Powerlifting requires risks and failures. If you are not willing to experience those risks and failures from time to time, then you will never experience success in anything you attempt to do and do well.
I decided after my first meet that for my second powerlifting meet I’d compete in whatever the next local meet was no matter the federation so as long as it was far enough out that I’d get my training in before hand. I happened to come across a USPA sanctioned meet that was being held in Southeast Texas just 20 minutes or so from my home on August 4, 2018. I immediately registered online for the meet and purchased my USPA membership the same day.
Training hadn’t really stopped after my first meet, I just started doing more raw lifts until my new program was to start.
Training for a meet is never easy so don’t let someone try to convince you that it is. It’s ALOT of hard work and time that goes into prepping.
Weigh-Ins
The morning of weigh-ins, which is the day before all I could think about was eating but I usually fast the day before where my fasting window is anywhere between 18-24 hours…crazy I know but I’ve been doing the fasting thing for about eight months now so it’s nothing new to my body.
My biggest concern going into weigh-ins was that I wouldn’t make weight like at my first meet and I really didn’t want to have to go out and run 3 miles to make weight again.
When you go to weigh-in, they also do bar heights and gear check of any gear that you will be using on the platform. If it’s not checked and approved then it’s not allowed on the platform. So, I made weight, officially weighing in at 113.9lbs; 2.5lbs more then the last meet. Had all my gear checked, which at the time I had to also have my deadlift socks checked to make sure they were long enough. One of the meet directors, Megan Morgan had made the comment when checking my socks, “oh you’ll love my belt then”. My close gym peeps call me Baby Groot which are what my deadlift socks are and Megan’s lifting belt has Baby Groot on it where he’s pushing the right light on a console. Everyone calls Megan “Red Light Meg”. LOVE IT!!!
Meet Day
My powerlifting coach, Mike Denmon and training partner/bench coach, Richard James had came out to be my handlers. I was thankful to have had Mike and Richard there to help me as my handlers for the day so that I wouldn’t have to worry about wraps and my bench shirt. My father & mother-in-law also came out to cheer me on and show their support.
Squats
I followed the plan, stayed with the lifts that my program called for and went for a State record on my first attempt with 3/3. My squats felt stronger this time around even though I struggled a bit during training to get over 300 but it all worked out.
1st attempt: 130.5kg/287.7lbs ⚪⚪⚪
2nd attempt: 133.83kg/295lbs ⚪⚪⚪
3rd attempt: 142.5kg/314.2lbs ⚪⚪⚪
Bench
The one lift that I always dread in training and comp only because it truly is a lift that I struggle with every time. My bench didn’t go nearly as well as I had hoped but I wasn’t anticipating for it to be great either.
1st attempt: 🔴🔴🔴
I was going to follow the plan and open with 57.5kg/126.8lbs to get the State record and I missed it due to dipping the bar down as I was coming up…rookie mistake and one I’m sure won’t be the last. I was upset that I had missed it the first time because I had just warmed up with 120# and it felt great.
2nd attempt: 🔴🔴🔴
Redo the 126.8lbs that I had just missed. Complete EPIC FAIL being too aggressive coming out of the press completely losing control of the bar but the spotters were on point and no one was hurt. I jumped up off the bench, trying to hold my composure mad as hell at myself and almost in tears while Mike and Richard gave me words of encouragement from an almost complete meltdown to let me know what I needed to do to fix it for my last and final attempt.
3rd attempt: 🔴⚪⚪
Redo the 126.8lbs again and hope that I get it. This was my DO OR DIE moment. If I missed it a third time then I would be DQd from the meet and only allowed to finish my lifts as a guest lifter making me ineligible for any records that I had just gotten as well as awards. By the grace of God, I finally got it on my last attempt with one red light and ended up with a State record.
Deadlifts
This is by far my favorite lift of the three when it comes to competing. I again went with the plan and followed my program except on my last lift.
1st attempt: 130.5kg/287.7lbs ⚪⚪⚪
2nd attempt: 137.5kg/303.1lbs ⚪⚪⚪
3rd attempt: 142.5kg/314.2lbs ⚪⚪⚪
Program called for 325 and my second lift felt easy but we didn’t want to chance missing the lift so we went for meet PR which gave me three state and 3 national records in deadlift.
I felt great with 314.2 and I had the option for a fourth attempt but was not aware of it until it was too late. I was actually pretty relieved that I didn’t have to lift again because I was exhausted and ready to get out of my gear, get home, shower, eat and relax.
Awards
I finished the meet with 3 State records in squat, 1 State record in bench, 3 State records in deadlift, 3 National records in Deadlift and a State record in Total Weight along with first place in my weight class.
What an amazing experience to be able to compete at a meet that is where you live. I am so lucky to have two coaches; Mike and Richard, a father-in-law; Johnny, and my sponsor; Anderson Powerlifting who inspire me everyday to be better then the day before. When I thought I couldn’t reach my goals, they were there to support me and kept me going. Their encouragement, support, and constant motivation has pushed me to heights I never thought possible.
Mike and Richard, you both have helped me improve my performance on the platform with my training and I’m inspired to continue working hard and being a successful teammate.
I’m dedicating today’s victory to you guys, my patient coaches and role models. You never gave up on me, and I couldn’t have achieved today without your guidance. I am extremely thankful for everything that you guys do. Here’s to training for more golden medals in the upcoming season!
AprilontheRun 
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