New to Highland Games at 53 years old

[samurai69]

For an overall strength measure, In 2013 I did a powerlifting competition and *just* got 1,000 pounds between the three lifts.

Right now my 1RM flat bench is probably about 265. I havent' tested it in months.

I'm coming back from some knee and lower back issues right now and I squatted 3 x 255 yesterday. My goal is 3 x 275, and then I'll say I'm "recovered". Two years ago I dropped singles at 315 at several workouts, including that powerlifting comp.

Deadlift, I've pulled 400 a couple of times with straps, but mostly I try for triples at 345 or 355 with straps. I have a hard time holding on when there are more than three big plates per side. My grip strength is *meh*.

Hang Clean; last season I did a lot of it and topped out with a hang clean and front squat combination at 200 pounds for a single. Right now I probably could clean and squat about 175, maybe 185..

Atlas Stone...I can load 205 and 225 stones, but can't even get a 268 stone off the ground (couldn't budge the Inver Stone).

This is me, giving a go at the Inverness Stonemasons Stone in 2014. I'm the first guy up, couldn't move it, and tried so hard that I almost passed out when I stood up afterwards. I also did a number on my forearms, as that attempt was just 3 days after trying the Inver Stone, which is like 40 grit sandpaper. Stonemasons Stone is a 252 pounder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgYVw-bPC58

Its raining which makes it all the tougher, I lapped the inver stone back in October 2010, this year we went back to lift some other stones, my friend lapped and nearly chested the inver stone, i gave it a half hearted attempt after lifting stones for 5 days solid but i only just managed to break it off the floor, I have just got some leather stone sleeves which save the arms a little...... I have lapped a 150kg stone with tacky on last year, but seem to struggle on anything over 120kg with tacky in competitions and without tacky struggle as i have two torn biceps.

I was lucky enough to lift the Dinnie stones back in 2010 and all the practice for lifting those has left me with quite a strong grip..... best deadlift with straps is 245kg and i have managed a double over hand without straps at 210kg


.

[samurai69]

well i competed this past weekend and hit PBs on all events except the Caber and that was my first try at it as not had anything to trin on

happy with the day and now have some targets to aim for, hopefully will keep improving as i learned some bits from the guys all happy to help with tips and pointers