NPA FINALS
I was unplaced at the finals, which I was really surprised about. However, I felt really good about how I looked and performed so I am not disappointed. As we have said many times, figure and bodybuilding events tend to be hard to workout and this was no different. What I was disappointed about is that I had asked for some instruction in the weeks prior to the the final, with regards to how I should be (lean) and whether my free posing routine needed more movement. I had followed the guidance I was given, but the girls picked in front of me didn’t really match what I had been told and it was a real shock and did make me angry and let down.
I also must have misunderstood what the NPA Trained Figure criteria were, as the girls that placed above me were harder looking, more of a body builder style ripped, which is exactly what I thought we were not supposed to be showing off!!! I am also confused as to the rules of balance, symmetry and proportion which somewhere seemed to go amiss.
Right now, it is frustrating and feels like a waste of my time and effort, although I am sure it is the emotions of the event. Simon has told me from day 1 that 1st place isn’t winning, it is a personal thing and to disregard what any judge says, “to always be proud of what you have done and how you present yourself”.
As for what next, I am not sure. This experience has made me think twice about competing again with the NPA, so right now I am just taking some time to think things through. I love competition of any kind, whether that be sports performance or figure/fitness, but when you want to win, you want to know clearly the rules of the game or you don’t have a chance.
Thanks to you all for your support and messages of good luck. It is really nice to have so many people supporting me and on my side. In fact, right after the places were awarded, the first thing I thought about was “right, time to go back to work” and to getting back to working with you all.
See you at the gym or speak soon,
Hannah x