First show challenge

I rarely do Instagram challenges but this one seems harmless enough.

The challenge is to post a photo from your first bodybuilding competition, #firstshowchallenge. I wasn’t sure what I had saved from that day. But I scrolled back and found a photo.

One of the things that I am loving about this challenge is the variety of images I am seeing from competitors around the country. We all have a story and a beginning.

The first show

The first show was in November 2015. NPC Muscle Elite in Greensboro, NC.

I approached my now coach, Bernita, about nine weeks before and told her that I really wanted to compete before the year was over. It had been a goal of mine for a couple of years but I was not getting anywhere. My wheels were spinning in the mud. I had lost some weight but I was not achieving my ultimate goal.

So, we set the date to get me on stage. And we did it.

We’ve come a long way since then. I have learned so much about my body, nutrition, exercise and supplements. I am still learning but the person that stood on stage that day checked the box of accomplishing my goal.

The last show

The last time I stepped on stage was nearly a year ago, NPC U.S.A. Coastal in Georgia.

I felt like a million bucks that day and I am looking to beat that version of me by 1,000.

I walked into this show with very little fanfare. I trained quietly and didn’t tell anyone that I was doing the show. I needed a show for me.

The next show

The next show is a little more than three weeks away, NPC Master Nationals in Pittsburgh, PA on July 17. I just booked our AirBnB that I found, which is really close to the venue.

The last and only other time that I was in Pittsburgh was when Eboni won her IFBB Pro Card at NPC North American.

As for this show, it kicks off the season. I have no idea what is going to happen or what other shows I might do this year. I have a couple of ideas in mind, but I need to get through this first show first.

I never know what I will “look” like on show day. I can only push to be my very best.

I will be wearing my blue Water Babies Bikini that I stoned myself. My hair will be bone straight. My skin will be bronzed with TMF Tan. And for the first time, Get Flawless Hair will be doing my makeup.

This will be my first AirBnB stay and I am kind of looking forward to it. It is definitely going to be cheaper than the hotel. It also will give us some personal space to kick back and relax.

Do you participate in Instagram challenges?