This past week I was given the opportunity to watch someone very special to me compete on the heart-racing competition series “American Ninja Warrior,” (ANW) which was a dream of his for many years, and boy, was it an adventure, to say the least!
For those who may not know, ANW features competitors and aspiring ‘ninjas’ as they tackle a series of challenging obstacle courses in cities across the country, in the hopes of conquering Mt. Midoriyama, the fourth and final stage of the national finals course in Las Vegas. But have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes that the viewers may not know? Here are some behind the scenes details and secrets as well as some tips for those who may go compete or watch in the future!
Details and Secrets:
1. This experience will completely screw up your sleep schedule.
These courses are built outdoors and the entire show has to be filmed when it is dark. Which means, runners of the course typically would not be able to start until 9 p.m., and when they have to get through at least 125 competitors… you can plan on being there until 5 a.m. Let’s just say, we returned to our hotel from the qualifying round on day one, in time to eat breakfast before going to sleep.
2.The city qualifying round and the city finals round happen in back-to-back days.
For those of you who are fans of the show, you know that the competitors that make it in the top 30 after the city qualifying round move on, in which they run the city finals course. What you may not know, is that the city finals are run the day after the competitors run the city qualifying course. When the episodes air on TV, you will not see the city finals until a month and a half after you watch the city qualifier rounds. This was one of the most shocking details we had learned when we arrived.
3. Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila are the most down-to-earth hosts in the world.
For one, Matt Iseman wears Crocs with his suits. Enough said. Secondly, Matt and Akbar both took time out of their busy schedules while filming the show to talk to new competitors on the show as well as audience members.
4. The ninja community is the most supportive and straightforward group of athletes I have ever encountered.
Everyone roots for everyone to succeed. Experienced ninjas from previous seasons all want to see new-comers conquer the course. The cheers coming from the ninja holding area are almost as loud, if not louder, than the audience itself. Matt Iseman even stopped after my friend was done with his run to give him a fist bump and said, “Hey man, nice run!”
5. If you fall on the course, you get to keep the cool POM Wonderful® Towel.
Need I say more?
Tips for your Trip:
1. Bring snacks.
Once you check-in to either run the course, or if you check-in as part of the audience, you are essentially stuck for the next 3-4 hours. So, eat before you go, and bring snacks for the wait.
2. Bring a chair.
There is a lot of downtime, most of which you will find yourself standing. It is smart to bring a chair so you give yourself the chance to sit down while you wait. Trust me, you will not be the only one.
3. Bring an umbrella/poncho and extra clothes.
You can never be too prepared for the weather. We encountered severe rain and thunderstorms while in Indianapolis and it was not fun to walk to the car in the pouring rain without an umbrella or any sort of cover from the rain. Also, bring a blanket, as it can get very cold in the middle of the night!
4. Bring sleep medicine.
If I have not stressed this enough thus far, your sleep schedule will be tested. Be prepared with ZzzQuilTM to help you fall asleep. I could have very much benefited from this.
5. If you are competing, do not hype yourself up for your run until you are within reaching distance of the starting platform.
If you hype yourself up too early, your adrenaline will plummet after so long, and you will crash before it is your turn to take on the course.
6. Most importantly, have fun, no matter the circumstances!
This was one of the most exciting experiences I have ever been a part of and I was just a member of the audience. It was truly inspiring to see a community of people come together with such great sportsmanship. For competitors, no matter how you perform, it is a great honor to be on this show and to meet the people that are part of this ninja family. This is a great experience for all those involved, whether you are competing or in the audience watching.
