Preparing for My First Calisthenics Competition: Weeks 7-9
this post is still a work in progress. come back at a later time to see it in its final form✨
last updated: Jul 31, 2026
Week 7
I’m PMSing and I’m 4kg heavier than when I started 7 weeks ago.
The water retention with some of the weight will be gone in a week, but I still don’t understand where the other extra kilos are coming from?
Eating-wise I’ve been more in a calorie deficit than in a surplus. But I doubt I’ve already gained that much muscle mass within 7 weeks?
My spirits has been really low this week.
A stressful client at work, a collegue I liked being laid off, and overall bodily unease.
Thankfully, none of that stopped me from continuing my workout plan and showing up four times per week.
I slightly adjusted the exercises to match my energy level and made sure to be extra gentle with myself.
Observing heavy, judgmental thoughts and anxieties with an extra layer of compassion.
This too shall pass.
Week 8
I’m really nervous.
The competition date is getting closer.
Have I already mentioned that I’m by no means a pro athlete, but doing this for fun and for the experience?
Imposter syndrome is creeping in, and I feel the need to downplay myself and my progress in a weird way.
My mind is seeking many new ways to embarrassment, disappointment, and agony.
A part of me wants to keep this whole thing low-key. I already stopped mentioning the competition in conversation with other people, because I want to protect my peace. I thought about stopping writing about it, in case it turns out to be a disappointment, and I wouldn’t be strong enough to share this vulnerable bit with the internet.
Another part wants to keep documenting and talking about the passion that gives me endless joy.
I don’t want to set my hopes too high to achieve a good result.
I don’t want to ruin this experience with too much self-doubt and comparison.
At this point, it’s all a mental game.
I can choose not to suffer by stopping comparing myself to other amazing athletes who had an entirely different journey than I did.
I can choose to put my focus again on my next steps and fill every moment with presence and intention.
I think for me, a competition is not primarily about how good the others are, but how much of my own potential I can unleash being in the presence of others who are pushing their own boundaries.
Maybe in the end, we are pushing boundaries together.
I don’t know if I’m trying to bring a harmonious, collective perspective to competition, because I don’t want to admit that I like being the best.
Being first.
Is this a bad ego thing to want? And what happens if I get last? How can I detach myself from the outcome?
You see, there’s a lot going on in my mind.
In the end, I always come back to peace and surrender.
I want to show up, have fun, give my absolute best, and let God decide the outcome.
And enjoy the journey until then.
this post is part 3/3 of my preparations