It’s almost the end of the contest season!
Friday, October 30th, 2009Wow, what a long year!
When I started competing in NPC Figure in 2004, I never imagined the level of focus I would get to now! Back then, it seemed overwhelming enough to get through one diet and prep for stage, let alone actully compete at the National level! The longer I am in it, the more I get into it. This sport is so addicting!
This is my longest season ever. I started to diet in March for the USA’s in Vegas. I have only competed in two shows this year, and plan on entering my next two in a few weeks. With each show, I see my physique coming into better condition, and I start noticing very minute subtleties in my nutrition, training and conditioning to improve my physique. Although extremely taxing, it’s a lot of fun!
I’m almost afraid to venture into a "normal" lifestyle…many things that used to seem like work or ordinary are now normal or out of the ordinary. I still think about and dream about certain cuisines and food, but when it comes down to it, I will end up ordering the equivalent of a dry salad with some sort of grilled meat sans the sauce. I can’t look at any type of food without thinking if it is organic, what chemicals are in it, how many calories it has, grams of sugar, etc. When I do fall prey to the yummy tub of peanut butter, the mental anguish of binging is almost worse than feeling stuffed!
I’ve also been able to meet and also reach out to many people and share my experiences, thoughts, and feelings with them. Every person has touched or changed my life in some way, and led to some aspect of self-awareness. I am deeply appreciative for these experiences!
Although I have yet to master keeping family, work, training, competing, and friends in balance, I feel like this time around I have gained a better understanding of myself. My friends have my deepest apologies for shutting a few of them out during this time, but I have such an overwhelming sense of joy and relief in finally reconnecting with who I am, and what direction I am going in…once again, the focus and dedication I put into training also helped me find….me.
View all comments | Leave Comment