Why did I decide to do my second show one week after my first? Well, I made the call after pre-judging on the 16th. I knew I could do better and the honest truth was that my experience didn't match my expectations.
It is normal for us to 'build up' an event. You prepare for months for the grand finale and then it happens. Unfortunately, it isn't always what you expect which can be disappointing. I had a great experience but it was far more frightening than I had anticipated. Being on stage was terrifying and I moved too fast. I had spent months visualizing winning a class and while I left with medals, I didn't win. It felt like I had failed even though in all reality, I had done well. Everyone else around me also seemed to expect me to win and their inquiries added to my sadness. The mistake here was that winning was not the actual goal. The goal was to get on stage and get experience. While I was incredibly proud of myself, I sulked over the weekend because reality did not align with what I had expected.
I registered for the second show because I knew with some small improvements, I could do better. I also adjusted my expectations. The goal is that with every show, I will come with a better physique and stage presentation. I am unable to grow my glutes in a week but I can tighten things up and at minimum, improve on stage.
If you're preparing for a competition as a first-timer, I highly encourage you to do two things. The first is to set realistic expectations. You have no idea who you'll be competing against that day and the best physique can be beat with superior confidence and posing. Everyone wants to win or place but I recommend that this is not your defined goal. The goal should be to show up with the best package possible.
The second is to register for two shows back to back. The second peak week was easier as I had already adjusted. I continued to leaned out. I was less scared. I was more confident. I recommend doing this even if you're doing a show one time or if you're starting a career in bodybuilding. Trust me, the first experience was beautiful but so different than I expected. The countless hours of lifting, cardio, posing and the expenses of coaches, training, suits, shoes, etc. deserve to be showcased more than one time. If you're going to commit to this, do a minimum of two shows. Trust me.
The more emphasis you put on any climactic event, the higher probability of disappointment. Protect yourself by defining your goals. Winning is not the be-all and end-all. Of course it feels good but it is not guaranteed and in my opinion, not the appropriate measure of success.
Peak Weak #2 Recap
Monday
Weight: 129.2 lbs
Macros: Back to normal with 2 gallons of water
Notes: Glute + hamstring workout; I lifted less than normal but heavier than last Monday. 250 reps abs and 40 minutes of cardio. I returned to the gym at night to stretch and pose.
Tuesday
Weight: 128 lbs
Macros: Same plus 2 gallons of H20
Notes: My mood was better today. My lift was for back and biceps. 20 minutes of cardio plus abs. I had a posing lesson with Tamara to make some tweaks before the weekend.
Wednesday
Weight: 128 lbs
Macros: No changes to food or water
Notes: I worked out my shoulders and triceps at lighter weight. I felt good and did 20 minutes of cardio. My energy has been better this week (I have added some espresso in addition to my black cold brew) however my overall temperament was still short. I get frustrated easier and my mood was more volatile.
Thursday
Weight: 127.4 lbs
Macros: No changes to food or water
Notes: I had a second posing lesson with Tamara. We worked on varying facial expressions and really arching my back. No lift and cardio only. I prepared and packed to head to Fresno in the morning.
Glute improvement in < 1 week
Friday
Weight: 126.8 lbs
Macros: Remained the same and had just over half a gallon
Notes: I drove to Fresno which took almost 6 hours with traffic. I took check-in videos for my coaches upon arrival. There was no check-in meeting so only registration, height check and first coat of tan in the evening. I returned to the hotel to relax. We did not carb load as there was concern about 'spilling over' (we'll talk about this more later).
Check-in at the Fresno Classic
Muscle Contest & Spectrum Fitness
#74
(same number as last weekend)
I went to bed easy and felt confident that I would shine on stage.
Up next: Show Day #2
XOXO,
Bicep Blonde