At this point in my career I'm considered an old man, a veteran of the sport. I get called that so often it's easy to forget that I'm only 31 years old. So when it's time to do maintenance work in the weight room (that's what my last strength and conditioning coach called in-season workouts) I'm pretty much expected to handle my business. The difference this year is that I'm in a new locker room and these guys weren't with me when I was still building up. It's easy to think that the new vet on the team is just coasting on reputation and experience, and sure in some ways I don't have to work as hard as the rookies because some things come as naturally as breathing. But still, there are days like today when I'm feeling good and decide to show these kids exactly what I can do.
After a few warm-up sets, I put four plates on the bar and settle into my bench press position. On an easy day this is usually my single rep weight. Not today. I slam out three reps, rack the bar, and sit back up. Immediately I grab two more plates and slide them on, followed by some clamps. This is 495 pounds now, serious weight. Most of the weight room is now looking my way. I make a point to slam my three reps out with no delays in-between, then sit up again. I'm casual, like this is still my warm-up set. The strength coach has a grin on his face. "What now, Dane?"
I silently grab two more plates. 585 pounds. No more pretending this is easy weight. Two teammates set up to spot the bar, and this time I have to grit and slowly press out one rep, finishing with a loud yell at the top. Many high-fives and back slaps follow the racking of the bar, and I feel like I've proven myself to my new team once again.
After a few warm-up sets, I put four plates on the bar and settle into my bench press position. On an easy day this is usually my single rep weight. Not today. I slam out three reps, rack the bar, and sit back up. Immediately I grab two more plates and slide them on, followed by some clamps. This is 495 pounds now, serious weight. Most of the weight room is now looking my way. I make a point to slam my three reps out with no delays in-between, then sit up again. I'm casual, like this is still my warm-up set. The strength coach has a grin on his face. "What now, Dane?"
I silently grab two more plates. 585 pounds. No more pretending this is easy weight. Two teammates set up to spot the bar, and this time I have to grit and slowly press out one rep, finishing with a loud yell at the top. Many high-fives and back slaps follow the racking of the bar, and I feel like I've proven myself to my new team once again.