This weekend was the “Urban Athletic Games” (Formarly Calgary Festival of Strength) It’s a fun event, this year they had Crossfit, Strongman and Powerlifting going at the same time. It’s loud, fun, and you have to dodge protein induced flatulence which while disgusting can also lead to massive giggles.

I was pretty nervous going in. I had only been lifting heavy for 2 weeks after rehabbing a knee injury (kneehabbing ~ Thanks Chris for that) and had done a meet that didn’t go so well a few weeks back.

Time to focus and get things done…

It started with some fun.. This is Robyn Homans, myself and Lesley Unger doing our “powerlifting babes meet BayWatch” Slo-Mo impersonation.

… and back to the main event!

First up was the back squat!

Heaviest lift completed: 145KG / 319.5LBS

What I learned:

1. If I worry about pooping my pants I don’t get proper depth. Which I proved in my second lift.

2. You can see the “whites” of my eyes. The poor head judge! He watches head on and had the perfect view as I crossed my eyes so hard it looked like I was possessed.

Next Up Bench Press!

Heaviest lift complete: 70KG /154.2LBS

What I learned:

1. Taking a lift from the gym (where I can do 180lbs) to the competition platform can be tough.

2. See # 1.

Final of the 3 lift: Deadlift!

Heavist lift completed: 150 KG / 330LBS

What I learned:

1. Sometimes you are better not knowing. Michele bumped up the weight on me, and I had no idea how much I was lifting. She did warn me it would feel a bit “heavy.”

2. Remember what I said about my eyes in the Back Squat? It appears I do it when I Dead as well.. but at least I also close them so it isn’t as freaky!

I was also reminded that I have a wonderful crew of people supporting me. It turned out that they need an extra hand with spotters so DH Steve was on the platform with me when I did the best back squat I have ever done and having my trainer from The Athlete Factory, Michele Helmeczi give up her Saturday night to keep me focused and performing my best was also amazing.

I am one lucky powerlifter. In the process I also met some new ladies in powerlifting that are super excited to be lifting and watched some other ladies make big jumps in their numbers! What a great night!