First Competition

[Elliot_Storey]

Hey all,
Today I competed in my first competition, Strongest of All 2 in New Haven, CT. I competed in the Novice under 231 division and I placed 5th out of about 20 guys. I had a lot of fun and I met a bunch of cool guys, most notably Chris who is also from Maine and placed 2nd. I'm looking forward to doing more competitions, but my next one probably won't be until August 5th at Wonderland Dog Track in Revere, Mass.
~Elliot

[Paul Neuhaus]

Congrats on your placing Elliot! You're hooked now!

[Garrick Daft]

Congrats, top five thats cool! What made you decide to do a competition. I've been thinking about doing one in a year or so.. How did you prepare,, what kind of events were there? Are you pumped for the next one? :BP:

[Elliot_Storey]

Thanks Guys! I decided to compete in this competition because New Haven is close to the Bronx, and I've been wanting to get involved for a while now. I actually wasn't able to prepare for any of the events specifically due to a number of reasons, but especially since a couple events were with thick handles or axles. The first events was chain yoke. This event was crazy. I was all over the map with that one, but was the first one to finish the wholoe course and ended up fourth. The second event was the INCH medley which consisted of six dumbells with 2.5" handles weighing 50-100 lbs. to be put overhead with one hand. Again, I was the first one to complete all six, but came in third by time. The next event was the axle deadlift weighing 405 lbs. I thought this would be my best event, and I was very pleased with my 18 reps; but I think I placed 5th, with 1st place hitting 24 reps. The next event was a 175 lb. log press. Having never trained on a log and having generally weak shoulders, I dreaded this one...and with good reason, I got 8 reps which I think placed me 6th. The last event was a Conan's walk/keg carry/duck walk medley with the conan walk on the same chain yoke pipe and was very awkward weighing 235 lbs. The keg weighed 150 lbs. and I was able to run with it. The duck walk was also awkward at 235 lbs. With each segment being 50 feet, I finished in under 23 seconds for 2nd place.
I'm very much looking forward to my next competition...I AM HOOKED!
Once again lots of great guys, and I had a great time.

[Corey DuCharme]

Great job!! Do you have any advice to others going into their first contest? (Like me)

[Elliot_Storey]

To be honest, I didn't prepare as well as I should have. I would definitely like to hear how someone with more experience prepares for competitions, at least as far back as a few days before. The only thing that I didn't really expect that could affect performance is the time factor. There's lots of waiting around, and the competition takes a while to complete (when you have over 80 athletes). So I recommend packing food and drink that you can consume and still be able to perform your best, as well as doing anything else you can to make yourself as comfortable as possible and be intense when it matters. I guess that's I have to say for now. Thanks again.

[MichaelFoxBSNutrition]

5th is pretty damn good out of 20 bro. For first time comp, I give you lots of props. Good luck on the next comp.

[Elliot_Storey]

I've attached some pictures of the competition. Thanks again for all the congratulatory remarks, I'm not worthy.

I'm actually not sure how to do this, so go here it if didn't work:

Stronger Than All 2 (http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?username=fldhoky8)

[Chris Lee]

right on dude, thats awesome! like everyone said, thats an incredible placing, especially for your first competition.

[Elliot_Storey]

I got a call today at work from the director of the competition informing me of a mistake they made while calculating the scores, and I actually earned 3rd place! Needless to say, i was quite happy about this, even though I went in with the attitude that placing didn't matter considering it was my first contest, 3rd place feels really nice. Looking forward to more!

[Chris Lee]

haha, thats so sweet!