My First Fundraiser

Think I have found my new calling...!



I absolutely loved every stressful moment of Saturday. From the planning and preparation, the networking and sponsorship hunting, the whole experience was Fantastic!

I feel very proud and privileged to know so many thoughtful, generous and helpful people who all attributed to the success of the fundraiser.

I had over 20 prizes to give away on the raffle which sold over 500 tickets! I was very lucky to have so many great prizes donated from Local Businesses and owe a lot to those that contributed.







My biggest gratitude goes to those that helped me run things on the day;

My Beautiful Greeters

Georgie and Zuz for Meeting and Greeting,

 

No one can say no when kids are selling raffle tickets!

Mia and Ellie for expertly selling raffle tickets and encouraging people to bid on the Amazing Pants Cake,

Charlotte and Katie for busily selling all the brilliantly made cakes by several of my friends and family, Who managed to dodge any photo opportunity!!

My Family

 

 

My Mum and Dan for making sure everyone had their free teas and coffees! -
And for running to Sainsbury's at 12:50pm when I realised there was no milk for the hot drinks!!





Marie from Bombshell Hair and Beauty doing Vinylux nails for Charlotte

I also had Becki and Marie on site, promoting the new Fake Bake Beauty Products and Offering Small Pampering treatments respectively. Marie kindly spent the afternoon doing nails and massage for donations and I know plently of my girls who took full advantage of this!!

Fake Bake Beauty with Becki

Well Done to Adam Wilson who won the Pants Cake made by Robyn - and what a good sport he was, he split it with Ben of EBW - means us coaches have some to tuck into this week too :) I mean...just look at and not eat at all....

 

Just in case you haven't yet seen this Masterpiece!

My last thank you goes to Ethan, my brilliant little raffle ticket picker! He did a great job, quite the confident little lad!


Ethan Drawing the raffle tickets!

Lastly, my Fundraising total has just gone over £500, double what I expected to raise. I cannot express how grateful I am of everyone's generosity. I can't seem to stop saying Thank You. But that's it, that was my last one!

Anyway, everyone loves a photo, so here are just a few more from the day - so, oops, one more Thank You needed!! I'm lucky enough to have a very talented photographer as a friend, so Thank You To Maddie for taking such beautiful photos and capturing the fun of the afternoon!

And I thought I would run out of Cake..!

Ethan's beautiful Mummy and my Dear Friend Rachel

 

 

Waiting for the Raffle!

Two Elite Females, Zoe and Zuz,
 




Very popular Chocolate and Cream cake made by EBW Client Ros





My oldest friends, the girls from school & college , love that they came to support
 



Cupcakes courtesy of Georgie, Ali and Dru

My Favourite photo - Ethan finding out the cake looked like girly knickers, because that's what they were!
 

Looking forward to running more events in the future, it was great fun! Now to bank it all and get it over to Endometriosis UK!!

 

 

 

Franki  xx

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Elite Females

As you know, I run 2 Female only Body Composition classes a week - and the ladies have worked so hard, I felt they deserved a post all to themselves

So, who are we talking about here; Kat, Rachel, Georgie, Katrina, Zuz, Kerry, Ngoni, Robyn, Jo, Jenny, Zoe and Marie all but a couple were completely new to weight training and some hadn't even been in a gym before.

My ladies all range in age, circumstance, background and fitness levels, yet they all had one thing in common - and that was the want to train in an accommodating and friendly environment, preferably with others of the same mind set.

Over the last 12 weeks, they have seen some new faces and drop ins, hit some PBs and encouraged one another to do things they hadn't previously thought they could - things like flipping a tyre, doing an assisted chin up, and even being able to get through a finisher without needing to pause ;-)

So I just wanted to show a little gratitude to each lady, highlight an achievement of theirs and hopefully the encourage her to carry on, on her journey;

Kat - Completely new to this environment and style. On her 2nd session after 1 assisted attempt, she managed to flip a tyre unassisted twice - and the elation she felt was clear to see - proved so even more by the texts I received the following day!

Rachel - Had a little previous weight training experience and is a keen runner. Already a while into her journey and just looking at her transformation photos will show you how committed she is. Last week she managed several banded chin ups despite previously claiming she wouldn't be strong enough...! :)

Georgie - Never set foot in a gym until she started with me and initially lacked confidence due to this, fearing the other ladies would all be ''machines''. This quickly changed when she witnessed the strength she actually had and that I wasn't just being mean when I told her to up the weights. She has just signed up for the EBW 6 week Christmas Package, she's caught the bug!

Katrina - Previous experience from our PT sessions and hit a great Bench Press PB just before she went on holiday to New York, feeling fabulous I must add ;-) she is also an active member on the WOW Facebook group I admin and never short of motivation!

Zuz - Has trained with EBW for nearly two years and is one of my most experienced EFs. This doesn't mean she is ahead of the others, but what it creates is a second pair of eyes and ears to the session - she is never shy about correcting form (or upping her partners weights!) or sharing her training knowledge if I am helping one of the others.

Kerry - relatively new to weight training and PTs with Katie. Always extremely focussed and works very hard. We went through the Bar Routine workout a few weeks back and over 5 rounds she managed to slash her working time by over 1 minute! Extremely impressed by this!

Ngoni - New to EBW and only really ever used a DVD to work out from. Initially apprehensive about a group environment for the same reason as Georgie, but after training for just a few weeks, upped her training to 3 times a week and recently did a 52.5kg Trap Bar for reps without knowing the weight - she was thrilled!

Robyn - Also new to EBW and already pretty strong! Always works hard and isn't afraid to ask questions about technique and 'why' - which is a good thing - Keeps me on my toes too ;-) she knows how to challenge herself in a session and will always opt to push a bit more - amazing work ethic!

Jo - Has trained with us for a few years and also runs and plays hockey amongst other things! Despite a longstanding injury, she does not let this effect any of her disciplines and instead correctly adapts any session to her needs - even so, I still get the blame when she cant walk after a session ;-)

Jenny - One of our superstars! At only 17, Jenny was picked to train for the UK Skeleton Team, getting through to the penultimate stage of trials. Despite juggling college hours and work, a part time job and of course, race practice and competitions, she still manages to join us bright and early on Wednesdays.

Zoe - Our resident Deadlift Queen! She has trained with us for a few years and currently - and probably will forever - holds our Female U60kg Deadlift Record with a Huge 140kgs!! Again, not afraid to share her training knowledge with others and always works to capacity. Does swear a bit though ;)

Marie - Joined us in March and adapted to the training very quickly. Wandered into the world of competitive Strongwoman, but recently decided to refocus. Currently PTing with me and trying to instil her new found training wisdom on her other half! Very encouraging and not afraid to help others in a session.

The reason I have done this is because I feel they all deserve some recognition for their hard work respectively.

Training with us isn't just about how quickly you drop the pounds, how fast you can run or how much you can lift, it is about making the right choice for you and bettering yourself. Yes of course most of our goals are to look a certain way or to reach a certain weight, but where you start is just as important.

Equally, above I referenced the ladies' strength - and I mean this in both a physical and psychological sense. We aren't looking to recruit a gym full of Strongwomen, just to help you on your journey - and hey, if you do want to compete, who better to talk to?! ;-)

Back L-R: Kerry, Ngoni, Georgie, Rachel. Front L-R: Zuz, Kat Robyn. Katrina was in NYC!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But while I'm on the Elite Female subject, lets just give a little more recognition to a one other lovely lady.... 

 

 

Charlotte

 

She recently competed in her first figure-esque show, the International Fitness Championships at The Health and Fitness Expo in Manchester. This working mum of one is certainly an inspiration when it comes to overcoming everyday obstacles that get in the way of training and I wish her all the luck in the world for November 8th when she will be competing in her First Bikini Show! What's her secret you ask? She gets up early! ;-)

 

 

 



 

I hope you enjoyed todays post and the love I have shared for the ladies above! This post isn't at all subjective either, it is simply to highlight the achievements of those that train with me and the rest of the EBW Team and to hopefully dispel a few myths surrounding our training and ''requirements'' of our clients.

 

Franki  xx

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England Strongwoman Championship Final - September 2014

As you know, back in April I qualified for this comp - rather unexpectedly! In the run up, I was feeling a little nervous, especially as this would have only been my 3rd Strongwoman competition to date and I had no knowledge of the other ladies that had qualified in my category or their strength levels!

When the events were announced earlier this summer, I was really looking forward to the day - albeit some of the events were tasks / weights I had never attempted before - A Car Deadlift / Car Pull / 60kg Atlas Stone...enough to scare some people off!!

Sure enough, some events were changed and one even dropped altogether.....and here, as is tradition, is a run down of the day...with photos!!

Saturday morning I was feeling good - and not as nervous as I thought I would be, or have done for previous competitions, which was a great start!

Weighing in at 53.2kgs, I was the lightest competitor and the lowest weight I had been for a while (not intentionally I must add - although this did play on my mind for the day...but it could've been the scales!!) 

Following the athletes meeting, we gathered into our 3 categories - u63kg, u75kg and o75kg, ready to be introduced to the crowd. This was actually the most nerve racking part of the day - being called out one by one to be introduced to the spectators!

Intros done it was time to warm up and crack on with the first event...

Event 1 - Max Log Press - Opening weight 40kg

All u63's had to do a 40kg opening lift, with three nominated lifts after this. Originally my plan was
to start at 50kg, but a niggling shoulder injury led to the decision being 47.5kg..which I pressed with ease and felt confident to follow up with a 50kg. Again, this went up easily and I was ready to go for 52.5kg - which would've been a new PB for me!

I cleaned it to my chest easily, not even thinking about the weight, it felt good. I went for the dip and press, but it just wasn't there. I brought the log back to the tyre and caught my breath. James had advised that should I miss the first go, I rest until there was about 20 seconds left on the clock. That way, I didn't tire myself out trying over and over again, as we had seen previously that morning.

So I went for the 2nd attempt - and it went up a bit further..! But I couldn't fully press it and it came crashing back to my chest...I was gutted! I was so close!


Event 2 - Quadbike Deadlift - Frame with Side Handles.

The weight for this wasn't confirmed, but we worked it out to be about 150kg.... 70kg Bike + 20kg Frame + Katie (60kg)....

At the point at which I stepped on to the platform, I had 19 reps to beat. Prior to this, I had said that I would've been happy with 5 or 6 reps.....

I got strapped in, and off I went. The first few were really quick as it felt so much lighter than I thought it would! This came to my detriment though as I was disallowed a rep for being too quick... I reset myself as I had lost my footing, and carried on. And On and On! I total, I managed to lift the frame 24 times, but had two disallowed lifts, meaning my score was 22, leaving me 3rd in this event - which I was pleased with as 1st and 2nd place scored 26 and 24 respectively!

Watch the video here :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr8jsHc5Fvg&feature=youtu.be

I also managed to rip one of the calluses off of my right hand - which I didn't notice until James pointed out it was bleeding....! A quick trip to the on hand physio saw it patched and taped up, ready for the next event....

My poor hand!!!!
 

Event 3 - RAC Van Pull - 3.5 tonne

I was looking forward to this, its something that I hadn't ever done - apart from a car pull, so didn't really know what to expect. I had watched a few of the other ladies, noted which techniques worked and which didn't....and I had in my head exactly what I was going to do...

But somewhere between those thoughts and starting the event, my mind went blank.

I didn't start low enough and this was my major downfall. An event like this works best the lower
your body is to the floor...and I just didn't so it and I don't know why...

I managed to move it, only a short distance before I started to go dizzy and loose my breath - the harness was pressing so hard into my diaphragm I struggled for air - this coupled with the sense of failure I was feeling, I was ready to give up. I then heard Mum shout ''get ANGRY Franki!!'' to which I semi screamed / cried / roared at and pulled once more - but I wasn't going anywhere and the van started to roll back (it started on an incline...) I managed to stop it moving and heard ''time'' shouted...so I dropped the support rope. When I did so, people screamed at me for dropping the rope and that I wasn't finished - they hadn't heard the time be called, so I picked up at started pulling again....!!!! But it was over... and I was done....and managed to rope burn my left palm.....


Event 4 - Farmers Walk, 60kg each hand 15m x 2

Now if you have been following this blog, you will know what happened to me the last time I had a farmers walk in a comp (yes, THAT ankle photo...) so it's fair to say that I was nervous going into this one. Even worse given both my hands were shot, I wasn't too happy.... but I had told myself all I need to do, is to remember to Stand, Stabilise and Go - and not drop them! Glad to say, this is just what I did - no drops, no nearly broken ankle, not even a knock into one of my legs - and I was just pleased to finish uninjured. I managed the run in 20s, which is what I had aimed for, so pleased with that!




Final Event - 60kg Atlas Stone over Yoke

I knew this would be a tough one due to my height - I'm about 5ft 2" and the yoke height was just under my chest and the Atlas stone weighed more than me...this was going to be hard!

We all tackied up and prepared - if you have ever used tacky, you'll know just how annoying it is! For those of you that haven't, it is an adhesive gel like substance that is used for grip - applied to the arms / t shirt etc. to stop the stone from slipping. I was covered in the stuff!

James has set the target for 5 reps, but I wanted 8 to beat a previously set score. The event started and the stone felt light as I pulled it into my lap and hugged my arms around for the raise. it went over easily and thudded to the floor - and I was already in agony - the concrete and tacky had literally ripped the skin from my arms, so when getting in position again, it's all I could think of.

I got to the 5 and went for the 6th, but couldn't quite get it over and it fell into my chest and I gasped for breath. I reset and hauled it off the floor and over in what almost felt like 1 motion!! Time was called and I was finished - although disappointed with myself for not getting 8 - even though I could barely breath and my chest was burning.

Atlas Bruises the next morning...!

 

Overall, I came 7th of 12 and I was feeling good - the talent from all the competitors was amazing and it was great to see so many other women involved.

Well done to Gina and Jenny who came 2nd and 3rd respectively and to Becki for completing all the events despite having not trained due to illness and not pulling out!





U63kg ESWC Competitors



 

U75kg ESWC Competitors

O75kg ESWC Competitors

As always, thanks to everyone that came down to support - it really does mean so much to have you there rooting for me! Hopefully next year I can put on a better performance for you all!! Again, thank you to James for not only being such a great coach and always encouraging me to push on, but for also being my rock :)



Me and my Coach :)



My Family, Beth and Jen

Beautiful Zuz :)

And all those that cleverly avoided the camera! Jeanette, Hannah, Natasha, Keith, Howard and Chris!

7th Strongest in England!!!!

So...what's next?

I am going to rest! I wanted to take a break from competing until next year so I can do some different training, some more body composition stuff, change my diet up a bit....but now I have seen there is an U55kg competition id December, I am contemplating entering that!!

Alongside this, I have been doing lots more yoga and really enjoying it! I am currently taking part in an Instagram photo challenge of a different pose each day which is really fun and a great way to learn! Here is just a couple of my favourite poses so far....

I also need some recovery time... those stones have left me needing to wear long sleeves for nearly a week....not a great look when starting a new job!!!

People ask why I do so much, why I train as a Strongwoman - the answer is simply that I enjoy it and love what I do and the challenges it brings... I thrive off challenges! It helps me better myself and allows me to continue inspiring and motivating others!! Hence the Bruises and the Awkward attempts at Yoga poses ;-)

What's your view on challenges - do you see them as a negative nuisance, or make a positive out of said obstacle and flourish?


Anyway, as ever, I'll keep you informed with what I'm up to and what i decide to do next!

Until next time...!

Franki xx


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Doing My Bit For Charity

A few months back, I told you I was planning on doing a Charity Fundraiser....and I still plan to!

In fact, I have booked a date for it;  on November 22nd 2014, I will be holding Franki's Mad Pants Tea Party!

Who For? Endometriosis UK http://endometriosis-uk.org/

Why? I have suffered with this disease for over 4 years.

Endometriosis UK is a Charity that works with sufferers on the management of the disease, offering support and guidance, as well as campaigning for sufferers to receive better treatment and care - and hopefully, as with all causes like this, find a cure.

It is something that effects roughly 1.5 million Women in the UK alone and can be truly awful. There have been days were it has been a struggle for me to walk.

Or the pain comes on so suddenly it stops me in my tracks (can you imagine this happening to you whilst you're driving?! Scary to say the least!)

For some, it can be so debilitating, getting off the sofa is about as much movement as you'll get in a day.

It can even lead to Female Infertility due to the slow process in which diagnosis can take place. I was told several times my symptoms were ''Irritable Bowel Syndrome'' ''A Pulled Muscle'' and even, insultingly, ''It's All In Your Head'' ..... all the while, I was suffering with what turned out to be ''A Pretty Severe Case'' - a diagnosis I eventually got after seeking a third opinion from a walk in clinic who immediately referred me for scans....and so my Endo Journey began....

Unfortunately, like several other diseases, there is no known cure, only quick fixes which usually result in a trip to the hospital for surgery - and this has happened three times to me.

Luckily for me, although the pain I suffer can be at times unbearable, I am able to still carry on day to day life, and even train - I think I have only not trained a handful of times due to it... I don't let anything stop me...! ;-)

You already know how passionate I am about Health and Wellbeing, and I feel it is so important to support this from all angles. Raising awareness about Women's Health, for me, is as equally important as it is to raise awareness for Eating Disorders - Two areas that don't get enough recognition for the serious diseases it encompasses. When it does, it's usually a negative story - this should change. This is why I want to raise awareness and money for a cause that closely effects me.


So what's a Mad Pants Tea Party?!

Well, it's pretty much just that -  a Tea Party, except you wear a token - a pair of Pink Pants :-)

Venue is still to be confirmed, hoping to get this sorted next week - in the meantime, if anyone can recommend one, it would be most appreciated!

The theme for the Tea Party will be Pink Pants, but as long as something you wear is Pink, you'll fit right in :)

I plan on running a few little competitions such as;

 ''Guess the Weight of the Cake'' - Winner gets the cake,

A Cake ''Auction'' - a special Pink Pants Cake that will be sold to the highest bidder

Along with a Lucky Dip, Good Old Cake Sale and of course a Raffle with some great prizes to be won!

A £2 Entry fee will also be asked for, and you will get a free cup of Tea or Coffee on entry :)

I hope to raise a bit of cash for a great cause and would be most grateful if anyone else is willing to get involved, either by volunteering to bake some yummy cupcakes to sell, can donate any prizes for the raffle or to simply help me set up and tidy away on the day. Ooh and take plenty of photos!

I will be doing promotions for this through the Gym, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, so you have no excuses to forget the date ;-)

Oh, and the Event won't be exclusive to just the ladies, guys are most welcome too! But you HAVE TO wear pink pants ;-)


I hope that you are able to support me in this venture! Over the next year I am hoping to do a few more fundraisers for them....their next one is Tough Mudder - https://toughmudder.co.uk/   but I don't think I am quite up to it yet...!

Do you do any fundraising? If so, what inspired you to do so?

Franki xx


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I'm Back!

 

 

Wow, the Blog has been up for 1 whole year now, and is doing so much better than I ever thought it would be! Thanks to all those that continuously follow and support..it means a lot! xx

Back to business though, the holiday has been and gone. I had a beautiful week in Torrevieja, Alicante with James - Sun, Downtime, Great Food and More Sun :-)

Throughout the week, I wasn't too far away from work however. Not only did I bear the EBW colours almost everyday through some Bikini Variation, but we also found a great little gym to train at (obviously, I didn't think we could go a whole week without some sort of training!) and I kept a daily log of food / observations and even a newspaper clipping that I wanted to share with you all.

You went to a Commercial Gym?!

We did indeed! for 6 Euros a session, we couldn't pass it up. Although the cardio section dominated most of the space, the free weights had their own separate room, and it was pretty well equipped! It even included the typical ''you missed leg day'' guy who, both times we went, was there doing some sort of shoulder and arm workout in front of the mirror grunting ;-)

Although I was the only Female, it didn't feel half as intimidating as other Commercial Gyms I have trained in. That was until I did a 100kg Strapless Deadlift and weighted Chin Ups....that caused a few looks...! I was chuffed though - despite the heat and the sweat, that was the heaviest I have managed to lift without straps!

How did you eat? Were you 'good'?

A few people have asked me this question, and did so before I went, hence the reason I kept track.

In essence, yes we did eat well, but we weren't short of a few indulgences. This may sound odd, but we just didn't want to scoff unnecessary food and gorge on treats because we didn't need them.

Not to say there weren't Ice Creams, Desserts, Chips, Bread, even Pizza - and of course Cider, Amoretto and Whiskey, but all in moderation (or once in some cases!) and this was due to how I felt after consumption. Yes, I was on holiday, but didn't want to spend my week in pain or uncomfortable because of the food I had eaten - I have worked hard enough to get to where I am, why would I spoil it and nearly ruin my chill time?!

We Love Red Wine...!

On the first day we visited a supermarket to buy some supplies for the week -  our intention was to cook our own breakfasts each day and then eat out for the other meals. We purchased lots of fresh meat and veg, eggs, water, cheese and nuts - and this lasted us the week. We had Pork Chops fried with Almonds, Courgettes and Aubergines one morning, Salmon and Eggs another and a Spicy Chorizo and Aubergine omelette - so we did pretty well on the breakfast front- until the last day - we went out for Gourmet Ice Cream and Coffee..!

We ate at some amazing restaurants too, some of which were recommended by Sanjay and Ruby, who we rented our Villa from, (Thank You both so much!) some just by exploring and recommendations by locals.

CHE Argentinian Grill

One of our favourite places - an Argentinian Buffet Grill with a difference. Rather than queuing up, plate in hand, everything is brought round to your table - every few minutes, a server will come round with a variety of cooked meats, vegetables and side dishes, you simply say yes or no to what is being offered! Everything from Beef Steak to Herbed White Fish, Sizzling Chorizo Sausages and the Best Black Pudding I have ever had (Yes, Really!) and grilled Veg. Both times we went for dinner, we were both too full to even contemplate dessert! In fact I only had a dessert on the last day...

Panache

A short walk from where we staying, we went here on our first night. James opted for an Escargot starter - not that bad actually, just like garlic-y, chewy mussels! We then both shared a giant, fresh Seafood Paella - it was beautiful! You could taste the freshness of the King Prawns, Mussels and other Shellfish included - Amazing!



Mmmm....Snails!



 

Huge!!

















Chapter 1

Probably our Favourite of all the places we ate. Simply amazing food! This was a small Fine Dining establishment that James was told about on one of his Golf Days, and I'm glad we checked this place out!

First, we went for dinner, Opting to share starters of Baby Squid stuffed with Feta and Chorizo and White Chocolate and Scallop Arrencini, accompanied by Irish Soda Bread and Garlic Alioli. This was followed by the largest and most filling Fish dish I have ever had - Teriyaki Cod on Peanut and Coconut Rice - Heavenly!

Again, too full for a Dessert, but we said we would go back on our last day as they did Roast Dinner ;-)

Wow! The Best Roast Dinner from a restaurant EVER!! The Food was just so fresh and flavoursome, we were so impressed - the portions were generous and they had the creamiest, smoothest Mash! Delightful!

Even though I was full to burst, I had to have a dessert - I went for a Blueberry Cheesecake - Winner!!

Gorgeous Fish Dish

Cheesecake makes me Happy :)



 

 

 

 

 

So I mentioned James went to Golf? There are some truly beautiful courses across Spain, so I could hardly deny him an opportunity to play at one of the Top 100 Courses in Europe - Las Colinas. The Landscape and Views were incredible and he even got to play with a Pro....Meanwhile, I caught some much needed Sun :)

 

 

Beautiful Course

Pool to myself!

 

 

 

I just wanted to share some insights into our time away, reiterate the fact that we all need rest and time away from everyday stresses and that just because you are away from routine, it doesn't have to mean all your hard work and discipline should go to waste :)

 

 

 I had a lot of time to myself to reflect and observe everything around me. One of the biggest things I noticed was Body Confidence. This I will cover in a separate post next week as I have quite a lot to say about it...including an interesting article I read in a newspaper whilst away.

I hope everyone has had a lovely summer and still striving for better and well on your way to reaching your goals!

 







Franki xx

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