to compete, or not to compete?

[~gymdiva~]

um, well, I did! I wrote that article back in 06....

[GirlyMuscle]

I really like this article. I get something different out of it everytime I read it. Now that I have competed and am going in for the second time I find I have to re-ask myself these questions and the answers are different this time.

[~gymdiva~]

it is always a good one to reflect on from time to time....I tried competing last year not for me and it was such a no-go!

[GirlyMuscle]

I will be this year but I've found that my reasons and goals are completely different this time around.

[fitmomma3]

I LOVE competing for myself... there was a time I think I started to get too wrapped up in it, but now it's just a challenge a goal, and outlet, I love it!! BUTTTT I always get to #6 the funds and hault... I have so many other things to spend money on... I mean we all do. We can budget it in but particularly I love traveling!! And when I think of how much money I've spent and how many vacations that could be, I rethink it honestly. I wanted to do Easterns in November but my brother was getting married in Jamaica that took precedence. And now I was thinking of the Hartford show and my families going to Myrtle beach the weekend of July 4th and that's itching at me... I can't afford to do both, so it's a struggle.... I guess if I wanted to do it badly enough I would sacrifice that's what I did for years... I guess I'm just taking a break from sacrificing to compete. BUT I miss it!! STRUGGLE STRUGGLE lol

[fitmomma3]

I will say I guess there was a time when I could do both! I use to plan vacations perfectly around shows in 04 & 05 I would compete be focused for like 6 months and the go on a cruise to celebrate! lol IN 07 I competed in the spring and the hubby and I hit mexico after for a week. Or we would pick shows and make a weekend away out of it, but with the grand old economy and being a stay home mom for a few years, and now being a family of five funds aren't flowing like they use to... i guess it all comes done to how badly do you want to compete? And WHY?

[fitmomma3]

Great thread Gymdiva BTW really makes you think!

[~gymdiva~]

thank you!

[BikiniAshley_62]

This is awesome! First timers can really benefit from it.

Sometimes (OK, full disclosure... daily) I wish I had waited until next year to do my first contest. As I diet down, I realize I really don't have the base I should/desire/need.

However, I'm very excited to get my foot in the water on June 18th competing in Bikini. I will be doing a local show- the NPC CT State Championships. I have an AMAZING prep team (this post will be interrupted for insertion of shameless plug... PJ Braun is my nutrition coach, and Tabitha Leandri IFBB Bikini Pro is my personal trainer!!!)

Having good, solid, people on board makes all the difference.

I look forward to taking time to put some quality muscle on and having a "real" offseason!

XOXO

[BrittanJoy]

This is so true, I love this!! Now this is what people need to hear!!

[The Prodigy]

This is awesome! First timers can really benefit from it.

Sometimes (OK, full disclosure... daily) I wish I had waited until next year to do my first contest. As I diet down, I realize I really don't have the base I should/desire/need.

However, I'm very excited to get my foot in the water on June 18th competing in Bikini. I will be doing a local show- the NPC CT State Championships. I have an AMAZING prep team (this post will be interrupted for insertion of shameless plug... PJ Braun is my nutrition coach, and Tabitha Leandri IFBB Bikini Pro is my personal trainer!!!)

Having good, solid, people on board makes all the difference.

I look forward to taking time to put some quality muscle on and having a "real" offseason!

XOXO

Do you have Tabitha's contact info? I would love to interview her!

[Jenni Whip]

I realize that this article was written back in 06 but it really does stand true even today. When you decide you are competing for you, you really need to decide and COMMIT to doing it. There is no wishy-washy maybe I will..maybe I won't. It's all or none when it comes to competitions. Sad to say it but it's true.

The support part is more than necessary. There are people who will ...maybe not TRY to get you to break your routine or your diet intentionally ( there are those who do that too though) and you have to be able to stay on track and focused because when you get down to being lean..all it takes is one meal or night out that can set you back where you don't want to be. There are many support groups (like this) out there for competitors. If you can find one locally where you have accountability..even better! But attach yourself to some great support and then be there to support others as well. You'll find that most competitors are a tight knit bunch and the best don't mind supporting and encouraging others

[kgramlich]

That is so true! Surrounding yourself with support is crucial. I have met so many great people since I starting competing, and I have never looked back. Once you commit to the competition, it is most important to be true to yourself and follow through 100%.

[juiceinator3000]

Always a great bump. Love this thread.