Bikini Contest Preparation // One Week Out!

Hi friends!  If you’re reading this, you may have stuck with me from the very beginning when I started training for this NPC Bikini Competition.  Thank you so much!  I have felt the support and it has encouraged me all the way to this point- with just one week to go.  I’ve mentioned before on my Facebook page and Instagram that I often read my Instagram comments and respond while I’m doing cardio.  I can’t tell you how much it helps to feel like people are rooting for you.  The day of the contest, the women may look all glammed up, but most of the time, we are stinky, sweaty messes, always in workout clothes without hair and makeup done.  I have to say that one of my most favorite times of the day is AFTER working out when I get to take a long, hot shower and get all fresh and clean.  When you aren’t getting lost in the comfort/joy of food and eating, you are forced to find pleasure in other things.  I’m still enjoying my coffee (so much) and have a new appreciation for showers! 🙂  
I started deliberately trying to get in shape in February 2014 and started working with my trainer (John Sherman) at the end of March 2014.  We will have trained together for 15 weeks next week to get ready for this competition.   You get to know someone when you’re spending that much time with them and I’ve become really fond of him and can say we’re friends now.  I also respect his experience and training style.  He is an IFBB professional bodybuilder (competing for over 25 years) and has made quite a name for himself in the fitness arena, but you’d never know it by meeting him.  He’s so humble and never one to draw attention to himself.  I’ve never even seen him in shorts (he always wears pants). I think he doesn’t want to “show off” or have people make a big deal about the size of his legs.   He trains people locally in Houston, but also offers online training and meal plans.  You can connect with him via email: johnjsherman@sbcglobal.net  (I asked and he said I could give you his email address).  My previous trainer from a few years ago recommended him to me.  He trained her for the fitness competition that she won. 
The gym we train at is small and full of people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and ethnicities.  It’s mostly people working out with trainers and since I’ve been going almost every weekday, I’ve come to know most of the people there.  The sense of community and comradery is great.  We “eye” each other knowingly with exhaustion while under the supervision of our trainers.  Some of them are training for competitions also, so we’ll keep up with whose contest is coming up next and hand out well-deserved compliments.  My friend (who just turned 50!) is training with another trainer there for her first bikini competition in late July.   I was intimidated by this gym when I first started going (it felt so “hard core”), but over time, I’ve become comfortable there and it almost feels like my home away from home.     
By now, my diet and exercise are the norm for me, so it’s really not all that hard to stick to my diet. I’ve found food that I like to eat and that makes my days much better.  Of course, I have typical cravings like anyone else, but I know that in just a week, I can (guilt-free) eat whatever I want.  High on the list of “whatever I want” is Mexican food, pizza, ice cream, brownies, cookies – all the dessert stuff.  My husband has joined me in my meal plan this last month (God bless him!) and that’s makes it so much easier because I don’t have to make something different for him.  He’s lost 11 pounds! 
Lots of logistical things are falling into place.  I have my bikini and I love it!  I had it made at Stakked Couture and it came out beautifully.  It’s turquoise with aquamarine crystals and rhinestone connectors.   They were great to work with and helped talk me off the ledge when I first tried it on and was saying, “It doesn’t fit, it’s too small!!!!” They tried to console me, “Everyone says that at first until they get used to it.”  But, really, those bottoms, yikes!!!  
  • I also bought two rhinestone bracelets and a pair of dangly earrings, as well as my clear heels.  
  • I booked my spray tan (2 applications) with ProTan, the official tanning company for the contest.
  • I booked my hair and makeup too.  That’s a relief!  I’m going with the artists assigned to the show.  I was relieved to hear they are only taking a limited number of appointments (10-12 women) because I didn’t want to be rushed through. 
  • Hotel is reserved.  

I still need to:
  • Figure out what meals I need to pack, grocery shop, make sure I have a cooler to bring food in.
  • Pack clothing, hair tools and makeup (just in case).
This week, I’ll just be working out Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and “resting” Thursday and Friday.  So far, my diet hasn’t changed.  I think it changes on Wednesday, so I’ll let you know. 
The show is on Saturday (July 5, 2014).  Pre-judging (where they score the contestants) happens in the morning and then you get a break and come back for the night show around 5pm, I think.  I still need the exact schedule.  The night show can last until 10, 11 pm though.  I was really hoping to go to a Mexican restaurant after the contest, but I’m afraid they’ll all be closed by the time we finish!
I’ll be posting pics to Instagram if you want to follow along next weekend.  I’d love to hear from you! I’m sure I’ll be a ball of nerves.  
Oh, P.S. I took your advice and made an appointment to get my body fat measured at the Bod Pod because I’m really curious to see what it is.  I’m not sure how accurate the calipers we’ve been using are.  My appointment is this week, so I’ll report back soon on the experience.  ðŸ™‚ 

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Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

31 Comments

  1. Megan, you're a winner regardless of the outcome. You stuck to it and you look amazing. You're an inspiration that with hard work and consistency you can achieve anything. God bless you! I'll be rooting for you next weekend!!

  2. Pretty suit! As for the dieting, I am surprised you weren't hungry at all. And yes, that bikini looks small…I'd be more afraid of the connectors on the bottoms breaking although I am sure they are strong, lol. Congrats on a job well done.

    1. If I get hungry, I'll eat an extra pancake. I do get hungry just in time for each meal, but they do fill me up. At first, it seemed like so much food, but my metabolism must have gotten faster because now I'm always looking forward to my next meal. Those connectors better be strong!! 😉 Thanks so much for your comments during this prep.

  3. You gave me a laugh. My husband and I both trained for the same show (contra costa classic 2007) and were dying to have Mexican food after our show. Finals ended at 10:00p and we tried three different Mexican joints (all closed) and wound up at Taco Bell, of all places. Not exactly the Mexican food I had romanticized for the weeks leading up..but dare I admit, I devoured that burrito like it was the best thing my lips had ever touched. Hah! You're almost there..just a few more days. Have you talked to your trainer about how to incporporate regular food back in to avoid water retention? If you haven't, make sure to ask for some tips. I did fine post show, but my hubby had trouble.

    1. I have encouraged my husband to compete in Physique but he's not at all interested! I bet it was nice to have a partner though. I have looked up some of my fave Mexican restaurants in advance- they close at 10! I'm laughing picturing y'all driving around!! I have talked to my trainer about post-show food. He says I'll basically get back to my diet, then increase my calories and fat and start adding back in "cheat" meals. I'd love to hear how you did it. I'll talk to my trainer more specifically and will post the "after contest" plan soon. Thanks for sharing your story Brie!

  4. The 15 weeks have flown by! I am so excited for you. I thought the bottoms looked tiny too, I would have been panicked but you have worked hard to look good in them 😉 I am also doing your meal plan (including your pancakes), today is my day 5, I admit the first couple days were tough but I am getting used to it. Plugging everything in myfitness pal is helping a lot, its amazing how fast you use up your calories even with healthy foods. Cannot wait to see pics of you Saturday.

    1. I did panic in them too! But, there is some spray adhesive I can use to keep the back in place so that helps some. There is just no hiding when there's that little fabric though. It's definitely keeping me from eating anything I'm not supposed to right now. I'm so happy to hear you are doing my meal plan. It does get so much easier. Especially when you get the hang of preparing things how you like them. Molly McButter and Mrs. Dash are my best friends! I still need to plug my food into MyFitnessPal- I still don't know how many calories I'm eating. And, I just ordered MuscleEgg- I'm drinking that instead of my protein shake at the end of the day. I love it- but it's expensive! You can check out their website. http://www.muscleegg.com I think. 🙂

    2. Yes, I am with you on the Molly McButter, I made note of that when you posted your plan. Nothing tastes better on no salt added green beans than Molly McButter, lol. I got 1,126 calories from your plan, but it can vary depending on how many ounces of potato and mahi mahi you ate (I had 2oz and 4oz) and how much fruit spread is on the pancake. My protein shake mix was 90 calories. I will look into muscle egg, it may be good to add a little variety.

    3. I eat 4 oz of potato and 5 oz of protein (chicken or fish usually). I add fruit spread to my pancake too and don't forget my coffee creamer! I have the chocolate/caramel Muscle Egg, but I'm going to order plain chocolate next.

  5. Megan good luck on your contest, I believe you are a winner no matter the result on that day. My advice for you is be careful with the food after thet contest 'cause you're not used to eat that kind of food on these past weeks, take it slowly.

    I'll be nervous for you too 😉

  6. I'm so excited to see how it all plays out! Go slow with the food binging, it would SUCK to get sick. Especially with Mexican food. It's one of all-time faves too. But since your diet has been restricted for so long (I have no clue how you've done that), your body might freak out. Cheeeeeese. That's what my belly would be screaming for. That and carrrrbs. :0) Good luck!!!

  7. Mexican food is the best and delicious, just saying (Im a mexican girl of course) MEgan, you look amazing ypur body is gorgeous! So toned and atletic; as we say in spanish: tienes cuerpazo! You inspired me and Im in the beginning of my journey of losing weigth and get into shape. Totally agree about the shower is the best part of post-training session. My goal is take of seven kilos (15 pounds) by december 15th. I know I can do it. I did once, I can do it again. Best wishes at the contest. Ladies and gentlemans, we got a winner, here she is!

    1. Oh, Ofelia! I bet you make some GOOD Mexican food! I love your Spanish saying- I haven't heard that before and I hear a lot of Spanish living in Houston! You can definitely lose 15 pounds by December! I'm rooting for you- please keep me posted!

  8. Just wanted to wish you good luck!! You've worked so hard and it shows. It's been inspiring seeing you challenge yourself. I'm a fellow TX attny and close in age (38). I'm prego with baby #2, but have been planning to do some serious training once I recover. You've shown me that my age/being a mom/etc. won't hold me back from my goals! Thank you and have fun!!!

    1. How far along are you? Have you worked out at all yet? I wish I would have, but was so exhausted at first that I really had no energy, then I gained weight so fast and lost any motivation. You definitley can get back to it after baby #2. I'm realizing now how young we still are. Lots of time left to be in great shape!

    2. I'm 21 weeks. I've been running a few miles about 4 times a week and either doing weights or the Tracey Anderson Pregnancy Project. But, I've scaled back my intensity (especially because I run at lunch time at it's HOT in Austin!)Last time, I gained 55 lbs and those last 15 were SO hard to get off! This time, I had morning sickness and lost weight at first, so I'm doing better with weight gain. I had to drop yoga because like last time, I just doing enjoy it while pregnant! Too core focused and you can't be on your back, stomach, bend over … there's not much left! I think I may reach out to your trainer after I stabilize and finish nursing.

  9. I'm so anxious/excited to see the big reveal! I have been following the entire 15 weeks and it has been pretty darn inspiring. I wish you the best at the competition.

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