Post-Contest Checkin

Crystol88 · #1 10-13-2011, 06:38 PM

I'm just wondering how some of you competitors are doing post contest. Lots of women get the blues, gain weight, etc., so if you need to vent or chat, that's what this sub-forum is for.

I came across something I wrote awhile back about the stage experience:

You've got to KNOW, before you even weigh in or step on stage, that you are bringing your best, satisfied with the integrity of your journey THUS FAR.
A show is not the END, it's just another stepping stone on the path.

It's crucial if you want to grow from the experience to accept the judges' decisions for what they are, an external assessment of who has "the look" at a very precise moment in time. Judges decisions have NOTHING to do with who worked the hardest, who suffered the most, who is the most "together" on game day. It's just feedback and subjective opinion. Sometimes it's favorable to you, sometimes it's favorable to someone else. Put too much stock into it, and you risk horrible post-contest blues and depression, even if you win the damn trophy!

Sure it's easier said than done. But life is so much better when it's about the journey, that everyday pounding of pavement, rather than about some fleeting moment of victory on stage. Then there are no failures, only experiences.

I've already won or lost the day before the show. I know what I've done to get there, and the rest is icing. I haven't been first place at every show I've competed at, but I've never lost.

I haven't competed since June of 2010. I may never step on stage again. But the above still rings true for me, in life, and in each undertaking, whether it's with respect to a difficult project at work or the upcoming holiday season.

I hope everyone is living la dolce vita, day-by-day and moment-by-moment. And if you're not, you're not alone.

Remember: your value is immeasurable, and isn't tied to a hardbody, a number, and a sparkly suit.

**vancouverchick** · #2 10-15-2011, 05:44 PM

I love this thread Crystol --- great idea!!

I have been retired from competing for 2.5 years.....and it took me THAT LONG to be NORMAL again!

I finally don't obsess about food, count calories and have that constant goal of always being 5 lbs from stage weight.

I am surrounded by figure and bikini hotties daily in my training sessions, but I don't try to be a competitor anymore!!! this is all new for me!! I struggled for years to be at peace with my "curves" and enjoy LIFE and FOOD!!!

Sure, I sit about 10 lbs from stage weight, and I AM OKAY WITH THAT!!!!

I don't do obsessive amounts of cardio (none actually)... I am allowed nut butters on my plan without fear of binging!, and I ENJOY MY TRAINING!!!

I don't curse my skinny jeans anymore (you know, the size 27 jeans that ONLY FIT ON COMPETITION WEEK!). I ACCEPT THINGS AS THEY ARE!

BALANCE, I have found BALANCE and almost a PEACEFUL FEELING!

Crystol88 · #3 10-15-2011, 06:52 PM

LOL at the jeans! Who hasn't done that?

Lori, you're inspiring. Plain and simple.

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**vancouverchick** · #4 10-16-2011, 12:03 AM

Right back at ya babe!!!!

**jtking08** · #5 10-19-2011, 07:07 PM

I literally LOL when I read the size 27 jeans remark! I too have a pair of those that ONLY FIT the week of my show. They have since been retired to the bottom drawer in hopes of being able to fit in them again, inspiring me to compete again.

I am one of those "post show funk/blues" girls. My show was in May and I took some time off and will be returning back to the gym Nov. 1. The reflection is painful (even tho my precious husband says otherwise).

Looking for that balance...

Crystol88 · #6 10-19-2011, 07:46 PM

Love those men who love so deep and true, eh? I've got me a gem like that, too...

You're not your reflection, but to deny our reflections have an impact is silly. Just try to be unconditionally loving of yourself and take it a day at a time. Treat those jeans like a photo or ticket stub: nice memento, nothing more.

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Crystol88 · #7 04-02-2012, 03:03 AM

**jewelisa** · #8 04-02-2012, 09:37 AM

Doing really well actually but I do have another show in 16 weeks. But the past 2 weeks have been great. I do put weight on quick so I have to watch everything. But I am eating clean having a " normal " life got in a few fun nights ie: having people over .. actually having the burger at the bar instead of drinking water and explaining why I wasn't partaking hahaha

I think the emotional personal issues no $$$ divorce ( its over in my journal )

have settlle down at least in my head ..

It is what it is as they say ... Just one day at a time.

It is monday and I am 16 weeks away from Masters and feeling at peace with mybody

Long chat with Jack helped alot. I know what I can and can not do and it is up to me to behave and work on my weak points.

xoxo

Crystol88 · #9 04-02-2012, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jewelisa

Doing really well actually but I do have another show in 16 weeks. But the past 2 weeks have been great. I do put weight on quick so I have to watch everything. But I am eating clean having a " normal " life got in a few fun nights ie: having people over .. actually having the burger at the bar instead of drinking water and explaining why I wasn't partaking hahaha

I think the emotional personal issues no $$$ divorce ( its over in my journal )

have settlle down at least in my head ..

It is what it is as they say ... Just one day at a time.

It is monday and I am 16 weeks away from Masters and feeling at peace with mybody

Long chat with Jack helped alot. I know what I can and can not do and it is up to me to behave and work on my weak points.

xoxo

Thanks, babe. You're in my thoughts often, as we share a few experiences along with our seasoned years.

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**jewelisa** · #10 04-02-2012, 06:08 PM

I am sure we do !