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I read this on FB today...written by a national level competitor here in Canada. Words of wisdom for those of you early in your journeys and a few reminders for those of us who are further down the road. 
Hind Sight.
I sat in the audience yesterday at the Canadian Nationals and for the first time watched the very show I have competed in a total of seven times.
AS I sat there watching all these women parade across the stage, shake, quiver, and smile intently at the judges, I thought about the lessons I have learned.
So in hind sight, here are the things I would tell myself THEN, what I know NOW.
1- You do not have to compete year after year. Take time off, get back to life, enjoy your life, and compete because it fits. In fact, get your metabolic capacity high first, then decide on a show.
2- Competing is not an excuse to get in shape. The competition body is not a sustainable one year round, it's a peaked body for a purpose. Don't be fooled into thinking you can 'get into contest shape' to stay in 'contest shape'.
3- It's not just about the pro card. I am seeing people give up their families, fortune, and health for something they might not ever use. I know it's the ultimate goal, the finish line, but it's again, starting over.
4- Don't take it personal. Your placings don't define your efforts.
5- Don't compare yourself to anyone else. I know it's hard not to after you stand next to someone who beats you, but you are YOU against YOU. Work on your weaknesses, but embrace your gifts.
6- Don't believe it's just water. It's never 'just water'. Ya just weren't lean enough.
7- Expect the unexpected. Wasted time on 'who will show up' is wasted time. Anyone can show up, there's always a sleeper.
8- Have an exit plan. Your journey off the stage is as vital as your journey to the stage. If you go from 'extreme dieting' to 'offseason' right away, you will rebound. Go out the same way you went in... and then keep going up with the food.
9- It's not a suffering contest. Being upset because you worked so hard, sacrificed your first born to step stage is not admirable. It's insane. Work hard, work smart, but don't have an attitude that suffering means winning.
10- You can't diet your way out of metabolic issues. If you are having issues or had issues going into your show, you need help NOW. You don't need a diet. Find a coach who knows what this all means.
Finally, be proud of yourself! Enjoy and celebrate your efforts.... and remember it's a HOBBY.... one that might only last for a short period of time in your life.
So make wise decisions and surround yourself with awesome.
Hind Sight.
I sat in the audience yesterday at the Canadian Nationals and for the first time watched the very show I have competed in a total of seven times.
AS I sat there watching all these women parade across the stage, shake, quiver, and smile intently at the judges, I thought about the lessons I have learned.
So in hind sight, here are the things I would tell myself THEN, what I know NOW.
1- You do not have to compete year after year. Take time off, get back to life, enjoy your life, and compete because it fits. In fact, get your metabolic capacity high first, then decide on a show.
2- Competing is not an excuse to get in shape. The competition body is not a sustainable one year round, it's a peaked body for a purpose. Don't be fooled into thinking you can 'get into contest shape' to stay in 'contest shape'.
3- It's not just about the pro card. I am seeing people give up their families, fortune, and health for something they might not ever use. I know it's the ultimate goal, the finish line, but it's again, starting over.
4- Don't take it personal. Your placings don't define your efforts.
5- Don't compare yourself to anyone else. I know it's hard not to after you stand next to someone who beats you, but you are YOU against YOU. Work on your weaknesses, but embrace your gifts.
6- Don't believe it's just water. It's never 'just water'. Ya just weren't lean enough.
7- Expect the unexpected. Wasted time on 'who will show up' is wasted time. Anyone can show up, there's always a sleeper.
8- Have an exit plan. Your journey off the stage is as vital as your journey to the stage. If you go from 'extreme dieting' to 'offseason' right away, you will rebound. Go out the same way you went in... and then keep going up with the food.
9- It's not a suffering contest. Being upset because you worked so hard, sacrificed your first born to step stage is not admirable. It's insane. Work hard, work smart, but don't have an attitude that suffering means winning.
10- You can't diet your way out of metabolic issues. If you are having issues or had issues going into your show, you need help NOW. You don't need a diet. Find a coach who knows what this all means.
Finally, be proud of yourself! Enjoy and celebrate your efforts.... and remember it's a HOBBY.... one that might only last for a short period of time in your life.
So make wise decisions and surround yourself with awesome.
