In high school when I was seriously involved with weightlifting for the sake of strength, I increased my bench weight from 205 to 300 lbs. in a matter of minutes to compete with another guy.
The following weeks I started lifting heavy, up to 280 lbs. on bench and 800 lbs. on squat. Then again, prior to the increase I was probably lifting far below my capacity due to being grouped with thin and lanky weightlifting partners.
Damn, I need to get my fat ass back into a gym. I miss that excitement!
Edit: Oh my god, I miss that excitement. I'm getting a membership as soon as I get back from this weekend's series of parties.