Strongman Competition

I survived! I made it through the Novice Strongman Competition at the Training Grounds gym in St Malo. It's been over six years since my last powerlifting competition. I gotta tell ya my nerves were going crazy. It's the next day and I feel pretty good. A little stiff and sore in places but generally all right. Here's how the day went down.

We got there at about 1000hrs. It was good to be early as the place ended up packed. There were 8 women and 22 men competitors. 1100hrs was start time after a short athletes briefing. The list of events went; Log Press, Frame Deadlift, Yoke Carry, Keg Medley. 

Log Press

I was pleased with this first event. The presses felt very controlled. My form felt good. I was limited by my poor cardiovascular fitness. 8 reps was my goal and I achieved that.

Frame Deadlifts 

This was my strength. When I finished I was tied for first place with 16 reps. Again, if my cardio was better I could have cranked out another one or two reps. Still, 16 reps was my goal.

Yoke Carry 

Absolutely pitiful. This event I couldn't really train for in the garage. I had no idea what to expect. This was way tougher than I expected. I believe I finished second last. I couldn't even finish on length of the two required to complete the course. 

Keg Medley 

I did a fair bit of training with my 150lbs keg in the garage. However, the event director didn't post whether it would be three or four kegs and how much they would weigh. The Keg weights turned out to be 115, 155, 200, 210lbs. Leading up to the event the first two didn't bother me. The last two scared the crap out of me. These two kegs sat in the back of my mind during the entire day. As expected the first two kegs went over the bar alright. I'm proud that the 200lbs Keg also went. By this time I was totally gassed and I only managed to carry the 210lbs Keg to the bar before time ran out.

All in all the day went well. I came away knowing what I learned and what needs more work. "IF" I compete again I'll know where to focus. The event was extremely well organized and the volunteers were amazing. I've signed up for "Deadlifts for Dreams" 16 September. It will also be hosted by the Training Grounds gym in St Malo. I'm looking forward to it.

I'm not sure if I want to commit myself to strongman the same as I did with powerlifting. I was more or less addicted to powerlifting and it became unhealthy towards the end. Strongman is amazing. The people are wonderful. It will be difficult to not to dive into the deep end when all I really want and need is to take it slow and casual. Strongman is a great way to stay strong and healthy as I get older (I'm 50 ya know) as long as I don't let my personal competitive nature take over. To explain, it becomes unhealthy to challenge myself too much. Because I'm aware I  think strongman is going to become a fun ride.

Snowdaddy