This morning started with a new low weight of 156.8 pounds, down about a pound from the previous week. Trying a new breakfast of chocolate and sprinkle pancakes, because colorful food makes dieting more enjoyable. Topped with chocolate peanut butter (carefully measured to 8 grams) and served with Greek yogurt and mixed berries.
The goal for today’s meet is to maximize the Wilks score. I anticipate a higher Wilks than the Nova Scotia meet due to being seven pounds lighter, without a significant loss of strength. Even if I don’t achieve a new personal best, matching the previous total would be a success. As long as my Wilks score stays the same or improves, I’ll be satisfied.
Pre-meet meal includes an extra lean beef burger and a zesty salmon burger on low-calorie buns with garlic and herb Laughing Cow cheese, fat-free Miracle Whip, and a touch of mozzarella cheese.
A trip to Walmart is in order to stock up on pre-meet goodies, including snacks and hydration essentials like Gatorade and Pedialyte. Picking up some reading material like Captain Underpants for some light entertainment during downtime.
Pre-meet rituals include an Epsom salt bath for relaxation and muscle recovery. Pedialyte is also crucial for replenishing electrolytes, especially after cutting weight.
A quick stop for some frozen yogurt before hitting the road. It’s all about the colors and keeping track of those macros, even with the sprinkles and strawberries.
Checking into the hotel, pleasantly surprised by the honeymoon suite upgrade, complete with a mini-fridge and a comfy couch. After a four-hour drive, it’s time to unwind.
Let’s talk about meet day gym bag essentials. First, the basics: your membership card for the competing organization (CPU for me), knee sleeves (SBD large, even though they’re a bit loose now), deadlift socks (an extra pair is always a good idea), and regular socks for squats and bench presses. Don’t forget the approved underwear!
Next, your weightlifting belt (Inzer 10mm lever belt in medium), lifting shoes (Adidas Powerlifts for squats, although a more solid heel would be ideal), and Converse for deadlifts. A clipboard for recording attempts is essential, especially to quickly choose weights within the one-minute time limit.
Keep your phone charger handy, along with some cash. For aches and pains, I pack A535, Tiger Balm, or Voltaren, along with Advil. Caffeine anhydrous tablets, headphones, gum or mints (especially helpful for stimulating saliva flow when cutting weight), and pens are also must-haves.
A foam roller or lacrosse ball can be helpful for working out knots. A physical checklist before leaving for the meet is a good practice. And of course, snacks are essential for energy. Baby powder for deadlifts (to prevent the bar from sticking) and Pedialyte (diluted 50/50 with water) or Gatorade for hydration round out the essentials. Some lifters use ammonia caps, but they’re not for me.
Weigh-in complete at 70.25 kilos (154.5 pounds), followed by a Tim Hortons breakfast of a hash brown, coffee, and an English muffin breakfast sandwich. Ready for the meet!
Squats are done, going three for three, even though the final attempt was 2.5 kilos less than the last meet. But considering the weight loss, it’s a win.
Bench press complete, tying my all-time personal best of 353 pounds (160 kilos). On track for a 430 Wilks score, which would qualify me for the 2016 Arnold Classic. Just need a 475-pound deadlift to hit that mark.
Deadlifts didn’t go as planned, missing the final attempt of 475 pounds (215 kilos). Likely due to the lower body weight affecting leverage. Still finished with a better Wilks score than the Nova Scotia meet and tied my all-time bench press PR. Squats went better than expected, and while I didn’t quite hit the 430 Wilks, ending with a 424 is a solid result. Now, the options are to seek a nomination or compete again at Easterns at a lighter body weight, aiming to maintain current strength and achieve that 430 Wilks.
