2 contests a week apart?

[Steve Dohoney]

Did my first contest on July 11th. Performed well, had fun, botched a couple things and did not place as high as I would have liked. I felt like I got hit by a truck for a couple days after, but in a week felt back to normal.

So here is the question, there are 2 contests a week apart in September 9-12 and 9-20. The 9-20 contest is 8 hours away but I love the events, the 9-12 is so close I'd be crazy not to do it. My wife and 2 of our friends are doing the 9-12 contest, so either way I'll be there.

Assuming I don't win the first one I'd likely be in the novice class for both. Would it be stupid to enter both contests from a recovery standpoint?

[D.J. Satterfield]

I have competed in back to back weekends before. No different than training and actually easier as training usually involves much more volume.
I have also competed on a Saturday and turned around and competed the next day also.

You should have no problems at all.

[Vincent.Dametta]

Steve, you're strong as hell man. You'll be fine doing both comps, but I do need to recommend to you doing some HIIT cardio. After my first comp, I kicked up my cardio about 500% and in Norwich, the only thing holding me back was strength. I felt like a million bucks afterwards and even went to party it up at Mohegan Sun that night! LOL

But yeah I think in order for you to survive the grueling week, some tough cardio is in order. You looked like you were going to keel over from the log press. Either way I'm sure you'll kick butt at the comps!

[Kimberly]

You should just do it! I've done back to back contests...its not that bad plus if you don't do it you'll probably regret it. Not all of us are fortunate enough to be able to have contest so close to us ... take advantage of it! AND GOOD LUCK

[Kevin Cronin]

Steve, short answer, yes, do them.

I posted a similiar question about 2 years ago, but the difference is that my contests were 3 weeks apart. I wound up doing them both and wasnt 100% pleased with it: the one i'd really focused on and wanted to do well at (the second one) I didn't do as well as I'd have liked and the one that I kinda just did cuz it seemed fun (the first one) I did my best ever (at the time). i believe this is because it's difficult to hold your "peak" for that long a period of time. You need to be building up going into a show, and in order for that to happen you need to take a step back before you start the period of increasing intensity/volume/whatever. So three weeks apart I would be very hesitant to do again. One week apart is a whole other story tho. Build up to that first contest, then take the week off, just rest, stretch, whatever you do to recover, and you will be absolutely fine for the second contest (in my opinion)

[Steve Dohoney]

I have competed in back to back weekends before. No different than training and actually easier as training usually involves much more volume.
I have also competed on a Saturday and turned around and competed the next day also.

You should have no problems at all.

Thanks man. I could not even fathom doing back to back days. I guess that level of conditioning is something for me to aspire too.

Steve, you're strong as hell man. You'll be fine doing both comps, but I do need to recommend to you doing some HIIT cardio. After my first comp, I kicked up my cardio about 500% and in Norwich, the only thing holding me back was strength. I felt like a million bucks afterwards and even went to party it up at Mohegan Sun that night! LOL

But yeah I think in order for you to survive the grueling week, some tough cardio is in order. You looked like you were going to keel over from the log press. Either way I'm sure you'll kick butt at the comps!

Yeah I really think I blacked out a little on the 14th rep on the log press.

You should just do it! I've done back to back contests...its not that bad plus if you don't do it you'll probably regret it. Not all of us are fortunate enough to be able to have contest so close to us ... take advantage of it! AND GOOD LUCK
I think your right, I love this stuff too much not to take the opportunity.

Steve, short answer, yes, do them.

I posted a similiar question about 2 years ago, but the difference is that my contests were 3 weeks apart. I wound up doing them both and wasnt 100% pleased with it: the one i'd really focused on and wanted to do well at (the second one) I didn't do as well as I'd have liked and the one that I kinda just did cuz it seemed fun (the first one) I did my best ever (at the time). i believe this is because it's difficult to hold your "peak" for that long a period of time. You need to be building up going into a show, and in order for that to happen you need to take a step back before you start the period of increasing intensity/volume/whatever. So three weeks apart I would be very hesitant to do again. One week apart is a whole other story tho. Build up to that first contest, then take the week off, just rest, stretch, whatever you do to recover, and you will be absolutely fine for the second contest (in my opinion)

That makes a lot of sense. I can see how 3 weeks would be tough. My thought is to train for the second contest, and really try to nail it. Most of the events overlap anyway, with the keg toss and tire flip being the exceptions. How the hell do you train a keg toss anyway? I'll likely just grip and rip it!

Thanks everyone looks like I'll do both. I just did not know if I was letting my exuberance replace my good sense. Its happened a couple times in this sport for me already!

[Matt Schumann]

Last year I think I competed in 3 contests in 4 weeks. Two of which were back to back. I ended up doing better in the 2nd contests then the one the week before.

The only thing I didnt like was being out of a consistant training routine for so many weeks in a row.

Good luck and have fun

[Damian Hollis]

My plan for August is pretty much the same. I wanted to to Bradford, no dice with work schedule. I am doing the Kumite comp and Atlantic City comp, so you won't be alone. I'll let you know how it goes! Good luck to you and stay injury free.

[Steve Dohoney]

Last year I think I competed in 3 contests in 4 weeks. Two of which were back to back. I ended up doing better in the 2nd contests then the one the week before.

The only thing I didnt like was being out of a consistant training routine for so many weeks in a row.

Good luck and have fun
Glad to hear it!

My plan for August is pretty much the same. I wanted to to Bradford, no dice with work schedule. I am doing the Kumite comp and Atlantic City comp, so you won't be alone. I'll let you know how it goes! Good luck to you and stay injury free.


You as well. The injury free part especially!

[BrentHamm]

Shouldn't be a problem.

I have done 5 or so two day contests. Which should be worse, except the events don't really duplicate in a two day.

When you think about it...

Contest 1:
Farmers - 30 seconds
Max log - 3 lifts
Atlas stones- 1 run of 4 stones
Car Deadlift - 15 reps
Medley - kills you for 45 seconds...

Then a week off and doing the same again? Not a problem.

Your training sessions are probably worse then the contest itself. That does leave out all the stress and anxiety of competing...i realize..

Back to back contests can mess with your training a bit, if you like to train specifically for your next contests. I try and figure out the most effective way to train for both out of one session.

[jay lyttle]

GO FOR IT!!! just dont train the week in between! you'll probably come back just as strong,or maybe a lil fresher ?

[Dana clipper]

I would say go fro it. I just did 2 in 3 weeks. Like kevin felt a little off for the second, would have been better closer together. But I did better in the second than the first.

A second point, why are you doing novice? If you have done one allready, are you still a novice? And after 2 contest, in my view you are not a novice any more. Just my view.

Do your class you will love it. My first show was a novice, I was happy with it. But my second show, I did my class, I loved it even more!!

[Steve Dohoney]

A second point, why are you doing novice? If you have done one allready, are you still a novice? And after 2 contest, in my view you are not a novice any more. Just my view.

Do your class you will love it. My first show was a novice, I was happy with it. But my second show, I did my class, I loved it even more!!

Thats something I've been tossing around. As for the first contest I am still a bit under as far as the event weights go. The second contest seems more doable to me although its now NAS sactioned and the weights will be changing.

I've been training SM since June, my first contest was not an NAS contest. My gyms lifts are good 425 bench, 500 DL and squat. I am at 275x2 for stones and have a 275 push press. I can't clean that much though. Never flipped a tire yet.

Maybe novice for the first one and open for the second one? I am a heavyweight.

Would love some thoughts on this, as well please.

For reference:

This is me playing with the 275 stone for the first time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4RHiW0A2TI

250 farmers first time, plan was to turn and come back but I got a calf cramp:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWjg44KoyeU

[TEXAS STONEMAN]

Do both! If you're anything like me, and I'm sure a lot of the guys here also are, you have a true passion for competing. It would be a crime to pass a show by that is so easy to get to.

I think your last idea is probably the best. Novice for the first and open for the second. Or just do the open for both...

[Alex.Truman]

If you are referring to my contest on 9-19, then I have some news for you. It will now be a NAS contest. Talked to Willie about it this weekend, and finished the paper work today.

So... Even if you win a novice or open division at a non-NAS contest, you are still fine to enter as a Novice in NAS until you win a NAS novice or enter into a NAS open mens division.

[Michelle Ludena]

You guys coming to get me for this one too.... where is that slap smilie when I need it lol.

You can do this... Hit that recovery for the week and just roll with it - have fun bro!

I will bring you guys some cubans :D

[Steve Dohoney]

Do both! If you're anything like me, and I'm sure a lot of the guys here also are, you have a true passion for competing. It would be a crime to pass a show by that is so easy to get to.

I think your last idea is probably the best. Novice for the first and open for the second. Or just do the open for both...

I am sort of like you, just half as strong. I do love the hell of out this stuff.

If you are referring to my contest on 9-19, then I have some news for you. It will now be a NAS contest. Talked to Willie about it this weekend, and finished the paper work today.

So... Even if you win a novice or open division at a non-NAS contest, you are still fine to enter as a Novice in NAS until you win a NAS novice or enter into a NAS open mens division.
I saw that, it actually prompted this post. It kinda upped the ante for me.

You guys coming to get me for this one too.... where is that slap smilie when I need it lol.

You can do this... Hit that recovery for the week and just roll with it - have fun bro!

I will bring you guys some cubans :D

We'd be happy to do it. I've got to get Jami to read this post. She is balking at the second contest.

Cubans? Sandwiches, Cigars, or Women? I love all 3 but only the first one is technically legal for me.

[Dana clipper]

Do both! If you're anything like me, and I'm sure a lot of the guys here also are, you have a true passion for competing. It would be a crime to pass a show by that is so easy to get to.

I think your last idea is probably the best. Novice for the first and open for the second. Or just do the open for both...


Ya what he said!!

Maybe novice first, then open for the second.

[Michelle Ludena]

I am sort of like you, just half as strong. I do love the hell of out this stuff.


I saw that, it actually prompted this post. It kinda upped the ante for me.



We'd be happy to do it. I've got to get Jami to read this post. She is balking at the second contest.

Cubans? Sandwiches, Cigars, or Women? I love all 3 but only the first one is technically legal for me.

sandwiches or cigars dingbat - you are not allowed more than 3 wives ya know lol.
Plus you don't want Jami throwing a tire at you :BB:
Let me know what the plan is either way, I am coming up for the valley one!

[jay lyttle]

i've said this before, the competitive lifespan of a sttrongman isnt very long [by the average] so compete WHILE you can, WHERE you can, WHENEVER you can!