8 days after the competition…
I’m sitting here, thinking about the trophy presentation. I had heard from a few friends that they thought I was going to place first in the heavyweight (novice) division. A few people running the show commented to me that they think I had taken first but they really didn’t know. Competitor #15, my chief competition, and I were talking it over in the back and we figured it was between the two of us. We shook hands and wished each other luck before walking out there again for the trophy presentation.
I could see the crowd this year. I could see all my friends and co-workers from the gym out of the corner of my eye. They announced 5th place (#18), I moved to the right… they announced 4th place (#17), I moved to the right (putting me dead center)… scared out of my mind… they announced 3rd place (#15) - now I’ve totally begun to freak out because I had misjudged the other competition.
Would it be #16 or me, #19? "Lets take that 2nd place trophy to competitor number… SIXTEEN!"
I could hear everyone scream - Amber, Michaela, Nickie, Jax, Sarah, Drew, Iris, Kathy and Dustin…
The trophy was nice, but hearing them cheer was priceless to me, that meant more than anything. I wished dad had been there to see, but I knew he was watching me and I gave him a wink upwards on my way backstage.
Text messages began pouring in! Everyone knew! I couldn’t keep up with them all and I felt a little more humbled after the fact.
I wanted to blog this the day after, but I decided to enjoy the moment and take a step back to evaluate what the next 365 days had in store for me and where my intensity stood.
The next day, I was back in the gym, hitting the weights as hard as ever - My intensity has only grown. I’m looking ahead to 2009, hoping to come in 10-12 pounds heavier than this show (186lbs).
Many thanks to all of those who attended the event, helped me with my training and posing and for those who gave me the support I needed to make this possible.
This achievement is not mine alone, it’s part of Pro Fitness and our staff and the amazing support of the members. THANK YOU ALL! I hope to bring another trophy home to The Pro next year - and just wait till you see who’ll be bringing the other trophies home. 
July 7, 2008 at 9:17 am
Wow! That’s awesome. I could only imagine the feelings you were experiencing. Great job and good luck with all your future competitions!!!!