A Hebridean Diary

The move to The Hebrides is now compete after five hectic days of travelling, competing, travelling, packing and loading, more travelling, and unpacking. My competition at the weekend did not give me the numbers I wanted, but on the basis of 2011 competitions I start this log as Scotland’s top competitive bench presser across all weight classes. No doubt there are Scots who can do more in the gym, but they choose not to come out to play in organised comps, so until they do...

Moving back to The Hebrides has been a dream of mine for many years, but it’s only recently that I’ve finally been in the position to make the move. Today, before working out, I walked the dogs along a deserted small beach near the house, then took them on a walk round the inner harbour walls and through the woods of the Castle Grounds.

I hope to start up a powerlifting club soon, and maybe one of the local lads will take my Scotland’s Best Bencher title before long.

I benched alone today, so erred on the side of caution with my numbers.

Bar for 20
60 for 8 x 2 sets
80 for 5 x 2 sets
100 for 3 x 2 sets
120 for 3
140 for 3 x 5 sets
130 for 5
120 for 7.

Everything nice and easy except the 120, surprisingly. The 7th was a bit of a struggle (after an easy 6th) and it wasn’t worth the risk to get the 8th. Need to get cracking with equipped work asap...

Good news your all settled

I suppose I'll need to put up and do a bench only comp with you.

Big move! Hope you're settled in well. I bet you'll love it on the islands!

I don't think you have been reading all the Scottish results Martin

Anyways, welcome back to Scotland and good luck with your training.

Sounds like heaven

That would be cool...

Loving it already mate.

Only the ones that matter And thanks

Nice to hear that things are going well for you

If it was drier and midgie free it would be... but it's a close second

Cheers Wayne. When are you coming up for a bench session?

Ha ha! I live too far away

Marc Keys is the top bencher in Soctland ... 190 kgs @ 105 at GBPF British Unequipped (he's Irish by birth but classed as a Scottish lifter since he has lived here a long time and qualifies through Scottish comps).

Joe Coogan has done 170 kgs @ 98 BW in comp recently and is masters 2 (BDFPA).

I'm not trying to detract from your lifting as you are obviously a good bencher and you seem to be a good guy who is trying to do good for the sport, but claiming to be Scotland's top competitive bencher is a bit off the mark lol.

Lol, let's nip this in the bud, that was tongue in cheek, read first post again. Never knew Marc Keys was Scottish, not heard of Joe Coogan, never run into him when I've done BDFPA over last five years, 170 in the 100s is very impressive, especially if unequipped? The best Scottish lifter is probably Mike Pemberton from Marc Giles stable in Horncastle, but he didn't make the comp so I'm claiming bragging rights

Yeah Joe's lift was unequipped. Sounds like you should try some Scottish BDFPA comps if bench press is your thing, their bench only division is probably the most competitive overall, you obviously have Joe lifting there plus recently a guy did 162.5 kgs at 80 BW. I've never competed with them myself but know one of the guys who runs it and he seems to be a good guy.