Go Figure

I've been gone for what feels like an eternity.

But, with reason. I've embarked on something new. REALLY NEW! I'm totally excited about this and I've finally decided to come out of the closet.

I'm going to compete in a figure contest. Either you know what I'm talking about or you don't. Or maybe you have a vague idea but aren't really sure. You may be rolling your eyes or ready to change channels. I don't know. Doesn't really matter to me either at this point. Because I'm committed and invested a lot of energy into this; mentally and physically.

What is a Figure Competition? 
Defined in my usual sarcastic way.....It's a beauty contest for women with muscles. It's in the world of bodybuilding but one or two steps down in size. Wikipedia may help. Literally a bunch of women broken down by age and/or height are judged against each other based on their physique and showmanship. Competitors wear 5 inch heels, suits with less than one square foot of fabric, spray tans, and rhinestone jewelry. Either sounds like hell or total awesomeness right?

When Is my Show/Competition? 
April 20, 2013 Wisconsin Natural Bodybuilding, Fit Body and Figure Championships in Madison. I actually mailed in my registration and fee last weekend. I think that's what's given me the courage to tell anyone who cares. I'm in. I'm not turning back. Scared to death but doing it!

Why? What the hell is wrong with me?
Very good questions which would take a licensed psychologist to answered adequately but I will try. I have been infatuated with the idea for over 10 years. Actually before I got off the couch or into endurance sports or anything physical, Jack and I went to spectate at a show. Competition for women included both bodybuilding and figure. I LOVED it! I thought the women were absolutely beautiful. The spray tans are a bit to get used to but otherwise they look powerful and in control and not afraid!

I was smart enough to know that I didn't think I had the genetic ability to be a bodybuilder but maybe a figure competitor. But what held me back at the time was not knowing where to start and petrified about the nutrition discipline required. See I ate everything and anything back then too! The years then ticked by and I became involved in triathlon. Since I've become a triathlete and accomplished things beyond my expectations, I have realized that nothing is out of reach if it's planned out and done wisely. So the idea festered in the back of my mind like an infection.

Recently, I had come to a place in my tri life where I felt I needed to step back a bit. I need to stop looking for the next PR. I need to have fun and not care so much or feel pressure. I need a change of pace. I am still training; swimming, biking, and running 6 days a week. I will still race this season because I do get a HUGE thrill out of racing. But, I need this diversion right now to keep me fresh and rejuvenated.

How?
Smart people surround themselves with smart people. I am a firm believer in searching out what you don't know, immersing yourself in the process, and enlisting people to help. Last fall, Jack and I went to spectate at our second show; right before I left for the IM World Championship. I found a figure/bodybuilding coach in the lobby who had a booth set up. Low and behold, she is only 90 miles from me at Mission Accomplished Studio. That is an absolute miracle considering where I live. It was a sign. I'm not getting any frickin' younger. God help me, I'M 43! I need my head examined. I thought, it's now or never. I emailed her and she said she would take me on. I raced in Hawaii, came home and contacted her 2 weeks later. It's been go-time since early November.

I guess this is just a small start to what I could talk about. I have learned so much about another world actually. I feel like I'm in 2 camps, triathlete and bodybuilder/figure, and both camps are BOTH FRICKIN CRAZY but each in their own way. See, just like anything in life, you can do it halfway or go all in. I'm not so good at the halfway mode. I saw a post on Facebook by my friend Nancy Simpson. It said, "If your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough." Let me say, at times right now, I'm terrified! I worry that I won't have my body in the shape that I want it come show time. There are so many things I don't know about competing. I'm totally afraid I'll embarrass myself on stage; fall down, puke, I don't know! I'm also afraid I'll embarrass my daughters. Teenage girls are not entirely used to seeing their mother in 5 inch heels and practically naked. Ha! However, I am sure they will survive!

All I can say is, stay tuned. Now that the cat is out of the bag, I have a lot to talk about!