No, I am not competing. No, I am not going to be wearing some little body-bearing shorts and top. I am going to dress like me, be ME, just the "in-better-shape" version of me I have been striving for.
Which means I have 125 days to get my butt into high gear. And right in time for the holidays to hit.
Oy vey!
I have always wanted to attend this event ... and now that it's driving distance for me, the only thing holding me back ... is ME. Maureen is always trying to get me to set goals, which I am hesitant to do in fear of falling short. Again. But this seemed a relatively tame one. Simply work hard so I can look and feel my best, then reward myself with a trip to view the seriously disciplined (and in many cases, serious NUT JOBS!) who actually do step on a stage. No high-heel wearing, bikini flaunting for me ... just a chance to see and possibly meet some of the professionals in the industry. Possibly look for freelance writing opportunities. Become inspired by the amazing physiques.
Oh yeah, and Maureen wants us to run some race or something.
Hmmmm ... we shall see on that one.
For my friends and family who fear that I am too focused on my body, please understand that I am absolutely NOT. I struggle to stay focused whatsoever on my body. I read, write and learn about industry professionals, such as my favorite, Monica Brant, in order to become inspired. I am not gifted, physically, I am not naturally beautiful, I have no desire to model, or compete in a bathing suit. What I do desire is to push my body to its limit, whatever that might be. I desire to see muscle tone when I look in the mirror (without flexing as hard as I possibly can!) I DO desire to look healthy in my clothes. I love what boxing is doing for my body, and my self-esteem. I love the feeling of finishing a 5k at MY best time. I love pulling out a pair of jeans I have not worn in a few years and finding I can not only put them on, but they are actually too large. These things inspire me to eat better, make me happier ... which in turn makes me a better wife and mom, and certainly a better friend.
So, don't worry that you are going to see my scary steroid enhanced body in some freak magazine ... I wouldn't do that. I think that's disgusting. My goals are simple ... be the best me I can be.
And, eventually, knock some younger chick out in a boxing ring. yeah ... that would be seriously cool.
"One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular." ~Tony Robbins~
