So it's all over, and I am definitely happy about that. I placed fifth in a very deep and competitive field of 13 sharp lightweights...everyone looked good. I am definitely happy with my top 5 placing, and I certainly cannot complain about that, but I do feel that I could have been placed a bit higher.
The first callout was only four girls, and I was not one of them. I was in the second and third callouts with the girls who they were considering for 3-6 (second callout) and 5-8 (third callout). Based on the callouts, I knew that fifth was probably the best I could do. I was disappointed not to be in the first callout (why not five girls who are being considered for top 5?) because I never got the chance to be compared with the girls who ended up #1 and #2. I was never lined up with them. After looking at the pics as objectively as I can, I think that I would have placed me second. Top 3 for sure. But that's the breaks.
I was the most conditioned and leanest of the LWs, with the most detail from head to toe, and the most ridiculous legs. I guess conditioning isn't everything...even when you are a lightweight.
But I was also one of the tallest LWs... the winner is 4-10", and I am almost 5-2". It's hard to believe, but I am TALL for a lightweight, and I think I got outmassed in the LW class, even though I came in at the top of the class weight-wise. I was the tallest of the Top 5, and I suppose I looked a little "small" next to girls who were 3-4 inches shorter than me, even though they were softer and less detailed. I looked a bit narrow and small through the upper body.
I'm posting pics from prejudging, the first callout, and the second/third callouts, as well as a few pics from Finals. I totally pigged out Friday night since I knew I wasn't in the running for a top 3 spot, so I showed up at finals a bit bloaty and watery, but it didn't matter. I am loving the hair down look!
I am going to ask for feedback from the judges, but I already know that they will tell me that I need more mass on my upper body, more V taper, more width in my back. They will probably suggest that I pack on some size and move up to the Middleweights, and come back as a MW with that kind of conditioning.
I'm not sure what's next for me and/or what I want to do. I LIKE being a lightweight, I think I looked awesome, I like the detail, the conditioning, etc. but I don't like the idea of adding another 10 pounds of muscle to be competitive as a middleweight. I am not sure that I am interested in doing what it takes to be a competitive MW. I suppose there are a few options ---
1. Add 10 pounds of muscle and come in as a MW at 125 with similar conditioning. I'm not really interested in doing what it would take to make this happen.
2. Come in with my four weeks out conditioning as a MW right in the middle of the weight class...not as lean and less detail, but bigger looking in general. Seems like the softer look is in these days anyway! This is not really my style though... I go after things 110%, and backing off and coming in softer isn't really something I am interested in doing.
3. Try to make improvements with what I got and stay as a LW at 115 pounds, and hopefully come in next time with a bit more mass up top and similar conditioning.
4. Hope that they move the weight cutoff to 118 pounds for LWs - this would be ideal for me!!
One thing is for sure...I am looking forward to doing some powerlifting as soon as I can regroup...NPC Nationals (bodybuilding) is in Miami next year, so that would definitely be fun, esp since my husband and I both went to college in Miami and we could get crazy down there. However, USPF Nationals (powerlifting) is in June, and then the WPF World Championships are in Vegas next year in November...so I am considering the Powerlifting World Championships as well, in which case I would not be competing in BB next year.
There's alot to think about... and that's all I am going to do right now... think. AND EAT.
A few of my favorite pics.... The pic with me and Ron came out blurry
but I have asked Ron to please email me his pics, so we'll see. Or he can just post them here... hint hint
