Post Contest UPDATE
It feels like it was all just a dream. My pictures don’t even look like me, and it was almost like an out-of-body experience because it seems to come and go so fast. (I’ve gained 11lbs since the show!) But, the experience that I got out of it will stay with me forever! I met some fantastic people, and learned a lot about myself along the way. I came out stronger, and yes, alittle sassier-I love make up! lol.
What is most profound to me is that I set a goal and did it! My whole life growing up, my parents never pushed me to set goals. They never put me into sports, dance, music classes…nothing. As I set out on this journey, there were many times when I asked myself, “why am I doing this?” And I realized that this is me. Yes, I am a wife, a mother, a friend to others, and the list goes on. But, this is me, this is who I am! I love training in the gym, and setting my personal records. I love that I’m living an active and healthy lifestyle for my daughters to follow. And I love looking hot for my man! At the shows, I see people of all kinds of shapes and sizes, and different ages, from teens to masters. I am proud of all of them for getting up there, and accomplishing their goals. As my love for this sport grows, unfortunately my support from my extended family members aren’t growing along with it. I would be okay with them if they just didn’t find it interesting, but they give their best wishes to me. That’s not the case. There’s something strange about it. It’s like they don’t acknowledge that I’m competing. I do however, have an amazing husband and daughters that love me for who I am. They support me, and are there with me through all the ups and downs. Although, right now, they REALLY are enjoying me because I’m able to drink my wine and have my carbs, haha. Wine+carbs= a happy lady! I have some fantastic friends that have watched my journey. And I’m sure they thought I was a crazy person for putting myself through this, and wondered what the out come would be. They all told me after the show, that they were very nervous for me. They’ve seen me go through this tranformation. But, as I stepped out on stage, and did my routine, it all came to light for them. Honestly, yes, my extended family’s non-existant support does make me sad. But, my husband’s, daughters’, and close friends love and support truely make up for it.
As for what I will do next? I have a show lined up for early November 2008. That will give me 19 weeks tomorrow to start bulking a bit and gaining some thinkness in the legs and abs. I think after leaning out and dropping my water, my waist was too thin, and needs more thinkness. My abs need to be more pronounced. My legs need to grow some in the quads and calves. I meet with my coach tomorrow afternoon to get the diet going. My husband worked up a training plan for me already, and that will start next week. So, here we go again!
I’ve meet some really nice ladies at the show. One of the girls actually helped inspire me to start bodybuilding. She was a light weight in the first show I went to see. (my coach happened to be in that show, too) I remember seeing her up there all freaking ripped and thought, yeah, that’s awesome! And I got to compete in the show with her last Saturday. It was an honor to share the stage with her. She’s the one on the far left. She lives in town, so we’ve already started talking about training together.
Happy weekend everyone! Lift HEAVY! Train HARD!
June 27, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Keep the dreams alive. Keep doing it for the one who matters most and for the ones you love
June 27, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Oh yeah! You are doing it! Something others will NEVER attempt! My extended family is sorta the same. Oh well, they just don’t understand it and they should be supportive of something that makes you happy and makes your close family proud! Keep rocking it! Your transformation is a beautiful and inspiring one!
June 29, 2008 at 9:06 am
You rock J!
I’ll be rooting you on from MI with your training and contest prep work.
-Jeff
June 29, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I haven’t been visiting bb.com for some time, so sorry for not pooping in…I just can’t get over your victory. Yes, victory..even though u came in 2nd. U conquered a lot of obsticles on the way to the stage, and you WON! So proud of ya:)
June 29, 2008 at 4:18 pm
That’s unfortunate your extended family doesn’t acknowledge it - I kinda feel the same during my last dinner together, when they ‘expressed concern’ about my arms and how unladylike it’s becoming… grrr. But that’s insanely awesome that your close family and friends accept and support you 150%!! And hopefully, your friends in the industry will become your ‘chosen family’ that will give you overwhelming support
Glad to hear you enjoyed and celebrated your break after the competition, and yay for the next comp prep!! Rock it, chickie!! 
June 29, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Sorry to hear about your extended family. At least your husband and daughters support you! I know I could not do this without the support of my hubby. Sometimes I think we find ourselves shifting friend circles in this sport. Those we hung out with before finding fitness don’t understand the lifestyle and tend to migrate away from it. It is sad, but the friends that understand the craziness we put ourselves through make it worthwhile.