Strongman Competition-February 23, 2008

About 3 months ago Elliott Hulse, my strength coach and cousin, told me about a specific type of training he does at his facility in St. Petersburg during the week. He also told me that he does this same training every Saturday at a gentleman's house in Clearwater, using equipment in his front yard. This training is called strongman. Initially, I was concerned about being the only female participating amongst a bunch of guys, but my fears were put to rest when I met all of the men training and they took me in as one of their own. So commenced my strongman training, or rather strongwomen training. After that first saturday training, Tom Mitchell invited me back to train with him on Monday's and Wednesday, to which I was very grateful. You see, Tom Mitchell is a Nationally ranked strongman competitor (visit www.nastrongmaninc.com to learn more about him). Elliott has also placed first twice within the last year as a middle heavy weight. ( visit www.strengthcamp.com) So I was in good hands as I began my journey as a strongwomen competitor. For 3 months I trained 3 times a week, getting stronger and perfecting my technique with very heavy tractor tires and kegs. All the hard work paid off on February 23, 2008 when I took second place in my first strongman competition. I received a 2008 NAS Florida Strongman Championships plaque, but more importantly, my confidence has greatly increased along with my self-esteem. As you will see, I developed a small fan base as I pushed through events at my strongman competition.

Strongwoman refers to either a woman performing feats of strength in a show or a woman who competes in strength athletics.
1st EVENT
Watch as I flip a 360 lbs tire 11 times in 60 seconds......


In the 19th Century, the term strongman referred to an exhibitor of strength who displayed feats of strength such as bent press, not to be confused with bench press, supporting large amounts of weight held overhead at arm's length. Large amounts of wrist, hand, and tendon strength were required for these feats, as well as oblique strength.
2nd EVENT
115 lbs log press, only 4 reps in 60 seconds....not good. But I will improve for the next time......


In the 20th Century the term strongman changed to describe one who competes in strength athletics, in which competitors lift rocks, pull trains or refrigerators, walk while towing an 18 wheel truck. In recent years, sports-specific facilities have incorporated movements and objects associated with strongman competitions into their general training; tire flips, sled drag, object loading or carrying, log pressing, farmer's walk and so on.
3rd EVENT
150 lbs keg load, 5 lifts...not to shabby given I am lifting my own weight......


Training for strongman involves building overall strength in the gym, and training with competition implements to gain familiarity. You must train the entire body for strength, especially incorporating squats, deadlifts, and overhead press. Explosive power and cardiovascular conditioning are imperative. Grip strength must also be developed.
4th EVENT
The highlight of my competition...260lbs farmer deadlifts, 130lbs in each hand.....


Like any sport, it is necessary to train using the equipment one will use in the event. In the case of strongman, these include logs, tires, yokes, farmer walk implements, etc. Building strength in the gym is insufficient without experience with implements.
5th EVENT
I have struggled with this event, but I managed to pull to the finish line in 60 seconds.....


To all women: Do not underestimate yourselves. You can do this too!!! All you need is the right attitude, discipline, and a couple of good training coaches like I have. Good Luck!