A Word to the wise (training for any amateur sport)

Ah yes, one of those looking back I would do this and change this epiphanies. Why not write them down? Maybe someone out there will benefit.

#1 - Compete Less

I know what you're thinking. (But what about Bulgarian training? A competition is just another day at the office.). Sorry, it isn't. Competition, even if you are in a weight class all by yourself is stressful. So skip out on the local meets, save your energy for the ones that count. Every competition should be strategic. If you aren't there to qualify for something, tune up for something, or beat someone, then you are just wasting your fuel, fuel that runs out eventually.

#2 - Train Less

This means taking rest days week to week, and even taking down time after big stressful competitions. The best lifters in the world take a down year after winning gold at the Olympics. You are not one of the best lifters in the world, obviously, but you're still human. This means you can take a week off after a local competition, or two weeks off after a National competition. If you qualify for a world team, travel to another country, and make your lifts, then take a month of down time if you need it. Down time seems ridiculous if you concentrate on the short term, but if you look long term, like a 10-15 year amateur career, then that down time is going to benefit you. Your competitors will be tore up and beat down while you will be rested and ready to be tested.

#3 - Lift Less

I know, I know. Lift less? How the hell would that work? I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel here. All I'm saying is don't work up to misses, there is no need. Save the risky lifts for the big day.

*Summary

Be conservative, less can be more. Spend less make more.