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Wednesday, January 15, 2014

why i'm not competing

Everyone is asking, so I thought I'd sum it up in one setting!
I only competed once, in figure- in which I didn't even place well, so I'd hardly call myself a "competitor." But right after that show in March, 2012 I got prego with Mason. The whole pregnancy, I missed being in that shape and I decided that I would lose the baby weight as quick as possible, get super ripped, and compete within 10 months at the November show.
That show occurred during our Cambodia trip. No-go.
So I decided on this coming March.

And for right now, it's not happening. A big reason is that Aaron doesn't really want me to compete. He doesn't like the idea of me wearing close to nothing on a stage, and I definitely get that. It's also a sacrifice on both our parts, because I have to spend a lot of brain power, will power, time, money, and energy on competition prep, and I don't think he wants to deal with "hangry" Steph!
Aaron's all about me achieving my goals and doing something I love, etc. but his hold-ups are things that I respect right now.

The biggest thing though, is that I am not mentally ready for it. Competing becomes an obsession. Timing your meals just so, and every macronutrient accounted for. And it's all appearance-based. 

I am not committed. And you need to be if you're gonna embark on something like that and expect to do well.

I love food. But I have very healthy habits. I eat clean 85% of the time, and I work out 5-6 days a week. But I don't want to feel bad if I eat dressing on my salad, because it has 5 grams of sugar, and it's not "clean." I don't want to go out with my girl friends for lunch and bring a cooler of tilapia and asparagus. I'm just not ready for that, and kudos to those who do that ALL THE TIME! That's why they're on bodybuilding.com.
I do feel like I've been able to slowly get results, the way I want to do it, without being restricted and deprived.

I'm not trying to be Miss Figure Olympia, or a published fitness model, but I do feel a desire, and a need to be in really good shape. I'm a personal trainer! I need to look and be the part. And someday, who knows, maybe later this year, I'll be extra determined to buckle down, diet hard, and get ripped for a show.

So those of you who have thought about competing, or are currently prepping, you are amazing! I know what it takes and it is SO taxing. I'm more than a little jealous because, well, we all want to look amazing and shredded, but you are putting in the work and are committed to your goal. Aaaaand I'm not.. Boo.

BUT I will do it again, mark my words! Now's not the time.. unless someone is really really convincing!

Mason turns one next week! How did that happen?! I thought about posting my year in pictures.. from my fat prego self, to current. I will do that next week. For now, here's my little baby 6-pack comin through from a few weeks ago... when I flex just right, in just the right light ;) It's been my goal.. if now I can get leaner, lose the stretch marks, get my separated abs back together, and heal up my umbilical hernia! Say what?! Yeah, for reals. Kinda jacked up.

But hey, it's progress.

8 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh! You look amazing! Those abs look pretty darn stage worthy Steph. Who are you kidding.

    Thanks for sharing. I have run into the same opposition with the hubby. And also am not nor cannot be as committed as I need to be at this moment. I've slacked off completely.

    Seriously, if I could look like you do now... I'd be so happy! Train me with the right food and workouts. Seriously!

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  2. That's a freakin 8 pack!! My new motivation right here!! Super impressed!! Can we meet for lunch sometime!!? I would love to pick your brain!! -Lonna

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    1. Haha Lonna thank you! Yes let's do lunch! I dunno if you actually get this reply, so if not, I'll facebook you =)

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  3. You look awesome!! How do you get your abs back to together anyways do share.

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  4. JEALOUS! Your abs look amazing. Nice work. Who needs a competition.

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  5. Are you kidding me?! You're ripped and you look amazing. Who needs to stress of competing when you could walk around looking like YOU all the time! I'd take it! I think you have the perfect balance. Good for you...that's not easy for women to figure out.

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  6. Loved your post, so real and refreshing, you look amazing Steph way to go, so inspiring!
    Chandi:)

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