This evening I am feeling overwhelmed with pride. CrossFit is what led me to this Powerlifting journey that I am embarking on and today, my two favorite worlds came together. Athletes that I coach on a daily basis at CrossFit Alaska attended (en masse, might I add) a Powerlifting seminar that was hosted by CrossFit Anchorage, led by Rob Schmidt and myself.

Although I see these people basically every day, the number of hands that went up when asked “How many have been barbell training for less than a year?” made me proud. These athletes are at the infant stage of their training lives, but they are still stepping out of their comfort zone to learn more about the niche sport that is Powerlifting. Throughout the seminar, I observed eyes and ears eager to absorb all the knowledge we had to offer. It didn’t surprise me, though. I’m surrounded by these inquisitive minds all the time and it keeps me on my toes as both a coach and an athlete.

My training is done primarily on my own, or I jump around from training partner to training partner, depending on the day, workout, facility, etc. As of now, I have never had a problem with being self-motivated. However, when you spend so many hours working toward something, it helps to know you have a support system, people rooting for you. My support system is incredible and it makes my world go ’round. During the seminar, I worked up to a 1 rep max Squat, which happened to be a 5-pound PR (325-lbs/147.5-kg). All the hooting and hollering usually doesn’t have much of an effect on me, but today was different – these were MY people and I could feel their presence. If those who attended the seminar got ONE THING out of their afternoon, I hope it’s inspiration and the realization that you can do anything you put your mind to as long as you consistently work hard and keep your mental game in-check. Set a goal, make a plan, and get to work.

A little lesson on theory, application in CrossFit, and the background of Powerlifting:

Warming up on my way to 325-pounds/147.5-kg:

“The secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom is courage.” – Thucydides 

Thank you to everyone who attended & to those who have donated to help me pay for my trip to the Arnold in February 2014 (https://cannonballfitness.com/support-natalie/).