Northern States Super Natural 2010

Open Figure and Masters Figure Champ!

Having a blast on stage

Conor was more impressed with my trophies than Liam Masters class comparison - Ann and Syndi behind me took 2nd and 3rd respectively

Wow! I went to Buffalo gunning for a win in the Master's class to earn my pro card, but coming off my worst show the week before I wasn't overly confident. I had changed it up during the week -- all around. I ended up in the gym at night instead of the mornings and I did cardio between each super set. It was a hard week and I could feel the toll from two weeks of lean out. I modified my diet too. Little tweaks here and there and I felt good and obviously less puffy than the week before.

I was happy that Bill and the boys were coming up in the evening. We planned to go to Canada on Sunday to visit friends we hadn't seen in too long. This was the first show that had Pro classes - Masters Figure and Bodybuilding. The great part was that Masters Figure was first, so I actually got to watch it. There were five competitors and they looked great. The bad part about the show was that Figure open and masters were all the way toward the end. All my other shows had figure at the beginning and the waiting was new to me. There were also a ton of crossovers into Fit Body and Bodybuilding from Figure -- even some into Bikini. This was interesting to me since each has a different body type. I hung out with Ann Fire who I met at Cardinal the week before.

We finally got ready for the Open class and I felt good when I went out for the walk. We entered from the opposite side of the stage, but I adjusted fine and felt confident as I hit my poses. There were only four in the Open but I felt like it went well. The masters class was filled with nine competitors that were ready to win. We came out for our presentation and comparisons and I knew I was toward the middle, but didn't think I was dead center. I was optimistic that the judges had seen the pros earlier and were looking for full bodies not skinny girls. Once we were done, it was a relief to head back to the hotel and wait for the boys to arrive to take me back for the evening show.

The evening went a lot like the morning/afternoon show. Another difference with this show is that the awards are all done at the end. When it was time for the open class, they announced 4th and 3rd and it was down to me and Ann. Ann's number was called for 2nd place and I simultaneously felt elated and bummed. I was thrilled to win the Open class, but knew that sometimes the awards get "spread around" especially if it is close and I thought we might swap places for the Masters class -- which meant the pro card.

They sent the top five out for the Masters class and as they worked the way to the top two, it came down to me and Ann again. I repeated my number in my head so I would be prepared when I heard it, but instead they called Ann's number! I felt a surge of excitement, disbelief, vindication, and relief all at once!! I heard the boys cheering and tried to soak it all in while smiling ear to ear.

Once we were off stage, the tough part began. I had to complete the paperwork and pee in a cup. Not so tough except I had very little in the way of fluids all day. Plus I had peed just before we went on stage and I had run out of water. We had more in the car, but I couldn't leave the building until I completed my task. I made it (finally) and we headed out to grab some dinner and drinks to celebrate.

One year and one week to earn my Master's pro card! Totally thrilled and looking forward to 2011!!

Cardinal Classic - 2010

Open Figure Short line up

Masters Figure

Five weeks after vacationing in Myrtle Beach (aka a week of drinking and enjoying foods that I rarely eat),I felt good heading to Youngstown again. This time I was solo and had a room at a Marriott with a pool and hot tub for post show. I learned from Dayton. I also made sure I had all my bags and stuff so I wouldn't need another emergency rescue.

This show is great. Always tough competition, well run, and great people. This year was more of the same and I was able to meet some awesome ladies. There were only six in our short class, but the line up was tough. I felt good, but knew I was a little puffy with my period due any moment (yeah, TMI but it's a huge factor for some of us in this sport).

John Henry and one of my tri buddies made the trek down, so I was excited to know they would be out supporting me. During the open class walk and comparisons I didn't see them or hear them. Sure enough, they hadn't made it yet. They did get to see the masters class though. I joined them in the audience and watched the body building classes and made goofy comments while I ate. I knew they wouldn't be in the evening, so I wanted to spend some time before I went back to the hotel for my nap.

The evening show went like clock work and we did our stuff for the open class. With only six of us, one person would not place. As they called out 5th though 2nd, I realized that I was not going to place and sure enough was left standing backstage while the other girls were receiving their awards. It didn't feel great, but it wasn't devastating either. For the masters class, I took 3rd and was just happy the night was done. I wanted to find a Chipotle and hit the hot tub so I could sleep and focus on next week. This time I skipped the Corona and stuck to water. When I got back to the hotel, my period arrived right on cue. The night just kept getting better.

On my way home Sunday, I stopped by John Henry's gym and chatted. At some point he said something that implied that the only way to get to the next level was out of reach due to the other things going on in my life -- kids, work, soccer, etc. I realized then that I had made the right choice in working out on my own. The added stress of training with someone for several months was something I didn't need. I felt good training around my schedule and doing it my way. I had six days to Buffalo and needed to make some tweaks....