I can’t believe it’s already the day before the show!!!  Well, the first show of the season at least!  This week has been a blur.  Peak Week as this is called is essentially a science project.  You drink a ton of water, eat more carbs then usual, then “dry out” and keep your carbs high come show day.  Your workouts are more moderate, and there’s less cardio–finally!

This Prep flew by–overall, honestly, it was pretty easy despite the hour and a half of daily cardio.  My head gave me more trouble this time than my body did.  I’ll be the first to tell you, I’m my own worst critic.  It seems like the entire 15 weeks I was comparing myself to other girls, or to last year.  I was constantly questioning myself- “how do I look?”, “Am I conditioned enough”, “Did I do enough?”.   Man it has been a battle!   I just don’t feel as lean, even though everyone keeps saying I look amazing and fantastic.  I think it’s mostly because I weigh so much more now.  Like I’ve said all along, this sport is way more mental than physical, and I learned that with this Prep.  At the end of the day, I just have to be confident in myself, confident that I did my best, and be proud of how far I’ve come.  I am enough.  This is a hobby, a sport, and as much fun as it is, it’s not all of my identity.  I have to keep myself in check!  I’m so blessed to have such a great support group around me, that regardless of what those judges say tomorrow, I’ve already won just by getting there.

I’m hoping I’ll tighten up more over the next 24 hours, just like I did last time.  Yikes!  Hard to believe I’ve got less than that before show time!  We’re about to leave to go to the hotel, and I will have my first two coats of tan put on this afternoon, followed by the athlete check-in, and a check-in with my coach, and 4 more meals.  Yep, 4.  2 of them being filet mignon!  HA!  Makeup is at 5am tomorrow and I should go on stage somewhere around 10 or so for prejudging.

I’m thrilled to have the privilege of walking across that stage tomorrow.  Everyone has their own journey getting there, but each competitor should be praised for their courage and accomplishment.  The show is a celebration of the Fit Life!

See you on the other side!!

-Mere