Friday, May 22, 2015

Why I Compete

Lately I have found my Facebook feed full of negativity in regards to competing.  I can understand a lot of it, the industry has changed so much in the past few years.  Adding in the new divisions of "bikini" and "physique", while some shows are choosing to completely eliminate women's bodybuilding in favor of physique rather than including both.  Competitors are becoming coaches with their only experience being the fact they did one competition.  They do not have degrees in exercise science, nutrition anything that a true coach should have.  Cookie cutter diets are everywhere with the majority pushing women to eat extremely low calories while doing way too much cardio in order to get them to very low body fat levels.

It makes me sad and so disappointed.

Yesterday I read a great article on Run.Lift.Yoga. I really enjoy this blog and you should check it out.  Bri is educated, honest and always has awesome posts.  Her post yesterday hit home for me, especially because I had previously read the article she was talking about and I myself am a figure competitor.  The article was written by Christian Thibaudeau and it is titled Why Are You Competing?

Bri is right on, training for an ultra marathon is extremely different than training for a competition.  In both cases you are pushing your body to it's limits, in very different ways.  You do not have to compete in a bodybuilding show to prove you can push yourself.

Christian was pretty harsh in some of his article, not gonna lie!  He was also extremely honest.  With the bikini category it seems like there are many more women choosing to compete, they may have decided to train three months before a competition because someone who works out at their gym claims they can train them, so they do it.  A lot of these women find themselves consumed by one goal, getting a trophy or some huge type of recognition!  They will do whatever it takes, they will not look into the background of their new coach to see if they are actually a certified trainer or nutritionist who knows the science behind building up muscle mass and decreasing body fat the right way.  In the end they may step on stage feeling awesome and rebound after the competition, gaining back way too much far too quickly because they didn't know about reverse dieting.  Their metabolism will feel the harsh changes and can become severely damaged and they end up on this vicious roller coaster of trying to stay in competition shape and unable to be happy with themselves at a normal state.

I have been an athlete all my life.  It started with running then volleyball and when I found weight training I just felt complete.  I met my husband through friends and it took us a couple of years to come together.  He was a personal trainer and we enjoyed working out, we had discussed the possibility of me competing but I knew deep down it wasn't something I was ready to do.  I was very critical of my body and going down the road of competing at that time, well honestly I knew I wasn't mentally prepared for it.

At the age of 30 I knew I was finally ready both mentally and physically.  You HAVE to be in the right place mentally because most women do not walk around year round in competition ready shape.  My husband and I set out our plan, I myself did so much research on "dieting" and in the end I realized I didn't want to "diet" I wanted to change my lifestyle instead.  I vowed that I would not cut out food groups, physically I am unable to even think about cutting water and sodium.  My body just can't handle that, I do not retain fluids and cutting water or sodium would end up with me fainting on stage, not worth it.  The best resource for me when it came to nutrition for competing was Layne Norton, he is AMAZING, seriously I love him because he brings science into it and he is so extremely intelligent.  I also chose to incorporate the Fighter Diet, I like Pauline but in the end I wasn't happy with cutting out certain foods.  I still eat loads of veggies but I will not give up bread, cereal or pop tarts for that matter.

My first competition was two years later and it was honestly so much fun and an eye opener.  I placed fourth in one of my divisions and realized that I still had a lot of work to do.  You can't put on muscle mass in three months, it takes years to build up good muscle mass for most people, myself included.  I was proud of myself standing on that stage with my family and friends cheering me on.  There isn't one person in my large family who doesn't support me and my choice to compete.  Their support has blown me away, I get teary eyed just thinking about how truly proud they are of me as I reach my goals.

As a mother I have chosen to be very careful on this path.  I want to teach my daughter why I want to compete and how I do it in a healthy way.  I know people say this all the time but this is me being 110% honest, I compete for ME.  I do not compete for the trophies which will set in my office needing to be dusted ;)  I compete because I LOVE to lift weights and train, I also LOVE to proudly stand on that stage.  I'm not one to post loads of selfies on my Instagram, of course I will here and there but I do it because I am so proud of my progress.  You won't see butt shots or side boob shots, that's just not me.  The sex appeal of the industry gets under my skin, but sadly it is what it is and I choose not to go there.

Here are some photos from my first competition.  So, so proud of myself and these photos showed me where I needed to improve.  I never look at them thinking badly about my body, I look at them thinking I would like more mass to my shoulders and to get some quad sweeps.  Areas I just want to improve so I bring a better ME to the stage next time.

In the photos above I have my husband, daughter, parents and two of my best friends, I can feel their pride and my joy in these photos.  I have many more with my siblings and best friends but there would be far too many to post.  I worked so very hard for months to get myself ready for this competition and yes it was worth it.  I didn't become a fitness model, or sponsored athlete or get thousands of followers on Instagram.  I didn't care, that was not why I did it! 


This photo is one of my favorites, my daughter and I proudly showing off what we accomplished.  Bella went on stage for the kids pose down and got her very own awesome medal.  She was so incredibly proud of me and proud of herself for going up on that stage.  This beautiful little girl right here is why I will never deprive myself for a competition, spend HOURS in the gym or become harsh on my own views of myself.  I choose to workout before she wakes up for the day and with my husband being the GM for Kosama she enjoys going with us for kickboxing workouts.

The next set of photos are from my second competition where I placed third in my category.  My best friend sponge painted the tan on me, it didn't take well and I was so much lighter than the other competitors that it played into my scoring.  I was very happy with myself, I could see the improvements from the previous competition, my niece Carley did this competition with me and we just had a BLAST! 




Another awesome photo of family who came to support me, again I have so many I won't post them all :)  Four out of my seven siblings were there cheering so loudly, knowing how hard I've worked.

Now we come to the present where I have honestly felt a bit in limbo.  I became a Complete Nutrition sponsored athlete, so proud to represent a great company with truly amazing products that I DO use.  I have had ups and downs with my health and had to make a difficult choice just 6 weeks out from a May competition.  I just wasn't going to be ready, sure I could make myself ready by going to the extreme, but it wouldn't be healthy, I wouldn't be happy and my daughter would see that.  My husband was very honest with me and we decided to wait.

My plans were to compete this fall, after a long discussion last night a new plan has come to light.  I am going to spend the next 7-8 months building the muscle mass I want, working out with my husband at the gym and our good friend Corey.  Kyle (my husband) got in some big tires and battle ropes at Kosama, we are so excited to incorporate them into my training.  I am excited and looking forward to taking my time and not rushing myself, there is no age limit in this sport so why pressure myself?

It takes years to build a competitive physique.  You may feel the urge to do it and think you can take a couple of months lifting weights and then do tons of cardio while eating minimal food to get lean enough.  Please do not go down that road, you will destroy your body and your mind.  If you can't still enjoy spending time with your family and friends, going out to restaurants (believe me you CAN do that and still make healthy choices) and other activities you are doing it wrong.

Life is about making memories with those you love.  Standing on stage for a couple of minutes should never be more important than the people cheering you on and supporting you.

In the end I compete for ME.  I am lucky to be married to a man who has the same interests as I do and a daughter who enjoys watching me compete and she also enjoys being a part of my journey.

Make the right choices for yourself and your family, they come first.  So tonight I am going to enjoy going to a concert with my husband and having a few beers.  Tomorrow I will thoroughly enjoying paying in a 3's sand volleyball tournament, Sunday a long run is in store along with baking goodies in the Easy Bake oven.  Monday we will remember those we have lost and thank those who have given their lives to protect our freedoms and I will hit the gym lifting heavy weights because I am fortunate that I am physically able to do that.

Life is short, do what you love with those you love and always be proud of YOU!

26 comments:

  1. I've only just started out in the gym and am not into the weight section I just need to get fitter, but I just wanted to say you look great. And happy, and that's what counts xx

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  2. Enjoy the weight training and take it slow, I hope you love it! Thank you, I truly am happy with where I am at :)

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  3. I love your take on competing, especially noting that you need to be mentally ready in order to do so!
    For me, it's the mental aspect that I'd struggle with, which is why I don't think it's for me, and that's okay too :)

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    1. It is so true, the mental game can eat away at you and you have to be able to rise above it. I feel like waiting until I was older to compete has helped.

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  4. I don't know much about competing in bodybuilding but it sounds like you have found something that motivates and inspires you to push yourself to be the best you. That's what it's all about!

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    1. So very true, it gives me goals throughout my training and something to really look forward to!

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  5. This was a great read. There is a lot of varying opinions on competitions and you have a really cool perspective!

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    1. Thank you so much! If I didn't truly enjoy it as a hobby I certainly wouldn't continue doing it :)

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  6. I love what you said about having to really be mentally prepared. I've never competed, but I would definitely worry I would fall down a rabbit hole into an unhealthy relationship with food - so I definitely wouldn't do it until I know I'd be comfortable. You seem like you have a great handle on it and are teaching your daughter how to have a healthy body image :).

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    1. It can certainly take some people down a very dangerous road with their relationship with food. All I ever want is for my daughter to know that I do this because I truly enjoy it and love my body even when I am not in competition mode :)

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  7. One of my dearest friends used to compete in women's weightlifting competitions. She's tiny, but she looked amazing. Still does actually!

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    1. That is awesome, she must truly enjoy it to still be doing it :)

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  8. You should be proud of what you do! You are doing what you love and in a healthy way. You are a great role model for your family.

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    1. I am very proud of what I do, especially since I feel I truly have a good view on the big picture. Thank you :)

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  9. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. As I said on the post on Run.Lift.Yoga, I don't know a lot about these competitions, but it does seem like there are a lot of people who hop into it, barely trained, under trained, or just plain unhealthy. This is pushing your body to the limit, and I believe it has to be entered into it carefully, thoughtfully and with lots of research and quality guidance.

    You look amazing. Congratulations on all you've accomplished.

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    1. Thank you Jennifer and you are so right, way too many women are jumping into competing when they are not ready physically or mentally. It really makes me sad especially because they will listen to no one besides the "trainer" they have. And thank you :)

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  10. I say, do what makes you happy! It seems like you have found a place of peace and that's awesome! I know a few ladies that compete and I admire them all for taking on the challenge! All the best to you on your journey!

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  11. I think when you go into competitions like you have you need to do it for yourself. It takes a lot of dedication and I give you a ton of credit, not sure i could do it. You look amazing BTW>

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    1. Thank you so much and you are absolutely right, you really do need to compete for yourself and not worry about anyone else!

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  12. What a great perspective on competitions. I wish people would be as open minded about it, and other fitness related activities, as you are.

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    1. I wish people would be more open minded too and smart about it. It can be a truly fun hobby as long as you do it in a healthy way and for the right reasons.

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  13. Gorgeous - don't let anyone take your light! You know exactly what you need to do - your happiness is all that matters!

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  14. You ROCK!!! I wish I had what it takes to compete or even begin a bodybuilding regimen...not to compete but just for overall improvement of my body and fitness goals. I need to be more disciplined in my eating and consistent. Love your attitude!! #familyFirst

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    1. Thank you! It was hard for my first competition, not gonna lie but I've found what works for me personally. I love the balance I've found and truly believe anyone can do it, bodybuilding.com is an awesome resource for great workouts and recipes, pinterest is also awesome for recipes of course :)

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  15. Great post! I'm positive that competing is something that I'd never be able to do, and I respect you so much for understanding that about yourself when you first considered it. So many people these days are doing competitions and changing their diets not for themselves or for health but for recognition. And it's breeding a strange sort of disordered thinking about what health and fitness really is :/

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