Dr's Appointment and Training 2.17.14

So...I had an appointment with the Orthopedic Dr today.  He did XRAYS of my T and L spine.  Turns out I have a slight scoliosis and possible kyphosis.  I already knew I had lordosis.  So, he wants me to follow up with the spine Dr. in his same group.  I have an appointment 2 weeks from Thursday, for that.  I have to admit, the news was hard to hear and it makes me a little nervous.  I don't want to hear that I have to stop this journey...and I don't know that I would have the willpower to do it.  Istvan didn't seem too worried.  He reassured me that he has coached other athletes with scoliosis and that he has some corrective/preventative exercises for me to start doing to supplement my training.  In the meantime, I need to avoid the movements that aggravate this inflamed muscle.  Also need to ask the Dr. what the prognosis is?  Will this condition get worse with time?  Is there anything that I'm doing that will make it worse?  Anything I can do to prevent it from getting worse?  Ahhhh...I realize there are far worse things to have and I am grateful for the chance I've had to be so active in spite of this condition.  Being active is my life blood...I can't imagine not having it!

Training...

• Back Squats
• 4.3 @ 75% (90)
• 3.2 @ 80% (95)
• 3 @ 85% (100)
• 3 @ 90% (105)
• 1 @ 95% (110)
• Snatch Pull
• 4.3.3.4.3 @ 97% (75)
• Deadlift
• 4.5.4.4 @ 80% (110) 

Training 2.15.14

• Power Clean + Clean
• 1+2; 2+1 @ 75% (60)
• 1+1; 2+1, 2+2 @ 80% (64)
• 1+1; 1+1 @ 85% (68)
• Clean Pull
• 4.3.4.3 @ 100% (95)
• 3.3.3 @ + 10kg (105)
• These actually felt pretty darn good! 1 minute rest between each set.
• Front Squat
• 5.5.5 @ 60% (65)
• 4.5.6 @ 65% (70)
• These were done unbroken...right back on the next rep with only 1 minute rest between each set.  Good stuff!
• Body Building
• Sit ups 5X25
• Lateral raises 4X10
• alternated between sit ups and raises
• Stretch
• wrist
• shoulder
• hip
• ankle

A week in limbo...

Immediately following the East Valley Open, Coach Istvan took all the girls outside for a team meeting.  After expressing his pride in us (in his best Eastern European way, of course :) ), he informed us that it would be his final day at EVCF.  He expressed that certain stressors of the job were becoming too much for him and he didn't feel he was capable of being the best man he could be for his family or for his athletes...and morally, he didn't feel he could continue under those circumstances.  His athletes and family deserved better than that.

Well, to make a long story short...that left me with a huge decision to make.  Stay at EVCF without Istvan or follow Istvan if and wherever he may be training?  Istvan never once recruited or baited me or any athlete to follow him.  He only mentioned that he would still be coaching AFTER he was directly asked.  After I learned the details of his new arrangement, I knew logically that it would be in my best athletic interests to follow him.  But emotionally, I felt so trapped.  I love EVCF and the people there.  It is a great environment with so much support.  In the end, I chose Istvan.  I have set some really big goals for this year, and I truly believe he is the best one at this time to help get me there.  It was a hard decision, but once it was made, I was immediately at peace and ready to get back to work.

Istvan kept the first few days at the new place fairly light and not too intense.  We both needed our hearts and minds to heal and adjust a little.  But, by the end of the week, we were rocking and rolling again.  It is going to be a VERY good thing.  I am getting more attention and assistance than I ever could have hoped for at EVCF.  And...I am starting to realize, that what I was exposed to at EVCF with his coaching was really only the tip of the iceberg.  He has much more experience and knowledge than I ever could've imagined.  I feel like I'm simultaneously getting a lesson on the history of weightlifting with each training session.  I feel blessed to have this opportunity to be guided by such a master.  And I trust that he will do all he can to keep me safe and healthy.

Speaking of healthy, I have continued to be plagued by this back/rib/shoulder issue.  It is getting worse, not better, and has limited my training this week.  I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon in the morning to check things out.  Today, it actually feels a little bit better, so this is encouraging.  Keeping fingers crossed that it's nothing serious and that I can get back to work (full time) sooner rather than later.

EAST VALLEY OPEN 5--2.8.14

Wow!  What an eventful week.  All the anticipation and hard work for the last 8 weeks and the meet came and went.  Here are my results.

SNATCH

Opening attempt at 70 kg (miss)

Second attempt at 72 kg (make)

Third attempt at 76 kg (make)

CLEAN AND JERK

Opening attempt at 85 kg (make--no video)

Opening attempt at 90 kg (make--no video)

Third attempt at 95 kg (MAKE!!!!! 5 kg PR)

And another angle, for good measure!!  So awesome!

I ended up winning my weight class (weighed in at 73.6 kg).  I also won best female lifter.  That was a surprise and an added bonus.  The biggest highlight was qualifying for Nationals!!!  Qualifying total was 161kg and I had a 171kg total.  Very exciting!!!

The Women of the East Valley Open 5--such an exciting meet!  I think every girl from our gym PR'd at this meet.  A testament to an amazing coach and a smart training plan!

I am actually standing here with two athletes from the 75+ category...but I did win my division.  I think they just made a mistake and put me in with this group on accident.  The gal in the red shirt next to me is Melanie.  I met her at our gym...turns out she is my 4th cousin.  An awesome gal, friend and training partner whom I love very much.  Expect big things from this gal.  She is fiercely strong!

Best overall lifter.  A huge surprise.  I am grateful for this opportunity.  What a gift!

Training 2.5.14

• Snatch
• 2.2.2 @ 70% (55)
• 2.2.2 @ 75% (60)
• On first set, missed first rep...walked away for a bit and tried again.  Hit first rep and missed the second.  Hit all the other reps and sets.
• C&J
• 1+2; 2+1 @ 70% (65)
• 1+1; 1+1 @ 75% (70)
• Jerks felt much better today.
• Back Squat
• 3.3 @ 70% (80)
• 3.3.3 @ 75% (86)

So...my shoulder/back/rib...WHATEVER...is not getting better.  And may even be a little bit worse today.  I may end up taking an extra rest day, depending on how I feel in the morning.  I will also try to see the chiropractor again.  

Training 2.4.2014

• C&J
• 1+2; 2+1 @ 75% (68)
• 1+1; 1+1 @ 80% (72)
• 1+1 @ 85% (77)
• Clean Pulls
• 4.3.3.3.3 @ 90% (82)
• Front Squat
• 3.3 @ 75% (73)
• 3.2 @ 80% (78)
• 2.2.2 @ 85% (83)

Everything felt really good and strong except the jerks today.  Jerks felt strong, just a little off...too far out in front.  I'm quite certain that my ribs are out again.  Trained on my own today.

Training 2.3.14

• Snatch
• 2.2.2 @ 80% (62)
• 2.2 @ 85% (66)
• 1.1 @ 90% (70)
• High Pull Snatch
• 3.3.3.3 @ 84% (65)
• Back Squat
• 3.3 @ 75% (86)
• 3.3 @ 80% (93)
• 2.2.2 @ 85% (100)

Felt good to be back at the gym after three days off.  My mind and my heart are much clearer and lighter this week.  Many thanks to my mother for watching the kids tonight so I could train un-interrupted.  

I felt strong tonight.  Movements felt much better, too.  Starting to get some confidence back with regards to this weekend's upcoming meet.