Competing to Lose II
Today I’m 12 weeks out from wearing my silly sparkly suit and heels. I admire the hard work and discipline of all figure competitors, but I can’t help it, I just sort of feel like a goof walking around in a bikini and heels on a stage.
Then why in the world am I doing another?? A few reasons. One, setting a date adds a level of intensity to my workouts. “Memorial weekend” just doesn’t do it for me. Two, I enjoy the challenge of the journey. I discover my mental weakness and my strengths. Three, I actually enjoy lifting weights and the two go hand in hand. Four, as much as I actually dislike walking on the stage and feeling like a beagle in heels, it is rewarding to reach a goal after months of discipline. And lastly, The Abbeys. Of course. I could set a goal to do a mini-triathlon or half-marathon (both things I’d like to do at some point) but I can train for one of those and still eat big buttery soft pretzels every day. I shouldn’t but I could because I wouldn’t be judged on appearance. Ruff ruff. In fact, I think I might use that sort of endurance training as a justification to eat mounds of refined carbs. After all, I would need fuel for that long run so that muffin from Starbucks might not be a bad idea. Not with a figure competition because those muffins will turn into muffin tops. Yeah, I have issues. Self-control is one of them.
I have less to lose this time around. Less fat. Less depression. Less low-self esteem. I hope that doesn’t make me boring. Last year I got to 118 but I had set a goal of 115 and this year I want to reach it. This means I have 10 pounds to go or roughly a pound a week. I’d like to reach 115 the week of the competition before my water drop and have the answers to all psychological issues like Dr. Phil but less annoying. As before, the competition for me is about losing. Losing some more of the baggage that keeps me from being the woman God calls me to be. And I’m not just talking about saddle baggage.
xoxo
j
This is my (almost) sane quest for insane health. Let's 
Hey Jenn,
I can see how a figure competition is great motivation. For me the last ten are the hardest, I have been struggling for months!!!! I guess its that they are vanity pounds and really I’m just not that vain! I keep telling myself just lose them and then you can decide what to do…but seriously the last ten have been the worst. Advice, tips, motivation???
Thanks!
Brandi
Never boring!!!!!
Your reasons are exactly the same reasons I would do a figure comp. I don’t think I’ve quite reached the point of actually going for it though! And yep, you’re right on about eating carbs during marathon training–I totally used that as an excuse and although I was in super good shape, the waistline definitely would have looked nicer had I not indulged in pancakes and bagels on my big running days
I can so relate to you Jen-
Running and cycling used to be my main forms of exercise- and yes, I sure did use them as an excuse to eat! I ran a marathon when I was 22 years old and after the race I ate an entire bag- I mean the big one- of M&M’s- such was my carb tolerance it did not even make me sick! And- if you do long distance biking- which I have also done- it is even easier to eat- you can stop at every ice cream joint along your route. Anyway, I would be careful with the marathon stuff. I have friends that really want me to train for longer things like that now and I do not want to because I know I will eat like a pig if I do. I love your description of a beagle in heels- LOL- but if I ever do get up the nerve to do a comp- it will be for the same reasons you have listed- I don’t think there is anyway I will ever be commited enough to see my abs without a comp to shoot for.
I am soooo excited to follow C2L Part Two!!! Totally get the training for figure keeping you on track in a different way then races. I am training for a half marathon (two weeks) and a tri (June) but would be all over a figure comp if my belly skin didn’t resemble a shar-pei!
All my best for a wonderful journey to 115!!