sat

Snatch 40x3; 45x3; 50x3; 55; 60; 62
Power clean up to 82
power jerk up to 75
M.Press some light exercises
Front Squat up to a single with 85

Snow lift?

Hope the snow doesn't become a problem. really lookin forward to a bit of good lifting in the morning. Going to pack my bag and hope for the best. I really need to see where my strength is at the moment. this will make it easier for me to plan my poundages for training over the next few weeks

cautious

Not feeling on top form today so lifting felt like a bit of a trial. When work is difficult, my energy seems a bit sapped.

Did only minimal poundages but back squats had me concerned. I didn't finish them today because I felt that the back could buckle. I decided to finish the session early.

wk 1 day 3

this is a 4 day a week prog but i wont be completing 4 sessions in 1 week.

Sn up to 55 which felt very heavy but i completed all snatches

Power clean 40x3; 50x3; 60x3; 65x2; 65x2; 65x2; 65x2; 70; 75

Power jerk 42x3; 52x3; 62x3; 65x2; 65x2; 65x2; 65x2 decided to psuh on abit to see how close i could get to last week's pb of 80. 67; 72; 77; 82; 85 new pb. very pleased with this.


Front squats. I had to reduce all squats by 10kg just to get through this exercise.

week 1 day 2

Got through some training today but dont feel too confident. Had a slight twninge in right knee when doing light squats but otherwise ok. I only intend to lift once in the middle of the week. I want to lift in Cookstown next saturday so i dont want any more injuries. I feel quite weak so it is going to take alot of time to build strength up again.

I did some conditioning work later with a short aerobic work out

small steps

Thank God the chest pain had eased by around 4pm. Must be a strain but I will be cautious anyway. Decided to try and complete day1. Power jerk 1st, an exercise which is new to me. I took Sean's pb of 77 as a yard stick for now as our strengths are pretty equal
pOWER Jerk
42x3; 52x3; 62x2; 62x2; 62x2; 62x2. These felt comfortable so I moved on a bit to see what I could do. 67; 72; 75; 77; 80. Really enjoyed this exercise and very surprised to get 80. Could maybe have got a bit more.

Front Squat
42x3; 52x3; 62x3. The knees felt a bit tender so I decided to stop at this stage.

I felt a bit nervous and cautious tonight but got through it. I then went to local leisure centre for a bit of cardio and light assistance exercises. Tomorrow is a rest day then weightlifting for Saturday. Really hoping I get through this next week so I can lift in Cookstown sat week

New beginnings

Decided to start a 4 week programme with kind advice from Garrett. i will be lifting light weights for the next few weeks to get used to this again
snatch light weights up to 55. unfortunately, i felt pain across my chest and rested for an hour. I went back outside and did light power cleans but the pain spread across my chest. I had to stop
My wife was more concerned than me. I think it is just minor chest muscle pain or a trapped nerve. The snatches were light and i didn't feel i strained my self just a bit strange. Anyway, had to call it quits. If chest is ok tomorrow i will finish day 1 with power jerk[new exercise for me] and squats. I have to be patient

NMB

NMB

No Lift

Looks like Saturday will not happen. I seem to have a sort of virus at the moment. Been feeling very weak and lethargic for a while. Difficult to train without a training partner. Sometimes you need someone to give you a lift when you lack a bit of motivation.
The question is do I train for February or call it quits. Injuries have had a major impact on my lifting during the past year. Last year, I felt I made great progress but I have lost all momentum.
I need to have 1 or 2 dedicated olympic lifters that I can train with 1/2 times per week. Too many "false dawns" to date. Great buzz about weightlifting in certain parts of ireland but in the north west - little interest.

No Drive

I decided to do a spot of lifting today.

Snatch 40x2; 45x2; 50x1. 50 felt like 70 usually feels.

Clean and jerk 45x2; 55x2; 65 -just cleaned it and dropped it.

Fatigued, lack of motivation, weak and little strength.

Session lasted 15 minutes

cardio blast

Making the most of my holiday with plenty of walking. I need to search for my weightlifting gear in case I lift next week. If I do, I will treat it as my first training session.

n.i.champs

I have decided not to lift for a few weeks yet. I still feel a bit tender in my lower back region.
I intend to get up to Jordanstown to support Sean. I might even put in a few token lifts. II will take my gear on the day and decide at the eleventh hour whether to compete or not. My opening lifts could be as low as 55+75. Whether I lift or not, I will try and make a fresh start to weightlifting and train to compete in Feb

sat

Friday

40 minutes light conditioning, 5 mile treadmill,5 mile walk

Sat
early morning 4 mile walk, 20 minutes conditioning; 5 mile treadmill.

Tomorrow heading off for a 4 day break in Clifden. Considering entry for ni champs even though i cant c+j what i snatched last year. If back can manage some weights next week, I might have a go

cardio madness

almost 4 weeks without lifting. I made a decision to allow my back time to recover. In the meantime, I am using this period to get my body into proper shape. I have even started sit-ups. At moment, I am walking quite a few miles.

After Halloween
I will decide whether to start back lifting again. The plan would be to start a new programme which will prepare me for the Irish Masters in feb. This time, i will be lighter, slimmer and healthier. Feel very disappointed that my plans to lift in the n.i's were scuppered but something good will come out of thi.

Major decision to be made

No weightlifting now for over 3 weeks because of back injury. The pain has now gone but I havent time to even prepare for the n.i's. After halloween, it will be one of two possible choices.
a)Retire from olympic lifting and protect myself from injury
b) Start a new programme to take me up to the irish masters. Be ultra cautious with technique etc.

For the time being, I am doing plenty of walking to improve cardio and shed some unwanted flab with some light bodybuilding exercises to keep myself toned and supple

recovery

I haven't touched weights since my recent back injury. I have hurt my back 3 times since starting back again. This wont annoy me too much. I am disappointed with this happening when I was looking forward to Jordanstown. I have used the time to fit in quite a bit of walking. I need to get trim and work on the stomach area.

the day after

Forced to take time off work because of yesterday's injury. Cant really afford to do this.

Back is in pretty bad shape. Little sleep last night and finding it hard to strasighten up properly. 1st time I think I have hurt the back doing squats. Cant believe how little it takes to wreck the back. The biggest disappointment is not being able to compete in Jordanstwon. I will recover properly and with a bit of luck, will train for the Irish masters in Feb.

Back nightmare returns

QWA WK3

Snatch 40x3; 45x3; 50x3; 55; 57; 60; 65x Wasn't disappointed. 65 was close
clean and jerk 47x2; 57x2; 67x2; 77; 85. Hard but solid.
Back Squat 42x3; 52x3; 62x3; 72x3; 82x2; 92; 100; 105; 95; 90; 87xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Was delighted to get 105. Havent squatted over 100 for 8 months with injury etc. Knee holding up well. On the way up with 87 at the end, my back completely caved in. Never have I suffered more excrutiating pain. Last time, I couldn't lift again for over 2 weeks. This time, the bottom of my back is swollen and I can barely walk. I am bitterly disappointed because it looks like the end of my prospects of lifting in November. I dont know if I will recover from this set back

sat

5 mile walk

1 hour body buiding exercises and several sets of sit-ups

I think i am finally starting to shift some fat. things looking up

Now for a big night out, plenty of alcohol

thrus/fri

QWA WK 3 DAY 2
cLEAN Up to 80kg. knee holding up ok
Power snatch
Snatch Balance
Back Squat. managed to get up to singles with 90 and 95 which is encouraging. No right knee pain

Tomorrow I will snatch again and I am a tad nervous about the knee. Interested to see if i can get through it

extra rest day

Decided on an extra rest today to give my knee a chance. Tomorrow I start with Squat clean so I need to really warm up properly.Not sure whether to max out at weekend or not. Need to see what Sean is doing and whether a get together is possible.

Hope to get a session with Sean, Pete and go-lift boys on the 23rd or 30th of Oct. Not sure if Colin is still lifting

wk 3 day 1

Tried to start snatching today. didn't warm up properly so the knee bagan to hurt a bit

Waited for an hour then started again
Snatch
40x3; 45x3; 50x3; 55; 57. Went into a full squat with 57 but wasn't happy with the slight knee pain. Decided to finish with power snatch 55; 52; 50x8

Power Clean
47x3; 57x3; 67x3; 72; 77; 72x2; 67x3x4. Still not pushing it to save the back

Rack Jerk
47x3; 57x3; 67x3; 72x2; 77x1; 72; 67x3

M Press. Not too many as I am a bit stiff from previous training.

Front Squat
Decided not to chance squat today.

light squats better than no squats

QWA WK 2 DAY 3

dECIDED TODAY TO STICK TO THE PROGRAMME AND NOT GO NEAR MAXES. Better to leave it until I meet up with other lifters.
Snatch 40x3; 45x3; 50; 52; 55; 60; 62.
c+j 67[2+1]; 70[1+2]; 70[2+1]; 67[1+2]
M.Press various lifts up to 60
Back Squat 72x3; 80x2; 75x2; 72x2; 72x2; 72x2; 72x2. First time in months to get through some sort of squats without pain.
Didn't push the clean and jerks. I have to be patient and let strength gradually come back and avoid injury. I cant believe I have finished week 2.

wednesday

4 mile walk

Spot of bodybuilding

Unscheduled session

QWA WK2 DAY 2
For some reason, i felt fairly fresh today and decided at 9pm to do some lifting. Still nervous about the niggly knee but only 1 way to find out if there is a real problem

Clean
52x3; 62x3; 72x3; 75; 77x3; 80x1; 82x1. Knee held up ok
Power Snatch
40x3; 45x3; 50; 52; 55; 57; 40x3; 42x3; 45x3; 47x3; 50x3
Snatch Balance
40x3; 45; 47; 50; 52; 55; 57; 60; 40x3; 42x3; 45x3.
M.Press
40x3; 45x3; 50; 55; 40x3; 42x3; 45x3; 47x3; 50x3
Squat
Decided not to chance this exercise because of yesterday's problems.

I really enjoyed this session today

qwa week 2 day 1

Snatch, power clean and rack jerk went to plan. Light weights but good work done.
Front squat - half way through then right knee became a bit sore again. I stopped immediately as a precaution. The back is holding up well which is a plus.

Day off

A bit sore after Friday's lifting. Again I seemed to have lifted without injury

Enjoyed the mini competition with Sean. Hopefully, he continues to lift because I will start improving my total and I hope we have plenty of good competitions.

My aim is to get back to full strength by the irish masters in feb. 8 weeks to the ni open so i would be very happy with 65+95, well below my best but this would be considerable progress after half a year off and a few minor injuries. The diet is going to change from tomorrow. I have been eating a hell of alot of junk recently

decent lifting, no injury

QWA WK 1 DBorat came down today. 62.5+85. Modest lfting but at least I am starting to move forward. 3rd session since back injury. dont how long it will take to get back to were i was, maybe 1 year?? Borat lifted very well with a comfortable 60+85 [85 is the current irish masters record for his age and weight] he now needs to have the balls to get it in competition.

Lookin forward to training 2 days a week instead of 1 then moving to 3. Lifting in the ni open looks more of a possiblilty in nov

where is the great Colin Bell. When are you going to join us for a session?

qwa week 1 day 2 part b

Snatch Balance 20x3; 30x3; 40x3; 45x3; 50x3; 55x1; 57x1; 50x3; 45x3; 40x3
Military Press 40x3; 45x3; 47x3; 50x1; 52x1; 55x1; 57x1; 40x3; 42x3; 45x3; 47x3
Back Squat 47x3; 57x3; 67x3; 70x2; 67x3; 67x3; 67x3. Slight soreness in knee so i stopped as a precaution

Light weights yes but they feel heavy to me. No bad pain. Knee is ok but very cautious. It will take me a hell of a time to get back. Barring injury, I will keep at it.

Snatch and clean and jerk Friday/Sat. Hopefully Sean comes up for a bit of craic and good lifting

Baby steps and straightest back ever

Last night I spent 4 hours solid preparing for a level practicals. By the time I got to bed at 1am my head was spinning. My mind was simply racing and I couldn't put the thoughts to sleep. Up again at 4am. In to work with very little sleep.

At 5.30, I decided to clear the head with a 4 mile walk. I came home feeling that weightlifting was out of the question. Too hungry, stresses and fatigued and fed up with recent injuries caused by repeated dreadful technique.

At 8pm, I remembered the real reason for wanting to lift weights. That feeling you get when you are called on to the platform and the euphoria which lasts for weeks after. Even at my standard, I feel like I am lifting at the olympics. When you walk on, you own the stage.

I gently started with week 1 day 2 of QWA extremely nervous at the thought of either the back or knee letting me down.

My weights are alot light because I have had to reduce my maxes by around 20-25 kilos.

Clean. 40x3; 50x3; 60x3; 70x3; 70x3. Never in my life have I concentrated so hard on keeping a straight back. Thank God, no niggles

Power Snatch 40x3; 40x3; 45x3; 45x3; 47x3; 47x3; 45x3;
Again, light weights but this is another lift which has caused me to injure my back

Summary
Only 2 exercises today but delighted to get through unscathed. Tomorrow is snatch balance and squats. I wont chance the clean pulls. Even if I make the ni championships, It looks like my maxes will be far below my best but even lifting would be great

Sunday contemplation

No pain in the back today. slightly worried about the little pain in right knee but I feel the lack of real warm up might have been the cause. Tomorrow is the start of day 2. A few things to think about.
1] concentrate on a good warm up
2] absolute straight back when snatching and squat cleaning
3] get through this session without injury

did 2x5mile walks today, a good total of 10 miles.

Getting to competition in nov would be a real achievement for me at this stage.

Tomorrow the plan is:
1]walk 4/5 miles
2] start or finish day 2 without injury
3] get in a few sets of light squats without aggravating the knee


Jerk Technique
I concentrated very hard on technique yesterday and feel that I have made an improvement. Something to show Sean at the end of the week maybe

Sat return

Snatch 40x3; 45x3; 50x3; 52; 55x Right knee suddenly hurting??

Power clean. Plenty of reps using light to moderate weights

Jerk Light weights used up to 75 concentrating on technique

Front Squat 45x3; 55x2. Had to stop again because of unusual pain in right knee

Summary
No back pain today but disappointed having to stop because of right knee pain.

back in time

1st time in 9 days that I dont feel lower back pain. I will make a nervous start back this week hopefully. If I can get to the next competition without further injury, I would like to get a weekend trip to Bray for some coaching next year.

Look forward to lifting with Sean again soon

back woes

One week after latest back injury, the back is still quite stiff. Dying to do some training but i cant. I will see how things are after another week and re assess the situation.

More injury

Previous back pain seemed to be gone by Friday in time for Sean's visit.

Got through some good lifting without pain but when unloading the bar, my back caved in again. Been laid low all weekend due to extreme back pain. Serves me right for not resting after last weeks injury.

The positive thing was Sean's great lifting. He is making great progress at the moment and I hope he keeps it up

Another set back

I decided to teach my son the squat clean today. I was trying to do my training at the same but unfortunately rushed one of the cleans and sustained quite a painful injury in the lower back region. No lifting for at least a week unfortunatley.

Training with Sean Og

On friday I took the long and difficult road down to Og's for some training. Unfortunately coach was unable to lift because of lower back pain.

I felt very jaded and also had unusual left thigh strain. Lifting was quite poor and poundages low. This isn't a problem. Just a bad day but this confirms the enormous amount of training that I must do to get back to my best. Disappointed for Sean because he is hitting great form with a 90 c+j not far off.

Still had a great evening

Slow recovery of legs

Took my daughter to the gym today for an induction. She needs to drag her lazy arse down to the gym and do some cardio. I spent an hour on the machines.

Again later on my legs still havent recovered so I left it for that today. Hopefully, I will get in a great session with Sean on Friday. Sean is starting to make great progress and with extra training he will reap the benefits in competition this year and next


7pm - 4 mile walk with wife

School
Back to school tomorrow after summer break. We spend the day in the lecture theatre listening to crap about targets, deadlines, problem pupils etc etc. I simply close my eyes and meditate. I will go to work physically but not mentally. my mind will drift from my secret garden to weightlifting

Day 1

QWA WK dAY 1
I have decided to base this programme on current max lifts even though they are quite low. I intrnd to follow all the lifts and poundages on the prog but when I feel stronger go higher. I made some decent progress today so I would say I would need to evaluate things in a few weeks.
Snatch up to 52 for prog but lifted 55 57 60
Power clean Did all lifts/reps up to 65 but also did 70 75 80 82 85.
Rack Jerk All lifts up to reps with 65 but also 70 75 77 80 75 70
F Squat After doing 20kg x 1 rep I realised that my legs are still wasted. I will do these tomorrow when fresher.

the pain remains

Still aching all over after Saturday lifting. Weightlifting out of the question until tue or wed. The body will get used to this after a few weeks

Mike's gym 2pm
I hour random hill on treadmill

4pm 1.5 mile walk with daughter who is crapping herself about tomorrow's results

6pm 4 mile walk with wife

The day after

As expected, feeling very sore today. I had intended to do some conditioning today but that was out of the question.

I am now making out my 12 week plan based on maxes this week. I would expect some serious increases over the next 6 weeks as I am still quite far behind my best.

Movie
I have added my 1st movie. Not very exciting as it is my first and took ages. It simply includes most of the clean and jerk from yesterday. Next time I will add the best lifts from each exercise we do and I am sure that with practise, the quality will get better. Anyway, here is my first offering.

Saturday at North West Barbell Club

Sean and myself decided to adopt this name. We have been taking inspiration from ECB and all the blogs. Weightlifting in Ireland looks to be in a healthy state at the moment. The big positive for myself and sean lifting north and south is that we as masters lifters are treated with the same respect as others and always feel welcome at competitions. Reading the blogs from lifters such as Barry and Cathal have inspired me to get back to lifting again.

Today was all about finding out exactly where my strength is at after 6 months layoff so that I can work out percentages for a new programme to take me up to Ni Open on Nov 13th.

Snatch 20x3 40x3; 50x3; 55x2; 60 62x 62x 65. Pleased at this satge to get 65, not a big weight but considering how my body currently feels, a good start.

Clean and Jerk 20x3 40x3 50x2; 60x2 65 70 75 80 82.5 Clean 85 87.

Front Squats : light reps to get the legs used to this exercise again up to 85kg

Military press : plenty of reps up to 55 [well below my best of 77.5].


My aim is to get as close to my competition bests by November and then work from there. I will compete at the Herc's open and then work towards the Irish masters.
I missed out on the euro masters qualification last year on my last lift so hopefully I will qualify next year.

It was great to have Sean up again and we have a great day lifting. Sean had 55 snatch [has power for 65] and clean and jerked a solid 80.

I will alos spend a bit of time putting together short movies of our lifting and post them. All the blogs and movies really help with the motivation. Thanks to the lads down south who readily share training videos and blogs.

Video to follow

No pain no gain

Feeling very sore after previous 2 days exercise.

2.5 mile walk [am]

12pm. took wife to Mike's gym for 1 hour of light cardio

15 mins stair climber
40 random hill treadmill walk

grind

Did some conditioning today to re-introduce my muscles to exercise again. 6 months is a massive layoff. If I get back to strength, I cant let this happen again.

45 minutes light gym work

4 mile gentle walk [am]
3.5 mile gentle walk [pm]

Will lift again on Saturday. some squats for 1st time since feb. Once I establish where my current strength is, I will make out amaybe10 week prog to take me up to N.I's.

By the way Sean/Colin or anyone else are welcome to come up to Strabane on Sat

long way back

1st session in 6 months

After a brief 30 minute spell with Sean last week, I decided it was time to begin my comeback. Sean unfortunately cant make it tomorrow so I decided to make a start.

Snatch 40x3 45x3 50x3 52 55 57 60. My technique was very rusty with the body wondering what the hell I was doing. 60 felt like 80 but a decent start.
Power Cleans 40x3 50x3 60x3 65 67 70 72 75 77 80
Rack Jerk 40x3 50x3 60x3 65 70 75 80. Very tough. Strength very low and muscles finding lifting weights very alien but things will be ok after a few weeks

Goals
Compete in November at NI Open
Start a new programme after a few weeks when muscles become used to weightlifting again
See how close I can can get to last years competition bests and pb's
[comp 77+102 pb's 78+107.5]

Continue to build strength but also slim done a bit more. Maybe compete at 85 instead of 94.

the long road back

after 5 months off, it is time to start again. Did some lifting in Seans last week and found it difficult. Sean is staying on Wednesday so hopefully this will be the start of something good. Dont know how much lifting we will do but it will be a start.

Hopefully I will get some lifting with Colin over the next few months. The plan is to compete at the N.I's. This was a fabulous event last November. I would love to get into shape again and get back to full strength. Hopefully I will get a chance to train In the great new gym in Bray in the near future

eureka-- the discovery of the second pull

Myself and brother Sean are possibly holders of the worst snatch technique in Ireland [Sean has the worst jerk technique]. We have always wondered why when we have the correct 'get set' position and try and snatch properly, we cant find any explosive power. The second pull has also confused us as we always felt it is just a 'pull'[one pull] I think Tommy said to me in Dublin 'when you snatch correctly it will feel like riding a bike for the first time]

Anyway, last night while practising my rubbish snatch technique, something strange happened. I felt like I found the 2nd pull. Yes, I could pull the bar off the floor in a slow but correct fashion and still find some power. I would say my technique might have risen from a 3/10 to a 5/10. Hopefully not another red herring.

Sunday part 2

My son wanted to learn the power snatch this evening and also do some c+j. I decided to redo my earlier lifts.
Snatch 40x3; 45x3; 50x3; 55x3;60x3
c+j 60x3; 70x3; 80x3; 85; 90

Brendan jnr snatch 12. c+j 17.5 total 30

I need a relly good week now to catch up and mae up for lack of lifting recently.

Overall today my best lifts were snatch 65x3 clean and jerk 90. If I had been competing today I think 80+100 would have been on the cards.

Saturday and Sunday's Sleepathon

Bed Friday night at 10.30pm. Slept until 10am.
Sat 2pm to 5pm sleep
Sat 11pm until Sunday 11am, sleep.

Finally managed to get wk 1 day 3 out of the way. Motivation about 2/10. Good job the weights were relatively light toda, otherwise it would have been a hell of a struggle.
Snatch 40x3; 45x3; 50x3; 55x3; 60x3; 65x3; 60x3.
c+j 60x3; 70x3; 75x2; 80; 85; 85; 85; 85' 85
Snatch Pull
Fsq

Big problem for me is thAT I cant shift unnecessary weight because I am not doing aerobic exercise. I tried this several months ago and although I started to trim down, My weightlifting went to hell.

For years, I used to spend mornings in May and june running so that i could trim myself down. I might do this again this year and sacrifice strength in weightlifting. I aint going on my hols looking like a babywhale

wk 1 day2

I competed all lifts and managed to resist temptation to do more.

Brendan jnr nagged me for hours to show him the clean and jerk. He is 12 years old and seems to be keen. I would love him to compete some day but I will let himtake it as far as he wants.

Brendan jnr + spring clean

My 12 year old has decided that he wants to learn the lifts. Yesterday I taught him the push press, power clean, military press and deadlift using very light weights. His new bar is only about 2.5 kg. I was very surprised at the form he showed. A very straight back and legs well positioned.

Brendan jnr Power clean 20kg
Push press 17.5kg
Deadlift 35kg.

Tomorrow he wants to learn the power snatch and jerk movements. Hopefully, I can persuade him in the future t come with me to Ronnie for ome coaching before I teach him some of my bad habits. Even better if some day, he decided to compete.

I spentmost of Sunday spring cleaning my shed/gym.
Now I have a new reinforced floor, new platform, sitting room for about 5/6, heat and light. Hopefully I can organise a session there soon with 4/5/6 lifters. Lifting was so much easier on Sat with a perfectly flat platform.

New beginnings

Since the Irish masters, I have been deliberating as to what programme to follow. I decided to have another go at QWA. This time, I will endeavour to complete each session on one day to help me recover better. Thee are about 12 weeks to the Ulster open so I will peak for that. I may take part in the Irish Seniors but not sure yet.

QWA WK 1 DAY 1 Completed.

In the last few month, I seem to have improved a bit in the snatch but fallen short in the clean and jerk. The big thing for me is to improve technique, increase leg strength and to give myself enough recovery time.

I have decided to set myself some goals for the ulsters to seehow close I get.
Targets Snatch 82 c+j 108 for a total of 190. I would be pleased with that

irish masters

Headed to Dublin with Sean and Colin. None of us have been in good form recently so we were not sure what to expect
Sean
Snatch 60x 60 63 C+j 65 70 75xx. Sean recovered well after a dodgy first snatch but found the going tough in the cj due to fatigue.
Colin
Snatch 70 75 80x c+j 90 95 100. Colin lifted well within himself and has set himself up for the coming year. he was unlucky not to get his 80 snatch
Brendan
Snatch 70 75 77 c+j 95 100 105x. I needed 105 to qual for the euro masters which hopefully will happen next year. 1st time I ever got 3 snatches. the 1st 2 i had to fight hard to save. the 77 felt smooth. Over all very pleased considering the lack of lifting and form recently.

we enjoyed spending time with the legend Lawrence who kept us enthused with stories of his weightlifting exploits. also met a few more sound guys, shane and trevor.

Now I need to find a good programme to take me up to the ULSTER open in may 29th. Another ambition is to get myself into better shape and start losing the ugly gut.

back from the brink

I had decided[or so i thought] that i would pack in weightlifting. I have really struggled for weeks to get going. under strength and run down and not able to get any enthusiasm back. I was reading Barry's blog and then looking back and asking myself, "why the hell did I pack in weightlifting at about 18]

I got up this morning and felt very optimistic. I decided to try and lift today and see if i could get the drive to help me go to Dublin next week. Even though I have serious technical problems with my lifting, I was pleased to get going again.

I was disappointed that I didn't attend lmerick last week but I dont dwell too much on the past
Snatch 40x3 40x3; 50x3; 55x3; 60; 62; 65; 67x; 67; 70x; 72.5


c+j 40x3; 60x2; 70x2; 80; 90; 95. the 1st time I have lifted more than 85 at home for a month [i think] my pb is 107.5 and I had planned to lift 111 at the irish masters. now, 101 would be good.


I did some squatting and more snatches later

Now myself and Sean are heading to dublin to support the irish masters competition and cant wait

tentative start back

Only 2nd time lifting in over 2 weeks. found out today that i am a tad run down. I suppose it figures with the mouth ulcers, skin rash and being pretty fatigued for weeks. I was desperately disappointed to miss the munster open but i was in no shape for even the strabane open [if there ever was one]

Serious dark thoughts about packing it in which is unusual. every time i tried to lift recently i had to stop. just no energy or strength. tonight i made a start back which is good. I will see how i get on over the next 10 days and decide whether it is worth entering the irish masters

QWA WK 6 DAY 1 PART A
SNATCH 40X3; 45X3; 50X; 60X2; 62; 65; 67; 70X; 70; 65; 60X4
POWER CLEAN 60X3; 70X3; 80; 82; 5; 87; 90; 92; 95; 80X10

QWA WK 5 DAY2

Low volume today. Also abit tired after sat

Clean 40x3; 60x3; 70x2; 80x2; 90; 100; 102.5 105xx

P Sn up to 62
Sn Bal up to 62
No Squats today . will do these tomorrow.

Sean's attempt at 67/68 on sat

max day in Cookstown

Myself and Sean braved the wintry conditions to meet up with Robbie and Neil for some enjoyable lifting in Cookstown.
Quick exchange of greeting then down to business.
Robbie.
Maybe a bit below par today but I thought he fought very hard for his 83 pb. Like myself I think his snatch attempts might have fatigued him a bit and he found the heavier cleans a bit tougher than usual. His 200+ total is just around the corner.

Neil
As Robbie said in his blog, Neil was the star lifter. A new 74 snatch pb was sweet and he was unlucky not to nail 76. Neil also hit a 106 cj pb and very narrowly missed 108. He finished off with an impressive 180 total and a 110 clean pb


Sean
Sean showed some solid snatch form and hit a 65 pb and unlucky not to hit more. The irish masters record for him is 65 so he really just needs to turn up in dublin in 3weeks. A 75 cj is well below what he should be doing. I think he could get 70 snatch next time we meet up in Cookstown. Sean finished with an easy 90 clean

Brendan
I am really pleased with the sudden form in the snatch. A 78 pb as followed with a narrow miss at 80 followed by attempts at 81 and 79. I will be pushng to get through he 80 barrier next time in Cookstown. I was very disappointed with the cj, only getting 98. 103 was routine in the clean but didn't attempt the jerk due to poor technique and lack of confidence. I will work hard at ths problem. Still very pleased with 176 total

No lifting

After my recent period of lethargy and poor form, I decided to take this week off and give myself 5 days off training. I head with Sean to Cookstown tomorrow to meet and lift with the mighty 'go-lift' guys. I dont know how the lay off will effect my lifting and strength.
We have all set targets for tomorrow including Drill Sergeant Pete.
Target 75+103. If things go really well, then 78+105. I can see Neil and Robbie doing some spectacular lifting if things go well. If Sean gets the bit between his teeth I see 65+85.
I want to get to limerick and the irish masters in decent form. When I am finised with these comps, I really need to work on jerk technique especially. I hope to get a trip up to see Ronnie when WE REACH mARCH.Pete has kindly offeredto help me when he returns and has given me some good training tips. One is to start push press and power jerk.

in the doldrums

What a weekend. I couldn't get any training done. Weak, lethargic, stale and not interested. I havent been making any progress recently and this is getting to me. 4 aborted attempts to train on Sat/sun

Monday
an argument at work managed to get me into an aggressive state so I decided to use it for weightlifting.
I am now 3 - 0 down to Pete in our challenge although in fairness, I wouldn't have had a hope this week. His 110+143 is very impressive.
Clean and Jerk 40x2; 60x2; 70; 80; 90; 95; 100; 105xx. Comfortable clean and didn't attempt the jerk.


Clean 112.5xx; 112.5xx. Not strong enough for this yet.

Front SQUAT.
pRESS need to start doing these regularly again to build up power. 40x3; 45x3; 50x3; 55x3; 6x2; 65; 70; 72x; 60x5

Deadlift 100x3; 120x; 130x3; 140x3; 150; 160; 170; 140x3; 130x12.

I am a bt concerned at my lack of progress leading up tothe munster open. I had been oping for 75+105 but now i am not so sure

Shambles in S___ street

QWA WK 4 DAY 2 [PART A]
I havent felt right all week. Stale and lethargic. I went for Day 2 today and really struggles. I did some conditioning work yesterday and I dontthink I am allowing myself time to recover. The lack of strength in te clean and jerk is bugging me a bit. I really need to give Pete some sort of challenge at the weekend. Last weeks dreadful jerk attempt of 105 at 'go-lift' still has me bewildered. I just have to 'suck it up' and grind on.

Cleans 40x3; 50x3; 60x3; 65; 70; 75; 80; 85; 90; 95; 100; 102.5 I didn't do as many cleans as I wanted.


Power clean. The less said the better.

Snatch Balance. a few sets

Back Squat 60x3; 80x3; 90x3; 100x2; 105; 100; 97x3; 95x3; 92x3; 90x3; 87x3; 85x3; 82x3; 80x3.

I need to slightly re-think my training a bit. More rest needed between sessions. Tomorrow, I am going to do some press and deadlifts to finish day 2. Day 3 starts Sat abd finishes on Sunday

tough

QWA WK 4 DAY 1 PAR B

Still cant shake off the soreness an fatigue which is unusual

Rack jerk - up to 95 only which nearly killed me???

Front squat 60x3; 80x3; 92; 102;100x2;973; 95x3; 92x3; 90x3; 100; 105; 110; 115.

A few light deadlifts, then stopped, That's all I could do. Hopefully, i will be fresher by thur

From 'GoLift' to 'No-Lift'

Still rather fatigued after Sat??

Snatch 40x3; 50x3; 60x2; 65x2; 70; 72.5xx

C+j 60x2; 80; 90; 97.5. I wasn't intending to do these but was hoping to sneak in 102 b4 Pete posts a heavy snatch. Nothing there today

Power cleans up to 92

Rack jerk, f.squat and deadlifts tomorrow instead when i hope to be fresher

more thoughts

I was listening the the irish weightlifters london blog and especially Cathal talking about the effects of a positive weightlifting environment. I havn't even nailed a proper 70 snatch at home in yonks and then get 77 in Cookstown.

The lads in London got up at 4am, travelled to London, headed straight to the gym and lifted. They all had pb's. The mind actually plays a really big part in this game. It is easy to make excuses at times, but sometimes having a good crowd of eager lifters really spurs you on.

I have now trained 4 weeks without injury problems [touch wood!!] I am really hoping to start making gains over the net year and start liftin some reasonably respectable weights. The blogs and also helping with the motivation, especially for someone like me who normally trains aone.

New Year targets [2010]
1] Meet the targets for the end of May which were made in conjunction with Pete the governor
2] Lift in the Euro Masters 2011
3] Lift in every irish competition possible in 2010
4] Jerk 120kg [might be in fantasy land here]
5] Challenge Pete in the snatch v clean and jerk competition
6] Get Sean to train more
7] Stay alive long enough to accomplish all of the above

Max day at Go-Lift

Great to get a chance to lift with these lads today. Top quality establishment, very good atmosphere.

Snatch 40x3; 50x3; 60; 60; 65 70x; 70; 72; 74; 76x; 76x; 77. Very pleased to get 77.
Clean and Jerk 40x3; 60x2; 70; 90; 100; 105x. Cleaned this but the power wasn't there for the jerk.
Clean 111x; 108
Front Squat 120

Neil 72+105. He has plenty more in the tank. 80+110, just around the corner.
Robbie 80+110 Very narrowly missed 85 3/4 times. He will hit 90 very soon.

Observations
I was reasonably happy with snatch technique today. Still a problem with the hips being high but I am pleased that I really commited to the lifts.
Clean and Jerk. These guys call 90kg a light warm-up. I had 100kg on the bar before I could blink!!! I thought today that 70+105 was possible Really surprised to get 77 but a bit disappointed not to get 105. I really wanted to have a go at 108 to at least give Pete a challenge.

Neil and Robbie have really strong legs, something I have got to work on.Compared to these guys I almost felt embarrassed with my poor technique especially in the jerk.

Neil could clean 115 now if he really goes for it and Robbie is just a complete 'powerhouse'.

Anyway. It is now Pete 2 Brendan 0. I a going to have to wor really hard to get a result against. By the time I lift 107 again, I can see him snatching 112

QWA WK4 DAY2

Decided to get day2 complete a day early to leave myself fresh to try and get as close to Pete's challenge as I can on Sat.

Cleans 40x3; 50x3; 60x3; 70x3; 80x3; 87x2; 92x2; 87x2
Power snatch 40x3; 45x3; 50x3; 55x3; 57; 60; 62; 65; 67
Sn Balance 20x3; 30x3; 40x3; 45x3; 50x3 55;57;60
Clean Pulls 85x3; 95x3; 102x2; 107x2; 102x2; 107x2; 102x2; 95x3; 95x3
Back Squat leaving this until tomorrow to rest weary legs

I didn't push anything today. Day 2 is the least stressful for me as there are no clean and jerk or jerk movements

QWA WK4 DAY1 PART B

Rack Jerk

40x3; 50x3; 60x3; 70x3; 75x1; 80x1; 85x1; 90x1; 95x1; 100x1. Something disturbed my concentration after 95. When I got back to lifting 100 weigheda tonne so I left it at that.

Front Squat 60x3; 80x3; 95x3; 105x1; 110x1; 105x2; 100x2; 97x2; 95x3; 92x3; 90x2

Rack Jerk 2 60; 62; 65; 67 70; 72; 75; 77.just some technical work. I felt a bit sluggish and technique wasn't as sharp as the other night.

Ugly snatches

QWA WK4 DAY1 PART A

Ugly snatches
40x3; 45x3; 50x3; 55x1; 57x1; 60x1; 62x1; 65x2 67xx 67xx. Cat even snatch what I can power snatch. I thnk I am a complete dumb ass in terms of learning snatch technique. I guess it is back to power snatch in the Munster open.

Power clean
40x3; 50x3; 60x3; 70x3; 80x1; 82x1; 85x1; 87x1; 90x1; 92x1; 85x30
Tomorrow - rack jerk etc. For the first time, I am actually looking forward to doing rack jerk

contemplation

I went down to the local leisure centre today to do a bit of light work after yesterday's training. A few guys were chatting to me about weighlifting and were amazed at the fact that I have started training and competing in my forties.
The main question was why did I give up the sport when I was about 18.

I have often thought about this and occasionally have had a few regrets. If I had continued into my 20's, maybe I would be injured by now or would have lost interest. When in my teens, Sean and myself lifted together outside, often in wet or wintry conditions. I had never heard of a training programme never mind pulls, snatch balances etc. For about 2 years, weightlifting to me was making sure that I could lift more weight than my friends or maybe win a summer sports event. I went to a few competitions and even won a few schoolboy events. Without coaching or a training programme, I lost interest.

2 years ago I went to the irish champs in Coolmines and was amazed to see how enthusiastic some of the older guys were. Laurence Mc Connell's lifting was inspiring. That gave me the incentive to give this sport a go. people like Billy and Liam obviously still enjoy competing. I actually realised recently that Liam Stewart holds 15 masters records, 2 of which I am tying to close in on. When he was in the 55-59 year old category, he had a snatch of 95kg which I think is impressive.

The great thing about irish weightlifting is that everyone can compete at the same time, young and old; male and female. The sport seems to be in a healthy state at the moment and with the grace of God, I can compete for many years to come.

More than a MIXED BAG

QWA WK 3 DAY 3

Myself and Pete have started an internet challenge. Either my c+j or clean against his snatch each week when possible.
Snatch up to 65 only, failed 70. I seem to be able to power snatch more than I can snatch. I cant shift the poor technique


Clean and Jerk. 60; 70; 80; 90; 95; 100xx.

Cleaned 100 and didn't attempt to jerk it. The head is not right. Where has my shoulder strength gone.


Clean. Continued with this to see what I could do today. 100; 105; 107.5. Happy with this although it nearly pinned me to the floor. There is no way at the moment that I could rack 112.5 so I may have to wait a few months for that.


Front Squat. 60x3; 80x3; 100x3; 110x1; 120x1; 100x1; 92x3; 87x3; 87x3; 87x3


Military press up to 67

Deadlift up to 180kg


8.30
I came home this evening thinking how the hell did I only press out 95 and found 100 too heavy to move earlier in the clean and jerk. I did a bit of meditation, relaxed myself and even though this was my most intensive ever training day, I decided to do some technical workwith the rack jerk. My intention was to lift light as I was already 'spent'
Rack Jerk 203; 40x3; 50x3; 60x3; 65x3; 70; 72; 75; 77; 80; 82; 85; 87; 90. I found something in the technique. The weights were not feeling any heavier. Then I jump to 95; 100; 102; and finished off with 105. I felt I had more but decided to leave it for another day. I dont think I ever felt a high like it from weightlifing. Only 5kg off my current best after 3 hours training earlier. It proves o me that the mind also plays a major part in weightlifting. Roll on Limerick.

QWA WK 3 DAY 2

Clean
40x3; 50x3; 60x3; 70x3; 80; 85; 90; 95; 100; 102xx; 92; 87x2; 85x2; 82x2; 80x2


Power Snatch 40x3; 45x3; 50x3; 55; 57; 60; 62; 65; 67; 62;60; 57x2; 55x2


Had to terminate training due to quite a painful knee. Developed knee pain at back of right knee 2 days ago and this became quite painful when completing power snatch. Might do some power exercises tonight. I need to rest the knee for a few days


7.30pm
I decided not to rest the darn knee and continue with training.
Snatch balance. light reps then up to 60kg which is good considering this is an exercise which I have recently added to my training. The right knee held up quite well here.

Clean pull. ugly lifts up to 115. Felt like I was lifting a heavy load of seaweed.
Deadlift. Various combinations up to 160kg.

I decided that it would be wise to leave back squats to Tuesday at least.

I really hope that the knee is not going to be a problem and scupper my chances of going to the Munster open. I will remain positive

QWA WK3 DAY1 PART B

Rack Jerk 40x3; 50x3; 60x3; 70x3; 75x3; 80x1; 85x1; 90x1; 40x3; 50x3; 60x3; 70x1; 75x1; 80x1; 85x1

F Squat 60x3; 70x3; 80x3; 90x3; 100x1; 105x1; 110x1; 112.5x1; 115x1; 117.5x1; 100x3; 87x3; 92x2


Military press up to 67

QWA WK3 DAY1 PART A

Found it difficult to motivate myself to lift today. I had actually decided to lift on Sat instead but changed my mind.
I had the heater on for 4 hours and it barely made any difference.

Snatch 40x3; 45x3; 50x3; 55x3; 60x2; 62x1; 65x1; 67x2; 70x1xx; 62x2; 60x2. Failed one snatch at 70. the 67's were quite easy and really I should have been getting 72 or 75. There is no difference between what I can lift power or squat snatch. I dont think I have ever hit a proper snatch. I can never seem to get it correctly.

Power clean 60x3; 70x3; 80x3; 85x1; 90x1; 85x2; 80x36

This sets me up well for tomorrow when I can look forward to Rack jerk [arrggghh]; front squat' deadlift and maybe military press.

Only 5 weeks to the Munster open in UL and 7 weeks to the irish masters. Hopefully I can nail round 75+105 by then