....and I shouldn't of left you (left you).... .But I actually HAVE had a dope beat to step to.  

Forgive the Aaliyah reference....but it popped right outta my head. 

Anyway,  I have not stopped writing or thinking.... it's just taken a different form in the last bit.   Some training I was on with work had us doing some prompted journaling, and I have a book that's got me thinking, and a girl that ALWAYS is good for a soul-and-brain-conversation.  That's kept my heart and creative spaces pretty occupied.   We also have a move on the horizon, so there has been some extra work, which has created extra naps.  So time has also been a bit tighter.

But this blog remains my main place to think about my practice, my body and what I have gained and learned on that journey.  And there is news there, so... HERE I AM!.

Well, to be honest, there is no news yet. It's just brewing.  It's been brewing for 17 months or so since I hit that 100# bench press for the first time.  I remember the feeling.  135# is on the horizon. It's been a slow climb.  After 100 there was some quick gains, but the last year has been truly one of those turtle vs hare things.   Progress has been real.  Just super incremental with lots of time between. 

And now I am pretty sure that I'll put that plate on in October and have a good solid TNG.  So STAY TUNED!

It's almost here!  I knew after last years meet that I'd do it again.  And I narrowed it down to a few events in November, and have been prepping for the Apex Summer Showdown since January. And now it's less than 2 weeks out, and I am getting the prep emails and reminders.....  it's HERE! 
I will have a buddy going to her first meet (Daphne) , which makes it a little more exciting.  I'm hardly an old-hand, but having a bit of experience makes me feel like I have something to offer her as she goes on this adventure. It's such a great community, and I have received so much encouragement from it: it's nice to be able to support someone else who's taking it for a spin.
I have (mostly) gotten over the stress of not competing in the same weight class as last year.  Maybe a tiny bit sheepish, but nothing that will hold me back from giving it my all, and putting some good numbers forward. .... on which to build my next year worth of progress.

I watched a new buddy hit PRs at the gym today. Well, I watched the video. Nowadays I think that's nearly the same, right?

Anyway, it's pretty amazing. It's a bunch of stuff. It's all of the work and commitment it takes to get the groove. It's the headspace you have to find to even try those big numbers....

And yet despite the obstacles ....the numbers are there for the record. Not an opinion, or a "like" or a pat on the back. Which I am sure will also be offered in spades. But something even better. Even if there weren't the video evidence, this moment is another reminder....proof, even, the body is an amazing machine and it can accomplish magic when given a chance.

I know this is a fitness diary/blog... but in my defense, I refer to the picture.     I wrote that in a little notebook given to me by Killian.    Another place for thoughts;  and this was the very first thought I wrote.  "Fit for what?" 

I went on to write a number of things I wanted to be "fit for".    And looking at them... they aren't about lifting, or the gym; they are about LIFE.  The word enthusiasm came up alot. 

And I really feel great, and the Mavens are a part of that LIFE, of that enthusiasm. 

So cheers to the Mavens;  Debbie, Jessica and Natalie.  Thank you for your contributions to my life, my health, my happiness. 

I'm no social scientist. So if you want to read about Maslow's hierarchy of needs  try Wikipedia.   But there was an interesting reference to it in a book I am reading for work.    I'll spare the back reference (but the book is called "Beyond Engagement" - Brady G. Wilson, if you are interested...)... but it quotes someone who ran the Boston Marathon as saying;

"After I ran the Boston Marathon, I had no motivation whatsoever.   My diet and my training schedule went to pot.  I need to set another goal for myself before I fall apart."

Oh, Snap.    

....And I do kinda remember that feeling after the London meet in July.     I have continued training, but I know for sure that it's a slightly different feeling than training towards prep for a meet.    Which is OK.  I think actually that may be one of the things that makes Powerlifting the sport for me.  There is ALWAYS a goal.  Because it's not a specific event at which you measure your progress....  well, of course it IS, if you go to a meet,  but also... it's not.   Every few months you cycle through the program and BOOM!  PR baby!     

I found my magic.   My girlfriends is yoga.  I can imagine that it might be much the same.     

My goal tomorrow: Just one squat at a time.  Just one more.  My goal for January - test and new PRs for all 3 (Squat, Benchpress and Deadlift).     And then we'll set them again, AND schedule a meet!

I know it's called a "Meet" because people... well, they MEET.  But I am going to think of it as just the place you meet your goals.