19.05 – Aphrodite 21K
03.05 – Olympic Distance Triathlon
23.05 – AJP Cyprus BJJ Championship
You can be anything you want in life—a doctor, a pilot, or a garbage collector—but you must be StrongFirst.
This past month was a simple experiment. On stage we had a very average athlete at his best (myself) supported by a great training system: StrongFirst. The challenge was to prepare for three different events that are somewhat related, yet at the same time have very little to do with one another.
I was planning to post a few photos on Instagram, but since Voj asked for an article, the boss gets an article. As usual, a little late, but right on time.
I won’t get into the details of the training just yet—that would take too much time, and time is limited. Instead, I’ll share some of the highlights.
Becoming StrongFirst Certified
Since November, I can proudly say that I am a StrongFirst Certified Instructor.
Some people might wonder why that matters so much. Honestly, in many ways, it isn’t the most important thing in the world. If I called some of the world leaders and said, “This is Pavel Kamarashev, would you mind stopping all the wars?” they’d probably tell me to get lost and carry on with their business.
But in the world far away from politics and conflict, in the world where we train to become stronger so we can provide and protect, precision matters.
To guarantee that precision, I chose to align myself with what I consider the gold standard in kettlebell, barbell, and bodyweight training. StrongFirst is not just a certification—it’s a system built around strength, skill, and quality movement.
Event 1: Aphrodite 21K
The first event was a half marathon around my village and the neighboring town.
The weather was great, the views were beautiful, and the aid stations were well stocked. Most people were happy with the water and sports drinks, but if you know me, you know I LOVE food.
At kilometer 18, I experienced a level of hunger that can only be described as what happens when you haven’t eaten anything… and you’ve just run 18 kilometers. A unique feeling, and not one I recommend.
Then I spotted it: a massive pomelo.
For those unfamiliar with pomelo, it’s a giant citrus fruit with a thick skin that normal people cut with a knife. Unfortunately, at that moment I wasn’t feeling very normal. Hunger was hitting me like an electric shock, so I did what any reasonable hungry hunter would do—I attacked it with my teeth.
Crisis averted.
The course itself was flat and enjoyable, and without much drama I crossed the finish line in a very average but respectable 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Event 2: Olympic Distance Triathlon
Leading up to the triathlon, the mission seemed impossible.
A good friend of mine and student of strength came from Bulgaria to complete his first triathlon. How cool is that?
In his case, the coaching went beyond triathlon. We didn’t really prepare for a race—we prepared for life, and the triathlon happened to be part of that life.
Of course, we made mistakes.
For experienced triathletes, these mistakes might sound hilarious. For us, it was simply another day of learning.
First, we bought a brand-new wetsuit that he never had a chance to test before race day. As luck would have it, the suit was probably designed for someone about 20 kilograms heavier.
The oversized wetsuit collected enough water to create its own ecosystem. It made him heavier and slower, but since he trains with kettlebells, we decided to call it additional resistance training.
Strength training during the swim? Bonus.
After getting out of the water, it was time for the bike. Naturally, trying the bike before the race would have been cheating.
So we rented a bike the day before and didn’t ride it until the event started.
How do the gears work?
Who cares about gears.
The entire race took place under nonstop rain. Every spectator became part of the adventure, and every athlete earned their experience points the hard way.
The run course passed through the beautiful Paphos harbour. The views were so good they recharged our batteries better than five double espressos.
The aid stations were excellent, packed with electrolytes and bananas for hungry hippos like myself.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience.
Event 3: AJP Cyprus BJJ Championship
This is where things didn’t go my way
.
Strength and endurance training can take you far, but if you don’t spend enough time sharpening your skills on the mats, eventually you’ll pay for it.
I train at what I believe is the best dojo in Cyprus with an outstanding professor. However, the 50-kilometer drive to training isn’t always my friend, and with visitors staying over during that period, my mat time wasn’t what it should have been.
The competition took place in Nicosia.
I had seven days to lose four kilograms.
As my friend Asim put it, “You cheated.”
I made weight by fasting. It’s not something I would recommend as a coach or health professional, but at that moment I wasn’t acting as a coach—I was acting as an athlete. Athletes sometimes do what they have to do.
The cut went perfectly.
By “perfectly,” I mean I weighed in only 300 grams above the disqualification limit.
Close enough.
After the morning weigh-in, we had several hours before competing. Naturally, my team and I spent that time playing arcade games and walking around the shopping mall.
The rain prevented us from visiting more cultural sites, but honestly, that was a convenient excuse.
Six hours later, it was time to step onto the mats.
My opponent looked calm and prepared.
He pulled guard, and as I worked to break his half guard, I picked up a minor knee injury. The match continued. I threatened a few guillotines and chin straps, but eventually I was swept and mounted.
That was enough for my opponent to secure the win on points.
Sometimes you win.
Sometimes you learn.
Final Thoughts
Events are cool.
Being healthy is cooler.
The reason I put my own body on the line is simple: when you trust me with yours, I want you to know that I walk the walk.
Three events. One month. One system.
Not because I am a special athlete.
Because good training works.