Canuck Corner Installment #16
See Ya Later 2012!
Well it is here folks – A new year, new beginnings 
and new opportunities!
I cannot believe that 2012 has come to a close so quickly. Since receiving my invitation to compete in the Arnold Classic last week, I have been feverishly planning my competition approach with my new coach and trainer Damian Segovia of AZ Pro Physiques, and am really excited for all that 2013 will bring! Damian has certainly demonstrated a fresh perspective on my approach to shows, and I truly feel that 2013 is going to be my best competitive season yet. If you aren’t improving you are going to be surpassed – so as I resolve to evolve and come in streamlined and ‘shrink wrapped’ in 2013, I have learned a few lessons this past year which will not be forgotten:
-quantity does not necessary mean quality –> I will not be doing as many shows this year!
-voicing my opinion –> if something is stalling or not working in your program say something. The only person who loses out is you if you don’t at least express your thoughts.
-stay focused –> No matter what life throws at you, focus on what makes you happy and hurl your energy at that. The rest doesn’t matter nor deserve your time.
-listen to your body –> I was tired after the Olympia and despite having a good showing at the Ft Lauderdale Cup in October, I sprained my ankle a week later because I was over taxing my body. Rest is imperative.
So with January upon us, there are a few certainties: the gym will be full of “NY resolutions” (of whom 90% will cease and desist by February), those who are competing in March and April will be in full competition prep mode (WHOHOO!!!!), and Canada has officially become an icebox of which I am an unfortunate sufferer. To that end I treated myself to a new winter coat, new boots, new jackets and booties for my doggies, and of course the customary onslaught of cozy hoodies and sweatpants in which I live in between the hours of 6-9 pm.
As the Arnold Sports Festival is now only 8 weeks away, I am absolutely thrilled to be stepping on stage with the best in the biz (IFBB Pro Figure biz that is), and have been giddy with thoughts of stepping on stage Friday, March 1st in front of tens of thousands of people, at the Greater Columbus Convention Centre. This is going to be insane!!!! I have ordered my suit, shoes, tan and am so ready for this moment. The last time I stepped on the Arnold Stage was as an Amateur in 2008 – I won my class that year in a field of 15 competitors, and it was an absolutely exhilarating experience. I have learned so much since then and cannot wait to experience the chills and thrills once more. I’ve attached a pic from the 2008 event – my how the times have changed!
For anyone interested in at
tending the Arnold Sports Festival you can purchase tickets at www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and the expo runs from fri-sun, with events starting as early as Thursday the 28th February (including a “Meet the Pros” event :) .
In closing I have a few thank you notes to send out – no woman is on an island!
IFBB and Jim Lorimer – thank you for all that you do for your athletes, and of course for my invitation to the 2013 Ms Figure International!
Rodney Dupont and Nutrabolics – thank you for being an amazing sponsor for the past 3 years. Go team Nutra!
JM Manion and Team FMG – I am delighted to be part of such an amazing and successful group of athletes – Boss man you rock!
Damian Segovia – thank you for your no BS approach to all that you do, and giving my head a shake – let’s rock out 2013!
Shannon Lynch – thank you for being the most supportive friend a girl could ask for!
Family, Friends and Fans – thank you for supporting me through yet another year in the IFBB, and continuing to follow my fitness journey with both enthusiasm and positivity. It means the world to me!
So as we kick 2012 to the curb let’s focus on the great things that lie ahead!
http://nataliewaplesfitness.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/arnold-amateur.jpg
On stage in my one piece at the Greater Columbus Convention Centre
Yours in health,
Natalie Waples
IFBB Figure Pro
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