It’s been over a week since my third bikini competition at WBFF Oklahoma. My hair extensions have been removed (although they were glorious), the gown is tucked away in the closet, and my rhinestone jewelry is safely stored until next time.
This was bikini competition number three for me, so I’m not going to describe how the show flows this time. You can see the NPC details here (show #1) and WBFF details here (show #2).
I will say that I continue to be impressed with the WBFF & the shows they produce! As a competitor, you feel valued and backstage is very organized. As a spectator, it’s feels more like a production and it’s enjoyable to watch. I’m glad I made the switch last year and I was very happy with my experience again this year!
How Did It Go?
The question most people are really asking here is – Did you win?? Everyone wants to win, it’s the main reason most of us compete. But this time, I knew going into the show that it was going to be a stretch.
About three weeks before the show I knew I wasn’t going to come in as lean as I wanted. Bulking was hard on me this year! And it didn’t help that I had gone a bit overboard in France on our vacation last Fall, which put me a bit higher than ideal for the start of prep. There is such a thing as too much foie gras, apparently. And although I consistently killed it in the gym and my diet was pretty dang close – the timing was just a bit off. I really needed a few more weeks.
My Training This Show
My training for this show was pretty tame, until the last three weeks. On average, I was doing 4 days of strength (60 minutes or less) and 5 days of cardio (ranging from 12 minutes HIIT to 30 minutes steady state). The two weeks leading up to peak week, we ramped up the cardio to try to hit the date while not overloading my body.
Nutrition was all flexible within my macro targets, with 45% protein/35% carb/20% fat up until peak week. I find this the easiest way to hit my goals and fuel my body in a way that actually tastes good! A healthy-focused version of If It Fits Your Macros (IIFYM).
On show day, I wasn’t as lean as I had been in my previous two shows. It happens! I am proud of everything I accomplished this year and happy I have a coach that values my health. Because there’s always another show!
What I’m REALLY Proud Of
- I built some serious muscle through bulking. Yes it was hard. Yes I hated feeling so big. Yes it took forever to get that extra weight off. BUT, I feel really good about the progress I made!
- I rocked that stage! Every time you get up there, you have the chance to improve your stage presence and I took it. It was fun!
- I really learned to make healthy nutrition my lifestyle. I traveled almost every other week of prep and kept on track fairly easily. I even maintained that the week after the show easily (no rebound in sight). This is important to me, as my goals are all centered around a healthy lifestyle!
I follow a lot of inspiring, amazing women on social media who seem to place or win at their first shows. And I think that sets a pretty high bar for those of us who don’t. But I am so proud of those who are able to achieve that – many of them have worked hard to get there and they look phenomenal!
I’m just not that girl.
I am still a work in progress and I’m enjoying that process. Learning so much about strength and nutrition along the way, which I hope will help others! And I’m going to keep working, because I don’t feel like I’ve accomplished what I’m capable of yet. I’m still hungry for it and it motivates ME. I’m just going to have to figure out how to train for competitions and run more!
I posted this quote on Instagram yesterday and it is so true!
What’s Next?
I really thought this was going to be my last show for a while. I’ve been itching to get back to endurance training – especially running – for months now and that desire hasn’t changed. I’m ready to run! Intervals are great during training, but I just love the feeling of a long run.
But at the same time, I just don’t feel done with competing quite yet. I know the outcome would have been different if I’d had just a few more weeks. I was close! So stopping now just doesn’t feel right. Maybe I’ll never get that pro card, but I don’t feel like I’ve given it all I’ve got yet!
SO…no firm plans yet, but here are the fuzzy goals in my head:
- Running – build up my endurance and speed again! Looking to race the 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances over the next 6 months.
- Duathlon – I’m coming back!! At least 2 sprint distance races next year is the plan.
- Bikini – keep building muscle, but not quite as aggresively, this off season. This does mean bulking, but I’m going to stay a bit leaner this time. And I’m not stopping cardio, so we’re going to have to figure this out. Targeting WBFF Denver in 2016!
Think running & bikini comps don’t mix well? I think it’s going to be FUN to find a way!
