My First Ever Powerlifting Competition

It was nerve-wracking yet exciting. I felt hot and cold at the same time. I was looking forward to it yet I could not wait for it to end. There it was. My first ever powerlifting competition.

Ever since I enrolled as a member of the Eclipse Gym, one of the few good powerlifting gyms in the country, I told myself I must eventually join a powerlifting competition. Everyone there was encouraging me to it considering that only men mostly join and represent our gym.

But I never felt strong enough to compete, especially when I try to compare my numbers to those strong ladies I know who have been competing or did compete before. It always felt like I'm just going to embarrass myself by being part of a competition that is strength and technique based yet I cannot prove myself strong enough.

It was only a year and a half (and at one weight class higher!) after I started my journey to strength training when I finally did join one: the MNL Powerlifting Competition last February 7-8, 2015. It was the perfect timing for me since it mostly catered to our CrossFit community and I did like the idea of being part of that change (Kudos to Coach Betina Bordeos for a successful event!)

Photo from MNL Powerlifting Championships

Pre-Competition

I was not really able to prepare and properly train due to the superficial parotidectomy surgery done to me by end of November 2014. After that, I had to focus on recovering and there was really not much time for me to train during the holidays. The worse part was that, when I slowly got back to lifting again, everything felt heavy!

It was around end of December 2014 or beginning of January 2015 when I finally decided to join the competition despite the lack of preparation. I definitely had that "bahala na" attitude and told myself, "Fine! I'll rely on GPP (General Physical Preparedness)!"

It's now or never anyways. If I won't join now, I never will. Plus, it was about time I get to use my gears in a real powerlifting competition. 

It was definitely the perfect timing since I have only been doing strength training using Wendler's 5/3/1 program when I did get back to the grind. I was able to complete 1 cycle (that is one month of training including the deload week) prior the competition and somehow, that made me feel better.

Luckily, I did not have to worry about maintaining or keeping my weight for the competition unlike Ruel who had to do a bit of dieting and drink lots of distilled water to cut the weight. Of course, it was not easy for me too considering that I was still able to eat the way I do and he could not and I feel sorry for him. I did not enjoy not feeding him.

A week before the competition day, we decided to have a simulation of the three lifts. Unfortunately, I was sore that day as I just did my last heavy deadlift the previous day. I was only able to do the following lifts in comparison to my best lifts as of September 2014 (pre-surgery):

	Sep-14	Jan-15
Squat	175 lbs	175 lbs
Bench	110 lbs	100 lbs
Deadlift	235 lbs	215 lbs

The result definitely degraded my morale. My squat was okay and I was able to quickly lift my previous PR and we believe I can lift heavier come competition day. I also tried 185 lbs but I could no longer do it so we're banking for around 180 lbs.

My bench was a bit disappointing since I was having a hard time lifting 110 lbs which I tried after lifting 100 lbs. My deadlift was the worst though since I can do 7 reps of 215 lbs so when I attempted 235 lbs, the bar just wouldn't budge.

We tried to be reasonable about why I performed so bad and considered the following factors:

- I just had my heavy deadlift training the day before so I haven't fully recovered yet

- I'm not used to doing squats and deadlift on the same day (something I learned I must start doing)

But still, I ended up feeling bad and fearing I will not perform enough on the actual meet. So the following week, I only allotted one day for deload and focused on getting enough recovery (eating and sleeping properly).

I had so many anxieties when it comes to powerlifting: What if I will end up the weakest girl in my weight class? What if I will not be able to carry the name of Eclipse Gym with honor? What if I won't be able to get all my lifts?

Added to all these over-thought thoughts, I had my period about 2 days before the day of the meet. I have always been surrounded with guys in the gym. I can't believe from whom I can ask help on how to compete in powerlifting when you have your period?!

Competition Day 1 (February 7, 2015)

The day before the competition, it was late notice but we invited my mom to come join us. My sister, Sabrina was also supposed to come with us but we have to leave early on the day of the competition that she had a hard time waking up (she's on night shift. LOL!). Anyways, I was very happy that my mom was there to my first ever meet and my brother who now enjoys taking photos (photos in this blog post are c/o Samuelson Sylim).

A CrossFitter, Paddler and now a Powerlifter!

Came the day of the competition, I was all jitters. I wore something pink to look girly which happens to be a dragon boat paddling shirt just to make a statement that lady paddlers can be strong.

I weighed 53.9 kg or 118.8 lbs (I always thought I was a 122 lb-woman haha!), definitely within my weight class of 57 kg (I was in the 52 kg or 114.6 weight class before but I opted to put on weight so I can lift heavier and bulk on some muscle mass).

I did not know much what to do and I was thankful and very grateful that Timothy Amiel Ngo was there with his kilogram to pounds chart on hand since we're used to training in pounds and they use kilograms in powerlifting.

Ruel and I with the best Eclipse Gym support, Tim!

Tim is a powerlifting veteran and a friend from Eclipse Gym as well was there to assist us in our warm ups, as our runner for our attempts, as our motivational speaker and everything else we need from a support.

He did not make us lift any of the plates we used during our warm up so we can conserve our energy. He made me focus on myself and not on the other athletes in my weight class. I just have to get all my attempts, possibly, hit a few PRs (personal records) and I should be fine. He reminded me that there's no point in worrying about the lifts of the others. My numbers are my numbers, it's a physical and mental battle within myself to get the planned lifts and, of course, LISTEN TO THE COMMAND.

Squats

My best lift for squat at 82.5 kg

1st attempt: 75 kg (165.35 lbs)

2nd attempt: 80 kg (176.37 lbs)

3rd attempt: 82.5 kg (181.88 lbs)

It was my first ever lift in the competition so it was my most nervous moment. Plus, I was not able to follow the command on the squats when we were doing the simulation so I was really worried about it.

For my first attempt, we made sure it was a sure one; a weight I can do with 4 repetitions. My 2nd attempt was a bit above my previous PR and I was able to lift it easily again.

My 3rd attempt was definitely a struggle for me and I thought I won't be able to lift it! The crowd's cheer definitely helped me finish my lift and nail my new PR! I actually thought I will get red flags from it when I ended up leaning forward as I moved up and my right side jolted up first. I was ecstatic and I did not really care what the other athletes' lifts are! I was so happy to be able to get all my attempts and have a new PR!

Bench Press

1st attempt: 42.5 kg (93.7 lbs)

2nd attempt: 47.5 kg (104.72 lbs)

3rd attempt: 50 kg (110.2 lbs)

My best lift for bench press at 50 kg

This was a moment wherein I entrusted my lifts to Tim. Since I was only able to lift 100 lbs during the simulation, our initial plan was to get that number to my 2nd attempt and then probably stick to 47.5 kg (104.72 lbs) for my 3rd attempt. But after my 1st attempt which, I was able to get easily, Tim advised me to hit my training PR for my 3rd attempt but I have to do the 47.5 kg (104.72 lbs) for my 2nd attempt so I will be warmed up for my 3rd attempt.

Needless to say, I was very nervous with his plans for me since I had a hard time lifting 110 lbs during my simulation. But for some insane reason, Tim believed in my strength and that my adrenaline on that day will help me make it. The 2nd attempt was fine and the 3rd attempt also ended up being a bit of a struggle. As usual, the crowd's cheer helped me push since I always get stuck halfway from the press up (this is my sticking point and something I need to train with an accessory workout). But I got the lift and I was so happy! I am glad that Tim believed in me and pushed me!

Unfortunately, using my powerlifting belt has its pro and con: the belt helped me hold my arch but my back ended up hurting after my three lifts. With the help of the foam roller which we borrowed from the gym, I was able to relieve the pain on my back and be ready for my final lift. I just could not wait to be done with my lifts!

Deadlift

1st attempt: 97.5 kg (214.95)

2nd attempt: 97.5 kg (214.95)

3rd attempt: 102.5 kg (225.97)

My 1st attempt was colored red because I missed the lift! As in, I missed it in such a way that the bar did not even move an inch! Imagine everyone who knows me in disbelief that I was not able to get my 1st attempt considering that I could do 7 repetitions of this number! Even Tim admitted that it was the first time that he got so nervous in a powerlifting competition that wasn't even his! He reminded me to just get my lift and I'll get gold (LOL!). I was not sure then if he was just motivating me or if he was telling the truth.

My best lift for deadlift at 102.5 kg

The problem was that I was not able to properly warm up prior my 1st attempt since we got confused with the remaining time allotted before the start of the lift. The last lift I was able to do was at 175 lbs and the bar was elevated so I was not really able to get the actual feel of the weight.

Thankfully, I was finally able to get my 2nd attempt and after getting it, Ruel and my brother told me that someone from my weight class even cheered when I missed my 1st attempt (haha!) because if I won't get all my lifts for deadlift, then I'll be bummed out and out of the competition! Imagine that! If ever, Gold na naging bato pa!

I was also able to get my 3rd attempt and as usual, I struggled a lot with the number! And yes, I feel disappointed because that was the Eclipse Gym prime and I'd like to think I can do better! I was aiming for a 245-lb deadlift! 

But anyways, at that moment, I was just about to be done with my lifts when Ruel, Son and Tim assured me I'll get the gold since my lifts are much heavier than my fellow competitors.

Ruel's Lifts

Good lift for Ruel with a squat of 122.5 kg (PR!)

Luckily, the 59 kg (where Ruel is in) and the 66 kg men's weight classes were also scheduled on the same day as the women's. Unfortunately for Ruel, their weigh-in was still at 1:30 PM. He had to endure not eating the whole day since recently, he weighs more than 59 kg (130 lbs). 

So while I was competing, I could not help worry about Ruel since he had not eaten yet that day. But Tim kept reminding me to worry about myself first during my lifts. 

As soon as they called in for the weigh-in of the men's, Ruel instantly went to get his weight so he can already eat as soon as possible. And, just as we were hoping, he weighed 58.3 kg (128.5 lbs) on the competition day. Instantly after having his official weigh-in, he went into carbo loading and this was still during my competition since the the women's deadlift part and the men's weigh-in overlapped.

Good lift for Ruel with a Bench Press of 77.5 kg

We got worried when he said that he's feeling very weak so he had to drink Tim's gatorade with creatine and BCAA. He just had to keep on eating (mostly carbs) until he felt strong again.

Ruel was much more calm and confident throughout his lifts. He and Tim were able to strategize and talk about his lifts based on the other athletes on his weight class. There was also one guy whose numbers were so close to his so Tim definitely enjoyed strategizing.

Unfortunately, I could no longer remember all his attempts for all the lifts but he all had good lifts in all his attempts (9 out of 9!).

Good lift for Ruel with a deadlift of 160 kg

Anyways, the two opted to play safe and ensure that he would bag the gold (yes, they were that confident that he could win this thing). Of course, I was also rooting for him to win this since he's been targeting to beat Tim's 59 kg records (there, I said it! But it's a good thing cause it keeps him motivated!)

Squats = 122.5 kg (269.5 lbs)

Bench Press = 77.5 kg (170.5 lbs)

Deadlift = 160 kg (352 lbs)

He was only able to PR his squats while his bench press and deadlift training PRs were higher than his numbers on that day. 

For the bench press, he was supposed to go for 80 kg but according to the technical people, they did not receive the paper with his attempt on time but could not present to us the paper we submitted. This incident almost ruined Tim's day since he's a runner and he was very sure he was able to give the paper on time. 

End of Day 1

But the day ended with us all in high spirits since Ruel and I were both CHAMPIONS in our respective weight division! Woohoo! Despite the bench press incident, Tim was also happy for us! He was happy that we enjoyed our experience and won gold medals as a couple!

I was also very happy that my mom was there to watch and support us even though it was somehow her first time to get exposed in this kind of environment. She was the one who fed us and kept all the little kids with her (me, Ruel, Son and Tim) nourished. 

Sylim Family Representatives

Even after the event, I was not feeling tired at all and it must be from the adrenaline which has not yet subsided due to the competition. That night, I could not even sleep! I was still high from my win. But I kind of got paranoid thinking, what if there was some sort of mistake? What if I did not win gold? After all, our win was already broadcasted in Facebook!

Realistically, I only bagged the gold medal since none of the veteran powerlifters competed in that event. Despite that fact, I am still very happy that Ruel and I both won at the same time for our very first powerlifting competition!

Competition Day 2 (February 8, 2015)

We came to the event on the second day to support and help out some of our fellow competitors for the remaining men's weight divisions. Doc TJ Carait, a fellow gym-goer at Eclipse Gym competed in 74 kg and Kit Guerra, one of our CrossFit Mad Minute coaches who competed in 83 kg (and broke the national deadlift record for his weight class, which was also his!).

It was on that day when I finally felt the previous day took it's toll on me. My eyes felt very droopy and my body was sore, specifically my lats and my lower back. But we stayed to wait for the awarding ceremony.

Ruel and I = Power Couple! (kilig)

The wait was definitely worth it as we felt satisfaction when the medal has been put on us. It felt super cool to be standing and posing on the photo with Ruel wherein both of us are wearing gold medals!

	SAM	RUEL
Squats	82.5 kg	122.5 kg
Bench Press	50 kg	77.5 kg
Deadlift	102.5 kg	160 kg
Body Weight	53.9 kg	58.3 kg
Wilk's Points	284.89	315.324

An added bonus for me was that I got the 3rd Place Best Lifter for the Women's Open! I really like how all of us who won the Best Lifter Awards looked so feminine in dress/skirt yet we just moved heavy objects the previous days.

I won 3rd Place Best Lifter for Women's Open with the
1st and 2nd placers from the Bang Box

Aside from me and Ruel, Coach Kit also won gold on his weight division! CrossFit Mad Minute represent!

Photo with the Mad Minute folks

The things I loved about the MNL Powerlifting Championships are the following:

- It introduced powerlifting to the CrossFit community (more ladies joining an almost male-dominated sport!)

- The medals and the Best Lifter trophy look great! I love them!

- The event was well-organized.

- The prizes! I enjoy getting free GCs and exploring new things for free! The Nuat Thai massage was amazing! 

Post-Competition

So the question now is, what's next? Tim's advice is to keep the momentum going and to continue training for the Philippine National Games. 

Somehow, it's a decision to make on whether I should finally pursue powerlifting as my sport. I like the sport and it's something I can see myself excelling if I truly take it seriously.

However, there still remains that I am also a CrossFitter and a Paddler. In order for me to bring up my numbers, I would need to focus on strength training. But am I willing to take the slower path to getting my numbers up, given that I can do all the other sports I am passionate about?

These questions are still hanging as I cannot answer them yet. Maybe I won't mind settling to be just the jack of all trades (chos!) but still get to enjoy each of them and not be so bad in any.

One thing I know is that I have set new goals in terms of my strength. By the end of the year, I hope I would be able to achieve minimun of the following numbers (raw):
Wilk's Score: 300+
Squat: 200 lbs
Bench Press: 120 lbs
Deadlift: 250 lbs

EAT. SLEEP. TRAIN. INVEST. (now where did that last one come from? :))

~~~~~
For this competition, we were sponsored by Eclipse Gym 24/7 Fitness Center:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eclipsegym
Website: http://eclipsegym.com/

Photos c/o Samuelson Sylim
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samuelson.sylim?fref=ts

MNL Powerlifting Championship:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MNLPowerlifting