In this post I want to try and explain my first stated goal of using the strongman platform to influence others.
Since I entered my first competition late in 2007 it has piqued the interest of a lot of people. Young and old alike frequently ask me questions about strongman and my involvement. Invariably some one will ask the question "why do you compete in strongman?". That is a short question with a somewhat complicated answer. When I first decided to enter the Haugen contest it was kind of on a whim just to see if I had what it took to compete.
After haugen I decided I wanted to compete more, but that desire was from what I call a "glory
days complex". If you have ever seen the movie "The Incredibles" Bob (Mr Incredible), after trying to cope with his forced retirement from superdom for the past fifteen years, gets a shot at reliving the "glory days". That proves problematic mainly because his motivation was so selfish. That is kind of where I was in 2007. I was trying to relive my athletic glory days
I ended up not sticking with training after Haugen because that motivation was pretty empty. I tried to convince myself my motivation was for the "greater good", it wasn't. This past summer though I had an opportunity to speak to a youth group and give a strongman demonstration. I enjoyed that so much.
Since that time many people have asked and are becoming more interested in what I do and why. my motivation has changed dramatically and I also have seen the value of a sports oriented platform. I have had opportunity to teach others about weight training, which is something I really enjoy. And people seem to have an admiration and respect for those who have achieved some level of athletic success.
I want to keep my motives right and the focus on seeing any ability and success as from God. And also see it as a platform for sharing Christ with others. I want to have the kind of success that opens those kinds of opportunities, but God is ultimately in control and whatever happens is for His will and glory.
Since I entered my first competition late in 2007 it has piqued the interest of a lot of people. Young and old alike frequently ask me questions about strongman and my involvement. Invariably some one will ask the question "why do you compete in strongman?". That is a short question with a somewhat complicated answer. When I first decided to enter the Haugen contest it was kind of on a whim just to see if I had what it took to compete.
After haugen I decided I wanted to compete more, but that desire was from what I call a "glory
days complex". If you have ever seen the movie "The Incredibles" Bob (Mr Incredible), after trying to cope with his forced retirement from superdom for the past fifteen years, gets a shot at reliving the "glory days". That proves problematic mainly because his motivation was so selfish. That is kind of where I was in 2007. I was trying to relive my athletic glory daysI ended up not sticking with training after Haugen because that motivation was pretty empty. I tried to convince myself my motivation was for the "greater good", it wasn't. This past summer though I had an opportunity to speak to a youth group and give a strongman demonstration. I enjoyed that so much.
Since that time many people have asked and are becoming more interested in what I do and why. my motivation has changed dramatically and I also have seen the value of a sports oriented platform. I have had opportunity to teach others about weight training, which is something I really enjoy. And people seem to have an admiration and respect for those who have achieved some level of athletic success.
I want to keep my motives right and the focus on seeing any ability and success as from God. And also see it as a platform for sharing Christ with others. I want to have the kind of success that opens those kinds of opportunities, but God is ultimately in control and whatever happens is for His will and glory.
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