
Before You Start Contest Prep: The Do’s & Don’ts of Competing
Want to compete? That doesn’t necessarily mean you should start prep yet. In this episode of Becoming Relentless, I’m breaking down the do’s and don’ts of contest prep — and the things I wish more aspiring competitors considered before choosing a show. We’re talking about the wrong reasons to prep, why contest prep won’t fix your relationship with food or your body, financial readiness, major life changes, and why you should learn to live the lifestyle before taking things to the extreme. I also get into what you SHOULD have in place before prep: consistent nutrition and training, the right coach, open communication, a strong support system, realistic expectations, and a lifestyle that can actually support the demands of competing. And maybe most importantly, we’re talking about mentality. You cannot control who shows up on show day or what the judges decide. You can control your daily actions, the work you put in, the coach you choose, and the physique you bring. Train like you’ve never won. Compete like you’ve never lost. If competing is on your radar for 2027, start here. https://calendly.com/elenoa-mccabe/30min