I competed
in my first strongman competition Saturday July 20th, and it was
both a humbling, and fun experience. I've been training for powerlifting for
like 3-4 years now, and competing almost 2, so with that in mind, I usually
train to excel at one rep and strongman really tested my conditioning, and
muscular endurance. It was an amazing experience there was so much camaraderie
amongst the athletes, and the fans. Without Jeff Pearson, and Shawn Doyle in
particular I never would've done half as good as I did. They helped keep me
calm, and let me use their gear that I didn't have. All the other competitors
were quick with a pat on the back after each event. We all cheered on each
other regardless if they were our closest competition or not it was amazing to
watch complete strangers cheer me on like we had been friends for years. The
events were an 850 tire flip for about 25 yards, 275 axle clean and press for
reps in 60 seconds, Conan’s wheel that was around 500lbs, 600 deadlift for reps
in 60 seconds, and the atlas stones.
First event was the tire flip,
and it kicked my ass. After my right lat, and my biceps were twinging this made
me scared of a pull going into the axle which should have been one of my better
events based on my training. I set up, and got the command, and I kept
deadlifting into my belt rather than on it. I managed one rep, and the press
was way easy. After that I pretty much had no confidence going into the Conan’s
wheel. I went out and set up, and after the command I tried to pick it up, and
couldn't. I tried one more time, and got it up, but too low on my chest, so as
it ate up my arms, and was slipping down my arms gave out, and I only got a
quarter turn. Luckily the next event was the deadlift which is my best lift, so
I thought I could make up some points there. I warmed up, and went out, and pr’d
with 5 reps, and attempted a 6th, but no luck. Atlas stones were
next, and the final event. I had no idea how to pick up a heavy stone, or
anything about tacky, but the guys gave me some tacky to use, and I went out,
and loaded the 270, and 300lb stones like they were toys, and attempted the
330, but couldn't quite get it, and after two failed attempts I was ready to
call it quits, but Zack McCarley was my judge on the event, and he was in my
ear telling me to try again, so I tried again, and again, and again, but no
luck. Overall I finished in 6th out of 8, and the top 4 were already
qualified for nationals from other comps, so I felt better about my placing
after learning that.
The entire experience was
amazing, and I am more motivated than ever to get stronger now. John “Sarge”
Allen ran a great, fast paced show, and the judges Zack McCarley, and Breck
Gault were great judges. All the competitors are probably the biggest reason I
want to continue in this sport now. I want to be a part of the world of strongman.
If any other newer powerlifters are considering strongman my advice is, stop
considering, and do it. If anyone reading ever has any questions about
strongman, or powerlifting, or whatever just ask.
