7/5/16 Training Log Update
Sarah Walls
I've committed to and started training for my first powerlifting meet in 5-years. In the past I can't say I've ever really prepared to my fullest. My diet has always just "been" and I've competed at whatever my weight happened to be (which was always in the 165 class).
My training prep has always been good. Great planning, actually. But, I tweaked details too much and those were in the days when I had 2+ hours to burn lifting. I don't have that anymore.
So, as I was trying to figure out how to approach this, I decided if I'm going to compete again, I'm going to do it at a weight class where I may be able to be more competitive. I'm 5'10" and I figure I either need to go up to the 198+ or drop down to 148. And there ain't no way in hell I'm going to weigh almost 200lbs.
Okay. Easy decision. I'll go 148.
Next question: how am I going to get there and be strong? A couple years ago my weight was solidly between 145-148, but I was weak as a kitten. Can't have those shenanigans happening again. Another easy decision: hire a coach. Enter Tucker Loken. He specializes in diets for both powerlifters and bodybuilders. Awesome.
With my diet taken care of, I needed a great training plan. This is where I felt I need to fully step away. In the past, I've either written my plans myself or have made too many modifications to what was written. It leaves too much up for my own interpretations and whims. Plus, I need it to be someone else's challenge to figure out how to make me strong AF again.
Roughly, here's the approach running up to my October 29th meet:
- Work through 2 full prep cycles (each 10-weeks long)
- First cycle is to check max progress; I've lifted much heavier than am currently capable so I may regain strength really fast... but on the other hand, I've never lifted at this weight class
- Second cycle will be based off the more accurate maxes and lead into the meet
- Hit 275 deadlift (all-time best was 305) - this will require a 50lb improvement in 20-weeks
- Hit 148 bench press (all-time best was 170 raw) - this will require about a 25lb improvement
- All this while maintaining my running schedule (4-5 days per week)
- Aaaand dropping almost 10lbs of bodyweight
Now, I honestly don't know if this is a tall order or not. My first wave has gone really well. I feel great and am getting stronger. I think I'll have a good idea of how fast my body is adjusting when I start wave 2 next week.
If I don't hit these goals, no big deal. We'll just keep chopping away until I hit them. What else do I have to do? Nothin' but run businesses, raise kids, and train hard! Sounds like a great way to live.