Guts, Glory, and Bikinis

Six inch heels, cleavage, micro cheeky bikini bottoms......

Yes I am a bikini competitor. I love wearing those six inch heels while being blinded by the stage lights on show day. You could say bikini girls like to show their assests, but if you work your ass off for twelve grueling weeks then you would too. There are so many lessons I've learned in my short two year period I've been competing. Here are some of the main points you should know.

Be ready to be the weird alien freak that just stepped off of planet "hey everyone judge me." Unfortunately this comes with the heels when you decide to set out on your journey for the stage. I have put this as my first point, because people are fucking ruthless. They will see you put in the dedication, and see your body changing to what you have sculpted it to be and still have the nerve to open their mouths. I call these people "Trolls." Trolls main hobby is to fit shame. While they are partying, and eating that fat soaked cheese burger after a long night out at the bars they feel the need to put someone down for bettering themselves. DON'T GIVE INTO THE MADNESS!!!! Stay focused on why you started your journey. I promise those people will be asking you how you did it after your transformation, and yes that is a true story from yours truly.

Be prepared to work your fucking ass off. Getting stage ready is no joke. It takes month of preparation, so put every ounce of your heart into it. Never think about how many reps you have to go. Always focus on the reps you have already done. You will feel like you're dying on the stair master at 7:00 AM for fasted cardio, but don't you dare push that stop button! The pain is temporary, and the feeling after conquering that mental game is priceless.

Surround yourself with kick ass people who motivate the hell out of you. When I first started my journey I did not know anyone who was on the same journey, especially being on a college campus. That is when I started following other women pursuing the same thing as me on instagram, and that was a game changer. I looked up to these women, and they inspired me daily. Find that one person who motivates you. My idol is Dana Linn Bailey. Still to this day if I am struggling with my cardio I go to her youtube channel, and watch her prep vlogs for the Olympia. Everyone needs that one person they aspire to be like, and that pushes them to be the best possible version of themselves.

"Sorry I can't I'm on prep." Get ready for this to come out of your mouth a billion times a week. No more late nights downtown at your favorite bar, or going out to that bomb mexican restaurant down the street to catch up with a friend. Here comes the mind blowing part. You will see who your true friends are. Now that you can't drink, and stay out late you might notice some friendships start to fade. Others might fade out of pure jealousy. Stay strong. The people that are meant to be in your life will stay no matter what, and they will be the ones you hear screaming their heads off when you are on stage.

Last but not least don't do it for the stage. Yes you heard me right. Why would anyone ever want to put their body, and mind through the grueling process of prep all for fifteen minutes in the spotlight? Do it for you. Do it for those who said you couldn't. Do it for the "holy shit I can't believe I accomplished this." We are so privileged that there is a sport like bodybuilding that allows us to be unique. Never forget the reason you started, and you will never lose yourself.