Calm before the storm :/

What have I gotten myself into? I have registered for my very first bodybuilding competition on August 10 in the DC area. I will be competing in the bikini and fitness model division. Now, most who know me know I am very involved in weightlifting and fitness in general. Some may say maybe I'm little bit too much into it, but I figure its a healthy habit to have. I go to the gym almost every day and have religiously followed Jamie Eason's 12- week plan, which I modifed as I was already lifting pretty regularly. I even ran my last (for now) full marathon this past January, so very fit I have always been. But, my boyfriend, a marine- turned personal trainer, began encouraging me that I may want to consider competing. I took it lightly at first, but the more I trained, and the more people began taking notice of my physique change, I started to seriously consider it. So, I registered for the OCB Presidential Cup. Now I'm thinking, crap, no turning back now. No more midnight munchies (how can I part with my beloved fruity pebbles, the Tomas burger, or the pretzarellaronis (invented by us, may let you all in on it later :o), and no more skipping breakfast. Now, don't get me wrong: I know what the diet is like, because I've followed it most of my adult life. But, I work out so often and so hard (I also do pole dancing 2 to 3 times per week) that I was able to get away with less- quality food choices and not really have it affect my physique. But, I'm going to be on stage with women who are cut to shreds and have done it right- so I will, too. Part of the reason I'm doing this, though, is like so many women, the media has portrayed an ugly image of beauty for us: bone skinny, zero muscle tone (no ass) models, that I, being all of 5'3" and 112 pounds, could break them in two with no effort. How is that pretty? Having a nice round firm butt, athletic and toned legs, flat abs, and sexy shapely arms is what is pretty because it is HEALTHY. I want to try to change the concept of beauty to women FOR women. Being a stick is not attainable by very many, and usually by eating just enough to stay awake, no joke. Or, they eat and purge, we all know this. But, being in bikini, fitness model, or figure shape is totally attainable by all. It doesn't matter your shape, size, age, kids or no kids- anyone can be healthy and fit and the best each individual body type can be. If I can help at least one girl realize this and have her change her lifestyle for the better, then it will all be worth it :)