Fisherman's Friend Strongmanrun Adventure!
Part 1 – It’s just the beginning…
We set off on a rainy afternoon to get our hotel based near the airport ready to jet off to Germany for Fisherman's Friend Strongmanrun the next day. And that was a challenge in itself… One mile away from our destination we had a blow out on the motorway leaving us stranded on a dodgy bend on the moterway for four hours before the breakdown services arrived. Long story short, we arrived at the hotel seven hours after we left. Considering the rain, wind, lack of food, and speeding vehicles tearing round the corner at us I considered this a warm up to the real thing on Saturday 5th! Never the less… I was ready for strongman.
The day before the Fisherman's Friend Strongmanrun I arrived in Germany and met up with Team GB. Ten of us in total flying the flag and we were joined by the PR team Nikki and Nicole and the photographer (also my partner in crime) Steph. We sat back, relaxed and mingled for the evening, keeping our batteries charged for the following day. The run was taking place in the famous Nürburgring, Germany’s home to F1 racing. We stayed right next door to the track and the atmosphere was buzzing with Fisherman’s Friend Strongman Run plastered everywhere.
Then… This was it. It was race day. Not really knowing what to expect as this is my first long distance race not to mention the 30 grueling obstacles thrown in. The weather that day was not good, although arguably perfect for the Strongman Run! The race was postponed for 30 minutes and almost called off due to the thick fog. Adrenalin was pumping through my body as we stood amongst 10,000 people at the start line waiting for the green light. All you could see is sea of people and feel the rumbling of the bass through the speakers. It was electric! After a 30 minute delay the lights changed. Red…. Amber…. Green… Goooooooooooo.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fishermansfriend_strongmanrun/7145861709/sizes/l/in/set-72157629590635878/
Fisherman's Friend Strongmanrun Adventure!
Part 2 – The Fisherman's Friend Strongmanrun
We set off in amongst the hordes of people and due the conditions were caked in mud before we even reach the first obstacle! After the first 2-3 miles I reached obstacle Number 1: SCHWIMMALAYA a rope climb up a slippery slop and have to admit I was looking forward to the obstacles as I was running up muddy banks and steep tarmac hills. I managed to keep a good tempo for the first 4 obstacles until I reached WADENKILLER this quad-burning (felt never ending) hill climb with hurdle like hay bails thrown in. Translated means Calf Killer – 900 meters distance and 100 meters altitude.
So just around the time you feel your legs are going to fall off the NIAGARA FALL waterslide appears in the distance. The only thing that could rival the relief you felt at the sight of this is a hot shower! To follow a 40 meter swim, electric shocks, gravel crawls, hay bail climbs and 100 meter path of tires to name a few.
Quickly getting over the feeling as I ran past the finish line only to start the second and final lap. My favorite obstacle was the slide I don’t think I need to explain why everyone loves slides! And most definitely my least favourite obstacle of all was the 40 meter swim in a freezing and muddy pool, mainly due to it knocking the wind out of me. My plan was to do an easy breast stroke to save energy but I ended up doing full out front crawl to get out asap!
You can see my finisher clip here:
http://www.finisherclip.de/pages/preview/en/3003/11851
I have a lot of people to thank for such a great race and weekend. Firstly Fisherman’s Friend for hosting such awesome event, secondly to Nikki and Nicola from the PR agency for co-ordinating the team, thirdly Steph for taking great pictures of Team GB and laying in the mud waiting for us to run by! And last but not least the rest of Team GB for making it a really fun weekend.
Would I do it again? Without a doubt! It was a truly amazing experience. I would reccoment anyone thinking about taking part in the Fisherman's Friend Strongmanrun don't hesitate it's a really fun and exciting race.
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