The Road to Show: Change of Plans

March 17, 2020

2:30 PM

Phew! It has been a minute...let’s see if I remember how to do this *cracks knuckles*.

I have so much to update you all on, but I’ll start with the biggest news-- I am no longer in prep competition.

Unless you have been living under a very nice, warm and fuzzy rock, you should be aware that we are currently dealing with the fight of COVID-19 that has dramatically affected the entire world. My current state of Pennsylvania is one of many that has been forced to be in full lockdown meaning that all public areas (including gyms, restaurants, and bars) are closed.

Because of this terrible virus, all bodybuilding shows have also been cancelled until May 10th.

So. What are my options?

First, let’s imagine how I felt being only three weeks out from my first show. I was already having a harder prep than before as my body was not responding as quickly as I hoped. I wasn’t losing that much body fat, but my cardio was relatively high and my calories were relatively low. Being three weeks out, however, I was FINALLY starting to look good and getting super excited about stepping on stage soon.

"Because of this terrible virus, all bodybuilding shows have also been cancelled until May 10th."

EVERYTHING was booked: tan, suit, hair, waxing. Everything. Fortunately, I had not paid for my NPC card yet nor had I registered for the show itself so I did not lose any money there.

But when I heard the news, I was extremely disappointed. You don’t pour your heart and soul into something for 12 weeks just to have it stripped away in one day without being upset. And I’ll admit, I had a mini breakdown.

But once I got through my little tantrum, I immediately moved forward to decide what my next steps would be.

I could easily continue to stay on prep, maintain my leanness until May and then decide from there what shows to compete in. This entire time, however, I have not wanted to be on prep over the summer again. Last year, I was barely outside, barely able to be social, and I knew I didn’t want that.

Not only that, I already had goals in mind for what I wanted to do after my shows and I didn’t want to push them back any further.

After much praying and self-evaluating, I decided that I am no longer going to continue prep, and as of right now, I may not even compete this year. And you know what? I’m 100% OK with that.

I’ve realized throughout this journey so far, that I really want to build upon and create new relationships. I want to deepen the current relationships I have with my friends and my family because I know that they are truly what matter in this life. As cheesy as it may sound, I also want to find someone to settle down with and begin a life.

Yes, I could do all of this while on prep, but it couldn’t be a true priority. I could never give someone the time or attention they deserve while having to be at the gym for three hours a day and constantly worrying about prepping my food. I want to be present in the moment and not irritable and hangry due to a calorie deficit.

"I want to be PRESENT in the moment and not irritable and hangry due to a calorie deficit."

What Now?

Of course I’m going to continue my fitness life, and I do plan on competing again. But for right now, I want to stay lean for the summer, slowly increase my calories, and try to build some legs.

I also have some “side hustles” I want to work on, including writing more blogs. I want to show how to live a healthy, balanced life, and I want to help as many people as possible live that way as well.

I can’t wait to share this next journey in my life with you all! A balanced, sustainable, happy life.

So raise your glass, fam...here’s to change, here’s to love, and...

Here’s to Health. Cheers.