Have You Ever…..
Posted: October 12, 2009 at 4:31 pm.....just felt like THIS?!
Well, that is about how I felt a few moments ago. I am back from a wonderful weekend away with Peter and some of our closest friends. We had a fabulous time relaxing, talking, laughing, enjoying each other's company, etc. And over the course of the vacation I decided that I wasn't going to be as extremely strict for competition prep purposes as I had anticipated. It was a vacation. It was not a time to be stressing myself out but instead a time to let loose a bit. So, I did. I didn't do any of the cardio I planned to do or my weight workout when we got home on Sunday. I took a full 3 days of rest besides a couple of easy walks with my husband. I didn't measure out every morsel of food, ate some easier things (like extra fruit and snacks, less chicken & veggies), and even had some cheats with a delicious dinner out and an extra treat with my husband one night.
I did not feel guilty in the least about any of this. Is it the smartest thing for someone 4 weeks out from a figure competition? No, probably not. Is it a good decision for someone who wants to put living her life first above anything else? Yes, most definitely. Which is why I didn't feel guilty. I knew that my #1 goal in this process is to accomplish doing the show and looking the part on that stage. My #1 goal is not to win, or even place. Would it be nice? Of course. But that is still not the point of this show. So, with that in mind, and knowing I want to live my life and enjoy special moments with my friends and husband I took a more laid back approach to this weekend away. I am feeling the effects of it by feeling a lot more bloated and a lot less defined, as well as a decent scale bump but even that didn't get me down.
So, what sent me to feeling like just screaming at the top of my lungs? The feeling that I would have to JUSTIFY what I felt comfortable doing and what was best for my mindset and where I am at right now. The fact that I truly believe there are people out there who would hear of my weekend and think "Yep. I knew she couldn't handle this. She's not doing it like she should and it's going to show. She is not a true competitor." Why would I feel like that? Because I have attempted doing a show before and had to leave it behind. And when I made it known I was going after that goal again there were quite a few people who seemed shocked that I was attempting this again and not shocked in a "Wow, thats awesome!" way but shocked in a "Huh? Are you sure thats a good idea? I don't know if its right for you" kind of way. I am doing this show to have no regrets and to finish something I started before. And the fact that I'm not doing it by the textbook leaves me feeling defensive in some situations. And THAT is what irks me beyond belief and has me wanting to hit something while screaming at the top of my lungs. I should NOT feel that way.
I went to post an update on a fitness forum and felt like I had screwed up, like I was going to be judged, and like I was a failure. And for WHAT?! For enjoying my life, while doing things that although may not be perfect are in fact still not going to keep me from achieving what I have set out to do? I should feel no shame. And I don't as I finish typing this post. But I do feel frustration. That there are people out there who I know expect me to fail, expect me to not do this as "perfectly" as they might. But you know what? I have more to my life than this whole competition thing. It is a HOBBY and I'm proud to say it did not interfere with me being who I am and what I stand by. So for all of you doubters - I'm still setting out to do what I intended. I'm still going to get on that stage. I may not be as defined/lean/etc as I could have been if I took the prep diet and all more seriously...but you know what? I'm smiling and loving life too. Nothing can take that from me. Nothing.
And for the record - I do plan on sticking to things 100% the remainder of prep. And if I do another show, then that prep will be more about improving what I bring to the stage and taking things more seriously. And I do NOT feel guilty about this weekend. Things will still fall into place just fine for what I'm working so hard for.
Tags: fitness competition
aw tina i'm so happy you had a balanced vacation! that's what life is all about. you are such an inspiring woman and i can't imagine anyone judging your personal decisions b/c they really are YOUR decisions. only YOU know what's best for you and that's exactly why you don't and shouldn't feel guilty. i never for one minute judge you b/c i know you have a great head on your shoulders. as women we are constantly doubting ourselves and i'm so glad you're not. you know in your heart that this competition is a competition with yourself and that's all that matters. thinking of you… 🙂
Good for you Tina!I actually did the same thing..more than once during my prep. If I didn't I would have gone nutso crazy. I felt the same about it as you do….but I had to do what was best for me and my family. I can't remember ifI explained myself or not…I did not feel the need to..I was fine with my decision and I still believe those little " slip ups" helped me! haha…..your approach with things are AWESOME!!!
I still admire all the hard work you put into competition prep. I would love a cheat meal right now but can't bring my self to do it. but I'm not very happy right now either. Haven't been for a while. So many opportunities have come up to go out and have a great fun and a great meal but I feel like I can't. I envy you for making yourself happy and knowing what you need when you need it and carrying that out. You'll be fine! I can't wait to eat real food.
I think it's good that you were able to be relaxed without going overboard. Tina, firstly it doesn't matter what anybody but YOU thinks and secondly, those few days are nothing just NOTHING in the grand scheme of things.You don't need to justify or explain, it's your life and i think you can enjoy it AND rock that stage.xxxx
Girl, you rock.First, you looked so dang good 5 weeks out, that one weekend "off" isn't REALLY going to hurt you. Seriously, I've seen pics of gals two weeks out that didn't hold a candle to you at 5. Second, I am happy you're not a crazy woman, and are human. I think you're STILL going to WOW them. So there.
SO well said Tina..you are the only one in charge of yoru life and who give a rats a** if others judge you. You are so strong willed and determined and as long as you are happy and enjoying yourself then I am happy too!…For some, the comp prep can tear them apart, mentally and physically and I think you have the healthiest approach I have ever seen. You have a goal, you are not giving up and you are going to look SLAMMIN' on stage!!
Tina, I'm sure you already know this, but NEVER give anyone the power to make you feel lessor than awesome simply because you enjoyed life AND are prepping for a show. I love your attitude towards your prep, enjoying your life and balancing the two. You are awesome.