Training 2.24.14

So yesterday...I read this article by Matt Foreman and his experience training at the Olympic Training Center (OTC) one summer when Nicu Vlad, of Romania, came to visit and train for a few weeks.  Needless to say, as I read the article, I was just so impressed and very inspired.  Afterwards, I sat contemplating it even further and how this article applies to me.  Nicu Vlad, one of the greatest weightlifters of all time, as well as Nicu's coach, both coached Istvan.  Istvan worked with them first as an athlete, and then as an assistant coach.  I've always had a HUGE amount of respect and appreciation for Istvan and the amazing coach, athlete and friend that he is...but after reading this last night, it was just impressed upon me even further how fortunate I am to train with him.  It is truly an opportunity that I do not, nor ever will, take for granted.  I am learning and growing so much...and in so many different ways.  It is a very good thing.  This morning, I asked Istvan if he would please tell me more stories about weightlifting...the coaches, the athletes, the training...the when and the how and the why.  I truly find it all fascinating and so very inspiring.  I know I'm repeating myself here, but WOW!  I am so blessed to have this opportunity...to essentially train with a living encyclopedia of Olympic Weightlifting.  Truly blessed.

• Snatch High Pulls
• 3.3 @ 80% (62)
• 3.2.3 @ 85% (66)
• 2.2.2 @ 90% (70)
• After these were completed, Istvan said I could power snatch 70kg...which would mean a snatch of 85kg. Hot dog!  Legs still a little tired from last week.
• Clean Pulls
• 4.3.3.3.3 @ 100% (100)
• 95kg is my actual clean, but Istvan said 95 was too easy, so we did them at 100 today.  I'm gonna clean 100 one day...and SOON!!!...by the way things were feeling today.
•  Push Press (behind the neck)
• 3.3.3 @ 80% (64)
• 3.2.3.2 @ 85% (68) 
• First time ever doing behind the neck.  I like it better.  The negative portion of the rep did cause some discomfort in my back and shoulder, but otherwise, these felt pretty good.  The back is feeling much better.
• Triceps
• 6x10 @ 25kg (front presses)
• Toes-to-Bar
• 50 reps
• So these were actually hanging knee raises and straight leg raises.  1 knee raise + 1 straight leg raise = 1 rep.  These were tough!  On the abs and on the grip.  I did 3 sets of 10 and then 4 sets of 5 to complete my 50 reps.