any powerlifters about?

[Julesni77]

I am due to compete in a rookie meet in 4 weeks time. I am working with my trainer and have had the worst time getting IPF approved knee sleeve to go over my massive calves finally suceeded with 5xl SBD ones😳

Have any of you lovely lifters any tips for a first time competitor?

I don't have anything knowledgeable to add, just to say I love reading all the updates in this thread!

Well done @Julesni77 what an incredible first comp, you smashed it!!

How is everyone doing?

I am deep into taper week, though actually was a bit of a taper too due to work/life being hectic.

Freaking out how I will lift my numbers when lifting 50% of them last night felt easy but heavy haha! Hey ho... it will all be fine.

Trust the taper. And the comp environment will also help. And if you have a coach that has set your numbers trust their wisdom. If warm up doesn't go well though you can always change your openers (but you won't need to).

@RayKray thank you. What do you normally do for your warm up? Just as you would normally working up to your top set?

What my coach tells me so I don't really know I'm afraid. I don't engage my brain on comp day.

I think he's then looking at how they move to sense check openers.

Is your coach handling you on the day?

@RayKray makes a lot of sense!

Possibly, she's involved in running the comp too though so will be there to help but won't be in full on handling mode I don't think!

Good luck @2andadog Cheering you on from the Mumsnet Weights Room 💪🏼

After @Julesni77 and @2andadog am I next up? I am competing in five weeks’ time - just moving from the strength building phase into the peaking cycle.

Anyone else in the comp prep zone?

@erinaceus I am not competing but I am starting a peaking block ready to rest one rep maxes towards the end of the month.

Maybe one day I will be strong and brave enough to compete for real!!

*test not rest!!

ah thanks guys!

Had a truly marvellous day! Finished on 320, put my coach firmly in charge of my numbers and ended on PB’s on squat and deads and equal pr on my bench. She said she played it safe to get 9 good lifts which is exactly what I got! Also came 1st in my weight category so very happy!

Nerves were bonkers, but everyone was so lovely and it was a really great day. Left loads of time for all my warmups but actually worked perfectly.

Anyone contemplating it, just do it! Loads of different abilities today but just lots of support and love!

That's fantastic @2andadog I am so pleased it all went well for you!! What a great experience.

Thank you! Turns out I can’t add up and I actually finished on 332.5! Super happy!

@2andadog great job!! Are you going to do another one?

@erinaceus cant wait to hear how you get on? I am so glad I started this thread - so much knowledge!!

@erinaceus you'll smash it, and I am slightly jealous of anyone with a comp coming up!
@everycowandagain you should definitely do one. Honestly, everyone is so lovely and supportive regardless of whether you're lifting 60kg or 150kg, they just want you to smash it! It is scary getting on the platform the first time but the buzz...!

@Julesni77 yes, have another one planned early next year, so another 14 or 16 week cycle I think after a small break and a mini cut! Got the bug now...

That's awesome @2andadog ! I'm glad you have a great day and felt the love. Well done on your first comp, and I'm glad you're got the bug.

I'm nowhere near my next one, looks like it'll be spring which feels ages away.

Congratulations @2andadog and thanks for letting us know how you got on.

I agree with others it’s better to compete sooner than later. If you wait until you’re strong enough and want certain numbers/total/a place, when are you going to make all the small mistakes you make at your first few meets? Better to get on the platform sooner so you can learn as you go. I agree with others also that the cheer is the same whatever weight is on the bar; it always surprises me how much of a difference the crowd makes.

Good luck Mumsnet lifters 💪🏼

Thank you! Was so scared getting on the platform, honestly wasn't sure how my legs were going to hold me up never mind squat haha!

Ah Spring will come round super quickly, and I can imagine having some time is nice to work out goals and feel less pressured? Have you got something you have in mind to qualify for?

I'll hopefully quality for British Masters. I was v close last comp and by the time I get to next comp that will be pretty much 6 months so as long as I perform on the day I should be sorted. I have qualified for English.

Pressed post instead of return..

I think training feels pretty similar for me whether it's comp prep or not, as I'm basically doing very similar stuff. We are working up to some 1RMs before Xmas to give me some between comp excitement but it's not the same without the competition environment.

Ah fantastic, definitely sounds like something to look forward to!

I compete today.

My training and comp prep went well but these past couple of months and especially this past week my nutrition and my sleep have not been where I wanted them to be. I had work stress. I am anxious and considering lowering my openers.

My coach will be at the meet to handle me but we are six athletes from my team competing this weekend, five of whom are lifting today. She will handle all of us. She said this is not a problem for her as long as we do what we are told.

@erinaceus ooh yay on the competition!

Sorry to hear sleep etc hasn’t been great, but try to enjoy it! Try to keep calm, and let your body take over in the warmup, don’t overthink it. I bet your openers are pretty standard weights for you? You will be fine.

Let us know how you get on!

@erinaceus have the best time! Enjoying it and feeling proud are the best things.

Good luck @erinaceus ludten to your coach.

Lack of sleep is annoying. I’ve succumbed to the disturbed sleep of the post-menopausal. It’s annoying and tiring. But I have done some very exhausting sessions with my PT on 5 hours sleep. Once you warm up the adrenalin will take over