New Plans

With the new year coming around and me still being a low experience weightlifter, I took some time to figure out what goals I have over the next year and even for the far future after that. Its always good for me to figure out plans for these goals and ways to achieve them in the most efficient way possible. First, I started with what weaknesses I feel are holding me back currently:
1) Flexibility. Ive already broken some barriers in this aspect so I know for a fact good flexibility is attainable for me. Seeing as I couldnt overhead squat day 1, progress has been made. I will fix this problem by seeing our massage therapist more regularly, focusing on my mobility throughout my shoulders, hips, and ankles, and finally, being patient with what works and what does not.

2) Technique. Technique is uhhhh....getting there. Lets just say Im glad I had some sort of strength sport background before I started. Im a very visual learner so I constantly like to watch good weightlifters train. During training i often stop what Im doing to watch ANYONE lift. This is not a stare them down and insult them with looks kind of thing. I do this because along with the physical reps I take, the visual reps I see help me to understand the movement. Jocelyn has been key in this because she will tell you if reps feel good or bad for her. This is a phenomenal thing for my learning as I can see what an amazing weighlifter moves like and how she feels about it. Along with this, I will watch youtube videos all night of Dmitry Klokov, Stefan Botev, Jon North and anyone else I can find. Again, constantly seeing the movement helps me visualize before my attempts.

3) Mentality. My views on the difficulty of weightlifting Immediately changed after I realized how much mentality plays a roll. With the success that I want, the focus is coming naturally and I can motivate myself to do anything in my program. This is the weakness of mine that is actually starting to turn the corner and become a strength. Between attempts Ive learned to sit down, calm my breathing and focus. In the middle of this I will all of a sudden feel ready. I dont know where this comes from and I cant time the feeling but since learning this key Ive made every attempt. If I dont feel this "wave" of ready then past attempts tell me I better pull harder...I will get this under control very soon.

Lastly, and I wont even give it a number, because its pathetic....Im too fat. I need to get down to the weight I want to compete at as soon as possible and maybe even lower for me to fit carbs into my diet regularly. Im about 10-15 lbs over what I want so it wont be a long process. Ive chosen to do paleo diet for this with one cheat meal(post workout) a week. Done this before. Time to get lean and actually look like I train....

The Beginning

My name is Tyler Miller and I am from Santa Cruz, CA. I am an Olympic weightlifter and I compete for Santa Cruz Strength under Coach Kyle Haynes. I am 22 years old and the point of this blog is for myself, as well as, others to track my progress in the sport of weightlifting. I also intend to use it to look back on down the road. My first competition was the 2012 Veterans Day Open in San Francisco, CA. I would like to say I did fairly well, considering I went 6 for 6, making all attempts. The problem is this: I am no where near the weightlifter I want to be in the future. I understand this is a long journey that will take time, patience, and will to get through the tough times; but the dissatisfaction of my current abilities is what will pushes me. I wont be satisfied till my goals are met...and trust me, the goals are bigger than anything you could believe as "realistic".

I have a phenomenal support group in my coaches, teammates, family, and fian...girlfriend ;). I couldn't be happier with the situation I am in for this sport. The hand I was dealt for this couldn't be better and that is why I am in no way overwhelmed by the goals I have set forth. My motivation has recently hit an all time high, and I am ready to see what is possible and test the limits of what people say is impossible. I will not be content with mediocrity, although this is a new feeling for me. I was always ok with being ONE of the best in my previous sports(football, powerlifting), this is no longer the case. Coming form a powerlifting background was hard. The movements, the fexibility, and the mentality was a flipped switch...and still continues to be, but I never have and never will expect this to be easy. Im ready for the challenge and for all the criticism that comes along. Get ready to see much more of me in the near future...I might just surprise a few of you.