From Foodie to Fitness....
I started on this competition journey because I was tired of
always telling myself I can’t do something because of this and that. I was
tired of all the excuses I came up with. Always doubting myself, thinking
negatively, having fears about whatever popped up in my crazy head. What
introduced me to do one was my sister's competition. Tiffany competed last year
at the WBFF Fitness Atlantic show. When I watched her go through this grueling
process and saw the final result, I was so inspired. I couldn’t believe how she
and all these girls on stage went through this and actually survived! That
night my sister ended up winning first place in her division and received her
pro card. I was so proud of her because I witnessed all she had to endure and
how much she worked at it. I was truly moved by her hard work and how it all
paid off in the end!
But even after I saw my sister compete I still wasn’t really
sold. I knew what to expect because I saw her go through it. I saw all the
foods she couldn’t have at the end of it and how much time she had to put in at
the gym. I thought I could never do this
because I love food way too much. Anyone that knows me knows my love for food!
But then something changed and I wanted something more. I was tired of the
excuses I gave myself. I wanted to challenge myself in every way possible and I
knew competing would do that. My sister was the first one to tell me I could do
this. I was shocked at how confident in me she was. I talked with her about it
and told her my worries mainly about the food I know I wouldn't be able to
have. But then she said, it's not like you won't ever have the foods you love
ever again. And I realized she was right. It would only be for a period of time
where I couldn't have what I wanted. Right then I knew I wanted to compete not
only to see myself physically change but also to see my mentality change. I
needed to do this to prove to myself that I could. To be able to shut up all
the negative things I kept telling myself. From there, I went to an Elite Heat
Comp prep workshop and learned everything I needed to know. I told Tiffany’s
coach, Malenna I was ready to compete and the rest is history.
Doing this competition was never about me winning against
someone else. It has always been about winning against myself. When I get on stage, I don’t care about what
the other competitors, judges, family, friends, coaches think of me. The only
thing that matters that day is what I think of myself. That day is for me to
realize how much hard work I put into this, waking up at 5:00 AM to do fasted
cardio knowing I am not a morning person, lifting after work, spending hours in
the kitchen making meals for the week, eating the same bland meals every day,
not being able to eat foods that I enjoy, all the social events I couldn’t
attend, staying in the gym for 3-4 hours to get all my workouts in. It was
about all the challenges I dealt with on a day to day basis that tested my
discipline and dedication with how badly I wanted to do this. I wanted more
than anything to be better than the person I was before.
This journey has not only made me a better person but it
also gave me confidence about myself that I needed. Comp prep was everything I
expected and more. It did exactly what I wanted it to do. It has challenged me
in every way possible from the food to the workouts. I look at what I have
accomplished and what I have learned about myself through this process and it
truly amazes me. I learned that if I want something bad enough I will do
anything to get it. I’ve learned that I am stronger than I ever gave myself
credit for. I am disciplined, have the drive and focus to accomplish whatever I
want in life. It has made me a more confident person and believer in myself. I
couldn’t be prouder of the person I am becoming!
The one thing that will always stay with me is what I have
been telling myself from the beginning of this journey is I am my only
competition when I am on stage and even more so when I am off. Nothing can stop
me from what I want to accomplish but me! So, in my eyes, I am already a winner
no matter the outcome because I did everything I said I couldn’t do and more.
That to me is priceless and worth more than first place. I am so happy and
grateful I decided to do this and can’t wait to make my debut on stage!!
But even after I saw my sister compete I still wasn’t really
sold. I knew what to expect because I saw her go through it. I saw all the
foods she couldn’t have at the end of it and how much time she had to put in at
the gym. I thought I could never do this
because I love food way too much. Anyone that knows me knows my love for food!
But then something changed and I wanted something more. I was tired of the
excuses I gave myself. I wanted to challenge myself in every way possible and I
knew competing would do that. My sister was the first one to tell me I could do
this. I was shocked at how confident in me she was. I talked with her about it
and told her my worries mainly about the food I know I wouldn't be able to
have. But then she said, it's not like you won't ever have the foods you love
ever again. And I realized she was right. It would only be for a period of time
where I couldn't have what I wanted. Right then I knew I wanted to compete not
only to see myself physically change but also to see my mentality change. I
needed to do this to prove to myself that I could. To be able to shut up all
the negative things I kept telling myself. From there, I went to an Elite Heat
Comp prep workshop and learned everything I needed to know. I told Tiffany’s
coach, Malenna I was ready to compete and the rest is history.
So proud of you Ashley!! You look amazing!!
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