Be Strong

Know exactly what you want, expect greatness from yourself, work hard and be confident. Never believe all the negativity and mediocrity society feeds you. Take risks and be who you are- take the first step to constant self improvement. Engage your body and your mind, train your bones to be strong and everything in life will become simpler. Every small gain will make the world so much more purposeful and understandable. Work hard, be strong and do the best you can.

Friday 4 April 2014

I won India's Strongest Man

On the 20th of March 2014 I won North India's Strongest man. I must say I lucked out because there was originally not going to be any weight categories, but last minute they added a under 200lbs category. I weighed in at 195lbs.

Still I did not expect to do well at India's Strongest Man. I went to the contest on the 29th and 30th of march and I can still hardly believe it- I hold the title of India's Strongest Man under 200lbs. I went into the contest telling myself that I would be happy if I placed in the top 5. I won. And I did not just win, I won hands down.

The events at North India's Strongest Man were-
1. Deadlift for reps (60s) with 315lbs- I did 35 reps to take the gold. The second place winner did 14.
2. Bench Press for reps (60s) with 225lbs- My worst event, I did 11 reps for 4th place. The winner did 27 reps.
3. Loading Race- 10 135lb sacks to be loaded on a platform over a 40m course- I took 2:16. I got the bronze. 2 other people took 2:16 but beat me in bodyweight.
4. Single Dumbell Overhead Press (strict) with 95lbs- I did 15 reps to win. The second place winner did 8.
5. Bar Bending- I bent a 10/16inch rod until the ends met to take the gold. Nobody else could bend it.

The events at India's Strongest Man were-
1. Deadlift for reps (60s) with 405lbs- I did 23 reps to take the gold. The second place winner did 6.
2. Bench Press with Log (225)- I did 11 reps for the bronze. The winner did 14reps.
3. Circus Dumbell Press (loose) 135lbs- I did 27 reps to win. Second place did 5.
4. Spear bending - No idea what it was but only I could bend it so i won.

I also won the silver in the EKFA nation Kettlebell Championships in the snatch for 10min. I only participated for fun.

Honestly i think a lot of the guys there were much stronger than me. But i beat them in 3 critical areas-
1. I had the strongest grip by a long shot and that really paid off.
2. Endurance wise I was in fantastic shape. everybody else's performances kept dropping with each event but I only improved.
3. I was accustomed to handling awkward objects because of which the log bench press and the weird circus dumbell did not faze me.

I am also all but certain now that I am best deadlifter in this country in my bodyweight. Nobody there expected me to win and I am glad to have proved them wrong.

I know that people out there are going to train to beat me, but I am going to train harder than I ever have. I am going to win again next year and again the year after that. By 2016 I want to be completely unbeatable in this country. And then move further. R

Right now I am going to take a well deserved break- my first in many months. I look back 18 months ago to the time of my accident and I cannot believe where I have reached in such a short amount of time. I am truly grateful to the universe- for it has given me everything I could want. It has given me and taught me patience, relaxation, hard work, peace and the meaning of dedication. I am thankful for every bit of hardship I have endured.

I am going to devote the coming year to eradicating my pressing weakness and increasing my squatting power. I am going to increase my speed as well. Lets hope I can handle it. 

4 comments:

  1. great going. keep it up

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  2. Congrats for your achievement. I am so happy and proud to get acquainted with India's best. To be honest I saw this coming, I knew you are not the another guy in the block.

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  3. Hi Tejas, it's so uplifting to read what you write. It emanates positive energy. I stumbled across your blog about a year back and been reading it every now and then ever since. I love the tone and confidence of your written word. I have also seen your video on YouTube. I am inspired. I had been working out at the gym for 2 years now, but I am going to incorporate more body weight and other stuff into my regimen, like lifting stones and bending bars. If you have any suggestions, I am all ears.

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