My First Figure Competition, NPC Brooklyn
I was so nervous during the pre-contest. I didn’t know the modeling pose and intially did the wrong side pose, but did well overall on the quarter turns. I placed fifth in the C Class and was glad to get a trophy despite the fact I was a tad bit unprepared. The Master’s Class women were very nice to me and helped with my suit, bikini bite, salty snacks, make-up advice, oil sheen, and feedback. The primary criticism from my peers and a trainer who was in the audience is that I didn’t show much personality on stage and my suit was too plain. They complimented me on my lines and legs and suggested a different style bikini suit top to make me appear wider. It was because of these fantastic women I stayed. I was a little miffed by the judges seemingly dismissive attitude and felt they didn’t give me any consideration, but to some degree I was wrong. I believe physically I was prepared, but needed more insight re: stage presentation. None of my friends attended this show, but there were some people in the audience that cheered for me and reminded me to smile so I relaxed a little.
I am so not a "figure girl". The dressing room is way too crowded, the glamour diva’s hog the space, we’re on last so we miss others presentations, and I have brown feet (bottoms) from the ProTan. I don’t have the patience to wait 12 minutes to line up and it’s really 45 minutes. I don’t like selling myself in order to get a high score–so obviously this sport is not for me. [Okay, perhpaps this is not an accurate statement. I don’t sell myself well, tend to be a behind the scenes person and need to build up my confidence and show the judges what I’m working with. I’m already thinking about how I can improve my stage presentation next Sat. I believe I can do 50 to 75% better than the first time:)]
I am glad that I did this show b/c next week’s competition is tough and as a novice I will have to just smile & breath and hope to place 11th:) I know I will get a participation medal like all the other contestants. Guess I’ll get the glue out and start adding more stones to these suits. I’ll try to get a better feel for this "modeling pose".
Post comp meal: 2 egg whites, 1 egg, steel cut oats, chamomile tea, and a luna bar.
BTW this is my first athletic competiton–played team sports, but not much of a competitor. We’ll see if I have the competition bug post NPC Eastern Comps. or post traumatic stress disorder. Either way I will need to take up a collection so that I can see my therapist (my trainer) for at least another year (LOL).
November 9, 2008 at 6:43 am
Congrats JC!
Awesome job with your first show and good luck with your second coming up!
-Jeff
November 9, 2008 at 7:16 am
Well, you say that it is not for you, however, you did place fifth. Good luck with next competition. You look great
November 9, 2008 at 7:30 am
Congratulations on your placing, but more importantly, seeing this to the end! Now, that you are armed with some information, your next competition is almost like a ‘do-over’". It will be so much easier for you. You know what to expect. I am so very, very proud of your accomplishment. Who in your circle of friends and family can say they have done what have the courage and determination to do?
And just think, even IF you ultimately decide to pack away your clear heels, there is someone in your life right now you is ready to change their lives and commit to a healthier lifestyle because of you. Like our NEW PRESIDENT-ELECT (and I am still on cloud nine about this one!) you could be ushering in a new era!
Congratulations, again.