This past weekend, Smart Fit Chicks attended our very first powerlifting competition…

I began training for this about seven weeks ago, kind of spur of the moment, really.  I was talking to a friend of mine about my lifting, and he suggested I try it out.  So, I thought, well, it might be kind of fun.  And boy was I in for an adventure.  For seven weeks, I completely changed my lifting, doing very low reps and heavy weight.  I started a type of “auto-regulatory” training program.  What this meant was that my workouts depended on how I felt that day.  So, I REALLY had to get to know my body.  Some days, I felt SUPER strong and would complete eight sets of heavy squats.  Other days, I could tell my body was fatigued, and I’d only end up doing two sets.  This was very mentally challenging, especially on the days I had to stop after only a few sets, because I tend to want to overdo things (anyone who knows me can probably vouch for that).

Aside from the training, there was a lot to learn (and buy).  I needed a singlet, a weight belt, new shoes (Converse) and knee sleeves.  And not only did I need to buy them, but had to start learning how to use them while lifting (except for the singlet- it didn’t debut until the day of the competition, for obvious reasons).  Thanks to my friend Brian and about a thousand text message questions, I quickly fell quite comfortably into the role of powerlifter.

There was lots leading up to the day of the meet, but none of it was as exciting as that day.  There were over 50 competitors there, and at least 12-15 girls, which was AWESOME to see.  The mood was very different from the physique competition that Kellie and I did last year.  Everyone was SUPER encouraging of one another, and I was so inspired by the camaraderie and sincerity of the athletes.  By the end of the day, all of us females knew one another, and were cheering each other on!  These girls were AMAZING, and SO strong.

Also, the USA Power Lifting (USAPL) Association is a Drug-Free organization, and takes this very seriously.  In fact, I got drug tested while I was there. Having another female watch you pee in a cup is interesting, but of course I thought the whole experience was awesome :).

For my first meet, I thought I did a pretty good job.  Of course, we tend to focus on what we did wrong, of which there was plenty.  But, I think I did a lot right as well. In fact, I will now hold the bench press and squat record for my weight class in the state of Colorado, so that’s pretty neat.  I also took first place in my weight class (whoo hooo!)

If you’re wondering, I ended up with a combined total of 634 pounds (225.5 squat, 143.5 bench, 265 deadlift).

I learned a tremendous amount about the sport, and it has really captured my interest.  I am SO excited to do another one, and really be competitive this time around.  I have a pretty lofty goal for my next one, but I am excited to work toward it.

You know what else I learned through this experience?  Very simply, I learned to focus more on what my body can DO, rather than on how my body LOOKS.  I am one STRONG Smart Fit Chick. 🙂