What or whom inspires you? Think about that for a second. Do you look at professional athletes or do you find more of your inspiration from the people around you? Don't take aspiration to be the same as inspiration. I myself have aspirations of being a top level IPF lifter like Brad Gillingham, does he inspire me? To an extent yes, but to me its the people around you that tend to inspire you the most.
Today one of my training partners Mike, was telling me about a friend of ours Jason Wells and how his training was going now that he was back in China. I'll get into this more in a moment but it sparked one of my favorite memories from when I was just breaking into the sport.
I'll never forget in November of 2009 I went to a USAPL meet in Winchester, Indiana. This was my first exposure to an actual meet. I had never seen someone put 500lbs on their back an squat it. Let alone 181 lbs guys squatting in the 400's. As I'm sitting there I see a guy walking over so I eavesdrop, and hear him say he is opening his squat at 500lbs! I saw this kind of stuff on YouTube but had never seen someone squat that kind of weight in person. Came to find out later that he actually trained at I-Fast(this is before I started training there) Jason went on to Squat 555, Bench 385, and Pull 630. Jason is a very humble guy and all around nice guy. He will actually be competing at the Arnold in the Raw Powerliting meet. I wish him all the luck and I'll be there watching!
I have so many great stories I could tell along with the previous but I think that what it all comes down to is pushing each other to achieve things that you yourself never thought was possible. Be an inspiration next time you train. I can say that without a doubt, the follow video would never be possible without guys like Mike Robertson, Lance Goyke, Zach Moore, and all my friends online that follow my training. I want to inspire people that don't think they are strong or don't think they can do it, to just get out there and do it!
Over the last year I have really seen growth not only in my total but my understanding of training in general and as a lifter. It really is amazing what a good group of guys can do for you. I cant thank my training partners, family, friends, and my wonderful girlfriend enough for all the support that they have given me. With my next meet in April, I hope that training continues to go well as I plan on going to USAPL Raw Nationals this coming August!
Keep working-
Steve-O
Thanks Steve! It's a good feeling knowing that I inspired you! I wouldn't be lifting in the Arnold and trying to get my strength back if it wasn't for you. Seriously, talking to you, seeing your videos and all the video's from I-FAST made me want to compete again even though I knew it would be hard to get my strength back. It has been a battle trying to train for the Arnold being in China, but I'm grinding it out. I may not be as strong as I would like to be, but man, just having you, Mike, Lance, and my wife by my side, helps give me inspiration to do my best and be positive.
ReplyDeleteDude, once I get job back in Indy and start training at I-FAST again, get ready, that 500lb loaded squat bar will be set-up for a rep for rep match-up. Keep up the good work! See you soon.
Nice blog Steve! It is great to see someone who works so hard and has so much passion and dedication for something! You are definitely a great role-model for anyone looking to get into the sport. I have no doubt you will reach your goals-if we can keep you healthy:). Good luck man!
ReplyDeleteYou've really come a long way, and I don't mean just in your strengthlevels. It's good to hear that you realize that. And you're right about this entire post, but I hope you realize you're a bigger inspiration to us than we are to you.
ReplyDeleteJason, I'm ready to see that match up.
Jason, I'm ready for the challenge! I'm excited to see how it goes! Just keep working hard man! I'm so excited for you to be lifting on such a huge stage! Maybe I can convince you to go lift at Raw Nationals with me? haha!
ReplyDeleteZach, Thanks man. As long as I can stay healthy I only see things going anywhere but forward.
Lance, I'm glad to hear it man.
I appreciate the kind words guys. Means a lot to me
Hell Yeah man! Mike has done a great job fixing some of my form issues. I have never been to the Arnold and dont even know what to expect. Should be exciting.
ReplyDeleteI was suppose to go to Raw Nationals this past summer and kicking myself for not going. It would be awesome if both of us went to Raw Nationals at the same time and represented I-FAST! The goal is set!
One goal that I have set many years ago was to squat 500 for 2 sets of 20's wearing knee wraps. Steve-O, I think you would be the perfect person to train with for that goal! The last guy that did 20's with me ended up puking after his 1st set.
Just keep doing what you're doing and man, ull be one of the badest powerlifters around!
Chalk it up and Live Strong!