Motivational Monday ~Never settle~

We are all guilty of getting frustrated or feeling defeated. Whether it be in life, in our job, in our past times and hobbies, in our families, in our faith ... whatever it might be, it happens  

Sometimes things don't go as expected or we don't get exactly what we expected and we suddenly become defeated. Saddened. Disappointed. Frozen (No, NOT the movie!!) .... Now what??

What you do next is what defines you as a person. Do you walk away, make excuses and give up??  Or do you fight HARDER from deep within for what you want?!

Where's your GRIT??!!

Look at it like this

My passion is lifting weights.  It takes work and dedication and a belief in myself regarding things that I thought were impossible!!!  But every day I get a little bit stronger and a little more confident!!!

I have good days and bad days as do we all.  But on my bad days, I remind myself I AM human, we all have off days and it's ok. I pick myself up and vow to be better next time!!  Those are the days that PUSH me to be better!!

Recently one of the guys I lift with saw an old squat video of me.  I didn't even remember what the weight was (145 - I looked it up! ha) ... But in comparison to what I do now... It was by all accounts "Baby weight".  He made reference to my chicken legs and we both laughed at what I had on the bar!  NOT to belittle anyone else... but because I have come so far since then!! BUT at the same time... you have to understand that on THAT day... I was strong!!  I was so proud of what I came to do and of the steps I took that day!  Flag nor fail told me to "kill it" that day.  (On Instagram!  I still have that screenshot!  And Rob Bailey may never know how MUCH that meant to me THAT DAY!!!). It meant so much to me.  It pushed me!!  And even though what I squatted is less than some people warm up with, for me it was one more step in the right direction :))

The thing is.... it didn't matter what I squatted that day... not in comparison to what everyone else did anyway.  Not that day!!!  Not for this girl who gets nervous even standing in front of five people, much less an entire room full of people who were markedly stronger than me!!!  What mattered is that I took a chance... I took a step.  I took a leap of faith into something I believe in for so many reasons... and I've never looked back!!!

Sometimes I catch myself getting caught up in what's going on around me and how much she squats or how much she benches.   And I can easily feel defeated.  But then I remind myself of where I've been... how far I've come... and the support and drive I've had behind me the entire journey!  (I have a SUPER supportive boyfriend and a GREAT team to lift with!!)

It's not about where you end up... we all want to hit big numbers and have records... but the important part is the journey.  The steps you took to get to where you are today. The people you've met all the way through.  And today... Are you better than you were yesterday!???  Cause if you are, you are a winner already!!!!  World record or not, no one can take away the character you build by pushing through adversity and always always believing in yourself!

As I said before... this doesn't just pertain to lifting weights, but in life as a whole!   Are you better today than you were yesterday??  When you fall down do you get back up and fight harder?!  Do you set goals for yourself and push through them?

Don't ever give up. Never settle. You can ALWAYS do more than you ever thought was possible

Just keep pushing and believing!!!!

I'm gonna keep on being me.  I'm gonna keep on pushing.  I'll keep motivating and driving anyone who chooses to be a part of my life.  I promise you that :))

Here's just a snippet of how far I've come and how much I've changed.  First video is my squat in Feb of 2013. Second is my squat last night.. May of 2014.  Just over one year of hard work and dedication. I may not squat as much as so-n-so does... BUT you can't deny I'm better today than I was "yesterday"

BElieve in YOUrself!!!

Look at my little tiny legs... and those little tiny weights... 145  ;-)

Now here is my squat from last night...... 240!!!  Best  Squat  Ever!!!  (still getting used to wraps so there is a little riding the squat down... but otherwise, I'm pretty happy with it!! And I can't WAIT to get more!!)

Star struck... bench shirts... and giving back!

Powerlifters are awesome!!! (In case you missed the memo!)

Out of the millions of reasons that I enjoy powerlifting,

 this... 

THIS RIGHT HERE 

is what really defines the sport as AWESOME!!!

I just might have one of the most heart warming stories ever.   For me anyway...
Like seriously....
I might have cried.  Well - OK - I DID cry.  (shocking I know!)

~Shut the front door... Powerlifters don't cry!!~

Backstory:

So weeks ago, Brad and I had tossed around ideas about me getting a bench shirt.
(for non-powerlifting nerds, google "bench shirt". 

"A bench shirt is a stiff supportive shirt, used to improve performance in the bench press, most often in powerlifting competitions.")  
I've never used gear... of any kind... other than a bottom of the line hand me down squat suit in the gym for some overloading.  Never on bench.

But after some browsing around on several sites, Brad came across this BRIGHT PINK SUPER KATANA bench shirt!!!  Sooooo me!!!  Bad-ass and PINK!!!
For those that don't know - the Super Katana multi-ply shirt is a BEAST of a shirt and runs quite expensive.  Being that I have never benched in a shirt, it's not one I would run out and buy first thing.
BUT the one for sale on eBay was well under the face value of one of those shirts!

So I bid on it.

And won.

And after the auction I got an email from the seller.
(here's where the story gets good!)

The POWERLIFTING girl that emailed me has worn this shirt in competitions and has benched a max of 360!!  I was immediately kinda star struck.  And googled her of course.
Her name is Anastassia Tressler
(feel free to google her also!)
Anyway - she sent a very sweet email about the shirt to which I replied that I hoped it would fit and that I had never worn gear before and was so excited to try it out.  (I also confessed to YouTube stalking her!  ha)
*God bless the Internet*
Anyway....
She replied in another super sweet email and wished me luck on my bench.

Now THIS is where the story gets REAL good!

Today I came home from work to a package!  I was so excited to open it and try it on!

When I opened the package, I pulled out this cute little yellow envelope with my name on it.


An invoice? A card? A "nice doing business with you" note maybe/??
Then I pull out that beautiful BRIGHT pink shirt.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
But wait........
There was something else in the package.
I pull out yet ANOTHER bench shirt.  A black one.

Wait..... WHAT?!
I was confused.

So I opened that pretty yellow envelope.
It was a hand written thank you note from Ms. Anastassia.
But it wasn't just any thank you note.
I don't want to type it word for word because I don't want to take away the precious thought behind it OR impose on Ms. Tressler.
But I will give you the gist.

She said that she hopes I LOVE the shirt and that she has also included her VERY FIRST BENCH SHIRT!!  What?!!  It is a single-ply shirt which she advised me to start in before putting on that pretty pink beast!  She went on to say that she had been given so much as a powerlifter and now it's her turn!  *tear*  Seriously!!!!!!!
I mean are there ANY better people out there than powerlifters????

I don't know if you understand what I'm saying here......
Please allow me to re-cap!

I bought a VERY EXPENSIVE AWESOME multi-ply Super Katana bench shirt on eBay for much less than what it's worth.  It was worn by a chick who is a geared powerlifting bad-ass!  She sold it to me and then threw in another shirt, a single ply Katana to start out in.  Which is thoughtful in itself, being that THAT shirt is also a bad-ass shirt and still costs more than what I paid for the other shirt!  But please don't leave out the fact that this is HER OWN PERSONAL VERY FIRST BENCH SHIRT!!!!!!!  *tear*
And then there's the note.  The sweet inspiring motivating note...... telling me to keep in touch and she's expecting big numbers from me!

I'm in awe.
That is all.

Powerlifters are freaking BEASTS and freaking AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have some BIG numbers to live up to!
Can't WAIT to get in the gym tomorrow night........ for my "shoulders" night!  uh hemmm 
maybe not!  ;-)

*sidenote*  I hope she doesn't ask for said shirts back when she realizes what MY raw bench is now!!!  (eeeeek!)   I've got a long way to go and a lot of work to put in!!!!

Never surrender

My life has been a series of "Never Give Up"'s

I suppose almost everyone can say that in some respect

Some speed bumps are given by life on a silver platter, and some are mere repercussions to decisions made

I look back through the years and it seems like since moving out at 18 - it's been one test of survival after another...

Raising a child... Going back to school... Divorce... Changing careers... Being betrayed... Being lied to... buying my first vehicle... becoming a home owner...
and now.... being a Powerlifter!!
None of these things were/are easy!

Don't get me wrong, there is LOTS of good in life.  I'm not THAT negative to believe that!  And I'm very thankful for that.  But even with the good, it seems there is almost always an underlying challenge screaming... DON'T GIVE UP!

Life's Challenges!

I had another mock meet this weekend. This is basically a powerlifting test to see where your current maxes sit... how much weight can you move when tested?!

Mine did not go so well.
Take a gander.....

And when I say that... Please allow me to put it n perspective without bogging you down in numbers and lingo.  My bench press is always my MOST disappointing lift.  Period.  I toy around with squats, some days better than others.. and I ALWAYS love deadlifts!!  But bench... Oh that dang bench. It sucks the life from me.  To the point of bringing me to tears.  Not "poor me" sad tears... But tears of anger and frustration.  Tears!!  

This usually leaves me with an "I'm too old for this.. new for this... terrible at this" mentality.  

Which is even MORE frustrating

My very first meet was in December of 2012.  I benched 85 (and probably had 90 in me, but jumped to 95 and missed it).  NOW... in September of 2013.... Almost 9 months later... I can get 95. MAYBE 100 on a good day.  That's 10 possibly 15 pounds on a GOOD DAY, added to my bench in 9 months.  TERRIBLE!!!!  Just terrible
It's a terrible return for my investment!

So when I finished Sunday night, I WAS in tears.
YES.  HELL YES I WAS!!!!!

I don't handle failure well.  I just don't.
I believe I can do ANYTHING. And I don't take no for an answer!

So why the CRAP am I crying??!!!

Yeh Tammy.  Why?!

So I wiped my face and though the encouragement and support of friends and getting online to seek advice, I have picked myself up off the ground and set myself upon a new plan. 

What you learn through time... and trial and error - in powerlifting, and LIFE - is what works for you and what doesn't!!!!

I know I'm still learning - I'm still a baby in the powerlifting world

I know I have to get my bench form perfected or its not going to go anywhere.   I have done accessory after accessory exercise, gaining strength with every lift... but without the right form for me, it's just gonna sit there

I have found a new DETERMINATION and MOTIVATION in the gym!  There is a fire in my soul that WILL figure this out and light that bench on fire!!  I will!!

Back to the drawing board with new goals, a new plan, a bigger fire... And my NEVER SETTLE attitude!!!

We have to face life in every aspect in this way.... otherwise life and every challenge you face will simply run you right over!!

So join me in starting this week with a positive NEVER SURRENDER I can accomplish anything mentality.
I will not let an exercise or a person or ANYTHING else get the best of me!

At the edge.... never a DULL moment

Maybe I talk too much
Maybe I say things before first passing them through a filter
Maybe I don't have a filter
Maybe I give my opinion when I should just be quiet
Maybe everyone doesn't WANT to hear MY story
Maybe I talk too much
tell too much
care too much
think other people care too much

But I don't care.
really...
I am who I am
I do what I do

There is no maliciousness is what I do or why I do it.
just me
Never a dull moment!

Foot in mouth or up my butt.
Whatever.

Some time ago I took up a sport that I would have never have imagined for me.
Powerlifting.  YES.
I'm 37 years old.... I'm a MOM....
I drank magnesium citrate this weekend in order to "make weight"...
YES... I'm a POWERLIFTER!
It's not something I would have ever imagined for me.
But it's perfect for me.... it's the epitome of pushing myself to the limit!

I have a mock meet tonight..... and I'm trying REALLY hard not to think about it!

I love the sport.  I do
I love pushing myself to the edge of what my limits appear to hold.

But the TESTING of my limits..... makes me sick.
Makes me nervous
People watching me... judging me... testing me.... makes my stomach flip upside down!!

But I will do it.  Cause I'm supposed to.  It's part of my program.
I'll do it.  I'll push myself and test myself and then I'll either be the happiest girl alive... or I'll punish myself for not being good enough.
It's what I do.
It's how I cope
I am my OWN WORST critic BY FAR!!!  There was a time when I couldn't squat plates (135)   But now I can do that easy... in warm ups.  But surprisingly.... THAT doesn't matter anymore.  What matters is I can't get 185 again... easy!!!  I know I CAN do it.  I should be squatting 200 easy by now.  I should be.
((Here I go again..... rather comparing myself NOW to myself BEFORE.... I tend to compare myself NOW to OTHER people NOW!  And it infuriates me... and DRIVES me to be better right?!!))

Never a dull moment!!!!

I do things that most won't......

Speaking of that....
we visited Waverly Hills this weekend.
Do you know what Waverly Hills is?

it's THIS!!!
an old TB Hospital where they treated people with TB.  People died like in flocks there..... there's even a death tunnel where they rolled them underground and out so that others didn't see the massive number of people DYING!!!!!
Patients were crazy.. and were experimented on....
The place is dubbed (almost) #1 MOST HAUNTED place in America.

We went on a 4 hour tour of the place.

The place IS MASSIVE!!!  You need WAY more time than 4 hours to go through it.
We had a guide that told us stories about some of the deaths there  (suicide, abortion etc.) .... he brought up some shadow apparitions to show us... he had them light up boxes and set off alarms on the boxes and some talked to us through a radio.

We walked that DARK DARK underground death tunnel.  (we turned out all of our lights and stood in the middle... you have never SEEN dark like that!)  We saw bats by the flocks... We saw the morgue.  I laid in a death tray.  (where they laid the dead bodies in the morgue before they rolled them out).  We visited the electro shock room.  It was crazy!!!

I don't know that I'm any MORE or LESS of a believer after the tour....... but it was something I had wanted to do!!!  CHECK

And I also know what a bat looks like up close and personal!!!  And how it feels to have one buzz your head!!  LOL

NEVER a dull moment!!!

Now I must set down the laptop and go prepare myself for this night.... of lifting and breaking PR's!!

I"ll let you guys know later how things go!

Cube Method ~Week Nine~ Out with a BANG!

 Training Log - The Cube Method

Preparing for BATTLE...my Journey in Powerlifting

WEEK NINE
(FINAL week before deload prep for Mock Meet!) Ending this cycle with a BANG!!! You'll see...

My weights are based off my max lifts, whether they be in the gym or in training.

Squat - 185, Bench - 105, Deadlift - 240

Week 9
(You can go back through my blog if you want to read all of the training logs that got me to this point!)

I'm already getting butterflies just thinking about it... as I type this blog... ONE WEEK from testing myself, I could literally just be sick!  I always get this way before a meet.  First of all - It makes me a nervous wreck to be up in front of people.  At the same time, it's SO exhilarating when everyone cheers for you as you take the platform.  Second.... It is TRULY a testament to your training!!!  And although everyone usually FEELS like you're training hard throughout the cycle, getting on that platform to PROVE it is the God's honest TRUTH about where you stand and how HARD you fought to get here... it's that all telling MOMENT
And it scares me to death.
My mock meet will be held at our own gym and with all the guys I train with on a regular basis... so the being in front of people anxiety should not be so bad.  But I know me... and I'm sure I'll be just as nervous!

ALSO - I'm really close to my competition weight right now... with no real strict watch on my diet.
But B-rad feels like I should use this "mock" opportunity to try to do a strict cut.
Our last actual meet, I did a NO-CARB diet for 3 weeks prior to the meet.  I dropped almost 15 pounds and was really close to dropping a weight class.  BUT my lift numbers were down... I don't know if it was because of my diet, or because the meet for me was one flub up after another throwing me off my game.
So manipulating my diet one week out should be interesting this time.. to see how it affects me.

WHICH MEANS....
tonight is my last night to eat....
well... I mean... to eat like I like to eat!  ha ha
We are going to do a strict diet and water manipulation starting tomorrow... to see how well I can cut and see how well I can recomp prior to the actual meet!

So anyway.... this is my last log before deload and diet manipulation.... I'll keep you posted on how that is going and then of course..... MY RESULTS.... next Sunday night

Rep squats
Foam rolling/stretching
Band pull aparts 100
*I have been toying around with a wide stance squat... it really is starting to feel good.  I hope I can get the weight up to my max at my previous stance...*
Wide stance squat:  Bar x 8, 65 x 5, 95 x 5, 115 x 2, 135 x 1, 155 x 1, 175 - FAIL, 175 x 1 (no depth!)
Rep wide stance squats:  95 x 10, 95 x 8
Wrapped my knees and hit 155 x 2 to depth
SSB Good Mornings 60 x 8, 70 x 8, 80 x 8
SSB Olympic Squat 80 x 5 x 3, 90 x 5 x 2
Leg extension  3 x 15  (2 @ 25#, 1 @ 35#)
Plank 1 minute w/ 45# plate

Heavy bench
Foam rolling/stretching
Band Pull aparts - 100
*I've been off the flat bench for weeks, since this is the week before my meet, I decided to test the flat bench out... Here goes nothing!*
Flat bench:  bar x 10, 55 x 5, 65 x 5, 75 x 3, 90 x 1, 100 x 1, 105 - failed x TWO!  (GRRRRRRRRRRR)
85 x 3 x 3, 85 x 5 x 1 *stopped 1 inch from chest*

Incline DB 3 x15 (20#)
Military 3 x 8  (45#)
DB shrugs 3 x 15 (40#)
Band pull downs 3 x 15
Rear delt raise 3 x 10

Here is my 100 BENCH.... that darn elusive 100........ it did feel a LITTLE easier this time...

Deadlift
Foam rolling/stretching
Band Pull aparts - 100
*Texas Deadlift Bar * Pulled ALL SUMO tonight again
Deadlift - work up... 135x5, 155 x 3, 185x 2, 205 x 2, 225 x 1, 255 x 1  **NEW PR!**

Put on the ol' INZER here to try out some overloading... with the straps up!  YIKES!  I had never done this before.... boy it's a PAIN to get down to that bar in that suit....
Tried 275... FAILED.  I think it was mostly because I was fighting against the suit to get in position instead of working WITH the suit. So I tried it again
275 - SUCCESS!  x 1

My 275 lift success is a bit hitched yes... But I still LOVE IT!  WHY?!!  Because my right hand is my OVER hand and I REGRETFULLY forgot to cut my fingernails before deadlift night.  So even with powdered legs, that hand full of nails sunk into my thigh skin on the way up.... I just ripped it out and kept going!  This picture HARDLY does the blood justice!
Real nice....... BATTLE WOUNDS!!!

After this... dropped back down and repped out 225 x 7


 Since I was already in the suit and getting used to having those hateful straps up... We decided to squat some more for my accessory work (and it's always good to get some more squatting in!)

Wide stance squats in INZER single-ply suit
95 x 5, 135 x 2, 165 x 1, 185 x 1, 205 x 1, 225 - failed to hit depth

Put a fork in me.... DONE for the night
Hips are SMOKED!!!!!!  :)

Heres a couple of videos.....

My new PR of 255 on deadlift
*Keep in mind I just started Sumo form about half way through this cycle... and I've already passed my previous conventional PR in training!*


Hitting 275 in a suit *ugly and hitched a bit... but it's my first deadlift in a suit!*

205 squat in the mean ol' suit!  This might be one of my FAVORITE videos EVER!!!

Bodybuilding Night
Pull aparts 100
*this is my last "official" lifting night on the Cube before mock.  So for my accessory body building night... I went a BIT crazy.  The boys are running Sheiko.. so as my bodybuilding accessory work, I did Sheiko!  :)*
Here's how it went!
It ended up being like a THREE hour workout on Friday night........ with a BLOWN OUT pair of shorts to show for it!!!  Cuz that's how I roll!
A total of 16 squat sets were done with a grand total of 56 squats.... and some bench thrown in too!
SHEIKO
Squat:  80 x 5, 95 x 4, 110 x 3 x 2, 125 x 2 x 5.
Bench: 50 x 5, 60 x 4, 70 x 3 x 2, 80 x 2 x 2, 75 x 3 , 65 x 5, 55 x 7
Dumbbell flys - 10 x 5
Squat:  80 x 5, 95 x 5 x 2, 110 x 4 x 4!!  *ouch!*
**I did every single squat wide stance**

Also - just for fun... in one of my first sets of wide-stance squats... as I hit depth - I blew out my shorts.  Don't worry though - I finished my set... cheeks out and ALL!  I finished the work out in blown out shorts with first of all a t-shirt around my waist.... then B-rad got me his squat suit which is entirely GIANT on me.  I put that on over my shorts and held it up with my SpudInc belt!!
Good thing we ARE here to work and NOT for a fashion show!!  ha ha
Cause I of course had NO back up clothing in my bag.
Lesson learned
Tell me THAT'S not dedication and HARD CORE!!!  LOL ...... I dare ya!  ;-)




Here's my 110 x 4 Wide Stance!  Keep in mind I've been doing wide stance squats for.. 2 weeks/maybe 3?

So that concludes this cycle of THE CUBE METHOD........
that's it folks.
All she wrote.
Starting tomorrow...... I'll be in hell...... and likely be an evil WENCH by week end from lack of carbs.
But hey..... I'll make weight and then I'm gonna KILL SOME WEIGHTS come next Sunday

I know you'll be on the edge of your seats waiting to hear my results!!!!!!
I'm just happy Monday after that is Labor Day...... REST DAY!

Cube Method training ~Week Eight

Training Log - The Cube Method

Preparing for BATTLE...
my Journey in Powerlifting

WEEK EIGHT
(only ONE to go before MOCK MEET!)

My weights are based off my max lifts, whether they be in the gym or in training.

Squat - 185
Bench - 105
Deadlift - 240

Week 8

Week 1 - find it here.. Cube method - Week one
Week 2 - found here...   Cube Method - week two
Week 3 - found here... Cube method - Week Three
Week 4 - here...  Cube Method - Week Four
Week 5 - HERE... Cube Method - Week Five
Week 6 - found here.... Cube Method - week six
Week 7 - find it here.. Cube Method - Week Seven

This - Week EIGHT - is probably one of THE best weeks I have had in my training thus far.  Mentally... By that I mean, I am having fun... I am actually ENJOYING my work outs.  I'm doing stuff I couldn't do before.  I'm getting stronger and I can actually feel it and see it!!  It's crazy!
I mean - before... I could theoretically look back at my old lifts and by the numbers, I could see that I have to be stronger.  Logically.  But through this weeks training - I actually FEEL stronger!  I can do things I NEVER thought I would be able to do!
And for me...... THAT is untouchable!

So here we go.........

Explosive squats
Foam rolling/stretching
Band pull aparts 100
*since I've gone heavy the past few weeks in the squat suit, I decided to truly do explosive work with lighter weight this week.  And it felt GREAT!*
Squat 5 x 2 @ 70%  (125#)
Olympic squat 5 x 5  (2@80#, 3@90#)
Leg extension 4 x 15
Leg curl 3 x 12
KB swings  3 x 15
Plank - 1 minute 45#

Rep bench
Foam rolling/stretching
Band Pull aparts - 100
*once again - I'm banned from the flat bench.... here's hoping this brings up my bench!*
Incline bench - 45 x 5, 55 x 5, 60 x 5, 65 x 3, 70 x 3, 75 x 3, 80 x 3, 85 x 2, 90 x 1.   AND......... it felt so good I decided to see if I could push it.... 95 x 1  *New Rep PR*!!!  If I can hit 95 on incline - I SHOULD be able to hit 100+ EASY on the dad-blame FLATBENCH!!!  right!!??
Incline DB 3 x15 (20#)
Military 3 x 8  (45#)
DB shrugs 3 x 15 (35#, 40#, 45#)  
Band pull downs 4 x 25
Kroc rows 3 x 8 (35#)

Plank 1:30 (25# plate)   *lowered the weight, lengthened the time*

HEAVY Deadlift

Foam rolling/stretching
Band Pull aparts - 100
*Texas Deadlift Bar * Pulled ALL SUMO tonight to work up heavy off 4" blocks
Deadlift - work up... 135x5, 155 x 3, 185x1, 205 x 1, 225 x 1,  245 x 1, 275 x 1 and 300 x 1!!!
whoooooooo hoooooooooo!!!!
Here's VIDEO!!!

275 went pretty easy... 300 was a bit more a challenge... but good indicator that strength is coming up!!!

Dead sumo 165 x 5 x 3
Deadlift to knees (this is done from the ground with a good pause at the knee before pulling all the way up!)
135 x 3 x 2.... for my last set - I repped it out... felt great.  135 x 12!

Rows 3 x 8 (75#)
SSB Wide Stance squat  60 x 5, 70 x 5, 80 x 5, 90 x 5, 110 x 1, 130 x 1, 140 x 1
Back raises 3 x 15

Bodybuilding Night
Pull aparts 100
Military 25 x 10, 35 x 8, 45 x 8, 60 x 5 x 5, 70 x 1, 80 - FAILED   Grrrrrrrrr
Incline DB  20 x 15, 25 x 10 x 2, 30 x 6
Calf raises 60
"Jose" Leg Extensions   15 bottom half, 15 top half, 5 full.    3 sets

I am now ONE more training week out from my MOCK meet for the Cube.
Feeling pretty good although thinking about that DANG bench still gives me butterflies.  I haven't flat benched in WEEKS... but my overhead press and my incline bench press have both gone up and gotten stronger.... soooooooo - Here's hoping!!
I feel stronger, just hope it SHOWS on the flat bench!

I also sent my baby boy off to college this week.  Everyone was betting I wouldn't make it to the gym for bodybuilding night after spending a day moving my baby boy out.
But I DID!
We got everything moved and got him settled him in and ready for big boy life!!!

(this might be the cleanest his dorm ever looks... with his AWESOME quilt!! )

I did a little blog about him leaving home... you can also check it out here!
Sending my baby off to college



Let's get it started this week.....  Work HARD and prepare for that platform

OHHHHHHHHHH - also......... BONUS!!!!
We competed in an APA meet back in June and they finally got the KY records updated!!!
Look at me..... Holding Records!!!!
just Kentucky records.... and they are not anywhere NEAR some of the other federation records in Kentucky.... but they are on the books none-the-less.... and I am proud!!!
Because LESS than a year ago - those didn't exist!!
It may be small and a loooooong way from BIG - but I am slowly building a "Tammy Green" in the powerlifting world.
I couldn't be more happy!

Cube Method - week Seven

Training Log - The Cube Method

Preparing for BATTLE...
my Journey in Powerlifting

WEEK SEVEN


(as previously stated)  My weights are based off my max lifts, whether they be in the gym or in training.
Squat - 185
Bench - 105
Deadlift - 240


Week 7


Week 1 - find it here.. Cube method - Week one
Week 2 - found here...   Cube Method - week two
Week 3 - found here... Cube method - Week Three
Week 4 - here...  Cube Method - Week Four
Week 5 - HERE... Cube Method - Week Five
Week 6 - found here.... Cube Method - week six

I'm feeling pretty good in my training these days... I have refused to try to TOUCH any singles on the bench for weeks now... Some days it's INSANELY irritating... but my overhead press and my incline DB press is getting bigger... so HOW could I NOT increase on bench?!  Right??  I mean, it makes sense in theory... but for some reason, my bench continues to defy any rationality in reasoning whatsoever!!!
So I just keep pushing on!!!
Squats and deadlifts are coming up little by little, so I'm still making progress overall.
And darnit  - that bench WILL come along!

So here we go.........

Heavy squats

Foam rolling/stretching
Band pull aparts 100

*After playing in the squat suit last week, and it being heavy night, I decided to get back in the suit.  But I did my raw work sets first before going real heavy in the suit.*
Squat - 1 @ 90% (155#); 1 @ 92.5% (160#); 1 @ 95% (165) All without knee wraps!
 MAX EFFORT  1 x 185!!! (with knee wraps!)
*this is the first time I have hit 185 raw since working out at Berea with Lilly... this rep was MUCH needed for my mentality in training!*
{Into squat suit here}   1 x 185, 1 x 205
I was then instructed on my squat form.  I'm not sitting back enough... my legs are not staying upright enough... knees not pushing out enough... etc. etc. etc.
{Off with the squat suit}
I then proceeded to do BOX SQUATS for 1 MILLION reps trying to get improved form....
blahhhhhhhhhh boring 135 box squats!!
I did (I hope) eventually start sitting back a bit more... but I struggle so much with this... it just doesn't feel natural to me... I feel like I'm falling.... and I panic.  GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Moved on then to some leg extension   3 x 20
Frustrated... I packed up after that... feeling like my heavy squat night was a BOMB!   even with the 185 squat on the record!

Here is my 205 in gear video   ( I did 225 last week , but shut down this week to work on form )

And HERE is my 185 squat... it's right at parallel, need to work a bit more on depth - but overall - I'm just happy that I FINALLY hit it again!!

Explosive bench
Foam rolling/stretching
Band Pull aparts - 100
*once again - I'm banned from the flat bench.... here's hoping this brings up my bench!*
Incline bench - 45 x 6, 55 x 5, 60 x 5, 65 x 3, 70 x 3, 75 x 3, 80 x 3 (increase my 2 reps to 3 reps this week!)   AND....... 85 x4  *New Rep PR*!!!
Incline DB 3 x15 (20#)
Military 2 x 6, 2 x 8  (45#)
DB shrugs 3 x 15  
Band pull downs 4 x 25
Kroc rows 3 x 8 (35#)

Plank 1 min (45# plate)

Deadlift

Foam rolling/stretching
Band Pull aparts - 100
*we switched over to the Texas Deadlift Bar last week for the remainder of the cycle*
Deadlift - work up... 95x5(conv) x5 (sumo), 135x3(conv) x3(sumo),185x2 (sumo), 205 x 1 (sumo) 1 (conv), 225 x 1 (sumo),  235 x 2 (sumo) *left some in the tank for a PR*.....

**DEADLIFT - 250 x 1 (SUMO)!!!!  whooooo hoooooo  SUMO and ALL TIME PR!!!  **
 This was my goal for the YEAR!!!  Whaaaaaaa??!!
Time to set a new one!!!
Stick a fork in me here!!!  I'm done.  Pack my bag - it gets no better than that!!!  ha ha
kidding!
moving on.......

Dead sumo 145 x 8 x 3
Leg extension 3 x 15
Rows 3 x 8 (75#)
Stiff leg deads - 3 x 8 (95#)

Check out my WAR WOUNDS from some deadlifting!!!!

Here is video of my 235 x 2

and my SUMO and ALL TIME BEST 250 x 1!!

Bodybuilding Night
*We worked out at a different gym tonight to avoid the drive and to get home to watch some CAPO lifting!*
Calf raises - 75
Plate loaded lat pull downs  3 x 15   (45# plates)
Bicep curls 3 x 20
Tricep skull crushers  3 x 10
Standing DB military press - 3 x 15 (20#)
Leg press machine - 3 x 5 regular stance, 3 x 5 wide stance.... these were heavy weighted and taken very deep!!

TWO weeks out from our MOCK meet for the Cube.
Feeling pretty good although this week of training doesn't look like that much on paper!
I did hit some PR's - but it looks like my accessory work is lacking.
Better hit it HARD next week!!!!

We also spent some time.... ha ha - more like ALL NIGHT LONG watching CAPO Saturday night into Sunday morning!!!  It was SURREAL to watch so I can ONLY imagine what it was like to be there!!!  BIG shout out and CONGRATULATIONS to all the Juggernauts and Animal Pak boys... but ESPECIALLY our BOY - BRANDON LILLY!!!!  He pulled off a phenomenal 2237 pounds!!!  843/579/815

No man I know has more passion, love, belief and heart about powerlifting than this man!
Congrats LILLY - you earned every pound with blood, sweat, tears and SACRIFICE!!

Cube Method - Week Six

Training Log - The Cube Method

Preparing for BATTLE...
my Journey in Powerlifting

WEEK SIX

(as previously stated)  My weights are based off my max lifts, whether they be in the gym or in training.
Squat - 185
Bench - 105
Deadlift - 240

Week 6


Week 1 - you can find it here.. Cube method - Week one
Week 2 - can be found here...   Cube Method - week two
Week 3 - found here... Cube method - Week Three
Week 4 - here...  Cube Method - Week Four
Week 5 - HERE... Cube Method - Week Five

Going into this week - I was really frustrated with my training and gains.  I know to some people, when I tell them my lifts, it sounds impressive.  But to me... I guess I expect too much?  When I look at where I started and where I am now... I feel like I should be better!  YES - I've made gains... but it's not enough!  I'm not satisfied!!!
I know I haven't been lifting for THAT long... and I am thrilled with my gains, don't get me wrong.... but at the same time, I feel like with the hard work and time, I should be better than what my numbers reflect!!!  Just getting really frustrated.... especially with my BENCH gains.... or LACK thereof!!!!!

So here we go.........

Rep squats
Foam rolling/stretching
Band pull aparts 100

*So when I got to the gym, Travis, one of the guys we work out with, brought in an old Inzer squat suit of his.  His TINY squat suit... that he wore a few pounds ago.  They thought it would be a good idea for me to try it out.  Now I don't know who made squat suits or if they INTENDED a woman's HIPS to fit in there... but trust me - it was not an easy feat!!!  But somehow I got in it!!!  Had alot of fun once I got it on.  For more details about my squat suit lifting... check out THIS BLOG, about ALL that junk.... in my truck (HAHAHA) with more detail!!!
So moving on to my lifts!!!*



Squat IN SQUAT SUIT!!  135 x 6,  155 x 6,  185 x 2,  200 x 1,  225 x 1  (My max raw is 185, so THIS was awesome to have on my back!!)
Took the suit off after this and continued with my regularly scheduled program!
Squat (raw)  1 x 6 @ 80% (135#) NO knee wraps

SSB Olympic squats 3 x 8 (80#)
SSB Good Mornings 3 x 8 (80#)
Leg Extension 3 x15

Plank - 1 min (+45# plate)

*This whole squat suit thing was a much needed mood enhancer for me!  Felt pretty good after this night and it's technically HEAVY squat night next week so.... maybe I can play again!*

Here's a couple videos!!!  Cause I was excited.... and maybe a bit proud!!

This is 185 x 2

 

This is 225 for one!!!!  MOST I've tried to squat!!!

Heavy bench
Foam rolling/stretching
Band Pull aparts - 100
*once again - I'm banned from the flat bench.... here's hoping this brings up my bench!*
Incline bench - 45 x 6, 55 x 5, 60 x 4, 65 x 2, 70 x 2, 75 x 2, 80 x 2, 85 x 2
Incline DB 2 x15
Military 3 x 12
DB shrugs 3 x 15  
Band pull downs 4 x 20
Kroc rows 3 x 8 (35#)

Plank 1 min (45# plate)

Deadlift
Foam rolling/stretching
Band Pull aparts - 100
*we switched over to the Texas Deadlift Bar this week for the remainder of the cycle*
Deadlift - work up... 95x5(conv) x5 (sumo), 135x3(conv) x3(sumo),185x2 (sumo), 205 x 3 (sumo), 225 x 1 (sumo).  Failed 245 and 235 sumo.  I thought my HIPS would explode!  OUCH!!!
Dead sumo 125 x 10 x 3  (sumo)
Power Cleans with the small bar + 25's.  3 x 3
Rows 55 x 8 x 3
Leg extension 3 x 15

Here's some SUMO reps.... My hips were KILLIN which you can clearly tell after I finish my reps in this video!

Bodybuilding Night
Foam rolling/stretching
Band Pull aparts - 100

**Once again, focusing on that upper body!**

Military - 25 x 8, 35 x 8, 45 x 8, 55 x 5 x 5, 65 x 1, 75 x 1  (75 is most I have done on overhead).  Tried to hit 80 and just missed it!
Incline DB  20# x 15, 25# x 10 x 2, 30 x 5
Calf Raises 60
DB Bicep Hammers  3 x 8
Tricep skull crushers 3 x 15
Leg extension 3 x 20 (25#)
Front squat holds with 135 x 2, 95 x 2 (held it longer!)
Plank (with 25# plate)  1 min.  *Just used 25 instead of 45 here since I did other ab work, amazing how much lighter that 25 felt after doing 45 plates!  crazy!

Felt a little better after my training this week........
We are THREE weeks out from another MOCK meet for the Cube Method.
I'm really going to push my upper body work for the next few weeks and HOPE I can make some pretty big gains there.   I'm also hoping that getting used to having heavier weight on my back with the suit will give me more confidence on my squat!   Deadlift.... well switching to Sumo pulls can go either way.... UP or down?!  Only time will tell!

A side note...... if you are looking for a good protein bar .... B-rad has been hearing RAVE reviews on the Quest bars.  We picked up a few and this white chocolate raspberry bar is TO DIE FOR!!!!!!
Check it out!
YUM YUM YUM!!!!!!!!

Stagnant and GRAY.... with a side of PINK!

I lift weights.

I train. 

I sweat. 

I bleed.

I have calluses on my hands.

I prefer sports bras over real bras.

I push myself harder than others.

I hold myself to a higher standard.

I AM my own worst critic. 

I am my own worst enemy. 

I expect to be THE best at every thing I do!!

I. 

AM. 

HARD!!!!

(and impatient!)

And inside... I AM still a girl.  

I get frustrated. 

I get disappointed. 

And yes, it makes me SO mad that sometimes... yes... I might shed a few water droplets!!

I make the mistake (OFTEN) of comparing myself and my progress to others... because why not?!  Why not me?!  If they are capable, why not me??  Don't we breathe the same air and talk the same talk and walk the same walk?!  Don't we??!!

So I look at these girls who bench this and squat that...
some have been lifting quite a bit longer than me and some just a little longer than me. ... But always.... MORE than me!!

And I'm over here like "I'm putting in the work... I'm working HARD.  I'm benching and squatting and deadlifting like a DUDE.  But I still paint my nails, and color my hair and wear pink... I'm still a GIRL!!"

 

I know.

I know... 

NOT to compare to others.... But HELLO, I'm a competitive girl - lifting in a competitive world!!  (I just sang "living in a material world" to that sentence.. And now so are you!  "Cause we are living in a COMPETITIVE world... and I am a COMPETITIVE girl!"  Did you sing it??  You're welcome!) ...anywho... I know you're not supposed to do that.  So sometimes I redirect those thoughts to "am I better today than I was yesterday?"

And as of late... I'm having a hard time convincing myself that I am!

Yeh I'm more tone. 

Yup I'm better in my form than when I started (still FAR from perfect).

I know more inspirational people. 

I can talk about the sport with more knowledge. 

My brain is bigger

My quads are bigger

My BUTT is bigger

Even my tiny little biceps are bigger

But the problem....

My lifts are NOT!!!

They are going nowhere

And fast!!!

As you recall, I did a mock meet back in April where I tested my maxes.  

Here is what I walked away with

Bench - 105 (10 pound pr) 

Squat - 185 (45 pound pr)

Deadlift - 230 (5 pound pr)

Since then... I have run through The Cube cycle an entire time again...  tested again with results that are nothing to brag about (although my body weight was about 11 pounds lighter!)

Bench went back down 10 pounds. Squat down 25 pounds. And dead only went up 10

We are now half way through another cycle of The Cube, and once again I tried to test my max on bench... and I FAILED at MISERABLY.

So I'm in the midst of having a FULL BLOWN "GIRL" breakdown!!!
I work out with guys.  All guys. 
NO girls there...... ZERO.
So when I break down and get frustrated I really have no one to "understand" and ya know....
"feel ya dawg!"

What is a girl to do??

Something has got to give somewhere...... I guess you can always go harder... but I'm at a loss.
This program I'm running works for so many people

WHAT is my problem???

I'm not slacking.   I'm not cutting corners.  I'm doing the work!!
And my bench is MOST disappointing for me.

So anyway - I said all that to say this.

I'm very frustrated in my gym efforts.  I'm very disappointed in my lifts.
And I don't know what to do to fix them right now.

Other than..... keep going hard.  Keep pushing.
And somehow figure out what the @(#*$&#$(*&#$ is WRONG with what I'm doing!!!

So in the meantime, I'll just be over here being a GIRL!!!!
All PINK and GRAY......

Cube Method - Week Four

Training Log - The Cube Method

Preparing for BATTLE...
my Journey in Powerlifting

WEEK FOUR

(as previously stated)  My weights are based off my max lifts, whether they be in the gym or in training.
Squat - 185
Bench - 105
Deadlift - 240

Week 4


Week 1 - you can find it here.... Cube method - Week one
Week 2 - can be found here...   Cube Method - week two
Week 3 - found here... Cube method - Week Three

Before I start with my log for this past week, I'm just gonna put this out there.... I SUCK at dieting!!  I've been somewhat off kilter this week... I think mainly because I'm not dieting well and it not only makes me feel like crap physically - but also mentally.  It makes me feel like I'm failing myself.  I constantly convince myself that I'm still eating better than I could be eating... so it's not THAT bad.  It's just an excuse ... to be lazy... and not hold myself accountable for what I'm putting in my body.
I'm not talking about a chip here and there... I'm talking about going to the movies and eating Sweettarts, gummy bears, and Starburst.. on top of drinking THREE Mt Dews already that day!  TERRIBLE!
So I've spent my day today in the kitchen... trying to do a little meal prep!

Heavy squats
Foam rolling/stretching
Band Pull aparts - 100
Squat 1 x 2 @ 85% (150) NO knee wraps   2 x 2 @ 85% (150) WITH knee wraps
Squat  - 160 with NO wraps - FAIL
Squat - 185 (my max, only done one time) - FAIL.  Knee wraps were TIGHT, fell forward a bit.  Brad pulled me back a bit and I pushed through the lift.  Gotta get used to HEAVY knee wraps!!

Video of 185 below -thanks to my awesome spotter ;-)  And the inappropriate yelling of "BREASTS" at the end of my video!  ha ha

SSB Good Mornings 3 x 8

Leg Extension 3 x 20
Lunges 3 x 12
Back Raises - 60
Plank - 1 min (+45# plate)

Explosive bench
Foam rolling/stretching
Band Pull aparts - 100
Flat bench 6 x 2 @ 65% (70)   Slingshot  75 x 2 x 2,  85 x 2 x 2
Incline DB 3 x 15
Standing DB Military 3 x 10  

Band Pressdown 100
Band Fly 3 x 15

Deadlift
Foam rolling/stretching
Band Pull aparts - 100
work up to a heavy weight 95x5(conv) x5 (sumo), 135x3(conv) x3(sumo),185x2 (sumo), 205 x 1 (sumo), 225 x 1 (sumo) *this is PR for Sumo pull*  240 (sumo) attempted twice, failed twice.  That is my all time PR for a deadlift (usually conventional pull)

*Video below of my "sumo sampling" Shows my 225 pull, 240 fail and reps with 175*

Dead sumo 175 x 3 x 3
Stiff Leg Dead  95 x 8 x 2, 135 x 3 x 1
Rows 55 x 8 x 3
Leg curls  3 x 15
*I quit early this night... did not feel good.  Ended up with a pretty bad headache later that night*

Bodybuilding Night
Foam rolling/stretching
Band Pull aparts - 100
Squats - 5 x 5 (105#)   No knee wraps
Calf Raises 45
Military press  35 x 10 x 5
Flat Bench 5x5 (70#)
DB Bicep   3 x 12
Tricep skull crushers 3 x 12
Leg extension 3 x 15
Plank (with 45# plate)  1 min

TONIGHT...... we begin again.

Cube Method - Week two

Training Log - The Cube Method

Preparing for BATTLE...

my Journey in Powerlifting

WEEK TWO

(as previously stated)  My weights are based off my max lifts, whether they be in the gym or in training.
Squat - 185
Bench - 105
Deadlift - 240

Week 2 
If you missed Week 1 - you can find it here.... Cube method - Week one

Exposive squats
Foam rolling/stretching
Pull aparts - 100
8 sets x 3 reps @ 60%  (105#)
Reverse Band squats  225 x 1.5, 205 x 2, 205 x 3
SSB Olympic squats  5x5 (80#)
Leg Extension  4 x10 (50#)
Plank - 1 min (+25# plate)

Rep bench
Foam rolling/stretching
Pull aparts - 100
Flat bench Press 70% x 50  *goal: to get to 50 in as few sets as possible* (15,10,13,12)
Incline DB  2 x 20 (15#)
Close grip bench 3 x 12   (45,50,60)
Military  3 x 12
Band Pressdown 100
Band fly  3 x 15

Plank - 1 min (+25# plate)
Face pulls 3 x 15

Deadlift
Foam rolling/stretching
Pull aparts - 100
work up to a heavy weight 95x5(conv) x5 (sumo), 135x5(conv) x5(sumo),185x2 (conv) to 205 x 2
Dead conv 135 x 8 xx1
Dead sumo 135 x 8 x 2

*side note:  considering switching to Sumo as main lift form.  

Video at bottom, PLEASE share your thoughts*

Stiff Leg Dead  95 x 8 x 3
Rows 55 x 8 x 3
Lat band pulls 3 x 15
Leg curls  3 x 15
Plank 1 min + 25 plate

Bodybuilding Night
Foam rolling/stretching
Pull aparts - 100
Squat 5 x 5 @ 100 pounds
Calf Raises 75
Military press  45 x 10, 65 x 1, 70 x 1, 55 x 6, 55 x 5
Flat Bench 5x5 @ 60#

*Bench felt good, been working on set-up and moved my grip back out wider.  

so went ahead and pushed*

Flat Bench 85 x 1, 90 x 1, 100 x 1   (that DARNED ol' elusive 100!!  HIT EASY!)
Bicep   3 x8 (15#)
Tricep 100 band pressdown
Leg extension 2 x 15
Plank   1 min + 25 plate

Only got one day of our low intensity cardio in this week - but we had a really good FOURTH week and time off of work  (Even with all the rain!)   Hope you enjoyed your holiday too!