From beginner to bikini competitor: Where it all began

When I first began my prep for my first NPC bikini competition  I kept things pretty quiet, mainly because I didn't know if I'd have the guts to pull the trigger and actually step on stage. However, throughout my 12-week prep, I slowly became more comfortable and open with sharing my training updates, to which people always asked "How did you get into that?" or "Why do you want to do this?" After being bombarded with questions about the training, nutrition and entire process that a bikini prep entails, I decided to document my experience in the form of blog posts to compile this mini series, "From  beginner to bikini competitor." I'll be posting weekly (maybe bi-weekly) updates on my journey to the stage, what I learned from this process and quick tips for competition prep, so check back often for updates!

The background story: In early 2014, I began training with my former personal trainer, Scott. He's an amazing trainer; right away, we just sort of "clicked." There are some trainers who are great, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're the right trainer for you. But, regardless of what we were doing, he always found a way to push me to the max. Scott invested his time and interest in me, and he was able to truly challenge my athletic ability.

After a training session one day, Scott mentioned: “You’d do really well at competing.” I remember being confused and thinking “competing…in what?” It sparked my interest, mainly I’m extremely competitive (especially with myself), but I wasn’t sure what he was getting at. Scott casually replied “bodybuilding shows,” to which I shot him a look of horror. “You want ME to get HUGE?” Jokes, my friends…jokes. He laughed it off and went into a little more detail about the different categories for women, but I brushed it off and didn’t think much of it.

Fast forward to November 2014: I’d competed in the Camp Gladiator Games (our team placed 8th out of all the female teams across the U.S), won my age division in the Spartan Race and tackled a few other competitive athletic events. I knew all the outdoor obstacle races would be over until spring/summer when the weather was warmer. So, after doing my research (read: fair share of stalking Instagram accounts), I toyed around with the idea of actually competing in a show. Then, I began training at Destination Dallas, a bodybuilding gym...and after seeing what everything was about, I decided to take the plunge.

I’m the type of person who likes to have a tangible goal in sight. I love fitness and how strong/empowered it makes me feel, and I love competing in different events, so I wanted to set a goal with a time peg to train and work toward. I'd become a little bored in the gym and found myself  just going through the motions instead of training hard and for a purpose.

When I began lifting weights a few years ago, it completely changed my outlook on fitness. The goals I had for myself three years ago certainly aren't the goals I have today. I used to be a cardio bunny, always looking to run the next 5K, 10K or half marathon but, after I fell in love with lifting, I hung up the running shoes and haven't looked back.

If you’d asked me three or four years ago if I’d could ever picture myself wearing a tiny bikini on stage in front of an audience, I’d probably run for the hills or shoot you a dirty look. I’m not shy by any stretch of the imagination, but I’m definitely not someone who really likes attention. However, I did know the fact that I was even interested in stepping on stage in a bikini spoke volumes about my self-confidence and how far I've come in the last few years. In the past, I’ve dealt with my fair share insecurities and imperfections—after all, I’m human AND a female. I don’t know a single girl who looks in the mirror and sees perfection, and body image is definitely a common insecurity among women. Nonetheless, I’ve found a place where I’m comfortable in my skin, embrace the qualities I used to frown at (holla at your girl with quads!) so why not give it a shot? Although I grew up a competitive dancer, I knew this type of competition was unlike anything I’d ever done before. It was going to be a challenge and something new for me to try, so that’s where the story begins…

Stay sweet [sweat] and sassy,

Kat