2nd Place Win

     It’s been 2 weeks since the show. I was going to write in sooner but since the last few months have been so hectic,  I decided to take it easy and lay low for a bit. But what a great show it was! By far my best yet. I won 2^nd ,  the closest I’ve ever come to becoming a pro. I’m so happy with all the changes I’ve made since last year. Everything from my posing, to my physique and my suit have improved so much. And I have to say, I really love being on that stage. As nerve wrecking as pre-judging is, I ironically feel comfortable out there.

     Before I go on, I have some acknowledgments I'd like to send out. I want to thank my friend Mark Correa for being my guiding light through this and every competition.  All of his advice, especially his nutritional advice has been priceless. Thank you for listening to and answering all my endless questions. My friend Geraldine Abergas,  Marks beautiful girlfriend who took the time out to help me improve my posing technique. She also perfectly applied the Dream Tan, giving me the best tan I've ever had. And of course my loving boyfriend Aaron Holland, who has always been so supportive of me. Mentally, emotionally, and financially. Thank you for putting up with my scheduled lifestyle all my waves of crankiness.  Without them, I would never have been able to do this. Their help and support have been invaluable.
Last but not least, I want to thank my family, friends and clients for all of their continued support.

     So here are my stats. I came in at 112 lbs, 14% body fat. Just where I figured I’d end up.  That’s exactly where I was for the same show last year. But when I look at pictures of myself from last years show, I look much different. That’s because my composition has changed. I put on some muscle during my off season. However, I had to get aggressive with my diet in order to be ready for this show on time, so I lost a bit of muscle along the way. I lost some size in my shoulders and arms, and lost a bit of width in my back.  Had I not been as aggressive, I wouldn’t have come in as conditioned as I was and may not have placed as well. 

     My next show is on September 17^th. Although I can’t really put on muscle in 2 months, I can certainly fill out. I won’t have to be as aggressive with my diet so the plan is to come in fuller and do better than the last show.  I’ve done so well since I started competing, that I feel like I belong on that stage. I’m still very new to this sport and am enjoying all the changes and learning I’ve been experiencing along the way. I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of this season has in store for me. I’ve had a great start so far.

The journey continues…

*Check out the before and after pics. I told you I’d post. Before was taken on 4/23/11 (don’t mind the silly face and hand gestures!), after was on 6/24/11.