THE HEART OF A COMPETITOR

Its January 2, 2011.  Another chapter in the book of life is complete, but there are several more to write.  This time last year, I was exactly where I am now. Plotting, planning and at the same time..Scared, Excited, Anxious. So many aspects of my life have changed over the past year, but one thing remains the same.  I am determined, focused and READY!!

 So who am I:

•  I am an eleven year veteran law enforcement officer
• I own/organize a women's social networking group
• I own a non-profit organization geared toward the empowerment of indigent girls.
• I am a AFAA certified personal trainer
• I am a National Level NPC figure athlete

The purpose of this blog is to share my experiences of being a figure athlete. The triumphs, tragedies and everything in between.  Living a healthy lifestyle is easy, the lifestyle I choose to live is to compete.  I am competitive by nature, but there's something about that stage that drives me.  The lights, the crowd, the flash of the cameras, the competitors, the awards and the satisfaction of knowing, I did it!! 


My heart seems to skip a beat as I reflect on competing and the dedication to the diets and physical training it requires.  The 2 hours of cardio/ five days a week, the five fish meals a day, the lugging of a gallon jug of water. Bad hair days, no make-up days, cranky and moodiness.  The weekend training camps with my coaches. Oh, let me not forget, the constant questions and unsolicited opinions of my friends. In addition to my fresh faced teammates and facebook friends who are also my competition.  I begin to look myself and wonder.. Am I ready? Am I small enough? Will SHE be the next pro? Is THAT the body they want to see? Will SHE beat me?..


 So I ask myself,  why do this to YOURSELF again. then there is a verse from my favorite song that comes to mind.


"In the warriors code
There's no surrender

Though his body says stop

His spirit cries - never!

Deep in our soul

A quiet ember

Know it's you against you

It's the paradox

That drives us on"

Not only is this song one of the most inspirational songs I have EVER heard, but it tends to speak of the heart and soul of a competitor. Or what I like to call myself, a warrior. Only those that compete, knows this drive. This drive never fades in the heart of a TRUE warrior.  You might walk away, you may quit, but at some point, that fire ignites and you are back in the fight again. That's the heart of a true warrior, without some fiction, challenge or obstacle, the warrior simply dies.

I'm alive 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NED MATARASO