Go Figure: Week 8

Now that my studies are coming to an end, my biggest commitment right now is getting ready for the stage. There are times when I feel my family and friends don’t understand. But regardless of how they feel, in my heart I know that taking on this challenge is the best thing I could’ve done for myself. Many may have the physique to compete, but not everyone has the drive to actually follow through with stepping on stage.

To be honest, over the past few weeks, I too have questioned whether all the hard work would be worth it in the end. The fitness-minded people around me told me to stop worrying, I would see the most changes in the last five weeks. Low and behold, this past week I’ve seen more changes in my body than ever before. And with that, I’ve also experienced greater levels of confidence. I guess I’ve come to realize that even though I’m not quite stage ready yet, I can be proud of all my hard work and secure with how my body looks.

My body began to plateau, so we had to make changes to my diet. I now follow a two-days on, one-day off type of routine with carb intake. And we’ve bumped up my cardio to three times per day; I do 45 minutes in the morning, 30 minutes midday and 45 minutes in the evening. It’s a lot, but it gives me time to reflect on my thoughts.

What I think about most these days is how I’ve been able to inspire so many people. It’s these people—people I don’t even know—who help get me through on tough days. And all the ups and downs of this experience helped me to find myself again. I’ve put myself first, and I now know that I am capable of more than I’ve expected from myself in the past.

With the last few weeks in front of me, I have a new outlook on the stage. I may be standing beside other women, but the only person I’ll really be up against that day is myself. I only care about what I bring to the table.

I am ready to do this. I am confident. And most importantly, I am doing this for me.

Nicole