to articulate a thought with clarity but brevity strangely carthartic. That’s not to say I find it easy but on occasions such as tonight there is a direct channel from brain to finger tips that requires little conscious effort.
Great writing is inherently beautiful, there is an elegant satisfaction in reading a tightly constructed piece of prose. I think the test of good writing is to read your own work years later and get a pang of satisfaction and almost disbelief at whether you actually wrote the piece. Let’s be clear though I don’t experience that often!
I am saddened that quality writing amongst the general population is on the wane (at least in my corporate personal bubble). At work I often am the brunt of light hearted ribbing for my word selection. The criticism being I use words that are too “big”. While it is good natured with no malice intended what makes me chuckle is that the vocabulary in question is actually simple. That a word as mundane as ‘palpable’ elicits criticism from my peers is sad.
Much like a painter with a broad pallet of colours can create a beautiful vista so too can a broad vocabulary articulate a richer tapestry of meaning.
So while this post has taken only a few minutes as I sit here in a nice flow state with a quiet house late at night I feel immeasurably more relaxed.
Because of this I will post again tomorrow night and try and remember how important it is for me to write.
Stay Strong
Thomo
In corporate life I am an adept keyboard warrior slicing through a slew of inbound requests while producing slide decks at a prodigious enough rate to give a McKinsey consultant pause. But when life asks more of me I always forget just how relaxing I find writing even if it is only for myself.
I am not sure why I like to write but I find sentence structure and the challenge to articulate a thought with clarity but brevity strangely carthartic. That’s not to say I find it easy but on occasions such as tonight there is a direct channel from brain to finger tips that requires little conscious effort.
Great writing is inherently beautiful, there is an elegant satisfaction in reading a tightly constructed piece of prose. I think the test of good writing is to read your own work years later and get a pang of satisfaction and almost disbelief at whether you actually wrote the piece. Let’s be clear though I don’t experience that often!
I am saddened that quality writing amongst the general population is on the wane (at least in my corporate personal bubble). At work I often am the brunt of light hearted ribbing for my word selection. The criticism being I use words that are too “big”. While it is good natured with no malice intended what makes me chuckle is that the vocabulary in question is actually simple. That a word as mundane as ‘palpable’ elicits criticism from my peers is sad.
Much like a painter with a broad pallet of colours can create a beautiful vista so too can a broad vocabulary articulate a richer tapestry of meaning.
So while this post has taken only a few minutes as I sit here in a nice flow state with a quiet house late at night I feel immeasurably more relaxed.
Because of this I will post again tomorrow night and try and remember how important it is for me to write.
Stay Strong
Thomo
Monday, September 26, 2016
Deadlift Fun
Today was going to be a challenge. I needed to get my training out of the way early as I had a barbecue in the country to get to and needed to be on the road by 10:00. For context I hate rushing and really dont like early morning training.
Two weeks out from Nationals and I was programmed for a 97% 1RM deadlift today followed by working sets.
Given it was 7:30am I made sure to hit plenty of light reps to warm up the back. The early timing also ensured there was only a handful of lifters around.
Warms ups done I started laddering my way to a top set. Form felt a little off as the weight went up until I gather my breath and gripped and ripped my top set.
Overall it moved pretty quick but video review afterwards revealed I had let it get way too far in front as it hit my knees. I really had to work that much harder to get it to lock out.
It just illustrates that when your form is off even a little, the weight is proportionately that much harder. On my work sets I realised I had neglected to focus on keeping my lats tight thus the drift forward.
Refocusing on lats for my work sets resulted in a much quicker pull and an overall feeling of being tighted and more fluid. I will need to focus on this queue right up to comp day.
Depsite the time pressures I felt pretty good about this week and overall relaxed about Masters Nationals.
Thomo
Two weeks out from Nationals and I was programmed for a 97% 1RM deadlift today followed by working sets.
Given it was 7:30am I made sure to hit plenty of light reps to warm up the back. The early timing also ensured there was only a handful of lifters around.
Warms ups done I started laddering my way to a top set. Form felt a little off as the weight went up until I gather my breath and gripped and ripped my top set.
Overall it moved pretty quick but video review afterwards revealed I had let it get way too far in front as it hit my knees. I really had to work that much harder to get it to lock out.
It just illustrates that when your form is off even a little, the weight is proportionately that much harder. On my work sets I realised I had neglected to focus on keeping my lats tight thus the drift forward.
Refocusing on lats for my work sets resulted in a much quicker pull and an overall feeling of being tighted and more fluid. I will need to focus on this queue right up to comp day.
Depsite the time pressures I felt pretty good about this week and overall relaxed about Masters Nationals.
Thomo
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Lift more...switch off the brain
I wish I had a switch that would allow me to turn off my brain. One of the problems of being naturally inquisitive and an analyst by background is that I can sometimes overthink things in a desire to achieve an outcome. This becomes particularly problematic in regards to training.
For the last couple of months, I have been running a 10-week contest peak which was going perfectly fine until I ran into a challenging period at work. You know the usual, long hours missed meals and travel. This translate to two weeks in a row of 4 day breaks from training following by 2-3 consecutive days of training in a frantic effort to maintain momentum.
Friday night I found myself in this situation and with meet day looming I needed to get my squat back on track. In the previous week, it felt like I had completely lost the fundamental ability to squat. Annoyingly I just couldn't get consistent good depth and when I did it felt like I was completely out of position.
With this context, I wasn't particularly confident to hit the number I needed. However, in a rare moment of clarity I remembered the words of a coach of mine from a few years back. While I'm loosely paraphrasing he would say, Thomo don't overcomplicate the squat.Put the bar on your back and sit down, don't think don't worry about failing just sit down and stand up....simple turn my brain of and keep it simple.
Net result with a single spotter, no wraps, and no fanfare I hit an unwrapped PB squat. Mentally it was a morale boost and proved I am stronger this year. The number unwrapped was my previous wrapped 1st or 2nd in comp and is 89% of my best wrapped competition squat.
Tomorrow is deadlift day and will likely be 95-97% of 1RM. Sitting here tapping away I have at least 3 steaks in me along with enough carbs to get a good bloat happening.
Bring on the pain.
Thomo
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Masters 2016
It has started which is to say the 'it' is my preparation and the 'what' is the 2016 GPC Masters Nationals.
Previously GPC in Australia ran an 5 day extravaganza with pretty much everyone and their dog flying in for what I think is the best National Championships in this Country. However given the resurgensce of powerlifting in this country the chanpionships became a logistical nightmare hundreds of competitors.
In response it was decided to ensure the Open event was on a qualification basis and the Juniors, Masters and Equipped have been spun out into a standalone event. While personally I wasnt a fan of the change it does mean I will be heading to the Gold Coast in October to represent my gym in the Masters Nationals.
Currently I am on 4 weeks leave and this afforded me a level of breathing space; a disruption to my mormal frenetic corporate existence. Practically this translates to not having to rush into the gym after a 16 hour work day to jam my workout in so I can get home and see the family.
Being less rushed is a nice switch-up from my normal routine and I have enjoyed training in a less frenetic environment.
At the moment I am 14 weeks out and have 3 weeks of a mass/volume phase to finish before kicking off my 11 week prep to the platform. Given how busy Ive been professionally I have been running this month Mass program as a break-in to hard training.
Peaking will be a pretty basic linear progression but I am pretty keen to pull well so may switch in the Coan phillip deadlift progression into my peak. Ill see how my numbers look coming out of this phase.
Consistency is what I need, just the basics but lots of it. Game on!
Thomo
Previously GPC in Australia ran an 5 day extravaganza with pretty much everyone and their dog flying in for what I think is the best National Championships in this Country. However given the resurgensce of powerlifting in this country the chanpionships became a logistical nightmare hundreds of competitors.
In response it was decided to ensure the Open event was on a qualification basis and the Juniors, Masters and Equipped have been spun out into a standalone event. While personally I wasnt a fan of the change it does mean I will be heading to the Gold Coast in October to represent my gym in the Masters Nationals.
Currently I am on 4 weeks leave and this afforded me a level of breathing space; a disruption to my mormal frenetic corporate existence. Practically this translates to not having to rush into the gym after a 16 hour work day to jam my workout in so I can get home and see the family.
Being less rushed is a nice switch-up from my normal routine and I have enjoyed training in a less frenetic environment.
At the moment I am 14 weeks out and have 3 weeks of a mass/volume phase to finish before kicking off my 11 week prep to the platform. Given how busy Ive been professionally I have been running this month Mass program as a break-in to hard training.
Peaking will be a pretty basic linear progression but I am pretty keen to pull well so may switch in the Coan phillip deadlift progression into my peak. Ill see how my numbers look coming out of this phase.
Consistency is what I need, just the basics but lots of it. Game on!
Thomo
Cross Fit Bumpers
Why is it whenever I view an image on social media featuring crossfit they appear to be using ridiculously thick plates that are not proportionate to the actual weight. It's just the oddest look and anecdotally woman appear to to be the worst offenders.
I can only assume a supplier started producing this style of plate to appeal to woman in the sport and particularly social media posts. You know, these hot athletic looking woman can post images of snatches and jerks with what at first blush appears to be a tonne of weight over head.
Were it not for social media I think there would be very little of any demand for these plates.
Just a really minor nuance that annoys the shit out of me.
Thomo
I can only assume a supplier started producing this style of plate to appeal to woman in the sport and particularly social media posts. You know, these hot athletic looking woman can post images of snatches and jerks with what at first blush appears to be a tonne of weight over head.
Were it not for social media I think there would be very little of any demand for these plates.
Just a really minor nuance that annoys the shit out of me.
Thomo
Sunday, March 6, 2016
IFBB PRO...a cast of thousands
There seemed to be a proliferation of body building posts on my social media feed today. On the back of the annual Arnold it struck me just how damn common the term IFBB pro is bandied around. I mean literally it feels like every second person is bikini,boardshort,physique first time, novice masters winner.
Broadening a sports appeal by increasing participation is absolutely desirable but it certainly feels like it has been at the qualitative aspect of the sport. Literally every second post on facebook has someone either posting an 'inspirationl' meme regarding their next show or worse still a photo of 3 rows of tupperware containers with the caption 'meal prep done'.
The proliferation of PEDS amongst the masses has definately changed the sport. A decent local show winner today would easily have been hyper competitive 30 years ago at National level.
Frankly I am uneasy about just how much the gear has also changed societies perception of what a 'normal' physique should look like. Life is a marathon not a sprint, and there is a certainly a whole generation of lifters who arent showing care or consideration to long term health. There is always a tradeoff and I supect in the future many will be surprised by the price to be paid.
Thomo
Broadening a sports appeal by increasing participation is absolutely desirable but it certainly feels like it has been at the qualitative aspect of the sport. Literally every second post on facebook has someone either posting an 'inspirationl' meme regarding their next show or worse still a photo of 3 rows of tupperware containers with the caption 'meal prep done'.
The proliferation of PEDS amongst the masses has definately changed the sport. A decent local show winner today would easily have been hyper competitive 30 years ago at National level.
Frankly I am uneasy about just how much the gear has also changed societies perception of what a 'normal' physique should look like. Life is a marathon not a sprint, and there is a certainly a whole generation of lifters who arent showing care or consideration to long term health. There is always a tradeoff and I supect in the future many will be surprised by the price to be paid.
Thomo
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Day 1...simple
Today was a simple session in the gym; one hour duration and the sole focus was to stay within myself. I like simple, not much in my life is simple.
My expectations are set low deliberately. I am running a 10 week meso cycle aimed at putting on size and demonstrating consistency. The consistency piece really is the key for progress.
I want to compete at Masters nationals this year. Thankfully its scheduled for November so I still have time to accumulate size and strength but I need to get it happening.
Today's menu was uncomplicated, front squats, push press, pulldowns and some shoulder work. ACDC on ITunes, chalk on the platform and a balmy summers day. Simple training, I like simple.
Thomo
My expectations are set low deliberately. I am running a 10 week meso cycle aimed at putting on size and demonstrating consistency. The consistency piece really is the key for progress.
I want to compete at Masters nationals this year. Thankfully its scheduled for November so I still have time to accumulate size and strength but I need to get it happening.
Today's menu was uncomplicated, front squats, push press, pulldowns and some shoulder work. ACDC on ITunes, chalk on the platform and a balmy summers day. Simple training, I like simple.
Thomo
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Common Sense
I dont supplement on the dark side and I honestly dont care either way if others do. I will say though I have no interest in peoples cycles and or progress in this regard.
I'm not normally ambivalent on this topic as physiology interests me. However I've observed so many instances in the last few years where individuals I would otherwise characterise as reasonably intelligent exhibit abject stupidity when it comes to the management of exogenous hormones they inject into their body.
Recently my daughter of 4 was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic. In a whirlwind week interned in the hospital with this gorgeous little princess I came to appreciate the complexity of the human condition.
These initial weeks afforded me the opportunity to spend time picking the brain of some amazingly smart Endocrinologists. Their insights along with the daily regime of managing my daughters blood readings and injections has provided clarity on just how variable physiological response can be day to day in regard to hormone treatment.
This clarity now means I dont really put too much credence on the opinions anyone who injects a hormone and a) fails to regularly measure its impact through bloodwork and b) sources said hormone from less than reputable sources.
In dont want there to be any equivocation. I have no issue with hormone treatment I simply dont respect the complete lack accountabilty the average joe has when they commence a regime of sticking needles in their ass.
There are plenty out there that measure manage and thrive from hormonal intervention and do it well. It;s just that I havent met many recently.
Thomo
I'm not normally ambivalent on this topic as physiology interests me. However I've observed so many instances in the last few years where individuals I would otherwise characterise as reasonably intelligent exhibit abject stupidity when it comes to the management of exogenous hormones they inject into their body.
Recently my daughter of 4 was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic. In a whirlwind week interned in the hospital with this gorgeous little princess I came to appreciate the complexity of the human condition.
These initial weeks afforded me the opportunity to spend time picking the brain of some amazingly smart Endocrinologists. Their insights along with the daily regime of managing my daughters blood readings and injections has provided clarity on just how variable physiological response can be day to day in regard to hormone treatment.
This clarity now means I dont really put too much credence on the opinions anyone who injects a hormone and a) fails to regularly measure its impact through bloodwork and b) sources said hormone from less than reputable sources.
In dont want there to be any equivocation. I have no issue with hormone treatment I simply dont respect the complete lack accountabilty the average joe has when they commence a regime of sticking needles in their ass.
There are plenty out there that measure manage and thrive from hormonal intervention and do it well. It;s just that I havent met many recently.
Thomo
Friday, February 26, 2016
Return of the.....
Friday night perched on the couch after a tough day at work. Its been a year since I've posted here and with no real thought process I simply opened my laptop and started typing.
Why did I stop posting; definitely professional pressure. For the last 5 years I've worked my ass off and taken increasingly more senior roles. While this has delivered a raft of personal benefits I really have been pushed to my limit.
See I tend to obsess better than most people I know. If I find a song I like I tend to buy everything that the group has produced. If I take up a hobby I want to be a damn subject matter expert. Professionally this manifests as someone who finds it really really difficult to switch off. Thankfully I am finally in a work environment where my boss recognises my propensity for doing too much and drives me to get balance.
Why did I start posting again? I'ts not as if my work pressures have disappeared. In fact if anything I'm busier then ever. I think I simply missed writing for fun rather than in a work context. Ive been fortunate that this small little piece of cyberspace generated me lots of traffic. It's also provided some great training contacts that I would never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.
Hopefully writing again will also put a fire in my training. Given work challenges I've found I have been missing workouts or worse when I do go I simply dial in the effort. This has been going on consistently for a good nine weeks now and quite simply this shit needs to stop.
Thats enough for one night.
Thomo
Why did I stop posting; definitely professional pressure. For the last 5 years I've worked my ass off and taken increasingly more senior roles. While this has delivered a raft of personal benefits I really have been pushed to my limit.
See I tend to obsess better than most people I know. If I find a song I like I tend to buy everything that the group has produced. If I take up a hobby I want to be a damn subject matter expert. Professionally this manifests as someone who finds it really really difficult to switch off. Thankfully I am finally in a work environment where my boss recognises my propensity for doing too much and drives me to get balance.
Why did I start posting again? I'ts not as if my work pressures have disappeared. In fact if anything I'm busier then ever. I think I simply missed writing for fun rather than in a work context. Ive been fortunate that this small little piece of cyberspace generated me lots of traffic. It's also provided some great training contacts that I would never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.
Hopefully writing again will also put a fire in my training. Given work challenges I've found I have been missing workouts or worse when I do go I simply dial in the effort. This has been going on consistently for a good nine weeks now and quite simply this shit needs to stop.
Thats enough for one night.
Thomo
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Just get the blood work done!!
If you choose to go to the dark side then be willing to accept consequences; positive or negative.
I can't say much more, its your choice, your body and as long as it doesnt impact me frankly I couldnt give a shit. Just be humble and stay healthy but....
GET FUCKING BLOOD WORK DONE AND MONITOR THE IMPACT.
'No one gets out alive'
Thomo
I can't say much more, its your choice, your body and as long as it doesnt impact me frankly I couldnt give a shit. Just be humble and stay healthy but....
GET FUCKING BLOOD WORK DONE AND MONITOR THE IMPACT.
'No one gets out alive'
Thomo
You are stronger than you think
Your mind and body lie to you; constantly.
This has been reinforced to me recently courtesy of a squat PB hit when I least expect it. The squat is not an exercise that I love. It's not that I dislike the movement, more that it just doesn't come naturally to me. My leverage always feels off and I have to bitch and struggle for every damn kilo.
Last week I ponied up fora squat session on the back of a less than stellar work week. Nothing critical mind you just getting used to longer hours again and some issues getting the calories I need on the job. Regardless I turned up (at my old gym) got under the bar and away I went.
With a great mate behind me I hit a nice double rep unwrapped PR and called it a day. Before I could barely grab a drink the call went out from those around me that I should try another 10kgs. Now this would be a milestone for me given a) it was a 20 kg unwrapped PB b) it was the first time I had hit this number of plates c) it was only 20kg under my all time wrapped squat PB.
With plenty of grunt down I went and damn me up came the bar nicely and according to the 7 or so team mates around who I trust the depth was good.
So what does that tell me. That your mind and body lie and more importantly a professional environment with the right people is worth kilos on the bar.
' no one gets out alive'
Thomo
This has been reinforced to me recently courtesy of a squat PB hit when I least expect it. The squat is not an exercise that I love. It's not that I dislike the movement, more that it just doesn't come naturally to me. My leverage always feels off and I have to bitch and struggle for every damn kilo.
Last week I ponied up fora squat session on the back of a less than stellar work week. Nothing critical mind you just getting used to longer hours again and some issues getting the calories I need on the job. Regardless I turned up (at my old gym) got under the bar and away I went.
With a great mate behind me I hit a nice double rep unwrapped PR and called it a day. Before I could barely grab a drink the call went out from those around me that I should try another 10kgs. Now this would be a milestone for me given a) it was a 20 kg unwrapped PB b) it was the first time I had hit this number of plates c) it was only 20kg under my all time wrapped squat PB.
With plenty of grunt down I went and damn me up came the bar nicely and according to the 7 or so team mates around who I trust the depth was good.
So what does that tell me. That your mind and body lie and more importantly a professional environment with the right people is worth kilos on the bar.
' no one gets out alive'
Thomo
Perceptions and Judgements
People rightly judge you by the things that you say, remember this.
It is not clear to me whether the nonsensical nature of the comment is the issue or the characteristics of the person that typically utters it. When I hear phrases such as these I make a value judgement about your character:
1) 'Dem Gainz'
2) Re-feed
3) Peri work out nutrition
4) IIFYM (don't even start me)
Also if you regularly use social media such as Facebook then take the time once a week to scroll through your feed and re-examine the narrative. Forget the pictures, the reposts and all those hilarious comments from your friends. Just for a minute objectively review your commentary. Does this reflect how you want others to perceive you. If your family saw the drivel you post would they be proud.
'No one gets out alive'
Thomo
Monday, January 12, 2015
Mirrors...the root of all dumb shit!
Workout regularly and you will bear witness to some particularly stupid activity in the gym. Some day's I have a good laugh others I just shake my head and wonder how some people make it through a day.
Case in point. While there are two squat racks in the gym they are rarely both available for use. Instead there is usually some half-wit that just has to military press 30 kilos in the rack, or perform 2 inch range of motion rack pulls.
My personal favourite is the upright half bent shrug row. This exercise is easily identified by the confused bro standing almost upright while rowing the bar as if performing a bent row. The confusing element here is that I am never really certain what the bro in question feels he is achieving. And to be honest I really don't care except, the chosen location for this exercise tends to be right in the middle of the squat rack.
Though I must say my favourite might be under threat. This week I watched incredulously as a bro heaved the trap deadlift bar in-front of the mirror and proceeded to hoist it over head for sets of seated military press. Honestly I just couldn't comprehend what my eyes were witnessing.
I have developed a theory that suggests that 90% of dopey shit occurs within close proximity to a mirror. Therefore to eliminate the bro's and their inane feats of stupidity, remove the mirrors! Absolutely foolproof.
Lift and share the knowledge
Thomo
Case in point. While there are two squat racks in the gym they are rarely both available for use. Instead there is usually some half-wit that just has to military press 30 kilos in the rack, or perform 2 inch range of motion rack pulls.
My personal favourite is the upright half bent shrug row. This exercise is easily identified by the confused bro standing almost upright while rowing the bar as if performing a bent row. The confusing element here is that I am never really certain what the bro in question feels he is achieving. And to be honest I really don't care except, the chosen location for this exercise tends to be right in the middle of the squat rack.
Though I must say my favourite might be under threat. This week I watched incredulously as a bro heaved the trap deadlift bar in-front of the mirror and proceeded to hoist it over head for sets of seated military press. Honestly I just couldn't comprehend what my eyes were witnessing.
I have developed a theory that suggests that 90% of dopey shit occurs within close proximity to a mirror. Therefore to eliminate the bro's and their inane feats of stupidity, remove the mirrors! Absolutely foolproof.
Lift and share the knowledge
Thomo
Monday, October 13, 2014
Lessons and loss
A few weeks back and I'm looking through my study window at a grey rainy Sunday vista. My feet are up I have a warm drink at hand as I take in the view while watching the 2014 Mr Olympia live stream. Bodybuilding is not high on my agenda any-more but I take in the Olympia annually as homage to the show the piqued my interest in strength 31 years ago.
It feels quiet alien to be tapping thoughts on the keyboard again. After all it has been 4 months since drama unfolded calling a halt to my ramblings online.
It is remarkable how resilient the human spirit can be. Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised, in some ways bouncing back is no different from the body adapting to a physical stress akin to the training response.
This has been the most challenging and difficult period in 44 years of existence, it is over, I am back and I am acutely aware of who my real friends are.
Lift strong
Thomo
It feels quiet alien to be tapping thoughts on the keyboard again. After all it has been 4 months since drama unfolded calling a halt to my ramblings online.
Life changing situations engulf every fibre of your existence. Each day is a pitched battle and being constantly on alert floods your system with debilitating stress hormones. Rest is a foreign concept and it is difficult to see or imagine a cessation of the difficulties or a return to normality. You continue introspection peeling away the layers of your psyche, questioning long held paradigms and delving deeper into your reserves.
All the while it is family that is foremost in your mind, pushing through the pain because they are really all that matter.
Imperceptibly little by little things improve, changes are made, lessons learned. Health returns and embrace daylight and recovery. The world you return to though is not the same. It's as if your clothes don't quite fit any more. The veil is lifted and you observe the world with its thin veneer of civility removed seeing things again as they really are.
As time passes you find that its you that has changed, or perhaps its simply a return to who you were. Renewal has brought with it welcome perspective.
A raft of acquaintances will have no idea of recent challenges but that is because I don't choose to play out my life's dramas on social media for all and sundry to pore over the minutia of daily existence. Thankfully friends are there and support has been ongoing and welcomed.
Lessons have been learnt, I have seen individuals driven by the almighty dollar shunning relationships and forgetting who gave them their start. I continue to witness the most crass intellectual arrogance from many who assume their singular existence is demonstrable proof of their methods.
All the while it is family that is foremost in your mind, pushing through the pain because they are really all that matter.
Imperceptibly little by little things improve, changes are made, lessons learned. Health returns and embrace daylight and recovery. The world you return to though is not the same. It's as if your clothes don't quite fit any more. The veil is lifted and you observe the world with its thin veneer of civility removed seeing things again as they really are.
As time passes you find that its you that has changed, or perhaps its simply a return to who you were. Renewal has brought with it welcome perspective.
A raft of acquaintances will have no idea of recent challenges but that is because I don't choose to play out my life's dramas on social media for all and sundry to pore over the minutia of daily existence. Thankfully friends are there and support has been ongoing and welcomed.
Lessons have been learnt, I have seen individuals driven by the almighty dollar shunning relationships and forgetting who gave them their start. I continue to witness the most crass intellectual arrogance from many who assume their singular existence is demonstrable proof of their methods.
It is remarkable how resilient the human spirit can be. Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised, in some ways bouncing back is no different from the body adapting to a physical stress akin to the training response.
This has been the most challenging and difficult period in 44 years of existence, it is over, I am back and I am acutely aware of who my real friends are.
Lift strong
Thomo
Monday, June 16, 2014
Homework for Nationals 2015 - Squat
In my short competitive career I have learnt that every meet provides a great learning opportunity. Not only does competition put the blow torch under your technique, the craziness of meet day puts you in a different environment and forces you to adapt. That's why when someone who doesn't compete tells me their numbers I really don't have any interest. You have a decent deadlift...do it after 3 limit squats and benches while warming up quickly in a crowded weight room then we can talk.
Given my inexperience each meet is a virtual master class in learning's. I love watching the top lifters in the warm-up room and on the platform. Their attention to detail, intensity and meet day routines provide such an insight and highlight the enormity between the best and plodders like me.
Despite my meet being ruined by injury I have plenty of points to work on. Firstly per the picture above my depth is not an issue but I need to work on developing proprioception so that I know exactly where my depth point is. Too often in training I search for depth and end up compensating by going ass to grass as per my attempts at Nationals. Also getting my wraps right too would be good given they came apart on the squat above and weren't wrapped correctly below the knee!
Next I need to lock down my pre-lift and lift mechanics. Every squat has to feel the same rather than always tinkering with bar placement, foot placement etc. To be fair my squat feels like it is the best it has been but it can be much much better.
Consistent frequent volume of squatting is also part of this years prescription. A lot of outside 'shite' has interfered with my lifting this year and it was obvious that I was months short of the volume I needed in my legs. Importantly I will be channelling one aspect of Paul Carter in that my squat numbers will be a very gradual build up with lots of sub maximal %'s.
Stay Strong
Thomo
Despite my meet being ruined by injury I have plenty of points to work on. Firstly per the picture above my depth is not an issue but I need to work on developing proprioception so that I know exactly where my depth point is. Too often in training I search for depth and end up compensating by going ass to grass as per my attempts at Nationals. Also getting my wraps right too would be good given they came apart on the squat above and weren't wrapped correctly below the knee!
Next I need to lock down my pre-lift and lift mechanics. Every squat has to feel the same rather than always tinkering with bar placement, foot placement etc. To be fair my squat feels like it is the best it has been but it can be much much better.
Consistent frequent volume of squatting is also part of this years prescription. A lot of outside 'shite' has interfered with my lifting this year and it was obvious that I was months short of the volume I needed in my legs. Importantly I will be channelling one aspect of Paul Carter in that my squat numbers will be a very gradual build up with lots of sub maximal %'s.
Stay Strong
Thomo
Thursday, June 12, 2014
My Nationals...not quite as planned
Despite a less than stellar preparation I was quietly confident I was going to have a good Nationals. My numbers going in suggested a 5kg PB on squat, 5-10 on bench and 10-15 on deadlift for 25kg,s PB on my total.
After arriving at the Gold Coast everything felt on track. I weighed in 2.5kg,s over last year but it was expected given my dexa indicated I had gained muscle and dropped fat. Following weigh in I started to re-feed and spent time with my team mate Carl planning my lifts. Actually it was good rooming with my teammate as sharing the experience helped settle my nerves.
Once Saturday rolled around I was bursting to get under the bar for the first squat. Given the issues I had with squat my strategy was to open with my Nationals weight from last year up my second by 5kg over the previous year and then load a 5kg Pb for the third. That would set me up for a nice run at bench and deads.
MAgically as per last year evething felt good on the platform for first and second attempts. Both lifts felt deep and strong and interestingly having seen the photography proofs its clear my mobility work has helped as I was ass to grass on both attempts. On reflection I actually need to work on cueing depth as I am probably going fractionally deeper than I need to.
Setting up for my third I am ready, get the call and go deep. My teammate reminded me to blast through the sticking point and so I did, so much so as I rose I started to smile and think about the PB and then bench to come...big mistake as instantly I feel my back go and I immediately sink 9-10 inches in a fraction of a second. Spotters grab me and after locking the weight its clear I have injured the back.
As I walk offstage thinking about the lift I was pretty sure my back went into flexion as I was pushing towards lockout. I had done this once before deadlifting and it was sore as fuck.
No PB and then the focus was trying to work out how injured I was, regardless I definitely wanted to total.
I managed to get three benches in, equalling my PB but missing the 2.5kg PB increase.
My back was pretty much gone at this stage but I held hope that I could somehow still get a PB dead. I opened with a token 1st followed up by a second at 90% of my old 1RM. This actually went up okay but it was clear that there was no snap in the lift and I was nursing that lower back pretty badly.
Final lift I try a 5kg PB knowing that if it magically is better than thought I will get a 4th as it is a Masters record. Well those hopes were dashed in a about 2 milliseconds as a weight I doubled in training (with 1-2 left in the tank) gets about an inch off the ground before my back finally gives me a real sharp ping to let me know there is nothing left.
My meet is over and fair to say I am pretty dissapointed. I was so pumped to grip and rip a big deadlift today and to be robbed through an injury felt pretty shitty particularly having flown across the country to do it.
Looking at the positives I learned plenty watching more experienced lifters prepare for the platform. It was also pleasing that my squat depth is much improved over last year. The injury itself was a learning curve as it has highlighted some lower back weakness relative to mid and upper back.
I am resting up and healing now but will do some light upper body work next week then move into a progressive basebuilding routine where I will focus on bench and gentle lower back work. I don't want to rush the recovery but I am bursting to get into it.
Stay Strong
Thomo
After arriving at the Gold Coast everything felt on track. I weighed in 2.5kg,s over last year but it was expected given my dexa indicated I had gained muscle and dropped fat. Following weigh in I started to re-feed and spent time with my team mate Carl planning my lifts. Actually it was good rooming with my teammate as sharing the experience helped settle my nerves.
Once Saturday rolled around I was bursting to get under the bar for the first squat. Given the issues I had with squat my strategy was to open with my Nationals weight from last year up my second by 5kg over the previous year and then load a 5kg Pb for the third. That would set me up for a nice run at bench and deads.
MAgically as per last year evething felt good on the platform for first and second attempts. Both lifts felt deep and strong and interestingly having seen the photography proofs its clear my mobility work has helped as I was ass to grass on both attempts. On reflection I actually need to work on cueing depth as I am probably going fractionally deeper than I need to.
Setting up for my third I am ready, get the call and go deep. My teammate reminded me to blast through the sticking point and so I did, so much so as I rose I started to smile and think about the PB and then bench to come...big mistake as instantly I feel my back go and I immediately sink 9-10 inches in a fraction of a second. Spotters grab me and after locking the weight its clear I have injured the back.
As I walk offstage thinking about the lift I was pretty sure my back went into flexion as I was pushing towards lockout. I had done this once before deadlifting and it was sore as fuck.
No PB and then the focus was trying to work out how injured I was, regardless I definitely wanted to total.
I managed to get three benches in, equalling my PB but missing the 2.5kg PB increase.
My back was pretty much gone at this stage but I held hope that I could somehow still get a PB dead. I opened with a token 1st followed up by a second at 90% of my old 1RM. This actually went up okay but it was clear that there was no snap in the lift and I was nursing that lower back pretty badly.
Final lift I try a 5kg PB knowing that if it magically is better than thought I will get a 4th as it is a Masters record. Well those hopes were dashed in a about 2 milliseconds as a weight I doubled in training (with 1-2 left in the tank) gets about an inch off the ground before my back finally gives me a real sharp ping to let me know there is nothing left.
My meet is over and fair to say I am pretty dissapointed. I was so pumped to grip and rip a big deadlift today and to be robbed through an injury felt pretty shitty particularly having flown across the country to do it.
Looking at the positives I learned plenty watching more experienced lifters prepare for the platform. It was also pleasing that my squat depth is much improved over last year. The injury itself was a learning curve as it has highlighted some lower back weakness relative to mid and upper back.
I am resting up and healing now but will do some light upper body work next week then move into a progressive basebuilding routine where I will focus on bench and gentle lower back work. I don't want to rush the recovery but I am bursting to get into it.
Stay Strong
Thomo
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Nationals Done for Another Year
Well the dust has finally settled on a quite amazing meet. The stats alone speak to the quality of this meet, 83 women lifters, 4 days of competition, 240+ lifters in total. With that volume of Australia's best the results didn't disappoint.
Personally I still have chills watching Jackson Murrie in the 100's squat down and stand up with with 350+kg's...just an amazing demonstration of old school strength. The kicker is that this kid is only 20 and if he stays fit and healthy my go 900kg,s at 100 bodyweight in the future. Unbelievable squat and I just keep watching it and laugh my ass off at how good he his. This is no fat superheavyweight, this kid looks strong and damn he is strong!
Also watched the human ant Chris Stamtiou become the first Australian to total 10x bodyweight raw and doing it in 67.5 kg class. Check out this 257kg squat!
Then he follows it up with a 266kg deadlift. This is lifting of the highest calibre and damn I am going to start growing a beard to see if this helps my lifting!!
I was pretty honoured to watch some of these lifts let alone compete at the same meet.
Stay Strong
Thomo
Personally I still have chills watching Jackson Murrie in the 100's squat down and stand up with with 350+kg's...just an amazing demonstration of old school strength. The kicker is that this kid is only 20 and if he stays fit and healthy my go 900kg,s at 100 bodyweight in the future. Unbelievable squat and I just keep watching it and laugh my ass off at how good he his. This is no fat superheavyweight, this kid looks strong and damn he is strong!
Also watched the human ant Chris Stamtiou become the first Australian to total 10x bodyweight raw and doing it in 67.5 kg class. Check out this 257kg squat!
Then he follows it up with a 266kg deadlift. This is lifting of the highest calibre and damn I am going to start growing a beard to see if this helps my lifting!!
I was pretty honoured to watch some of these lifts let alone compete at the same meet.
Stay Strong
Thomo
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Of Fear and PitBulls
It's funny as a powerlifter I find some of my best motivation comes from weightlifters. Since watching Cal Strength and MDUSA I have been a fan of Donny Shankle. Every so often he produces a piece, a nugget of wisdom that stays with me a long time.
Below is one such article, enjoy!
Pitbulls and Men
By Donny Shankle
Uncle always had the best analogies. I too have always enjoyed using analogies when teaching. I think it is the mark of a master to simplify concepts so all students can learn. Uncle had so many analogies for his “players” to learn how to become champions. One in particular was what I have now dubbed “Pitbulls and Men”. In order to get into the “zone” and lift heavy ass weights, you need to let go of everything else on your mind and attack. Along with strict and patient training, this is how marvelous performances are attained. It is the weightlifter’s mind which will either set him back or push him forward.
Today I want to share a perfect example.....
“Uncle, why am I afraid to go under the bar sometimes?”
“Donny, let’s say you have a one hundred pound pit bull and a two hundred pound man. If they both get into a fight who do you think will win?”
“I assume the pit bull will.”
“Yes. It is because men understand the concept of fear. The beast does not. Men take into consideration they may get hurt. The beast does not. The beast only knows attack what is in front of him and does not stop until it stops moving. He only knows that distinctive law of the jungle: eat or be eaten.”
“I understand”
“If you lift like the beast and think of nothing else but attacking what is in front of you, then you will crush whatever weight is before you. You will begin to see no limits in your potential.”
At the center of all the attributes, blocks, and factors required to win and become a champion is your mind. The beast wins in the fight because all it knows is bite. Bite and do not let go. Bite until it stops moving. The man will of course fight back but he will think of pain. He will think of death. He will think. This may of course spur him on to fight back but he is already at an immediate disadvantage. Within the split second he thinks of fighting back, the beast may have already done enough damage. Within the split second you think the weight you are lifting is heavy, you have lost the decisiveness possessed by champions.
Not all men succumb to the beast. I think this is something uncle knew. It is something he wanted to see in his “players”. I think this is what he was trying to get across in his analogy. Some weightlifters get mentally crushed by the weight in front of them so much that they don’t even stand a chance from the get go. Other weightlifters have the ability to change into a stronger beast and attack with confidence whatever is on the bar. Which type of lifter are you?
Check out the link below to read more of Donny's musings:
http://donnyshankle.blogspot.com.au/search?updated-max=2014-05-15T12:31:00-04:00
Stay Strong
Thomo
Driving and Thinking about Competing
Today I was driving in my 4x4, some nice colour in the sky. A sombre tune from my childhood played softly in the background lulling me into quiet introspection about this year and the events unfolding this week.
I am old enough now to understand plans are simply bearing points on the journey. Milestones to achieve , adjust or delay. My goals for this year remain unfulfilled but like a good project manager I have adjusted.
Making the platform this year has been my stretch goal, everything else is a bonus. Don't misunderstand my realism for resignation. I am playing the long game, which in itself may seem unusual at my age. My progression is slow but the trend is upward, each plodding gain paid with the currency of mistakes and setbacks.
I wonder about others that will be on that platform. Do they consider the future, about playing the long game. Some charge wildly forward taking the immediacy of instant gratification and kudos unaware of the consequences. No doubt youth has brought ignorance to the fact that a full robust life starts after thirty and that the shortcuts of today may yet have a price.
It was a melancholy day today. I am achy and sore and full of anticipation for Nationals. I am as always as excited for my friends achievements as I am my own. A few this year have battled their own loss and dealt with grief and yet they too will be there on the Gold Coast a testament to resilience and character.
Nothing has gone very right this year but I am healthy and happy and lifting in a week.
I love this life!
Stay Strong
Thomo
I am old enough now to understand plans are simply bearing points on the journey. Milestones to achieve , adjust or delay. My goals for this year remain unfulfilled but like a good project manager I have adjusted.
Making the platform this year has been my stretch goal, everything else is a bonus. Don't misunderstand my realism for resignation. I am playing the long game, which in itself may seem unusual at my age. My progression is slow but the trend is upward, each plodding gain paid with the currency of mistakes and setbacks.
I wonder about others that will be on that platform. Do they consider the future, about playing the long game. Some charge wildly forward taking the immediacy of instant gratification and kudos unaware of the consequences. No doubt youth has brought ignorance to the fact that a full robust life starts after thirty and that the shortcuts of today may yet have a price.
It was a melancholy day today. I am achy and sore and full of anticipation for Nationals. I am as always as excited for my friends achievements as I am my own. A few this year have battled their own loss and dealt with grief and yet they too will be there on the Gold Coast a testament to resilience and character.
Nothing has gone very right this year but I am healthy and happy and lifting in a week.
I love this life!
Stay Strong
Thomo
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