So Eli Blahut and I are currently getting touched up by our amazing hair dresser, Ricardo. And as I sit here thinking of all the things that we still plan on accomplishing this Sunday before showtime, it occurs to me that so many competitors neglect the little things pre-contest.
For example, hair and nails. My mother told me when I first started competing, “If you get on stage and the girl next to you looks exactly the same as you — it could come down to your manicure to determine first and second place.” And silly as that sounded, I have never questioned my mother’s logic as a competitor and always done and acted as she instructed. Now that I’m on the other side of judge’s table, I have realized how right she was. I do notice when a competitor took the time to trim their nails. I do see when when someone took the time to get a good base tan before getting sprayed. I notice when a competitor is smoothly shaved and if they moisturized the deep creases in there skin to make their skin tone perfect. I see when there is thought put into color of their trunks and the style of their hair. And I appreciate when that competitor puts on just enough glaze to make their physique look their best under the bright lights of the stage.
I look at these things and what do I really see? I see the glow that shines through from a competitor that has taken the time to cross every t and dot every i. Someone that knows without a shadow of a doubt that on the day of the contest — they will leave nothing to chance. Because someone who took the time to care about all those little things is the same person that never missed a meal or a training session. They never questioned why they are competing or compromised in their pursuit of their moment to shine. First place or last, they did everything they could and for that, this competitor feels a deeper sense of success than any trophy can give them. That’s the true essence of bodybuilding, a precious moment for each person to savor and reflect on a journey that brought them to the stage. Not a placement or a judgement, but a sense of self that no one can touch.
5 days left.
