As this year comes to a close, I can’t but feel a little bittersweet. The beginning of this year was huge for GWPL. We launched our website, we began selling gear- the very first Peach Gang shirts went out the door and I got a real glimpse at how amazing all of you really are and how much support we really had. Because of that support, I was able to start doing this full time, which is something I will be forever grateful for.
Some more highlights were traveling to California for Boss of Bosses 3 and meeting some of you amazing ladies in person. Going to Atlanta for USAPL Raw Nationals, where we witnessed history being made for 4 days straight and experienced moments that I will never forget. I competed for the first time in March and then again in November and added 60lbs to my total!
This year has truly been one of the best of my life. I learned so much about myself, about the true graciousness of humankind and what it really means to be strong. You've all taught me that it’s not about how much ya bench… or squat or deadlift, it’s about how much passion you put into powerlifting and this thing we call life. You have all given me so much to be grateful for and I can only hope that GWPL has been able to touch your lives as well.
2016 may be coming to an end but 2017 is already filling up. I’m looking forward to, and I hope you are too, the first ever Camp Uplift in Chicago (announcement coming soon...like next week soon). We are already in the books to sponsor meets and be at events and much more! Also, some of you already know, but I would like to formally announce, that, barring any injury, I will be competing in this year’s Women’s Pro/Am in Ohio in April so I’ll be lifting my butt off and working towards some of my own goals.
As always, THANK YOU all so much for all your support and love. Some of you have become life long friends but I look forward to seeing all of you progress in powerlifting and life. Have safe and happy celebrations and we’ll see you in 2017!! #UpliftAndLiftHeavy
**Comment below with some of your favorite moments of 2016 and what your goals are for 2017**
Thank you for a great 2016! I competed for the very first time a couple of months ago and loved it. I agree about isn’t not about the total weight you lift but the hardwork and passion for powerlifting. Cheers to a great 2017.
Thank you so much Ivy for what you’ve done here. I am so inspired by your blog posts, and the YouTube videos. I feel like I belong with the GWPL community, I love everything about this community of strong, beautiful and uplifting women. I can’t say enough, but in essence, thank you for giving me the confidence and community I longed for. <3 <3 <3 xxoo
My best 2016 moment was at Oregon Feats of Strength, where I carried a 360 lb yoke on my back – 50 feet down, set it down, turn around & go 50 feet back…in less than 60 seconds. I can’t believe I actually did it!! It was the only event that I completed that day, but I felt like I won. 3 years ago, I’d only been able to move that thing about 4 feet, so it was a huge change.
The rest of the year, not so great, so let’s just hold onto that highlight & move on to better things! I really appreciate the GWPL Facebook page – it’s so great to have all these role models out there! I love knowing that I’m not the only girl who wants to be strong!
I started training again after a 10 year absence from lifting in a December 2015. I found GWPL on instagram and it has been such a wonderfully supportive community. I have found such joy and peace in lifting and being a part of this sport. I competed for the first time in 10 years in December and I got 2nd place. Definitely a highlight after so many months of work! My family and I moved this summer, and I got a new job after being in the last place for four very good years. My babies are growing up and we’re just doing life. So many blessings! Can’t wait to hear about Chicago and to compete again in June! Stay strong, sisters! And thank you Ivy for making this site and social media channels exist. Truly inspirational!
Honestly, I don’t think I would be this big into powerlifting had this Instagram and Facebook page not been started. I’ve been lifting for about two years, but really started enjoying powerlifting the last year after my back injury. The videos and pictures are inspiring and empowering and has helped me to be confident in myself and my strength. I feel like a badass repping your clothing! Thank you for any support you’ve given me and all the other strong beautiful women!!❤️❤️
Thank you for your fantastic FB page, instrgram blogs and articles. You have inspired me and I feel part of an international family of femail power lifters. I’m very new to this sport, my challenge for 2017 is to compeat for the first time. Here is to a fantastic 2017! #upliftandliftheavy