Well, my weekend didn't go like I had planned. Not only was I not competitive at the Games, I didn't even really compete. My first workout was a total disaster and I felt like an absolute newbie on the second workout. Let me explain. I spent the day before the Games at the HDC, getting briefed and going over the opening ceremony with the rest of the competitors. What I thought would take an hour, ended up taking close to 4. 6+ hours without eating. The first workout reminded me of the importance of proper fuel. At this point, I'm in 12th place and not feeling good about it.
The second workout, 4 minutes to get a 1RM in the clean and jerk, was where I received a loud signal that this was not going to be my Games this year. As I was loading the bar to open with 210#, the little two and a half pound plate rolled away from me and between the judge's legs in the next row of competitors. That has never happened to me, even in the gym. WTF? After getting that wild plate under control, my first clean slipped out of my right hand as I caught it in the power position. The ugliest clean ever. I looked like I had no business being at the Games at this point. I recovered. Made the lift. All's good. Then came the 2nd attempt at 215#. I had planned on going for 225# before hand, but like I said, I was feeling low in confidence. My first attempt at 215# was caught in the squat position and as I jumped to get under the bar, I felt a strange sensation in my left bicep. I missed the jerk. I dropped the bar walked around for a moment and checked my arm. Every thing looked ok, so I tried again. 215# went up easy. Nice! Workout over. I tied for 4th in the event and moved up to 9th over all. I felt confidence making it's way back.
Saturday came and workout #3 was first up. My body wasn't too sore and my shoulders felt pretty good. I felt good warming up for this workout. Right up to my first muscle up in the warm up area. Then POP! The bicep tendon ruptured at the shoulder. My Games were over.
Tomorrow I go in for surgery to repair my arm. The road to recovery starts then.
Paul, I am so sorry that your year of inspiring effort ended this way, but this merely marks the beginning point for your effort toward the 2012 Games. Inconveniences of one kind or another will always occur, but it is how we deal with them that will ultimately determine how successful we become. I’ve no doubt that you will turn this injury into a tremendous motivator and succeed at whatever you attempt. Please let me know how I can help.
ReplyDeleteTony
You were fantastic!! I don't mean to belittle the way you were feeling at the Games- but the way you describe your experience at the Games, vs. what WE saw are two different scenarios.
ReplyDeleteI too am sorry that your year of effort ended in disappointment for you, but personally I can't wait to see you come back stronger than ever. Please don't be disappointed in yourself- what you didn't accomplish in "The Games" you accomplish daily in inspiring and teaching at CFEC. Excited for next year... go Paul!