TRAINING AND UPA MEET UPDATE

I'm slowly but surely making my way back in to the gym.  One of the extractions in my mouth is still healing so I need to be careful and not let too much pressure build, otherwise I will blow out the blood clot.  I raw benched last week and deadlifted up to a plate and a half (tried two plates but I could feel the pressure in my jaw).  Last night I squatted up to a plate with briefs just to keep the feeling in my head.  I'm looking forward to going full force again!

We went down to Lake George last weekend for the UPA Meet; Cheryl and Joanick lifted, Ross and I handled them.  Cheryl was incredible!  There were a couple scenarios where she could have lost her focus/form but she didn't let any of it throw her off and got a 1255 Total!  It was impressive!  Cheryl was a perfect example of how lifting isn't just about physical strength/technique, there is a mental aspect to it.  Part of Cheryl's strength has to do with her head; she understands herself and can call herself out of her own crap and not let any of it become an excuse to not perform well.  I admire her a lot!  Joanick had a tough day.  He had trouble from the start with his squat (kept losing his balance at the end of the lift) and personally, I think it rattled his confidence.  It was a positive experience all the same, though.  Sebastien Burns came over to help him out, and Bill Crawford came over to support him as well.  Regardless of the outcome, I think he had a good day.

It was a great group of lifters, everybody was very encouraging and supportive!  This sport breaks any stereotypes you might have and brings out a certain humbleness; everybody, no matter what size, age, gender, is out there trying to accomplish the same thing and having to push through the same road blocks as everybody else.  People share their experience and knowledge all in an attempt to help eachother out and see eachother do well.  It was a great weekend!