If you’ve been following my blog, you know I haven’t trained consistently this year. After the Nordic Kettlebell Cup 2011 I switched my training focus to strength training in mid September, training regularly, starting with a front squat cycle. After 4 weeks I hit 90kg, about 12kg short of my best front squat PR.
1RM on the 13/10/2011: front squat 90kg (with belt) – Deadlift 130kg (with belt)- Bench press 70kg
I injured my face on the 26/10 and resumed training lightly on the 09/11.
I started a deadlift cycle on the 14/11 up to 24/11, where I used Shaf’s ladders to work up to a triple @130kg with belt. Due to work reasons I had to have a break, and resumed the cycle on the 05/12, using a “Power to the people” template, also practicing bench press on the side.
Starting weights were 105kg for the deadlift, and 50kg for the bench press. On the 19/12 I did an easy 5 reps @125kg deadlift, and 5 easy reps at 70kg, the max weights I lifted in the whole PTTP cycle.
1RM 21/12/2011 (Bodyweight is 68kg) I hit 155kg for deadlift, besting my previous old PR of 145kg, and 80kg for the bench press with a pause. I guess I could have hit an 85kg PR with no pause.
I am used to RDL and kettlebell swings, so my hips maybe a bit high…
Therefore I decided to enter my first ever raw powerlifting competition in June 2012, Nordland cup in Horsens, and chase a 3 time bodyweight deadlift for the end of 2012.
As it is, the Danish raw records for my age group and weight division are: Squat 90kg, bench 137,5kg and deadlift 155kg. Why compete raw? Because I can’t be bothered to use half and hour to get into a tight suit 
So, right now, I have 6 months to get ready for this and improve my lifts! My body type and strength is not exactly suited to powerlifting, but hey, we only live once and I believe in experiencing new things!
Kettlebells will still be used, but for assistance mainly.
Take a moment to think about what you’d like to achieve next year. Happy goal setting for 2012, I wish you a productive year!
