Going up to Chicago, I had some pretty bad chest congestion and figured that I would not do great but I was still psyched about getting up on the platform and lifting. My wife and I decided to go up a few days early to take in some of the sights and celebrate our 5 year anniversary.
Over the course of the week my congestion eased up and while not 100%, I was feeling pretty good about lifting. Unfortunately for me I have exquisite timing and I contracted what I think was food poisoning Friday morning, the day before the competition. I will spare everyone the details but it involved a lot of sleep, no food, and me feeling miserable. I woke up on Saturday morning feeling weak and nauseous. My coach and I decided to just wait it out and see. I ended up still getting on the platform, but I just did not have it in me to stay up there. I felt weak and light headed. Instead of vomiting or dropping the bells I decided to call the set at 17 reps. I did not even make it to 5 mins.
Pride can be a funny thing. I was immediately disgusted with myself for not at least hitting 5 mins but let's face it, we are always our worst critics. After a few minutes and some good talks with everyone I felt better. Good friends and a loving wife are always welcome pick me up and can go a long way in reminding you what is important. I want to be the best I can be, but sometimes it just isn't in the cards that day. Excuses, everybody has them. At least I showed up. All I can do is try to do better next time.
This leads me to the actual meet. This was the first time that the Fixometer was used at WKC Worlds, and by all competitors. I know a lot of folks were worried about how smoothly this new element would go, not just on the rep numbers but in terms of running the meet smoothly as well. All I can say is that I am extremely impressed. The WKC did a fantastic job at creating a smooth transition between the flights and the Fixometer worked very well.
Thoughts on Fixometer:
I had a few reservations but I think this thing is pretty awesome. I know some talk has been said about it slowing down lifters, but I can tell you that I saw some pretty fast reps and the Fixometer caught them. The time needed, 0.3 secs, is a flash if your technique is down. Can it slow you down initially? Sure, but as the reps get better the time it takes you to hit that green light gets less and less.
In training, Fixometer can give the lifter real-time feedback in how stable they are moving the bells. The quality of reps and over all control is seen right in front of them. Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. This device can really help the lifter avoid practicing slop or garbage reps that only serve to reinforce bad habits.
In competitions it puts everyone under the same scrutiny. There can never be a question of favoritism. If you get the rep, then you got it. No questions and no doubts. That, in my mind, is awesome.
Is the thing perfect,? No
Will it make you MS? No
Can it benefit any lifter wanting to get better and more consistent progress? Definitely.
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