Failure is a necessity?
Although my performance in Denver was comparable to the median level of the amateur LC competitors at the AKC Classic earlier this year, I failed to meet my target. Perhaps it was the altitude, but I think it really came down to preparation. Preparation for me is a combination of training volume, mental / spiritual development, and rest / recovery time. I believe I was short in all three departments for this event. While I improved at a relatively modest rate since Marty’s visit (14 reps w/ 20kgs to 24 reps w/ 24kgs), I didn’t push hard enough to get to the next adaptational response phase. I primarily relied on a program that took me from 20kgs to 24kgs. In hindsight, I should have been working with a program that was pushing me to the top of 24kg LC range. I also realized that I was short changing meditation time for “necessary” work time. Finally, poor sleeping habits as a new dad wrecked havoc on my desire to train. Of course, none of these thoughts occurred to me until 6 minutes into my set on the platform when pain converged with delirium. The point of failure was also my moment of enlightenment. Folks like Jason Dolby, Marty Farrell, and David Zink pull off 50+ reps (no problem) because they prepare adequately.
Perhaps I needed to fail in order to take my game to the next level. Who knows. With a renewed focus on training, we’ll see what happens in the next few weeks. I’ll keep you posted.
Me being crushed at rep 23. Legs, arms, hips… gone.
Best,
Steven
You’re still on the pedestal Steve. Considering you will use this to go to the next level, it’s not really failure – is it? Good progress all the same.
One thing I have learned is that people who love to train are often very hard on themselves
You could have easily used all of your current life commitments to avoid competing and doing your best and instead you pushed forward and set a new PR. Great work and a nice success.
Also having taught several seminars in Denver the altitude definitely makes a difference!
Keep up the great work
Mike
Steven,
The bottomline is, you got up there. Good for you. Nothing anybody can say will make you feel better about a sub-par performance..That is what makes for a winner.. Doing crappy never feels good, but it sounds like this was a little bit of a wake up call.. Good for you for eating your humble pie like a man… Now, get back to work..
Chris
This confirms it, you’re human and we love you for that Steve. I know you know this, your “failure” can only lead to your future success. Why? Because you are taking the time necessary to learn and gain insight from it. To not examine it would be a waste of time and the last time I checked that is not in your vocabulary or work ethic! Thanks for sharing with us your triumphs and struggles.
Steven, you are always a champion to us! Thanks for all that you and the rest of the crew give to us each and every day: a positive and welcoming attitude, great instruction, and the ability to instill in each of us a desire to try new things.
Let’s not forget that prior to stepping onto the platform for your set you coached the entire ICKB team through each of our sets. Up until the very moment you took the platform you were giving energy and inspiration to others. Despite how you experienced your set I was honored to be there to witness your first competition. I continue to be inspired, driven, and very thankful for all that you give to each of us at the IC. I look forward to having the opportunity to see you take to the platform again !
failure is always an opportunity to learn,
winning is not
“Failure”?? Hardly. (Feedback – certainly)
To me its a dangerous word I’m trying to delete from my vocabulary! It can become a label or a self-expectation, or even worse, an excuse to not try.
On any given day at the IC, I don’t do something as well as I hope/expect – yet when I look at all the transformations (in both physique and confidence) I see around me, I am reminded that the important thing is to be in the game, so I can keep learning and developing!
Good for you (and good for us!) for being in the game and for being willing to learn from (and not hide from) the feedback you got and to share that learning with us.
E
What an inspiration! We wish we could have been there too.
Sometimes you have to get destroyed to be rebuilt better than ever. Thanks for sharing your reflections Steve.
I appreciate the feedback from everyone. Thank you. Tonight we cranked up the volume. I will see how my body responds in a couple of days to the increased stress. Marty wrote me today to say that he went through a similar bout in Toronto earlier this year. I hope this is a good sign!
Ah Steven, you will always be on a pedestal to us. I agree with Renee – we are reminded that you too are human. For most of us, it is rare to see you with even an expression of exertion on your face. Thank you for sharing this experience with all of us and continuing to motivate everyone at the Ice Chamber.
Steve, a true champion integrates all of life’s experiences. That you do this and keep moving forward is a testament to your mettle.
Like Calvin says, you’re better now than before. Sorta like the Bionic Man (hey, wasn’t his name Steve, too?)
Steven,
I come at all of this from such a different place than you do.
YOU ARE AMAZING – INSPIRING – SO INFLUENTIAL – AND in my book AN INCREDIBLE SUCCESS
We most often get to see you at your confident absolute best. Your ability to share something you are having to stretch to achieve is such a refreshing dimension.
That picture is AWESOME. Thank you for sharing this, and for all you do.
Steve,
What an unselfish thing to do…expose yourself to all of us. When I think of you, I never see failure. You give to all of us. Be it that look, or that “come on Kris.” I’m surprised you had anything left to give, but you stepped up onto that platform and did it. That takes strength and courage and can not be seen as a failure. Thank you for all you give to us and keep doing it big!!!
You, Maya, Surya, Bear Bear, Heidy, and Jess put so much into the team that nothing could be considered a failure. I am surprised you had anything left for yourself. Thanks for being so honest and congrats to all of you!!!!
Hey Steve,
Failure makes us realize what we need to work on but I wouldn’t call it failure. Perhaps setback. Ay any level, competition usually is less then practice as far as performance is concerned. You have to do it at that day at that time. Everything needs to fit into place for it to work. Rest, nutrition, comfort level etc. Traveling to compete or perform will often change that somewhat.
The real competition is in the training. funny when I watch Rocky Movies, I don’t care much about the boxing because it is not real. But the training montages are really what it comes down for me, especially in the world of kettlebells where training volume can be overwhelming. Not only do have to do it but you have to want to do it. Get crazy about it. Thats where the real competition is, in the training hall. The actual competition is merely a reflection of that. You will improve by leaps and bounds should you adopt this concept which you already have.
I’ll be in touch! See you in atlanta.
Marty
Steve,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for giving so much of your positive energy to all of us we are truly grateful
Jess
I’m not sure I have ever seen your knees buckle in like that before. This pic is priceless and so are the comments posted here. Definitely one of my favorite IC blogs of all time. Thank you for sharing this defining moment Steve. I can personally vouch for your lack of sleep and to me it’s amazing that you continue to deliver your excellence as a teacher everyday. Finding the time to devote to your inner athlete literally seems impossible on most days. I’m so proud of your 23 reps!!!
YOU ARE AMAZING AND INSPIRING!!!
Everything is a learning experience. Failure is if you give up and don’t try again.
WE ARE ALL PROUD OF YOU!!!!
Honestly Steve, do you really call that failing?!?!?!? The only thing you failed to do is wear shorts that are actually short. I can’t believe they let you get away with that. I guess we can see your knees…sort of….
Steve, I am still proud of you nonetheless, and as someone on this blog put it, it shows you are human.
Thanks for sharing.
Nice job Steve. One competition is just that, one competition. I look forward to seeing you again at more in the future.