"At first they will ask you why you are doing it, then they will ask you how you did it"
So...six months ago I set myself a personal challenge - to build a body I love enough to walk on a stage in front of a thousand people and show it off. Two days ago I did just that, taking a home a 2nd place trophy from the Miami Pro World Championships was an amazing added bonus.
Having battled with my body image since my teenage years and finding myself with a post baby body at just 18, six months ago I thought it was about time I kicked all the skeletons out my closet and destroyed the body confidence demons that had plagued the past few years, and standing on that stage proved to myself that those demons are well and truly gone.
The couple of days leading up to the contest were filled with apprehension and excited, luckily I am writing my thesis and still working so had lots to take my mind off the nerves.
I didn't change my diet hugely in the week leading up to contest, but had an additional high carb meal on the Friday evening, and kept myself fairly dehydrated on contest day so my skin was "tight". I think I actually came in a little too tight as I personally preferred my physique the morning after contest after the consumption of chocolate and ice cream (in huge quantities)!!
The day itself was incredible; I honestly don't think I have seen so many beautiful people in the same place at the same time. Everyone was so supportive of each other, it was an unforgettable experience.
Many people have asked me was all the hard work worth it for 2 minutes on a stage...I won't lie I have had to sacrifice a huge amount to peruse this journey - my social life became non existent, my work suffered due to lack of concentration, my mood was really low at times - but I don't regret it for one second - (not even the 50kg (my bodyweight) of broccoli I had to consume in the 12 weeks leading up to contest day), the overwhelming feeling of "overcoming" I felt standing on that stage is unexplainable.
As lovely and so very appreciated as it was to take home a trophy, that was never what this contest was about for me. Meaning no offence to anyone when I say this, but this journey for me was not about the view of the six individuals sat on the judging panel (who I have upmost respect for), this was about me challenging myself to be the best I could possibly be - physically, psychologically and emotionally. Not only have I achieved that, but I have leant an incredible amount and met some inspirational people along my way that have impacted on my life more than they will ever know.
So what on earth is next.....? Well, firstly I need to graduate in June and gain my Registered Dietitian status to combine with my Advanced Personal Training qualification and support more people to change their health, confidence and lives through face to face and online consultations. I am really interested in product development in health foods and sports nutrition so will also pursue this avenue and I love research so some point over the next few years will hopefully start my PhD. It is also time to focus on my personal life; after all if everything is stripped bare the true purpose of life is to love and be loved isn't it? I am lucky enough to have a gorgeous little boy to share my life with, but with my new self confidence it might be time to throw away my fears and say "yes" to a date offer (because guys are obviously queuing up to date a workaholic, gymaholic, slightly geeky single mum)! .... oh and more contests? Well, there may be a few more in the pipeline.
I simply cannot end this blog without saying a huge thank you to the 35,000 of you that have read my journey, hopefully I have inspired at least one person to realise that with passion, determination and hard work, you can achieve your dreams, it will be tough and there will be points where you want to chuck it all in, but I promise you the harder the struggle the more glorious the triumph.
An extra special thank you has to go to:
"Diet Coach Dan" - I could not have asked for a better person to guide me through the final and most important weeks of my prep, this guy has such an incredible knowledge in competition preparation, not only that, he has supported me through some horrendously tough days. I doubt I would have been able to step on stage if a mutual friend (thanks Damien) hadn't introduced us. Dan, THANK YOU, you have changed my life.
Nicola - my twin sister and my best friend - the rational side of me when I was an emotional wreck in the final weeks of prep. Her constant questioning enabled me to remember the true reasons why I started the journey in the first place and the support when I was fearing that I would loose my identify when the contest was over. When we both finish studying I am taking you to a spa for a long weekend. (so in about 10 years!)
Family and friends - I have missed social events, and the ones I have attended I haven't exactly been a "party animal!", thanks for putting up with me and for all your support with Finnley. (And Alice - thanks for hair drying the tan onto my naked body last weekend. )
Finnley - my little angel, my motivation, my entire world.
This is my final blog here, but I will continue to blog training, nutrition and body confidence tips in the very near future. So for now, thank you so much again - keep striving and don't fear change!
Rachel x
" 'It's impossible' said pride,
'It's risky' said experience,
'It's pointless' said reason,
..'Give it a try' said the heart. "
