I was wondering if there were others here who have competed in sanctioned events. I am go to my first as a competitor in about 6 weeks and my nerves are shot! I have done a bunch of local events both public and private by invite only and I've never been nervous. I belong to the USAPL and am in my final year of masters 1b (45-49)120+ division. The only reason that matters is that I had this bet with myself that I would be benching a certain weight by this time. While I am not anywhere near that, I am right on the edge of the PA state record in my division. A bit harder to do at the end of a class then the beginning I think. I always workup to a really heavy few sessions that make me feel as if I will do at least a respectable job at the meet. Over this last month though I've been feeling like I'm losing strength, even though I'm working out with the exact same weight. It just feels heavier, I can't explain it. It's like I'm self sabotaging the attempt. I'm hoping that putting it down on paper will help me get over the nerves and get back to my old self. I will say that for some stupid reason I'm a bit self conscience about being on stage in a singlet, it's not a pretty sight! I'm thinking about just putting it on and going grocery shopping or something to get over that. I've never been worried about my looks and I know that everyone there does not care what you look like, just what you can lift... Words of wisdom? I need to get over this, it's hurting my progress.