I am writing this while waiting backstage for the awards to be made. It’s “dead” time, so I thought I’d make it productive 😀 Dragos wrote me that Rares finally fell asleep. It was active throughout the day. He saw Mommy compete in both events.
But let’s start from the beginning.
22 June 2019. Miami.
What a day! Rareș was up all night, he cried, he was having trouble sleeping. I honestly wasn’t thinking about having a contest, I just wanted to soothe him to sleep, as we were all tired.
The show was different from other years. I refer to the hours and the order of the categories.
We raced around 2pm local time with the first race.
Around 4 I nursed Rareș, and at 6 pm it was round 2 with the Fitness exercise.
In the break between the two, I was split between the two worlds: backstage: well-crafted bodies and competition-ready athletes, and the audience: family and close friends. I seemed to disconnect the moment I picked up Rars, changed him or fed him. Then I was back in the zone full of excitement and competition.
I didn’t race in the second part of the day until 8pm and my body felt it. I started yawning after 6pm and felt soft. My stomach felt small, I had big emotions.
From the side, behind the curtains, I could see Rares, who was on the left side of the stage, first row. I couldn’t believe I was back there again, in the back, ready to take the stage. I couldn’t believe that Rares was watching me. She was sitting quietly in a friend’s arms, and Dragos was ready with his camera to film me as soon as I entered the stage. My whole body trembled and my eyes seemed to water. Everything was different from other years. The feeling of motherhood was mixed with that of a professional athlete ready to conquer the ultimate title.
I thought to myself:
“-You’ve worked so hard, you’re here to prove to yourself that you can do anything, and be an example of discipline and ambition for Rareș”
And they called my name. I stepped onto the stage. The music started. And I started living in the moment. But it was all so real. I could hear the cheers from the hall, the bright lights were beating directly in my face. My body was shaking. But it was fine. 95%. Being in the theater all day and competing very late, plus the excitement of being a mom and competing, made my heart pound. I couldn’t believe I had gotten where I wanted to be. Although I always believed in myself and the process. But this time it was different.
Update: “The winner is Anca Bucur from Romania” wow. I don’t believe it! Although I felt like I had the complete package, but still thought, would I get my 6th title?
This trophy is for Rareș, for the mother who loves Queen (the theme of the exercise) and for me: Anca Bucur as mother.
I have to say thanks. I start obviously with my family who have always supported and encouraged me. Mother, father, sister, brother. My loves, Dragos and Rareș, my biggest supporters.
Bogdan Boanta and Cocuta (from Cobodance), for their time and wonderful ideas. The Fitness Exercise was also a success thanks to them.
I had moments where I cried, from excitement, from tiredness, from pain, but the training was a success. I felt like the “inspiration and motivation” for me is me. I’ve proven that to myself:
I can do anything you set your mind to in life.
We create the balance ourselves.
Happiness comes from all the things we experience 100%. Weaknesses make you stronger, and love gives you wings to fly away 🙂
So I’m adding the title with #6. Although I came here with the thought of savoring the moment and being a beautiful example for my son. Family comes first for me, that’s why I wanted them close. Glad I was able to find balance and take care of what matters to me 🙂
The holiday is next. In Miami, and then Chicago. I can’t wait! Family and battery charging 🙂
Thank you for all the messages of encouragement. I got a lot of them. I couldn’t answer them all, but I saw them.
Believe in yourself!
And Live active and healthy 🙂
AB
