Let's hear it for Joe

[Curious George]

Joe, Monster, lunchbox and I went down to Clay Brandenburg's gym this weekend. We learned a lot and got a ton of pointers...so much that we joined.

Joe used a rage shirt that was sitting around and if he was in a meet, he would have broke the state record for 198 in bench. He hit a 515 and had more in him. Needless to say, I wasn't the only one proud of him.

Clay told him that he could be a 600lbs bencher this year. He said he could qualify him for the WPO in a couple of years and could compete at the Arnold. That is HUGE!

Joe wasn't even getting ready for a contest, but is going to do a meet in March. I'm really proud of him and he deserves all the encouragement and praise that he gets.

Just telling you I'm proud of you buddy,
Cg

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"I'm desperately trying to figure out why kamikaze pilots wore helmets."
Dave Edison.

[archive_Iron Island]

great bench joe! i hope your not going to be just a bencher now! lol

cg, i think you should do the meet also!!!

[Curious George]

We were talking about it. That would mean I need to get a squat suit. I just might do it.

Joe only wants to do the bench, but I think he should be a total lifter. He has too much talent not to.

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"I'm desperately trying to figure out why kamikaze pilots wore helmets."
Dave Edison.

[joepalooka]

Thanks CG and II. II not to dissappoint you, I originally started to powerlift to really only do bench only. I like squatting and still want my personal goals in the squat and deadlift, but as I have some techincal problems that need to be worked out. And as you will see in my log why.

The atmosphere is great as Clay's gym. I am still a little shocked and I was overwhelmed at the same time. Clay kept saying I was going to take 550 that day and it did make me a bit nervous he said this just watching the warm ups and stopped me at 315 from going any heavier. Last time I took 550 I was flattened like a pan cake bad spot to go with it. Then the pressure was put on to compete in 5 weeks. I am still not 100%. I am not saying I can't do it, because I know I can and I probably will by the end of this week I will have it more clear in my head what I need to do about my diet and training. If I do a bench only meet I will discontinue ME squatting until after the meet. I want to keep my shoulder fresh.Once they were told I am life long drug free lifter. I think everybody was shocked. The look was more like oh my god. Then the ideas started flying bench america to WPO and in a few years the Arnold. I am either going to open with the state record or take it by 5 lbs as the opener once I learn the shirt better. It is lot to take in, in one visit!

By God CG if I do the meet you and lunchbox can as well! I am sure if you cant find a suit you can wear mine. The boss will come way to late.

[archive_HULK1550]

Shit, joe, that sounds great to me. There is no way i could press 515, let alone 600 and i weigh 250. good work

"Everybody wants to be a body builder but don't nobody want to lift no heavy ass weight"
-Ronnie Coleman

[joepalooka]

Thanks Hulk. I was fearing my shoulder would rip out of the socket once and for all.

[This message was edited by joepalooka on 02-14-05 at 05:19 PM.]

[archive_Iron Island]

I don't see why you guys shouldn't do the meet. CG, just use your briefs and a singlet for the squat this meet.

Joe, the best days are when you surprise yourself and hit huge pr's. They don't come often but they are great when they do! I really think you should do the meet. I know it's not alot of time for you to get ready but I think it's enough. Just keep going to Clay's gym and have them help you with your shirt for the next couple of weeks. My first meet was the most fun i ever had a meet. It will be a great experience and you will learn alot from it.

[joepalooka]

II I think I will and what ever I get, I get. I just need the experience of doing a meet. I figured its the expereience I need. My goal is to take the state record. It was before and it is still now weather I get it of not is another story but even if I don't I will train harder and get it later. My original plan was to do a meet in the summer and then one in October. Looks like things will be speed up!

[lunchbox01]

I think me and CG are in. I only fear the bench, mine sucks. I hope I can get it higher by listening to Clay and a little practice.

The time frame is short and I have only been doing this powerlifting stuff for about a month. It is overwhelming, but I think we should just jump in.

I am also in need of a suit and wondering if I can get one in time.

Remember, Clay said that he wants us to go even if we only lift 300. It is the experience we will gain from going to a meet for the first time. Then you will know what to expect at the next one.

I don't think deep down he is asking us to go, I believe he is telling us we should go. We all have great potential and this is one way of showing are commitment to the training and competition.

[joepalooka]

Ah don't sweat it lunchbox. Just remember to keep your elbows close to your body and thats it. Or maybe take a token bench. To make everything official.