The 2018 Crow Hill Open: A Report from Amanda M.
By Amanda McCormick
I didn’t know what to expect when signing up for the Crow Hill Open. It had been 2 years since I competed at all, and for the last year, I’ve mostly been working on strength more than technique. In my mind, I wish I had become a Wonder Woman-style badass in the ensuing years, and while I have made a lot of gains, they have been on a much more human scale. Given where I was at in my training, I thought a good goal for this meet would be to work on my mental game and see if I could figure out a way to come in, have fun and make lifts.
Meet prep consisted of Headspace meditation stuff on competition in the week leading up, which focuses on cultivating a calm, focused awareness. Not too pumped up and and not too relaxed either. Basically in the meditation, you find a place to “rest” your attention and I decided to do this with a ring that I wear. So I was looking at the ring a LOT through the whole experience.
It was weird to be back at Crow Hill to compete after a 2-year hiatus. The first thing that struck me is a that I am a really different person physically. I don’t have any random aches in my back or wrists. Just being strong and healthy makes me feel very fortunate. So much of the last year has been about proving to myself that I don’t need to put a ceiling on how much I can grow.
I did lift 6 for 6 which was a first for me! Also got competition PRs in both lifts and a competition total PR. I’m also lifting as a stronger and more confident person. So I feel really good about all those things. Extremely thankful for the coaching of Coach Frank of Next Level Weightlifting which was always consistent with the zen approach to lifting. There’s so much more to lifting then those few seconds you are performing a lift and I’m so grateful to have someone who can be a guide and mentor in a long quest to be better. Now to keep working on technique and moving forward!
News and Notes
- As you may have heard or read in the New York Times, Brooklyn is experiencing an outbreak of canine influenza. We love having your dogs at the gym, but if your best friend is experiencing any symptoms (including lethargy, sneezing, and coughing), please get them some veterinary attention and refrain from bringing them to the gym until they recovery.
- Thaisa L. set aside a small orange bag in 608 during the 6:30 group class and it was nowhere to be found after. It has her wedding band inside. If anyone accidentally grabbed it, please email her at thaisamsl [at] gmail.com.
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