The past few weeks have been all about making big decisions… Due to my health, I have made the decision to not pursue a spot at worlds this year. After six weeks on antibiotics, I was left feeling incredibly weak and drained. I went back to the hormone doctor for a blood test and all of my levels were incredibly low again. It seems that while I was sick my body tore through these slow releasing hormones at a much faster than normal rate. That being said, we implanted my second round of pellets last Friday. As I mentioned after my first insertion, the pellets take about two weeks to start working. I almost didn’t register for Nationals, but since it’s my only chance to get an invite to the Arnold I decided I have to do it!
Training for Nationals has not been as great as I originally thought it was going... All this time with very little energy and body aches and pains has been not only physically exhausting, but emotionally too. But there’s no better way for me to really test myself then to go into this knowing what I’m physically capable of (and putting behind me how I think I feel) and BRING IT!
After not being able to do a video entry for Worlds last year due to my dislocated middle finger, I really wanted to do it this year. I recorded all 3 events — 200/hand farmers, 185 log for 5 and a 410 deadlift (no suit)... Knowing all of those numbers were below what I could do if I were actually training to peak those events, but I knew the numbers would be “good enough” to get me qualified; however, when it came time to submit, I decided not to... why? I’ll tell you.
1. My body needs some time. With the hormones and having been so sick, I just need to focus on my overall health. I won’t stop training Strongman, but I’m going to spend a few months getting my weight back under control and feel like my endurance is back where I’d like it to be.
2. I am broke. I already had to turn down Stones of Strength because I can’t afford to fly to CA (2 weeks before I take time off for Nationals) so another trip to NC is not in the budget. I’m trying to move within the next few months... big move, news in that soon, but I can’t waste money on extra domestic travel and days away from clients (when I’m not working, I’m not making money... and if I’m not making money, how can I pay my health insurance and other bills).
3. I want to compete at the Arnold, but if I wreck myself before then, I won’t do as well as I know I can do.
4. Related to 2, December means holidays and I like to travel to see my family (as none of them live in Chicago), so I can’t take more time in December off if I want to see my family for Christmas!
I will continue to train and plan for comps in 2019, but right now I just cannot afford (financially, time wise, nor physically) to compete at Worlds.
