Bucket List: NPC Bikini Competition 2018
I recently started putting together my "30 Before 30" list. It includes things like travel, philanthropy, writing an eBook, and mastering homemade pasta (yes, I want to master the production of delicious carbs!). I decided I also needed something to challenge me, something to really test me inside and out and see what I'm capable of.
Three days after making my list, I registered with the National Physique Committee as a bikini athlete. I have chosen a competition to enter in the Spring. I've locked down my prep coach. I've followed A LOT of bikini competitors on Instagram because I don't know what the heck I'm actually doing. And I've bookmarked a few blogs about competing so that I can prepare for the behind-the-scenes stuff, from the mental toll it can take to the best fake tanning practices (I've never been tan in my entire life).
My official prep will start 16 weeks out from the competition. Until then, I will be focused on bulking and keeping cardio to a minimum. I will start tracking macros again this coming Sunday and getting back in the gym probably 6 days a week until prep. I'll be getting my "pre-prep" program soon and can't wait to see what the next couple months have in store for me and my muscles.
As someone who acknowledges her own lack of confidence, it will be interesting to see how I do on stage. I'm completely confident that I can stick to the plan my prep coach Melanie is providing, from the workouts to the macros. But to stand in front of a crowd, judges, and 199 other competitors, I'm not so sure. Cheers to facing fears!
If you have ever completed, please send me all your tips, tricks, and words of encouragement! agirlandagym@gmail.com
Side note - My fiance and I ran the Hot Cider Hustle 5k in DC this weekend and will be running another 5k on Thanksgiving. Cardio is the hardest thing for me physically, so this is a notable feat for me. My fiance has been great in encouraging me through every mile. He stays by my side an slows his mile by like 3-4 minutes per mile.
