My Second Highland Games Experience

There’s something about the Highland Games that keeps pulling me back in. Maybe it’s the atmosphere, maybe it’s the challenge, or maybe it’s just the fact that grown adults get together to throw heavy objects in a field while wearing a kilt and call it a sport. Either way, my second time stepping onto the field was one I won’t forget anytime soon.

This weekend was about progress. Coming into this competition, I wanted to improve from my first Games, sharpen my technique, and gain more experience under pressure. Mission accomplished. The conditions were less than ideal; at some points, it felt more like competing in a swamp than on a field in Woodland, CA, but honestly, that’s part of what makes Highland Games so much fun!

Event Highlights

Heavy Weight for Distance (56 lbs)

The opening event was Heavy Weight for Distance, and I kicked things off with a throw of 21’1”, shattering my previous best by nearly three feet. For only my second competition, seeing such measurable progress this early was a huge win. More importantly, it served as a powerful validation of the AIM STRONG APEX program; it proved that consistent training and deliberate practice are the real drivers of success. The results on the field are simply the reflection of the steady, disciplined progress made over time.

Light Weight for Distance (28 lbs)

In the second event, we stuck with weight for distance, just dropped down to light weight. Finished with 49'9". Being able to keep the throw the same and just having the implement get lighter allowed me to continue to work on technique, and I’m starting to feel more comfortable attacking this throw instead of just surviving it.

Heavy Hammer (22 lbs)

I managed 59’11.5” in the Heavy Hammer despite the mud and rain. It wasn’t a personal best, but the technical consistency I’ve gained through relentless rotational training and T-spine mobility work really paid off. Even when you don't have the implements to throw every day, focusing on the foundational movements of the sport leads to progress you can rely on when conditions aren't perfect.

Light Hammer (16 lbs)

72’1” and probably one of the events I’m most excited about moving forward. The rhythm and positions are finally starting to click, and I know there’s more distance waiting once I stack more reps together.

Weight Over Bar (56 lbs)

Cleared 10’6” for my top height and picked up my fifth straight event win. Still a ton to improve technically, especially being more aggressive with the leg drive and finishing with the off arm, but that’s the fun part. The Highland Games have a way of humbling you while still motivating you at the same time. Every throw gives you immediate feedback.

Braemar Stone (22 lb)

The Braemar Stone (22 lb) resulted in a new PR of 22’7.5” and marked my sixth straight event victory. Though the standing throw with a river stone felt strong, I recognize that my technique is still in its early stages. I’m incredibly motivated to spend the summer months deep-diving into the mechanics of this event. I’m far from satisfied and can’t wait to see how much more I can unlock with consistent, dedicated practice.

Open Stone (16 lb)

28’0” and good enough for 3rd place in the event. Like the Braemar, there’s still plenty left in the tank once the technique catches up. This is most like throwing the shot put in track and field. You can either “shuffle” or spin to throw this stone.

And Then There Was the Caber…

Let’s just say the Caber and I are still figuring each other out. I did not get a score on this event. However, I want to paint a picture of what you are trying to do here. Basically, you are throwing a small telephone pole. This is the only event not done for height or distance but accuracy. The goal is to flip the pole one time over and have it land at 12 o'clock from the direction you set.

Maybe next time.

Finishing with the Sheaf Toss

Last event of the day and probably one of the most entertaining. Cleared 18 feet to take 1st place in the Sheaf Toss with the 20 lb bag. After sitting in the rain all day, that thing definitely felt heavier by the end.

Still working through the technical side of the event, but finding ways to compete and adjust in rough conditions is all part of the process.

The Bigger Picture

One of the things I love most about Highland Games is that you can’t fake preparation. Strength matters. Conditioning matters. Mobility matters. Technique matters. And being able to perform while tired, wet, cold, and mentally drained matters too.

That’s exactly why programs like AIM STRONG’s APEX program can be such a valuable tool for competitive athletes. APEX is designed to build strength, conditioning, athleticism, and durability, all things that directly carry over to sports. Whether you compete in strength sports, field sports, endurance events, or just want to train like an athlete, having structured programming makes a huge difference over time.

At the end of the day, this competition reminded me that progress doesn’t always come from perfect conditions. Sometimes it comes from showing up, competing in the mud, learning from mistakes, and finding small improvements one throw at a time.

Mud, Medals (Bourbon) & Momentum