It's almost been a week since I competed in the Heartland Classic. It's going to be really difficult to express how great of a day it was. It was super cool to see everything come together & to see the final package. People told me that you never really feel ready or know what you look like until you see pictures afterwards and that is super true. I felt really good & proud of what I brought, but I did not really know what I looked like until after the fact.
Shows are divided up by height class. I competed in Novice Tall & Open Tall. There were a ton of bikini girls (60+) and it was really fun getting to chat with like-minded people. I met a lot of really cool girls and it was really empowering to get to share the stage with such strong & beautiful women. Like I said, amazing experience.
Probably one of the things I am most grateful for from this experience is the support I received, especially from my parents. I was super nervous to tell my parents what I was going to do because I was afraid they would think it was weird or not understand. Bikini competitions are not the most traditional hobby, & you never know what people are going to think. Luckily, both my parents didn't hesitate for a second. Saturday was really cool because they were both super into it & I could tell they were proud of me. My dad is really into photography & took a bunch of pictures & was up until 2am editing them. My mom, before I had even washed my makeup off, was talking about a game plan for my next show. I am seriously so appreciative for all the support I have received throughout my prep & the day of the show. The positive energy & words have meant so much. Like I said, I initially was nervous about what people would think, but mostly everyone has shown love/support and that means everything.
Jessica & Caitlin.
So lucky to have made such wonderful friends through this experience. It made prep & show day SO FUN. Hoping to do more shows with these lovely girls.
Open Tall
My T-walk
Top 5 of Novice Tall! Was super excited to hear #68 called out!
Placing 5th in Novice Tall!
Just chillin.
So lucky to have the support of this guy. From putting up with my constant kitchen messes, to texting me while I was backstage, this guy is the best.
This whole experience has been life-changing. I know that sounds pretty intense, but it really has been. There is no way I will ever go back to living how I was before. It wasn't necessarily awful or super unhealthy, but now that I know how to properly fuel & treat my body/mind there is no turning back. Physically & mentally I feel good. People comment on how good I looked, but I wish they could see how amazing I feel now. I have always struggled with depression/anxiety & changing my nutrition by eating whole foods (& lots of fats!!) & lifting has completely improved my mental health.
I am also extremely proud of how I completed my prep. I obtained the best body I have ever had by eating LOTS of whole food (1800+/day) & lifting weights. I didn't starve myself & I didn't spend countless hours doing cardio. I ate a ton of food. I lifted a lot of weights. I have so much gratitude for my coaches Kelly and Luke for creating a program for me that was healthy, enjoyable, & FUN.
Sooooooo... what's next? Well, it is safe to say I am addicted. Main critique from the judges was to put some meat on my bones, which means even more food (didn't know that was possible) & more weights. I really want to grow my upper body, especially my back and shoulders. I also (just like every bikini girl in the history of the world) want to grow/tighten my booty/hamstrings.
Next show: Greater Omaha on October 3rd!
Much love & lifting,
Leah