Inspiration

This weekend when I am competing in America's Strongest Woman, it will be exactly one year that I made a life changing decision.  About four or five months after I quit drinking, I decided to try and get my big 215lb ass back in shape.  I began with simple rowing workouts early in the morning before work. Since I was dealing with a lot of anger issues at the time, I also put my punching bag to good use...usually after work.  I immediately dropped about 10lbs as a result of simply giving up beer and alcohol...mixed with a little bit of cardio.

It wasn't long before the early morning rowing got old.  I needed something different, so I began to clean up the garage and dust off all my gym equipment.  I was quite apprehensive about lifting again because I knew how much strength I had lost in the last year alone; especially in my legs, since I had stopped squatting several years prior following some recurring injuries.  My first week consisted of fairly light weight and lots of reps.  I soon built back up to a 135lb bench and a 225lb deadlift...not exciting numbers but a starting point none the less.  About a month and a half into lifting, I thought to myself, where am I trying to go with this?  I really had no desire to return to CrossFit, but loved to lift heavy, so I began to research the sport of powerlifting.  Squatting was still not on my "to do" list...air squats alone caused pain.  But focusing on training a heavy bench and deadlift, well, I could definitely do that.

Both my bench and deadlift were progressing little by little, but I knew if I ever wanted to compete, I would need help.  So, one afternoon I sat down at the computer and began searching for knowledgeable trainers in San Antonio.  I read dozens of profiles and had no interest in any of the young bucks claiming to know more than the other about lifting.  Since I have no patience what so ever, I began to watch videos on youtube...what can I say, I was bored.  I ran across a World's Strongest Woman video and it occurred to me that the 2x champion had once lived in town.  I went back to my search and found her website and contact information...and wouldn't you know it, she was still training here in town.  I fired off an e-mail to her about training, sat back in my chair, and thought...oh shit, what did I just do?!?!  I talked myself into the fact that she probably wouldn't respond to an old ass has-been anyway.  Not to long later, she responded.  Well, double shit.

In a matter of no time, my first session was scheduled at Olympic Gym.  Now, I just had to figure out what the hell I was going to say to the 2x World's Strongest Woman.  Hi, I used to be a drunk crossfitter came to mind, or I was a three sport collegiate athlete that can't squat for shit...yes, the list goes on.  As the day approached, I was anxious, nervous, but excited about learning to lift again.  The meeting went well and I went home with new knowledge, that my lifts sucked ass, a lot of soreness, and a new trainer.

A year later, with Jill Mills as my coach and inspiration, I have done what I thought was virtually impossible.  I have lost a shit ton of weight, I have learned correct lifting techniques that do not cause pain, I have become stronger mentally and physically, and have become a powerlifting and strongwoman competitor.  For the record, I didn't say I was great at these sports...just one who likes to compete.  The nearly impossible task of turning a 2x has-been into a competitor again could have only been accomplished by one person...a 2x World's Strongest Woman.  Every training session continues to bring new challenges and new expectations.  And with Jill as my coach, the possibilities are endless.  My goal is simple...continue to improve and meet all the challenges, one by one.

A year ago, I was at a crossroads in my life.  Constantly debating whether to continue lifting or go back to life with alcohol.  The latter is no longer even a possibility, and I truly look forward to another year with Jill as my coach and what it will bring.  Besides the soreness...I can do with a little less of that. :))

I thank you Jill for all of your support and belief in me, as a coach...and a friend!...even when I didn't quite believe in myself.