Sanctioned weightlifting events?

[SNC]

I was wondering if there were others here who have competed in sanctioned events. I am go to my first as a competitor in about 6 weeks and my nerves are shot! I have done a bunch of local events both public and private by invite only and I've never been nervous. I belong to the USAPL and am in my final year of masters 1b (45-49)120+ division. The only reason that matters is that I had this bet with myself that I would be benching a certain weight by this time. While I am not anywhere near that, I am right on the edge of the PA state record in my division. A bit harder to do at the end of a class then the beginning I think. I always workup to a really heavy few sessions that make me feel as if I will do at least a respectable job at the meet. Over this last month though I've been feeling like I'm losing strength, even though I'm working out with the exact same weight. It just feels heavier, I can't explain it. It's like I'm self sabotaging the attempt. I'm hoping that putting it down on paper will help me get over the nerves and get back to my old self. I will say that for some stupid reason I'm a bit self conscience about being on stage in a singlet, it's not a pretty sight! I'm thinking about just putting it on and going grocery shopping or something to get over that. I've never been worried about my looks and I know that everyone there does not care what you look like, just what you can lift... Words of wisdom? I need to get over this, it's hurting my progress.

 

[HutchinsonJC]

I'd say research dealing with stage fright.

Beyond that I'd say you're over thinking it and the stress is slowing you down. It's crazy what stress can do to a body. Maybe watching some rerun episodes of "World's Strongest Man" as a means of getting pumped will help? I mean those guys don't all have some amazing physique and yet the crowds cheer them on. Maybe it'd help to imagine it's you out there being cheered and just pump yourself up and get excited.

It's not like a lot of people can do what you're doing, anyway... it should be exciting.

 

[mike8675309]

I have heard recommendations that you go to event as a volunteer before you compete in the event. That helps you get comfortable with the event layout and people before you complete. Baring that you just have to keep in mind that you only have yourself to beat in an event like that. Make sure your first lift is one you know you can get. Get something on the board.
As far as the singlet. Shit, no one cares so you don't need to. Wear it proud, have fun, and crush it.

 

[SNC]

I'm doing a bit better mentally but the weight is still feeling heavy. 28 days away, I need to get my ass moving and add a clean 15 pounds to my bench. I tested the waters with a 365 pound supper clean 2 second pause press the other day and it was ugly as hell.

 

[SNC]

Well that's in the books and I think I'm hooked. I competed in my first sanctioned meet this weekend, and had a BLAST!!! My goal going in was a 160 lift but after getting there and warming up I felt my shoulder twinge. I took that as a sign that things might not be right and opted to max at 155 and just shoot for 9 whites, and I nailed it!. The really odd thing is the weight felt right or even a bit light. Over the last months while working out the weight just felt heavier than it should. But at the meet It felt as it should, I know the pump of being on stage played a roll, but DAMN!! When selecting the weight for my next attempt I had an internal battle not to go bigger, I'm now glad I did because of the 9 whites, but also bummed that I didn't push it. Live to fight another day! So I have 2 more meets within a 2.5 hour drive before I turn 50, and another couple that are on the other side of the state I can hit if I don't get the record in these next two meets.

 

[SNC]

Just for shits and giggles I thought I'd update this thread. Since the first meet I've done several others in 2 different federations, USAPL and USPA. I was able to grab the bench record for the M 1b and M 2a 120+kg in USAPL and the Master 45-49 and 50-54 140+kg in USPA. Since I took the USAPL M1b another powerhouse took it over. I will be competing next in April in the USPA fed where I hope to take the Master 50-54 up to 172.5. Gains are slowwwwwww at this age. 200 is my ultimate goal.