12 Days Out From The IFBB Tournament of Champions

Well, I am back at it again. My last figure competition was back in February of this year. I am now just 12 days out from competing at the Tournament of Champions in Culver City, CA on September 11th. There is just one difference between now and then, I have decided to make the switch from figure to bikini. This is the first year they are allowing bikini at the Olympia and I figured, "What the Heck"!

This was not an easy decision for me because I absolutely love competing on the figure stage, but in the end I decided that change is good. I have been competing in figure for the past 7 years and I certainly have the 7 year itch. I am excited to try something new and I also think that my body type is better built for bikini. I think what had hurt me at the pro level is that I cannot put on a lot of muscle so I feel that what they are looking for in bikini is easier for my body to obtain.

Has my training changed? Yes, it has changed a little. I now don't have to worry about lifting as heavy and my joints are thanking me. I also can run more and do more track workouts than I normally do because I don't have to worry about burning muscle. Don't get me wrong, I have worked very hard for my muscle tone but I can do more intense cardio and not worry so much about losing size.

My diet has also been a bit easier. I still have to eat very clean, but it is not as intense as my diet preparation for a figure show. I want to come in a little bit softer than I did back in February so I will have about 3 extra pounds on me by the time I take to the stage.

The posing has taken a little bit to get used to, but I am looking forward to just having fun on stage. The judges want to see a lot of personality on stage, which comes naturally to me. I like the fact that I don't have to squeeze my muscles, which makes the posing much easier as well.

Don't get me wrong, bikini prep has still been hard and I have hit my workouts with the same intensity. It is just different and different is what I needed for the remainder of this season. I am curious to see how I will fair and who knows, maybe I will cross back over to figure? You can go to my website at www.karenmullarkey.com for updates backstage on the 11th. You can also find updates on my fan page on facebook.

Remember....."No Excuses and that's No Mullarkey"!

Karen Mullarkey
IFBB Pro
www.karenmullarkey.com
"No Mullarkey" Personal Training