Competition Crossroads
Well, I am officially at a crossroads with my competition schedule.
I have a wonderful trainer who has seen me so far with my quest to compete in figure comps. I did 4 shows last year & qualified for nationals after winning my height class. I am quailified w/the NPC to compete in a 2 year window & my trainer would love for me to take the year off to get bigger, stronger & bring the total package to the national stage.
I also have a wonderful nutritionist who has taken my body & completely changed it with the diet. I am eating 140 grams protein/260 carbs/28 fat grams per day. This diet has completely changed my muscle mass (made me bigger) & I’m maintaining 11% bodyfat, even in the "off-season". I weigh 140 lbs yet I’m still a size 2 in clothes. I love the human body! Basically, it would not take much for me to lean out if I decide to compete but I need to make the mental decision and OWN IT!
My trainer’s fear is that if I "cut"…meaning lean out for a show, I will lose the precious muscle that I’ve worked so hard to put on my body. My nutritionist says "bull" & that I can get it back immediately. He prepares men & women for bodybuilding/figure comps so I’m confident in his knowledge.
On one hand, I don’t mind taking the year off b/c it was CRAZY last year & very hard to maintain life on a constant prep diet. But, I’m 41 years old & my window is closing. I hate to admit it but it’s the truth when it comes to figure competing…not so much with women bodybuilders.
I’m doing a lot of soul searching right now. Thanks to all my bodyspacers for their support-I couldn’t do it without you.
My personal training business is booming. Please visit me at www.kathylaucius.com
Peace Out 
May 22, 2009 at 10:51 am
Sounds to me like you want to compete. Go for it and kick some ass! That’s my two cents.
May 27, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Hey Kathy…I’ll take the other approach. Sometimes a little time off from the rigorous competition schedule might be just what you need to regroup. It sounds like you have 2 great trainers and I’ve got to believe your "window" is a bit more than "cracked open"!! At 41, with a body 10-15 younger, I would think that the window is more like "half open"! The year off might be good for you to see just what you can do with your body. I always fine new challenges simulating both physically and mentally. In my case I be turning 51 next month so I’m not worried about competing but I do like the fact that I’m in better shape than my brother who’s 15 years younger!
I think you have plenty of time so don’t be pressed into thinking short term!!!
Good luck with your decision.
Glenn
June 12, 2009 at 12:47 pm
hey i’m new to the whole comp. idea but I look at you and a thinking "wow"! i want to be that lean! Window closed? I don’t think so!
I’m 28 and you have me by a long shot! I’m sitting a 14.5 % and don’t look any thing like you! I’m woking hard though!