Every Story has a Beginning

My clean and jerk at 155lb

My snatch at 115lb

This one is no different.  As opposed to bore you with my life story as to how I got into lifting, I think I would like to provide that is bits and pieces for you to collect along the way of the journey.  What I do want to offer however are the reasons I have initiated this blog.  First, I am hoping this blog will allow me to better connect with the Olympic Weight lifting community.  I am looking for good critiques and feedback as well as good fellowship.  The other reason is part due to my aunt.  I recently had a graduation party where one of the party games was what does Russ like.  One question that came up was what sport does Russ like to participate in.  As a sidebar, another point that came up was Russ likes to use big words.  (I just finished my Ph.D. and you would think they would give me a pass. No Way).  So anyhow, when asked to confirm if I liked weight lifting, I qualified it by saying Olympic Weight Lifting.  My aunt stated, the defense rests.  What the hell is Olympic Weightlifting she asked.  Rather than be the but of the joke any further, I decided to create a blog about it as well as show my progress.  So for now, I will post some photos and also some videos to come.  

At present these are my stats.
Age:  I am timeless
Weight: 188
Height: 5'8

Best lifts:  Dead-lift 415lb
                Back-Squat 335
                Front Squat 205
                Push Press 175
                Snatch       115

Back-squat at 295
Form REALLY needs
work

                Clean/Jerk 190