jcorbett’s BodyBlog

I am terrified each figure competition just before I walk out on stage. Something about exposing my assets and flaws makes me a little nervous. I am so not happy when I’m not "called out" and leave the stage sulking, but after a few days of carbs, I want to compete again. Yes, I have the "competition bug". Sixteen months ago I laughed aloud when someone suggested that I compete. Something about being objectified was a turn off. However, when I decided to show off my physique in the fall, I competed to celebrate the victory of surpassing my weight loss goal. The competition gave me training focus and helped me stay on point with my diet. Therefore, my paradigm for figure competition has shifted and I now see figure competition as a sport instead of exploitation.

I enjoy the comp preparation because I train anyway–the competition just give me focus and a sense of urgency. My training and comp prep time is the only thing I do outside of family (with the exception of my career). It has become an essential part of my life and helps me maintain balanced life.

Since I have decided to continue competing, I need develop strategies to deal with whether or not I get "called out". At the moment I take it personal and feel like garbage, but quickly realize that there is always someone else that will look better. It’s not a reflection on my hard work–it’s just the nature of competing–at least that’s what I’ve been told (LOL).

At some point I will also have set my ego aside long enough to approach the judges for feedback.

I am tenatively planning to do two competitions in the fall with hopes of placing in the top five. Until then, I will train like a champ and stay on point with the diet.

I am still not totally confident as a competitor so I was really nervous. There were approximately 20 competitors at the masters level. I didn’t make top five, but did make 9th place. My post comp meal of hummus of pita bread  and stuffed grape leaves; along with a good nights rest has given me the fuel for devising new fitness goals. I am tired after 16 weeks of figure comp prep and plan to rest 3 days before beginning a new training routine.

I want to gradually increase calories over the next three weeks and maintain a healthy balance of complex carbs, healthy fats (20 - 30%), and lean fish (a little chicken). I will return to the gym on Wed. and begin working on legs. I will re-institute the two day leg routine that targets hamstrings one day and quads another day. I am going to start working out with a partner the end of the month–this will be a welcomed change. I still need help with new weight training routines. I want to continue shaping my quads and glutes. I also want to continue developing my upper body, but will focus on maintaining a balanced frame.