Phil and I have been working together on my fitness for just over a year now and this week I reached a personal goal. 100kg deadlift sets. (thats 15.75 stone in old money)
Why is this a milestone? Well I only weight 86kg so this almost 20% over my bodyweight and deadlifts engage almost all your body. Posture is vital, your core is tested.
I remember my first few days in hospital immediately after my operation. I remember having to have physio. You wouldn't think that after an op to remove my bowel that id need physio, well neither did I. The trauma/incisions to my stomach meant I was taking short breaths. Protecting my wounds apparently.
I didnt know at the time but would also later find out I had some nerve damage in my upper legs. Hypersensitivity. Something I still have to this day. That and recovering from an 8 hour operation meant I had no energy, no strength, even sitting up was a challenge!
Anyway, after a few days of recovery and blood transfusions, I remember being told I needed to be able to walk up 2 flights of stairs before I could go home. 2 flights, easy!! Hell no!! I was out of breath and in pain before I even reached the stairs.
I remember that night laying in bed and simply thinking enough is enough. I got out of bed and dragged my sorry arse around the ward, trying to build up some strength. It wasnt easy, I had to teach myself to breath properly again.
Ironic really as during my strength training over the last few months breathing has been key. Deep breaths before excursion keeps my core tight and technique solid.
Back then I struggled to make those stairs, now Im squating 70kg, deadlifting 100kg, running 10km obstacle races. Wow talk about opposite ends of the spectrum. Just confirms if you want something (and I mean really want something) with time, patience and persistance anything is possible.
Strong mind, strong body ; )
