My preparation so far spans 38 weeks. My stage presence today will total 15 minutes. Needless to say there is an immense investment of resources, effort, sacrifice, commitment and hard work funneled into such a brief opportunity to display my body to the judges. But I am not being evaluated on my extensive efforts. I am being evaluated on what that effort has brought to life. There are no points for effort, only what my physique represents at that point in time. I must vividly remember each and every one of those psychologically, emotionally and mentally charged 38 weeks today when my body feels exhausted from posing and my mind wanders to anything outside of that auditorium. I know that this will reignite my energy and I will fight until the very last minute.
It is 6:30am as I type this. A long day stretches before me. I am due on stage in 11 hours. My preparation today begins with a short walk outside which I use to clear my head and focus my thoughts solely on the job at hand. I will take some photographs this morning for a final physique evaluation, do some posing and squeezing of my muscles, check that I have all of my supplies, and drive to my hair and makeup appointment.
I am excited yet relaxed, mentally charged but calm. I have clarity on what I must do today and I am 100% focused on upholding the highest standards I know that I am capable of.
