Boston, Cathy Savage Fitness, fitness competition
Boston FAP Recap + Post Show!
Hey Hey! I figured it was about time to recap the Boston FAP show that I attended this past weekend in Boston. The show was a blast. No matter if I attend as a spectator or compete myself, I am always blown away to see the incredible hard work that steps out on that stage. For a lot of (Savage Girls) at least–this was many of their first show! It brought me back to my first show-the excitement, the hard work, the effort that goes into getting on that stage–those feelings whether it be your first show or 10th show, I believe NEVER go away. I just could feel their energy and it was such an inspiration to be around.
I have to say that in hindsight, I should not have competed in this show. After my surgery in March I had no idea even if I was going to be able to compete this season. I knew I had a lot to work on after I was cleared to exercise. I had to gain strength, feel healthy and allow my body to recover on its own. There was NO way I was going to push my body to a place where I know stress would be created and my health would be at risk. Around May I made the decision to compete in Atlantic City. I absolutely loved having that goal at hand. I went into that show a bit more lax, however because like I mentioned earlier I was not willing to sacrifice putting my body through unnecessary stress or fatigue for me to get on that stage. Everything seemed to fall into place leading up to the show. I felt strong, my diet was on point and mentally–I was THERE. As the show date approached I had laser vision. The only date I cared about was Saturday August 25th. It fueled my workouts, it helped me stick to my diet and everything I did went into prepping for that show.
You see-there is a HUGE mental aspect to this sport. Sure, the body is a big part of it but mentally if your head is not in the game–forget about it. You need to be in a good, healthy place with your body, mind and soul–physically mentally and emotionally to be able to complete a show and FEEL GOOD throughout the process.
I came off the AC show on an absolute high. I did the best I have ever done, my family and friends were there to support me and I could not have asked for a better coaching staff from Cathy and her team at Cathy Savage Fitness. I always had the Boston show in the back of my mind because after doing it last year (which was a blast!) I figured I had already trained and dieted down–this will be a breeze to just ‘slide’ right into the FAP Boston show a month later.
As you know, every single person is different. Some people can take on more to their body than others depending on lifestyle, diet, exercise history, health history and the list goes on. My body needed a break, a big break after the AC show. About 3 weeks out from the Boston show, I realized I was going to have to dig deep in order to psych myself up. “Slipping” into a show short month later was not what I was expecting. It was taxing on the body therefore my workouts weren’t great, my diet was still restricted and on top of it–I would go through phases of uncertainly and self doubt which in itself can take a huge toll on the body.
I stuck with everything I was given in regards to training, diet, posing and practice. About 2 weeks out from the show, I started feeling as thought I was getting my mojo back. This is the time when everything starts to come together. The diet, the workouts, the posing practice, the excitement to just be up on that stage. I have to give a HUGE shout out to one of my best friends and Savage Sister, Jenn (who has her own blog!) for being such an incredible source of support. This was her 3rd show, and first show this season. The week of show, we spoke on the phone every single day to ‘check in’ with each other to ensure that our energy levels were high and sticking with the positive attitude that sometimes can be hard when doing this solo. For those of you who have or do compete, you are familiar with the mental toughness that has to take place during week of show. This is the time that can be exhilarating but scary at the same time. It is when you see ‘the magic happen’ to your body but at the same time, it is easy to slip into a low energy, and motivation mode. We kept each other in check every single day before Saturday.
Friday night came around and I started prepping! For the past 3 shows I have used Jan-Tana for my tan. $30 well spent! It always seems to agree with my skin (some girls trust and use other products and have their own methods) but I trust and always have used Jan-Tana. I put on 3 coats Friday and 1 more on Saturday morning before hair and make up. #workslikeaboss
This is my friend, Jenn getting her hair done! Hi Jenn!
My Turn!
After hair and makeup was compete it was off to the show!
I grabbed number number 93 which is exactly the number I had in Atlantic City! The show didn’t start until 6pm so we had a lot of time backstage to practice our posing, relax and psych each other up! I couldn’t take a lot of pictures because the show moved SO quickly! We ran straight through for the whole 3 hours with no break. I also couldn’t update on Facebook or Twitter as much as I would have because there was zero cell service backstage. I did manage to get a few shots!
These were our bikinis for the model category.
Club wear dresses for the model category.
This show was a blast! They always are. I could not be more proud of my team, Team Savage. Like I mentioned earlier, there were SO many girls whose first time it was on stage and to see that fire, that excitement in their eyes was incredibly inspirational and really helped to fuel my motivation. Everyone looked fabulous, classy and proud. Did I do as well as I would have liked? Certainly not. But that is not what this show was about for me. 1st place, 3rd place, 5th place or 15th place–everyone who steps on that stage is a true winner. Girls compete for all sorts of reasons-some have gone through a complete 180 body transformation to get on that stage, while others may have always dreamed of competing in a bikini or figure competition and simply have that goal of stepping in those heels with poise and confidence in front of an audience full of people. You better believe this is a HUGE accomplishment in and of itself!
What I did take away from this show was that it is better to focus on ONE show at a time. I had no idea if I was going to do the Boston show, but as I got closer to AC I figured why not? It was close enough and I would be ready. While my body looked ready–my mind was not. Do I regret competing in this show? Absolutely not. I truly believe that you learn from EVERY EXPERIENCE that happens in life. Whether you went through a negative experience, tough break up, bad decision, good decision–we live and we learn and that is what life is about.
Onto 2013 with NEW GOALS. What are these goals? I don’t know yet and I am not worried about having anything set in stone. I am 26 years old, I live in the hub of downtown Boston and right now I need to focus on my career, my friendships, relationships, family and bringing back that balance to my life.
I will tell you that I will be bringing the heat in the gym! Still focused on great workouts now that my diet will be back to normal (80/20) I want to focus on building some muscle and maybe playing around with some new workout programs–we shall see! Whatever is in store for me, I will go full force.
The next week or so, there will be no heavy lifting. Yes I will be throwing weights around but right now its about getting my body back to its healthy, happy state. I want to move, sweat and stretch. Those are my current goals as of late.
I cannot thank YOU all enough-my readers, followers, friends and family for supporting me, motivating me and inspiring me to keep doing what I am doing.
—–
How can I not talk about brunch on the following Sunday?! My roommate and I went to Paramount Cafe. It was raining and we waited outside in the rain for a table (the line is always down the street for this restaurant for brunch time!) I was so happy we waited it out!
The way this restaurant works is you wait in a line and order at the counter. The servers then bring your food to your table afterwards.
I ordered an omelet with spinach, tomatoes and peppers with whole grain toast with strawberry jam, fruit and tomatoes. Post show food is NOT about gorging yourself with crap (at least not for me) My body has been so void of whole, healthy meals that this is all I wanted. Some competitors go for the nachos, chocolate cake, ice cream, sweets and fried food. Not only would I have gotten extremely sick but this is not what my body wants. I want FOOD. I wanted a sandwich. I wanted bread and eggs and hearty, healthy foods to bring balance back to my body.
I was one happy girl and 100% cleaned my plate. Over brunch we discussed cooking a delicious dinner since it was raining and it would be the perfect afternoon activity. We were off to Trader Joes!
Where we came across the biggest Brussels sprout tree!! Yes, we bought it!
Here is a sneak peek at our dinner which will be on my next post!
Turkey/Beef Meatballs with roasted Brussels sprouts and spaghetti squash bowls.
And yesterday, I was in heaven as I enjoyed a sandwich from one of my favorite cafes/coffee shops in Boston, Espresso Royale.
Chicken, roasted red peppers, avocado, lettuce, cucumbers and sprouts on toasted multi grain bread. It was incredible.
—-
I hope you enjoyed hearing my thoughts on this show. I always find it interesting to hear others opinions too so feel free to comment away! Many have also asked if I am ‘depressed’ now that the show is over. Absolutely not! Part of me is always sad when a show is over. You build and build and build up excitement and go through so much and then…its over! I always look forward to focusing on other aspects of my life post show. I do love competing, but it is a hobby-it is one part of my life and I have other areas I want and need to focus on. I crave balance and actually excited for new goals and a new season of change to Reconnect with friends, family and loved ones!
I hope you all have a wonderful night! 🙂 Thank you again from the bottom of my heart 3>
Congrats!! Sounds like hard work with great lessons learned. You looked fantastic
Both of you look beautiful! Competing shouldn’t be about whether you place or not. Like you said, the fact you got up there on stage is what you should be most proud of. I don’t know how people do shows back to back if they are more than a week apart – it seems like it would totally mess with your head! Congrats on having another two competitions under your belt 🙂
Congrats! You look amazing.
I love Brussels on the stalk! So much fun to bring home. 🙂
Congratulations Naomi! You and your friend both accomplished so much and should be very proud. Not only was it mentally challenging, but physically challenging. I appreciate you sharing your experience, pre- and post show thoughts with us.
Here is to getting back to health and your new set of goals (whatever they may be). 🙂 I always look forward to your food, fitness, and health posts!
Girrrrrlllllllllll. Girl. I opened this up last night, started skimming, and waited until I was awake today to give it a good full read. You are so positive it is beautiful. I love that you focus on health first and foremost and your goal is simply to restore balance. That is beautiful. YOU are beautiful. Amaze.
<3 <3 <3
PS I was wondering just the other day how the eff brussels sprouts grew.
WELL DONE, Naomi! I loved reading this recap and kept checking for when it’d be up. I think the way you approach training and competing is so balanced and I appreciated reading your thoughts after this show. You did an amazing job (and I echo others: you look great!) and best of all learned from it and had a good experience doing it and being a part of that team. It’s something I think I’m interested in doing!
At any rate, I don’t comment often but check in on FB lots and always read – thanks for posting quality stuff! 🙂 Well done and enjoy this maintenance, 80/20 phase!
I love this recap since I don’t know a whole lot about figure/bikini competing, but the whole experience looks challenging yet amazing! I especially love your attitude about doing what’s right for your body, and being careful not to put yourself under too much stress after your surgery this year. It’s that smart and positive attitude that makes you such a great person in this crazy blogging world! Oh, and side note… I’ve never been to Paramount, looks like I should check it out!!
Congrats on the show Naomi! You look absolutely amazing and it shows that all your hard work and commitment paid off. I love your positive attitude, even with what you have been through this year. I have been following along for awhile without commenting and I just want to say how much I love your blog.
Brussel sprouts are so much more fun when you buy a tree of them!
Hiii! I love you so much and am so happy we got to experience this amazing, challenging experience together! Week of show phone support was so key and the whole day was so fun together! This recap made me smile ear to ear right after the show and it did again just now 🙂