The Ferns Family from Ennis have made it through to the semi-final of Ireland’s Fittest family.
Ahead of this weekend’s episode James Ferns told The Clare Echo everything that was going through the family members minds while battling “The Bog” in the quarter finals.
On last week’s gruelling episode, we took on All Tyred Out, an exhausting obstacle course as well as the infamous Bog Jog. The events pushed us physically, emotionally and mentally, particularly my youngest daughter Jaime, who Usain Bolted up the final race of the first event, out pacing the Cooney family to the finish. The magnitude of the effort cost her and she was ruled out of competing for the rest for the day.
The weather conditions were horrendous making each event even more challenging, but right in the middle of the bog run, my son Bobby turned to me and said, “This is so much fun Dad!”
Smiling back at him and his sister Kaitlyn, who were both covered in muck, I couldn’t help thinking ‘what a privilege it was to be here with my children!’
They were loving the experience and once we knew Jaime was well and safe we were able to refocus on the eliminator.
For some families these kind of events may seem like pure madness but for a family that was raised in nature and the wilds of Co Clare it was just another fun thing to do together.
The eliminator presented its own challenges, Kaitlyn’s contact lenses fell out going under the water but she managed to slide them back in.
I fell multiple times as did Bobby but we found the strength from somewhere to catch up to the Adamowiczs who were well in the lead.
As always it came down to the ramp. Bobby went straight up, I followed him after a second attempt.
At that stage the lactic acid is burning, the body is weary and the mind starts to play games. Davy is a brilliant coach and encouraged us all the way.
Aside from Davy’s expert coaching, it was my kids that inspired me most of all. I will never forget watching Kaitlyn running towards the ramp, willing her to find the strength for one more jump. She dug deep, tapping into that inner strength of hers and leaped towards us, trusting we would catch her and we did! We lifted her up and placed her firmly on her feet and we all embraced in disbelief and celebration.
What a brilliant race the Adamowiczs gave us and we acknowledged and praised them at the finish.
Since the quarter finals many people have asked me where I find the strength physically. I have trained and played sports all my life so there is a good foundation there.
I supplement with an optimum nutrition protein powder that helps aid recovery and builds muscle. Magnesium and omegas are also a must to help joints and connective tissue recover. I alternate between glucosamine, turmeric, boswellia and MSM supplements for any inflammation. I also use Lions Mane to keep me focused.
To celebrate our place in the semi-finals and to help people improve their own strength and stamina, Ferns Wellness are offering a flash sale on all protein powders this week.
On behalf of my wife Tracey and Kaitlyn, Bobby and Jaime I want to thank all the people of Co Clare and beyond for all their fantastic support. It means the world to us.
Catch us on our TikTok Ferns_Family for all the behind the scenes action. Roll on the semi-finals!
