NPC Bikini Competition Recap

After five months of dieting and training (15 of those weeks with my trainer), I finally competed in my first NPC  (National Physique Committee) Bikini Competition.  THANK YOU, THANK YOU for following along on this journey.  Reading your comments helped me feel like I had a lot of friends rooting for me along the way.  On the drive to the contest (4 hours to Dallas), I kept thinking, “I can’t believe I’m doing this!” I had dreamed of prepping and competing in a bikini contest in my 20s, and finally accomplished it at age 39, as a wife and mother to a 4 year-old.  Better late than never, right?  Just goes to show that you can transform your body at any stage of life!  In February, I weighed about 112 pounds and I competed at 100 pounds.  I’m 5 feet even. 
I accomplished these changes with diet and consistent, hard! exercise (cardio and weights about 4-5 days a week, a good hour and a half each time).  In addition to my meals, I used BCAA (branched chain amino acids- 3 tablespoons in my water bottle while I worked out) and Glutamine (1 scoop after each weight training session), and multivitamins and fish oil.  No steroids, fat burners, pre-workout drink, etc. You can go to my FITNESS page to see more posts about my meal plan and to see the process along the way. 
Below are some of the unedited stage photos I received from the show photographer. 
STAGE PHOTOS

PREPARATION 
The contest was on Saturday, July 5 and we left for Dallas on Friday morning. My trainer didn’t change my food that much for the last week of prep.  On Wednesday before the show, I cut out egg whites.  Then, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, I was to eat 6 meals instead of my usual 5 and I eliminated my Molly McButter (due to sodium).  I contented to drink water normally, stopping on Friday night at 10pm, and just sipping the next day. 
I stopped at the grocery store on Thursday night to prep my 12 meals for Friday and Saturday.  I will write a separate post on how I do my meal prep.  It’s super simple and barely takes any time.  
I packed a cooler with ice and replaced the ice in Dallas to keep everything cold.  I ate all but one of the meals cold (I was able to use the Subway microwave for one of them!).  Also, I didn’t finish the meals on Saturday, so a few weren’t eaten.
Packing for the trip was pretty easy.  Bikini, heels, jewelry, makeup, hair tools.  But also, I brought a black sheet (to cover the hotel bed) and loose clothes I wasn’t afraid to ruin because I knew the spray tan would get everywhere.  It ended up washing out though. 
I also knew I’d be ready for a good long shower after the contest and really want to try to scrub the fake tan off, so I packed my body scrub and loofah gloves.  
It felt good to shower, but the tan doesn’t just scrub off I found.  You have to wait for it to fade from your body- other competitors told me it can take two weeks and that it comes off in patches, so you look all splotchy.  Nice.  Hasn’t happened to me yet. Speaking of spray tan . . . 
SPRAY TAN
I got to the hotel just in time for my first spray tan appointment.  What an experience!  First, I opened the door to a small conference room where they were applying the tan and the first thing I saw was a bunch of dark, fit, naked booties.  You strip all your clothes off and step into a small tent where a woman sprays the tan on you with a hand-held sprayer.  Then, you stand around with the other naked women for a good 20 – 30 minutes in front of fans while it dries enough to get dressed.  We had to laugh because there’s nothing else you can really do!  And you can’t help but check each other out, two of the ladies I tanned with won medals at this event! 
Here’s how I looked after one coat of spray tan.  They don’t spray your face- only for bodybuilding men I heard.  The tan does accentuate your muscles.  
Below is the next morning, after two coats of spray tan.
CHECK-IN
Each competitor has to be a member of the NPC and check in at the contest venue the night before the contest.  This is the first time you get to see a bunch of the competitors from every category.  You can easily tell who’s competing by who looks orangey/brown from the spray tan! 
They measured me at this check-in at 5 feet 0.  In the morning, we had to go back to get our competitor number.  Lucky #169 here:) 

HAIR & MAKEUP
For this show, I used the hair and makeup artists assigned to the show.  They did an okay job and were super nice and friendly, but next time, I would definitely do my own.  I “redid” my hair and makeup after they were done.  She had my foundation so dark orange, when I finally saw it, I felt like I had aged 10 years.  🙁  I hired the makeup artist because I was worried about matching my face to my tan, but I think I could have done okay.  Below is a picture from AFTER I touched up my face.  I know this is picky, but I wish I would’ve curled and trimmed the fake lashes- I think they are too long at the end (the sides of my face) and in the stage pictures, I feel like my eyes look tired.  I’m pretty good at doing hair/makeup and I could have saved the expense too.  
And then we were off to the pre-judging.  
PRE-JUDGING
Pre-judging is where the judges see all the competitors on stage and make their decisions about who wins.  Then, you get a break and come back for the finals at night and the competitors go on stage again and the winners receive their medals.
I competed in BIKINI division, in two categories – NOVICE and MASTERS.  Novice is for women (any age) that haven’t placed in the Top 5 of a previous contest.  You can compete in this division if you have never competed before, or if you have competed, but not placed Top 5 in your class.   Then, they divide the Novice Division into Classes depending on height.  I measured 5 foot even and Class A went up to 5’4 I think.  There was also Novice Class B, C, and D.  Masters is for competitors age 35 and older.  
Prejudging started at 9:30 a.m. and we finally finished at 2:30 p.m.  Long morning!
The first category I competed in was Bikini Novice Class A.  Backstage, while we are all lined up (maybe 35-40 of us??) you could feel the nerves and excitement.  I just kept hoping my posing would look decent and fluid.  But, I felt pretty confident- I had been practicing backstage.  I was about the 4th woman in our group to go on.  The posing happens so fast – you only have 10 seconds to hit four poses and then walk to the side of the stage and wait while the rest of the group goes.  I got to see all of the other competitors pose and I knew I could have done better had I practiced my posing more during prep.  
Then the judges “CALL OUT” their Top 5 competitors to come to the front of the stage.  They’ll have certain competitors move next to another competitor for comparison.  I wasn’t in the first call-outs, but I didn’t necessarily expect to be.  Then, the judges call out the next five.  I wasn’t in the second call-outs either.  I started to feel bad.  It sucks to be standing there, getting critiqued, feeling like you aren’t measuring up, like you are being judged.  And duh, it’s a contest- you are literally being judged.  Then, the judges called the next 5.  I wasn’t in that group either.  I felt my cheeks getting hot.  It felt like I was standing (on the sidelines) forever.  I was in the 4th call outs and that felt BAD.  That means I finished in the Top 20, not near the top.  I wasn’t prepared for how low I would feel not doing well in the judges eyes.  Throughout this competition prep, I’ve felt so good just knowing that I’m going for it and reaching for a goal.  The actual competing part didn’t cross my mind too often and I never focused on winning.  But, once I was standing on that stage, boy did I want to win!  
After my group was called out, we exited the stage while the remainder of the women were called out.  I felt so defeated.  I know it sounds bad, but it’s how I honestly felt.  I was having a pity party, feeling like I didn’t even want to compete in the next round for Masters.  The Enemy had a field day with my mind for a good bit, “What were you thinking, trying to compete in a bikini contest??”  I felt so foolish and hurt.  My good friend Cassie and her daughter had come to watch pre-judging and I felt embarrassed that they had come out just to see me lose.  I felt like I had let them down.  Of course, Cassie was super encouraging and comforting.  She is also funny like nobody’s business, so she got me to crack some smiles.  
There was a bit of down time while the rest of the classes competed before it was time for Masters.  There were only 11 women competing in Masters, which told me that the majority of women competing at this contest were under 35.  I’d guess mid-twenties is the average age.  But, in the Masters category, those women looked fierce!  Each one of them could have won in my opinion.  So, when I made the first call outs in that division, I did feel very happy.
Leaving pre-judging, you don’t know what place you won, but I knew I was in the Top 5 for Masters and that felt really good.  But, in reality, it took me some time to “get over” feeling inadequate and foolish during the Novice round.  
My best friend, Karen, drove to support me and got there after pre-judging, but before the night show.  Thank God for her.  I got to have the rest of my pity party in her arms and then I snapped back to reality.  It’s just a roller coaster of emotions that I didn’t expect.  I confided in Karen and admitted to myself, “I didn’t realize winning/placing higher would mean so much to me.”  
FINALS  
The Finals started at 6:30pm and I got there about 7:30, with just about 30 minutes until the Masters Women Bikini division.  The contestants and I got back out on stage and then they called out the Top 5, which I was thrilled to be a part of.  They called out 5th place (which I thought would be me, but it wasn’t).  I got 4th place.  I was so happy to have that medal!  My husband has been such a great support to me too.  He not only encouraged me to compete, he went on the same diet as me for the last month AND helped prep my meals.  He’s a “good egg” as Cassie always says!
REFLECTIONS
Since the contest ended, I’ve had a little time to reflect on the whole experience, what I’ve learned about the contest and myself.  It will take longer to truly digest all of the lessons and I’m good with that.  I don’t know if I’ll compete again.  I definitely want to continue to make changes to my physique.  If I didn’t want to get pregnant again soon, I probably would sign up for another show in the near future- keep the momentum going.   I enjoyed having a goal to work toward and it did make me train harder and stick to my diet.  Maybe after Baby #2??  If there’s one thing I know now, it’s never too late to change your physical fitness!
In January 2014, I was determined that, come July 2014, I would not be in the same place I was in a year ago.  It feels AMAZING to have accomplished that! 
I learned or confirmed during this process that: 
  1. God is always in control.
  2. I’m strong.
  3. I’m capable.
  4. I’m a fighter.
  5. It’s okay to be proud of myself.
  6. I can do 45 minutes of cardio and then go on to do a challenging workout immediately after- four to five days a week.  I never thought I could’ve done that before. 
  7. A million walking lunges will tone up your legs and rear.
  8. As a beginner, having an experienced coach/nutritionist is critical to achieving maximum results quickly.
  9. It takes a long time to change your body, but it can be done.  One day at a time.
  10. I need lots of sleep on competition prep.
  11. My coffee and creamer are extremely important to me.  
  12. I crave Cheerios.  Late at night. 
  13. I hate Burpees. 
  14. It’s no fun being judged. Unless you’re winning. 
  15. I take criticism hard. 
  16. My self-worth is in who I am and how well I love.
  17. I need help and support.  
  18. Receiving encouragement from other people feels so good.  A kind word from a stranger can make my day. 
  19. I get back what I put out into the world.
  20. I will always continue to work on myself.  On the inside and out. 

___________________

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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!

93 Comments

  1. I don't normally comment but I was anxiously awaiting an update! Congrats on your accomplishments! You are an inspiration and you look amazing! Thank you for sharing your journey!

  2. Megan…. First I must tell you how very proud I am to "know" you. Even though we have never met in person, I feel like I've known you forever. I followed your entire journey these past 15 weeks and I give you tons and tons of credit for going after this goal and by far knocking it out of the park!!! You are truly an inspiration!! I too have always had that dream of competing in a fitness show and even though I work in the fitness industry and walk in and out of a gym everyday I still have yet to reach this goal, but today you have proved to me that it can be done and have inspired me to one day reach this goal. I love how honest you have been these past 15 weeks and how you are sharing your winning secrets with your followers…. Again, I am truly inspired by you and your constant, no non-sense work ethic. I applaud you in all aspects and once again thank you!!!!

    1. I'm so excited to hear that you are going to go for it too! That is so cool- I'd love to hear about your journey too. I'm glad you feel like you know me- I write this blog exactly how I talk to my friends! 🙂

  3. Megan, First of all congratulations on placing fourth! That is awesome! Your commitment and all the information has helped me more than you know. I told you a few months ago, that I wanted to look like your before picture in my after picture for my weight loss competition, but now I want your after picture too! You have inspired me to keep working on my body. I have 3 weeks left by the way. 😉

  4. Your a first place winner to me! Too bad I wasnt judging! 🙂 You look SO INCREDIBLE! I have followed along and you have been such a motivation for eating right and exercising everyday. I know alot of women feel that way about you. I have even looked into competition in my area however I know I do not have the motivation and dedication you have showed. Hard work sure does pay off, your a true beauty!
    Good luck on the baby!

  5. Thank you for sharing your feelings on this process. What an inspiration you have been for so many! It's been awesome to watch you go through this journey! Congratulations on what you have accomplished and are yet to do!!

  6. amazing. All of it. What you accomplished is so great. You not only look great, but you have obviously grown and that is so important. You and your friends and family are so much to be proud of. I am learning from you and slowing making changes. You are an encouragement to many! I am looking forward to your post on food prep. Again, congratulations!

  7. I'm so inspired by your journey, Megan! I think it's worth noting that no one, and I mean NO ONE, likes burpees. Anyone who says any different is lying or insane. Congratulations on your success!

  8. Congrats! Loved following your progress and great job on placing. Quick question, what kind of pants do you have on in the picture where you are showing the results of the spray tan – black pants with light green jacket?

  9. Megan, I am so proud of you! I have been a reader for awhile, but I don't comment too often. I have seen you make the changes. It really is an inspiration! I am in the process of working with a trainer to trim down and I agree I HATE BURPEES! You have worked so hard! I am so glad you placed too. You look amazing. Your effort and hardwork shows! Congratulations girl! You deserve it!

  10. I have been following your progress for the competition. Congratulations on getting this far and being able to compete. And thank you so much for sharing your journey.

  11. I think you are flat-out adorable – inside and out! A gorgeous heart to go with a gorgeous body 🙂 I hope you are proud of yourself – your journey has been remarkable to follow xx

  12. You are truly amazing and such an inspiration to others! You sure rocked it out girl and looked absolutely gorgeous! You have inspired others that if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish pretty much anything! So exited to see your beautiful face this weekend! xoxo

  13. So proud of you! You looked amazing! I totally cracked up at the censoring hearts. :o)

    Just out of curiosity, who was the winner in the group photo?

  14. God bless you, Megan. I am proud of you and proud for you. You look beautiful, of course, but you were beautiful before you started this diet and exercise program; you've just taken things to the next level!

    I appreciate your willingness to put yourself out there in writing about this process. You've shown us your body, of course, which is so hard–very few of us would be brave enough to do that! But you've shown us your heart, too, which I truly appreciate.

    I'm so happy that you won a medal–you deserve recognition of your hard work, and you really do stand out as a winner. Congratulations!

  15. Congratulations, Megan! I have loved following along with you on this journey. I hope that in the end you are proud of yourself because you accomplished your goal (and then some)!

    Would love an update on if you decide to maintain a physique similar to the one you have now (low body fat) and what your "new" workout and diet will look like.

    Thanks so much for sharing and being an inspiration to so many of us!

  16. Megan, I've been following along on your journey these last 15 weeks and I just have to say that I am so proud of you and in awe of what you were able to accomplish. Congratulations on 4th place! You 100% deserve it and look absolutely amazing.
    It is amazing how being judged can really affect you. I think that's a big part of what's held me back from doing a competition.
    I appreciate your honesty and openness in the whole process, and showing us that it's not easy! You have cravings and it will be hard, but the hard work does pay off.
    I hope you feel accomplished and know that you have done something that not a lot of people would have the gall to do. And at 39! Way to go girl!
    Thank you for taking us on this journey with you!

    1. Thank you so much Tiffany! It was really sucky standing on that stage for what felt like forever and not being called out. A low point for sure. But, I'm getting it in perspective now and feel so much better about what I've accomplished. It hasn't been without support from people like you though. I so appreciate your sweet comment.

  17. So thrilled to read your post & hear how it went. I was rootin' for you Saturday (all the way from Virginia)! Thank you for sharing this journey–it's been very inspiring for me.

  18. Hi Megan. YOU have inspired me to train for my first bikini competition! THANK YOU! Like you, I have been considering this since my twenties… now I'm 34 with an almost four year old and a 12 month old. It would have been much easier in my twenties! 😉

    I admire your strength and determination throughout this journey. Job well done! You looked gorgeous in the pictures you just shared. Thank you for sharing your transformation with all of us.

    XO Kristen

    1. Yay!!!! I'm so excited to hear that!! The cool thing is, you will be in great shape well before your contest date. I started feeling more confident in my body way before, but you keep making changes and every week you'll get better and better! Please keep me posted! 🙂

  19. Way to go, Megan! What an accomplishment. It has been so fun following along with your journey and realizing that a few months of eating healthy and working out hard is doable and not a total bummer. I'm not up for doing the complete healthy meal plan all of the time, but I have tried to incorporate it a few times a week, and it really does make a difference!

    This is an odd question, but I'm curious if you would want to look that way all of the time. Do you like being ripped and showing off every muscle, or prefer a to be super toned and fit, but not this extreme. Just trying to understand the mindset of people who compete and have such dedication.

    Again, great job! You looked fabulous and are truly an inspiration!

    1. Thank you so much for your comment. For me, I love having muscles and if you see me in person, when I'm not "posing" on stage, I don't look ripped just standing there or extreme (in my eyes). It's a great question. I'd like to grow my booty more, keep a flat stomach, and have definition in my shudders, arms, and legs. I'll be posting more pics on Instagram from this weekend (in regular clothes) and I think you'll get a better idea of what my body looks like dressed! 🙂

  20. Megan, thanks for the re-cap and sharing your journey!! Congrats on your medal!!!! I know this took so much courage and hard work, and you did amazing. You are so very inspiring. I've never been super in shape, and I think I have a lot of work to do on my body. I am in my 30's now as well, and you are showing me that it's never too late to get your body in shape like never before. Thanks!!

  21. I am so so so proud of you and have followed your journey since day 1! Competing is already a huge accomplishment and commitment so many of us cannot complete so kudos to you Megan. Thanks for your honesty and I am so incredibly happy you placed 4th. Such an amazing accomplishment 🙂 I have been wanting to do one for almost a year now and to be honest, I actually wanted to compete earlier this year so that I could get in tip top shape….to prep for baby #2 (haha), but chickened out, but you have definitely motivated me. If you don't mind me asking, I wanted to know how much all of the prepping cost (aside from meals)? Trying to figure out a budget so I can (hopefully) do one in October 🙂 Thanks so much Megan!
    Linh
    http://abeautifulrawr.com

    1. Hi Linh! Thank you so much for following along since day 1- you saw the whole process unfold. I'm excited for you to go for it! If you do, please let me know how it goes!

      It's expensive to compete- I'd say it all added up to close to $1000 for everything- and I didn't realize that going in, so it's a great question. The big expenses are:
      Registering for the NPC- $120
      Registering for the contest (2 divisions)- $190
      Bikini -$300
      Shoes-$40
      Jewelry- $25
      Spray tan- $140
      hair/makeup- you could do your own
      Posing coach- varies

      You can save money on some things, like your bikini, if you buy a less expensive one and bling it out yourself. I went the custom-made route. But, if I compete again, I'll wear the same suit.

      And, if you hire a trainer/nutritionist, that's an added expense too. It's good to know these figures ahead of time so you can budget. I was caught off guard!

  22. S and I were so happy to be there, and so proud of you!!! And we had no idea what was going on, so we didn't even know where you were placing! 😉 You are amzing and so inspiring…even I'm moving a bit more and watching what I'm eating!! That's nothing shy of miraculous!! 😉 xoxoxoxox

  23. Wow you did great and look amazing! I've been reading your blog since you started training and can't believe how much you've accomplished! Congratulations!!!

  24. Congratulations, Megan! You look phenomenal and have given me total body envy! I've been in a slump since March, and you have motivated me to get my meals and workouts back in line. I've been eating your oatmeal & egg white pancake about 5 mornings a week, love it! So, thank you for sharing your journey, it's motivated so many women. I look forward to reading about how to maintain after competition.

  25. First, Congrats!! What an incredible accomplishment. As a late 20-something who hasn't even birthed a child yet, I am constantly seeking to figure out the balance of a healthy lifestyle for myself. Sometimes I feel like I "only have until I get pregnant" to acheive it but you have honestly shown that you can really do anything you want to do, anytime!! I would also love to know what your hubby thought along the way. Thanks for being such an inspiration. It's been such a pleasure to follow along during your whole journey!

  26. You are such an inspiration! As for the spray tan, I find that when it starts to fade and/or get splotchy, use a fine pumice stone to help remove it. Just remember to be gentle!

  27. Hi Megan,

    Congrats on your win! It's def a win in my book, anyway!

    How did you eat on your rest day? Did you cut back on calories or change your macro ratio in any way? Just curious….I am actively trying to gain muscle and I know how much I should be eating on my training days, but not so much on my rest day. Thanks in advance for any advice/insight you can give! Ashley

  28. You are just amazing! Thank you for sharing your journey with us! And I love how you listed out all the things you learned from doing this competition. Congratulations again and way to go on all of your hard work!!! GO GIRL!!!

  29. Megan, I just want to say I am so inspired by your journey. Competing, or just having a bikini body in general, are big goals of mine. While pre-prego (and after two babies) I looked good in a bikini, I have always wanted to have a cut physique at least once in my lifetime. I am 31 now, recently postpartum (9 weeks) with my 3rd and final child, and I am ready now more than ever to make that dream a reality. I am determined to lose the last of this pregnancy weight and start training for my first NPC Bikini competition. Hopefully this time next year, I will be where you are – ON STAGE! 🙂 Congrats on your placing in your first competition! xoxo

    -Morgan
    California To Carolina

  30. You look phenomenal! I've really enjoyed your honesty throughout your entire competition prep – you highlighted all your accomplishments without sounding like you were bragging and had me cheering you on every post! Congratulations on placing!

  31. Wow…well done! I am about to go for my first bikini competition, in September, 14th and I am very excited about that. I dont have a coach or someone to help me, I am doing everything on my own. Just searching on the internet for some blogs, and any other further information , like youtube videos. I came across ur blog and it has been much more helpful than any other. Thank you very much!!

    Would like to know how much did u pay for ur tanning session? Does it worth it, or is better buy and make it yourself? I live in Ireland and bikinis are not so easy to find here, I am thinking in customize the one I do have, do you think its a good idea? Thanks once again.

    Looking forwaard to hearing from you!

  32. Incredible transformation! Congratulations on all of your hard work and achievement! You should be so proud of yourself:)

  33. I'm sure I've already commented on this right after you competed but just wanted to say a few things regarding the make up as I am an aspiring make up artist…. the artist you had probably made you dark orange in the face because with camera flash and even stage lighting your face will often show up lighter with regular matching foundation. So I know it probably seemed odd and you probably thought why the heck do I look goofy? but stage make up is different. And if you ever feel like your eyes look tired dab a little concealer under each eye and gently smooth in, works like a charm for photos being taken. 🙂 I have very much enjoyed your journey and all of you have shared so I hope you don't take anything written here offensively I was just trying to clarify somethings you may not have known. You are fab!

  34. So sister, I'm with you on the coffee, creamer AND burpees. HATE THEM!!

    I just came across your blog via pinterest. Congrats on winning 4th place in your first show. That's so freaking amazing!!

    So happy to have e-met you!

    1. I ordered from a local place where I went in and chose my fabric and style about 6 weeks about, then went back for 2 fittings as the contest got closer. You'll be smaller right before your contest, so you want to make sure your suit isn't loose on you.

  35. Your story is very real and inspiring, thank you for that! Four years after competing and your reasons and fears still have influence, now I WILL be pushing on at age 49 -to compete after my 50th birthday next year…your words are so very true about transforming at any age. You are a great motivation, happy days ahead to you…all the way from South Africa!

  36. Who was your coach? Would love to know more about if you liked them as I am currently looking for someone to coach me.

  37. Love this so much…I actually cried when I read your lessons learned. Thanks for sharing your faith through this journey 🙂

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