Hi Everyone-
It has been about 3 months since my last update. It has been a whirlwind of a fall, and I have been busy with my personal training clients, online clients, bootcamp classes, my son who is really into hockey, and getting back to normal after competing 6 times last year.
My son the goaler
I am up probably 10lbs from where I compete, which is not a lot in the grand scheme of things. I am still in shape, but you always remember how skinny you felt during that time of training when everything just fit slightly looser. I still train 4-5x per week, mess around in the aerobic room on my fitness skills, and eat really well with the occasional glass of wine, and prep my food on a weekly basis. All of these things I would continue to do regardless of I decided to compete or not. I am comfortable and happy in my body right now.
I decided last spring to take the steps necessary to qualify to judge bodybuilding and fitness shows in my area. I did my first test judging last spring, and this past November, I completed my second test judging with the APQ, the provincial amateur bodybuilding and fitness federation (under the CBBF) for Quebec. It was an interesting perspective being the judge, rather than being judged. There was a huge appreciation for all the work the athletes put in as you know exactly what they are feeling. This was a local show for first timers – competitors in their first show ever. Most of the groups were manageable to judge and small, however when it came to the larger groups like bikini then the judge’s opinion was variable. I thought some of the girls were top 10 material and judges did not even see them. It is so important to make that strong initial impression, especially when there are so many girls in your group. It does happen that good bodies get overlooked, especially when there are so many girls standing on the stage.
Competing can be really tough on the ego. As you have more experience you learn to cope more objectively than take it personally. You work so hard for this one moment and then in what seems like a flash it is over. It is a judged sport and sometimes the judges just don’t like what they see. Judges either disregard it, or reward it.
This year once the IFBB pro fitness schedule came out I was surprised on how few shows were being offered. For fitness there is only 2 open shows this year – one in Germany, one in Toronto. There has been a possibility of adding a 3rd open show, but nothing has been announced as of yet. The other shows offered are application shows, in which you apply and need to be invited. Those are Arnold Events, and they are in Columbus, USA, San Paulo, Brazil and Madrid, Spain. If you follow the world of bodybuilding and fitness you know that getting to the Olympia means acquiring points in order to secure one of those last 5 spots to qualify. (or win a show). However, since 3 of the shows are invitation only, one could say an unfair advantage to those who get invited, as those points are limited to only those who qualify.
We all want the same things, and it is unfortunate that not everyone can go, or have an equal opportunity to participate. But this is the nature of the bodybuilding and fitness world in which I choose to compete; and I accept that. My ultimate goal is to make the Olympia, however, it once seemed achievable and now seems to distance itself from what is possible.
Limiting factors to my Olympia goal are:
- being selected to compete at these invitation events
- number of shows offered
- time remaining to be able to compete – how many years do I have left?
What is holding you back from achieving the goal?
I have always loved the world fitness. I love competing. I love the atmosphere of the shows. I love the performing the routine. I love the process. I love the girls as it is a group of women who are similar to who I am. I feel connected to them. I feel like I belong among these people.
With the limited number shows offered this year, my unwavering commitment to get the Olympia, and out of support for the division – I applied to the 2013 Arnold in Columbus.
Unfortunately I did not make it this year. Competed in 6 shows last year, over 15 shows the last 3 years, and 2 Arnold Amateur events (one win, and a 2nd place), and 3 consecutive Arnold Classic Invites, and this year I failed to make an impression with those who select the invitees.
In fitness there are only a handful of girls, approximately 20-25 who compete on a regular basis. It is always the same girls. We are committed, loyal and we love what we do. I know I am among those elite few and for that I am extremely proud.
Here are your 2013 Pro Fitness Arnold Classic Competitor List
Fitness International
Myriam Capes
Bethany Cisternino
Regiane DaSilva
Nicole Duncan
Ryall Graber-Vasani
Oksana Grishina
Fiona Harris
Amanda Hatfield
Tanji Johnson
Melinda Szabo
Kizzy Vaines
Trish Warren
Athletes in fitness tend to stay around and compete much longer than the other divisions. With the exception of 1 or 2, if you look at who is competing at the Arnold this year most of them have over 10 years of experience competing in shows – EACH. They are not newbies. They are experienced veterans. This is one impressive line-up.
I have to admit I did feel disappointment. Disappointment as now I am not part of the selected few who get to attend this amazing event. You are treated like such a rock star for the weekend. Even though you leave exhausted, it is such a high to be there to be there, and have all those people supporting you, and cheering you on. The fans know the bodybuilding/fitness, appreciate your hard work, and the commitment you have in achieving the perfect physique.
“Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.” – Eckhart Tolle
Although I love the journey, with preparing for a show and having a physique goal based on a strict timeline – there are sacrifices that need to be made to get there. When it comes to preparing for a show it is generally less social time, more training time, more sleep, timed nutrition, and focus. My focus changes when the show rolls around as I am expected to show up and be my best self. That energy I would put elsewhere in my life now has to go to preparations for the show. To say I am the same person when in my comp mode would be lie. I am more focussed, intense, as one who competes has to be. I am not saying that this is a bad thing, as I like getting into shape, however, there is a cost to getting there. I do love the process though…getting into shape is a challenge, and I love a challenge.
My family is very supportive of what I do, as they would never tell me ‘no’, but I cannot keep taking without giving some back. Maybe life is telling me I should be taking more of a break and put my energies into my work, my son, and my career. I do not have any major injuries, but I do have a twinge of pain/inflexibility issue with my adductor, and it is not fully back 100%.
The routine has always been the big draw for me, and I constantly try to practice new moves to have in my back pocket just in case. You never want to get too far out of shape, as the road back is always very tough. I have inquired on how to apply for the Brazil & Madrid shows, and the Toronto show is in my back yard. So hopefully one or two of those shows will pan out for me. I love doing the routine, and there are many days when I get the spark of designing a new routine, and it always comes from a very passionate place.
I guess the next question is – how do you know when you are done? When the sacrifices and investment outweighs the rewards.
I will leave this post with a thread on Siouxcountry.com – started by Crystol Wood – about Life after the competitive stage. It makes for a great read.
Be amazing,
A.
