Topic: Should I compete at 56kgs or 62kgs?

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

In the 56kgs class, I have no competition but myself and the American Record I wish to reclaim. In the 62kg class, I have competition I believe I can defeat.

Which class would you like to see me lift in (at the 2007 Americans or the 2008 Nationals)? I am leaning toward 62kg right now.

[Dave Almeida]

The question is how much does that record mean to you? If you really want that record then that is the way to go. If not, go to the 62's. More competition typically means you will train harder and want to win more.

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Dave,

Thanks. The American Record means more to me in the long run but there is no guarantee I can make it. I think its harder to do that then win the 62kgs by a significant margin. But, I have an itch to compete against some competition besides myself and there are some good lifters in the 62 class.

I'm torn.

[Shaun Le Conte]

I think people know that the record is yours, even if it no longer has your name on it. I didn't see lifters of old come out of the woodwork to challenge their records after they were reset in 1993

I'd say that 62 kg is a more natural bodyweight for someone your size, having met you once in Buffalo.

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Shaun,

I am very sorry to say I do not recall our meeting in Buffalo. I have such a terrible memory for such things. I would really like to meet you again. It is true that 62kg is more natural for me. The last nationals I competed in the 62kg class, I stayed up all night the night before I lifted with Wes Barnett, Harvey Newton, and Rich Lansky drinking beer and telling old stories to each other. It was awesome. I made weight with no problem. I was hung over but won pretty easily. This time I will not stay up all night as I expect much stiffer competition and I am older, but making weight is not the challenge at 62kgs. At 56kgs, its all or nothing. Either I set a new Record or I win against no one and win an almost meaningless victory, to me.

You'd be surprised about my records at 56kgs though. I coached the longtime national champ at 56, Shelton Gilyard, after I moved up, and he had no idea about my records until I told him. He had never heard of Albert Hood, the snatch record holder (112.5@56 as junior) either.

[Alan Peirce]

Compete and aim for what means the most to you

[Gary Deal]

CHRIS,   YOU ARE ASKING SO HEAR ARE MY THOUGHTS, SET THE RECORD, AND THEN MOVE UP. TO ME THE RECORD IS EVERY THING IT MEANS NEVER IN THE HISTORY OF 56 KG CLASS HAS ANY BODY DONE AS MUCH, TO ME THATS A AWESOME THOUGHT.    GARY

[Eric Vaillancourt]

If your able to make the weight with easy in the 56 and not feel weak, go fort it. Do your records, then move up in the 62 where you'll propably feel more confortable.