What is it like to prepare for a body building competition? Pt2 Show day

In my last post, I discussed the peculiarities of preparing for a bodybuilding competition. Now, I'll talk about the roller coaster experience of show day.

As I mentioned earlier, everything that could go wrong did. It was a rainy day in April, and nothing is more nerve-wracking than rain after a spray tan.

I chose to apply my own spray tan to cut costs, but I can tell you that the money saved isn't worth the hassle.

As a hairstylist, I had one of my friends from the salon assist me, which was fantastic. However, I wasn't dark enough, and once I got on stage, I stood out against the girls who had the show tan, and not in a favorable way. The tan was a flop, and it took away from the fun of show day.

The next debacle was my timing. The day before my show, I got a tan and checked in. The following morning, everything was scheduled by the hour: wake up, drink BCAA, pump up, and apply a second coat of tan—this time by myself. Again, I would rate it 10 out of 10 as not recommended. If you decide to do your own spray tan, choose the dark option.

After completing my tan, I sent my check-in photos to my coach, styled my hair, and headed to athlete check-in at 9 am. I planned to leave afterward, go home to finish my makeup, and return to the show by 11:30 to be on stage by 12.

No, my schedule was based on a larger event. Bikini competitors usually follow men's and women's bodybuilding and figure categories. With only 70 participants, 25 of whom were in bikini, I was expected to be on stage by 10:40.

Panic hit me hard as I still needed to do my makeup, eat two meals, and pump up. I rushed out of the athlete meeting and dashed to my apartment. I managed to do my makeup in under 20 minutes, and my two practice runs were very beneficial.

I looked phenomenal as I zipped back to the show. Once I arrived, I had time to try to glue my suit, even though I had no idea what I was doing and apply a small amount of spray tan before my category was called.

I was trembling; I wasn't ready. I had paid to compete in three categories, and with such a small show, you can imagine I walked on stage and then walked off, only to go back on again. It was difficult; everyone was shaking, but they were right—by the third time, I felt more comfortable.

It was an absolute whirlwind. I didn't enjoy the anticipation, but I loved being on stage. It's no surprise I'm such a ham.

I left the show uncertain of the outcome, feeling deep senses of accomplishment but also indifferent about all the things I wished had gone differently.

I returned home and took a nap; with finals at 5, it seemed like time was standing still. I was eager to learn the outcome of my months of hard work. I compared myself to the girls I was on stage with, and I was sure I wouldn't be first. However, some girls had stiff posing, so I felt I would rank somewhere in the middle.

Big mistake! I entered the finals with expectations. Those expectations deprived me of the joy I could have experienced from the competition.

I finished last in all my categories and didn't win any awards. Looking back, I understand why. I wasn't lean enough, and my muscles appeared flat. Not consuming enough carbs and not pumping up left my muscle definition lacking. My tan was too light, which didn't help and cost me additional points. My posing flowed, but some of my transitions highlighted my flaws. I also didn't consider my position on the stage when facing the judges.

I attempted to save money by not hiring a posing coach, but it was definitely necessary. Despite practicing daily, I needed that external perspective.

Another major regret I have is taking it too seriously and not having fun. Bodybuilding is a costly hobby for a beginner, and hobbies should be enjoyable. Additionally, being competitive can be enjoyable, but it should have been about me challenging myself, with my only expectation being to achieve the goal of stepping onto the stage.

I still love bodybuilding, and the gym remains my sanctuary. However, recovering after a show can be challenging. I competed in three more shows after that, but my distorted perspective left me no more satisfied than before.

I hope you enjoyed my blog. Stay tuned for post-show blues and please follow @spsalon for more content like this.