amysuds’s BodyBlog

The

The day before I left for Indianapolis, I got the judges feedback that I ordered from the last show I did. I will share the comments with you. It said :tighten glutes, too many striations, good symmetry, possibly too hard for figure, too much muscle, awesome, blotchy color, too golden, work on t-walk ( this is a compiled list from all the judges in one sentence). So, I knew I could adjust a few things to better myself this time. I had ordered Pro-tan to test it out at this show. I used Dream tan the last show. When I put on the first coat of Pro-tan Friday, I loved the color. Unfortunately, I had a reaction to the product and I started breaking out a little. My intention was to keep going with it and hoped the irritation would go away before Saturday. When I arrived at the hotel..I saw the promoter had set up a vendor to do spray tanning. My husband saw the sign and said to go get it done. He thought it would be one less thing to worry about. So I went in and this company called Liquid Sun Rayz sprayed me. It was FANTASTIC! Not only did the price I payed cover the tanning…but also touchups, spray sheen and suit bikini bite help at the show. These ladies were great. I recommend them…hopefully other competitions will have their service available…their website is www.liquidsunrayz.com. My tan was even and not blotchy

As far as the competition…it was so professionally run. The promoter of this OCB Circle City comp did an awesome job with the whole thing. I had ZERO stress going through the long day. I really appreciated that. I first did the Sub-master figure category, and the ladies were looking great. I placed second to a lady that had fantastic delts, back and everything else for that matter. She is to the right of me here in the red suit……I felt the judges did a fair assessment and I was VERY happy that someone with good muscle won!!

The open tall figure class was 11 ladies I believe. It was a tough competiton in my opinion. I was fortunate enough to place first. I felt better at this comp than the last one. I was a little fuller (from all the junk I ate in between these 2 comps). I only gained one pound but it was enough to change my appearance to a little less striated. During my quarter turns, I purposely did not flex my upper body in front pose. I only lifted my chest. I think I flexed too hard at the last show and it made the striations even more pronounced.

It was a fantastic day…I went home with 2 swords and inspired again!

This is probably the most often asked question to me outside of this site. My friends, family and neighbors sometimes just don’t understand. Why do I put myself through this? How do I not pig out at the neighborhood BBQ? For me, it goes way back in my life….all stemming around my work ethic. There is no "big head" syndrome in me writing this. I want to share more about me.

It all started when I was 13 years old. I worked on a tobacco farm where I spent the day tying up tobacco plants to a line and getting completely filthy everyday. As soon as I was shown how to tie, I went like a bat outta hell. I was working on a peace work deal( paid for how many rows I tied) and was able to make a few hundred dollars a week. Way back then, it was alot of money. I would fly by everyone..in my own little world, just competing against myself. I wanted to see just how much I could do. This love of hard work followed me into a retail job where I started out as a stocking clerk and worked my way up to assistant store manager. I loved to work all night, unloading trucks and packing out freight. As a manager, it hurt me a little. My reviews would be great..except that some of my bosses felt as though I did too much physical work instead of more time managing the business. But, the people working for me respected me much more…we were a team. When stuff had to get done, I was the salaried employee working 15 hours some days. I lead by example..if I could bust my butt, so could most everyone else.. And they usually did.

I worked for almost 10 years at this same job. I then decided it would be best to stay at home and be there to raise my younger children. I wasn’t able to do that years ago with my now older children…I needed the money. Part of my problem with depression had to do with self esteem. I felt like I hadn’t figured out what I was good at, and well into my thirties. As I began working out, I realized my work ethic was helping me tremendously. I could get in "my alone zone", and really push and challenge myself like I used to. Now that I am competing….the work challenge to beat my goals is the driving force. It is not so much winning..it never has been that way with me. I work hard because I love it. When I am at home, I go non stop. I enjoy seeing how much I can get done in a day. I would rather iron clothes than watch tv. I get antsy sitting still. This is one thing my hubby and I have in common…probably what brought us together initally. He has the same passion for any job he tackles. There is never a short cut with him.

My hubby said to me the other day…"Amy, I remember a lady years ago tell me she wasn’t really good at anything." " Look at you now." "Live your dream Amy". I finally found what it is that makes me feel good on the inside. I have the drive to do anything possible to keep going.

So that’s a little more about me….I leave you with this quote that my hubby uses all the time. It is from The Shawshank Redemption movie (which is one of the best ever). "you can get busy livin’ or get busy dying…"

As usual for me, the day started off on the wrong foot. My husband dropped me off at the wrong part of the high school…and I was already running a tad late for my mandatory polygraph test that all competitors have to do. On my way down the street walking, I realized I left my cooler in the truck! So I RAN back to catch him before he left to take my kids to breakfast. Luckily, I caught him. So I found the correct building and went in. I looked around for the testing room and could not find it. Come to find out, the testing is done at a hotel a mile away..oh geez. I tried to find a ride to the hotel and was lucky enough to find a kind person to drive me. On the way to his car, I saw my hubby still in the truck parked! He was on his Blackberry working…so I ran back to the truck and he drove me to this hotel. I was late for this test…and stressed already. After the test, we headed back to the school for the competitor meeting and check in. Just like the last comp I went to…there was not much time to get ready after the meeting. I can’t stress enough to anyone thinking of trying their first comp to be 100% ready before the meeting..just in case. I was not ready of course. But I did have the honor of being with my trainer Layne and his wife Isabel backstage. Isabel was also competing and looked fabulous! Layne took care of both of us, and we did very well in pre judging. Unfortunately, there were only 4 people in the class. The day went well and I placed second. The best part of the day was being with Layne and Isabel. I felt great and I knew I kept my word to Layne …in working as hard as I could for the team and come in at my best. When I got home..I started looking at the pictures of the ladies my class standing next to each other. We were all of very different builds. I guess the judges were looking for a softer look…the girl who won first looked great too. The only thing I missed out of this comp was walking away with added motivation from the person who beat me. At my first comp…I placed second to Carissa Fleming-Myers ( who is now an WNBF pro and from Team Norton)…you have to see her to understand why I went home and said to myself…WOW! she is just truly an inspiration! She has a great upper/ lower body balance with excellent muscle quality and the right quantity. She has what I want!! Not to mention her fantastic stage presence and t- walk to impress everyone. I went home from that comp with a smile. Say hi to Carissa ..http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/kiss_rythmn/     

Anyways, I went home from this comp confused….I am not a poor sport by any means but nothing in the judging made sense to me. Oh well…but it did affect me, I was kinda depressed a few days because I worked my arse off and felt unmotivated by the girl that beat me. Hope this makes sense.

All in all…a fantastic day…I am going to try again this May 30. I need to stay busy and focused right now. Alot going on in life, not a good time for me to hang out and mope and eat crap. Not because I didn’t get first place…it is me trying to deal with life’s uncontrollable curve balls that have nothing to do with competitions . I just got one fired at my head and it hurts!! Onward and upward!

As I am writing my to do list for my competition in 2 days, I thought it would be a good time to continue this blog while I have my notes here. These are observations only….just my ramblings in no particular order

1. The goal when you are on stage is to draw attention to your physique. Therefore, your hairstyle, makeup, figure suit should just compliment you well.

2. Do some homework. Research the rules for your organization, they are all different. The posing criteria may also vary. Check to see if you are required to have music and do a t- walk. I found You Tube very helpful when I searched figure competitions. Also, there is no one better than Fern, SmartAssard here on body space. She has posing videos on her page. Thanks Fern!

3. Make sure you apply for a membership card for the organization you are competing in.

4. Let’s talk about tanning. First, exfoliate a few times ,a few days before your show. You want that tanner to absorb evenly. Pay attention to elbows, knees and underarms (don’t forget your back/glutes). I had green underarms my first show because I had antiperspirant residue in that area. I stop using antiperspirants and body lotions after I exfoliate until after the show. If you are planning on getting waxed, do it a few days earlier to let the skin heal. If you shave, do it the day before also. I want laser removal!! Also, be careful of tan lines from previous sun exposure. I tried to help someone cover up a strap line on her back with self tanner, and it did not cover the white lines. As far as tanning products, I bought Jantana and Dream Tan products right here from bb.com. I liked both of them. I also bought a little shine oil to use.

5. Practice walking in your high heels at home. Once you get comfortable, it’s no problem to wear them comfortably. Also, don’t look at the floor when you walk!

6. Makeup….your foundation makeup should be slightly lighter than your body color. Practice putting on the false lashes. It helps to do your makeup in a way that your eyes "pop"…because your body is dark.

7. Warm up suit…..everyone typically wears a warmup suit with their figure suit underneath to the show. Be careful of dark colors (like new sweatsuits) that have fuzzies. They catch on to your skin and make stain your body from the tanner…it’s not fun to try to get it off. I wore a light pink sweatsuit and looked like the Easter bunny

8. Take some pictures outside in your suit! The lightening at the shows sometimes is a little dark. My pictures showed my suit much better in the daylight.

9. It’s a LONG day/night the day of your competition. Bring all your meals and water with you.

10. Here is my checklist so far of things I need to bring tomorrow to the hotel….

extra sheets for the bed, the tanner will ruin the hotel’s

towels, hand wipes

suit, shoes, jewelry

makeup, mirror, hairbrush, hairspray, barrettes

food, water, camera

tanning supplies

extra lashes and glue

tums or anti gas chews just in case ( no gum chewing, it causes bloating)

Bikini Bite

safety pins, scissors

cell phone, directions, important phone numbers

money

Once again…this is all just my experience, I am new to all this too!! Time to go get my nails fixed!! I am probably forgetting stuff for my list too…LOL!!!

I decided to write down some of my thoughts and experiences so far. Granted, I have only competed twice, I have learned alot along the way. Lots of my friends are considering giving it a try…so here are my random thoughts.

1. You need a trainer/coach….my trainer Layne Norton offers comprehensive contest coaching. It is so important to have proper guidance. www.biolayne.com

2. Do not judge progress by the scale! Just because the pounds aren’t showing as lost, doesn’t mean anything.I have gone weeks at a time where my clothes were fitting differently as I dropped body fat. It can really mess with your head if you let it.

3. Give yourself enough time to prepare. Depending on your metabolism..it could take longer than you think to lean out. Practice your posing, hold and squeeze everything for minutes, over and over. It will help prevent you from shaking so much on stage …like I do     (I need to practice ALOT more)

4. Eat whole food meals as much as you can. I have made the mistake of overusing whey protein and protein bars for quick meals on the go. I seem to not stay full very long and end up starving. Eating a serving of chicken and salad holds me over much longer. Also, I like to use oatmeal as a carb source right now. It is filling and has no sodium.

5. Contest prep is a whirlwind of emotional ups and downs for me. Hang in there if this happens to you. When you want to throw in the towel…go work out instead! My hormones get all outta whack temporarily it seems.

6. Go watch a competition, you will learn alot.

7. Watch what shoes you wear on stage. The type of rise can have a huge impact on your leg presentation. For instance….my clear heels with the few inch rise in the front ,hinders the way my calves look. I saw a few ladies with these type of heels on and they are not right for competing . You want something like these…I bought them from www.suitsyouswimwear.com

These are my other shoes that show the rise in the front. Don’t wear these.

8. Have someone to help get you ready at the competition. Things can move along quite quickly.

9. Make sure you buy Bikini Bite to hold your goodies in your figure suit. I saw some competitors with major wedgies.

10. Oh my goodness, no matter what…SMILE on stage! You work so friggin hard to get there. No matter if you feel ready and your best or not, be proud! I can’t believe how many serious faces I saw.

I am sure I will think of more things…stay tuned for part 2!!

Before I recap this past Saturday, I would like to thank my trainer Layne Norton for all his support. I also want to thank my sponsor, Scivation for helping me get to where I want to be! Last, but certainly not least, I sincerely appreciate all the kind words and support from my friends here. You helped me feel confident! Thankyou all for everything.

I entered the NPC Grand Prix Natural in Rockford IL in the master’s figure class. I wanted to try this comp and experience it. So I did all my prep work for food the day before to be sure I had everything. Friday night, my hubby put on my first coat of tanning product. When I got up Saturday morning, I fixed my hair and makeup and headed out for Rockford. On our way to the show…my hubby said, "we need to find a gas station." I thought he wanted a cup of coffee. The drive to Rockford was back roads, nothing but farms, no other cars around. A few minutes later, he said,"we need to get gas." At this point, I am looking around and laughing because we were outta luck. I sat quietly and hoped we would find one! Then he said" we need to find one in the next 3 miles!".  LOL!!  Luckily, we found one…not a minute too soon. That is how my day started.

We arrived at the school and went inside to find TONS of people everywhere. I was amazed at the turnout. The competitor meeting was scheduled at 9:30, and it was located downstairs where I could not bring hubby with me. I then realized I had to come up with a plan to get my second coat of tanning on at some point. I figured the meeting would last an hour or so. I decided to go back upstairs after the meeting and go outside with my hubby to do the tanning. The meeting was a check in for everyone. They called each class up one at a time and you had to be in your show suit. The first groups were body builders that had to be weighed and height measured. That took a long time…there were tons of them. I watched and waited for my group. I finally went up and checked in. The time was after 11:00 I believe at this point, the pre judging started at 12:30. The promoter did a great job of keeping things rolling, but the turnout was one of the largest ever at around 135 people. Then the instructions were given for the show…day and evening parts. They also had a seasoned figure competitor who was helping out that day, demonstrate the proper posing for the judging. I was really paying attention…I wanted to make sure I got it right. When the meeting was ending..it was about 12:15…and the promoter finished the meeting by announcing the 5 competitors who were picked randomly for a polygraph test. We all were told this would happen as part of the rules in the entry form. This test was for steriod use, growth hormone..etc…which are not allowed with this comp. This test was mandatory. I am staring at the clock now…I had very little time left to get ready, tan and pump up. I started to panic. I knew I would not have enough time to find my hubby and go outside. Well…out of 135 people, AMYSUDS gets picked as one of the 5 people for the test. I was kinda honored, I must have looked really muscular!! The other 4 chosen ones scurried down the hall to get the testing done right away…so I followed them and waited in line. I had one of these tests at my last comp…the natural org. test all competitors, so I knew what to expect. I was sweating bullets knowing that the show was about to start…I was NOT ready     Then I heard the announcer call out the novice men’s body building group to the stage. I tried to listen to the groups called…I wasn’t 100% sure where my group was in the line up off the top of my head. I decided to leave the line and do it later. I found someone in charge in the pump up room and he told me to go get ready. What a disaster.. I had to put on the tanning stuff by myself, front and back with no mirror. There were a few mirrors, but other people were using them. I did the best I could. I then grabbed my lipstick and swirled some on with no mirror once again. I was in a big panic I tell ya. I did a quick pump up and then they called my group for the stage. I hadn’t even touched up my hair or makeup from the morning! LOL!!  I had no idea if I had lipstick on my teeth. The problem was, I had no one to help me downstairs, it just was that way, nothing I could do about it.

I did my best on stage…quarter turns and we had to hold the poses for a long time. I was shaking in my quads. There were 12 ladies in my group. I smiled and had fun. After the pre judging was over, I did my polygraph and left the show for the afternoon break. We went to a hotel and I put my feet up. We now had time to get me ready for the night show

The night show was exciting..I did my t- walk and was all fired up to do well. I nailed my poses I had chosen, and I picked some very different from the other competitors. My group was full of beautiful toned ladies. Each one of us had very different builds, I didn’t know how I would fair in the judging. After the open classes did their t-walks, the announcer called out the top 5 for masters class. I made it…yay! Once on stage, they awarded the 5 places and I was fortunate enough to place first. I was in shock. I also won the overall and received bags of goodies and an embroidered jacket with my trophies. It was a fantastic ending to a day that tested my abilities to work under pressure. I learned some valuable lessons this day. I am proud of myself for pulling it off…the rest of my team and trainer were at the NGA comp in south IL. It was an honor to hear Team Norton’s name broadcast to the audience as I received my awards…it brought a tear to my eye. Layne has been and is a remarkable, intelligent coach. I am truly lucky to have found him here on bb.com. I showed the NPC how we roll!! No gimmicks, no BS…just hard work with Team Norton.

That’s my story…I really enjoyed the day and the promoter put on a fantastic show!!