A Penny for Your Thoughts

Guys. I don't know what I'm doing.

FACT: National Qualifications are only good until the end of the following calendar year. It used to be two years.

I have been very excited about the possibility of competing at the Arnold Amateur... just to say I did it. The Arnolds are in March, if ya didn't already know.

PROBLEM: That leaves very little time to build, and I feel like I lost quite a bit of muscle when I dropped the 25 pounds during my last round of dieting. It happens.

I do want to compete at the National level while I have the opportunity. What if this chance never happens again? I would like to be competitive. In order to do so, I think I would need more muscle... would definitely need more of a backside.

Do I push aside my desire to compete at the Arnold Amateur to bring a better package at the National level?

What would my Bloggerfam do? I'm on the fence. Actually, I'm leaning in a direction that will remain secret for now. I want to hear what you all think.

9 comments:

Becca said...

I think you know what I think -
but for the record:

You cannot use your National qual past 2010 - but there will always be more Arnolds. Not saying you won't be nationally qualified again after 2010 but making top 2 is what is required for most national qualifications, and that is a lot harder than making top 5, which is all you are required to make to be considered for the Arnold.

I think you could pull a top 5 and do the Arnold very easily.

If you want to be on the National Stage, there is no time to waste. I know you will do well but a lot of those girls are rockin' and if you feel you need to build to do WELL - not just be on the stage, then do it now.

I know you will make whichever decision is right for you, but that's my 2 cents.

Dana said...

First of all you are still young and have plenty of time to compete at a higher level..so you have time don't feel pressured!! If you don't feel ready, just wait and work on bringing the best physique you can to the stage later. It would be exciting to compete at the Arnold but would you feel intimidated or unconfident. If you wanted to do it just for the experience and can set aside knowing you may not measure up and accept that, then go for it! I feel overwhelmed sometimes to about getting in more experience and advancing as a figure athlete (and I'm still a newbie). You have to weight your options. Me personally I would want to know I was in the best shape for the level I chose to compete at. My friend Deke is taking a whole year off to train and build muscle for his next big show. I wish I had been introduced to this sport much sooner in life so that I would be PRO now. Ha! Good luck with whatever you decide. You rock!

Anonymous said...

If it were me, i'd just do it. Easier said than done I know.

For you, I think you WILL get qualified again. Like Dana said and I know you really want this, you want to KNOW you are in your best form. I think you look GREAT now but I do know those national level girls are KILLAH!

Sorry, i'm no help.

Amber said...

Well you probably know what I am going to say before I know it.

Firs: The Arnold is not even a PQ..yes it is a big show but its also every year!

Second: If you feel you need to build which I also think would help you tremedously on the national stage then you need to take the time to do it. A month of 'building' is not gonna do that for you...thats what? Maybe 4 wouts for each bodypart. Yeah..thats not much to go on.

Third: You get more bang doing a national level show and would have the possiblity to earn your pro card.

What I would do if I was in your situation is build through summer and start your diet then to compete in Team U and Nationals at the end of the year. I think your look would work really well at those shows.

oh and the judges love your look. You will qualify again next year EASY!!

Just my $.03 haha

Visionquester said...

Give up the good for the great?

PS. Team U has been moved to July 09 instead of September.

~C.

Jenn said...

As it would be fantastic to compete at the Arnold you have to consider this...

Can you bring a BETTER package to the stage than your last show?

If you CAN...then go for it...I'm sure it won't be your only competition in 2010. Figure nationals aren't until November so you still have about 7.5 months to "build."

However, if you don't think you can bring a better package then don't pressure yourself to get there if you aren't ready for it. No sense rushing into a contest because it's "The Arnold." Like everyone else said...there will be one every year...and besides what's the worst that can happen? You decide to skip the Arnold...do Nationals...get your Pro card...and oh, DARN...now you have to do the Arnold as a pro (wink, wink...lol)

And I like the Team U idea...I'm doing that show! We can be there TOGETHER! (plus...top two in each class get pro cards!!! WHOOOHOOOO!)

That's just my 2 cents!

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

my opinion is the arnolds aren't going anywhere. like becca said..harder to qualify for nationals than it is to qualify for the arnold. at the end of the day..do what YOU want to do, not what anyone else wants.

Alyson said...

I think it's all been said. I think you should do what you gotta do to kick some serious ass at Nationals. And I'm hoping to be right there next to ya!

Melissa Cunningham said...

oh,wow. totally agree with fitness Jenn here. even though the arnold sounds GREAT (which btw THAT show has always been a dream for me too!!)
but wouldnt it be sweet to go there as a PRO?
BUT if you do feel you can bring a better package than last show and would feel condidant going on that stage-then go for it-if not,dont worry about,focus on building for nationals and chase down that pro card- i KNOW you will get it SOON-you have that "look" and DESIRE too!! whatever you decide to choode we are all here to support you and cheer you on!!!!