"The Bar Is Loaded"

by

Fred Ashford

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Introduction by Rich Peters-

I’m introducing a new opinion column with a historical perspective by masters lifter Fred Ashford.

I met Fred Ashford through a letter he wrote to me in 1985.  Fred had just returned to New Mexico from a two year mining project in Illinois where he was introduced to Powerlifting.  He inquired about the closest meet.  I decided it was high time to venture west.   I scheduled a meet in Fred’s backyard.   Although the stories differ depending on who’s talking, the bottom line is Fred bombed in the squat!  But, Mr. Ashford soon got his lifting in line and competed in over 22 meets and supported over 47 meets from 1985 to 1991.  Fred won State, National and World titles and posted his best lifts as a 242 pounder – 749 lb. squat, 451 lb. bench, and 633 lb. deadlift.  Fred was the USPF State chairman, the USPF National Athlete’s representative of 1988; the 1st NASA records chairman; and a NASA meet director, judge and spotter (sometimes simultaneously).   Fred returned to the sport in 1994 to win the sub-masters division at worlds.   Since then the rumors of his death have been greatly exaggerated and after 15 years away he has returned to the sport he loves.   You will soon see him on the Power Sport platform. 

Fred is a trusted friend and great supporter of all of you in NASA.  He has valuable insight into the history and changes the sport has experienced and I have asked him to share.  Of course these are only opinions and viewpoints. 

I bring you the monthly installments of:  "The Bar Is Loaded"

 

#23- “Adapt or die.”

                                                                              Brad Pitt as Billy Beam in Moneyball

Man, I’ve been in this game twenty-eight years now.    I surely haven’t seen it all – but I have been on the front lines and watched some amazing lifters in this sport.  

I’ve had the great fortune to spot, load and judge for Coan, Karwolski, Hatfield, Crain, Clark, Wilson (O.D.), Manno, Kahle, Myers, Gonzales and a few lifters I won’t mention ‘cause I don’t like ‘em.

I’ve watched the form and listened intently to said lifters as they discussed their workouts after the meet or in the warm-up area.    I absorbed form instruction and meet strategy from Rich.  Through trial and error I developed my own unique training protocol that seems to be working at some level.   And, I’ve modified my diet / food intake no-less-than ninety distinct times!   I’ve done all this in an attempt to lift more in a confined environment:   that of the powerlifting platform.   Yet, at the young age of 51 I am learning a lesson in adapting to the greater environment outside of powerlifting – life.  

I need to step back to the eighties.  You know, that great decade that brought us members-only jackets, mullets, hair bands and those stylish parachute pants.     It was my first decade of training just to powerlift – and train I did.   Whether it was in Pool’s Gym in Springfield, Illinois, Mandrell’s Gym in Santa Fe, New Mexico or the Total Fitness Center in Carlsbad, New Mexico – five days a week you could find me training the squat & bench twice a week on dedicated days and the deadlift once - and, working 55 plus hours a week in the mines.   I would workout sore, tired, injured and hungry (not hungry for improvement – just plain ol’ hungry).  Unbelievably, I made gains.   Well, the synthetic supplements had more to do with that than my training regimen.  Suffice to say – my life revolved around powerlifting.  

By 1987 I was lifting clean and working out only  three days a week.    This proved somewhat beneficial and productive.... but by ’94 I was done.  Burnt.  Fried.   I continued with lifting but stopped training.    I just couldn’t make room.  I just couldn’t adapt.   So I became a gym rat.... and left powerlifting. 

I returned in 2009 to unbelievable changes in the sport (which was the original motivation for this column).   And, I adapted my training to adjust to the undeniable affects of age.    As a masters lifter, I adjusted my training to once a week.    All lifts in one day.   This maximized my recuperation and last year resulted in the best raw bench and dead that I’ve ever lifted.   But this edition is not about my accomplishment (or lack thereof), It’s about adapting powerlifting into life.   

Today, I face some significant challenges to powerlifting training.    A new job with additional responsibility & span has dramatically impacted my time.   I’ve become a coastal traveller.    And let me tell ya’, 300 lbs. Is a lot to get comfortable in a five hour flight.   I’m also dealing with personal challenges that I’ve never faced before.  

This last paragraph could easily describe over half of the NASA faithful today, tomorrow or yesterday.    So what’s a 51 year old to do?     Adapt.  

Listen, there are several methods and approaches to powerlifting training out there.   Some more effective with gear, some specifically for raw lifters.    I’m not venturing an opinion on any one of these programs.   If it works and continues to work for you....stick with it.     However, if time constraints, injuries, work pressures, and life issues curtail your training.... its time to adapt.   

All my adaptations have been focused on less.   Train less.   Lift less.  Lighten the overall load.   Now.... I’m shifting to full minimalist mode.  I’ve decided to lift each discipline once every other week.   I lift once a week but rotate workouts.   It makes sense to me.    I take a good 12 to 14 days off before a meet and come in fresh and strong.    Now, I’ve endeavoured on an eight month journey of lifting each discipline every two weeks.   It fits with my life challenges and allows me to make gains and stay excited and energized.    How effective is it?   We’ll see in November..... we will definitely see.  

I’m not proposing a method of training each lift every other week.    I’m just stating how I’m adapting.   That’s the funny thing about adaptation – it’s different for just about everyone.    But it’s necessary.     It reminds me of the old definition of insanity:   doing the exact same thing over and over and expecting different results.     The most appropriate quote I can find comes from one of the greatest innovators in his field – Bruce Lee:

“Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.”

 

#22

I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee.

-      John Donne

 

It’s been a few months since I’ve posted a column.  In fairness, I just won’t write to write… I need some form of inspiration.    At the Masters Nationals in Mesa, Arizona last weekend, I found that inspiration.

A good friend of mine approached me and asked me how my lifting continues to progress after my injury (quad rupture / full avulsion – March, 2011).   After a conversation on training and the joy my body feels from not squatting – his follow up question was the root of my new inspiration:   when do you know its time to quit powerlifting?  

Great question.   An intelligent answer can only be debated after examining why an individual powerlifts.   

My experiences in powerlifting (1984 – present) have allowed me to cross paths with thousands of lifters.    Through this “path”, I have discovered folks are motivated to lift for a multitude of reasons.   Many began powerlifting as a outcrop of their concluded sport endeavors in high school / college.    They lifted as part of football, wrestling, shot put, hockey, basketball (ok…only joking about basketball) and they found that competitive spirit in powerlifting.   I believe Jon Cole from Arizona and Thornbecke’s gym is a classic example.    

Some folks lift because they are naturally strong and always have been.   These genetically-gifted found an arena of competition in powerlifting and can demonstrate their strength on a platform.  The great Ed Coan was simply one of the strongest powerlifters by the time he was seventeen.

Others love the competition and the thrill of victory.    They lift to win.  They’re training and strategy focuses on one thing - winning.    They must win.   Fred Hatfield was a lot like that.

Another group of lifters simply lift in meets because their training partner lifts in meets.   They find it fun and interesting and “go with the flow”.

The final group of lifters – and maybe the most disturbed – are those who lift because they are compelled to lift.   I do not compare myself at any level to the greats mentioned above but I can relate to those who fall into this category.   

Just before the Masters I had a co-worker interested in the competition and asked me why I did it….he asked if it was the thrill of lifting heavy weight.   I actually laughed out loud and then quickly answered “no”.    I lift much like I ride a harley – for those who understand no explanation is needed.  For those who don’t – none is possible.   I told him it was a compulsion.   I lift because --- I lift.   At this point in time – I cannot ‘not’ lift.  I always wanted to lift.   From the time I opened my first bodybuilding magazine and seen Larry Scott, Dave Draper, Arnold & Sergio Oliva I was hooked on lifting.  It wasn’t until I bought a copy of Terry Todd’s Inside Powerlifting in 1977 (still have the original book) that I knew that’s what I wanted to do.   One look at Doug Young and I had my role model.

So, for risk of stereotyping, I will sum up the five motivators as:

the Athlete, the Strong, the Competitor, the Follower, and the Compelled.   It really doesn’t matter why someone powerlifts.   There are world champions in all the categories.    For the sake of this installment, it matters in the context of when a lifter decides to call it quits. 

The easiest stereotyped powerlifter to answer the original question – when is it time to quit? – is the Follower.   He quits when his friend quits.   Or, when the friendship ends.  Or when he moves away.   Once the reason to follow someone to a powerlifting meet is gone – so is he.   

The Competitor quits when he can no longer win on a consistent basis.   It is somewhat deeper than that though.  It is the Competitor himself who defines what “win” means.   Some quit once the World Championships are no longer in grasp.   Others may quit once their region or state titles have been taken.   However the Competitor defines “winning” dictates when to quit.

The Athlete & the Strong tend to quit powerlifting when their athletic skills or strength begin to diminish – usually because of powerlifting.   Injuries, whether they are acute or chronic, tend to be the culprit.   The Athlete realizes that his outlet is eroding his abilities.    The Strong face the inevitable – diminished strength.   It makes sense – if your reason for powerlifting is an outlet for your athletic abilities / strength and these attributes leave you – you quit lifting. 

We are now left with the Compelled.   Again, those poor, disturbed & troubled individuals who almost have to lift.   It’s a calling.   And it isn’t necessarily a calling to world championships and mastery of the sport.  It is simply a calling one must answer – lift.    The compulsion is really just to “get better”.   But herein lies the rub – “better” is defined by the Compelled.  It could be better than the last meet, the last training day, last year or, better since the last injury.   Nothing deters them.   They are by the truest definition compelled to lift.   So when do they quit?    You guessed it – they don’t.   The Compelled may take some time off.   They may be off the platform due to a multitude of reasons.   But rest assured, they will return.   And “better” if only in their eyes.  

At times I don’t much like being compelled to lift.  It is a form of OCD at best and a sickness at worst.   But quit?….. and with apologies to Charlton Hesston….when the pry the bar from my cold, dead hands.  

All this stereotyping and discussion of when a lifter quits is all in good fun.   The reality is this:   it doesn’t matter to anyone except the lifter.   It is much like the lifter’s performance itself.   Ask your spouse / girlfriend / boyfriend / significant other to recount your performance in your last meet.   She / he can’t.   Why?  Because they don’t care to that detail.    That’s the same sentiment about quiting….it should only matter to you.   Because the hard reality on whether I choose to continue powerlifting is a decision that – in the short and long run – only matters to me.   

 

#21    “Why not just live in the moment, especially if it has a good beat?”

                                                                                  -          Goldie Hawn 

I started training for powerlifting in 1984.   That makes me, well, a Masters 2 lifter.   I, like many of you, have experienced triumph, defeat, mistakes and injuries.  I have scars and all to prove it.   I have lifted drug free and I have lifted “not”.   I’ve competed in the equipped division (albeit back when we called in a “blast” shirt) and I now lift raw.   I’ve seen lifters and organizations come and go.  Some good.  Some not so good.   But I can always set my calendar every four years to an ongoing controversy / conversation:   why isn’t powerlifting in the Olympics?   

Every time the Summer Olympics roll around the inevitable argument rears its ugly head.   It could be at a meet, on the phone or the forums on the internet. The argument is similar every four years depending on which decade you’re in.   “Well, if trampolining is an Olympic sport then why isn’t powerlifting?”  “If ping-pong is in the games then surely our sport should be”.    “If synchronized swimming is contested then why shouldn’t powerlifting?”  Did you know that Tug-O-War and Rope Climbing were once Olympic sports?   I’m not kidding.   So the argument pursues.   And there are many opinions as to why: disenfranchised organizations, drug usage, gear, length of meets, number of competitors and subjectivity. I happen to favor three: the bench press, member nations and money.

I believe if powerlifting is to ever have an opportunity to be an Olympic event we would have to drop the bench press from competition.  Why you might ask? - because it is difficult to observe.   You can’t effectively watch someone bench unless you are on the platform or your vantage point is overhead. You can film someone benching from overhead and project unto a screen but the viewer is distracted from the lift itself.   This just isn’t conducive for an Olympic viewing audience.  I think a Squat/Deadlift combination is a much better package for the Olympics. 

Secondly, I don’t believe enough member nations give a rat’s ass about inclusion in the Olympics. It doesn’t just take the United States – it takes the collective effort of all member nations. I highly doubt, and this is just an educated guess, that there aren’t more than 8 or 10 represented member nations in powerlifting willing to spend the money to secure Olympic recognition in the summer games.  

Which brings me to my third reason:  money. Powerlifting as a collective international body, in this case the IPF, would need a stream of money from its member nations to support the campaign. Money for travel, advertising, dinners, junkets, and ‘greasing the skids’ as it were. Think about it – we are the most prosperous nation on earth (sure doesn’t feel like it at the moment) and how much extra cash do you think the IPF member organization has earmarked for the Olympic push?   

Listen, it just isn’t going to happen. We are not going to drop the bench from powerlifting and seventy-seven member nations will not raise a wad of cash necessary to sway the powers of the International Olympic Committee.   

So why give a crap? I don’t think we should. We lift in an organization that travels to 17 states 44 times a year. Most of us can drive to a meet at least twice a year. We have consistent judging, great awards and a camaraderie that you just don’t witness in Olympic sports. We have a great drug-free family atmosphere and we enjoy every minute of it. And, if there’s something we really don’t like – we can talk to the president of the organization.  

I think its human nature….too often we look at what we don’t have versus what we currently enjoy.   

I think of Goldie Hawn’s quote and it reminds me of the old American Bandstand.

NASA – it has a good beat and I can dance to it. 

I’m planning on dancing at the Master’s and Unequipped Nationals the remainder of this year. How about you? Where are you dancing next?

 

#20 - 2012

– La Envidia es Delgada porque Muerde pero no Come

          (envy is thin because it bites but never eats)

I spend a lot of time cruising other PL sites and reading blogs.   I read posts in non-tested federations, multi-ply and strongman sites.  I subscribe to Milo and Power.  I read the blogs of some of the top lifters in the world whether they are tested or non-tested.  And, as a powersports lifter, I will watch with curiosity as the multi-ply lifters train and compete.   I do this for perspective.... It's like watching FOX news.   I can't find much to debate or disagree with... my perspective becomes skewed.   So I flip on CNN.   It gives me a sense of how the ‘other half’ thinks (I’ve always thought liberalism was a social disease --- now I’m convinced). 

I also consider any powerlifter or strongman a brother in iron.   I know some of you disagree due to the drug usage and multi-ply argument.   But… their making a choice – just as we have.   I don’t post on the other sites.   It’s their sandbox and I’m just strolling by.   I truly have nothing of value to add to those discussions….so I don’t.   While I disagree with many of their positions (steroids, gear, judging, special treatment for elite lifters, etc.) I keep my mouth – and my keyboard – shut.    It would serve no purpose than to stir the pot just for the sake of controversy.    Not my bag.  

I also steer away from the occasional controversy that will flow through the powerlifting world.   My opinion is powerlifting is a hobby/sport enjoyed to augment someone’s existence – not to define it.    So when trials and tribulations befall a lifter or past lifter, I cringe every time I see a reference online.    I don’t much care if you are a ‘dear friend’ for years….if a lifter’s plight has hardened – leave it be.   Posting it on a board doesn’t help….especially ‘your friend’.      The bottom line for me:   judge not – unless I’m asked to on the platform of course!   

However……. I feel compelled to put in my two cents on the ‘Evolution’ division.    This is a new division for the masters’ lifter which [implements the use of the Top Squat by Dave Draper for squats in competition. This division is for Masters lifters only and all lifters in this division will use the Top Squat device for all 3 squat attempts. No exception will be made. The purpose of using the Top Squat is to allow Masters Competitors that can no longer hold the squat bar on their back due to shoulder injuries compete again on a level playing field with other Masters lifters. No supportive suits will be allowed on the squat. Supportive shirts and suits will however be allowed on the bench press and deadlift] definition…NASA-sports.com. 

This is a great innovation and a great lifting concept.   And it is being ridiculed and criticized by lifters outside our sandbox.    Most of the cynics are saying that if your shoulders aren’t strong enough or durable enough to hold a bar during the squat – then don’t squat.    Spoken like a 27 year old multi-ply lifter on steroids!   

Man, the hypocrisy.  I don’t even know where to begin….. oh yeah… I do.   1983. 

In 1983, a college student / elite powerlifter, John Inzer, designed, developed and distributed the first bench shirt.   He did this to help those benchers whose shoulders could not stand the constant bombardment and training necessary to bench to the new standards of benching being set by the likes of Ted Arcidi and Ken Lain.   This ‘innovation’ allowed some lifters to come out of retirement and continue to achieve in the sport.   

Today – as we all know – that bench shirt has evolved into a technological garment allowing up to 40% carryover in the lift.    I don’t believe our 27 year old bencher realizes that the shirt he uses today – the shirt that allows him to bench 800 lbs – was originally designed to assist those with shoulder issues. 

Rich continues to be an innovator in this sport or ours.  He is always looking for ways for lifters to enjoy the sport while maintaining integrity and lifting within the rules.  Many forget that Rich Peters was the first meet promoter to use a monolift in competition.  Yet, as soon as an innovation has NASA attached to it:  the haters come out in droves to ignorantly bash it for the sake of bashing.     I honestly do not believe everyone is entitled to an opinion.   I think everyone is entitled to an informed opinion.   So before some multi-ply bencher starts bitching about an innovation to help those with shoulder issues lift within the rules of powerlifting – do a little research.  Google “bench shirt” and “John Inzer”.    Just go back to your sandbox and drink your hater-aide and I’ll stay in mine.  

 

#19 - 2012

The Natural Nationals (NNs) are behind us now.   We witnessed the outstanding lifting of several lifters… not the least of which was Tyson Myers and Aaron Gonzales.   Wow.  

And, we witnessed courageous lifting – immediately Brady Tanner comes to mind.   It was two days, two platforms, and two hundred lifters in a great orchestration of mass, muscle and fellowship.   The banquet was ‘standing room only’ and culminated with the crowning (or ‘coating’ if you will) of a new NASA            Athlete of the Year – the very deserving, reserved and always humble Robin Hedrick.  This was some meet.  And if you missed it… do yourself a favor and circle late January on your calendar for next year.  

I love the Natural Nationals for so many reasons.  

1. It is the strictest, most consistent judging you will see at any meet – anywhere. 

2. The best-of-the-best come out to lift, judge, score, announce, load & spot (I even  

    witnessed Rich oil up his joints and load during the last session of squats.   The old  

    man kicked some rear!). 

3. The banquet recognizes and rewards year-long and career-long accomplishments.

4. And, most of all, the fellowship and friendships shared in the NASA family. 

 

Yes… this meet is a labor of love for me.   But I’ve never lifted in the Natural Nationals and I never will.    Why?   Well, I am going to dabble in the past… just a little… and just for the sake of the great influx of new lifters we’ve enjoyed this year. 

The Natural Nationals is the signature drug free national event in the U.S.   Rich started the meet in the early nineties with the vision of what it actually has become:   a family reunion.     Prior to the Natural Nationals and prior to NASA, Rich had effectively grown the United States Powerlifting Federation (USPF) to record membership.   He began a pilot program where drug free athletes could lift on a level playing field.   As this movement grew, Rich recognized the need for an organization with quality judging and drug free lifting but without the arrogance and elitist feel of the USPF.    Rich proposed an umbrella organization that would support everyone’s needs; however, pride, ego and arrogance ruled the day and the USPF rejected his proposal with bias.   Hmmmm… how’d that work out for them?    Through this effort Rich launched NASA and created a signature event – the Natural Nationals.    I made a commitment then and I keep it today – my contribution to the Natural Nationals would be to load, spot, announce, judge or run errands – anything but lift.   This was my way of honoring a man who brought powerlifting to me; who created an organization that I could be myself in; who removed the righteousness of the self-appointed powerlifting executives; and built a family of drug free lifters and supporters.    

Now, for a quick “look forward”.    The Natural Nationals also serve as a springboard to a new year.    The slate is clean, injuries are healed and the meet calendar has been published.    Hope springs eternal.    This is such a great time to plan your training around the meets you want to attend….and, a great time to plan on giving back.   Find at least one meet you can attend just to support the organization –  supporting the lifters if you will.      

My calendar:   the Western Nationals (the ‘Manno’) in Mesa, Arizona;   the Bench Press & Powersports Nationals in Denver, Colorado;  the Masters Nationals back in Mesa; and the Unequipped Nationals in Dallas, Texas.   I plan on attending both days at the Masters and the Unequipped Nationals.   That will allow me to support day 1 lifters.   And, of course, I will be in full support mode at the Natural Nationals next January.   

In essence, that’s what NASA is – at our core we are an organization of disciplined lifters who support each other with our words, deeds and efforts.   These meets don’t happen by accident.   The whole ‘grand design’ Rich created requires us to participate at all levels.  The NASA Nation is full of great examples of lifters who ‘give back’ – Lee Elliff, Chris Spirrison, Boxcar, Walt Sword, Terry & Robbin, Mike Ewoldson, the Big Cat, Job & Wendy, Sharla & Mike, John McKay, JT Hall, Marty Einstein and so many others.   Your dedication is inspirational.   

So…where will you be in 2012?   Which meets will you lift at and where will you lift?  And… where will you lend a hand and help run an effective meet?    Someone, Boxcar, Robbin, Job, Sharla… someone start a thread and tell me… where will you be this year?

 

 

#18 - A Funny Happened On The Way To the Forum…….. 

Hey NASA – I hope everyone had a great summer!     It’s been a little while since I posted a column and time to catch up.   I’ve been focused on recovery from the quadriceps tendon rupture.   All is good.   I’m fully recovered functionally and at about 65% strength.   I’m on track to be at 100% in May.    

And, I suffered an even more traumatic experience in early September:  Boxcar came for a visit.   I may never recover from that!  Of course I’m only joking.   Jim Moody is a brother and always will be.

Just before Boxcar’s visit I spent 8 days on the Harley.   This was a trip I originally planned for July with a riding buddy.    I wasn’t recuperated enough to make the trip and he couldn’t reschedule so….. off I went all by my lonesome.  

Riding 2,200 miles through four states alone is therapy in and of itself.   I found that my interactions with people I met on the road were different than with a riding partner:   purer if you will.   I left San Diego, spent a few nights and a full day in Vegas, traveled through Zion National Park, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Tuba City, Winslow, Holbrook, Payson, Camp Verde, North Phoenix, Superior, Winkelman, Oracle, Tucson, Benson, Sierra Vista, Tombstone, Nogales, the back road to Ajo, a great stop in Yuma (all Arizona towns) and back home to San Diego.   Any time I would stop for the night I would ask about the local ‘dive’.    I very much enjoy walking into a local establishment at 9:30 pm.    All the local folk turn and give you that ‘over the shoulder’ glance.   At that moment you know you are either going to have a really good time or a really bad time.  Either way:  you are going to have a ‘time’.    I also like to partake of the local flavor.   Eat at the best local restaurants.    I followed this protocol throughout.  

During what is close to the mid-point of my trip I pulled into Holbrook.    This is a small Arizona town right off of I-40 about 20 miles east of Winslow.    My bank had placed a hold on my credit card due to activities every hundred miles and Holbrook does have a Wells Fargo.  After I cleared up the card issue I had a nice mexican lunch at a local dive.   Mmmm good.   I had to fill up prior to hitting 377 south to the striving metropolis of Heber, Arizona.   

I pulled into a small gas station with one island and a small store.   There was room for vehicles between the inner pumps and the store.   The outer pumps (in the same single island) had ample room for maneuverability.   When you are riding on a harley and moving into a space with vehicles coming and going – you are acutely aware of your surroundings and notice small details that would otherwise go unnoticed in a car.    This moment was no exception.     

I noticed a white F-150 work truck in the forward pump.   The driver was on the cell phone and the pump had clicked off.   He was obviously topped off.   Behind him was a gentleman in a Ryder 16ft. box truck pulling a vehicle behind him.    The driver was somewhat two-blocked with his rig and was forced to wait on the white F-150.    I proceeded to pump my gas, down a liter of water and apply some sunscreen.   A good 15 minutes had transpired.   /The driver of the Ryder truck – a short man in his mid forties – out of shape – from Chicago (the accent and the hat gave it away) – and road weary – wanted to just move forward and pump his gas.   He asked me “what would you do”?   I suggested he politely interrupt the guy in the F-150 and ask him to pull forward.  

Chicago guy did just that.  “….. Excuse me….excuse me sir.   Could you pull forward?”  

The driver – all 5ft 10 inches, 170 pounds of him -  jumped out of his truck and began cussing at the top of his lungs – “What’s your bleeping problem?   I was on the bleeping phone….that was an emergency?”.   Chicago guy – in midwest fashion – was doing his best to simply explain the facts – “I’ve been waiting for 20 minutes.   I can’t go backward and have to go forward.   I have my in-laws and I’m taking them to Chica…”

“I don’t give a bleep!”…. “I ought to kick your ass!”.

Now up to this point I have remained Switzerland through the whole conversation.   But the last three days have been somewhat liberating to me and I will be damned if some redneck with a beef is going to ruin it for me.   So, I stepped over the island, got in between both guys, looked the redneck in the eyes and said – “There will be no fighting today”.   I swear, when I heard it come out of my mouth I almost laughed out loud.  

“What did you say?”.   I proclaimed again – “there will be no fighting today”.   Mr. Redneck then asked – “who are you?”.   I couldn’t help myself – “I’m the guy who’s saying ‘there will be no fighting today’”.   Geesh – who else would I be?    F-150 redneck dude looked at me and Chicago guy – stated emphatically “bleep you both” and squealed off onto I-40.    My new Chicago friend thanked me.   I told him my kids lived in Springfield and I had visited the Chicago area a few times.   I mentioned lifting in Niles ant the Leaning Tower Y.   Then he said two words that made this story relevant to y’all.  He looked me in the eyes and said “Ed Coan”.   

I asked him how he knew that name.   There are powerlifters today that don’t know that name (arguably the greatest powerlifter of all time).   He went on to explain that he worked at Quads gym in the eighties.  Knew the owners well.   Knew Ed well.  He even mimicked an Ed Coan heavy training squat – walk out, set up and all.

I don’t know Ed Coan.  I met him on three different occasions:  1985 Class III Nationals in Niles, IL and spotted him twice and the Senior Nationals.   But I was totally blown away by this interaction with a fellow human in God-forsaken Holbrook, Arizona, with a man from Chicago who skirted a physical altercation only to hold a decent conversation with me on powerlifting and a powerlifting legend.  We didn’t talk organizations, drugs, two-ply, politics or even discuss Mr. Redneck F-150 dude.   We simply talked lifting.  Pure and simple.  It was refreshing.   

I’ve recovered from my injury but it will take another 6 to 8 months to regain my strength.  I struggled with that.   Until I realized our sport, at its very nature, is just about getting stronger than before.    Pure and simple.  I have my new friend to thank for that epiphany.    

# 17 - "Merle Haggard said it Best"

During my recovery I’ve been an avid reader of our forum and other non-defined powerlifting websites.   I have refrained from jumping in under assumed troll names and spewing my unsolicited advice.  Abstaining from this activity is actually speeding up the healing process!  I have read the continuing arguments of rules and the subsequent rules infractions.   I’ve seen trolls run down one organization or another on some boards.  And I’ve read with interest how a few trainers of systems are ‘kings’ and ‘godfathers’ of powerlifting.   I’ve also read the all-too-occasional dabble into politics.   I’ve resisted jumping into these discussions for all too selfish reasons.  But…… I don’t want to spend time this month boring you with my tales of injury recovery so this month’s installment – don’t say I didn’t warn you – is about ideological politics.  

 Let me take a moment and define my political beliefs.   I am – as I stated last year in this column – an objectivist.   And long before anyone seen the first half of Atlas Shrugged in the movie theater or read any of Ayn Rand’s quotes - I’ve been an objectivist.   I read Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead in high school and it literally changed the way I viewed politics and government.    Here’s a quick definition of an objectivist:

 We believe in individual rights.
We believe in self-reliance.
We believe in charity – really! As long as you can afford to and don’t seek a return.
We believe in the ability to keep what you earn.
We believe in being accountable for your own actions.

 Although we do believe in war if required to rationally protect individual rights, we do not believe in asserting violence on another simply because they believe differently from you.  

 I’m not a libertarian, I’m not a moderate, I’m not a republican, I’m not a liberal, and I’m not a democrat.   I am an American who believes that things are what they are.  I believe hope is not a strategy and thinking it is still doesn’t make it so.   I believe if you work smart and hard and make a lot of money – you should keep it - because your business will create jobs for those who don’t work as smart and hard as you do.   And, you should own your actions – always.   

 If you want to label me something else – be my guest.   If you want to argue and disagree – have at it.   I honestly believe my thinking is self-evident.  I don’t mind someone calling me ideological or down right stupid.  I’m comfortable in my beliefs and I am not threatened by opposing views one little bit.

 But, if you want to disagree with me by force – lay hands on me for believing different – hang on.    I will bring every bit of force I can muster to keep you from doing that.   See, no one has a right to exert force onto another human just because they believe differently.   And, please understand, our country is not fighting a war based on beliefs!  We are not.  Our country is simply protecting its individuals and their rights.

 I’ll pause here for a sec and allow those that differ from my beliefs to collect their rebuttals…………………. 

 O.K. – away we go.     A few may argue this isn’t the case.   That we have infiltrated Iraq and Afghanistan based on beliefs.   I’ve heard and read this argument more than several times over the last two months (you watch a lot of T.V. when your leg is in an immobilizer).   All I can say is:  September 11th, 2001.   Sometimes people just have short memories.   Our way of life was changed completely that horrific morning.   And why?   Because we lived a life different than others believed we should.   And because of that, thousands of Americans’ individual rights were trampled on in the worst kind of way.

 The emotional response I receive from those who oppose our country’s actions is:   “and this justifies us going into Iraq and Afghanistan?!?”     The simple answer:  yes.    The complicated answer:   yes.       

Remember something if you will – how did we all feel on 9/12?   You know, when we woke up and Brian Williams and Wolf Blitzer and all the talking heads were wondering:  where next?   When will the next bomb go off?   Where will the terrorists target next?   What will become of us?   Will we be another country like Israel under the constant threat of attack?   We all wondered – what next?   How can we fight terrorism?   

 Well, we did.    And quite effectively I might add.  When was the last credible terrorist attack in the U.S.?   There hasn’t been since the day the world stopped turning.    And why?  Because we took the fight to them.   We discovered the safe haven of the terrorists and gave them a battlefield.   Their attention and resources were diverted so much that they couldn’t even muster the energy or focus to launch an attack on U.S. soil.  This was calculated.  This was strategic.   And now we are effectively destroying their leaders.    Don’t let anyone fool you with bleeding-heart propaganda:  you know, the B.S. that says “we just need to modify a few of our lifestyle choices and the extremist will be most accepting” (excuse me, I just threw up a little in my mouth).   Get this, the terrorists simply want to destroy our rights to individual freedom – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - by killing us.   They simply want us dead.   That’s why we have gone to war.  

 And it isn’t enough to just occupy the terrorists.  We, in my humble opinion, should destroy the one country whose prosperity and riches and lunacy allows them to harbor and train most of those terrorists – Iran.   But we don’t.  Political interests outweigh individual rights.    That’s where I draw the line.    A rational, intelligent human being who gives a shit about protecting individual rights in America should damn sure recognize the threat that Iran poses.  If you don’t – then you are completely mis- or uninformed.  

 Of course this is just one man’s opinion.   Your opinion could be the exact polar opposite.   You are entitled because you are in America.   And for that matter, you are also entitled to 4” high squats in the SPF – you are in America.  You’re entitled to join NASA, lift within the prescribed rules of powerlifting and freakin’ curl instead of squat if you prefer.   Why?  Because you are in America.    I love listening to dissenting opinions.  It helps me grow.  I’ve been told I’m a great listener.   And, I don’t even mind individuals who disagree with the behavior of our country’s leaders.   I don’t mind taking offense to decisions our executive branch makes.   I take offense to our current commander and chief daily.    

 What I do mind is running down America - when you take shots at the very existence of our country.  I absolutely mind when you disparage the constitution and burn our flag; when you spit on America for being America; and when you protest a fallen warrior’s funeral and mock a hero’s parents as they bury their son simply because you disagree with politics. 

 We enjoy a whole bunch of freedoms in America and one that I particularly enjoy is being able to listen to the music of our choosing.  I’m proud to admit to all that I am an avid country and western fan.  I don’t mean the new-fangled country stylings of Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum, or Sugarland.  I’m talkin’ classic country – George Jones, Conway Twitty,  Patsy Cline, Chris Ledoux- to name a few.    It is in classic country music that I grew up listening to a song from Merle Haggard that has me detaching from my objectivist beliefs and simply wanting to pound heads.   

Merle Haggard said it best:  

When you’re runnin’ down this country man, you’re walkin’ on the fightin’ side of me.  

 

 

#16 - Gunga galunga... gunga, gunga-lagunga    

4/28/2011                                                   

It’s officially been a month since my surgery.  For those that don’t know – on March 25th at 8:15 p.m. I had just finished a work up set of deads and wanted to get in an unwrapped set of squats.   I went down with 525 but did not come up with it.   I ruptured my left quadriceps tendon and was on the operating table by 11:30 a.m. the next day.    This column today will not be an analysis of the injury and anticipated recovery.  Once I’m back on the platform I look forward to finally writing that book that Gary Clock claims is locked up deep inside my thick, recessed skull.   My prognosis is for 100% recovery.   Although I was told I could one day squat again – I will not.    I will never be able to wrap my mind around what happened at the bottom of my very last squat.      When I return, it will be to the Powersports platform.

Powersports is now my future.   Powersports is now my hope for continued success on the platform.  Powersports is my reality.    And……. I’m way good with that.    Now if you’re thinking ahead – stop.  This is not going to be one of those “Powersports’ kicks Powerlifting’s ass” type columns.   I’m not going to arrogantly proclaim superiority now that I’m part of what Mr. Adelmann so adequately defines as – drum roll please – ‘the no squat club’.  Why?  Because I can’t.   I marvel at the ability of those who defy age and continue to press forward and press on.   Those men and women who fight gravity in the squat week in and week out.   And I tip my hat to those who choose to squat by the rules.   I tip my hat to those who choose to squat in NASA.  

Once recovered and with sufficient training, I to choose to lift in NASA.   But I’m trading in my squat shoes and focusing intently on my curl, bench and deadlift.    And again, why?   Because I can.   Because of the vision of one man I have an outlet.  I have the ability to look forward from this horrid injury and feel the fire of competition and the call of the platform within me.  

In the seventies and eighties there wasn’t a very robust masters program in powerlifting.   The sport really didn’t take off until the 70’s and it wouldn’t be for another decade and a half that competitive lifters grew old enough to populate a sustainable masters program.   As the pool of masters grew larger a sub-set within the pool began to emerge – the no squat club.   By the mid-nineties there existed a group within the masters community that simply pushed and pulled their way through a meet.    But Rich with his vision changed all that.   He created a sport that allowed the ‘no squatters’ to compete in an environment shoulder-to-shoulder with powerlifters.    And Rich did this amidst a ton of controversy.  

Powerlifters in other organizations and trolls on the internet chastised Rich for his vision.   The malcontents laughed at curls being a part of a powerlifting meet.   Some claimed it would be the downfall of NASA.   Hell, a few likened it to the breaking of the seventh seal trumpeting in Armageddon.  When I returned to the sport two years ago I scratched my head and figured I’d give it a go.   It was great to supplement my platform experience while I got my squats tuned back up and I was rewarded with Male Powersports Athlete of the Year last year.   But I wanted more.  I wanted to compete at a high level in unequipped powerlifting.   Well, no good deed goes unpunished and here I am – left without the ability to squat.   Oh the irony.   

So here I am.   I’ve never been the type to look back and I have a lot to look forward to.  I look forward to walking again (probably the 1st of June).   I look forward to deadlifts again (albeit light for a while) – shootin’ for late July.   And I very much look forward to fully capitalizing on Rich’s vision and competing in Powersports.  I’m targeting April / May 2012.   

At this very point in time I empathize with Bill Murray’s character Carl Spackler in Caddyshack: "Hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know." And he says, "Oh, uh, there won't be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness." So I got that goin' for me, which is nice.

I won’t squat again but I have Powersports to motivate me to be my very best on the platform – which is nice. 

 

#15 - What do you mean funny?   Funny like a Clown, I amuse you?

This sport of ours can be funny sometimes.   And when I mean funny – I mean quirky and hard to grasp.   I’m going to try and take a feeble attempt at defining what I mean by ‘funny’.  

  1. Our sport is only followed by participants and family members.  We do not enjoy a ‘fan base’.   There are pockets – primarily around gym memberships – where excitement has been built for a single meet or an attempt at an ‘all time’ world record.   But for the most part we are our own fan base.   There are fundamental reasons why this is so but that ain’t the intent of this column and I’ll save that for another day.
  2. Powerlifting is judged subjectively and interpretations of what basically is the same rule book differ across some twenty-seven separate and distinctive organizations.   
  3. Equipment has changed the perception – both for insiders and the casual observer -  of the squat and bench press forever.   If you don’t agree with this you are either nuts or delusional. 
  4. Powerlifters are usually shunned in most commercial gyms and we are subsequently relegated to open our own garage gyms.
  5. To compete – you must travel.
  6. Legends have been diminished in the sport and there is literally no correlation to a 903 lb squat completed by a 220 lber today and Ed Coan’s squats in the early 90’s.
  7. Lifters lift for different reasons.    

This is a funny sport and there are several characters in this organization of ours that keep me laughing.    But don’t get me wrong:   I love it.   I love every freakin’ minute of it.   Where can a fifty year old man go and enjoy himself this much?     It is a blast.   

And to point 7 above, I truly do enjoy watching lifters compete.   

This word ‘compete’ has been beatin’ around a bit in our funny little sport.   I still enjoy from time to time reading the powerlifting forums and catching up on the little trolls and their agendas.    ‘Competition’ itself has been a primary topic on one or two forums out there.    A few posters like to call our competitions ‘trophy chasing’.   Ah – to each there own.    But it is unfortunate that everyone is entitled to an uninformed opinion.    You would think they would do their homework.    

Most of us compete against ourselves.   We mark time based on our improvements in the various lifting disciplines.   I can tell you when I broke 420 in the bench and when I expect to break 450.   We think this way.    And trophies –they mark milestones ~ at least for me.    And there are stories around each one of them.    I hear lifters retell these stories on Saturday night’s post-meet dinners.    “Yep, the Grand Nationals in 2010.  I went 9 for 9”.    Or……. “I had 600 to my knees at the Natural Nationals”.    “I had a record squat but was called on depth at the Manno in 2009”.    And….. “I lifted off for Tom on his World record”.

Our trophies mark time for us.    There’s very little discussion around the competition.   Because, my friends, in this funny, quirky, niche sport or ours – you are the competition.   Think about it:   would you be happier beating the field in your weight class and having a crap day or, setting PRs in all your thirds attempts?    I know my answer.   We have seen the competition and they are us.    For the most part.   

But every now and then you have the opportunity to pin back your ears and go mano-y-mano against the best.     For the last few years that chance presented itself in the form or Pro Powersports.     I supported the Pros with my encouragement and my money.   I provided key sponsorship last year and will continue to do so if it returns to NASA.   But, I wouldn’t compete.   Primarily because I wouldn’t win any money but secondly, I don’t like pro sports in powerlifting.   Just one man’s opinion.    I think it’s a grass-roots sport and although the money is small, money tends to screw up good things.    OK, that is just my opinion and I realize I’m well into the minority on this.     I’m cool with that. 

So – at least this year, there is a competition brewing.    The Ultimate Championships.   Three groups divided by weight – light – middle – heavy.   No other weight classes, no age group, no equipment.   Just strap it on and see who’s gonna bring it to Oklahoma on October 15th & 16th and who isn’t.    Count me in.     I do just compete against myself and I do mark time based on my lifts.   I have certain total goals set by specific times in my life and I train to meet those goals.   But for just once I’m throwing my weight belt on the proverbial lifting platform and sayin’ “bring it on”.     And if you’re a heavyweight and you’re coming to beat this old man, bring your ‘A’ game.    Because I can tell you the judging is going to be strict and the lifting hard.    I plan on going 9 for 9.     I give myself a 50 50 chance of placing in this meet.   But I know one thing:   it’s going to be fun.      

 

#14 - This is My Corn.  You People are Guests in My Corn.

Ringing in a new year is an interesting time:  it allows us a formal period of time to reflect on the last year and set goals for the coming one.   As I reflected on last year I thought about many things:  family, friends, lifting and car insurance.  Yes – car insurance.   I received a notice that it was time for me to examine my Geico insurance policy and update it based on life changes.   

When I received the notice I couldn’t stop thinking about the Geico commercials.   I love those things.  One of my favorite is with retired Drill Instructor R. Lee Remey portraying a horrible therapist.   You know the one – “why don’t we chug on down to mamby-pamby land and maybe we can find you some self-confidence?”.   Funny stuff.    I get that guy.  I was told many of times growing up that ‘big boys don’t cry’.  You just don’t show emotion.  Because of such I’ve only cried five times:  the death of my grandparents, and the passing of Tom Landry and President Ronald Regan and …….the only movie I’ve shed a tear watching:   Field of Dreams. 

 It wasn’t until the last line of the movie – “Hey Dad, you wanna have a catch?”.   That line gets me every time.  It speaks directly to the relationship of a father and son.    The whole movie is a metaphor for redemption.  A son finds his father through the one constant that had always held them together – baseball.  James Earl Jones portraying the radical Terrance Mann in  Field of Dreams said it best:  “[T]he one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again. Oh... people will come Ray. People will most definitely come”.

Reflecting on this great movie I can’t help but think about the threads on the REAL NASA board last month.  Rich talked about lifting with his son Devin and Job uploaded a video of him and Samson training.  I had also noted how very rewarding it is to lift with my son – Dallas.   And then, BAM, I had one of my epiphanies that I usually have when my mind wonders (or I’ve had one too many beers) – we don’t just lift with our sons, we powerlift with our sons.   If the sport of powerlifting was born in the mid-sixties then we can boast we are well into our fourth generation of powerlifters.  And as such, we in the sport have a responsibility to maintain the constant.  If not for ourselves- save for our sons.  

Let’s look back.   No one doubts the depth or legitimacy of great squats from Paul Anderson, Rickey Dale Crain, Kaz, Coan, Capt. Kirk, Darryl Johnson or Rich Kahle.    And through the three major powerlifting organizations depth and the judging of such remained constant through to the late nineties.    A white-lighted squat was legitimate – by anyone’s standards.  

Now……. Well, now is now.   We have rogue organizations who define depth in the squat from the bottom of the hamstring.   Their justification:   the equipment prevents the lifter from achieving the originally-defined depth.   To further exasperate the situation, cheating is considered a rite of passage in some lifting circles.   They brag – loudly I might add – that cheating is simply trying to establish a competitive edge.   They boast there is integrity in getting away with breaking the rules.  

 Let’s examine this overused word – integrity.   Integrity is simply the area where values intersect behavior.  In other words, integrity is behaving in accordance to one’s values.     So maybe it isn’t an issue of integrity but simply an issue of values.    This changes the argument for lifters who cross organizations.   Some lifters will ‘cross over’ to a rogue organization to test themselves against their best.   A NASA lifter competing in another organization’s meet may argue that judging isn’t their fault.  They simply lift within the rules of a given organization.  Why squat to depth if no one else is?                  ……… insert pregnant pause here……………       This argument lacks any sense of value whatsoever.   I can draw a hundred analogies in the world – but why?  It’s like teaching a pig to sing:   it wastes your time and it irritates the pig.

We at NASA place value in lifting within the prescribed rules of powerlifting.   A squatter must descend below parallel.   Equipment should not restrict the lifter from achieving such.   Intimidating judges is not allowed.   And a head judge can redlight a 4” high squat.  

If gear is too restricting to allow for proper execution – then the gear shouldn’t be allowed.

If a judge is too biased to call a lift within the prescribed rules – then the individual shouldn’t judge.

If a lifter fails to break parallel – then the lift shouldn’t pass.  

If none of these are adhered too – then we shouldn’t call it powerlifting.    Call it Extreme Lifting, call it Super Lifting, hell, call it Zumba Lifting.   I don’t care.   Just don’t call it powerlifting. 

We should maintain the values of powerlifting set by the sport’s  founders.   We aren’t going backwards by doing so.  That’s just plain stupid.    We are preserving a sport for generations to come.   We are allowing our sons and one day their sons to connect with a sport their grandfathers competed in.   

Let’s continue the good fight.  Let’s make powerlifting a constant.   Powerlifting is not a mainstream sport and it never will be.   There is no reason why this part of our past cannot remain a part of our future.  

 

#13 = "How "bout dem Cowboys"

Yes, I’m a Dallas Cowboy fan.  I know – we suck this year.  And I do mean ‘we’.   I feel so close to the cowboys I honestly believe I’m a part of the team.  And, as a fan, I am a part of an organization bigger than myself.  I can honestly make this claim.   

I’m not a fair-weather fan either – not by a long shot.   I became a fan at the ripe ol’ age of six.

My mom would take all three of her kids to her parent’s in Phoenix for the holidays.  My grandfather – ‘Doc’ - would always want to bet on football.  This particular trip he told me to pick a team and bet me a quarter.  I picked the Cowboys.  The game:  the Ice Bowl (New Year’s eve-1967).  The result was legendary.   Bart Starr snuck across the goal line following Jerry Kramer’s block for a last second go ahead touchdown which meant the soon-to-be-hated Packers won the game.  Bob Lilly, the all-pro defensive lineman for the Cowboys unceremoniously threw his helmet 40 yards down field at the conclusion of the game.   My grandfather began taunting and teasing me and I responded how any six year old would:  I slammed the back door to Doc’s house subsequently breaking the glass in the door.  Now, in my family if you did something extremely stupid and/or ridiculously emotional as a child – you were in for a spanking.   And that is just what Doc did.  Pulled down my britches and spanked me in front of God and everyone (everyone being my mom, sister, brother, uncle, aunt and three cousins).  After said spanking I went into the living room and proclaimed to my grandfather through my sniffles that I would always, always “be on the Cowboy’s team”.   And I always have been.  

1989 was Jimmy Johnson’s first year as head coach.  Troy Aikman was a rookie quarterback who was sacked 77 times that year.  The Cowboys posted their worst record to date:  1 – 15.   In November of that year my wife (re: ex) delivered twin boys.  I named the first born ‘Dallas’.    Suffice to say – I am a fan.  

And as a Cowboys fan – I hate (in order) the Packers, the Steelers, the Redskins, the Giants, the Eagles, and the 49ers.   I can barely watch any reference to ‘the catch’ and I will change the channel when Terry Bradshaw is on TV.   And although I despise these teams – I like their fans.   There’s a kinship.  They are educated die-hard fans.  Loyal during good times and bad.  Faithful to the cause.   A Packer fan will applaud Farve on his return to Lambeau field only to boo him on the field of play.   An Eagles fan will complain about trading for Vick only to praise his leadership and ingenuity.  And the fans of the aforementioned teams study the game.  They know the history and understand the rules on the field of play.  Through all this – they remain committed and loyal to the jersey. 

And that is the essence of why I dislike the Chargers so.   I need to rephrase that  - I dislike their fans.   They are fickle fans.   First they call for Schottenheimer’s head because the team can’t penetrate deep into the playoffs.  Then they call for Turner’s head because they lose early in the season.  Now, they can’t even sell out a home game and all but two have been blacked out.   Oh, they’re loyal fans alright – when the Chargers are winning and winning big.  But, as soon as things don’t go the fans’ way – they head to the beach and catch the first wave.   That’s how I feel about football.  And realize, I haven’t played the game for over 29 years. 

Now let’s apply this level of passion to powerlifting.  A sport in which we not only watch but participate in – as lifters, as coaches, as announcers, as spotter/loaders, and as judges.   Is our passion and loyalty less-than what we exhibit as football fans?  I think not.  I believe the whole ‘loyalty’ issue runs deep within a powerlifter’s blood.   Or, at least it should.   And I do realize that although many of you share in the belief of loyalty to NASA, not all do.  I’ve had a few conversations concerning this issue.   And the most asked question:  why is it important to be loyal (in our case – to NASA)?  

This is a straight-forward answer: because as a lifter we enjoy lifting in powerlifting competitions.  Confusing?   Shouldn’t be.   Powerlifting is brought to us lifters by NASA.   Great communities such as:  Mesa, AZ, Hereford, TX, Gilmer, TX, Tyler, TX, Alvin, TX, Denver, CO, Salina, KS, Springfield, OH, Gallup, NM, Des Moines, IA, Joplin, MO,  Flora, IL, and yes Job- Sheboygan, WI (to name a few) were scheduled over the previous years and are in ‘coming events’ http://nasa-sports.com/Events_Powerlifting.html  this year.  These meets aren’t scheduled by accident.  They are ‘built out’.  NASA via Rich, Tad and/or Job will venture into an area usually by invitation.  A local lifter will take on a level of responsibility to build ‘hype’ in the local gyms and lifting clubs.   NASA will schedule a first year meet with little guarantee of participation.   Take for instance Georgia.  Rich went into Georgia and conducted a 20 lifter meet.  New friends were made and the seeds of loyalty have been planted.  NASA returns in March to Dalton, Georgia.  I’ll bet the meet is substantially bigger.    

This does not happen by accident.   A few local lifters become loyal to NASA.   Other lifters in the gym catch the buzz and want to be a part of the organization.   A local organizer begins to conduct his or her own NASA sanctioned event.  Before long there are three quality meets throughout the year in a community were just two years prior there were none.  That’s how it’s done.  It requires local lifters becoming loyal to NASA.   

This loyalty is not without responsibility though.  As the local powerlifter develops and grows in popularity throughout NASA and becomes recognizable in the greater powerlifting community – others will take notice of his/her actions.   If the lifter remains loyal and committed to the ‘jersey’ – it reinforces the system if you will.  Novice local lifters get the strong sense of belonging and family.  Of being part of something bigger than themselves.   If a powerlifter begins with NASA and prospers as a prominent lifter in NASA – then it becomes worth their support and loyalty.   That’s the thing about loyalty – no middle ground.  No riding the fence.  In it from the beginning – through humble beginnings to prosperous times.   From the second place finish in a local open meet to the top of the pedestal at the Nationals or World Cup.  

So yes, I am a avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys.  But please don’t hold that against me – I’m also an avid fan of NASA.    And with hope, faith and pride I proudly proclaim to be a faithful and loyal supporter of NASA and I still shout as loud as I can:

How ‘bout dem Cowboys!!

 

#12 = "And Sometimes It Rains"

And sometimes it rains…….

Man – this summer – I tell ya’.  It really was a summer of ups and downs.  From a powerlifting perspective ~ great.  The Grand Nationals was an awesome meet and I did myself proud with a 12 for 12 day.  The World Cup was equally fun and exciting.  I had to adjust to the warm up room, the climate, the altitude, my attitude and the 1,200 miles on the harley before the meet.   My personal life took a beating – boo freakin’ hoo – I know.  But, the trash business remains strong and all in all things are good. 

I do want to bring the attention back to the World Cup.   I personally made several adjustments the day of the meet and came out alright.  I did notice though that several lifters struggled throughout the day and seemed a little, well, off.   I thought I would take this opportunity in the column to talk about meet day preparation.  

My faithful readers – both of you – know that I don’t blog or write in the training log (other than trying to convince Gary Clock he’s old - haven’t succeeded yet).  The reason I don’t is I have nothing to share.  My lifting and training uniquely fit my lifestyle and life choices and is guaranteed to suck for anyone and everyone else.  I can weigh in on form and technique but there are bonafide experts on that subject right here in (sic:  running) NASA.  However, the one area I can lend some expertise in focuses around meet day preparation. 

Let me first frame the discussion.  When I say ‘meet day prep’ – I mean just that.  I’m not talking about the training up to the meet; the weight cutting and weight gain the night before; or the travel to get there.  I’m referring to the alarm-clock’s blaring right up ‘til the bar gets on the floor for your last deadlift.   The actual meet day itself.  I won’t dive into strategy or spend any time on percentages of attempts compared to openers.  I’m just going to go over physical and mental ‘stuff’ that may just lend a hand to folks starting out and stubborn veterans as well.  

Let’s start at the beginning of the day – setting the wake-up call.   First, ask yourself ‘when do I train’?.  Most of us train in the evening after work.  Some train mid-afternoon on the weekends, and a few sadistic souls training at 5:30 a.m. before the work day.   There in lays the key to when to wake-up.   I’m not suggesting that all of us 7:00 p.m. trainers wake-up at two in the morning just for prepping for the squat.   I’m recommending allowing enough time to acclimate your body before lifting.   The best way to describe this is by observation:  I have many times observed lifters wake at 7 – breakfast with the gang – sit through the rules meeting – and belly-ache through warm-ups.  “AARRRGGG!  It’s too early”.   “I’m so tight!”  “I can’t get warm!”   

I’d like to offer an alternative:  set the alarm for 6.  Go to the hotel gym.  Get in a good, light 15 minutes of cardio.  Work up a nice sweat.  Then do your normal light stretching.  Maybe even swing the hotel’s 10 lb. dumbbells around.  Just get the blood and joints working well.  Then, shower – breakfast with the gang – sit through the rules meeting – and start your warm-up routine.  

Let’s talk breakfast.   Eat what you are used to.  If you’re lactose intolerant – pass on the milk…… please.  I may be judging.   If you usually eat high carbs and a lot of fruit for breakfast – that’s what you should eat.  If eggs and bacon are your usual, then eggs and bacon it is.  And if you are just a protein shake guy or gal, then you should limit your breakfast to protein shakes.   This is not the time to try the croissant or crepes you see Job dining on - just stay as normal as possible.  

Once you do start warm-up realize that even in the best of situations, you are not going to follow your back-home gym routine.  It simply doesn’t happen that way.   And, as much as you plan your warm-ups – something goes awry.  Count on it.   The rule-of-thumb to follow in this room is ‘Semper Gumby’ (always flexible).   You may have to move between racks, you may have to jump a set, you might have a longer wait than necessary and above all you need to communicate with your fellow lifters.   Let them know you need a set at 315.  Ask if you can jump in next at the weight on the bar.  And, above all – don’t hog the bar.    I hate bar-hoggers.  Very difficult to tolerate.  So I have to wait until you have your suit, wraps and your ‘handlers’ are in place until I can squat?   Some guys prep 15 minutes while the bars loaded.   15 minutes is an eternity in the warm-up area.  Just jump in and say “dude, me and your handlers can re-load – I’m squatting”.  But, it doesn’t lead to that much drama and this isn’t the APF – there’s very little handlers in the warm-up area and just about every lifter will accommodate others if you just speak up.  

You can easily follow this routine while warming up for the other lifts as well. 

It also helps if a friend or lighter weight-class lifter keeps everyone informed on the pace of the flight before yours.  Nothing is worse than warming up too early.  Which, by the way, is the case with most of the lifters.   

Also, make your own adjustments if you have ‘off-normal’ warm-up habits.   Let me ground this with my own quirky stuff.  It takes me a while to get the feel of the lift.  I warm up with 135 lbs. on every lift.  I’ll do that weight for four reps – rest – four reps – rest and on and on until I hit the groove and have the ‘pop’.  I may do ten sets at 135.  Then, I’m just three-to-four singles away from lifting.   So, during deadlifts I’ll usually grab a bench area and go to town with my 135.   It would be disruptive to the flow and down right rude to expect the bar to be broken down every time I’m in rotation simply to accommodate my ‘rainman’ issues. 

Last point on this:  the warm-up room belongs to the lifters.  There’s no one ‘in charge’ and no warm-up ‘manager’.  It’s ours.  And as such – things can get off-pace fairly quickly.  You miss a turn; someone strips the bar; someone dumps the bar; there’s an injury; and someone is hogging the bar.   No need to get wadded up.  Anticipate that everything won’t go smooth and you’ll look at the warm-up experience somewhat differently. 

And that brings me to mindset.  If I could yell one word over the mike at every meet it would be – chill.  This is powerlifting.  We do this for fun.  Have fun.  Things aren’t going to go your way all the time.  That’s how it goes.  You may not like the warm-up room, you may not agree with the flights, and you just might not get along with every single person in the room.  But this is NASA.  92.6% of the lifters will lend you a hand when asked (I derived this percentage from my own personal survey).  And complaining just isn’t going to make it better.   Sure you trained hard and yes you should be able to bring your best efforts to bear.  But once again – we do this for fun.  Have fun and realize it’s great to be around people that have the same goal – getting stronger.  

The whole experience reminds me a lot of the exchange in Bull Durham:  you throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball.   Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose and sometimes it rains.  

With my apologize Ron Shelton (director) - You grab the weight, you lift the weight, you rack the weight.  Sometimes you hit your groove, sometimes the bar is just too heavy, and sometimes the announcer makes your laugh during your lift. 

I love this sport.   I love this organization.  Let’s have some fun. 

 

 

#11 - "I'm Home"

I’m home.  I just returned from the Grand Nationals in Alvin, TX.  I got to tell you – I had a blast.  I met and load of great people, enjoyed a very well run meet, was supported by an active crowd and put in a decent 12 for 12 day on the platform.  Big fun.  I also had myself one of my great ‘epiphanies’.   To understand my moment of serendipity, we have to go back to the eighties once again.

The eighties was a period of growth for powerlifting.   Although the roots go back to the sixties – powerlifting was truly recognized in the mid seventies.   Terry Todd’s book – Inside Powerlifting – did a lot to move powerlifting into the mainstream as a competitive enterprise.   During the growth spurt of the eighties we experienced a lot of growing pains.  I won’t go into detail here but if you want to read more scroll down to article #2.   Through this period I lifted in meets sanctioned by the USPF, the APF, MSSA, NASA and the ever-popular unsanctioned.   Most lifters were cutting their teeth in various organizations and you’d run into the same ole’ faces at different venues / organizations.   I remember lifting at a six platform meet in Pecos, Texas in 1985.   Six freakin’ platforms!   

It’s hard to define the culture of powerlifting during this period.   Folks were – well – in it for themselves.   I guess I could label it ‘selfish’ if I had to.  There was a great organizational split at the end of the eighties (article #2) and organizations were created where once a backyard stood.   I left competitive lifting in ’94 due to personal circumstances (bad job, bad second marriage, bad attitude – things were, well, bad).   Now that I’m on my second go around, I’m having one heck of a time.   The Grand Nationals was my third meet back.  I couldn’t be happier with my progress.  But, I am more pleased by the state of powerlifting – at least in NASA.   

During the meet I met and had conversations with just about everyone.   Yea, that’s me.  I will fellowship literally right up to my lift.  It takes me about 5 seconds to get in the zone and I enjoy the conversations.   I had a chance to converse with a young up-and-coming 198 lber. Abel Gomez.   Abel asked me why I lift NASA.   I had shared how I meet Rich in 1985 via a letter I wrote upon my return to Carlsbad, New Mexico.  I told Abel how Rich scheduled a meet in my home town were no lifters existed.   I explained how Rich brought powerlifting to the southwest based on a simple letter.   Think about it – we now have outstanding representation in New Mexico and national meets in Arizona.   I’m a loyal guy.   I wouldn’t lift anywhere else.   And that’s what I shared with Abel.   But, by the end of the meet I have found a greater reason to maintain loyalty to NASA (not that my friendship with Rich isn’t enough).  

I discovered that the group from South Texas that I lifted with is much like the group in Arizona.  And, I would venture to guess much like to group from Colorado, Ohio, East Texas and so on.    The South Texas lifters were friendly, accommodating and treated everyone like family.   It was great to hear George Wells conduct the rules meeting.  I can still hear him say “If y’all are waiten’ for a down command in da’ bench – y’all will be waiten’ alooong time.   ‘Cause we don’t give down commands in NASA”.   I had to strain to hear the words through the South Texas drawl.  But everyone there laughed and understood clearly.  I’m more than sure that my manner of speech was a little funny to them.   I sat next to Ron Harris – a masters 2 lifter – who is stronger than an ox.  What I found most intriguing was Ron has been lifting in his basement for years and didn’t realize powerlifting was a competitive sport.  He just stumbled upon NASA and now he sports a national championship.     I shook hands with Darren Turley only to realize I have weak hands.   I had the opportunity to provide a little coaching to Doug Singleton on his third deadlift attempt.  Doug has great conventional form and I just told him maintain form and keep pulling.  Although it may seem heavy at the knees – keep pulling.  He made his lift with ease.   On my third attempt I almost laughed out loud once I got it to my knees because the lift was indeed heavy.  And, I damned sure couldn’t drop it after giving Doug that advice.   What I’m getting at was how amazed I was at how well everyone treated each other.  It is eerily similar to NASA meets in Arizona.   There is a sense of community.   And then my epiphany.   My mind went back to my MBA studies.  

In 1986 two psychologists – McMillan & Chavis developed an instrument and theory around the “sense of community” that has been validated and is widely used in this area of psychological literature.   McMillan & Chavis propose that ‘sense of community’ is composed of four elements: 

MEMBERSHIP ( which includes five attributes): boundaries; emotional safety; a sense of belonging and identification; personal investment; and a common symbol system .

INFLUENCE - Iinfluence works both ways: members need to feel that they have some influence in the group, and some influence by the group on its members is needed for group cohesion.

INTEGRATION AND FULFILLMENT OF NEEDS - Members feel rewarded in some way for their participation in the community.  And,

A SHARED EMOTIONAL CONNECTION

Listen, I’m as conservative as they come.  Well, after reading some of the comments on the board, I’m more conservative than some.   So, I’m not getting all “Hillary Clinton – It takes a village” on y’all.   I’m just pointing out an obvious by-product of NASA.   Rich comes to town with Tad and Devon.   With a little help the trailer gets unloaded and set up.   With a lot of help the meet is conducted.  And, most help comes from lifters.   Not too many non-lifters know how to spot or spend the time to become a judge.    In NASA meets you won’t hear cussing, won’t see someone throw their belt, won’t hear folks complain, won’t see goons slapping each other in the face, and you won’t see prima-donnas.   You will see seasoned lifters help out newer lifters (MEMBERSHIP).  You will witness lifters cheer on and congratulate their fellow competitors (INFLUENCE).   You will watch a lifter judge a flight right after his (INTEGRATION).  And you will see lifters console each other after a failed attempt (CONNECTION).  

Rich built NASA.   But he created more than an organization and has provided more than a venue to lift in.   He created a vehicle which has allowed us, the lifters, to define our culture.  NASA has become a great community of lifters.   A family if you will.  Funny – I had to go to Houston to realize I was home.  

 

 

 

#10 - "It's Like Riding A Harley"

If ya’ll remember this column originated after I returned to the sport following a 15 year self-imposed sabbatical.   I was discussing with Rich all the changes that have occurred over that period of time and he recommended I put these thoughts on paper.   I have given my two cents on a few things that have changed (equipment, organization, internet…).  This time I’m going to take a shot at one thing that has remained constant:  the opinionated powerlifter.

Powerlifters are an independent lot almost by design.   We lift in a sport that is barely recognized outside of our community.  Just yesterday I was at a casual business function and a councilman with the city asked if I spent a lot of time in the gym.   When I told him about powerlifting he asked if that was the thing on ESPN where they lift all the stones.   Like I said, not so well recognized.  

Powerlifters approach the sport differently as well – Westside methods; reactive training; progressive; periodization; Peter’s principles and on and on.  There are as many approaches as there are organized gyms.   And, the approach to the lift itself is different.   There are wide stance squatters, wwwwwwider stance squatters, and narrow squatters.    Sumo and conventional.   Fast pullers and grinder….. You get the picture. 

Powerlifters are self-supporting as well.  We have a few professional meets were someone can make a few bucks, and, there are a couple sponsors out there that will help differ equipment and supplement costs.   But no powerlifting athlete has or is making enough money to support him or herself.   There isn’t enough money to simply differ the cost of travel and competition let alone equipment.  Only a few equipment manufacturers and one crazy lunatic who travel the heartland putting on meets make enough to support themselves and the family. 

As a supportive and productive member of society the vast majority of powerlifters are very hard working.   And, a large majority of us are working-class or have our roots in working with our hands.   Rail-workers, miners, laborers, accountants, teachers, law enforcement, trash haulers, truck drivers…. you name it – we do it.   We are Americana at its best.   Therefore we have opinions.  

Now mind you – not every powerlifter is as vocal as the few you see that frequent the ‘crazy board’ on a weekly basis.  Some lifters keep their opinions to a select few.   But they are opinionated none-the-less.  

This was the case in the 70’s and it’s the norm today.  The primary difference is opinions are communicated at rocket speed today.    In yesteryear, you heard the thoughts of lifters at the meet (either first or second hand).   And, although the targets have shifted over the last 40 years – the sentiment is still the same:  bomb Iran, bomb Iraq, bomb N. Korea, and bomb Afghanistan.    Screw Carter, screw Bush, screw, Clinton, screw Bush, screw Obama (note:  it is impossible for me to even utter those words in reference to President Reagan).   We stand fiercely behind our opinions and our convictions.

It shouldn’t have surprised anyone – or at the very least any powerlifter – that there was such an explosion of powerlifting organizations.   Through the 80s and early 90s powerlifting splintered in America from: the USPF to….. The USPF, the ADFPA, the APF and NASA.  Each with its own niche – each with it’s own following.   Today with the advent of instant communication and broadcast it has splintered beyond the niche and into the sublime.  Oh, there are always dreamers who wish the sport was united.   If you are one of those please realize:  it ain’t gonna happen.   Powerlifters won’t let it happen.  Think about it:  this sport was born out of misfit lifts in the fifties and sixties (odd lifts) that didn’t quite fit anywhere else.   The AAU under-represented the sport.   The USPF over regulated the sport.   And the rest, as they say, is history.   If unity occurs, powerlifters would just create their own brand of lifting.  Most folks think unity is about competition.  I beg to differ.  When asking a powerlifters about his/her goals, seldom will you hear:  to beat Joe; to out lift Carl; to humiliate John on the platform.  As a matter of fact, I’ve never heard this type of goal uttered by anyone that has been in the sport for more than 15 minutes. 

 I’ve heard young lifters emphatically tell a seasoned lifter that he will one day break all his records.   I’ve heard lifters stating they will:  bench five, squat seven, pull six …….   And what I always hear in summary is:   I will lift more.   That’s it in a nutshell.  The game of powerlifting, the sport if you will was created to do one thing:  create a system to measure one’s ability to lift more.   That is how we measure ourselves.   And if we don’t like the method, venue, organization – we will create our own just to allow us to pursue the quest of, yes, lifting more.   This hasn’t changed.   Don’t see it changing anytime soon.   Powerlifters are a unique breed.  And it is very rare for those not ‘in’ the sport to comprehend our quest.  

Powerlifting is a lot like riding a Harley:   if you understand why – no explanation is needed.  If you don’t – no explanation is possible. 

 

 

 

#9 - "It is what it is"

I don’t want to get all deep and philosophical on y’all.  It is the start of lifting season (for me) and I will be seeing some of you on the proverbial lifting circuit.  I don’t want everyone whispering and saying “there’s that crazy dude” and “does he really believe that?”.   Those comments are usually reserved for Rich himself.  I don’t want to steal his thunder.   But for purposes of this month’s column It’s necessary for me to reveal a little of my value system.

I am somewhat of an objectivist.  As of such I believe in:  Objective Reality; Reason; Ethics; and, Capitalism.  In other words, I believe:

1. Wishing won’t make it so

2. You can’t eat your cake and have it too

3. Man is an end in himself, and,

4. Give me liberty or give me death

Now before anyone starts praying for my soul please note I haven’t embraced all of Ayn Rand’s teachings.  I do believe in a living God and I think protecting the weak is a job for the strong.  I just believe things are what they are.   Free will is a gift and if you want something you have to work for it.  If you value something you must protect it.  Mythical creatures and elves don’t make things happen – we do.   Reality exists and…… things are what they are.   

Right about now you’re probably looking at your browser and wondering if you’re reading a column on N.A.S.A. or a poorly written guest editorial on Glen Beck’s Take Back America.   Don’t worry, you are in nasa-sports.com and this is all about powerlifting.  

Powerlifting is a sport on to itself.   Although fragmented by several organizations, powerlifting does exist by its own volition.   Athletes are free to train hard and become the best they can be (in NASA without drugs of course).   Organizations are free to conduct meets throughout our free country.   And lifters can compete when and where they choose – if specific conditions are met and if, and only if, a meet is conducted where you want to lift.  For me that means traveling 5 ½ hours to Arizona.   The only meets in Southern California are USPF meets and, with apologies to Christopher Walken, I’ll be damned if I ever lift in a USPF meet! 

However, I am confident that the meets in Mesa, Arizona will continue for quite some time.  These meets (Tom Manno Memorial, Master’s Nationals, and the Arizona States) are well attended by lifters and spectators alike.   But, that in and of itself does not assure Rich and Tad will gleefully return with the ‘big’ trailer.   What does keep N.A.S.A. coming to Arizona?  Why am I so confident there will be meets in Mesa?  Because of Walt Sword and his young men.   If you don’t know this crew you are missing out.  Walt is the strength coach at Westwood High in Mesa and provides a great venue with a tremendous warm-up facility.   Walt also provides an excellent crew of current and alumni lifters who:  help unload the trailer, load flawlessly during the meet, spot with great concentration, and re-load the trailer for the trip back to tornado alley.   And they do this all for the sport (and the mid-day pizza break).  

It would be great if every venue had a group like Walt’s.   But, alas, every venue does not have a group like Walt’s.  However, every N.A.S.A. powerlifting and powersports meet does have one thing in common:  N.A.S.A. lifters.   Our sport and our organization and our meets are attended, supported and conducted by N.A.S.A. lifters.    We judge, we load, we spot, we announce and we lift.   This is our reality.   Most meets have more lifters than spectators.  Our pro meets require sponsorship (you’re welcome) and the other fifty-some-odd meets a year are unsponsored.   There are no professional judges.  There are no professional spotters unless you count copious amounts of consumed pizza as compensation.  There are no professional powerlifting scorekeepers and there are no professional announcers.   There are simply powerlifters.   We cannot just sit back and compete.   Who would judge the lifts?  Who would spot our overcommitted-rears?    We cannot eat our cake and have it too. 

Since 1986 I have attended over 60 powerlifting meets.  I have watched world class competitors like Henry Thomason help unload the trailer and judge a flight the next day.  I have witnessed N.A.S.A. Athlete of the Year Rich Kahle load and spot between flights.  And I have watched the great bench presser Nico Feliciano judge the squat, compete in the bench, then judge the deadlifts.   These great lifters never missed a chance to compete.   If the flights were tight, there would be a few extra minutes to warm up.   If the round went quicker than expected - adjustments would be made.   On a personal note, I never miss an opportunity to help at a meet.   Why?  I do this first and foremost out of love and friendship for Rich Peters.    I also do this for two selfish reasons:   1. I want N.A.S.A. to keep coming back and keep existing as an organization, and 2. It is enriching to participate in something bigger than yourself.    Powerlifting organizations do not exist on membership dues, door fees and/or t-shirt sells --- powerlifting organizations exist on the ability of the members to step up and own the meet. 

If we truly value what we are doing in N.A.S.A. and if we really want quality, family-centered, drug free meets within driving distance, then we need to deal with the reality that it is our meet.   In the immortal words of Winston Churchill:  “It’s not enough to do our best, sometimes we must do what is required”.

It is what it is.

 

#8 - STRATEGERY

Some of you may already know this but I am an avid Harley rider – have been for over 20 years.   I like the long rides – 500 mile days over 5 to 6 days.   I build my vacations around these rides.  I love it.    I’m a solo rider 99% of the time.   There are other types of riders out there:   the weekend warrior (self-explanatory) and the 1%er (one-percenter).  The “1%er” is a phrase originated by the AMA (American Motorcycle Association) to separate the 99% of law-abiding bikers from the mere 1% outlaws; hence the term – 1%er.   It has become somewhat of a term of endearment among bikers.  

Well, there are a group of 1%ers in powerlifting as well.  These are the ultra-strong, well-seasoned athletes who skirt the edge of sanity to break American and World records.  These lifters have bench shirts so well fitted that 1/8 of an inch either way they are out of the groove and miss the press.   These folks require the assistance of a coach to call them up on depth – not wanting to give away one inch in a squat.   I love watching them.  There is a thin line between an all-time American record and total disaster.   It makes for great drama.   If you are one of these 1%ers this column isn’t for you.   Please feel free to enjoy the reading but I do realize this is not applicable to your approach.  However, if you like me fall into the remaining 99% of the lifters in NASA – read on.

I’ve been in this game on and off for about 25 years now.   I’ve faithfully watched

Mr. Peters video series (I first bought them on beta), and my experiences include lifting, loading, spotting, judging (NASA, USPF and IPF) and announcing.   I’ve seen great lifters come and great lifters go.   Oh, and I literally bombed out of my first five meets.  

Today my goal is 9-for-9.   My first meet back I went 8-for-9 missing my third attempt bench.   I still agonize over that miss.  I set up wrong and should have opened lighter.  

If you’ve read my columns you know I don’t much care for blogs and logs.   I don’t think folks share the whole story.  I’m also not big on advice in the gym.  I never approach other lifters and will answer with brutal honesty when asked….. “Hey dude, you powerlift – how’s my form?”   “Four inches high, your head is down and your hips are locked ‘cause your feet point straight”.    “Uh, no, I meant for the gym – how’s my form?” 

I don’t even know how to answer that.  I’m not in competition with the trainers who teach “air board” benches, partial squats and what looks like a cross between deadlifting and rows.   It’s not my bag man.   But, for the powerlifter who asks about platform strategy – now that I have a little energy on. 

Through trial, error and observation I have learned the old axiom to be true:  lifters bomb for one reason – they open too heavy.   No doubt about it.   But why?   There in, my friends, (and with my apologies to ‘W’) lies the strategery!

In my humble opinion there are five primary and two thousand secondary reasons why a lifter opens too heavy.    

Reason One:   Overtraining.    I remember bombing out of my first meet in 1986.  I opened on the squat with 661 in my champion squat suit.    I missed depth on the first attempt and the second and third buried me.  I couldn’t understand it.   I hit 735 for a double just one week prior.  

Reason Two:  Form.   All you have to do is watch youtube and listen to training partners exclaim to the lifter how deep their three inch high squat was.   You should be able to pull splinters, pause for five seconds and almost powerclean your three openers.  

Reason Three:  Predetermined lifts.   You go to a meet with a number in mind.  

Reason Four:  The weights in your gym are light.

Reason Five:  Cutting weight.  

Reason Six through Two-thousand:    My wife and I fought the night before.   I rode the harley in for the meet.   I’m sick.   I’m in OKC away from the wife and there’s too much to do (re: drink) the night before, etc., etc., etc.  

It didn’t take a lot of thought to narrow down the reasoning.  They are almost self-evident.   So.. what’s a lifter to do?   

I’m not going to spend a whole-lot-of-time on training.   My training is very specific to me, my body type, my lifestyle and my approach to the sport.  These are all factors you and/or your coach should be using in designing a lifting program.  I will say this though:  squats and deadlifts are so taxing that you need a good ten days to recuperate prior to a meet.   And, a good rule of thumb Mr. Adelmann shared with me about seventeen years ago is to stay at 4 or 5 reps on these last workouts and open with that weight.  Works every time.   I think I’ve stated it before – I’m not a trainer.  I am, however, a platform strategist.  

Let’s start with meet day.   The first thing you should do is overpack your gym bag.   It never fails and you can bet money on someone scrounging for a singlet or deadlift socks right after the rules meeting.  Don’t be ‘that’ guy.   It doesn’t much bug anyone else.   Heck, you’re in NASA.   What’s mine is yours.   It just distracts you from focusing on your lifts.  

Now the first lift – squats.   Open with a weight you can sink deeeeeeep.     I’ve seen world-class lifters require a ‘call up’ on their openers.    You and I shouldn’t need it.  

Listen, don’t get all twisted.  I know there are some folks who go to a meet specifically to set a record in the squat.   It is their intent, their entry-fee and God bless them.  I have no problems at all with this.   They are the 1%ers I mentioned earlier and I do enjoy watchin’.   But for us our strategy should be built upon nailing our openers and building momentum throughout the day.   It’s fun.   A helluva lot funner than bombing.  

The bench again should be a lift you can nail with any pause.   And, if you are an equipped lifter, you should know your gear.   I lift raw and I’m still amazed at the carry-over some of this gear gives folks.   Still don’t make them bad people.   What does give me pause (pun intended) is guys benching in a new shirt.   Never used – never trained in.   How do you determine your opener?   I could also cover the deadlift but it would be redundant.   I can tell you this though – if you weigh in with pre-determined third attempts written down in the gym bag – you’re heading for a rough day.

Lifting is funny sometimes.   There are days when you should be at your worst (dog tired, boss yelled, etc.) yet you lift your best.  And, the reverse can also be true.   That’s just how it goes.   So those third attempts usually start in the warm-up area.  You get a true feel for how the lift will go.   If you’ve set in stone your attempts, it’s difficult to adjust on a sub-par day.  But, if you adjust properly and set your sights on what is in you on that day, you have a good chance of hitting all your lifts. 

I can tell you this – there is a tremendous sense of mojo that comes from going 9-for-9.  There is a renewed energy in the gym.  You feel like you got your money’s worth on the platform.  You walk away giving a good account of yourself.  And most of all, you were honest with the guy in the mirror.   There are the 1% who will out-class the field with a 3-for-9 day.    But for the rest of us, a perfect day is meeting new friends, walking away injury free, and getting all our lifts in.   

Try in next meet.   Set your goals and adjust you weights after warm-up to effectively go 9-for-9.   How’d that feel?   Write me at thebarisloaded@hotmail.com.   I’d be very interested in your experience.

See you at the Tom Manno Memorial on May 1st.   This meet will soon be the biggest in Arizona!

 

#7 - I want to be like Tom

I returned to the lifting platform after a 15 year lay-off on November 8th at the Masters Nationals in Mesa, Arizona.   I had about 2 months of decent training under my belt and what I thought was a new and improved attitude.   In the late eighties and early nineties I would concern myself more with my competition:  where was I going to place; what did they lift on their openers; what will they attempt next; what suit are they using, etc., etc.   Today I boast a new attitude – one that I was proud of:   lift for me.   Get the lifts I want and enjoy the sport of powerlifting and powersports for the pure joy of it.  Compete against myself and father time.   That was before the start of the Masters.   By the end of that day my attitude and approach to the sport changed dramatically.  

My lifting itself wasn’t much to brag about.  I make no excuses and it’s a long road back.  But, I did go 8 for 9 raw and surprised myself in the deadlift.  It was that deadlift and the catalyst leading up to my third pull that permanently changed my perspective.   I didn’t realize it at the time but that deadlift started the night before the meet.  

This was a two-day event and I spent the first day announcing and judging a flight.   This is a significant change in and of itself.  Fifteen years prior I would have loaded and spotted on day one.   Ah, the benefits of age and rank!    After day one and during weigh-ins I had the fortunate opportunity to commiserate and fellowship with lifters from both days.   I talked at length with Rich kahle on the form and function of lifting; the ‘old days’ in New Mexico; and weight loss strategy.   I bragged to anyone within ear-shot about my son Dallas - the USMC recruit who was in the middle of phase 1 boot camp at the Marine Corp Recruiting Depot in San Diego.   I re-united with a dear old friend from Arizona – Earl Evatt.   I remember when Earl first showed up at NASA events and was overjoyed to see how active he remained in the organization.   And, I had the great fortune to spend 15 minutes in conversation with Tom Manno.  

Tom and Diane Manno have been gracious hosts of this meet for several years.   They would set up a spread of food and drink for all during Saturday evening’s check-in.   Tom would spend his time talking, laughing and encouraging lifters.   This Saturday evening was indeed special.    Tom and Diane came in to the room and the illumination of the lights brightened significantly.   Tom was valiantly determined to be the Tom that everyone knew and loved.   Tom spent time with individuals in the room as well as small groups.  For the next two hours Tom shared of himself to all.   I was spellbound by his presence.  No one saw a man beaten down by a hideous disease.  We all seen Tom for what he is:   a man larger that life.   You see, Tom’s strength wasn’t found in his 710 lb. World Record bench – Tom’s strength lied in his uncanny ability to leave everyone feeling better – period.    For those who knew Tom, you know exactly what I mean.  

I went to sleep that evening thinking about what a wonderful experience.   I also thought this may be the last time I see Tom.   There is no way he will have the energy to show up tomorrow.  I felt blessed and lucky to have spent time with him earlier that evening.   I was wrong about his energy.   As the lifting progressed into the 2nd round of squats, Mr. Manno walked through the door.   And, by the time we proceeded to the bench on flight B platform, Tom was sitting in the head referee’s chair!   For as long as I live I will never, ever forget the time me, Nico and Jay spent benching on the platform judged by Tom Manno.   Nico had returned from shoulder surgery and was experiencing sporadic training sessions.   However, the presence of Mr. Manno in the chair inspired Nico to a raw bench of 430 – a good 20 lbs. more than even he expected.  

The meet proceeded along as meets do and it was time to deadlift.   I had pulled 545 x 2 in training two weeks prior.  I felt 556 was within my grasp.   As I waited for my deadlift opener I engaged in conversation with Mr. Evatt.   Earl recalled with a gleam in his eye how he always remembered my 600 pull in 1994 after a 3 year layoff (in 1994 I had returned from my first layoff of the sport – 3 years.   I trained for a little under 6 months and was able to pull 600 in a first generation squat suit). 

I struggled through 2 attempts – all whites though – on this Sunday (529 & 556).   I came to the conclusion that I had been training without a belt and competing with a belt was throwing me off (given the fact that I sport a ‘husky’ mid-section).   I tossed the belt aside.   I seen Earl was a side judge.  Earl Evatt was NASA’s Athlete of the Year in 2007.  Since that time Earl has undergone knee-replacement surgery and is battling a crippling hip condition.   I decided it was time to man-up.  I asked for 600 lbs. on the bar and dedicated the lift to Earl.   I do realize that I’m early in my training and 600 lbs. constitutes only a fair lift for a 275lber.  But, in my book, powerlifting is anyone who attempts max effort on their third attempt.  I don’t care what the weight is.   You have my undying respect at that point.  

I’ve always struggled with clarity of thought concerning the deadlift.  It has really never felt right – just pulling without ‘feeling’ the weight first.   That Sunday during the Masters Nationals was the exception.   As I approached the bar I thought of three things:  the challenge facing my son in phase I boot camp; Earl Evatt’s support of NASA and me personally; and the incredibly valiant struggle of Tom Manno.  I grabbed hold of the bar, raised my head into position and glanced forward only to see Tom in the audience.   Tom stood.   There it was – clarity.  I had only one choice – stand.   And I did.   And it was in that lift that my approach changed.   Powerlifting wasn’t just about me competing against myself.   Or, at least, it doesn’t have to be.  It can be about friendship, about encouragement, about giving freely, about making other lifters feel, well, better.   

I want to be like Tom.   No, I’ll never bench 710 lbs.   I don’t care if you wrap me in a seven-ply shirt – it ain’t happening.   But I want to be “that guy”.   The guy who sets his challenges and tribulations aside for others.  The guy who’s physical strength is dwarfed by his kindness and generosity of spirit.  The guy who makes everyone feel better.

I want to be like Tom.

 

#6 - Power Sports

PowerSports©

You know why I write an opinion column and not a blog?   Because I’m basically a boring guy.   I go to work, eat, spend not-near-enough time with the little woman, eat, lift once-a-week, ride the harley when I can, eat and watch T.V.   I’m not ‘in’ to video games.   I suck big-time at golf.   And, I’m simply not allowed back into the bowling alleys around SoCal.   My guilty pleasure is television.   And one show that intrigues me is ‘Life After People’ on the history channel.  For those who haven’t had the pleasure the show chronicles the future in time blocks (1 year – 10 years – 50 years – 100 years, etc.) after people have vanished from the earth.   You basically watch all our cities and monuments turn into national parks and ancient ruins.  

Watching this show I couldn’t help think about this column and how it started.  After a 15 year self-imposed lay-off, I returned to the sport and wanted to jump back in.   I shared my amazement at the changes in the sport (gear, internet, organization, etc.) and was fascinated with the differences that evolved over this short time span.   After clearing the cob-webs and up-ing the intensity of my workouts I set out to compete.   Two months into training I realized that I’m not near as pliable as I once was.   I completely blew out my hammy (purple bruising and all) and came to the conclusion that it will take a few years before my squat is respectable (if that).   I was definitely jonesing for competition.   I re-tooled my workouts and set my sights on PowerSports©.  

I was never a guy who curled.  I remembered the pics of Steve Wilson rupturing his bicep and I figured bigger biceps were just one more thing to tear while deadlifting.   But I rationalized how hard could it be.  I researched the site and come to the conclusion that 200 would be considered a very good lift in my weight class.  200 lbs. isn’t even considered warming up on the other lifts.  It’s just a good ‘stretching’ weight.   Performing a strict curl with it should be a breeze.    Wrong.  I looked like an idiot in spasm the first time I attempted 150.   And then the realization – just like everything else in this godforsaken sport – it’s not going to be easy.

PowerSports©, for those who haven’t been exposed, is a competition of the strict curl, bench press and deadlift.  PowerSports© follows the same format as a traditional powerlifting meet and simply substitutes the strict curl for the squat.  And, with the exception of a belt, no support equipment is allowed.   During a NASA powerlifting meet PowerSports© is contested within the event itself.   The events of a full meet are sequenced as such:  strict curls, squats, bench press and deadlift.  And several unequipped powerlifters will compete in both unequipped powerlifting and PowerSports©. The purest definition is straight from NASA’s web site:  Power Sports©, developed and implemented by Rich Peters in 1996, was designed to test an athlete's over-all strength levels. The mere fact that no supportive equipment is allowed is a testament of the athlete's confidence in his strength levels and his true power as a strength athlete.

PowerSports© is hotly contested and attracts national-caliber powerlifting athletes as well as those who specialize in the strict curl, bench press and deadlift.  There are lifters who excel at both PowerSports© and unequipped powerlifting – Tyson Myers and Mike Bishop immediately come to mind.  And there are those athletes who have specialized in posting big in PowerSports© – Cyrus Ford, Jason Smith, Jackie Baltimore and Desmond Phillips (the latter pulling 804 in a PowerSports© event!).   PowerSports© records are kept at every level of competition from State to American and Worlds.  PowerSports© has its own national championships and Mr. Adelmann maintains a Top 100 list for all categories.   And, PowerSports© has one big attraction – professional competition.  

This year’s Pro PowerSports© competition offers up over $14,000 in cash prizes.  This head-to-head event will match lifters across weight classes via coefficient with the highest coefficient winning.   Money will be available to the overall winner through 5th place and individual lift winners through 5th place.   Special awards provide monetary incentive to all.   Such awards as:  heaviest curl for 275lbs – SHW; best coeff. for CO, KY, OK or KS lifter; highest deadlift coeff. for TX lifters; etc., etc.   Wanna get in on the fun?   Here’s what you do.    1. sign up;

            2. lift in two NASA events between sign up and the Pro meet;       

            3.  receive an official entry form once you meet qualifications, and

            4.  show up in Oklahoma City on October 17th and kick butt!!  

http://www.nasa-sports.com/Pro%20Power%20Sports/2010_ProPS.htm

Some of PowerSports© top competitors back out of the pro meet because there’s no guarantee of first place money.  One top lifter put it this way, “I do not think that should deter anyone from lifting at this meet, especially since it is head to head competition. This is a one of a kind event and lifters should really try to take advantage to compete in it”. 

 
“[T]he bottom line is that people are afraid of losing. Sometimes losing is better than winning because at least you know how you match up against the best, and had the heart to do it. I have done all three Pro meets and I have lost each time, but I have gotten better each outing, and that means a lot to me. I have the heart to keep trying and I have faith and confidence to know my day will come. If more people had this mindset Rich would have to put a cap on it because so many people would be trying to enter.”

I echo this sentiment.  For those of you yearning for earnest competition against all in the field – then PowerSports© is the ticket.   I may give it a shot if only they had a money category for overworked lifters age 40 and above with nagging injuries from Southern California or North Dakota.   If Gary Clock doesn’t enter I’m in the money!

 

#5 - The Future of Powerlifting

The Future of Powerlifting

Howdy folks. If you’ve read my previous articles I think you know by now I don’t take myself too serious. I believe in two tenants: 1. don’t sweat the small stuff; and 2. it’s all small stuff. If you’re reading this column for the first time I would encourage you to ‘start from the bottom up’ and read the four previous entries. They are very quick reads and it will help with perspective. Now that you’ve caught up I’m ready to share my take on the FUTURE OF POWERLIFTING (said in that deep echoing voice that announces tractor pulls on Sunday, Sunday, Sunday…). And please, before anyone gets their panties in a bundle, I do not think I’m an expert on the subject. I don’t believe I have greater insight that anyone else, and I’m not blessed with an overabundance of intelligence. I simply have a take. I do think my take provides perspective that spans over twenty-six years in (and out) of the sport. I don’t make any apologies and my opinions are just that. So, without further adieu……

Webster defines ‘evolution’ as: development. A process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage). Clearly by this definition the sport of powerlifting has not ‘evolved’. We have splintered. We have become raw, untested, tested, multi-plied, single-plied, classic, 26-organization-supporting lifting groups. People in the sport speak of movements – the west side movement, the metal movement, the raw movement, the unity movement. Enough, enough I say (tongue firmly planted). Rise up! In the words of Susan Powter – Stop the Insanity! It is time for a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking or behaving (Webster definition of ‘revolution’).

I am proposing a revolution. But not at the expense of any powerlifting sub-group. I propose embracing the split. Run with it. Go the distance. What do I mean? Well, let’s take a look at the two most-distinct camps: raw vs. multi-ply. The first thought that should strike the casual powerlifting fan (both of them) is that I don’t define the camps in terms of steroid usage – or lack there of. Why? Because those that use have a certain level of pride that, for the most part, keeps them lifting in their organizations. And, those that abstain from using strength-enhancing drugs stay in their perspective organizations. And, both groups follow the same rule book. Depth is depth, touching the chest is touching the chest, and a lock out is a lock out. However, raw vs. multi-ply literally look at the sport differently. Raw lifters strive for a consistent, firm yet fair application of THE rule book. While multi-ply lifters seek an interpretation of rules that fit the application and limitations of their gear. Additionally, raw lifters enjoy the structure and formality of a consistently-well run meet. In contrast, multi-ply lifters desire a metal rock atmosphere with a forgiving clock.
If you have read through my column you will note I’m a big ‘values’ guy. And, that’s what we have here: competing values. Arguably some will say that we have different values within the same sport. I don’t believe that. I think the values defining both groups – raw and multi-ply – are so great that we have become two different sports. We just don’t know it yet.

It reminds me of snow skiing vs. snowboarding. I enjoy skiing two or three times a year. Believe you me it is quite a sight to see. I look like the Michelin tire man on planks (note to self: I should stop skiing). Anywho, when snowboarding gained in popularity (circa
early 90’s) all of us two plankers sounded off. We bitched about their gear, complained about the music they brought to the slopes, and constantly moaned about their tricks and stunts. We even tried to run them off the mountain. Get your own runs. That’s what we said. And, by golly, that’s what they did. Boarders got their own runs. They got their half-pipes. They got their own rules. And, with the help of the events like the X-games, they got television’s attention. Today there is peace on the mountain. All skiers and boarders – casual and competitive – recognize that there are two distinct and different sports. The only things they have in common are snow and gravity.

We are so there. We are so different we are two distinct sports. I don’t think multi-ply should even be called powerlifting. I throw out Extreme Lifting for your consideration. Multiply lifters tend to value lifting as much weight as their equipment will allow. They have no pride in lifting raw. They call it “going backwards”. I get that. I even respect that. But it ain’t powerlifting. Multi-ply lifters push the envelope of gear as far as possible. They bend the lock-out rule. They bend the pause rule. They break the depth rule (pun intended). And, they bend the bar. For the purist, it’s hard to watch. But, for those that enjoy the extreme, its fun. The music’s blaring. The crowd’s screaming. All is good in their world. If this sub-group embraces Extremely Lifting the next logical step would be to modify their rules to fit the viewing audience. Condense weight classes. Open the clock. Package the lifts and provide an exhibition of, well, Extreme Lifting.

Powerlifting would once again become a ‘pure’ sport – one defined by its rules. The raw lifters would compete in a format along with single-ply users. Single-ply would be strictly regulated to meet stringent –dare I say it- “classic” standards. Uniformity and consistency in powerlifting would be restored. Depth would be depth. Lock out would be lock out. Pauses would be pauses (I’m wiping the tears from my eyes as I write).

I believe Extreme Lifting could establish a following and a venue right next to the X-games. Organizers of Extreme Lifting would be free to create guidelines that would be television friendly. Extreme lifters would have their platform to lift their way. Equipment vendors would be elated. And order would be restored to our beloved powerlifting community. It would be a beautiful thing.

Now, if they would only listen to my take on global warming……….
 

#4 - Anabolic Steroids

I have used some humor and self-deprecation throughout the last three articles.  I have placed tongue firmly in cheek as I glanced back to the eighties and compared those times with our powerlifting world today.  So, I preface this article with a statement:  due to the serious nature of the subject matter I will not be using sarcasm, self-deprecation or light humor.  I’m not that good of a writer to adequately convey that type of sentiment with such a serious subject – the subject of anabolic steroids.

I’m not a historian.  I only view experiences through my own paradigms.   I can’t tell you with any authority how steroid use started in athletics.  But, I can tell you why.   They make you stronger – considerably.  I know this first hand.  I used steroids in the mid-eighties.  

After I was unceremoniously kicked off the Orediggers football team for academic probation – I started weight training.  In four years I had built myself up from a 160 pound defensive back to a 205 pound lean and mean gym rat.   I was in southeast New Mexico and there was little-to-no guidance for lifters.  Mine construction work took me to Illinois.  In the mid-eighties, Illinois was one of the focal points of powerlifting.  I joined a powerlifting gym conveniently located close to where I was living.  I was training alone and after a set of a raw 405x4 squat, the gym owner and local powerlifter asked – “is that your max?”   Of course this was my ME.  Back in Carlsbad, New Mexico I was the only guy squatting.  This gym owner/powerlifter took me under his wings and taught me form, leverage, a workout schedule, how to use an Inzer bench shirt and introduced me to anabolic steroids.  I started a typical 80’s cycle:   Eight weeks – start with an oral once a day, three weeks later stack a ‘light’ injectable, five weeks in stack a ‘heavy’ injectable, and top in all off with andro for ten days.  Work your ass off in the gym, limit cardio and consume 7,000 calories a day.    In 3 months (residual affects) I ballooned to 240 pounds and added 200 pounds to my squat.  I was elated!   I can get this strong this fast.   I wanted more.   But, with my trainer’s advice, I was forced off the juice for 14 weeks.   I fought valiantly to keep my strength up.  I ate copious amounts of, well, everything.   I lifted hard.   I did manage to maintain about 30% of the strength I put on at the expense of gaining another 20 pounds of body weight.  This cycle continued on and off for the next two years.  By this time I was back in New Mexico looking to compete.  I had bombed out of my last meet and had experienced severe migraines and nose bleeds.  I thought my competition days were over and it was back to being a gym rat.  If I couldn’t use steroids, where would I lift?  Then, by the start of ’87, Rich introduced his phased approach to drug-free powerlifting.  I was able to compete 6-months clean, then 1-year clean and eventually 3-years clean.  It’s been 20+ years now so….. I do have a ‘take’ on the subject.   

There have been significant changes in the use of anabolic steroids since 1986.   The first and most significant change is legal.  In February of 1991, federal law placed anabolic steroids in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This simply means that the possession or sale of anabolic steroids without a valid prescription is illegal. Possession carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison – first offense.  The maximum penalty for trafficking is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 if this is the individual’s first felony drug offense.

This change of law was big – real big.   It made felons out of some strength athletes.  Our president even addressed this issue.  In George W. Bush’s 2004 State of the Union address, President Bush asserted that athletes should not be permitted to use "performance-enhancing drugs like steroids."   One reason President Bush stated that steroids should not be permitted was the use of such drugs are “dangerous”. 

 Listen, I’m in the minority on my feelings toward the job W did as president.  I think history will prove he made tremendous political sacrifice to protect our safety.  Think about 9/12 – the day after.   Did anyone seriously believe we would and could go eight years without a credible terrorist attack on U.S. soil?  No, we were confused and scared.   Bush took the war to the terrorists.  Period.   This isn’t political – it’s fact.   But, when President George W. Bush addressed the use of anabolic steroids as “dangerous” he initiated a trend of unintended consequences.  When later asked President Bush stated he was trying to reach the youth of America.  Being ‘dangerous’ doesn’t deter the youths of America – it encourages them.   Don’t believe me?   Results from the 2005 Monitoring the Future Study, which surveys students in eighth, tenth, and twelfth grades, show that 1.7% of eighth graders, 2.0% of tenth graders, and 2.6% of twelfth graders reported using steroids at least once in their lifetimes.   Teenagers don’t believe something is bad for them without hard and fast facts.   Take teenagers and drinking for example.

As one who has parented teenagers I know all-to-well the challenges we face when trying to keep our kids from consuming alcohol.  And, we have a tremendous load of data to support the perils of drinking -  over 19,100 people died in 2006 in the U.S. from alcohol consumption.  This statistic doesn’t account for alcohol-related deaths – simply consumption.  Couple this with the British medical journal the Lancet which reports that one in 25 deaths around the world were caused by alcohol consumption, and booze is now as damaging to global health as tobacco was a decade ago.   I draw this analogy to simply point out that just saying something is dangerous is not a deterrent. 

Please note that I am vehemently against the use of anabolic steroids.  I think I have effectively established this credibility over the last 23 years.  I think it was and is pandora’s box.   I believe there isn’t an end in sight to the degree one may go to gain a competitive advantage.   Take today’s juiced athletes – they will cycle year round – year round!   Never going off.   Always on something with a testosterone base.   And, if you use steroids you can go to prison.   Prison!    But, with all the press coverage of anabolic steroids and baseball, steroids have become a common conversation.  

In the eighties conversations about steroids were few and far between.  And, these conversations were always protected, whispered and held in the strictest of confidence.  Today you can find an expert on just about any chat room or board that is discussing strength training and/or bodybuilding.  With the anonymity of the internet, everyone has become so open about the subject.   Now we have a freakin’ anabolic doctor in Powerlifting USA discussing his ‘practice’ openly.   Give me a break.  Even the users think he’s an idiot.   But, I digress.   

I have also noticed a huge change in the sentiment between strength athletes.   When I stopped using in 1986 I still had friends and a training partner who continued to use ‘roids.   We all got along just fine.  Of course I took particular pleasure in lifting more than one unnamed individual in our gym – but it was all in good fun.   Today there are two lines-in-the-sand which tend to create real hostility between lifters:  gear and the use of steroids.    I’m not making any judgment on this at all – just making an observation.  

My two cents – for what it’s worth – is that this is a value equation.   I don’t consider those that use steroids as bad guys – they are just making poor choices.  And, as long as they stay out of drug-free meets, I don’t think of them as cheater either.  What I don’t get is their value equation.  I just don’t understand how the risk of incarceration, the cost and the eventual health risks are worth a record, a trophy or a place on PowerliftingWatch’s top fifty list.  

I know my opinion differs from some of you.  Many of you view the steroid users (today and yesterday) as cheaters.  I get that.   But, I’m a big ‘values’ guy.  And, values are personal.   They come from upbringing, religious beliefs, family, and the choices we make - but they are very personal.   As I entered the late eighties and through today my values around this subject have been clear to me:  train smart, expect small but consistent gains, strive to stay injury-free, eat well, be drug-free, do not do anything whatsoever in life to become incarcerated and….lift for me.  

I want to personally thank Rich Peters for his role in helping me shape these values.  He was extremely influential in helping me removing steroids from my life in 1986.  

Thank you Rich.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience and I am grateful you allow me to share.   Some of you have e-mailed me asking what I thought the future of our sport may hold.  I do have an opinion and I promise to share it before the Master’s nationals.   I hope to see y’all in Phoenix in November.   Tom, our prayers are with you.

 

#3 -  Powerlifting Forums

Back in my pre-teen years I spent most of my time wondering who was the better quarterback – Roger Staubach or Craig Morton, what comic books to buy; and how to impress girls (still an enigma to me). I usually settled for Marvel comics – the Incredible Hulk, the Fantastic Four, Spiderman, Thor, etc. These comic books all had the same advertisements – sea people magically coming to life, x-ray glasses enabling you to see through clothing (waste of money), and Charles Atlas’ strength training booklet.

The Atlas’ ad was a long-running stroke-of-genius. It portrayed a skinny fella on the beach with his best gal. A bulky bully kicked sand in his face telling him “I’d smash your face but you’re so skinny you might blow away”. The pencil-neck refused to be victimized and secured himself a copy of Charles Atlas’ program. Two frames – and one year later – our hero is back at the beach and this time deals out a firm right cross to the jaw of the bully saying “I owe you this!”

Funny (ironic not ha ha) how time changes things. In 1970 a bully was a brute who kicked sand in the face of skinny geeks; in 1984 (my first powerlifting meet – Niles, IL – Leaning Tower Y) the personal computer had just hit the shelves and the internet wasn’t even in our vocabulary; and in 1994 (my last meet to date) forums – let alone powerlifting forums - did not exist. Today we have a half dozen very active powerlifting forums, internet users have there own urban dictionary, and a bully is usually someone who hides behind a troll name and lurks anonymously in social forums.

As I examine the powerlifting forums closely and read through archived entries I can see predictable signs of trouble (hindsight is 20-20). The first forum was interesting – a lot of training information from the sport’s best lifters. Icons from the seventies and eighties were regulars on this forum. And it wasn’t strictly training information – there was an overriding joking tone ~ all tongue-in-cheek mixed with a little sarcasm. Ah, the first predictable sign: sarcasm. Sarcasm is difficult to communicate to those who are unfamiliar with each other and damn near impossible to convey through writing. So, the forum required keen eyes to ensure effective moderating, and moderating required mature, dedicated and honest moderators without a personal stakehold. You beat me to it: the second predictable sign. Realize that moderating takes an exorbitant amount of time with no reward. I wouldn’t do it. It takes a strong and firm constancy of purpose to effectively moderate. You won’t please all the people all the time – bam! The third predictable sign: disgruntled powerlifters. And we all know what a powerlifter does when he or she is pissed-off ~ they start their own forum!

It is the final sign that has created the internet forum environment that powerlifters frequent – anonymity. Once a few competing forums began to offer anonymous postings in the form of troll names they all followed suit. Now to post with your own name is the exception and even this last vestige of internet chivalry has been bastardized (o.k. a little overboard, I know). There are some lifters that are receiving more notoriety from their comical postings on the forums than their lifting. These guys have to post with their own names – that’s what they’re known for. But, I digress, back to those freakin’ trolls…………..

Listen, I’m not going to climb on my high horse. I’ve read all the public-accessed boards. I’ve posted four times in the last six months and all of my posting have been innocuous (well – except for that one time when I suggested a forum seek the advice of Dr. Kevorkian and pull the plug). And, I’ve regretted each time I’ve posted. Why? Because I was met with hate and discontent much like we all are when posting in the public forums of today. Why is that? Relatively speaking powerlifters are a small group. There ain’t that many of us. We all know each other – whoops – that’s right. It is anonymous.

Anonymity and powerlifting were not synonymous in the eighties and early nineties. Believe it or not we all didn’t like each other either – even in NASA. There were two lifters I could not stand. They were prima donnas in my eyes. And, they didn’t like me as well. They thought of me as a southwestern ‘redneck’. Me? Southwestern? And, you know how we got along? We didn’t. We simply kept our distance. Because (and mind you – I don’t venture myself a ‘tough guy’ – it was just the way it was) we would have thrown down. So we showed each other mutual respect. And guess what? We all co-existed just fine and kept our personal and private opinions to ourselves.

The way I see it - forum anonymity is the last refuge of a coward. Folks should show each other a little mutual respect. But they won’t. So, the bottom line is: ignore them. Don’t engage them. Stay out of their little playground. Most of these punks didn’t receive enough love from daddy and need the attention. You cannot fill this void. DON’T FEED THE TROLL! Some folks have said that’s hard to do. They want a forum to defend themselves. From what?!? Everyone in our little niche powerlifting community knows the punkish trolling nature of some on these boards. Very little is really taken that serious. No one really cares what these trolling losers have to say. And, for that matter, no one outside of our NASA family cares about what you have to say. They only want to engage you for their own morbid entertainment.

This is an op-ed column and I am going to give my opinions on a few of the active public boards. First and foremost, our boards – NASA Real Power and Training forums – are tightly moderated and everyone shows each other respect, period. I enjoy our boards immensely. I think you will too. If you are a card-carrying member and haven’t frequented the boards I encourage you to do so.
Secondly, there is a tightly monitored board that posts daily news reports on the sport and has established a lifter rankings list (paid membership required for access to this feature). I like this site. Sometimes the news day is slow and seems like the moderator enjoys the drama a little too much but all-in-all I think it’s a good site that ‘watches’ the sport closely.
The third site I read has an outlaw reputation as a multi-ply site and seems to be a little to casual on drug use. Given my personal views on both topics it may seem a little strange that I like this forum but, the information is timely and direct and it allows me to see ‘the other side’ (you can’t watch FOX news all the time). The moderator usually shuts down personal attacks without proof.

The internet is the great tool of our generation. It has changed business, commerce, communications and entertainment. But, with a great tool comes the possibility of misuse. An example of this misuse is the angry, vindictive trolls lurking in the forums – please don’t feed them.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the latest installment of this column. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this is a privilege for me and I very much enjoy sharing with y’all in our NASA family. My next column will address drug use in the sport and how it has changed. I guarantee that my take and yours will be different. Stay tuned.

Let me know your thoughts and opinion. I can easily be reached at thebarisloaded@hotmail.com.


Keep pullin’

Fred.

 

#2 - "26 Organizations and Counting"

I spent my freshman year of college at a mine engineering school in Golden, Colorado.  It was during my first semester geology class I was introduced to the term ‘hypocenter’.   A hypocenter is the initial point of rapture deep in the earth that precedes an earthquake.  I’m sure this all makes for interesting reading but what’s this have to do with the multitude of powerlifting organizations?   Simply put - I was an eyewitness to the hypocenter that created the organizational chaos you enjoy today.  

I’d like to start the conversation with a brief – and I mean brief – powerlifting history. There’s plenty more depth and expert analysis on this subject via the internet.  

Powerlifting as an organized sport has only been around for about 45 years.  Prior to this it was simply known as the “odd” lifts.  These were an assortment of deep knee bends, back presses a.k.a. floor presses, deadlifts, one-armed lifts, curls, etc.  Around 1964 the A.A.U. agreed upon the squat, bench & deadlift as the powerlifts and established rules, weight classes and eventual records.  In 1978 the United States Olympic Committee concluded that all sports seeking recognition should have their own governing body (the irony to present day conditions should be painfully obvious).  The United States Powerlifting Federation (USPF) became our governing body recognized by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF).   The USPF was considered by most to be inconsistent at best in their fair application of drug testing and their ever-changing interpretation(s) of the rules.  Because of this, the American Drug Free Powerlifting Association (ADFPA) was created in 1981 primarily from a moral position.  And in a counter move a Chicago lifter, Ernie Frantz, founded the APF (circa 1983) on the premise of no testing.  So there ya go - a  brief history lesson of our sport’s “organized” beginnings..  

Life in powerlifting began to move along.  Lifters were approaching and making single-ply lifts once thought physically impossible (1000 lb squats, 900 lb deadlifts, 700 lb. benches), powerlifters were gaining notoriety in strongman competitions and the professional wrestling circuit, steroid use was still underground and only whispered about, and good folks were doing their best to build lifting organizations that supported good lifting – this includes the most prolific meet promoter in USPF history – drum roll please…… Rich Peters.  And then the tremors started.

The USPF executive committee held their national meeting in July 1988.  I attended with three votes (state chairman, national athletes’ rep and a proxy).   The organization had just concluded a legal battle with Ernie Frantz over exclusionary practices.  To recoup costs, the USPF had decided to dig deeper into the meet promoters’ pockets concerning shared revenues.  Due to all the internal bickering and inconsistent drug testing, Rich had started NASA providing lifters a chance to get off steroids through his staged approach (note:  I lifted in the first Natural Winter Nationals in 1987 ~ ‘open’ was defined as six months clean).   However, it wasn’t Rich’s intent to split.  Rich wanted to unify the USPF under one banner.  Establish an umbrella organization so to speak.  This would provide a true national championship, a framework that brought confidence to the international community and flexibility for the lifter while providing sub-organizations under the umbrella supporting different needs (raw, equipped, tested….  hmmm).  The executive committee of the USPF laughed at the proposal.  They believed there was no need for such a structure.  It was their way or the highway.  They were simply indispensible.  That was it – plain and simple:  the hypocenter.  

Rich left the USPF and sunk his heart and soul into NASA.   Brother Bennett and company continued to take the moral high ground in the ADFPA, and the APF continued to provide a platform for non-tested events.   The USPF was left to its own demise.  My take is lack of professional leadership and an overall elitist attitude in its president and the executive committee was the causal factors in the USPF losing IPF sanction (which was subsequently grabbed by the USAPL – formerly ADFPA).  

With my apologies to Bob Dylan  - the times they were a changin’ (if you don’t know who Dylan is twitter your dad and ask).   Organizations established their own rules and interpreted existing standards differently.  Gear use began to vary from association to association, and the division framework differed as well.   Then the egos of mice and men took over (I smell a trend developing).  Yep, ego and misguided pride.  Don’t like the depth rule here, start up your own organization; want to use triple ply rubber – initiate a federation; can’t stand weighing in at the prescribed time – create a league; want to drug test only in leap years – uh, you get the point.   It’s gotten so bad that one meet promoter allowed unlimited attempts in a lift.  Well, I say ‘unlimited’.  The rule is – or was, I don’t know anymore - lift until you missed two consecutive attempts (insert pregnant pause here). 

Listen, I don’t necessarily think having different organizations is all bad.  This is America.  We are not a socialist country (not yet anyway).  We have the freedom to create and choose.  God bless America!   But there is a risk with this much dilution:   the majority will fail – its pure economics.  There is a finite pool of lifters out there competing (estimates are anywhere from 12,000 to 18,000 in sanctioned events), and there are now 26 (sic) national and/or regional organizations trying to attract these lifters.  Do the math.  There is no way a quality powerlifting organization can maintain records and a decent web site, conduct a quality national championship event, support a youth and/or high school program and grow with its lifters with just 400 members.  So it is natural to see how organizations come and organizations go.  So what’s a lifter to do?    How do you choose?

I’ve given this a great deal of thought and I’ve concluded this should be a value-based decision.  What do you value as a lifter:  fair and honest drug testing?  no drug testing?  use of multi-ply?   raw?   distance from home?   family atmosphere?  competition?  And, your values may not tie you exclusively to one organization.  For instance: you may value top level competition once a year.  You may be a female bencher whose set all the records she can in ‘her’ organization and wants to test herself on a strict world stage environment.  She wants to see what its like to lift against the best the World has to offer. That’s value-based. 

If all powerlifters made this decision – the decision of where to lift - a value-based decision, we would soon realize something: most lifters share similar values.  Soon organizations would converge to a dozen or eight or (dare I say it)….. four!  Heck, if everyone’s lifting decisions were all value-based, we may just find ourselves lifting in one big organization with several sub-group an …… wait for it….. wait for it……. umbrella organization so to speak. J.

Let me leave you with this:  if you want to secure the future of powerlifting - find that organization that fits your values and support them.  For me, that’s a fair and honest drug-tested environment.  For me, that’s a lifter-friendly environment that supports God, family and country.  For me, that’s an organization with a robust calendar of events.  For me, that’s an organization that I have a substantial voice in no matter what my level of lifting.  For me, that’s NASA.  

And, if any punk-ass, piss-poor training, character-assassinating internet jockey wants to take a shot – well …..    I’ll save that for next month.

Once again, I really appreciate your feedback on the first column and this truly is a privilege for me.  If you have comments, suggestions or feedback you can find me at thebarisloaded@hotmail.com or on the real power forum.

Pull hard,

Fred.

 

#1 - "THE  BAR IS LOADED"

Ay dias mio (Oh my God!) – 26 years ago I walked into Pool’s Gym in Springfield, IL and vehemently stated that “I want to powerlift”.  Someone should have warned me.   Someone should have warned me about the sleepless nights I would have nursing sore (insert here ______) {back, knees, pecs, tie-ins, glutes, etc}.   Someone should have warned me about the perils of cutting weight (“but I benched 30 pounds more just last week!”); and someone should have warned me about listening to every gym expert from Springfield to Carlsbad (“lift with your glutes” – “no, lift with your back” – “no, lift with your eyes” –  “squat on a box” – “squat on a bench” – “squat on a rail spike” - seriously?).   But, what I should have been warned about the most is the commitment – you’re either in the sport or you’re out.   Well, I’m back “in”.  This last May I threw my leg over the hog and rode from San Diego to Phoenix to watch Rich, Tad and the crew put on the Western Nationals at Walt’s place.  Prior to making the trip I ‘hit the net’ to find out how the sport changed.   After cruising the internet highway for a few hours all I could say was – “un-freakin-believable”!  I really can’t believe how much has changed in the sport in 15 years. 

The way I see it there have been four fundamental changes that have, well, ‘shifted’ the sport.  They are (in order):  1.  Gear;  2. the multitude of organizations;  3. the internet; and 4. drug use.   So, without further adieu, let’s talk about gear changes.

In 1984 nobody I associated with knew what a bench shirt was.  By 1988, everyone was using one.   Ah, the bench shirt of yesteryear (and yes – there was only one).   John Inzer’s tight, polyester version of a t-shirt.   Something that gave you a nice pop off the chest (yes Virginia, everyone touched their chests when they benched).   Something that gave the heavyweights 10 – 30 pounds.   Something that kept your shoulders from shredding when attempting a max.   That’s all it was.  Nothing more.   And, don’t go comparing today’s single ply to Inzer’s bench shirt.  They shouldn’t even be defined the same.  I mean that!  I have watched a guy from 24 Hour Fitness (yes – I trained at a 24hour) put 100 lbs. on his bench with the use of a single ply.  And please don’t ask me which shirt – I don’t care.   The reason I was ever interested in powerlifting was due to watching tape – yep ‘tape’ – of the big Texan Doug Young bench 585 at 242 (re:  because I used the term ‘tape’ – telling you it was raw would be redundant).  So I don’t even have a need to know the brand of shirt.   All I know is it artificially will give some lifters a 30% - 40% increase in their one rep max bench.   Come on!   So what’s the big deal?   How has this really ‘changed’ the sport?

In the 80’s there was Buffalo’s Ted Arcidi and Abilene’s Ken Lain battling it out at the 700 pound range.  Then came the monster Anthony Clark and the freakishly strong bencher Chris Confessore.   The big deal was they all had the same advantage – the inzer bench shirt.  Realize most of the aforementioned lifters wouldn’t don the shirt until their third attempt:  30 lbs heavier than their second.  We all knew who these guys were and they were stronger than hell!   I’m not saying today’s geared benchers are not strong – they are.  Their just all ‘blended’.  Don’t think so?  Tell me something, who is the best bencher today?   If you ask that question at any meet you’ll get as many answers as there are lifters.  Another point:  have you ever tried to explain today’s bench shirt to a non-powerlifting friend?   How’d that work out for you?   

The squat suit isn’t off the hook either.  I will hand it to the manufacturers:  these suits are marvels of engineering.   Some serious thought, testing and cash went into the design of these things.   I won’t go into the same rant as above because it’s the same argument.  Who is the best powerlifter today?  I asked that question in Arizona.  I asked six seasoned lifters – got six different answers.  When you asked that question in 1989 – you got one answer.  And, he was so dominating most of you still know the answer – Ed Coan.  I back spotted Ed at two separate meets.  Don’t know how he is as a person but I do know he was the most dominating lifter of the eighties – period.   That doesn’t exist anymore.  Gear changed that.   You can no longer point to one male lifter and say – “he’s the man”.   The ‘gear’ conversation will come up every time.   Listen, there are great lifters out there.  And, since this is an opinion column, I define great lifters as those who cast ego aside and will lift in geared events, raw events, throwing events – you name it.  Hell, I know (and you know him too) a lifter who competed in a strongman and highland game competition on the same day!   Damn.  

Our sport is an eclectic sport.  Coan called it a ‘cult’ sport.  I won’t go that far but suffice to say most spectators are family, friends and a few old lifters thinking they’ll make a come back as a masters powersport lifter.   The only folks who truly understand the ‘gear’ conversation are powerlifters.   The relationship to a geared lift in competition and a raw lift in the gym has changed now and forever.   We have literally morphed into three different sports:  raw, equipped and multi-ply.   And there are a multitude of organizations to support this transformation.  But, I’ll save that for next time.

Hey – it’s been a pleasure and my privilege to share my opinions.  Give me yours.  I’d like to know if you liked the column, hated the column, have a difference of opinion or want to weigh in on other topics in the future.  

Hit me up at thebarisloaded@hotmail.com. 

Yours in NASA,

Fred.