What a journey!

All I can say is that sometimes you need to go through difficult situations to see things clearly. Sometimes going through a tough situation can be a good thing, only if you look at it that way. I have learnt so much about my last comp.

Knowing I was not coming in at my usual leanness and having it confirmed a week out from comp made my decision to continue to go to Sydney very frustrating and difficult. At one week out I knew I wasn't going to make my optimal condition for the comp and having paid for airfares, accommodation etc I felt obligated to bite the bullet and go anyway.

Coming 4th is still a good outcome and deserved for the package I had presented on the day. The thing is I know I can do so much better so I walk away knowing that and I also take away some very useful information with me in regards to what not to do for my next prep.

Sydney was done on my own, I did the entire trip without a hitch and I am proud of myself for having the confidence to take that on. I have really grown up! :-)

Next year I will stand on stage in awesome condition, I have no doubts about that! After the Sydney Asia -Pacific comp I got loads of honest feedback and comments that made me open my eyes to many things. The Sydney comp was not a complete waste of time.

At this stage I hope to compete in the latter part of the year, hears hoping I don't change my mind due to unfinished business and compete in May. Don't let me do it or I will be prepping all year again and that's a big fat NO NO.

I have also decided to prep myself next year. I have done it before and I believe I can do it again but with even more knowledge behind me. The only thing that would be challenging to get around is having someone be my eyes for me when I get to 4 weeks out until comp day. But I have good friends here in the know who would be happy to help *cough* Lia :-) Last time I sent photos for honest feedback (2007) I can always count on her for honesty.

I'm really looking forward to my off season training and nutrition and can't wait to compete again next year.

Thank you so much for all your support through facebook and text etc. I have to say that on the day of the comp having my iphone to update and check back for replies was so comforting, I felt like you guys were there with me, just to share everything I was going through and knowing you guys were there reading on was unbelievable. Thank you to iphone and technology and mostly to my amazing friends. xxx

Almost 1 week out

Not sure where to start. I had a very busy weekend. Saturday was my birthday plus it was the day Steph and Ali competed at the ANB for the first time and I was lucky to be there to see them for pre judging.

They both looked fabulous and did so very well, they both have a bright competitive future ahead of them :-)

Sunday was full on for me as I had my client Eleanor competing in novice at the WNBF. I felt like mother hen to her lol. She ended coming 2nd so you can imagine how happy her and I both were considering she had come to me approx 12 weeks ago having never done any weight training before and asked me to prep her! She lost about 8kgs and managed to build enough muscles. Her condition on the day was really good and I even got many compliments on the way her tan came up. She put in so much work and I am extremely proud of her.

As you know Jon Davie was away so I haven't had a chance to see him since Tuesday last week and don't get to see him until Monday so that's two weeks! I feel a little freaked out at the moment as I don't know if i'm on track and won't know until Monday my final week.

Being so close to the show any competitor would know how hard it is to judge for yourself. One minute you think your right on the money, the next minute you feel very uncertain. I really need to keep it together until Monday.

I fly out to Sydney on Saturday morning, the show is on Sunday. The competition will be huge and very competitive, I can only do my best and hope that my condition is spot on at the right time, I have been having issues with holding lots of water over the last few weeks, I think it's improving now but again not sure of much right now as my judgement seems very clouded.

Work is still demanding and busy and life is stressful. I can't wait until this is all over as I really need to focus on my daily life. I must make a note to myself as a reminder not to do two seasons in one year. Prepping most of the year is way too much especially in my line of work. I will just compete at the end of the year. Boy I can't wait to rest up :-) Even if (big if) I was to place at the WNBF Asia-Pacific's I won't go the the World's in New York, I just can't get away now :-( and to prep for another 4 weeks is not very enticing right now either.

I will be at the Olympia promoting International Protein so I can't wait to catch up with many of you who will be attending and competing.

Hugs xxx