Apprime Fit by Michelle Blank Blog #8
"Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart."~ Unknown
There are friends and then there are true friends.With your true friends you find yourself wanting to be part of the special moments in their life, be it a wedding, graduation, or earning their IFBB Pro Card. This past weekend I got to do just that.
I first met Danielle Delikat at my first fitness competition in 2009.I had never been to a body building competition let alone compete in one. When I got there I was the only Fitness competitor so the competition was going to be pretty easy for me, to say the least.The only fitness competitor I had ever talked to was my coach so I was bummed to be the only competitor. Danielle was hanging out at the show with her boyfriend photographer Jeff Binns and immediately befriended me when she realized I was a fitness competitor. She was also an NPC fitness competitor. She hung out with me all day through prejudging and finals.Her passion for the fitness division made me fall in love with competing even though I had no competition that day.
I was the only competitor and had the option of not doing my routine during the finals.For me doing my routine was the best part of competing.I loved the ability to perform and show the beauty of muscles through the strength move combinations, tumbling, and flexibility the fitness routine demonstrated.Though it was an easy win, I had a blast and Danielle helped make that experience great.If it weren't for Danielle's friendliness,her excitement at seeing me on stage and enthusiasm for the fitness division, I may have never competed again.
Shortly after the competition, both Danielle and I moved from the Philad
elphia area.We kept in touch, but I was shocked when I arrived at my next competition, Jr. Nationals, and there was Danielle.I had no idea she was going to be competing and was so excited she was there.Jr. Nationals was only my second competition and the first time I was competing among other fitness competitors.It was so comforting to know someone.
I’ve got to say the fitness competitors are a truly amazing group of women. Not only are they incredible athletes, but inspiring, energetic and kindhearted individuals. We had a two hour power blackout after warm-ups which gave us a chance to bond, an injury to a fellow competitor which we all showed great compassion, costume issues we assisted each other with andthe list goes on.All the fitness competitors pulled together to make it for a fantastic and fun competition.
Danielle did not make the top five that competition, but you would have never known it.She was right there by my side the entire competition, cheering me on.Her support was incredible and brings tears to my eyes when I think back to that competition.I won our class that night and earned my pro card.It’s because of her enthusiasm of the sport, her sportsmanshipand friendship which helped me to realize what an honor it was to become an IFBB Pro.
Since that competition, Danielle and I have become “True Friends”.I was lucky enough to have Danielle with me when I earned my pro card and I wanted to be there when she won hers.After seeing her compete in St. Louis in March, I believed Danielle had made the improvements she needed to become Pro.She initially decided to focus on her school work and to skip the National competitions this year.I supported her in this decision as focusing on education is important for her future career.However, I was ecstatic when I found out she decided to compete in the North American’s.
Feeling so strongly in her capabilities to earn her pro card and not wanting to miss in sharing that event with her, I decided I had to be there.To avoid making her more nervous, I did not tell her I was coming and arrived just before finals began.Danielle rocked her rout
ine!!!I was so proud! There was no doubt she had won.After her routine she came out from backstage. When she saw me she was shocked and thrilled!It was an incredible feeling.Later that night she was named as the winner of her class and new IFBB Fitness Pro.I think I may have been more excited for her than when I earned my pro card.She had made the improvements over the past two years to earn that pro card.Throughout that time she never lost her enthusiasm for the sport and had always supported all the fitness competitors she came across.She is a true advocate for the Fitness Division and the IFBB Pro Fitness Division is honored to have her among theranks!!!Congratulations Danielle!You are a true professional and a true friend!!!
Follow up on Operation Get Mom-Mom Moving:
I am happy to say mom-mom has been consistently going to the gym twice a week.She is still struggling with what to eat, but she is trying to do better.She has promised me she will go to the senior center. Mom-mom I know you are reading this so this is the week, time to put that promise in motion! I know you will enjoy yourself.
Mom,you once told me you’re not a quitter and you were right and I expect the same of you.If you continue to say the same things over and over again and you’re getting the same result then it’s time to change your approach.No giving up, use more compassion!
I am also happy to report, as a result of my last blog, my good friend Derek decided to visit his parents to celebrate their birthdays and anniversary.Such an honor to know I’ve made a positive difference in someone else’s life.Thank you RX Girl for giving me an outlet!
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