It sounds counterinutitive when you are competing in a fitness contest, but it's true. There are many obstacles that we have to conquer throughout our journey, but you have to keep your eyes on the prize in order to become successful.
Throughout the first half of the 30 Day Fitness Contest, every decision I made was influenced by the idea to graduate into a stronger and healthier version of myself. During the second half of the contest, I was met with obstacles that forced me to modify my plans. An injury took me out of my game. I took time away from the gym to recover, but continued eating clean.
My diet included a half-bowl of cereal each morning. Great Grains cereal is packed with a healthy source of fiber. Without fiber, I do not experience regular bowel movements. My body became intolerant to the cereal and I had to switch to another source of fiber. Later, my second source was rejected and I had an intestinal obstruction. My stomach swelled up and I had pain and no bowel movement for two days. I experienced a total of three obstructions this month, which is a new record for me. Throughout the years, I would only experience one every two months.
I had to make the decision to pull out of the contest. Because of my health issues and injury there was no way I could show my progress in 'after' photos. I was depressed for a short time. I wanted to lead by example and continue motivating each contestant. Then I remembered that 'ftness is not a race, it's a journey' and that this obstacle is apart of my journey. I believe everything happens for a reason and that all of this happened at the right time. If I don't receive proper medical treatment then my condition can worsen or it would happen during a more inconvenient time.
This contest helped me expand my goals and find motivation again. For the first time, my gym routine wasn't about punching faces. It was about becoming stronger. I left my comfort zone and tried out a variety of gyms that challenged me athlethically. Before that, I never stepped foot outside of Evolution Muay Thai, unless I was on a vacation or working. Apart of me is bummed that I did not lose 10 pounds yet, but the other part of me knows that it will still happen. I found motivation again!