What a great event to be invited to! Corbin Wellness Center is a world class facility and the organizers of the event hit a home run. One of the first things that impressed with was the level of organization and execution. There was a huge turnout, great vendors, and tons of parking. That last note is very important because while the lot was nearly full, that huge parking lot is rare. People kept arriving, but they weren’t leaving. From what Joe Creech was telling me, he was putting this on for its second year, and when I asked him if he’d do it next year, he said he would with no hesitation. I hope you check out my videos from the event below. It’s been a process getting them edited, produced, and in line with YouTube’s policies on copyright music, but we have several great videos. The Squats video alone is 50 minutes long! We have the deadlift video and several special clips.
Something worthwhile about the Squats video isn’t so much the greats lifts, but how those who “failed” succeeded. I feel that coming up short – for whatever reason – can actually see what you’re made of AND how hard you’re going to keep working to succeed.
Powerlifting, like bodybuilding, is a family sport. Yes, it’s about lifting and being strong, but it’s also about being you care about and making great memories. And yes, a solid lift, is like icing on the cake. Happy Birthday, brother!!
But don’t get me wrong, the level of strength of some of these folks was noteworthy. Take the smiling guy in the cover of the deadlifts video. He’s actually a lunatic. This guy pulled 585 like it was nobody’s business. He picked it up, and he laid it back down. He wasn’t heaving, huffing or puffing. He picked it up, and he laid back down. Then plenty of hugs and high-fives and back to waiting to lift again. 585 folks. Real talk!
All in all, it was so worth the drive. I booked a room at the Hampton Inn (which was amazing!!) and drove the whole .4 miles to the gym. Next time, I’ll be sure to pack snacks as I was starving after a couple of filming, but what a great event. I went to The Wrigley for lunch and then came for a little while longer. Joe and Katie did a fantastic time organizing this event. I can’t wait to come back next year.
