WOW!!!! I cannot put into words what an amazing journey this has been. Saturday was an experience I will not soon forget. I struggled for years with body image issues, and I felt like I just kicked that right in the face. Not because I looked the "best" because I didn't, not because I came in 5th and not last, but because I could stand there and be proud of who I was and how far I had come. Also because I gave 110% to my training and diet, and worked harder than I ever thought possible.
TO be honest the "Show" part wasn't my favorite aspect of the process, yes the being on stage and showing off my hard work was very cool and not as scary as I thought it would be. The prep of the day was exhausting, and very high maintenance. I do have a girly side, but I'm typically more comfy in a jeans and flip flops.. So the tan, makeup, clear heals glamour part of the show was a little much for me. Still, I will do it again, I LOVED having a goal. Now I have a new goal, to further enhance my fitness level and see how well I can do starting in much better shape.
I had a great day yesterday celebrating with friends and enjoying a fabulous, homemade, low sugar stevia sweetened Sandi-rita!! And its official I am a lightweight now.. I can honestly say booze has lost its appeal to me. I will enjoy a drink here and there but it will not be the norm for me anymore. Honestly not because its "bad" i really just don't want it.
This for me is a lifestyle not a diet, I just prefer to eat clean, and I can see how much its paid off. The great thing is that I can still indulge here and there, its funny my "cheats" have even become healthier. I want an organic dark chocolate peanut butter cup, or some baked sweet potato french fries.. I have learned it is just too easy to eat healthy, and we make it so hard with these wacky diets that are hard to follow. Or we convince our selves we are too busy to eat right, sorry that one is the worst excuse, taking 5-10 minutes out to prep my meals for the day is not hard at all, and I feel so much better.
So I will continue to blog, I think it will be cool to see how training for my second show will go. I will still be eating "clean" but will tone it down in the gym for the next 2 weeks to give my body time to heal. I'll walk, run, do some yoga and total body functional stuff, its very hard for me to "rest" I am all geared up and want to hit the gym hard, but I have been warned to not over train...
Thanks to everyone for all your support, to my family and Husband for cheering me on and putting up with me through the good and bad, to Marie and Carrie for being there to support me (Carrie for making me look beautiful, you are so talented!!) Yenny for posing classes and your diet plan, you are a true Pro and have inspired me so much, and to my trainer, I would not have come this far with out him, in a word GENIUS!!
ON TO THE NEXT ONE!!
blogger
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Final week!
So its finally here: one week out from the Show. Feeling a lot of different things right now, I'm excited, nervous, horrified, relieved its almost over, and exhausted.. I have lost 25 pounds total since I started this adventure. I had no idea if I could actually finish, it hasn't been easy but I can honestly say I'm not sure I could have worked any harder or have been any more committed. I do look forward to training for an Oct show, now that I am in significantly better shape.
This week coming will be the hardest yet in regards to diet. I will basically be living on ground chicken or turkey breast and veggies for all 5 meals till Thursday, for Thurs and Fri I am supposed to add some carbs back, Carb loading to fill up the muscles, this makes me nervous, I have never done this so I don't know how my body will respond.. A friend of mine Yenny is a figure pro and she designed my diet, so with all her success and experience I know I am in great hands! I will be drinking only distilled water and cutting my intake down as I get closer to Sat, also using supplements to help rid excess water weight. Of course I am taking all of this very serious, but my goal for my first show wasn't to win or even place for that matter, I just wanted to give 110% to training and finish and more importantly NOT bite the dust on stage in my bedazzled sea green figure suit and clear heels.
I have learned so much about diet/exercise and what my body is capable of if willing to push my limits and truly challenge myself. I can honestly say I would not have come half a far with out Joe, my personal trainer. He just knows his stuff and literally transformed not only my physique but my way of thinking when it comes to training. When I first reached out to him about training I told him I only needed him for leg day, because "I had my plan all mapped out". He said ok, but asked if he could see my intended routine.. In the nicest possible way he ripped my workout to shreds and we completely started over. He designed my program based on my needs, strengths and many weaknesses. So my idea of meeting with him once a week turned into 3-4 times per week for all my strength training, functional training days and boxing. He taught me that my needs were different in regards to training, something that works for someone else isn't necessarily what will work for my body and fitness goals. My goal was to compete in a show, so my training had to match that. It would have been tough to get there with my original plan, He pushed me to do things that I would NEVER have attempted to try on my own. He takes his work so serious and just understands there is not a once size fits all approach to training. Looking back I can see all the mistakes I was making before.. Thanks Joe!! Your the best:) (Granted I get a little credit, I work hard doing my best NOT to bitch and moan (most days;), and my diet was just as strict as my training.)
So I'm excited and nervous, and looking forward to feeling normal again, although it will be a new normal. I worked my ass off and have seen amazing results, I look forward to being able to indulge on occasion, but will continue to train hard and eat clean.. I will blog after the show, this week will be crazy with all the prep work.. But I just wanted to thank everyone for your support, especially my family who may have not always understood what or why I was doing this, but still helped me through the process!! Saturday is sure to be an interesting day... Wish me luck!!
This week coming will be the hardest yet in regards to diet. I will basically be living on ground chicken or turkey breast and veggies for all 5 meals till Thursday, for Thurs and Fri I am supposed to add some carbs back, Carb loading to fill up the muscles, this makes me nervous, I have never done this so I don't know how my body will respond.. A friend of mine Yenny is a figure pro and she designed my diet, so with all her success and experience I know I am in great hands! I will be drinking only distilled water and cutting my intake down as I get closer to Sat, also using supplements to help rid excess water weight. Of course I am taking all of this very serious, but my goal for my first show wasn't to win or even place for that matter, I just wanted to give 110% to training and finish and more importantly NOT bite the dust on stage in my bedazzled sea green figure suit and clear heels.
I have learned so much about diet/exercise and what my body is capable of if willing to push my limits and truly challenge myself. I can honestly say I would not have come half a far with out Joe, my personal trainer. He just knows his stuff and literally transformed not only my physique but my way of thinking when it comes to training. When I first reached out to him about training I told him I only needed him for leg day, because "I had my plan all mapped out". He said ok, but asked if he could see my intended routine.. In the nicest possible way he ripped my workout to shreds and we completely started over. He designed my program based on my needs, strengths and many weaknesses. So my idea of meeting with him once a week turned into 3-4 times per week for all my strength training, functional training days and boxing. He taught me that my needs were different in regards to training, something that works for someone else isn't necessarily what will work for my body and fitness goals. My goal was to compete in a show, so my training had to match that. It would have been tough to get there with my original plan, He pushed me to do things that I would NEVER have attempted to try on my own. He takes his work so serious and just understands there is not a once size fits all approach to training. Looking back I can see all the mistakes I was making before.. Thanks Joe!! Your the best:) (Granted I get a little credit, I work hard doing my best NOT to bitch and moan (most days;), and my diet was just as strict as my training.)
So I'm excited and nervous, and looking forward to feeling normal again, although it will be a new normal. I worked my ass off and have seen amazing results, I look forward to being able to indulge on occasion, but will continue to train hard and eat clean.. I will blog after the show, this week will be crazy with all the prep work.. But I just wanted to thank everyone for your support, especially my family who may have not always understood what or why I was doing this, but still helped me through the process!! Saturday is sure to be an interesting day... Wish me luck!!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
17 days to go.. Crunch time.
This week it really started to hit me that in less then 3 weeks I will be walking on stage showing off all my hard work. Im scared to DEATH, but trying to get over my fears and just do it. I had my first posing class on Sunday with my friend Yenny who is a fitness Pro, so happy to be learning from her!! Its more then just walking out on stage, and to be honest I don't feel very good at it. It feels a little cheesy, and something I might laugh at.. But I need to get over it and work it the best I can.
I am down 22 pounds since I started training for the show. I am blown away at how much I have changed, not just physically but mentally as well. I am planning another show for the fall but I look forward to feeling "normal" again, not that I will go back to my old ways, honestly I just want some fruit!! Eating so clean has made simple things feel like an indulgence, 1/2 a cup of sweet potatoes on my "high" carb day tastes like candy, and a rice cake with almond butter and sugar free jelly is just AMAZING!!
This week my cardio drastically increased, 2 hrs on cardio days ( hour at 5 am and hour later in evening) and an hour on my training days. Its not easy as my carbs are significantly lower, but having only 17 days to go keeps me motivated!
I don't always feel so upbeat, not going to lie, there are days when I want to cry and sometimes I do. I can be a bitch, ask my trainer or my family. I try my best not to complain, no one if forcing me to do this, I chose to to do this. Overall its been amazing, excited for the show!!
I am down 22 pounds since I started training for the show. I am blown away at how much I have changed, not just physically but mentally as well. I am planning another show for the fall but I look forward to feeling "normal" again, not that I will go back to my old ways, honestly I just want some fruit!! Eating so clean has made simple things feel like an indulgence, 1/2 a cup of sweet potatoes on my "high" carb day tastes like candy, and a rice cake with almond butter and sugar free jelly is just AMAZING!!
This week my cardio drastically increased, 2 hrs on cardio days ( hour at 5 am and hour later in evening) and an hour on my training days. Its not easy as my carbs are significantly lower, but having only 17 days to go keeps me motivated!
I don't always feel so upbeat, not going to lie, there are days when I want to cry and sometimes I do. I can be a bitch, ask my trainer or my family. I try my best not to complain, no one if forcing me to do this, I chose to to do this. Overall its been amazing, excited for the show!!
Friday, May 28, 2010
4 weeks
Im starting to panic a little, I have a lot to do and very little time. Not so much with training and diet, but with posing and getting my suit ready for the show. I have officially lost 18 pounds and am down to 135. Haven't seen that number in a long time! No matter what happens the day of the show, I am proud of my efforts and accomplishments so far. This is not a one time thing for me, and my attitude towards eating and training have changed drastically..
This process is not only physically demanding but mentally as well. I have heard time and time again how this can be a very lonely sport, and I have experienced that on and off. Unless someone has gone through it, they truly can't relate. This has been the most challenging experience I have yet to have, but also the most rewarding. I've learned so much about myself and what I am capable of doing. For me this this isn't about winning and it never was. This is an individual sport, not that I don't ever thing about the other competitors and how they are training, but at the end of the day its up to me (and thank GOD my trainer) to make sure I am working as hard as I can to get to where I should be.
This process has been trial and error for me. Its my first show, I started training a little later than I would have liked but that only pushed me harder. I wouldn't have gotten half as far with out my trainer, he says I'm the one doing the work, but I would NEVER do half the shit he makes me do on my own.
So tomorrow marks 4 weeks out from the show. I am nervous and excited....
This process is not only physically demanding but mentally as well. I have heard time and time again how this can be a very lonely sport, and I have experienced that on and off. Unless someone has gone through it, they truly can't relate. This has been the most challenging experience I have yet to have, but also the most rewarding. I've learned so much about myself and what I am capable of doing. For me this this isn't about winning and it never was. This is an individual sport, not that I don't ever thing about the other competitors and how they are training, but at the end of the day its up to me (and thank GOD my trainer) to make sure I am working as hard as I can to get to where I should be.
This process has been trial and error for me. Its my first show, I started training a little later than I would have liked but that only pushed me harder. I wouldn't have gotten half as far with out my trainer, he says I'm the one doing the work, but I would NEVER do half the shit he makes me do on my own.
So tomorrow marks 4 weeks out from the show. I am nervous and excited....
Monday, May 17, 2010
6 weeks to go
So I have 6 weeks till the show.. Not gonna lie, felt like a total basket case this weekend.. I had a lot of doubts whether or not I'm where I should be, I guess that's normal as I have never done anything like this before. I had a great chat with a friend who is currently training for a figure show about 4 weeks after mine.. It was a much needed therapy session, having someone who could 100% relate, give great advice and just validate some of my craziness was so nice..... I had some major concerns about the 6 week out diet. She gave me some great advice which I began to apply this week. I am trying "carb cycling" which is more carbs on high intensity training days, and low to moderate carb on less intense or non training days. The idea is to not allow your body to plateau, helping to boost your metabolism.. Here's hoping it works for me!!
Its scary because at this point its all trial and error.. At this point no fruit till the show, and it takes my diet to a new level of strictness. Fortunately I am so focused and had time to adjust so hopefully I will be ok.. She did tell me to prepare for some hell days as I get closer... Its not easy some days to do this, I have kids a house and a husband to take care of, thankfully they have all been incredibly supportive. My kids do not see this as a diet, Olivia says "Mommy we are all eating clean!" She is a huge fan of oatmeal and strawberries, and she apologizes if she eats a cookie in front of me, says she wishes I could have one too!
Its scary because at this point its all trial and error.. At this point no fruit till the show, and it takes my diet to a new level of strictness. Fortunately I am so focused and had time to adjust so hopefully I will be ok.. She did tell me to prepare for some hell days as I get closer... Its not easy some days to do this, I have kids a house and a husband to take care of, thankfully they have all been incredibly supportive. My kids do not see this as a diet, Olivia says "Mommy we are all eating clean!" She is a huge fan of oatmeal and strawberries, and she apologizes if she eats a cookie in front of me, says she wishes I could have one too!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A little over 6 weeks to go!
This morning started off great. I weighed in at 137, down a total of 16 pounds! It was the boost I needed to make it through today's insane workout by Joe: a cardio day consisting of boxing and crazy stuff on the basket ball court.. suicides, jumps over hurdles, plate pushing, ladders, etc... It was awesome and a needed switch from the stairmaster, row machine and running. After getting yelled at the day before for sucking ass, I tried my best to push through without stopping..
I am fighting for every pound, trying hard not too focus too much on the scale but I have yet to do my body fat so its a good gauge for me right now, so are my jeans which I am down at least 2 sizes!
This Saturday will start the six week countdown. I need to start learning my "stage walk" and posing.. this will be the hardest part for me.. I am so afraid of walking out on that stage, I have nightmares, so I best be prepared!!
Friday, May 7, 2010
7 weeks to go..
This was a great week.. I am officially in the 130's, 138 to be exact, down a total of 15 pounds proof that dedication and of course a great trainer pays off. I feel great, although need some new clothes!! Not a bad thing. I have 51 days till the show and I am so motivated to keep kicking my ass. Yes its a lot of work, but also incredibly rewarding. This entry is short, sorry but the B's, C's and Sox are on tonight;) New Pics coming soon!!!
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