Caledonia man cheats Father Time by weight lifting

   Calling his Grand Avenue, Caledonia house where he trains, "the house of pain," 48-year old power lifter Mark Pullyblank is perhaps the strongest he’s ever been; both physically and mentally. Pullyblank took first place in September at a World Natural Power Lifting Federation competition, pressing 375 pounds and adding yet another trophy to his fireplace mantle. 
Pullyblank experienced a significant life change in 1988, self-imposed he adds, and found he had to find others ways of filling up his free time. A successful three-sport athlete in high school and a college football player, he decided to get involved with power lifting. He’s sold on the benefits of the sport such as improving specific muscle groups and how it helps to reduce stress and anxiety associated with everyday life. Pullyblank says he is "cheating Father Time," by staying physically fit. 

   "He has a harder time collecting his rent checks when you are physically fit. Your mind will remember the things you used to do, but the body doesn't always cooperate," he explains.

    He became more serious about lifting in 2004 and together with his friend and teammate, David "Soupy" Campbell, they started on a regular workout schedule using the weight equipment in Pullyblank’s home. In recent months, their work schedules have forced them to work out at separate times and locations but both are investing about six hours a week in training. 

   "It sure helps when you have a training partner with the same ideals. We talked about entering a contest and did so in February 2008. We both did fairly well and have been in a total of four thus far," he commented.

   The men compete under two sanctioning bodies, The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and the World Natural Powerlifting Federation (WNPF). Pullyblank competes in the 45 to 49 year old, 275-pound class and Campbell competes in the 50 to 55 age, 198-pound class. They are adamant about competing naturally, no enhancements. Pullyblank follows a healthy diet and is careful to allow rest periods between workouts. He is in tuned with his body and responds accordingly with his training. 

   "Attitude is very important. If you believe you’re successful, you will be. You get nervous at competitions but you have to rely on past experiences of other athletic competitions," the first place power lifter said. 

   Admitting to a serious competitive spirit that comes naturally, Pullyblank has no plans to stop weight lifting any time soon. And if competing, his philosophy is to aim for first place.
"If you’re keeping score, the idea is to win," he answered when asked about his weight lifting goals.

  While weight lifting is an individual sport, Pullyblank says there is great deal of camaraderie between the athletes that keeps each other motivated and continuing in the sport. It helps, but there has to be more when you’re lying on the bench with the judges watching your every move as you stretch out your arms to reach for the weight bar.

   "It’s the satisfaction of achieving your personal goals, that at the competition you peaked at exactly the right time."