THE GAMBLE

​Pacific Northwest's Strongest Man/Woman Recap
Yesterday I competed in my first sanctioned Strongman competition and as to be expected, it was HARD but also a great environment in which to compete and to learn. The months leading up to the competition were sprinkled with huge PRs and huge set backs. Nothing quite like a deadline to really light a fire in your training! Having a goal allowed me to dial in on my training and push my body harder than I might have otherwise and I saw some amazing results as I was able to reach new strengths.

There was also a huge wrench thrown in though. A month before competition my lower back went into spasms. For a day I couldn't walk without crumpling to the ground in pain. For a week, even picking up my kids was impossible. Talk about a downer! I didn’t want to count myself out yet though. I know that I had neglected working on some areas that really needed it, namely the hip flexors and it was causing a lot of stress on my low back. With movement and mobility drills I was able to relieve the pain in my back and get back to being able to lift again, but with only a couple weeks left I had to be smart about my programming leading up to competition day.

The nights before the event were a bit rough. I found myself waking up at 2 a.m. and unable to sleep as my mind went though the movements and anxieties of re-injuring my back and my shoulder. Those are two pains I would like to never experience again! On the day of, I woke up tired, achy and anxious. Not exactly how one would want to feel on competition day. After getting to the location for the competition, I was able to spend some time warming up, meeting people and pooping. Yes, pooping. My dinner from the night before hadn’t sat well and between that and my nerves, I was legit worried I’d poop myself during one of my lifts. Thankfully I maintained my dignity. Ha!

Event Recap

Event 1: Axle Clean and Press 150# for 60seconds.

I’ve never gotten 150# overhead before, but I gave it my best go. I was able to clean it pretty well and almost got it overhead, but ended up zeroing.

Lesson: Being the first event, I rushed in and made some technical errors that could have been avoided. Going into my next training cycle I will be focusing more on my overhead press and will be taking a break from bench in order to get in another OHP day into my week.

Event 2: Farmer’s Carry 160#/hand for distance in 60 seconds.

I was happy with how this event played out. The implements used were much more awkward than the ones I’ve used before and at the start I wobbled and waltzed a bit but after finding my groove, I got into a good pace despite dropping a couple of times. Near the end, my fingertips were working overtime!

Lesson: Continue developing grip and core strength.

Event 3: “Car” Deadlift 800ish pounds; 60sec cap

This is the other event I zeroed. I had a hard time finding my stance and was pretty fatigued from Farmers. My back was also a concern which got into my head.

Lesson: Build more pull strength. My deadlift is a relatively weak lift for me and is something I strive to advance.

Event 4: Arm over Arm Pull; 60sec. cap

This was my best event. My long levers worked to my advantage and the sled moved really well!

Lesson: Hone in technique for efficiency and speed.
 
Event 5: Atlas Stones. 140#, 160#, 188#, 200#, 220# 60sec cap

I was proud of this event as I was able to get both the 140# and 160# stones up!
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Lessons: Tacky is SOOOOO sticky! Technique is something I really want to work on. With my long limbs it made it hard to get a grip of the smaller stones. Once I get more efficient I’ll have time to get to the heavier stones.

Overall, I am proud that I competed in my first sanctioned Strongman event. I’m thankful for the lessons learned and for the opportunity I have to grow! I am more motivated and focused than ever. Women’s Middleweight Strongman is very competitive, but I know I have the potential and desire to get really good. I want to earn that trophy. I want to get stronger and to become more involved in the supportive and fun Strongman community! I’ll take the next few months to put into practice the lessons I have learned and hope to compete in at least 2 more events this year!

For those interested in Strongman training, I highly recommend it! It is fun, challenging and a great community to be a part of.