Megan Jennings has reached new heights and new personal bests after winning a trophy in Ireland’s first Strongest Woman competition.
The Stranorlar woman was flying the flag for Donegal in Galway last Saturday, where she proudly placed third in the U73kg category.
Megan earned a PB of 170kg in the silver dollar deadlift and almost took off running in the 160kg frame carry. The other events included the log and axel, yoke into sandbag and atlas stones.
Jennings, who trains at Uforea gym in Letterkenny, says the achievement is just the beginning.
“I’m hell for leather now. This Monday I’ll start a new block of training,” Megan said.
Megan Jennings in Ireland’s Strongest Woman competition on 30th March. Photo: Tony Farrell
Megan Jennings in Ireland’s Strongest Woman competition on 30th March. Photo: Tony Farrell
The competition was not without its ups and downs. A disappointing overhead press was a major learning experience, she said.
“You have to remind yourself that things don’t go to plan,” Megan said. “We were all reminding each other to get over it and move on to the next round, and sometimes that’s all you have to hear.”
Megan’s battles extend well beyond the gym floor. She lives with a combination of chronic illnesses: endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, pelvic congestion syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Exercise endorphins have proven to be a pivotal coping mechanism. Megan discovered the joy of movement and strength six years ago and is now a trained Zumba and Kangoo instructor.
“What people don’t realise is when I’m in my worst pain I keep myself distracted and keep moving. I have to keep dancing and jumping otherwise I crumble,” she said.
Megan with her partner Karl and son Antaine
Megan’s strength coach is Cameron Friel and, over the past week, she has had a supportive community behind her cheering her on the road to Galway.
“I didn’t realise how much support I had until people reached out to me,” Megan said.
“For a long time I felt very alone because, living with constant pain, I retreated from people. That goes hand in hand with having poor physical and mental health. Then all of a sudden I realised there were so many supportive people. It was incredible.”
Megan, who celebrates her 30th Birthday this week, will also be bouncing back to action in Kangoo classes from Monday. Stay tuned to the Kangoo Club Donegal social media pages for more information.
