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Post by Greg Crook on Jan 23, 2007 8:32:55 GMT -5
After seniors last year my body decided it wasn't going to be a 181'er anymore. I had competed at that weight for 3 years and cut weight for every meet, 4-5 sometimes 6 times a year. So I was burned out on cutting weight anyway and was happy to move up. The problem now is when I moved up at the same time I revamped my whole training philosophy, mainly by using no/ loose gear to train in and also picked up my accessory work big time. This has worked great as far as strength goes but not so good on body weight. First thing in the morning on an empty stomach I've been running 204-206. The biggest thing I was looking forward to when moving up was NOT cutting weight for a while. Back in September I didn't have to and loved it, I'm up 6-8lbs since then and it appears to be descent weight because I'm still wearing the same clothes they just fit different. I don't think I'm done with this growth spurt because I really haven't done as much raw squatting as I plan to and my legs grow relatively well. For this meet I may in fact go ahead and compete at a super light 220, I'm sure this is where I'm destined to be anyway. I'm really enjoying the training I'm doing now and the entire time training for this meet it's been all about numbers for me not totaling X-amount at a certain weight class. I've finally learned that I'm only competing against me and what I did last competition, and I place wherever I place. As long as I do better than I did last time I'll be satisfied with my performance. I plan on being in this sport a long time and in a few short years I have no doubt I'll be a treat in the 220's as well. Bottom line I'm having more fun now than I have in a long time and THAT'S why we do this because 95% of us are not getting paid for this shit. I mainly wanted to say this out loud for myself but I'm open to any feed back and maybe someone out there is in the same boat and like me if your wanting someone to say it's OK I'm saying it!! Go compete against yourself and have fun. If your numbers are not very competitive now they will be and use that fact as motivation in your training.
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Post by shank on Jan 23, 2007 9:14:29 GMT -5
Great post, Greg. I may not have competed yet, but I know I don't plan on cutting weight for anything. I had a problem with eating disorders as a kid, and, to this day, I still think about it. I fight with myself every meal time. I've decided it's more important to feel good about myself (how I look, what I'm doing, etc) than the little number that pops up on the scale. I'm in this to lift and put forth the best effort I can, not to put my health at risk to be a certain weight. Good luck with your future endeavors in whatever weight class you lift in. Kick some royal butt!!
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Post by Greg Crook on Jan 23, 2007 9:35:36 GMT -5
Thank's Heather, going to do my best. You made a great point "I'm in this to lift and put forth the best effort I can". If I would have just said that I could have saved myself a lot of typing!
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Post by gopostal42 on Jan 23, 2007 16:32:35 GMT -5
lol, just have fun man. move really heavy stuff!
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Post by shank on Jan 23, 2007 20:17:36 GMT -5
Thank's Heather, going to do my best. You made a great point "I'm in this to lift and put forth the best effort I can". If I would have just said that I could have saved myself a lot of typing! Ah, but, Greg, all that typing helped send your message, plus it was good for you. You can also consider it GPP for the fingers. Good cardio workout for those little intrinsic hand muscles. ;D Hehe. |
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Post by Joey Smith on Jan 23, 2007 21:50:20 GMT -5
Greg it was great talking with you today bro....I look for big things from you my friend no matter what weight class your in....I enjoy reading your entries and learning from you....you are a great person and a great lifter....alot of people could learn alot from you on just being a great person that can touch people and make them beleive in themselves....thanks for all you do my friend....see you Friday....  |
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len
Fulltime Member
Posts: 113
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Post by len on Jan 24, 2007 12:20:12 GMT -5
I agree with you Greg and just made the same decision a few weeks ago at the beginning of the new year. I cut to 165 a few times a year but like you each time got harder. The last off cycle I went up to 183 and was actually considering dropping down to 165 to compete again. After thinking about it for a while I came to the same conclusion as you. For what? I am now planning to compete wherever I end up for a while and see where that road leads. The first test will be this weekend at Kyle's so we will see what happens. I wish you the best and have no doubt you will make an impact in whatever weight class you end up in.
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Post by Greg Crook on Jan 24, 2007 15:55:46 GMT -5
Derek,Heather,Jeoy, and Len thank you for the kind words. You wouldn't believe how good I felt after making the decision. Sharon was the most pleased, she wasn't looking forward to the 3 hr ride up to Kyle's at all, I had already started bitching and being a cry baby! I'm now just fat and sassy and the lightest 220'er I know.
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