Game Plan

"If you are prepared, you will be confident, and you will do the job." Tom Landry

I have spent a lot of time drawing up game plans; all the x's and o's, on scraps of paper, napkins, and even courtside on the floor.  I could break down the strengths and weakness of every player on the floor.  In a split second, I could identify what was going to happen when the ball was inbounded after a time out...just by watching the players return to the floor.  The player with her head down...that was the one that lacked confidence and would either be a decoy or completely out of the play.  The two that came back on the floor discussing what went on during the time out...the one talking is your shooter while the one listening is your screener.  The quiet, wide-eyed player...that is your in-bounder that is repeating to herself, "do not turn the ball over".  And the one that runs back on the floor and immediately takes her position, that is your point guard...your confident leader.

Hopefully, everyone understands a little about basketball...otherwise, that probably didn't make a lot of sense.  But that was my job as a head coach, to prepare my players for a game that lasted forty minutes.  Five players versus five players. 

This weekend it is my job to prepare myself...for a game against myself.  And I have to say, although I am getting better at it, it is not an easy thing to accomplish.  Five on five with a bench full of subs is a lot easier!  Between powerlifting and strongman competitions, there have been plenty of times when I wish I had a time out so I could get my game back on track.  But in these two sports, I really don't think asking for a time out would be well received.     

This weekend my game plan is in place:  I have actually taken most of the week to deload, so I am well rested, my personal goals are set and include PR's in two of my lifts (a third would just be icing on the cake), and the plan to reach those two very attainable PR's is done.  But we all know that game plans sometimes go right out the window before the game even starts.  So, my main goal is to start strong on the very first lift, focus on each lift individually, and don't spend time over-thinking...just attack each one, make adjustments as necessary, and hit some big numbers!

Regardless of the outcome, as long as I come out a stronger and more mentally tough athlete...then my job is done.  And finally, and most importantly...I am going to have fun!!!

Time to pack up and hit the road! 

   

Capital of Texas Open

Next weekend I am headed to Austin, Texas for the USPA Capital of Texas Open, my third full powerlifting meet.  We will have a pretty good group headed up from San Antonio to represent Jill Mills' training, including a chunk of the Barn Crew.  I truly enjoy this sport and the challenges it presents, even though you are required to wear a singlet (worst idea in the history of sport's uniforms).

Since I have been concentrating more on strongman competitions, this meet will be more of a test to see where I am on my lifts.  I have remained pretty consistent on my bench, I hope to go a lot bigger on the deadlift, and it is always hit or miss as to whether my squat will show up or not.  But if it does, my goal is to go over 200lbs.  Yes, I am one of those that can bench as much as I squat.  But considering where I started with my squat, over 200 would be a big accomplishment.

My other reason for choosing to compete in this meet is to work on becoming stronger mentally. During my last meet, I put myself in a position where I had to repeat my opening weight on my very first lift...something I have never experienced.  I was shifting my weight really bad to one side, which I used to do all the time in Crossfit in attempt to avoid using an injured knee.  Now, there is really no reason for it except for a lack of focus on my form.  The squat issue then lead to me missing a lift on the bench...my butt came up on a fairly easy weight...again nothing but a lack of focus on my part. And finally, on my second deadlift, the weight was loaded improperly...5lbs or so heavier on one side.  At this point, there was nothing else I could do but laugh.  I was finally relaxed and not over or under thinking things and pulled an easy 315 on my final deadlift.

BUT the main reason I am going to Austin is to see my Barn Crew training partner, Rich, lift in a singlet.  Just kidding!!!  I can not wait to see everyone lift...some for the first time in a meet! Surrounded by a great group of friends, we will all have a good day and represent ourselves and our coach well!...no matter what anyone looks like in a singlet.