05/23/2025
Reflections from my 1st meet:
Have a plan:
It doesn't take the much time or effort to sketch out a few scenarios so you can feel confident you have your bases covered when the time comes. Also, bring food.
Time warm ups well:
I was chomping at the bit to get going, well in advance of my turn. When I started warming up I was flying. Having someone tell me to pump the breaks was super helpful. I didn't have a coach with me but the folks on staff were happy to help when I reached out in advance asking for help. This resulted in me taking warm ups at just the right time to have me ready when it was time to head into the platform and feeling just the right amount of amped up.
Have people in your corner:
Literally and figuratively. For me that was wifey and coach.
If possible, let go of the outcome and enjoy the process:
I've wanted to do this for so long but between injuries, illness, and life, it never happened until now. I took conservative openers because I had no idea what to expect on this day and probably left a lot on the table. But I really just wanted to get my feet wet and have fun. Of course, the ability to do that is a convenience. It won't always be the case but when it can be, embrace it. Life is too short.
Dial in and focus:
I'm coming out of this with a totally different perspective on training sessions. The razor sharp focus I felt warming up and stepping out on the platform is something I haven't felt since my college soccer years.
What a difference a week makes:
A week out from the meet it felt like I quite literally had never picked up a barbell before. Absolute trash. Meet day I go 6/6 with more to spare.
Holy adrenaline:
Hit a PR clean and jerk (120kg) with ease and I confidently had at least 10 more kilos in the tank. Partially good training, partially being locked in, but imo, also adrenaline.
If I wasn't before (I was), I'm definitely an addict now. Plenty of room to learn, improve, and get stronger.
Thanks for the crew for putting on a great event and thanks for .henochdpt for dragging me from very mediocre to less mediocre!