Hi Everyone-
Well another show has come and gone.
Deciding last minute to do a show is never a good idea, and I don’t recommend it, however, this time I did ok. I placed 5th. You can see the individual scores here on the IFBB Pro website.
Physique wise I think could have come in a little tighter. I know my legs have come down in size as all my pants are fitting differently, but I am still working to balance my upper with my lower body. I was not nervous, and really enjoyed being onstage, and really sucking up the moment.
Here is a video posted by Flex Online:
Allison Ethier
There are many times when you hear backstage, “I cannot wait until it is over, so that I can eat”. For me yes, there were times when I had that attitude. Now, since it requires so much time, and energy and commitment, I always want to take my time with everything. I focus on enjoying it all, as I worked so hard to get there. I don’t want it to be over; I want it to last longer. Having a positive attitude on the day of show really does affect your perception of your experience, and your overall attitude towards competing.
I did really well in the routine round, and was very proud of myself. I had a lot of energy onstage, and really felt in the moment. I had a lot of good compliments from the audience and friends about my routine. That always makes doing the routine so worthwhile, when you have good positive feedback. I really like doing this routine, and will add a few ‘tricks’ for Toronto pro coming up June 1.
So far I have 3 points and am in currently 3rd place for the Olympia Qualification series – as seen here.
The weekend went by pretty quickly. After arriving late on Thursday night, I spent much of my time on Friday getting prepped for Saturday. Resting was the main thing. I know many individuals who come to these shows to relax and well that is what I did this weekend. I ended up staying at a Hampton Inn which included breakfast. They surprisingly had egg whites and oatmeal. Breakfast of champions right? They were super friendly and accommodating with a fridge, and a microwave (did not request that but got it anyways). Thank you to JanTana and Pierce (my tan guy since 2009), who always do amazing work. The humidity got to me a bit, as the change in temperature can alter the colour of your tan. Hot outside, and then cold in the buildings due to the AC can wreck any well prepped skin for a competition tan – even for an experienced competitor like myself. Tanning is usually pretty uneventful, but since I like to walk everywhere, and the humidity of the Pittsburgh air (compared to home right now) I was just not acclimated, and battled sweating. It always works out in the end, but these things do happen and with experience you are always able to adjust.
On Saturday, I was lucky enough to get Elaine Goodlad as my makeup artist this weekend, and she had a spot on Saturday for makeup. I was a bit concerned about whom would be doing my makeup or when, but things again, seem to have a way to workout. It looked amazing, and I received many compliments.
The backstage area was quite cramped, and really had to check my ‘ego’ for a moment. Usually at an event – the Pros are the only event and there is plenty of space, or if we are together such as this show – the amateur show with the Pros – the Pros will have a separate area. But this was the first time I experienced having both together in the same backstage area. I am sure there are other shows that do it this way, but I have not been to those shows as of yet. Perhaps it was the number of competitors in such a small area that had me thrown for a moment. I had quite a few questions from competitors who were new – new to competing, about tanning, and suits, and makeup etc. When you turn pro these ‘minute’ details are the norm, and you really don’t think about things of that nature anymore as they are usually sorted out by the time you get to play with the big dogs. I am not saying that there is nothing left to learn, but it is more about tweaking existing stuff rather than learning, or establishing how to do something. I realize quite quickly what my problem was –> I forgot what it was like to be new. Although I can still relate to those feelings of being new as I coach girls, when I am in the situation of competing where my head is focussed on me rather than someone else I got (for a moment) got lost in my own world. I realized. I learned. I adjusted.
Instead of just being me the competitor, I was part coach, or teacher (if only for a moment) to these new competitors. It was nice to be reminded of all those ‘fresh’ newbie energies you have when you first start competing. It is all new and exciting. I remember seeing girls who I saw in the magazines, and thinking, ‘oh wow – there is so and so’. It was and it still exciting. I mean – I even “being a fan” when the IFBB Pro bodybuilders were backstage getting all dolled up for their guest posing.
I have to say “thank you ” to Chris – did not catch her last name as she helped me with my tan, my friend and fellow great gal Nicole Moneer, and Stephanie lent me her bands as I did not bring any to pump up. Thank you to both of them for helping me. So even when you think you have it all established, you always need help sometimes. Luckily many competitors (pro or amateur) are not shy to ask, and neither am I.
Saturday went by pretty quickly and after prejudging, I just hung out at the hotel until it was time to go back to the venue get touched up for makeup and tan, and get doing the routine. I am hoping that an online magazine was able to capture the fitness routines as they are really exciting to watch, and will be searching them out online in the next few days. If I find anything I will post it here to my competition blog.
After the show, I just went back to my room, got my stuff together for an early flight in the morning.
Most of the downtown was closed on Sunday due to a very large marathon happening, so getting a taxi was tight, but I did eventually get to my flight, and through security with no time to spare as my plane was loading as I arrived to the gate.
So what is next for me – Toronto Pro Supershow – one more show in about 4 weeks. (ahem – 26 days). I will be trying to add a few more tricks to my routine as well as come in a little tighter for the show. I know all the Canadians will be bringing their A game, so I will have to prepare accordingly.
Until next update,
A.
