My first full meet is in the books. It was a small meet and not many competitiors. It was a GREAT learning experience. I took top honors with squat of 600lbs, 505lb bench and a 625lb deadlift for a 1730 total. My final score was 995.961 and second place was 847.99. Although the meet small, the directors were very supportive as I was the only outsider. So what did I learn? For starters I learned that powerlifting meets are a lot mor taxing than I thought. LMAO!!!! After going back and looking at vids, I was not happy with form on lifts. I dont know if it were nerves or the fact that they were let guys get away with certain things. Either way, the team and I will correct it. The last thing I learned is that no matter how professional you are, there will be people that hate the fact that you are capable of doing things that they can not do. I opened at 585lbs on squat. When I finished my lift I walked back to my wife and she was explaining, with an attitude, to 2 spectators that I did not just pull the number 585 out of my ass. I have been traing for this and have done that weight numerous times. At the time I thought nothing of it. She did not want me to lose focus so she waited until the end of the meet to explain that their words were " Where did he get the idea to go so heavy? He will look like a jack ass when they load all the weight on the bar and he can't lift it" LMAO!!! Joke was on them. my strategy is always open 25lbs lighter than gym max. 2nd lift is gym max and 3rd lift is for PR! Might not be best strategy but it works. Damn I LOVE THAT WOMAN!!! Always has my back!!!! Time to deload.