Squatter's Journal-The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

[MikeM]

Jim, I firmly believe you should be thinking positive heading into a meet. I think you may not be thinking positive. Understandably considering your eyes, etc.

But, you are stronger than you think. Hit those squats, then those benches, and then deadifts are your best lifts. Just saying, you don't need to be worried about anything except that first squat and you got that one in the bag.

Just do what you have done for weeks and years. Stop worrying about anything. Life is what it is.

[ravimolasaria]

Originally Posted by Squatter

MOCK MEET
Squat
135 X3
185 X2
225 X1
275 X1
315 X1
315 X1
345 X1
360 X1
375 X1
I will let all you jury members decide if depth was good enough on the 375. I am really upset about the crappy form.

Strong squatting Jim ... Squat depth appear good to me ... I don't see any reason why you can't life 405+ on your 3rd attempt ... great going ...

Bench Press
All reps were paused.
135 X3
185 X2
205 X1
230 X1
255 X1

Deadlifts
135 X3
225 X2
315 X1
365 X1
405 X1
425 X1

Strong Benching and DL ... Give your 100% and you will do wonders at meet ... stay healthy ...

[Squatter]

Originally Posted by MikeM

Jim, I firmly believe you should be thinking positive heading into a meet. I think you may not be thinking positive. Understandably considering your eyes, etc.

But, you are stronger than you think. Hit those squats, then those benches, and then deadifts are your best lifts. Just saying, you don't need to be worried about anything except that first squat and you got that one in the bag.

Just do what you have done for weeks and years. Stop worrying about anything. Life is what it is.

Indeed Mike, I should be positive, but your right, I am not right now. I am not handling the issue with my eyes very well. Mrs Squatter is also very concerned, as is my whole family. I am trying to adapt the attitude "why ruin today over what may happen tomorrow"

I also think that some much needed rest will have me feeling better for the meet.

Your advice is golden as well. Thanks for that!!

Originally Posted by ravimolasaria

Strong squatting Jim ... Squat depth appear good to me ... I don't see any reason why you can't life 405+ on your 3rd attempt ... great going ...


Strong Benching and DL ... Give your 100% and you will do wonders at meet ... stay healthy ...

Thanks Ravi. At the time, I thought it was plenty deep, and then I watch the vid and notice I leaned and barely made depth. At this point, I would be really happy to repeat my 405 that I got at my first meet in Vegas.

Bench and deads went quite well last night tho.

[Squatter]

I think my squat would have been good at a meet. However, I was very upset and concerned about the lean. It means that my Facet Joint is out, yet again. It was fixed just 2 days ago. It is becoming more and more frequent. It stabilized for a few months, which was good, but the trend now is becoming troublesome and worrisome.

I had to go see David, my physiotherapist for another treatment today. The news is not good. He strongly urged me to stop lifting heavy, especially on squats, for at least a few months. He is not optimistic, with good reason, that my Facet Joint will stabilize. Las Vegas will likely be my last meet, barring some miracle. If the soft tissue surrounding the joint doesn't get stronger or less stretchy, I will never be able to lift heavy again. David was very concerned about the long term effects of constantly hitting this already fragile joint hard with heavy weights. He is going to refer me to a specialist that may be able to help me, so there is some hope. I am also going to see my family doc to see if she has any ideas.

To be 100% honest with all of you, I am feeling quite devastated and upset. I really just want to go to bed and cry. It's a tough pill to swallow. I am still going to Vegas and will lift my ass off like there is no tomorrow, with David's blessing. He told me to go and crush it and that he would give me a free treatment when I get back.

David did tell me I can continue to lift, just not heavy - to cap squats at 315 for a few triples for a few months and then progress with baby step fractional plates after that. I am grateful that I am able to still lift, but it won't be quite the same.

After the meet, I will pursue other options that may help me. I won't give it up without a fight. I am hoping the meet will give me some fight, cuz I sure don't have it right now. I have no idea what to pick for an opener now for squat. At this point, I would go dancing down the strip if I could duplicate what I did in Vernon. I will never forget that squat. It makes me happy. This is what I want to do in Vegas, more than anything else. I don't want that to be my last 405 squat.

Squatter405SquatVernonMeet - YouTube

Squatter405SquatVernonMeet - YouTube

[ravimolasaria]

Originally Posted by Squatter

I think my squat would have been good at a meet. However, I was very upset and concerned about the lean. It means that my Facet Joint is out, yet again. It was fixed just 2 days ago. It is becoming more and more frequent. It stabilized for a few months, which was good, but the trend now is becoming troublesome and worrisome.

I had to go see David, my physiotherapist for another treatment today. The news is not good. He strongly urged me to stop lifting heavy, especially on squats, for at least a few months. He is not optimistic, with good reason, that my Facet Joint will stabilize. Las Vegas will likely be my last meet, barring some miracle. If the soft tissue surrounding the joint doesn't get stronger or less stretchy, I will never be able to lift heavy again. David was very concerned about the long term effects of constantly hitting this already fragile joint hard with heavy weights. He is going to refer me to a specialist that may be able to help me, so there is some hope. I am also going to see my family doc to see if she has any ideas.

To be 100% honest with all of you, I am feeling quite devastated and upset. I really just want to go to bed and cry. It's a tough pill to swallow. I am still going to Vegas and will lift my ass off like there is no tomorrow, with David's blessing. He told me to go and crush it and that he would give me a free treatment when I get back.

David did tell me I can continue to lift, just not heavy - to cap squats at 315 for a few triples for a few months and then progress with baby step fractional plates after that. I am grateful that I am able to still lift, but it won't be quite the same.

After the meet, I will pursue other options that may help me. I won't give it up without a fight. I am hoping the meet will give me some fight, cuz I sure don't have it right now. I have no idea what to pick for an opener now for squat. At this point, I would go dancing down the strip if I could duplicate what I did in Vernon. I will never forget that squat. It makes me happy. This is what I want to do in Vegas, more than anything else. I don't want that to be my last 405 squat.

I know it is easier said then done but you need to hang in there Jim. Nothing is impossible and I do hope that there must be a solution for your joint problem also. The best part is that that your doc knows what exactly the problem is and more than willing to help. If you can do 315 for triples, then you know that problem is not that deeper. You have the capability to overcome this and I know you will. And by no means this will be your last meet.

As far as opener in the meet is concerned, I think your 1st attempt should be the wt. which give you confidence to go heavy. 315-330 would be an ideal wt. You can lift this in your sleep also. However there are more experienced lifter in the forum who can guide you better.

Keep lifting brother and stay healthy ...

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Squatter

My squat form has flown south. I hope flying to Vegas will be far enough to catch up to it.

Just remember to drive that bar up with your shoulders out of the hole. You'll make it happen. Confidence plays a huge role in this. Talk yourself into going in there to destroy.

When we get a bit form-locked we overthink things. Relax, trust your form practice, and move iron.

You can do it Jim. You did it last time.

[Squatter]

Originally Posted by ravimolasaria

I know it is easier said then done but you need to hang in there Jim. Nothing is impossible and I do hope that there must be a solution for your joint problem also. The best part is that that your doc knows what exactly the problem is and more than willing to help. If you can do 315 for triples, then you know that problem is not that deeper. You have the capability to overcome this and I know you will. And by no means this will be your last meet.

As far as opener in the meet is concerned, I think your 1st attempt should be the wt. which give you confidence to go heavy. 315-330 would be an ideal wt. You can lift this in your sleep also. However there are more experienced lifter in the forum who can guide you better.

Keep lifting brother and stay healthy ...

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Just remember to drive that bar up with your shoulders out of the hole. You'll make it happen. Confidence plays a huge role in this. Talk yourself into going in there to destroy.

When we get a bit form-locked we overthink things. Relax, trust your form practice, and move iron.

You can do it Jim. You did it last time.

Thanks so much Ravi & Steve. I have time to think about things, and your right, I will go for my 405 squat in Vegas. I am going to do 365 for my opener and then I will have 2 cracks at 405. If all goes well, I could even get a 415. Your comments and today's pre-meet session really boosted my confidence in my squat. Thank you!

[Squatter]

PRE-MEET SESSION

After having a couple of days to think about things, I am feeling much better. Today's session went really well, as I had no Facet joint issues. This is a good sign it is stabilizing and has given me back my confidence to go for 365 squat for my opener, 405 for a 2nd, and hopefully 415-425 for a third. All the support I get from all of you guys has also gone a long way to restore my faith that I can do this no matter what. Out of the 3 lifts, the squat means the most to me, so it's fitting I give the lift my all in Vegas.

I got a bit emotional after my last bench today. I know I'm a big baby, but I can't help it. It seems to be that 20+ years of lifting has all come to this. The Crew told me that this meet is like going from amateur to the Big Leagues, and that has really struck a chord with me. My goal is simply to improve upon my lifts from my first meet last July and I have structured my lifts so that this will be accomplished in the most efficient way possible. I have done all I possibly can to prepare for this, so now it's time to shut up and lift my ass off.

I went for a professional massage today and boy do I ever feel great. She complimented me on my legs!! I also got my traditional pre-meet haircut. All that is left to do is to pack and watch some Football Sunday. I work Monday. Tuesday the plane departs at 9:00AM. I lift Thursday starting at 9:00AM. I am sure Collin will be filling you guys in on the results, hopefully as they happen. Focus from here until Thursday is to eat and rest.

One last thing - i have been successful in maintaining my weight at 228-230 lbs now for 3 weeks

Squat
95 X5
115 X5
135 X5
155 X5
185 X5
205 X5
225 X5
250 X5
275 X5
315 X5
335 X1

Bench Press (All Paused)
135 X3
155 X3
175 X3
190 X3
205 X3
225 X1

Squatter275X5squat - YouTube

Squatter275X5squat - YouTube

Squatter315X5Squat - YouTube

Squatter315X5Squat - YouTube

Squatter335X1Squat - YouTube

Squatter335X1Squat - YouTube

Squatter205X3PausedBenchPress - YouTube

Squatter205X3PausedBenchPress - YouTube

Squatter225X1PausedBenchPress - YouTube

Squatter225X1PausedBenchPress - YouTube

[LtL]

Ready to kill it Jim. Safe journey.

[Squatter]

Originally Posted by LtL

Ready to kill it Jim. Safe journey.

I have prepared the best I can - the experience of the first meet really helped as well. Thanks for all your input, comments, advice, and support Al.