My Second Powerlifting Meet
Just six weeks after my first.
Over the weekend, I took part in my second powerlifting meet, just six weeks removed from my first. Doing two meets so close together is not considered “optimal” in powerlifting, but I planned to do so intentionally. The goal for the first meet was nothing more than to gain some exposure, have fun, and avoid “bombing out”--if you fail to record at least one successful squat, bench, or deadlift attempt, you are disqualified. With that in mind, I was pretty conservative in my attempt selection for meet #1. With a successful meet under my belt, and a lot of anxiety conquered, I wanted to push the envelope a bit during meet #2. My two main goals were to total 1,100lbs and set the South Carolina state deadlift record for my weight class at 453lbs or more.
If you read my post on the meet last month, you know that squats (the first lift of every meet) were an emotional event for me. I was far more calm and collected this time. I opened with 352lbs, which was my second attempt last month. I smoked it and moved to 385. The second squat moved even faster than the first. With a 5lb competition PR secured, I went for 407 and missed. No problem, onto bench.
My feelings about each of the three lifts are cyclical, but bench press has been at the bottom of my list all year. In my first meet, I was only able to hit 248lbs, which I would consider well below my abilities. This time, I went three-for-three, making 226, 253, and 259. After the first two lifts, my total was already up 16lbs over the first meet.
Despite the fatigue of squatting and benching, my deadlift warmups felt incredible. I made my opener of 402lbs easily and then jumped up to 457 for the second attempt. 457 would secure both of my goals for the day (the state record and surpassing 1,100), so my coach advised me to make that my second attempt–if something happened and I missed it, I would have another chance at it on my third attempt. A second chance was unnecessary, as I pulled it easily the first time. With our goals already accomplished, my coach and I decided to swing for the fences and put 500 on the bar. This was an extremely aggressive jump, but this meet was all about pushing the envelope. I tried to pull it, and it didn’t even break the floor. I released the bar, laughed at myself, and thanked the spotters, loaders, and referees for putting on a great meet.
After following the sport of powerlifting for four years, having the chance to compete twice this summer has been a huge blessing. While it is competitive in nature, the community around powerlifting is extremely welcoming; everyone cheers everyone else on, much like in trail running. I am looking forward to getting back on the platform in 2024–until then, it’s trail race season.
#2 🫡