In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins; not through strength but through persistence- Buddha
Above: Twin Falls, Springbrook Mountain (taken on our trip there for our 3rd Anniversary)
Yesterday's post turned out a little more like a big whinge than I would have liked but we need those every now and then! I've actually been feeling very positive the last few days and its great to use times like this to reflect and get goals and plans in order.
I've decided that the thing I like best about the sport of Figure is that it can be a lifetime hobby and one that to be successful, requires such commitment that it becomes a lifestyle and those who partake form a special community.
We don't pick up our bats and balls once a week and go out to play, only to forget about the sport for the rest of the week. To use Rae's words, "competing is something I love so much, I pretty much eat, sleep and breathe it". Sometimes I get tired. Sometimes I get sick of cooking and eating so frequently and sometimes I get to the gym and just want to go home before I've even changed. And sometimes I get tired of being so busy. But as I've said to Ali before, I wouldn't have it any other way.
If there is one thing I am, its persistent. Obviously I struggle at times with my nutrition, training and staying positive but I will never give up and I never settle. That is the other exciting thing about figure, its always about progress. We are never perfect, there is always room for improvement. I am going to step on stage next year in the best condition I have ever been in, in my life. Whether I place or not is moot, because I have no control over who else will be there sharing that stage on the day. But would I be content to stop there? Is that the end of the journey? No, I see competing as a challenge, a chance to take further and showcase the results of what I would be doing anyway- training hard and eating clean.
Some competitors have felt lost after the big day and Im sure I will also go through some kind of 'post comp slump'. But I believe that viewing competitions as part of a lifetime journey rather than as an ending point will help me fuel my desire to persist and constantly improve. As soon as I step off the stage I will want to know what I can do to come in better condition next time.
Its about hardwork and dedication but its also about fun. I think thats why what we are doing is so rewarding.
2 comments:
Hey Steph,
I was going to reply to yesterday's post about "moderation" - two things jump out at me:
Firstly - this depends on what you want - do you want to be able to eat certain things in moderation and feel good about it? and
Secondly- to also acknowledge that for some people, high sugar/high fat can cause reactions that are physiologically based, not physically based. I am fortunate that this is not me, HOWEVER I have had a few clients in the past that have had to eliminate sugar from their diets. For these people, alcohol is even more of an issue.
So there are a few issues you may need to address
Cheers
Liz N
Hi Liz,
Thanks for the thought provoking comments. I guess you can tell from my post that I am still struggling to sort out in my own mind what has/hasn't worked for me and what to do about it!
I would like to be able to eat what I like in moderation yes, I certainly envy that of other people. That in turn would make the choice not to eat junk for health and progress reasons easier because it would be even less ... 'taboo' or forbidden!
Its certainly a complex issue, I would like to feel confident that I have the choice and the control over food and then the ability to choose foods that will help me reach my goals.
As for sugar, I guess the only way to know whether I am one of those people who have to elimate it is to trial that and see how I go?
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