The Results Are In!

Well... they have been for over a week now, I just haven't had a chance to post yet!

This competition was a crazy experience unlike any other.  It was one of the most difficult yet rewarding things I have ever attempted.  The week leading up to the show was extremely hard and I was constantly declaring how I would never do this again. However, I've always loved the stage and this was no different!  The experience was exhilarating and the whole process was fun - even the backstage waiting around and "pumping up" with over a hundred other competitors.

Here are a few photos from the show. Professional photos to come later:

8 AM - Getting ready to head to the venue!

 

 At the hotel before finals

Prejudging Photos

3rd Place!

My hubby and I with my award!

Third place in my first NPC show was a HUGE accomplishment!  It feels really good to know that my hard work paid off.  The long nights of research and the endless tilapia and green beans along with hours upon hours of heavy lifting and steady-state cardio were all worth it in the end.  I was also happy to have achieved this goal with the most natural diet possible.  Many competitors spend hundreds of dollars on supplements and I opted to try this my own way.  

So... I've been asked if I'm doing another show any time soon.  Although I am tempted to hop right back in, my current priorities are graduate school and work as well as gaining some financial stability and strengthening our fairly new marriage (just over 9 months!).  A good friend of mine is hoping to compete next year after she has her second child and right now I am planning on joining her.  Look out for me in summer 2013.  Until then, I'm going to enjoy a long off season and build some solid muscle!  I'll keep posting throughout it all.

Thank you to all my friends and family who came out and supported me - what an awesome group!  I love you all very much!  

In Less than 48 Hours, I will be on STAGE

Less than 48 hours to go.

I must say that Sunday-Wednesday were TOUGH.  Now that it is Thursday, I am depleting water, not eating carbs of ANY kind, and I'm no longer working out (or attempting to as this past week of workouts has been rather wimpy).  I am close enough now that I am feeling FOCUSED and even EXCITED!  I will have a long posing session tonight and eat a lean (unmarinated) steak before bed.  Tomorrow I just have to get up, shower, come to work for a couple of hours and then head to the host hotel and get ready for my spray tan. 

More than anything, I am just excited to see all of my friends and family.  The fact that so many of my friends are coming seriously means so much to me.  This is the most challenging thing I have ever done and to know that I will have people there yelling for me just pushes me along and drives me to see this through.

I will tell anyone who is interested in doing Figure, this journey is NOT easy, nor is it even moderately tough, it is DOWN RIGHT DIFFICULT.  A mind game and a huge physical and mental challenge.  I have learned so much about myself from this experience.  I hope that at the end, I can feel accomplished and realize that I can do ANYTHING if I really set my mind to it.  10 years ago, I didn't even exercise.  I ate fast food and doritoes all the time and didn't give a thought to my health.  In 2 days, I'm going to stand on stage and prove to myself that I am in control of my body and my habits and only I had the power to change my life. AND I DID IT. 

I can't wait to see everyone on Saturday night.  Remember, the night show is at 5:00pm and doors open at 4:30.  $20 cash only at the door for tickets.  Meet me after the show at The Ram for some pub grub and LOTS of photos with friends. :)

God bless everyone and thank goodness it is ALMOST HERE!

Quick comparison photo...

Just wanted to post a quick update/comparison.  38 Days between Pic #1 and #2.  Getting pumped for next weekend!  Can't wait to see the changes that occur the next 7 days!

The Final Push

10. More. Days.

The past two days have been a struggle.  Cardio twice a day and trying to maintain heavy lifting is so hard when your diet is so limited.  I am getting excited that peak week is almost here and while I'm sure that will be a somewhat miserable time, it will also be an exciting time.  I don't mean to complain about something that I have decided to do, I just never realized it would be THIS difficult.

The past few months have been awesome and difficult all at once.  I am afraid that I may have missed out on many opportunities with friends that may only come around once in a lifetime.  My first year of grad school has turned into a year of being anti-social.  But, I have learned SO MUCH about myself.  And about my abilities.  If I can accomplish something like this, what can't I do with hard work and dedication?  This was a dream that I had that I never thought I would actually try and attempt to live out.  And here I am. Ten days out from an NPC Figure Competition.  All of the hard work and the healthy choices lead up to 10 days from now.  And I am ready.

I am currently an emotional, tired wreck. Last night I decided there was no way I could compete. I'm not muscular or lean enough.  Then I went to the gym for round #2 and after kicking my own butt, I was a believer again.  This morning I am trying to find the motivation to walk next door and start my workout.  I'll get there, and once I'm done I will be back to motivated Heather.  It's just getting there and getting through the workout that is hard at this point.  After that, I'm happy and feeling good.

I just have to keep the final goal in mind.  Ten more days.