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| Bren |
| Summer contests...to compete, or not to compete?...that is the question! |
| 04.24.2011 12:05:27 | |
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Hi everyone! I'm writing this from the balcony of the beautiful Ocean Lodge hotel in Cannon Beach, Oregon. I took the 4 hour drive to come here for some much needed rest and just to have time to think about things without distractions from home. It turns out it was one of the best things I could have done. I got a great oceanfront room and the whole weekend turned out to be sunny! I enjoyed watching a breathtaking sunset and then later saw an incredible display of stars in the night sky. I've done nothing but sleep, read, relax, walk for miles on the beach and just sit and think.
I've been attempting to bring balance into my life and this weekend was a good example of how I'm learning to listen to what I need physically, emotionally and spiritually. I was only going to stay overnight, but as I entered the hotel, I felt I needed to stay the whole weekend instead. I needed physical rest, especially sleep...and I needed some time to connect with nature and clear my head. So, here I am.
I've been trying to decide if I want to do bodybuilding competitions this summer, or wait until the fall. I've been training and eating right....but my head hasn't really been in it. Last year at this time I was so focused on preparing for the Ironman, but this year I seem to not be pushing as hard. I know I want to do the Ironman the end of September and I have plenty of time to train, work on my routine and work on a mixed pair routine for that show. However, the summer shows are right around the corner and I'm just not sure about whether I want to compete or not. I really love bodybuilding. I like to lift, eat healthy so I feel my best, and I'm even tolerating cardio. If I decide to do the summer shows, I know what has to be done....double cardio,...everyday! You can probably imagine I'm not too excited about that! So, I haven't come to any definite decisions yet, but time is ticking away and I need to make up my mind soon.
Right now, I want to nurture the relationships I have with the people in my life that I love, and that requires time spent with them. That really is the only real important thing in life...the relationships we have with those we love. Bodybuilding takes up a lot of time as well, however, I realize that bodybuilding helps in so many areas other than just improving your physique. It develops mental discipline to do what you may not want to do at times...double cardio, for instance! It requires learning how to push past the barriers of what you think you can do physically. It increases self esteem, knowing that you did what it takes to achieve the goals you set for yourself. However, the down side is that it also involves sacrifice. It's the sacrifice part I'm having a hard time dealing with. I can spend hours lifting, doing cardio, developing routines, and preparing my foods...but something has to suffer. There is not enough time in the day for everything and everybody. I want to devote the time for competition prep, but I want to spend time with the people I love too. How does that work? I haven't figured it out yet! I am thankful that the people closest to me have either adopted the bodybuilding lifestyle, or they understand my passion.
So the question I keep coming back to is... to compete or not to compete this summer? I will continue to train and diet, but I want to enjoy every second life has to offer with those I'm fortunate to have in my life. I love the gym, but I also want to have fun this summer. I'll keep ya posted!
Think On It:
Do what makes you happy....
Bren ~
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