Pre and Post Comp - Still Going!!

It’s got to be time to report on my month.

Pre Comp

I have to be honest – this was the toughest, most draining pre-comp phase that I can remember. Thank god I had Ingrid there to take care of me and tailor make my prep to suit - I would have been lost without her to call on. As for the causes, there are quite easily explained once I take the time to reflect;

·        For the entire month pre-comp, I was on a work course that I thoroughly enjoyed. However it meant a change from my usual duties and a whole lot more focus needed to sit in the classroom each day. Also plenty of study, homework and assessments which all took their toll on my energy.

·        I was away from home for the whole month pre-comp and I thought that would be easier than it actually was. I relied on only having myself to worry about however I neglected to take into account just how much I love being around my mad little family. I pined terribly for them and felt quite lost on my own away from home.

·        During the comp prep, Rob applied for and got a new job in Darwin. While we are absolutely thrilled about the upcoming move, it threw us into a flurry of excitement and change with house arrangements, school moves and all of the other things that go with a change in location.

·        We immediately put an offer on a new house. Need I say more? Stress central!

·        Organising the renting out of our Katherine home. (Which went as smooth as silk -what a blessing!)

·        Then the last issue of trying to find me a suitable role in Darwin as well – and I’m a tad on the picky side about that!! At this rate I might end up on my own in Katherine, sponging for a room to rent!

Somehow, around all of this, I made it my priority to cook and chop all food for the week each Sunday. Without this I think I would have had immense trouble staying on track. Does this mean I would have eaten differently? I don’t think so… I get way too focused for that. But I probably would have under-eaten and the food timing would have been all out of whack with too many evening meals and not enough during the day (a very common problem for many I suspect). As it was, I had all of my meals stacked and labelled for the entire week so it was merely a matter of stacking my 6-pack lunchbox and spending the day on task without having to stress about them. I can’t recommend this approach more and believe this is the key to pre-comp success.

Comp Day

In stark contrast to the above, I don’t think we’ve had a less-stressed competition day. It was absolutely brilliant!! I got up at about 5.30am due to my intense excitement at having runny eggs, peanut butter and toast for breakfast – holy hell that was delicious and rich!!! Every sticky mouthful was like pure gold and I unashamedly licked the plate clean!!

From there I went back to bed with a short black and watched some tv before eventually getting up and working on my hair. I decided to do my own this comp in order to save some $$. After hair came Dream Tan application time. Rob is the master of this and he did a fabulous job while I watched some more tv – spoilt much!!

Shortly after the best make up artist in Darwin (biased!!) came over and worked her magic. As soon as she left I downed some rice cakes, chicken and more peanut butter!!

Then it was time to hit the venue. It was a completely different setting this time at the Marrara Sports Centre and I actually really liked it. There was so much going on with the Sports Expo and the lighting was very different than I was used to. Normally I am on a stage with show lighting where I can’t see the audience. This time it was clear and bright and I could see all faces as clear as day – meaning I could see those faces I love so much very clearly. My babies, my husband, some of my dearest friends and many gorgeously friendly faces from home. I loved that!

Nothing much to report about comp day other than I had an absolute ball. The key for me was popping my phone on airplane mode and just relaxing into music while getting ready. Last comp I received and answered messages the whole time and, while they were beautiful messages, it was off-putting and distracting because I wanted to answer everyone immediately. This time I put it all ‘on ice’ and it worked beautifully.

I can’t comment on my performance as I’m terribly critical of myself and can see so many areas to improve on. Some things I did quite well, other things need some immediate attention.

Of course my highlight was winning the Nabba division and then winning the Overall Ms NT title. I was absolutely thrilled!!! Couldn’t have been happier!

Post Comp

I was absolutely dreading the time between comps. To the point of considering not doing a second show. I remember the last ‘between comps’ period and how I felt like I was dragging a ten-tonne truck behind me everywhere. With all that we have going on in our work and personal life, I just couldn’t contemplate the thought of feeling so drained again.

I’m ecstatic to report that I have never felt better!! I am so full of energy it’s dangerous!! I’m fully focused, very intense and firmly sighted on the National Championships in Hobart on October 12. I will admit I’m anxious about it because I feel that I somewhat bombed last time I went to the Nationals. I don’t want to feel that way again – surely that is a natural feeling??

So I’m straight back into training. Heavy as I can taking into account that food is down so weights will also be down. It’s not time to start breaking personal records! Cardio is up and I do a high energy ‘something’ every couple of days. I'm alternating between sprints, weights and swims. I still have some leaning out to do for this comp and I’m quite fine with that. I have worked so hard for so long that a few weeks of lowered food and higher cardio is A.O.K. with me.

Not much else to report for now but will keep you posted.