Every lasting relationship requires work-hardwork to make the relationship work and no where is the work literally seen as at the International Wife-Carrying Competition.
This event that commenced in 1992 is held annually in Sonkajärvi, Finland but a North American Championship kicked off formally in 1999.
The history behind this interesting competition isn't quite clear as there are varying stories of how it originated but one recurring decimal in all the different tales around the origination of this sport is that it's history finds its root from 19th century lengendary robber- Herkko Rosvo-Ronkainen.
Herkko Rosvo-Ronkainen and his gang, among other stories, stole food and women, carried them on their backs as they made a getaway.
The objective of this game is to be the fastest while scaling an obstacle course while carrying a female partner. The obstacles are on a 300 metre track where you will run downhill, wade through mud and scale fences all with your partner stuck on your back.
4 Lessons To Be Learnt From This Sport
All Hands On Deck:
Doing things together, more so sweating it together as partners in competition against others is a sure recipe for happiness in any relationship. Seize every moment to share laughter and create memories by letting your partner know you got their back.The Goal Is Us
Bonding on a whole different level results from couples having shared goals where they fought and won or learnt valuable lessons from. Everyday be committed to putting in the work to make your relationship work.We're Fit Together
It takes a fit couple who atleast gym together to build motivation and understand their different body chemistry to pull through a gruelling obstacle course. In a relationship we keep our eyes to every opportunity to motivate our partner.Preparation is vital
There is so much preparation that goes into this sport by participants. Running with atleast 180 lbs extra human weight strapped to ones back plus scaling fences with that weight is gruelling even for Olympic athletes. For partners who want to go the long haul in their relationship they have to be so committed that they are willing to fight for their relationship even if it means carrying their partner on their back.
I attempted carrying my wife on my back and tried running, hmm, the experience was both hilarious and humbling. Hilarious because midway I started panting real hard that my came off my back laughing and humbling because I thought it was going to be a walk in the park.