Right then as you've proabably gathered I am slightly over excited at getting 2nd place at the NPA Taunton yesterday!! I've decided to do a little write up of the day and share with you my happiness. I'll add some pics as well, so here goes...
For those of you that don't know (!) I did my first ever show on Easter Sunday at the West Britain NABBA, toned figure. I placed 4th out of 9 and was delighted with my first effort! That then started the ball rolling and I thought I could do another show. After much deliberation, pondering and chocolate bars (yes I went off the rails after show) and having disscusions with my coach Paul, I decided on entering the Trained figure NPA at Taunton 17th July 2011.
So the prep began. It wasn't easy I went off the rails to start, had a lot going on with work, family, teeth, dog etc but it did give me something to focus on. Then a decsion had to be made. Go for it or back out. Now I'm not one to quit but I had to seriuosly think about weather I could actaully do a prep again. I had a acheived my goal of getting on that stage FINALLY!!!
So after much talking with Paul I was up for it. Diet and training was sorted. I focused hard, stuck with it did not wobble. Yes it's hard, really hard maybe silly doing two so close together but I wanted to see if I could do better and my new goal was to achieve that and just maybe qualify for the brits as an extra little goal.
So work continued the usual things that happen in your life to rock the steady boat you are on happened, I had one cry, I had no naps at all - could not fit them in. Managed to get minimum of 6hrs sleep every day as I am a light sleeper, ensured all food cooked and ready at all times as I had no "wobble" days left and walk the dogs as well!!
I did have some doubts, I'm not lean enough, I can't pose properly - you know the usual! Cardio was hell I kept thinking why oh why am I doing this 45mins twice a day for 6 days that's 9hrs a week oh yeah that's a whole day of cardio!! But the fat was dropping off slowly and steady...Going out for meals with my tub of food, going to see take that organised like a milatary event! Checking fridge in room, times etc so funny now!!
Northengal arrived on the Friday, still can't believe she came all that way down to support me again - truly amazing, so supportive! It really became real when first coat of tan applied. I felt good I looked a bit fuller and I thought well I've done the work now I just have to show off the work to the judges...
The morning was a bit serreal, Deanne and Tilly arrived to do hair and make up ( i had no say in the matter) so funny trying to eat whilst make up applied. Then instructions on what lippy to use where it was packed etc...tried not to laugh Then Jimmy's son and girlfriend arrived and off we went to the show.. Had a good chat and joke in the car whilst visualing my routine and getting a big black hole in my head!
Then we arrive oh god was I scared then. Spoke to paul who calmed me right down and then I went and signed in handed in my cd got weighed - 8st 10Lb (same as NABBA) and did my pacing around. Found a room where all the girls were being tanned so found another room and thought everyone would be there, but had the room to myself. I thought the girls looked fab so knew the competition was going to be very tough. Didn't stay there long had to come out and pace some more but was happy.
Delighted to see some friends arrive and then more came so I had 12 come to support me - Wonderful and even my friend Jo came with her hubby on her birthday WOW!
..Then boss comes Paul and tells me to get back in the room. Didn't argue so when he wasn't looking sat on the stairs watching the show then sneaked back in with them all. Felt soooo naughty!!
I was then frog marched down to the chill out room and went through posing with paul. Really glad we did that as we changed some things and he got me in the right frame of mood. He left me alone and I sat and thought do you know what - I've done this, I've worked so hard for this I am just going to go up there and enjoy it.
I had the jitters just before I went on and then its was wierd I held my head up and walked on that stage and posed with a great big genuine smile on my face! There were 12 originally but there were 10 of us on stage. Many callouts it seemed to take forever, I could see my gang and hear them which was amazing then we went off to get changed into bling bikini's and back on again for routine which I enjoyed!! Then all on again for results (gulp)
Long time for pose down it seemed to be forever then they asked us to go to the back of the stage and called out 6 place, 5th place, 4th place, 3rd place, I was hoping at this point but thought no way as some of these girls have done a few shows, then 2nd place to Kelley McCourt OH MY GOD THAT'S ME!! I thought my heart was going to leap out of my chest! Amazing trophy I came 2nd - ME AT THE AGE OF 41!!!!
Here's some photos and more words after:
AND an invite to the Brits!!!! I had a fantastic day so after having lots of chocolate - That walnut whip was YUM and other bits and bobs of naughty food in my bag. Jimmy was so proud I heard him shouting for me and it made me feel great having a fabby hubby! He hugged me to death after! Then Paul came to see me and said great things. He too was so proud I tried not to cry (stiff upper lip you know!!) Already thinking of the finals - yikes!
I know some of you have said to do the BNBF but I want to concentrate on the NPA and see if I can get anywhere in the finals..
Under instructions to kick back for a few days and in 2 weeks I'm back on it. To be honest I've had enough of the stodge and will put myself on some form of eating structure from tomorrow as I know the spiral will continue...Will have to get in contact with paul about what to do as I can't remember what he said (blonde!!)
So thank you each and every one of you that have read or commented in my journal. There are so many of you that have helped me on the way from text, pm, call, comments and for Northengal who yet again came a million miles to support me.
I would like to say a big thank you to paul who has been a top coach and done a complete transformation physically and mentally lol! AND for my hubby Jimmy who is my rock (oh god here we go again he says!!!)
THANK YOU X X X