Jesse, Geoff Dolan, and other Pros, how many Comps?

[Mac Smith]

Fellas,

How many comps should someone do in a year? As an amatuer how many comps do you suggest someone do? I've only done three comps over the last two years with the following results:

03 New Mexico's Strongest Man - 1st
03 Nevada Strongest Biker (non-sanctioned event) - 1st
04 California's Strongest Man - 9th

This year I plan on doing the New Mexico again in August and then the NAS nationals in November. Should I do more comps this year or are these enough?

[Dave Ostlund]

It really all depends on what your goals are. I'm assuming that you eventually want to compete at the pro level and take this a little further than just a small hobby.

Personally, I think that you should strive to do more contests. I always learn new things from competing that can't be picked up in training. You are exposed to different equipment, competitors, conditions, etc... The guys who can go pro within their first couple contests or so are rare.

I made many of my biggest improvements in 2003 and I don't think it's a coincidence that it was my busiest year for strongman.

2001- 2 Both were small non-sanctioned contests that I placed well in, but would've been a middle of the pack guy at small NASS contests.
2002- 5 Squeaked into am. nationals, but then placed in top ten. I really started getting better after this contest.
2003- 11 Placed 1st is 6 contests, 2nd at 3 consecutive pro qualifiers and 3rd at am nats.
2004- 6 (3 am, 3 pro) Won all am contests I did that year and got pro card. Won 2 pro contests.
2005- 5 (so far) My placings are far lower this year, but I'm competing against very high caliber guys and I am a much better strongman than I was even last year.

I think doing a lot of contests will allow you to improve faster than training alone. It's good that you're doing nationals also. The big shows always make you train harder .

[GDolan]

Nationals are not until November, so that leaves a lot of time to take Dave's advice and compete more - the experience is invaluable. 7-10 comps a year is a nice, busy year (but still not too busy to enjoy family and personal life).

Geoff

[Mac Smith]

Thanks fellas!!

Hey Geoff, won't 7-10 comps a year affect my impending hockey career! LOL!!!

[Jesse Marunde]

I've always competed as often as possible. I do every show I can with just a few exceptions. Sure you get beat up, banged up, and warn down, but you want as much game experience as possible before going against the other super bowl team right? there is nothing as beneficial to you as REAL contest experience. Every contest I do I learn something. All of that knowledge can add up.

I would like to do 16-20shows a year depending on how the events are set up.


Jesse

[GDolan]

Hey Geoff, won't 7-10 comps a year affect my impending hockey career! LOL!!!
Na, I was thinking ti would just help you prepare for the toughest sport....on ice :LOL:
If I ever go to Vegas, I'm bringing my skates and lookin you up :D

[Mac Smith]

Na, I was thinking ti would just help you prepare for the toughest sport....on ice :LOL:
If I ever go to Vegas, I'm bringing my skates and lookin you up :D


I look forward to it!!!