Attitude

So, it's 12:30 at night, and I'm finally able to sit down after working at my second job. I'm damned exhausted, but I've been excited all day, and I've still got some of that energy, which is the main reason I'm writing this blog. Now, my pressing ability has never been much to speak of, my last recorded max on a barbell press was 125lbs, and it hasn't improved in months. Since reading 'The Naked Warrior' I've been practicing Pavel's principle of 'greasing the groove.' I'd done this for years before I'd ever applied a name to it--a couple of pull ups here, skin the cats, muscle-ups--whatever movement or skill I was really obsessed with at the time. At this time, it is pressing. I've been reminded of the need for more strength in putting weight overhead with a quickly approaching Crossfit meet in Richmond, in which one of the events involves me putting 155lbs (body weight) over my head at least 5 times, and necessitates that I do it quickly, as I'll be competing against people who are assuredly stronger than me. Anyway, I've been greasing the groove for the past two weeks with presses, of various repetitions, with my 16kg or 24kg kettlebell at home, and...

...Now, today, for the first time ever, I was able to press the 32kg kettlebell, with both arms, and I am f$@&ing excited about it. That's called progress, and I get very (refer to prior expletive) excited about progress. Excited enough that I tell my girlfriend, who really doesn't care but at least humors me, every time I make progress. I tell people I work with who have very little idea what I do outside of work besides lift heavy things and talk about it obsessively, which I'm sure just perpetuates that image of me. Hell, I would tell strangers if they even slightly prompted the discussion.

This is how I want you all to feel about your own training. I want you to have so much of a vested interest in it that when you lift a single extra pound, or do one extra snatch, or can finally go through your day without shoulder or hip pain... whatever it is, I want you to be excited and proud of your accomplishment, I mean seriously excited enough to tell someone on the sidewalk. As you begin to see your hard work pay off, it will only fuel further gains. Pressing the 32kg kettlebell was my goal, now it's to press 'The Beast' (48kg, 106lbs). Pick something, have manageable steps with which to measure your progress, and make it happen. So, what are your goals?

-James