the show itself.
I got to the show venue at half ten, with weigh in supposed to be starting at 11. It was pretty unorganised, people all over trying to sort things out, noone to really ask what we were supposed to do, were we should go, or be. Competing for the first time is enough to deal with, and this added stress really wasnt needed.
Got talking to a lad that was doing the classic class, who had done a few shows before, so that helped a little, and took the mind off things a bit.
There was a rumour about quarter to ten that weigh in was starting, so everyone piled into a little hallway. we were then told it would be at least another half hour, but noone wanted to lose their place in the cue, so we all stood there for half an hour waiting. Seems pretty ridiculous now, i wish i had gone sat back down and chilled out, and relaxed.
weight it was ment to be in class order. I was stood chatting to a few guys, most people were very friendly, though a few were reluctant to talk it seemed. I have to say that a few were bloody rude. wasnt quite the atmosphere i expected, but a couple of guys i stood with were decent. One was a little excentric, out of place, and maybe having a difficult time of it (not sure how else to word it) but seemed a really nice guy, later saw him on stage, looking very out of place with no tan on and not really a physique that should be on stage, getting a fair bit of stick from some of the audience. Another had travelled down from newcastle way, cant remember his name-decent fella, was doing the under 90's inters.
Show was very late starting. we were eventually called, and the nerves really kicked in! I go into the tanning room, which was pretty cramped, and my lass put some glaze on. looking round the room, it was obvious that every class had some real good physiques. There was a short black guy next to me, very well built, and peeled. Turns out that he was in my category, wish i could say he was a decent guy, but that wasnt the case. maybe it was just the way he came accross, but i had enough of it after a few minutes so made a few comments of my own in the area off stage, looking back i should probably have just ignored him, but thats never been my way.
Nerves were really kicking in now in the pump room, im struggling to pump up properly and i can see that im still not fully dry, then we were called as on next. so here i am! the womens category on before us leaves the stage and its us!
can hardly see the audience as we walk out, but can here the GF and mates shouting me! Quarter turns, trying to keep it tight all the time, seemed to be stood in the first side pose ages, trying to keep the abs tight and breath was difficult. turn again, then again, and were back facing the front! compulsories! Damm, neck is really starting to hurt, i pull arms up into front double bis and the nerve traps, cant get my lats out fully, and my head is off to one side. I put it out of my mind and move onto the next pose. The audience are pretty loud, and i can here my mates shouting amongs the crowd and shouts for the other guys. all over, and were off stage again.
Totally out of breath, and my tongue is stuck to my mouth! i have a mouthfull of water, and then its time to do my routine! that it, my music is on, and im heading onto stage! a 1000+ capacity venue, and its pretty full! just me, 60 seconds and a routine to make the most of, except i cant remember it! i get down into my start position, just in time as the intro starts, up i go and it all comes back! Nearly make it all the way through, and 2 poses from the end as i turn back towards the crowd, lifting my arms up for abs and my neck goes again, pause for a second and carry on, but the last poses arent as tight as the should be. its all over and im off stage!
Damm, i loved every second of it.
i get dressed and head back to my seat for some food, a black coffee and to watch the rest of the show. Neck is trapping all the time, and im in pain, but i dont tell the GF as there is nothing that can be done, and i want to try put it out of my mind so take some strong painkillers.
the day really dragged from now untill the night show, which was again running late. we stayed in the venue, but should probably have left for a bit really.
anyway, its back to the pump room and onto the night show. Im a little more pumped this time, and a little dryer, but still not there. too late now. Back onstage and we get the medels, then it seems like they forget what they are ment to be doing, were left stood there a few seconds and then they send us back off. top three to go back on, im pretty sure that ill be in it. the names are called and im one of them! medel down and back onto stage! compulsories, and every time i pose my neck is hurting, then it really catces the nerve badly, and a wave of pain spreads into my shoulder and down my back, its really all i can think about, and as we get into the posedown ive lost it all together and my head is gone, the next minute is a bit of a blur as i stumble through a few bad poses, forgeting all about the other guys i should be trying to beat. i just want to get off the stage. trophies, my name is called, i got third, a mixture of emotions, and i dont really know how i feel, i smile take the trophy and just try to enjoy it.
back into the room to get dressed, and james comes to see me. Talks me through, and i start to feel a bit happier about how i did. good chat with him, and im heading home.
mixture of emotions as i head to the car, talking to the GF and im on top of the world, happy, excited, but then a part of me is truly gutted. I wasnt in the condition that i wanted, i didnt bring my utter best. And i cant help but think that at least second was within my reach. as we drive home i spend a good 15 minutes on the phone to righty, and i start to feel more positive about the result.
such a long day, but it was worth every second of the 16 weeks and more that i spent prepping for it.
Huge thanks to righty for prepping me, being just what i needed to get to the end, and i look forward to working with you more mate.
<message edited by dazc on 28 September 2009 19:59>