2 Days Out – Questions and Answers!

I’m officially two days away from my  first Fitness America Bikini Competition!  My nerves have remained constant..they are still very high but at least they aren’t getting worse I guess 😉

I’m taking work off tomorrow and leaving for Chicago in the morning!!!  I probably wont be able to blog again until after the show, so this will be my last post before the big day.  Make sure to follow me on my Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/livelifeactive  for updates during the show!!!

My diet has changed for today and tomorrow.  I’ve increased my carbs a little bit to try to fill out my muscles a little, and reduced my water intake.  I’m still eating 6 meals a day with a lean protein at each meal! 

I’ve had a lot of questions sent to me lately so I’d like to answer them all today.

Q.)  When did I start prepping for this competition?

A.)  I joined Team Savage and switched to clean eating in March.  I still wasn’t very strict with my diet then but I started introducing a much cleaner diet at that time.  I still had cheats..often.  I actually committed to my competition date when I was about 10 weeks out.  Usually people give themselves at least 12 weeks to get their body in shape, but for some reason I chose this competition because it was in my home town of Chicago!!!  I heard the promoter was great and puts on a great show for the competitors.  I wanted the Midwest Championships to be my first show so 10 weeks of training/dieting it was!

Q.)  What is your biggest fear of competing?

A.) My biggest fear of competing is failure.  I have NEVER been confident with my body and rarely ever wear swimsuits in front of people.  One year ago, if you would have told me that I’d be on stage in front of a panel of judges with bright lights shining on me while I’m wearing close to nothing and 5 inch high heels..I would have looked at you and LAUGED MY BUTT OFF!!!  I would have never thought I would or COULD ever do this.  After I started learning more about the sport, I decided I needed a goal to set for myself and this would be the ultimate goal for me. 

I fear pretty much everything about this competition though…haha for real!.  Being on stage in a bikini, getting judged, falling on stage, messing up my posing, my tan turning green (it really happens to some people!!) and not being able to at least LOOK like I fit in with the other girls in my class are all major fears of mine. 

Let’s hope I don’t turn into a She-Hulk!

(Source)

I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m putting myself through this experience with SO many fears, but doing things that scare you help you grow as a person. 

I should be growing HUGE after this show then 😉 jk

Q.)  How do you think you’ll do?

A.) Honestly, I really am hoping to just look like I belong up there.  I am hoping that I can look natural on stage and not the one out of place.  I will honestly be happy with whatever place I get.  If I make it through the show, it means I actually completed this goal of mine and faced a huge fear.  The placing doensn’t totally matter to me, however my ultimate goal is to place in the top 5 in my class. 

I just hope I can calm my nerves before walking on stage and controlling my legs from shaking too much so the judges won’t notice!

Q.)  Do you feel like you’re ready to get on stage?

A.) Yes and No.  I have never been in this great of shape in my life and am proud of my body at this point.  I’ve made some major improvements in my physique in the past few months and for that reason, yes, I’m ready to show it off.  I’m also not ready for the stage because I am a bit of a perfectionist and I know that there’s always a lot to work on but more time would be needed.  I know I still have a LOT of work to do on my body.

Q.) What have you learned so far through this experience?

A.) I don’t even know where to begin with this question.  I have learned so much about myself through this experience even before stepping on stage.  I’ve learned what my body is capable of.  This has not only been a physical challenge on my body but a complete mental challenge that has shown how mentally tough I can be.  I’ve found out that I can be strict and say no to temptations.

I’ve learned SO much about nutrition and working out.  I’ve gained confidence.  I’ve lost inches from my body that I didn’t think were possible.  I have been introduced to some opportunities like modeling because of my increased confidence and new body.  I have met a ton of amazing people lately who have the same passion as me.  I’ve learned that I can give up drinking alcohol for a long time and be OKAY!  I’ve learned that I LOVE food. 

I’ve also learned that it’s HARD to build muscle as a female.  I used to think if I picked up a dumbell, I’d get huge.  Um no…sorry previous Erin…that’s not the case.  Building muscle is a process and takes a LOT of work.

I haven’t even stepped on stage yet and have grown so much through this experience!

Q. ) What is your first meal going to be after the show?

A.) I’m going straight out for Chicago Deep Dish pizza and an adult beverage 😉   I’m a Chicago girl at heart…what did you expect me to say 😉

Q.) How much weight have you lost through my competition prep?

A.) In the past 10 weeks, I’ve gained muscle and lost about 16 lbs.  I can’t even believe that.  I never thought my body was capable of dropping weight like that!  So crazy!!!!  I’m actually excited to gain some weight back and start the building process over and eating more normal again.  I don’t like that I lost most of my muscle that I worked so hard for when cutting down for this show.  Bring on the food!!!

Q.) Would you ever compete again?

A.) I’ll have to answer this question in a post after my show 😉

If you have any more questions, feel free to email me at erinstaysfit@gmail.com or comment below.  I’ll be doing a post-show Q&A as well  and will try to answer most of the questions AFTER the show.

Well….I’ll post again after the show and remember to follow my Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/livelifeactive to get random updates on Saturday during the show!

Now…let the tanning begin!