Three weeks out.
What a way to wrap up a meet peak. On top of training full time, I have to find a new apartment, our lease is up at the end of September, positives being I get to find a place that minimizes my commute, which will be nice. Negative is I have to move farther away from my home gym. We’re thinking of Renton, as it’s still pretty central, but we’re also looking at Federal Way because there’s a strength gym there.
Physically:
I’m drained, three weeks out means you’re at the end of the peak, and begin the taper. For those who don’t know, a taper is when you start lowering frequency and intensity weeks prior to a meet to help manage fatigue and start priming you for meet day. Some would argue it’s the most critical portion of the meet peak. When someone says they’re three weeks out, you know their barely keeping it together. You can see the bags under their eyes as they pound a Reign while rolling out their glutes for twenty minutes. Every joint is clicking and popping. I feel like I’m constantly walking through cement. But I’ve never moved weight like I have been.
Mentally:
I’m exhausted. It’s been a whirlwind of a year. Being a full time coach has been incredible, but it is a 24/7 learning experience. I’ve had to answer questions I’ve never thought about before, repeat cues for several weeks before they finally click. And then on top of that, I’ve got a meet to worry about. On top of that, I have to worry about getting my girlfriend, two kids and myself into a new apartment by the end of September. My meet’s on the 25th of September and it’s been hard to find a balance. But I’m excited, it’ll be the first time in two years I’ve stepped on a platform. It feels like my first meet all over again.
Spiritually:
My soul is on fire. The meet is all I’ve been thinking about for the past few months. Any moment I have to myself is spent picturing settling under a 550 lbs squat or ripping 630 lbs on the floor. Picturing every possible outcome. Picturing fighting through sticking points. Hearing the chaotic choir of spectators yelling BACK and UP. I’m anxious to see what I get done and get it over with. This will be my first opportunity to qualify for a national level competition, and a chance to push myself to a level I’ve never been at before.
