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Thursday, September 20, 2012

So, What's Next?

Thank you all so much for all of your kind words about my experience at my first show! =)

A lot of you have commented, e-mailed, Tweeted, Facebooked, etc., to ask what my post-show plans are.

 Before and during the show, I was contemplating another small show in October.

 But I'd really, really rather compete in Figure than Bikini, for a number of reasons: I like the posing better (it's more suited to my personality, which is to say, not as flirty/sassy/sexy as bikini), I adore big capped delts and want to build myself a pair, and I think the judging in Figure is just a little more predictable than in Bikini, although all judging is totally subjective and, at times, political.

 Unfortunately, I just don't have enough muscle to do well in Figure in this district yet.

 So now it's time for a nice, long off-season. I know it will probably take years for me to gain enough size to feel 'ready' for Figure. Plus, when you look at most Figure athletes, they have a certain degree of muscle maturity that takes years to achieve. 
Nicole Wilkins, IFBB Figure Pro
Source
Holly Beck, IFBB Figure Pro - she looks even more muscular in person!
(Source)

 I do have a minor case of the post-show blues, though. I spent four months looking forward and counting down to last weekend, and now it kinda feels like there's nothing on the horizon. I've got to set some mini-goals, but for right now I'm just taking it easy. I felt really, really burnt out on the gym by the end of prep, so I'm taking this whole week off. I know I need a break when I don't look forward to lifting. I personally don't really stress over rest weeks because I know I'll be more motivated and stronger when I get back in the weight room.

 Do you relish rest weeks, or do you have to make yourself take them?
Competitors (and anyone who has competed in/counted down to/trained for anything, really!!): how do you deal with your post-show/post-event blues?
Posted by Sable Weisman at 5:30 AM
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35 comments:

  1. after a show i have to force myself to take more than a day off from the gym--unless im injured,then its not as hard for me to say no...

    and how i deal with the post show blues is to still make mini goals,wether its daileymweekly,or monthly.i also sign up for as many local road races as i can and shift focus to speed training to get faster for a 5k and/or half marathon.that is a great incentive for me not to go overboard wih the junkfood post show. i know if i fuel with junk,i will run like junk.

    anyways,i hope you enjoy your rest week-i have enjoyed following you along to the stage and i cant wait to see your next big adventure.
    you. totally.rock.

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    1. Thank you so much Melissa!! you are such a big role model for me - this is such a compliment coming from you! <3

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  2. enjoy your much needed down time friend! I'm sure there is lots of emotion behind it too.
    xxoo

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  3. I get kind of "blah" after big events too. You spend so much time building up and then its... gone.

    Embrace the rest time - there will be plenty of hard work to come. :)

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  4. This year, I'm more excited for the end of the show than I am for this actual peak week. While I know I look soo much improved from the last show and much leaner, I am looking forward to a true off-season... even tho my coach has told me my diet will not be catered to an off season diet cause he wants to keep me as lean as possible. Whatever the case, I definitely need the break!

    In past shows, however, I was a little lost for awhile. It took me awhile to refocus as well as be comfortable in my "true" skin again- meaning, a couple pounds heavier. I think that's always the hardest part for me- going from being super lean to being just muscular again. And for me, I am so short, I get "beefy" so I have to watch my diet to a "t" even in the off season, and watch my weight so I don't pack on too much muscle in my legs.

    I agree with the other girls! Do a fun obstacle race like the warrior dash, or even a 5K! I'm not a runner, but the warrior dash looks intriguing to me. :) Just always keep in mind your long term goals- make a board of pictures and hang it up where you see it every day to keep you focused on the long-term versus what's "next" tomorrow...

    Most importantly, have fun in the gym again!!!

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    1. I'm definitely having a little trouble with transitioning...having seen myself stage lean makes me want to stay that way, but I know it's not healthy & it's not even really feasible! Definitely not easy though.

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  5. Sounds like a good plan :)

    I would find the whole atmosphere of the Bikini division impossible to work with - I think that you probably would feel more confident in Figure, and with your dedication I know you'll eventually get on stage looking just as striking as the ladies you have posted!

    xxx

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  6. I HATE rest DAYS! I actually took this past week off simply because there was NO time between work, finals and doctor's appointments. During this time I was irritable and tired: I must be addicted to the endorphins. LOL. I'm looking forward to my first trip back this afternoon.

    Anyway, it was really fun to follow your journey and I'm grateful you shared it. I've always wondered if it's something I would want to do, but after watching you I decided maybe not so much. It takes too much discipline and then you have people judge that? No thank you. But you did great, you looked great.

    What was your first "splurge" after the competition?

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    1. Oh just about everything. Haha. Witness: http://squatlikealady.blogspot.com/2012/09/wiaw-post-contest-debauchery.html

      Thank you!! I'm glad my live-blogging of this whole process was helpful =) It is definitely an awful lot of work for ~1 minute on stage!

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  7. That's the problem with big events in our life- its always such a downer when they finish! Sounds like you have a great plan and I'm sure a rest week will do a world of good for you physically and mentally! I'm a firm believer that if your hearts not in a workout, you're probably better off taking time off rather than half-assing it!

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  8. My first show was the worst for the post show blues and lasted a very long time with a lot of weight gain, i felt lost,etc... if you read my transformation story it says it all there.

    My 2nd show was actually not so bad and i really believe that it does get better after time, after each show.
    My rebound/depression only lasted about 2 months this time versus 3 years.

    I made mini goals and really tried to set myself into a positive mindset and it worked!

    I've got 2 trips planned, a photoshoot in 2 months and i am working towards building msucle for next may's competition!!!

    I'm sure you will find your groove Sable you are amazing!!!! Keep it up!

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    1. I just checked out your transformation page - WOW! What a change!!! You are awesome!!

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  9. you looked so fantastic girl :) seems like you've got a good set of plans ahead of you! enjoy your rest week xox

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  10. I love whoever's comment about celebrating and having a mini goal with a photo shoot. I feel like that would be such a great reward - and motivation - and if there were photographers looking to begin building their brand it could be cheap. I'm glad you really treated yourself and are resting - I'm sure you'll be guns blazing next week.

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    1. I think a photoshoot is definitely a really good idea - and I actually know a couple of local photographers who are just getting started! I'm going to give myself a bit of a break from hardcore dieting/leanness though - maybe I'll do a shoot in a few months =)

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  11. I could never compete in bikini - wait - let me explain! I'm like you, I don't have that sexy/sassy/flirty personality that is definitely needed for that division. Figure posing is more my style :)

    T.

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    1. You don't?!? I always think you look super sassy on stage! It must be the lipstick =)

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  12. I love figure! I really really really want to do Figure one day so that's why I'm starting early. I can totally see you doing Figure! You looked great in bikini but I think Figure suits you and your personality better :)

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    1. You are smart to start early! It takes SO long to build enough muscle for figure!!

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  13. So what do you do food wise after a competition? Obviously you don't need to be restrictive, but what do you do from here? Bulk up, or do a slower bulking thing?

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    1. Right now I'm reversing the diet =) I'm eating basically as many calories as I was around 6 or 8 weeks out, but more carbs - I'm adding carbs in slooowly so I can re-adapt to using glycogen instead of fats!

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  14. Post-anything big like that is hard. I have such a long race season there is always something to look forward to, but after Worlds next month (!) I have nothing big until the next April (Boston Marathon). I KNOW I need to take some time off, but frankly I'm terrified of losing all the structure that training provides. I don't know. I'm awful in the off-season.

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    1. YUP I love the structure too! I think I'm going to keep the 'skeleton' of the structure into the off-season. I'm kinda type-A haha

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  15. I ADORE BIG DELTS TOO!!!!!!!! love you girl

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  17. "Plus, when you look at most Figure athletes, they have a certain degree of muscle maturity that takes years to achieve"
    Haha I think comparing results to pros that have been doing competitions and fine tuning their look/body after each show etc is a hard line to compare yourself with! Gotta start somewhere! I'd be more comfortable with Figure as well although both require "I know I will fall flat on my face" heels.
    It was really fun to follow your journey, I love reading your blog!

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    1. Oh I know! haha! I'm not comparing myself to Nicole Wilkins of course, but even the successful Figure gals at my gym have that same 'mature' look! =)

      Thank you so much Star! <3

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  18. You know you need a rest week when you WANT to take a rest week. Enjoy!

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  19. Enjoy your rest week! You're right you will come back stronger and happier. I hope you do more comps because you look amazing and I enjoyed following your story. Very inspiring! But figure out what goals suit you. Maybe you need a break from big goals,

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  21. Although you did look absolutely gorgeous Sable, I gawked at all your pictures! You are beautiful! I agree that bikini is so unpredictable. And honestly, if you don't have the fake boobies, it sort of automatically puts you out of the running...I hate to say it, but I dare anybody to show me a bikini pro with real breasts...anyway, yes, figure, so much more in your control. But really girl, you may not feel like sassy/sexy is your thing, but you sure were on that stage! Rawr rawr!

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