My patience and my spirit is being tested today. I'm not going to break. I will take a few minutes to think about it, what to do next, do it tomorrow, and move on to enjoy what's left of this day.
I'm learning how to trust the timing of my life, the process of the things I go through, and to be patient with myself.
Keep raising the bar. Keep challenging your mind and body. Because... Why not. You will never know your potential until you try. And once you try (whether you succeed or not), feel free to keep on going... At least you tried for something.
7.30.2014
7.27.2014
USA NPC Eastern Championships 2014
After months of debating and thinking, I’ve decided to enter my first competition with the USA National Physique Committee (NPC). The competition is on Nov. 8, 2014 at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center (Manhattan), and I’ve already registered and began the early stages of prepping. Competing is a great way to test my limits and discipline, and peak in my fitness. “However it is not a commitment to be taken lightly. The decision to start training for a competition will impact all aspects of your life. No goal worth attaining comes without its fair share of trials…” (from the internet).
Why do this?
I hit a plateau with my fitness results. One of those "I just can't get rid of these love handles" moments. I’m doing it for me and no one else. Like deciding to get my MBA, I’ve set another goal for myself while I still can. I am already working out a lot so why not put all that hard work towards a new goal. The work ethic was already in me. Plus, anyone can work out, but dedicating to a diet and keeping your goal in mind is mentally challenging. I believe doing this is 90% mental. I will push myself and see what I’m capable of. Also, the sacrifices are temporary. There are people who don’t understand and that's OK - don’t expect them to.
I figured what better way to peak in your fitness by having a competition to prep for. You'll be on stage so if you don't follow the meal plan and workouts, then it will show. Competing is also costly so in the back of my mind I didn't want to waste all that money for nothing. A separate entry breaks down the costs I've encountered.
What can my friends/family expect?
Expect me to bring my already-prepared food during gatherings. If there’s a restaurant outing, I will try my best to go if the menu has options I can eat. Please don’t take it personally if I don’t eat your yummy food or decline an invite if I’m 4 weeks out until the competition. Your understanding alone is a big support.
What is “Prepping”?
Prepping for a competition varies. It can be anywhere from a 12 - 20 week process, depending on a competitor's body type, where you adhere to a certain meal plan, take the right supplements (extra vitamins, nutrients, etc. that your meal plan may lack), and complete a specific workout routine. This schedule is pretty strict so I have little room for error if I want to kick ass.
Everyone is different so there are some people who will be show-ready in 4 months and some in 2 months. Point is, once you've committed to this goal, stay dedicated throughout your prep. A BIG help is a strong support system. Without my support system I probably would've quit.
Who decides what to eat and how to work out?
This is all decided by a coach/trainer. Mine is a very sweet and supportive woman in Seattle, named Diana. She does online training, has competed several times, and is very experienced. We communicate via text, email, skpe - she always makes herself available and responds quickly. She also believes in doing this naturally, i.e. no illegal substance or any substance that harms the body. She has a reason for everything she decides for me. My meal plan and workouts are tailored for me.
I have knee issues and I sprained my left wrist in the early stages of prepping. But it goes to show a good coach will also work around these injuries to a) make sure you don't worsen it and b) still manage to workout.
A good coach is good at what he/she does, shows tough love when needed, and believes in you more than you might believe in yourself.
What is your typical meal?
I have to eat 6 small meals a day. The meals are decided by my coach and can vary depending on my progress. A typical meal is 3.5 - 4oz. of a protein (egg whites, chicken, turkey, lean red meat, or fish), a small portion of carbs (brown rice, white rice, or sweet potato), green vegetables, and sometimes fruit (yay! pineapple, blueberries, etc.). I can season my meals with whatever flavors/spices I want.
Do you get any breaks?
Yes. I get one cheat meal a week where I’m encouraged to eat steak and potatoes, hamburger, etc. This keeps my mind sane and gives me the fat intake I lack during the rest of the week. As for working out, I get one rest day of no gym.
Is doing all of this healthy?
Yes. Only if you have a coach/trainer who cares about your overall health, has a great deal of experience and knowledge, and knows what he/she is doing.
Will you look different?
I sure hope so! I will lean out (decrease my body fat %) and develop muscle definition that comes as a result of eating clean and weight training a specific way.
What’s the hardest part about this experience so far?
Other than not being able to stray from the meal plan, the hardest part about prepping so far (and I’m only in my first week) is having to do cardio – I haven't done that much cardio in a long time.
How do you get judged in the competition?
There could be maybe 20-50 girls on stage depending on the show. There are several categories to compete in. In my category, the Bikini category, judging criteria is:
Whether I did well or not, I will go home happy because I was able to conquer the mental and physical discipline this sport requires, and I will eat EVERYTHING I CRAVE. Then, I return to my normal everyday healthy/fit lifestyle :)
Where/How did I start?
The idea of competing was on my mind for some time. I kept looking at competitor pics on social media, reading competitor articles/blogs/etc. to take a further peak into the sport.
I knew if I competed, I would learn so much about myself (potential, limits, etc). I started by searching for a good coach whether via social media or word of mouth from a friend who knows a friend who knows a friend. A lot of competitors look different. So when I was deciding on a coach, I took a look at his/her clients. If they showed results that I would be proud to have then I had myself a potential coach. Pricing is another thing w coaches - stick with what fits within your budget.
Then, I looked up the different kinds of competitions and read their qualifiers, schedule, and location. I picked one that was open to amateurs, located in NYC, and was a minimum of 3 months away.
If you have questions, please ask. I'll be more happy to answer them.
Why do this?
I hit a plateau with my fitness results. One of those "I just can't get rid of these love handles" moments. I’m doing it for me and no one else. Like deciding to get my MBA, I’ve set another goal for myself while I still can. I am already working out a lot so why not put all that hard work towards a new goal. The work ethic was already in me. Plus, anyone can work out, but dedicating to a diet and keeping your goal in mind is mentally challenging. I believe doing this is 90% mental. I will push myself and see what I’m capable of. Also, the sacrifices are temporary. There are people who don’t understand and that's OK - don’t expect them to.
I figured what better way to peak in your fitness by having a competition to prep for. You'll be on stage so if you don't follow the meal plan and workouts, then it will show. Competing is also costly so in the back of my mind I didn't want to waste all that money for nothing. A separate entry breaks down the costs I've encountered.
What can my friends/family expect?
Expect me to bring my already-prepared food during gatherings. If there’s a restaurant outing, I will try my best to go if the menu has options I can eat. Please don’t take it personally if I don’t eat your yummy food or decline an invite if I’m 4 weeks out until the competition. Your understanding alone is a big support.
What is “Prepping”?
Prepping for a competition varies. It can be anywhere from a 12 - 20 week process, depending on a competitor's body type, where you adhere to a certain meal plan, take the right supplements (extra vitamins, nutrients, etc. that your meal plan may lack), and complete a specific workout routine. This schedule is pretty strict so I have little room for error if I want to kick ass.
Everyone is different so there are some people who will be show-ready in 4 months and some in 2 months. Point is, once you've committed to this goal, stay dedicated throughout your prep. A BIG help is a strong support system. Without my support system I probably would've quit.
Who decides what to eat and how to work out?
This is all decided by a coach/trainer. Mine is a very sweet and supportive woman in Seattle, named Diana. She does online training, has competed several times, and is very experienced. We communicate via text, email, skpe - she always makes herself available and responds quickly. She also believes in doing this naturally, i.e. no illegal substance or any substance that harms the body. She has a reason for everything she decides for me. My meal plan and workouts are tailored for me.
I have knee issues and I sprained my left wrist in the early stages of prepping. But it goes to show a good coach will also work around these injuries to a) make sure you don't worsen it and b) still manage to workout.
A good coach is good at what he/she does, shows tough love when needed, and believes in you more than you might believe in yourself.
What is your typical meal?
I have to eat 6 small meals a day. The meals are decided by my coach and can vary depending on my progress. A typical meal is 3.5 - 4oz. of a protein (egg whites, chicken, turkey, lean red meat, or fish), a small portion of carbs (brown rice, white rice, or sweet potato), green vegetables, and sometimes fruit (yay! pineapple, blueberries, etc.). I can season my meals with whatever flavors/spices I want.
Do you get any breaks?
Yes. I get one cheat meal a week where I’m encouraged to eat steak and potatoes, hamburger, etc. This keeps my mind sane and gives me the fat intake I lack during the rest of the week. As for working out, I get one rest day of no gym.
Is doing all of this healthy?
Yes. Only if you have a coach/trainer who cares about your overall health, has a great deal of experience and knowledge, and knows what he/she is doing.
Will you look different?
I sure hope so! I will lean out (decrease my body fat %) and develop muscle definition that comes as a result of eating clean and weight training a specific way.
What’s the hardest part about this experience so far?
Other than not being able to stray from the meal plan, the hardest part about prepping so far (and I’m only in my first week) is having to do cardio – I haven't done that much cardio in a long time.
How do you get judged in the competition?
There could be maybe 20-50 girls on stage depending on the show. There are several categories to compete in. In my category, the Bikini category, judging criteria is:
- Balance and Shape
- Overall physical appearance including complexion, skin tone, poise and overall presentation
Whether I did well or not, I will go home happy because I was able to conquer the mental and physical discipline this sport requires, and I will eat EVERYTHING I CRAVE. Then, I return to my normal everyday healthy/fit lifestyle :)
Where/How did I start?
The idea of competing was on my mind for some time. I kept looking at competitor pics on social media, reading competitor articles/blogs/etc. to take a further peak into the sport.
I knew if I competed, I would learn so much about myself (potential, limits, etc). I started by searching for a good coach whether via social media or word of mouth from a friend who knows a friend who knows a friend. A lot of competitors look different. So when I was deciding on a coach, I took a look at his/her clients. If they showed results that I would be proud to have then I had myself a potential coach. Pricing is another thing w coaches - stick with what fits within your budget.
Then, I looked up the different kinds of competitions and read their qualifiers, schedule, and location. I picked one that was open to amateurs, located in NYC, and was a minimum of 3 months away.
If you have questions, please ask. I'll be more happy to answer them.