STAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME
washed it down with warm , lightly salted water as per coach ’ s orders . It was time for the fitness models to line-up and I was in the zone .
On Stage
Bright lights and an audience bring out the best in me . I was beaming as I stepped out on stage , heart thumping . When I saw the judges I got hit with a bit of nerves and my lips would not stop quivering ! My number was called , I took a deep breath and strut out to centre stage . My brain was going a mile a minute , trying to remember my posing cues . Then it was over . I went back into line feeling euphoric , but with little memory of what just happened .
After a short break I was back on stage for bikini . I had some water , a second cookie and chat-ted with new friends . The second time on stage was remarkably easier . My posing routine was better paced , my lips didn ’ t quiver and I stayed in the moment . I was really starting to love this sport .
I was thrilled to earn first place in novice fitness model ( short ) and second place in bikini ( medium ). Winning first in novice fitness model , I earned the opportunity to compete in the open cate-gory that afternoon . I didn ’ t have any expectations , I was just going up for fun and the experi-ence . I was surprised , when I won and earned my NPAA elite Pro Card , yet I had visualized that moment so frequently it seemed familiar . As I posed with Dr . Kevin for photos , I could see my husband watching in the audience , beaming with pride . All of the training , dieting , the crying over pancakes , the fatigue , everything was worth it because of his look .
That Evening
After drug testing and backstage celebrations , I changed into a little black dress and we drove to one of my favourite restaurants . My husband insisted I bring my trophies with us , which helped explain my Oompa Loompa tan to onlookers . It felt good to be celebrating , it felt good to be done . I was already planning my next show .
My post-show celebration included : 2 caramels , chocolate covered cranberries , half a small bag of chips , half of a cheesecake bar from my favourite bakery , a duck confit and roast potato dinner , 2 homemade smore ’ s cupcakes , 3 glasses of wine and a bowl of chocolate Chex cereal !
The Day After
I woke with a bit of a stomach ache . It was 5am . After only three hours of sleep , I was awake , too excited to sleep . I had given myself permission to relax and eat as I pleased for one more day before starting my reverse diet and resuming training . Off days and small indulgences are part of my balanced lifestyle and I felt I earned this one .
The Month Following
For me , reversing my diet was significantly harder than prepping for the competition . I dealt with intense food cravings and struggled not to binge eat . I did binge some days . After months con-gratulating myself for every pound lost , it was challenging to be ok with the necessary post-show weight gain . Setting new goals and guidelines allowed me to find balance and structure . It was a mental and emotional battle . Though I was nine pounds heavier than my competition weight , I was still ten pounds lighter than when I started the journey . I was stronger and had greater muscle definition . I love training and I love healthy food , so I wasn ’ t missing out . I had found a sport I loved . I realized it was all about perception , priorities and balance .
What ’ s Next
I will be competing to earn my IFPA Pro Card . I am expanding my online training business , my blog and writing career , to reach and help more women . I want to show women that strong is beautiful and you can accomplish greatness . I want to inspire women to live healthy , happy , balanced lifestyles .
47 .