Powerlifting

I finally did it. I sent in an application for my first powerlifting event. On Saturday, October 17 I will be taking part in the KDR Iron Push Pull-Powerlifting and CrossFit Meet in Leabanon, NH.  Well, I will be once VT Powerlifting gets my application and deposits my entry fee.

Until this week my response has been "someday" when asked when I'd enter an event. Then Dane did some research for me. When he told me about two upcoming meets I was interested, but more than interested I was surprised. He didn't need to do anything like that for me. Maybe he saw something in me I didn't see, maybe I needed to pay attention.

I thought about it, I sought advice from friends and one friend asked "Why not?" Again, someone that didn't need to say anything, but chose to respond. Many friends responded and they were all enthusiastic. So I did my own research, reading articles, watching videos and considered it more seriously.

I printed the application I just filled out and mailed and pondered the idea a little more. Then I took the final step and asked the person whose opinion on the subject mattered most to me. If he thought I should give it a go then it was time. The final decision was always mine and I did make it.

I am my own worst critic. I see the weaknesses, others see the progress. I know this and that is why I appreciate and value my support system so much.

How do I feel about my decision? I feel it was the right decision, but I am scared. Competing in the Pride Games is one thing, this is something else. I will have friends there, I will have a coach there with me and another I will email as soon as I finish. Apparently there will be t-shirts...still not sure how I feel about that one other than humbled and bewildered.

I even had an offer to buy my singlet if I'd have the Pride logo on it and maybe tiger stripes.

I'm just humbled. I don't know what else to say.

I've never done a bench press or a deadlift for judges I don't know. Then there will be the spectators. At least with the spectators I can convince myself its just like the Pride Games. The judge/judges not so much. Some of the articles I've read have warned that you need to listen really hard and carefully for your cues. CUES?!? I'm going to have to try not to vomit from nerves and listen for cues? This could be a very exciting day for everyone.

What do I hope to gain from this event? I want to see how I measure up. I don't care about awards, a fist bump when I'm done will be more than enough. I want to learn more about powerlifting and most of all I want to have fun.

And...I want to make everyone who comes to watch proud. These are people with lives, families and jobs: they are going to choose to spend time watching me. If that's not humbling I don't know what is.

I will write again before the event. At the moment I'm a little distracted by an upcoming move, but I'll write about that soon.

In the meantime I'm going to be the best teacher I can be, train as hard as I can to be the best I can be and try to remember at the end of the day I am always enough and I am always worthy.

Thanks for reading!