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....