Bikini Contest Prep // 2 Days Out

Hi guys!  Just popping in to give a quick update on my bikini contest prep.  I can’t believe we aren’t measuring time in weeks anymore, but days- only two to go!  This Saturday is the NPC Independence Day Classic and I’ll be competing for the first time in the Bikini division.  The photo below was taken today (July 3, 2014) just after my final posing session.  I still need to practice at home because I’m not the most fluid or graceful.  You only get 10 seconds to hit 3-4 stances.  Today, my trainer played music while I was posing and that actually helped.  He said they will be playing music at the show and I guess I didn’t realize that.  

At this point, I’m just feeling good that I’ve made it this far without giving up.  I can proudly say that I’ve given this competition preparation everything I had.  I know that I did my best and I reached a long-time goal.  
CONTEST SCHEDULE
When I get to town for the show, I have two spray tanning applications to do (3 pm and 10 pm) on Friday.  We were advised to start exfoliating on Monday and not use lotion because the tan adheres better to dry skin.  And, apparently the tan gets everywhere, so it’s best to bring your own sheets and clothes you don’t mind staining.  
Then, my hair appointment is at 6:20 am Saturday, we go to a general contestant meeting from 7:30-8:30 am, then I get my makeup done at 8:50 am.  Prejudging starts shortly after that. Then, we’ll get a break until the night show.   I still don’t know exactly what time I’ll be on stage, but I got the general schedule of the category line-up.  The bikini part is almost last.  
QUICK REFLECTIONS
I plan to do a more in-depth post after this contest is over, but quickly I can share that, surprisingly, sticking to the diet was not that difficult (once I got used to it and figured out how to prepare food I enjoy eating).  I still will never be able to choke down dry chicken, but if it’s prepared seasoned and moist, it’s really good.  And I fell in love with eating fish (but had to scale back because I didn’t want to be eating too much mercury).  I started eating grilled chicken salad with fat free dressing (romaine lettuce and tomatoes) for two meals a day and drinking Muscle Egg instead of my protein shake as my last meal.  I really like that- it’s like drinking a glass of chocolate/caramel milk.  Next, I’ll try the plain chocolate. 
The hardest part has been the TIME it took to dedicate to the workouts and the physical effort of training so hard.  I was working out one hour with my trainer and doing 45 minutes of cardio 4-5 times a week.  And of course abs at the end of the workout- I never liked doing abs.  The workouts never really got any easier, although I did get stronger and my cardiovascular health improved.  By the end of our training together, I wasn’t out of breath as quickly and didn’t need to rest as long (if at all) between sets.  
I am not working right now, or I don’t know how I would have done this with a family and all.  I really admire those working moms out there who are doing this while working full-time.  When I realized I would be out of work for at least the near future, I decided this was the perfect time to go for it.  I didn’t have the “excuse” of not having time.  I’m truly thankful for this opportunity and the support I’ve gotten from my family, friends, and YOU!  Your encouraging comments make my day! 
I’ll be posting pics of my experience this weekend on Instagram if you want to follow along! 

You Might Also Like

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!

20 Comments

  1. Best wishes Megan, and yes, that tanning solution wears off on EVERYTHING!!! (even after a few days…particularly if you are hot and sweaty…hello southern climate this time of year) Would hate for your to ruin a fab outfit!!! And, once it starts wearing off, if it becomes spotchy…just exfoliate.

  2. I came across your blog via Pinterest several months ago & have been following your progress. I am so excited for you!! You've been such an inspiration to me. Congratulations on reaching your goal & good luck Saturday!!

  3. Megan, I have been following your whole journey! Even though I am not one to comment much (because I am what I like to call a little social media shy) LOL! I did feel compelled to leave a comment telling you how much of an inspiration you are to me! You have inspired me to start working on my health and fitness! You are an amazing mama and wife, a truly talented decorator/organizor, and just an all-around awesome person! You look FANTASTIC!!! Good luck this weekend! God bless you and your beautiful family!

    1. Thank you for taking the time to send that sweet note- especially since you aren't a regular commenter. It takes a special person to reach out to someone they don't know and give such a warm-hearted compliment. Thank you! Blessings on you too!!

  4. Really wonderful progress Megan, although you've looked great all along anyways 🙂 I can't wait to see you on stage kicking ass 🙂 What would you recommend for someone that doesn't have a big goal to reach towards but still wants to stay strict on their diet? I tried a reward chart (you know, like a toddler) for every 15lbs lost and it's not working that well. Any tips? Keep up the great work!

  5. Good luck on Saturday! Thanks for sharing all the details of your journey. It's been a lot of fun to read about it. Can't wait to see the pics from Saturday and see how you did. I am sure you'll do great!

  6. I've been reading for a while (but often from my phone so I've never gotten around to commenting) but I'm so amazed by your commitment and hard work. I can't wait to read more updates on your competition. 🙂 I found your other blog on Pinterest which then led me to this one as well. Both are wonderful.

  7. You will do great! That color is perfect on you. Those bottoms don't look too small, at least from the front 😀 I am sure the back is another story, lol. You have worked so hard, I hope you enjoy your experience at this competition. Cannot wait to see pics and read your competition recap.

  8. Megan, I also have not commented before, but have selfishly followed your AMAZING journey! Congratulations to you! You look phenomenal! I wish you all the luck tomorrow… but I don't think you need luck! It has been so inspiring to watch your body change. Thank you so much for being so honest, from your exact meal and exercise plan, to your thoughts and feelings along the way. I feel like I've learned as much as you have! I have no interest in competing, but I am trying to increase my fitness level, tone up and lose the last 5-10 baby pounds. If I could ask you one question, I'd love to know how you feel now that it's been several weeks of no sugar/white flour. This is my biggest struggle, and I am always hopeful that if I can give it up long enough… I'll stop wanting it all the time! I'd love to know how you feel about that. I'm also curious how your energy level is on your current plan (not that you want to follow that forever I'm sure). Thank you sooooo much Megan, for all the great information you have given for free! LOL. And again I'm wishing you a fabulous day tomorrow! I hope you enjoy every moment… it is well deserved! (oh… and I can't wait to read all about it :))

  9. All I can say is WOW!!! You are truly an INSPIRATION for all of us mom's out there! You should be so proud of yourself for working so hard and reaching that goal! With that being said, enjoy every moment of the competition and also the fruits of your labor!!! Go girl! Go win that competition!!!

  10. Long time reader, first time commenter…. You look fantastic and should be really proud of your success even before getting to the stage! I used to compete many moons ago, so it's been awesome folowing you along. You've really inspired me to get up off my ass more – I see your pics and think I'd love to compete again, but really, I think i'd just like to have 1/4 of your dedication:) Enjoy your stage time- you'll have a blast. Your attitude during all of this has been fantastic- I know how hard it is! Good luck- so looking forward to photos and a recap!!!

  11. Megan, I have been following your blogs for a long time. I admire you for all the hard work you have put into the prep, your commitment and dedication. You look amazing! Congratulations on fulfilling your dream. As a new mom I laughed when you talked about relishing showers post workout. My 1st uninterrupted shower post baby was pure bliss!! Enjoy treating yourself once this competition is over. You've earned the Mexican food!

  12. You look beautiful! Congratulations on coming so far – i'm excited to read how your contest goes. I hope you enjoy it – you are clearly already a winner after all that hard work 🙂 Good luck! xx

  13. Like some of the previous commenters, I found your blog via Pinterest. 🙂 I'm a former figure competitor. I competed when I had 2 kids and stopped when I found out I was pregnant with my 3rd (while training for a show! My abs wouldn't come in no matter what I did…come to find out there was a reason!)
    Anyway, LOVE all your posts! You look fantastic! I was wondering, though, if you did hop on the scale at the very end to see what kind of muscle you put on. I never did in the 3 years and I kind of regret it—not because I cared so much, but just out of curiosity.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *