My Journey to American Ninja Warrior

How my journey to Season 7 began...

One cold January afternoon I received a call from my brother, Geoff, who asked if I could come to his gym and help him make a video. "Video for what?" I asked to which his response was "This TV Show called American Ninja Warrior!". First off, I had never heard of the show and second, I had no idea my brother even worked out! Ha!

I headed to his gym, Iron Sports, and began to film him doing these crazy obstacle things, swinging on ledges, and running up massive walls. It was nuts. I attempted a couple of the less painful looking obstacles as to not hurt myself since I was running the Houston Half Marathon that next day. Let's say, I didn't excel at the couple of things I tried. It was tough! It also just so happened that not long after all of this I stumbled across an American Ninja Warrior (ANW) marathon and started to watch. HOLY COW! These people were all nuts and everything they were doing was impossible. I called Geoff to tell him what I thought and his response was "I know! It's cool huh?".

A couple of months later we found out the Geoff had been chosen to compete on ANW Season 6. I traveled to Dallas to watch him compete along side of some of the other greats. It was there, sitting in the stands that I watched Kacy Catanzaro complete both nights and go on to become the first woman to make it not only to the warped wall but up it and all the way to the Vegas Finals. Of course, Geoff also completed both nights and made it into one of the coveted Las Vegas Finals spots.

I was so intrigued by all the people who dedicated so much to training for this show and all of the support that came along with it. After seeing Kacy smash the course I wondered why there weren't more women competitors. Sure, it looks scary, but its obviously do-able. It was this season that Kacy was able to give so much inspiration to so many others, including myself. Not only that women were just as capable as competing along side men but also that size doesn't matter, as she stands less than 5 feet tall. Her positive attitude, kind words, and generosity makes her a hero in my book.

After watching Geoff in the Las Vegas Finals I was hooked on ANW, Geoff kept saying I should come to Iron Sports and train for ninja. It became a joke between us and I would say I would go and never did. I worked out and ran and was content. Finally one week in September, I decided I really did need a new challenge in my life and low and behold I went to "ninja class". Man, I did not know what I was getting in to. My first class consisted of something like 200 push-ups, 200 pull-ups, and 200 pull-ups from my fingertips. My hands hurt so bad I wasn't sure I could use them to drive home! Everyone at the gym was so nice and helpful and they all made it really fun. So that's the beginning of the end, I was hooked and ninja class twice a week became my normal routine. I worked and worked and worked. I pushed myself constantly to conquer one obstacle at a time and when it came time to submit video's for season 7, I wasn't completely prepared but I put one together anyway.

Hello "Team Lancaster"!

Geoff and I were both chosen for Season 7 and we were pumped. Being able to be a part of this show was such a humbling experience, plus lets be real, it was pretty cool to have cameras all around you for you a couple of days, but extremely nerve racking at the same time. I am truly grateful for each and every single person I have met along this journey. The camaraderie is unlike anything I have ever known. Everyone truly cares about and wishes the best for the other competitors and they soon become your constant support. It's one large family. I have been lucky to meet and become friends with so many of my fellow ninjas all over the country. Even the producers and NBC show staff know you by name and become a part of your lives. It truly is amazing.

Once Season 7 got here, we filmed our region in Houston and I was prepared the best I could be. Once we got to the course I was confident in the first three obstacles and only worried about the fourth, a swinging cargo net. I gave it my all but went out on the second obstacle, bummer. I could have completed that obstacle and didn't, that got me more fired up to hopefully get a chance to be able to redeem my self on Season 8!

I have never shared my audition video from Season 7, and so many of you have asked to see it! Here is the audition that enabled me to become a part of one of the best shows ever, American Ninja Warrior!

Jill Lancaster- American Ninja Warrior Season 7 Audition

If you would like more information on the training process or training at Iron Sports, let me know!