I am struggling to write this final blog because I am overwhelmed with emotion. What do you do when something you have been focused so intently on is over? I'll admit although I am happy not to be so regimented and restricted anymore, I am definitely a little bit sad. Right now I am watching my mom and grandma washing and chopping the entire Asian Food market in our kitchen ( bok choy, mushrooms, kale, onions..etc.), a not so familiar, yet familiar sight. Today was very difficult reintroducing myself to normal things such as this scene in my kitchen and the ability to wear deodorant without messing up my spray tan. Okay...I admit it, I didn't scrub so hard in the shower so my tan stays on for just a little bit longer.
Here are my final thoughts...
I didn't win, I didn't even place. And I'm not going to pull that "everyone is a winner" bullshit either. I may not have won, but I learned and I earned... the title of a figure competitor.
Upon arrival and check in the day of the competition each competitor is issued a number. My number was 17. I was hoping for 7 or 11 but I should have been more clear with my request to the universe and picked ONE, instead I got both. I wasn't mad.
Mom and I had the LOUDEST and BEST cheering section out of all 75 competitors. Although we both practiced our routines at nausea, when we got up there we both strayed and did what ever we felt like. The first thing my brother Randy said to me was, "Kate, that is the most I've ever seen of you."
When all is said and done, I am changed for good and for the better. I am more comfortable in my own skin and more aware of my body. I have a new found respect for my mother and a renewed faith in the idea that hard work pays off. This experience has left me feeling totally, 100 % blessed. Blessed because I am surrounded with such wonderful people. To everyone who has been in my corner since the sand box and to everyone who I have picked up along the way, thanks. I can not stress how thankful I am to everyone who reached out to me this summer. Whether it be sending me free Egglands Best coupons, buying me flowers, cooking me my own special meals, sending me quotes, or hitting me up on facebook, it meant the world to me.
You are all probably wondering what the first thing I ate was. It was chocolate covered strawberries :) After that I went to the diner and although my mom and I went our separate ways after the competition, we both ordered BLTs without ever even discussing it. Weird I know...
Another question you might have is what the highlight of my day was. It was when my brother came back stage to congratulate my mom and I after our 1 min of fame and he had tears in his eyes.
Whenever I see the bronze foot print permanently stained in my rug, I will think back and remember this experience with nothing but fond memories. To everyone who made a t-shirt or a poster for the competition, hold on to it. You may be wondering if I plan on competing again... do you really need to ask?
Katie and Rosie,
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how much your whole journey has influenced me. It brought me back to a time when that kind of discipline was a day to day experience.
It was amazing to me to follow you both, and from a distance, to know what you were going through.
Hat's off, you did an amazing job. As risk of sounding like I'm dishing out some "winner bullshit when you didn't win or even place in the competition", you truly are winners here.
a) Finishing is winning when it comes to figure competition and bodybuilding.It's a tough road of regimentation that few ever experience or endure.
b) Holding your own against the shows placing winners (which you both did) is a feat in and of itself, and
c) the breaking through of your first competition is a big deal.
Like any athlete getting into the league and playing a game is milestone #1 and #2. Most athletes celebrate this. Now placing and ranking as you make tweaks in your pre contest prep and posing routines and presence are the next steps.
Bottom line, the pictures tell all; you both looked beautiful and made incredible transformations and may I add have very impressive figures ;-)
You have much to look forward to in future competitions. Thanks from me, for inspiring me with your discipline and a great show.
John
Hey it's also great that you guys are already eating great again and that you don't have to resort to eating junk. That's the mark of a good lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteWhich of your brothers came back stage to congratulate you with tears in his eyes? Reading that you and your mom ordered BLT'S after the competition and weren't even together, I got chills from h2t. Also reading your blogs, especially this one, I get a strange feeling as if I feel your joy through your words. I am genuinely so happy for you in the strongest way that I have an urge to just sit next to you and want to watch the smile on your face. After all of the pageants I've been in, I'm not too sure about competitions. You should Never worry about winning or placing, the judges can only see with their eyes, what they will never see is what you see or feel. Remember, levels don't mean sh*t, you know what you've done to be where you are, and that's really all that matters and the fact that you're there competing, you've made it already. Everyone has their own opinions for their own reasons, you can never know the truth behind these competitions. The only truth you can know of is yourself and really, your opinion is the only one that matters. If you feel you were better than all of the other competitors then order a BLT, if you feel someone was better, look up to them, and just enjoy the journey while you strive. I really love you and your family so much, I would love to be at your next competition to be one of the many crazy, loud screamers cheering you on for your victory of being on that stage and showing everyone what you made happen.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Ridiculously Proud of you both