Showing posts with label Competition Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Competition Day. Show all posts

Tuesday, 18 August 2015

Another Week, Another Change....

As some of you may know, this week, I went back to work Full Time….

And guess what I’m doing? I’ll give you a hint, it’s something I love to do and something i’m pretty good at (or at least I like to think so)!

And it’s got nothing to do with the gym

Or Cooking….

Give up?!

I am now an Online Content Writer - yes, I get to Blog / write / review for a living! How amazing is that!

And that’s mainly down to this humble Blog and the feedback I have had from my lovely readers, so thanks to you all too!

However, I had forgotten how tough working an 8 hour day was…especially when I factor in all the things I do around the gym - cover sessions, train myself, eat, sleep (when it is appropriate too!) plus my 40 minute drive to the office….where has my day gone?! It’s only week one!

What am I going to do?

Make changes, and quickly!

So instead of a 7am session, (or the odd 10am when I was on lates!) I will be in from 6am… all my food and clothes for that day will have already been prepared and waiting for me and I will need to be more on the ball when it comes to day to day tasks. I am also lucky in that there is a gym at work too so I can make use of that too - which will be great for my competition prep!


I have found that I struggled with the amount that I ate - being away from home for pretty much 13 hours each day is going to take some getting used to! Breakfasts have had to be pretty early and so I am finding I need to eat again around 10 - then lunch at 1, something maybe in the car home and then dinner once I'm in - but that doesn't seem to be enough! I'm sure I will get used to it  -  all about adapting to change and making sure I have a Protein Shake handy!

However, I am determined to make this work as I am very excited about this New Start - Go Me! :)


Anyway, back to the point of this Blog - 



IFC Training Camp

This weekend I was lucky to attend The IFC Training Camp in preparation of the competition in November. It was a chance to meet some of the other athletes that will be competing, run through the events and rules of the day and to go through some posing - We will have to do one ''body building'' pose, but the rest will all be fairly natural, just about knowing how to present yourself  - but that alone is daunting!

Last Years' Champ Gauri (third right) with some of this years Contenders!


I was really nervous about going - I didn't know what to expect and to what standard everyone else would be - I even dragged James with me on the 730am train for moral support!

I needn't have worried though - the guys and girls that were there were all great - it was a relaxed atmosphere and ranged from novice competitors through to Fitness Models. 

It was really interesting to learn about everyones' else backgrounds and reasons for competing in The IFC - I get the impression that the ''Family'' feel that there I have found in Strongwoman comps will ring true here too - it has been created in the hope that it will empower women; and I certainly felt empowered walking away, slightly shaky, on Saturday afternoon!

The end of the afternoon was rather fun - we got to do some filming for the next ''Girls of the IFC'' Promo video! I should be making an appearance in the promo - especially after doing, like, 20 Barbell 60kg Squats...without a rack....! Oh, and a Weighted Dip with a 20kg Chain round my shoulders...!


Check out Charlotte in the one from last year here!


The new one should be out soon, so keep an eye out for it!

Ooh, also - tickets for spectators are now available and are £20 - I would be extremely grateful of any support on the day! It's going to be a tough one!

Buy tickets here;

A little bit of an update

Despite the changes these last 2 weeks, I’m still going strong - I’m still sticking this out - and seeing results, slowly but surely

I Obviously had to buy this after a positive Instagram response!!



Firstly, body fat is back down to 11.7% - I WILL be 10% come November! My weight is also stable for the moment, I am still currently sticking to the 1400 calories to maintain this however, and will keep this up until my next Biosig or end of August, depending on how I am doing...



Nice to see my back leaning out nicely!


Anyway, enough from me for today, I will be back next time with info on the type of training I'm now doing, including some programmes and ideas to try at home!

I'll part with this shot, from the EBW Hawaiian BBQ...yes, that's me and Mia...yes, Mia won! 

I was the only person who matched her in height! 



Franki xx

Facebook: Franki Napolitano
Twitter: @fnapolitano2
Instagram: FrankiNapolitano 


Thursday, 25 September 2014

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


Facebook: Franki Napolitano
Twitter: @fnapolitano2
Instagram: FrankiNapolitano

Tuesday, 12 August 2014

BNSF Britain's Natural Strongest Woman 2014

Another Comp, another write up, so here we go...



My Good Luck Omens
After a lovely day winding down on Saturday with Georgie, waking up Sunday morning at 6am felt easy. Minted Lamb and black coffee down, I was nervous. Food and bag ready to go, I started having doubts again, and was shaking with nerves but James reassured me that being nervous was a good thing and to not think about it until we got there...so I tried!



Upon arriving at The Centre for Functional Performance in Watford, I was greeted by the ever smiling familiar faces of the other Strong Ladies, including fellow EBW Coach Sara who had got down early to weigh in and eat! She had done a huge weight cut for this comp and luckily for her, she made weight...although it meant I was now also competing against her too! Once Morgan had arrived and we were all kitted up, it was time for an obligatory EBW Photo.....



I weighed in over 10kgs below the category weight which made me the lightest competitor...! At this point, we all received a goody bag containing our comp T-Shirts and a shaker, complete with protein (which was yummy!)




With 10am fast approaching, it was time to start warming up for the first event. It's fair to say that warm up didn't go well at all and I was in a bad frame of mind. Feeling very emotional, I avoided talking to people....and then I was told I would be second to go. So I started panicking...

Event 1 - Overhead Medley; 30kg Block x 1 into 35kg Log x 2 into 40kg Axle as many reps as possible  - 75 secs

Simple, press 30kg above your head. Easy. I've pressed more than 50kg above my head. But for some reason, I just couldn't get that block to go up.

In the warm up I attempted it and dropped it on my left knee as I placed it down, so all I could feel was that throbbing pain. That coupled with me battling to keep from crying mid - event, I just lost it. I attempted three times, each time swearing rather badly (sorry!) and then dropped the block on my left foot. I just wanted to give up. 4th attempt and with massive encouragement from the crowd, it finally went over my head!

After what felt like an AGE!!!


Straight into the log, 2 reps easily, I was pleased, but knew I was struggling for time to get any axle presses in. Still fighting back tears and trying to ignore the pain in my knee and foot, I took hold of the axle, attempted a clean but dropped, I had nothing in me. Then time was called and I stormed off and sat in the corner. What an awful performance. I was gutted.

Points: 1
Event Position: 7th










Event 2 - Max 18" Axle Deadlift

I felt good about this event, one that I had put a lot of work into in my training sessions so felt I needed to make up for my poor performance in the overhead.

All competitors had to do an opening 115kg lift and then nominate their 3 remaining attempts. We were told previously that the biggest lift would earn a new BNSF British Record, so I was pretty excited!

Having warmed up to 140kg, 115kg felt effortless so I opted for my first lift to be 160kg. Warmed up again and did 160kg, so changed my first lift to 170kg.


My Record Winning Lift!!
My first two lifts were 170kg and 190kg - both felt really good, no back pain, no fatigue...so I went for what I had originally aimed for; 200kg - and I was the only u65kg competitor to attempt it.

Stepping up to the bar for the final lift, everyone was cheering. Adam, the host, reiterated the fact that this lift would be nearly 4 x my own bodyweight, and hearing that was enough. 200kg went up, just like that, no jerking, kicking, screaming, I was amazed! And I had just earned myself a record!! This certainly made up for my overhead performance! I was firmly on a high!

Watch the video here: http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=TGaSg116Ams

Points: 7
Position: 1st








Event 3 - Farmers Hold, 60kg Each Hand.

It was too wet to do a Farmers Run (which I was secretly glad of because of my ankle and falling over abilities) so instead we did a max hold. I was last up and the longest held before me was an incredible 1 min 57 secs - so all I had to do was hold to 2mins...

Once they were up, I shut my eyes; I didn't want to look at anything to be distracted, I just needed to focus, which I did. I had asked James to shout out how long I'd held for, but I couldn't hear anything.

All of a sudden, I opened my eyes, and I don't even remember why. I looked across at Nina who was also in the hold for her category (and who also set a record with a 230kg Deadlift!) And saw the strain in her face. I started to wobble and did all I could to keep my shoulders from moving. At this point I think it was Katie and Ben I could hear shouting ''STABILISE!!!'' but I just couldn't and mine came crashing down just after Nina, with a 1 min 6 sec hold....rubbish!!
Trying to hold on....

Points: 2
Event Position: 6th










Event 4 - 80kg Big Wheel Squats

I had been squatting a lot in the run up, but hadn't really tested my 1 RM for a long time - so I went into this knowing my previous 1 Rep Max was only 85kg...

Warm up went well, although the heavier I went, the less I could control my Bambi Knees! But I Felt good and ready to get this out the way! James and I hadn't even spoken about what to aim for, so I didn't have a target...

Racking out, it felt so light, I felt positive and ready to go. 1st rep - I bang into the bar behind me and put myself off, even hearing a few ''oohs'' and ''ouches'' from the crowd - but I get up. And I keep going. I really don't know how, but I ended up with 11 reps, failing at the bottom on the 12th...going over to the #teamEBW crowd, James is beaming saying I'd done him proud, thinking I'd only manage 5 reps - I was buzzing and so ready for the next event! Although this was slightly dampened by Jenny and Becki getting 18 reps....but who cares, I was happy!!

Points: 3
Event Place: 5th









Event 5 - Carrying Medley - 30kg Block into 40kg sandbag into 59kg Circus Dumbbell into 70kg Duck Walk.

Ok, the end was in sight. I was tired and happy, but just wanted to get it all over with. Had a quick practice with picking up the dumbbell as this was the trickiest object to pick up.... and I felt ready.

I had to beat 34 secs so in my head, that was 15seconds max on each item....

Even though the block and I had made enemies earlier that day, it went up easy and felt light. Into the sandbag, and as this was tightly packed and could stand upright, I opted for a squat and hug pick up, again, feeling easy. The dumbbell was tricky - I had to pick up low, pull into my lap and get my arms under it as quickly as possible, and think I missed a bit of time here as I wasn't overly confident with it....but I got it to the end of the track and straight into the duck walk. It certainly didn't feel like 70kg and I honestly think that's the quickest I have ever moved with a duck walk. I managed 30 secs in total, which I was more than happy with. I was just glad it was over!

Points: 5
Event Place: 3rd















Overall Points: 18
 
Competition Place: 5th

Then came the trophy presentations; Claire and Jen from the Over Category both winning special awards, for Best Calves and Best Entertainment respectively.
Claire and her Calves!
Jen with her Viking Power!

Then Nina and I were presented with our Trophies for our Deadlift Records...queue another shy walk from me up to collect my trophy from Adam and have some pictures taken!

Nina collecting her well deserved trophy!


Frankie - Winner of the Overs!

Jenny - Winner of the Unders!

I placed 5th overall and was happy with that! Sara however placed an amazing 2nd considering her gruelling weight cut and self doubt - Well Done!!


EBW Have a pretty good line up of Coaches!!
And of course Morgan who also placed 5th in her category. She did exceptionally well despite also being the lightest in the overs, up against some truly strong women. Very proud of my training partner!


Morgan about to start her 100kg Squats!



#teamEBW !




 Once again, I would like to Thank all of those who wished the three of us success, it is a massive help! Especially to those who came all the way to watch us...we really did appreciate it!

And once again, a Huge Thank You to this chap, who as ever the professional, managed the diva strops, tears, swearing and foul language of three ladies perfectly :-)

 
 
 
 
Lastly, a huge Congrats to Jenny, Sara and Nadia on placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively, truly amazing, all three of you!
 
 
It was a pleasure to meet a new group of ladies, and I am sure we will be all seeing a lot more of each other in the future
 
 
 
BNSF Britain's Natural Strongest Woman 2014 Competitors!

Oh yea, and me and my new Trophy of course :)
 
 
 
 
 
 
No rest for the wicked though, after a day off yesterday, I was back in this morning for a squat session to re test my 1RM - I managed 91kg, which was pretty good considering the weekend..! I am aiming for 100kg by October...if not sooner!
 
 
 
Franki xx

Facebook: Franki Napolitano
Twitter: @fnapolitano2
Instagram: FrankiNapolitano
 
 
 

 




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 


Monday, 21 April 2014

England's Strongwoman Championship Southern Qualifier 2014


Well, yesterday was the day I have been waiting for over the last 3 months! And what a day it was. As promised, here is a write up of how it went....

Of course, being me, my bag was packed and ready on Saturday night, and food and water were ready to go. A few sausages, nuts and black coffee down, I was set.

On the drive down to WHS, I of course had my playlist on full volume! I had decided to ignore my phone too, as well wishes I had received the previous night had started to make me jittery, so I didn't want it to happen again just before competing! That was the first PB of the day, not looking at my messages / Facebook / Twitter for nearly 7 hours.... SAD?!

Anyway, once at the gym, I was a nervous wreck. Tried really hard not to show it as the other competitors that were already there all seemed to know one another and so I didn't want to stand out even more! I needn't have worried though, all the competitors from the 3 weight categories were all really friendly and supportive - a much needed boost!

Soon enough, the room started to fill up with spectators -and to my surprise, quite a lot of them were for little old me! It was time for us to pick out our starting positions (numbers from a hat) and were told that there would be 6 competing, not 7 as originally thought. Luckily for me, I pulled 6 - last up, meaning I could see what the other ladies managed and what I needed to beat...

Event One - 35kg Log Press, FTOH reps in 1 minute

I like this event and feel it is one of my best. I guess this is helped by my experience with Olympic Lifting as it is quite reminiscent of a Clean and Jerk. Originally I had aimed for 10 reps, but it just felt so comfortable and quick, I kept going, time being called just before I could finish rep 13. Amazing result for me, and meant I drew 2nd Place...

Result - 12 reps, Joint 2nd Place













                                                                                 Event Two - WSM Squat, 70kg for reps in a minute

I have really been working on my squat and felt confident with this one too. Again, I had aimed for 10 but after seeing the competition from the others, James upped this aim to 16-18reps! Seemed like a big jump, but stepping into the rack, I knew I had it there. As I un-racked, the bar felt so light - perhaps that was the pre-workout saying that! - and the first 3 reps felt effortless. I think I then got a little over confident and did the next few a bit too quickly, resulting in taking a moment to pause and catch my breath, which really did cost me another rep. I managed 17 in total, but 1 was disallowed as the bar didn't touch both pins...still smashed my original goal though!

Result - 16 Reps, 4th Place

Event 3 - Arm over Arm Pull and Drag, 50kg - Timed


I was unsure how I would do in this event, I have always felt pretty weak on the pulling events. Luckily, this was really quite light and so it was more about being quick. I recall leaning as far forward as I could, stretched down the rope, heels dug into the tyre, when I heard someone say ''Ooh, I could only dream of getting into that position!'' and it made me chuckle, but I didn't loose focus, I used it as incentive, and once I started pulling the rope, I just didn't stop. Maybe I was a bit too quick as I lost my handing 3 times when pulling in, but I made up for the time with the drag back - no mistakes on the switch round and just kept my feet moving, despite my quads screaming at me to stop. And as always, I collapsed in a classy pile at the end :)

Result - 33.71 Seconds - 2nd Place






                                                              Event 4 - Farmers Walk - Timed

Ah yes, those lovely hunks of metal! The warm up was fine, and felt good about going into this second to last due to my placing in the previous event. I barely watched the other ladies this time, I just needed to keep my head in it. I had practiced this and managed it in 15seconds, so this was my aim.... But I knew as soon as I had picked them up that something would go wrong. I stupidly tried to move whilst picking them up, not my usual, Stand, Stabilise, Go technique. This put me off balance and I wobbled my way up the first 15m....I was nearing the cone and all of a sudden lost my footing and completely rolled my right ankle. Luckily, my left side took most of the weight, so the damage that could've been done was limited, but it still shook me. I picked them back up though, got through the cone and then all the way back. But I was kicking myself every step. It didn't help that it hurt like hell and I was holding back tears. The encouragement from the other competitors and the spectators was incredible though, that was a massive help!
The Ankle Roll...OUCH!!!
                                                               Result - 24.26 seconds, 5th Place


















Event 5 - Loading Medley, 40kg Sandbag and Keg, 50kg Sandbag and Keg

Ankle throbbing, I tried my best to prepare for this. I knew if anything would give me a shot at a good time, it would be my sprints between the platform and objects, but knew that I would get the speed now I'd done my ankle. But I surprised myself; the 40kg sandbag and keg, and then the 50kg sandbag went up with speed and ease and I was feeling great! Then came the turn of the 50kg keg, which I had only ever attempted once, and only just got it onto the platform from a standstill, let alone a run carrying it! I knocked it, picked it up and started moving...but of course, dropped it! Got it back up to my thighs as this was all I could manage, again, quads, calves and ankle were all going crazy at me, and it felt more like I had 100kg in my arms....







But I managed what seemed like a painstakingly slow walk to the platform, and with one last burst of effort, managed to clean it up and took my hands away...then I think I collapsed onto a bench, with James quickly at my side...














The next 15 minutes were a blur as the other categories finished their event, I think I was wondering around talking to people?! Cant recall much other than Kat offering me some Lindor Mini Eggs! and I only ate one?! What was that about?!

Then it was the announcements of overall placing - and who would qualify for a place in the Finals of England's Strongwoman Championships. We weren't sure if I had placed 3rd or 4th at this point, and so when 4th place was called, and it WASN'T my name, my mum, bless her, was already cheering. Stepping up to greet Aaron to accept my 3rd Place trophy was exhilarating, the applause was immense, I was so happy! Gina (1st), Jenny (2nd) and I posed for photos for what seemed an age!

1st 2nd and 3rd with trophies!


Once all the trophies had been awarded, all the ladies gathered for a group shot.

All the ESWC Competitors!!


What a day!! I am certainly looking forward to the Finals now! Date is TBC....

Maxine, Polly, Becki, Jenny and Gina, all competitors in the U63kg category, are all fantastic ladies and great athletes. It was a pleasure to meet all of you, and I look forward to seeing you for some training sessions soon!

Thank you also to Aaron and Tom for organising and running the event yesterday, I really enjoyed it!

Just to end, thank you again to all those that came to support, especially to my family, training partners Zuz and Charlotte (and Mia!) and of course, James, my coach and inspiration to constantly improve and challenge myself. Thank You for always believing in me.

 
 
Annoyingly, I am experiencing some technical difficulties when trying to publish the video montage of events, so I will post this separately soon!


You'll be pleased to know that I demolished an Easter egg, three double amoretto's and a glass of red to celebrate! Back to clean eating tomorrow though...my bulking phase is over ;-)

Franki x