Over the past few weeks my life
work and personal has went from the usual level of nuts to
down right crazy. I've heard it more then a few times; "Man
where have you been? What are you up to? Don't you love me
anymore?" LOL So do to this new level of insanity I have
not had time to let my now jello like mind put together something
that resembles an intelligent article. So instead of trying
to force something out, I would just answer those questions
above and simply tell everyone what I'm up to. What I am doing
aside from my usual many hats I wear here at Staley Training
Systems.
New Bed and Barbell
That's right. I'm sure many of you
have seen the pictures Charles has posted of our new digs.
Well I'm good but sadly I cant yet
just nod my head and have things happen at will. All the gym equipment,
furniture, offices etc had to be moved. Who better then a power
lifter with a truck, and some great help from the rest of the team
and friends. We got it knocked out and its taking great form.
Lift For Hope 2009
It's right around the corner. http://www.lift4hope.org
The Memorial Charity Strength Event I'm heading up and planning
again. A Highlander State Championship and APF Deadlift meet with
proceeds going to support Big Brothers Big Sisters. We are just
over two weeks out and I am burning the candle at Both ends to get
it all organized, athletes signed up, etc.
Eating
Anyone who has followed me for any
amount of time knows I can eat, and have to. I mean Come on I have
a whole photo log on face book called "Food Porn."
Well, in all this craziness that can
make getting 5000-6000 calories a day tough. Let alone I am actually
aiming to put on 10-15 lbs more that's makes it even a more pressing
duty while doing al this other activity. Well I've been doing it
and with success. How?
Well like Dan John likes to say, something
has to give, when life gets crazy something has to simplify. So
I just laid out a simple plan that will get me the roughly 5000
calories needed to maintain weight. If I eat "this" im
OK then the extra will be the bonus I need but just be sure I get
the foundation food in. And its been working I have put on 5 lbs
in three weeks and numerous people have said I am looking leaner.
What are those foundation foods what
is the root of this? Simple 3, ½lb lean beef cheeseburgers,
½ gallon or whole milk yogurt, or whole milk, ½ jar
natural peanut butter, a Large 4 ounce bar of dark Chocolate, and
a protein shake right when I wake up.
Like I said that's the foundation
foods. From there I add more when I can. Vitargo prior to training,
an extra shake here and there, Pasta at the Paradiso's, pizza, whatever
just get that in for sure!
Olympia
That right. I Last minute I hooked
up with my buddy David Barr from muscle
and Fitness. Put together a quick plan for a give away at the Olympia.
Jumped in Josh's car and made the 5 hour ride to Vegas.
Oh what a time. The Olympia as usual,
a mass of silicone and science, supplements and now the addition
of sporting events. I had a blast. It's all a bit of a blur but
ran into some great old friend such as David, Big John Conner, and
Anthony Almada.
That's Big John on the left at around
390lbs
Then the after parties. Oh man the
after parties. I'll spare you of the debauchery that was taking
place back at our fine hotel and casino. But the highlight had to
be the Genr8 after party at Studio54. It was a joy to hang out again
with some old friends and many new ones. Thanks Anthony and Genr8
/ Vitargo for a great time
View from the VIP section at Studio54
Training
Yhea I'm still doing it. IT has been
a little hit and miss with all that's going on and some nagging
shoulder pains from the rotator cuff I tore that's healing up nicely
and picky little hamstring strain but Im making progress. Just trying
to mainly maintain my deadlift in that 700+lb range and bring up
the squat that's very poor in relation. Its working I've added about
40 lbs to it and am knocking on the door to a raw 600lb squat soon.
Just keep taking those steps and strike while the iron is hot.
Art
I'm not sure how many people know
this but I'm not pure meat head. I also have my masters degree in
oil painting from American University in Washington D.C.. http://www.philstevens.com
I was actually a regularly showing and active artist before I took
my position here at Staley Training Systems. That has slowed the
art to a crawl at the moment I've done a few pieces and been in
a few invite shows but hats about it. That's all good art will never
leave me and I'll get back to it when time allows. The break will
do me good I'm convinced.
Anyway why do I even bring it up.
I got a call yesterday. Apparently I left a few pieces of work at
the gallery I was a collective owner in. Well they put them out
for show and I sold a piece. Nice. Its never the sole intention
of the work for me to be sold but I'd rather see them get a nice
home and be appreciated rather then collecting dust somewhere.
So that's about it. Like I said aside
from the usual stuff. So what have you been up to?
Coach Phil Stevens is an accomplished
strength athlete with considerable experience in both powerlifting
and strongman competition. Phil is the 2007 APA World Champion
in the 242-pound class (total). He currently holds the APF
275-pound class raw National bench, squat, deadlift, and total
records. Phil’s marquis lift was his 700-pound raw deadlift,
performed on February 14, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Phil has been ranked in the “Top 10” in the deadlift Nationally across all powerlifting federations, also serves as the Arizona State Chair for the North American Highlander Association, as well as the founder of Lift For Hope, an annual strength-competition
with proceeds donated to Charity (www.Lift4Hope.org).
