Interview with Strongman Mark Felix

When I received my first CoC “Guide”, Ironmind shipped their catalogue with it, although I unchecked the box “Do you want to receive our catalogue?”. I’m glad they did it.

Besides cool grip tools I never saw before, there was this picture of this huge man lifting a weight with one hand. I checked what he’s doing. Rolling Thunder, never heard of that. I checked his name. Mark Felix. Never heard that either. I almost hear you screaming: “Oh man, he set the freaking world record!”.

Ten minutes later I started reading all available interviews with him. I also started watching all of his videos. It’s so great to see someone getting back on the track.

Since 2009-06-27 he’s twittering @MarkFelixtv. Drop him a line and follow his progress. It’s inspirational.

Marc: What was it like living in Grenada?

Felix: It was hard growing up in Grenada in a large family , I left when I was 18 to work on Cruise ships. I still have the same diet though, fish and fruits, it’s a beautiful Island.

Marc: Please name one traditional recipe from grenada you love.

Felix: Any, I don’t tend to follow any specific recipes, so long as I have the spices I just throw everything in the pot.

Marc: What lift did you tore your biceps with?

Felix: I tore my right biceps on the 2nd stone of the last qualifying event at last years world strongest man. Just one of those things, I had a niggle through the summer competing in competition after competition, just didn’t realize it would lead to a tear.

Marc: Your recovery videos are inspirational. What keeps you motivated?

Felix: Thank you, I didn’t set out to do anything inspirational. I couldn’t drive, was quite down and frustrated. Making the videos and receiving the kind words from all the subscribers was what kept me motivated, I was surprised there was so much interest.

Marc: Have you ever tried any feats of strength such as nailbending or cardtearing?

Felix: I had to do a TV show once that was to involve tearing a phone book. I practiced and practiced till I could do it. When we went to film it the phone books where all damp so they wouldn’t tear. The producers found a random metal bar that I bent instead, but that’s about it.

Marc: Do you think being a plasterer did help you getting strong?

Felix: When I’m plastering I use both arms and hands, carrying tools or plaster on a board. I’m not sure it has helped with strength, but definitely with grip. I also wear the elasticated workmen gloves that are to small for me, so they work as a resistance against me all the time, like a hand workout on its own.

Marc: Do you use kettlebells in your training?

Felix: No, but I really need to. I’ve been let down during events because I don’t use them. This past weekend in Moscow I passed on that event because I have no practice. Luckily I’m sponsored by Golds gym fitness, so I have ordered some. Can’t wait to get started.

Marc: What’s the best thing about beeing a father?

Felix: Wow… I don’t know if there is a best thing, that’s a tough one. Being present at their births was pretty spectacular, I could never tire of that. Seeing someone you have created arrive in the world. I have three son’s that make me smile everyday.

Marc: What’s the worst thing about beeing a strongman?

Felix: I’m not sure there is a worst thing. I think a lot of athletes would agree and maybe say the money, it isn’t the biggest sport in the world , it’s a lot of hard work and training. Im lucky enough to have sponsors and an agent as well as being self employed.

Marc: Looking back, please name one big decision in your life you struggled with.

Felix: Another tough one? I don’t know if I can think of a big one? Every competition I’m invited to I find myself thinking: Can I do this? If I don’t will they still invite me next time etc etc. I don’t remember ever turning down a competition so I’m not sure why I struggle to decide each time.

Marc: What’s your training philosophy?

Felix: Stay true to yourself, and rest when you need to.

Marc: Please name some mistakes you made when you began lifting weigths.

Felix: Hmm, you only need to look at other youtube videos to see I am still making mistakes and still learning. I learned to lift weights on my own on a moving ship every spare minute I got. I didn’t know what I was doing right or wrong, I just figured as long as I could stay on my feet I was doing something right.

Marc: When will we see you again in competition?

Felix: I have just competed three weeks in a row, Canada, Poland , Moscow, I will return to Poland for another competition on 2009-08-02.  I don’t film when I’m competing but I have started to add footage (from other youtubers) of these previous comps to my favorites.

Marc: What makes you happy?

Felix: My family, being healthy & happy.

Thank you Mark for taking the time to answer my questions!

This entry was posted on Monday, July 20th, 2009 at 10:17 pm and is filed under Interviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.