My First Figure Competitions

 I competed in my first figure competition 4 weeks ago and my second competition a couple days ago. What an experience! It took a lot of work and dedication. I stressed and cried a lot, but I also learned so much about myself. I tend to worry too much over the little things :) I really learned how far I could push myself and that I needed to stay focused on my goals. 

I started eating clean at 15+ weeks out and I was continuing to lift heavy. I started lean gains; it helped set "boundaries" with my eating. I noticed progress right away then it became a steady weight loss. I loved learning about what I could eat and what didn't work. I learned to love a lot of different veggies. I  also loved the way I felt with eating clean. 

At my first competition, I was so stressed and nervous about stepping on stage. I kept comparing myself to my competition. Don't ever do that!! I could feel myself breaking down. Thank goodness for having my husband backstage! He helped snap me out of it. Once I stepped on stage I felt right at home. It was such a blast being up there and showing off your hard work.  My second competiton I had so much more confidence. I never compared myself, not even once! I enjoyed it and even made new friends. I missed having my hubby backstage at this show :( But he was there cheering me on! :) I met the most amazing girls at group practices. They were so much fun backstage! We pumped up together, ate our rice cakes and got glued and oiled down, we even got our makeup and spray tan done in the very early hours! Haha it was kinda nice to be pampered! Love my new friends and so proud of each of them! I'll never forget how much fun we had. :) 

I had amazing support from my husband. He is also my trainer. When I stressed he brought me back to where I needed to be. When I struggled and cried in the gym he encouraged me. When I struggled at family parties with food everywhere he backed me up, he even told me a lot of it was blah and wasn't worth it. :) For a long time he was my only support. It was really hard at times. I think a lot of people thought I was crazy or not serious about competing. I don't think a lot of people understood it. Near the end I started to get more support. I loved it when my mom asked to see my muscles and cheered  me on. My husband and coach Sandy Hancock were cheering me on when I was struggling to hold the poses. (For at least 6 min I swear!) My parents, my brother and my 4 boys were there to support me. So thankful for all of them. Just having that support from very important people in my life made me feel like I won, I felt such a high and on top of the world feeling.. I cried from happiness. I actually did it. I got up on stage and I placed at both shows. Most amazing feeling! 

My first show-NGA Northern States Open Figure Tall 2nd place. 

My second show-NPC Utah Procore Nutrition Championships Natural Figure B 4th place. 

Competing was amazing! I'm excited to build and see what I can bring to the stage next year!