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....
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| U63kg ESWC Competitors |
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| U75kg ESWC Competitors |
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| 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 :)
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| Me and my Coach :) |
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| My Family, Beth and Jen |
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| Beautiful Zuz :) |
And all those that cleverly avoided the camera! Jeanette, Hannah, Natasha, Keith, Howard and Chris!
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| 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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