One Week, Three Days Out, Got My Posing Suits, Felt Moment of Panic
I unveiled my posing suits at work with two of my co-workers. We all chuckled at the fact that there’s not much fabric to cover the goodies. The suits are plain, but beautiful. One is purple & the other is hot pink, both velvet. I took them home and waited for the kids to go to bed before I tried them on……OMG, these things fit like a glove. My stretch marks, tan lines, scars & other imperfections were on display. Additionally, there is barely enough fabric covering the crack of my a**, what the h*!#. I thought, "There is no way I’m getting my big a** out there on stage with this sh**. I’m am too d*** old to do this and I don’t want to make a fool of myself." Once the initial shock was over, I took the stupid cups out, adjusted the suits, which are almost a perfect fit, did my poses and thought, "I look pretty darn good for 46. In fact I am in the best shape I’ve ever been in my life". I was instantly reassured:) I can and will do these competitions. I’ve made too many sacrifices to punk out now.
Encouraging myself:
During this contest prep I’ve had an incredible amount of financial challenges, and in spite of this, I have been able to purchase everything I need, not want, but need. It was difficult getting with the cutting diet at first and I’ve had some minor set backs, but for the most part I am within range of my set weight goal–not even concerned about the bodyfat (it’s low, don’t know how low, doesn’t matter). It’s my reflection in the mirror that keeps me in check. If I am on point it shows, if I mess up, it shows. Last year I started working with my trainer, Bruno, and didn’t believe I could lose 12 pounds (my original goal), now 30+ pounds less and one year later, I’m showing off my accomplishment. Like the tenure pursuit and the quest for ongoing publications, this fitness thing is neverending, once you reach a goal, it’s time to work on another. No time for slacking unless I want to be back at square one. It only takes a quick review of my progress pictures for me to stay focused.
The fact that I will be on stage in 10 days is a little anxiety producing. The anxiety is just enough for me to get up @ 5 a.m. to train and pack all the right food for the day.
October 29, 2008 at 7:43 am
So cool, JC, awesome job!
I hope to be going through the same pre-contest feeling as you come next spring.
Keep doing what you are doing because you look great!
-Jeff
October 29, 2008 at 8:46 am
hang in there… there’s a lot of head games those last couple of weeks. one minute you feel good the next you feel like a hog! just keep plugging and you’ll do great!
it’s so exciting, right!!?!! good luck! you seem to be doing a really good job staying in check. and remember tan hides a lot of the little flaws you mentioned early in this blog. 
October 29, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Ah, yes. The initial shock of those suits is a trip. You train and diet and all the sudden those velvety pieces of fabric have you thinking-what have I done. But I KNOW you look great. If you look anything like you did after that MuscleTech challenge you have nothing to worry about.
It is your moment, just get up there and soak it all in !!!
October 29, 2008 at 7:16 pm
You will do fantastic. A little nervous energy is expected. There is something inside of you brings success no matter what adversity comes your way. You got winner written all over you. Keep pressing towards the prize.