Today I Passed the Bench Press Torch

Spencer - bench press meet 2013

Me - same bench press meet 2011

Today my son Spencer (top photo) participated in his first ever bench press meet -- a local one held by Virginia Tech Rec Sports. I did this meet in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Spencer is still 12, turning 13 next week, and is already 5'8" (or more). He hit his first two lifts - 90 and 105 - and barely missed 115. In meets, the bar has to come to a stop on your chest before you get the command to "press" so it's not the typical touch-and-go gym lift. It's harder.

What was great was to see how rock solid his form was and how the big audience and buzz of the event did not shake him. I was extremely proud of his focus and ability to keep his "groove" on his lifts.

Spencer has been my faithful twice-a-week gym partner since September and I treasure that time with him. He started training for this in November so he's not been at it very long. It's been fun to work with him and pass along my knowledge. He's naturally driven in the gym in ways that he never was in soccer and other sports, so why not nurture what inspires him?

Today we were simply coach and athlete. I just asked Spencer if he felt that way, and he said "I agree!"

As we were leaving, I asked if he'd like to work toward this again next year. "Yes, I would," he said. Good.

As "coach" I was smiling, thinking about some new fun in the gym. As "mom" I was taken by the significance of the moment and the privilege of having this relationship with my very cool kid.

Weigh-ins the night before

Testing out the bench after weighing in

 

Rules briefing