Usually, when I return home from a competition, my body is beat down from the events, heavy weight, and the mental preparation that binds it all together. This time, however, I have to give credit to a 24-48hr bug that single handedly destroyed every part of my body. I have fought through many competitive events in my life when I was not 100%...you simply block it out, fight through, and worry about the consequences later. And with two events to go on saturday, that was my game plan.
Hope for the Holidays 8 was my first United States Strongman competition. It was also chalked full of record breakers...i.e. if you want your name highlighted in the USS record book, this was the place to be. Each contestant was able to pick one of two deadlift variations, as well as a clean and press with the log or axle. (Format: three attempts at the chosen lift to achieve a max, each attempt was one minute in length, failing to complete a lift within the minute allowed = you're done). The final three events included a short farmers, five tire flips, and an incline log press...the latter being my favorite.
I was more or less tagging along with Jill on this trip, who had been invited to be a celebrity judge at the competition. Record breaking is not necessarily something that drives me, but a weekend of competition surrounded by top notch athletes in strength sports, well, that does. It was also a once in a lifetime chance to get to hang out with Willie Wessels, Mike Johnston, and Jill to hear legendary stories, as well as plans for the future of US Strongman. And if you must know, the future looks bright! This group is, without question, bound by passion, hard work, and love for strongman.
After a short flight to St. Louis, tracking down my luggage, a shooting at the hotel, and an evening at Hooters, I woke up saturday morning with a game plan in mind, and ready to compete. I opened my axle clean and press at 150lbs, something easy to get on the board. My next attempt at 170 felt solid, even though my overhead lock out was not quite as smooth. 180lbs would have been a PR for me, but my jerk failed twice, the subsequent clean failed, and I called it a day.
Next up was the deadlift. I did a few warm-up pulls under 300lbs, squeezed into Jill's old squat suit, had Jill pick my opening pull (since I have never pulled conventional in gear, it was a shot in the dark), and easily completed my opener at 325lbs. My second attempt was somewhere in the 360-70 range, which, thanks to the gear, flew off the floor. So, with my final attempt, I jumped to 405#. This is a number I have been chasing for quite some time, and regardless of the gear, I wanted know what 400lbs felt like in my hands. It felt awesome!
With the max lifts done, I retreated to my space on the gym floor to kick back, throw down a protein bar, and relax before the farmers carry. I found that I wasn't that hungry, but choked down a few bites before heading to the back gym to check out the tires we were up against in event #5. The tire weights were not an issue, but a slick floor would turn the driving force behind the flip into a straight deadlift. No big deal really.
As I geared up for the farmers carry, Jill mentioned that there was an extra pizza from the pizza truck, if I wanted something to eat. Knowing that I needed some fuel, I agreed, and she brought it over. Now, I am a pizza hound...but the smell of this thing completely disgusted me. Less than an hour ago, as I was talking to the strongman doc, I was thinking how good his pizza looked...kinda weird. Oh well, no time to think, I was up for the farmers...a light, seven second run across the gym.
I was fairly pleased with my run, and already contemplating how I could have made it faster, when this feeling of complete physical exhaustion hit me like a brick wall. Before I even had time to think, I broke out into a sweat, was light-headed, and nauseous. I grabbed a bottled water and sat down. In a matter of minutes, I went from game planning the next event, to wondering if I was going to be able to complete it. The extent of my mental conversation...it's only five flips, suck it up and do it. By this time, I was having trouble putting together or conveying a complete thought...my mind was scrambled, I did not have a clue what was going on, but I finished the flips none the less.
The event I was most looking forward to was remaining, the incline log. I approached the log with the same mindset as the tire...just get through it. I vaguely remember warning my spotter, Jill, that I felt like crap, and beware of flying vomit. I grabbed the log, pressed it twice, put it down, dropped to one knee...and wasn't quite sure if I was going to be able to walk away. One of the last things I remember is Jill telling me to go lay down, stumbling to the other end of the gym, and curling up under some piece of clothing. Both the contest, and I, were done.
The next twelve hours I have very little recollection of except adding layers of clothing when freezing, and shedding those layers when burning hot...and worrying. Although my communication skills were left to simple yes and no responses, my mind was running non-stop. From what the hell is going on...to how am I gonna make a flight the next morning. But guess what, I had the World's Strongest Woman (and a nurse) looking after me the entire night...there was really no need to worry.
Thanks again Jill!
Showing posts with label Jill Mills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jill Mills. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
The Question
What is it like having the 2x World's Strongest Woman (WSW) and world record holding powerlifter, Jill Mills, as your coach? A question I hear fairly frequently, but honestly, don't think I have ever answered...outside of simply saying "awesome". So, here ya go...
First things first, your ego must comprehend the fact that there is, and will forever be, only one Jill Mills. It doesn't matter what you think you can do, how much you think you work, or how good you think you are. She has, and will, do more, work harder, and be better. Once you have grasped this concept, as well as understand that her way is better than about 99% of what you think you already know...then, and only then, you just might be able to undertake the task of learning from a legend. (And for the record, from my own personal experience, letting go of the useless crap that is tucked away in long term memory is no easy task.)
With that being said, there is one more small requirement. Passion. The all encompassing word for truly loving your sport...from the hard work you put in, to what you give back (emphasis on giving back). Jill has a unique passion for her sports, which has resulted in enormous amounts of valuable knowledge. You may never posses the same passion, or even understand it....but you sure as hell have to appreciate it in someone else.
Two years ago, when I first contacted Jill via e-mail regarding training, her response was almost immediate. I was scared shitless. It was one of those moments when you want to travel back in time, slap yourself, and say, "what were you thinking?". That fear was followed by a multitude of questions, self-doubt if you will. What was she going to think of a fat, out of shape, recovering alcoholic, has-been athlete? The answer to that: nothing. The only judgement came in the form of critiquing my horrible lifting techniques, and the possibility of what could be...not what once was.
From a lifting perspective, I have made some incredible gains. From an unweighted bar squat, yes, just the bar, to 250lbs. My all-back 315lb deadlift jumped to 360lbs when I learned to incorporate my posterior chain. In my first strongman competition, in March '13, the 400lb yoke almost killed me, now, I am working to get quicker with 500lbs. Hell, I have even grown into a squat suit that Jill let me borrow for a competition in California last year. I am still trying to decide if fitting into that miserable suit is a good thing though. However, I can not simply write a blog on numbers. Her coaching and programing success can be seen in athletes everywhere.
I was only seven months into my sobriety when I started training, still struggling to discover who I really was, and my place in life. Through lifting alone, I built confidence and began to believe in myself...but my understanding of feelings and emotions was progressing much like a game of Chutes and Ladders (Google it). Call it luck, coincidence, or meant to be, but
in finding the right lifting coach, I also found a role model for the person I desired to be.
She knew when to encourage, when to guide, and when to let me stand on my own, fail, and learn. I have tested her coaching skills, her patience, and her tolerance level more times than I even care to count. But she did not quit, nor throw me out the door...although I am sure the thought has crossed her mind...more than once. She truly wanted me to succeed, not just in the gym, but in life itself. There has not been one single day that I have left the gym, if I can physically walk out of the gym, without some new insight...to make me think, and to help me grow. Every trip to the gym, or barn, or park, or where ever the workout may take me, is a unique opportunity. You can take these moments for granted, or you can, as Jill likes to say, "embrace it".
Although the 2x World's Strongest Woman may be a living highlight reel of feats of strength, she is first and foremost a wife, a mother, a self-made woman, and a wonderful human being. In other words, she is a whole lot more than what you see in any thirty second youtube video. The visible strength is undeniable, but the unseen, internal strength is even more impressive. Being able to train with and learn from Jill is a privilege...one that I will continue to embrace for years to come.
First things first, your ego must comprehend the fact that there is, and will forever be, only one Jill Mills. It doesn't matter what you think you can do, how much you think you work, or how good you think you are. She has, and will, do more, work harder, and be better. Once you have grasped this concept, as well as understand that her way is better than about 99% of what you think you already know...then, and only then, you just might be able to undertake the task of learning from a legend. (And for the record, from my own personal experience, letting go of the useless crap that is tucked away in long term memory is no easy task.)
With that being said, there is one more small requirement. Passion. The all encompassing word for truly loving your sport...from the hard work you put in, to what you give back (emphasis on giving back). Jill has a unique passion for her sports, which has resulted in enormous amounts of valuable knowledge. You may never posses the same passion, or even understand it....but you sure as hell have to appreciate it in someone else.
Two years ago, when I first contacted Jill via e-mail regarding training, her response was almost immediate. I was scared shitless. It was one of those moments when you want to travel back in time, slap yourself, and say, "what were you thinking?". That fear was followed by a multitude of questions, self-doubt if you will. What was she going to think of a fat, out of shape, recovering alcoholic, has-been athlete? The answer to that: nothing. The only judgement came in the form of critiquing my horrible lifting techniques, and the possibility of what could be...not what once was.
From a lifting perspective, I have made some incredible gains. From an unweighted bar squat, yes, just the bar, to 250lbs. My all-back 315lb deadlift jumped to 360lbs when I learned to incorporate my posterior chain. In my first strongman competition, in March '13, the 400lb yoke almost killed me, now, I am working to get quicker with 500lbs. Hell, I have even grown into a squat suit that Jill let me borrow for a competition in California last year. I am still trying to decide if fitting into that miserable suit is a good thing though. However, I can not simply write a blog on numbers. Her coaching and programing success can be seen in athletes everywhere.
I was only seven months into my sobriety when I started training, still struggling to discover who I really was, and my place in life. Through lifting alone, I built confidence and began to believe in myself...but my understanding of feelings and emotions was progressing much like a game of Chutes and Ladders (Google it). Call it luck, coincidence, or meant to be, but
in finding the right lifting coach, I also found a role model for the person I desired to be.
She knew when to encourage, when to guide, and when to let me stand on my own, fail, and learn. I have tested her coaching skills, her patience, and her tolerance level more times than I even care to count. But she did not quit, nor throw me out the door...although I am sure the thought has crossed her mind...more than once. She truly wanted me to succeed, not just in the gym, but in life itself. There has not been one single day that I have left the gym, if I can physically walk out of the gym, without some new insight...to make me think, and to help me grow. Every trip to the gym, or barn, or park, or where ever the workout may take me, is a unique opportunity. You can take these moments for granted, or you can, as Jill likes to say, "embrace it".
Although the 2x World's Strongest Woman may be a living highlight reel of feats of strength, she is first and foremost a wife, a mother, a self-made woman, and a wonderful human being. In other words, she is a whole lot more than what you see in any thirty second youtube video. The visible strength is undeniable, but the unseen, internal strength is even more impressive. Being able to train with and learn from Jill is a privilege...one that I will continue to embrace for years to come.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Women of Strength
It was an EPIC weekend!
Jill Mills, my coach, and legendary strongwoman and powerlifter, hosted a womens only, two day strength clinic. It was the culmination of decades of knowledge, and one person willing to share her experiences, successful lifting techniques, and strategies to nine women with a passion for strength based sports. If you are one of those athletes that think you have it all figured out...well, you were not invited anyway. But if, like me, you constantly strive to be better and desire to increase your knowledge at any given chance, this clinic was the place to be.
Yes, I spend three, sometimes four days a week training the fundamental lifts and strongman events with Jill. But passing up a learning opportunity like this would just be plain stupid. It would be like telling Pat Summit or Martina Navratilova, I don't think I could really gain anything from your years of experience and success. I know there are plenty of athletes and coaches that have that mind-set, but I am not one of them.
The weekend provided a unique opportunity to not only receive instructional tips, but also observe various teaching techniques geared toward experienced lifters and newbies alike. How to make simple corrections, to what to look for in technique flaws and how to correct them, it was all available right in my own training facilities...and for once I was not the only test dummy.
Our first day was spent at Olympic Gym breaking down technique on the major lifts in powerlifting as well as an introduction to accessory exercises. Every athlete in attendance was provided the opportunity to have their lifts critiqued and corrected. We also covered Jill's programming, which I can personally attest to its success rate. But the best part of day one was simply getting to know the other women. Jill pointed out the comradery that exists within the women's strength community...and without a doubt, she is absolutely correct. In my short time in competition, the extended strongwoman family has proven to be a loving, caring, and a giving community.
On day two, we all made the road trip south of San Antonio to the barn. Home of the best collection of strongman equipment with more space than we had at last years national competition. Not to mention, my favorite place to escape to on sunday nights and throw around heavy objects. We tackled every major strongman event, and then some, with Jill providing the details on everything including grip, footwork, speed, bar placement...you name it.
By the end of the weekend, some found confidence in lifting heavy, others new techniques to work on, but we all went home with new members to add to our strongwoman family, and a ton of knowledge that only a legend could provide. As exhausted as I was by sunday night, I would have done it all over again starting monday morning. Yes, it was that good.
Jill Mills, my coach, and legendary strongwoman and powerlifter, hosted a womens only, two day strength clinic. It was the culmination of decades of knowledge, and one person willing to share her experiences, successful lifting techniques, and strategies to nine women with a passion for strength based sports. If you are one of those athletes that think you have it all figured out...well, you were not invited anyway. But if, like me, you constantly strive to be better and desire to increase your knowledge at any given chance, this clinic was the place to be.
Yes, I spend three, sometimes four days a week training the fundamental lifts and strongman events with Jill. But passing up a learning opportunity like this would just be plain stupid. It would be like telling Pat Summit or Martina Navratilova, I don't think I could really gain anything from your years of experience and success. I know there are plenty of athletes and coaches that have that mind-set, but I am not one of them.
The weekend provided a unique opportunity to not only receive instructional tips, but also observe various teaching techniques geared toward experienced lifters and newbies alike. How to make simple corrections, to what to look for in technique flaws and how to correct them, it was all available right in my own training facilities...and for once I was not the only test dummy.
Our first day was spent at Olympic Gym breaking down technique on the major lifts in powerlifting as well as an introduction to accessory exercises. Every athlete in attendance was provided the opportunity to have their lifts critiqued and corrected. We also covered Jill's programming, which I can personally attest to its success rate. But the best part of day one was simply getting to know the other women. Jill pointed out the comradery that exists within the women's strength community...and without a doubt, she is absolutely correct. In my short time in competition, the extended strongwoman family has proven to be a loving, caring, and a giving community.
On day two, we all made the road trip south of San Antonio to the barn. Home of the best collection of strongman equipment with more space than we had at last years national competition. Not to mention, my favorite place to escape to on sunday nights and throw around heavy objects. We tackled every major strongman event, and then some, with Jill providing the details on everything including grip, footwork, speed, bar placement...you name it.
By the end of the weekend, some found confidence in lifting heavy, others new techniques to work on, but we all went home with new members to add to our strongwoman family, and a ton of knowledge that only a legend could provide. As exhausted as I was by sunday night, I would have done it all over again starting monday morning. Yes, it was that good.
Monday, October 14, 2013
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.
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.
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