Valenti Cup WrapUp

 Hi Everyone-

I am on my way back to Canada and I have some time in my hands, so I thought I would update you on the weekend

Lets get right to the results. I placed 9 out of 10 girls. Worst placing all season and at a time when I really needed to place higher. This last prep was really a challenge (see previous post) and I was happy that I made it to the stage with all that transpired around me.

When you compete with this calibre of athletes and so close to the Olympia being good is not enough–> you have to be great.

So what does this means for the Olympia this year?

Unfortunately, I did not make it.

Bummer I know. This is not my first go at disappointment in my fitness career however it hurts no less. I can think of other instances in which I had greater disappointment but this moment might be up there.

Let me explain.

This year the qualification for the Olympia is either the winner or placings (2 through 5) receive points. The 5 girls who have the most points by the time the Olympia rolls around get invites.

Another competitor who had no points placed 3rd at this last show of the season – the Valenti Cup.

Since 3 rd place gets 3 points and I already had 3 points (but a 4 th and 5 th placings at shows), she ends up bumping me and taking the last qualifying spot. She had a higher placing (3rd), so she gets the last qualifying spot.

Again, bummer.

There was 3 different systems of qualification for the Olympia this year. Next year there will just be just the one with its first full year of implementation.

What have I learned from all if this?

1. Competing many times per year is ok for me, competing for one full year non stop is not.

2. I can brag about being the first athlete to fall prey to the new points system. (I have to put a positive spin on this somehow)

3. Competing in the fall is just not a good time of year for me. Back to school for my son is very busy, and taking time for myself at this time of year brings in mommy guilt like I am taking time away from him. His busy schedule and my competing are starting to clash. It will be soon time to make some choices. And I know in my heart what I will choose.

4. I still love performing the routine. My goal this year way to always be consistent and perform my very best everytime I went onstage. I did just that.

My routine went well, but my body was not where I wanted it to be for this show.  Things just started to move along by the time the show came along and it was just not enough time to pull it together like I would have hoped.

Here are videos of both the physique round, and routine round.

Physique Round

Routine Round

Going to the Olympia remains the ultimate goal and when life wants me to be there I will get there. I am mentally ready to be onstage at the Olympia. I worked on that over the last 15 years. However, physique wise and with my energy this year, I don’t feel that I would have been bringing my best since I competed all year.

I would want to bring my absolute best to the Olympia and this year I can say confidently that it would not have been my best. I am tired; my body is tired. Other girls were able to secure their spots early in the season and sat much of the year out resting. They are more fresh, rested and ready to go. I believe this to be the best outcome for me this year.

This is a momentary set back, but not failure.

There are a shortage of shows in fitness as compared to bikini or figure, and next year I will be more selective about which shows I attend.

The Valenti cup was a fantastic experience. It had all the things a competitor needed – a close hotel to the airport, grocery store nearby, tanning at the host hotel, makeup at the hotel, water and a staff willing to help you out with anything you need.   It was a very laid back show, spread over 2 days which I did not mind.

Thank you to Slimquick Razor & Slimquick family for always being there for me, and Tamee Marie for her wonderfully designed suit.

This competitive season is over for me. I had friends ask about the Fort Lauderdale Cup – another fabulously run show. However, although I think I could be ready, my best strategy for the rest of the year is to give my body the rest it needs.

Time to listen to the body, before it starts shouting.

A.