Sizing each other up
It’s now about ten minutes to competition and the attendants start rushing around and yelling at us to get downstairs. We go into the back hallway with all the competitors – men’s body-building, women’s figure and women’s bikini (This last category is a different category and is for women who don’t body-build.) When we get backstage everyone starts sizing each other up. People are doing push ups, pumping up with Therabands; they’re all trying to get that last muscle pumped. I’m just standing there like a deer in the headlights observing and taking it all in. There were some incredible physiques that were very inspiring. And I couldn’t believe that in 10 minutes I’d be prancing around on stage in a spray tan and tiny bikini. All I kept thinking was, Lord, please let this bikini stay in place!
We’d forgotten the glaze – that’s the final touch that makes you glisten and glow. Jill, a fellow contestant from New Jersey who was a veteran at competing, walked up and told me I needed to get glazed – all I had was Pam – she said that wouldn’t work. We traded my Bikini Bite for her glaze and called it even. The glaze smelled like fresh coconuts; at least I didn’t smell like a burger and fries.
I heard people yelling, “Doctor, doctor, where are you?” Huh? Was there a doctor in the house? Was someone sick? “Doctor Mazur, get in line.” OMG that was me. I had a big button with number 11 that I had to attach to my tiny bikini bottom — the button was bigger than the side of my suit (suit so small button so big)! Tune in tomorrow for the finale on show time in AC!
Strike a pose – what pose?
We all pranced on stage and waited while competitors did their star turns. I step up to the holding place and ask the woman who’s running that part of the show what to do. She says, “Just go to the square and do your poses.” And I say, “What poses?” She laughs and reminds me that, “practice makes perfect” and then replies, “Okay, do front, side, back, side and hold each one for five seconds.” When it’s my turn to go solo, I’m counting out loud the fastest five seconds ever as I do my “freestyle poses.” I have a new appreciation for my patients who ask me to speed up the counting when I’m stretching them! Those five seconds seemed to last an eternity.
After you pose, you have to wait for everyone to finish, and then we all went to the front of the stage in a line-up. All I could do was smile and laugh. I was having a great time! I didn’t have any pressure on me because I was just learning, knowing that this was one chalked up as experience. Still, I know I have lot to do before the next time.
By the way, the super model who gave me some great tips on how to walk in stilettos would have been proud of me that day. I never once concerned myself with the height of the shoes; that practice paid off!
When they gave out trophies, I didn’t get one. They said that I had a great, “pro” upper body, but that I needed to work on my poses and lower body. I know I’ve got to work on legs and butt – I have a torn glut muscle and need to recover some strength there.
Afterward, I ran for coffee and water – hydrating at last! But oh how I needed that coffee too. Although I was thirsty, I wasn’t terribly hungry because Corey’s food plan always kept me feeling satisfied and stoked. After the competition I ate four ounces of steak, a baked potato and salad. The next day I ate some wonderful French cheese and wine provided by my dear friends who have encouraged me through these last 4 months, but I had to get back on my schedule the following Monday. And I didn’t mind at all, I was looking forward to getting back into my regimen.
For the next competition, I’m concentrating on legs and glutes, and Corey has modified my diet to build muscle. Corey is not only an awesome nutritionist, but also an MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter and personal trainer. He and Erika have got me on an intense, killer leg and glut routine thati is sure to bring pain and gain to my lower body. I’m sure David Barton, who keeps me inspired and working hard, will throw in some creative killers that will also contribute to the strength and shape of my legs and glutes. Next competition: November 14th, 2009 right in New York City! Keep reading – the fun has just begun! I will be sharing my workout and diet regimen in the next post.
