Back to Normal

So I am feeling back to normal today and functioning well after all that sleep. I think I got my mojo back…lol

Even after the 17hrs sleeping, I still went to bed again last night at 9:30pm and slept until my alarm at 4:15am.

I completed a small workout this morning; 3 sets of 30sec fast feet, 30sec scissors, 30sec squat pulse, 30sec side lunges and 30sec high knees.

I finally started to feel better yesterday afternoon, thankfully it wasn’t the flu, and so I pushed myself to complete a couple of high intensity workouts at home.

Workouts were as follows:

#1 Stop watch set for 10 minutes. Challenge is to see how many burpees can be completed in this time frame, I got 90 in total.

Abs: 20 reverse crunches, 20 swiss ball to bench, 20 hanging leg raises and 20/side oblique weighted crunch x 3 sets

#2 Completed with my hubby when he got home.

3 sets: 10 Chest press off swiss ball, (chin up), Bent over rows (10 regular and 10 reverse grip), (chin up), 20 front raise, (chin up), 1 minute static wall sit, (chin up), 1 minute plank (chin up)

4 sets: 25 high knees and 25 jumping jacks

Today is Halloween and there are goodies all around but it hasn’t bothered me so far. I feel really good today and I can’t wait to get to the gym. My only concern is that I won’t get home early enough to give out treats to the kiddies. I love that part of Halloween.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

It’s also the last day of my shift for 5 days so the goal this weekend is to complete some great workouts and pay up for the day of rest, catch up on cooking and cleaning, shop for work out gear for photo shoots and get my hair cut and highlighted.

Next shift, I am only working November 6 to November 9 and then I am off for the remainder of that shift to relax, prep and primp for the show. There is a lot going on that week actually and I want to enjoy it without having to worry about 4:30am mornings and work. I also want to document everything with pictures for a memory book of my first ever fitness show.

Currently I am16 days out, I practiced my T-walks yesterday and my quarter turns again. I think I have those figured out now. We have another posing class on Monday so I’ll get opinions then on what I have come up with. I am concerned that my suit is still not here, which means I haven’t tried it on and I don’t even know if it fits. That makes me nervous!

Other than the missing suit right now everything else seems to be on track, I will be working back and doing cardio tonight, and tomorrow I see Andrew. I haven’t really noticed much change in my body in the last few days but Andrew hasn’t seen me in a week, so he may see some differences. Fingers crossed!

I honestly can’t believe the competition is only 16 days away; the time went by so fast when I look back on it. There have been numerous struggles and obstacles along the way and I can say without a doubt that this is by far the most grueling thing I have ever done in my life. I have gone through some pretty tough emotional things but nothing that takes a toll on so many areas of your life at once; it can be very physically, emotionally and mentally draining.

Right now with it being so close, I am mostly concentrating on ensuring everything is ready and lists are completed, trying to get over the fear as well as practicing and practicing again T-walks and posing. The workouts and diet are really second nature to me now so it has become a normal part of everyday life.

I am looking forward to relaxing and enjoying a week of prepping, primping and photo shoots. I just want to get over the nervousness and fear so that I can really enjoy the experience!

Exhaustion

Exhaustion has taken over my whole body. I am completely drained and depleted; and now know what real exhaustion feels like. Every limb, muscle and joint in my body feels heavy and it's draining just to walk up the stairs.

I left work around 1pm yesterday because I wasn't feeling the best; tired, headache and my body just hurt. Came home, practically crawled upstairs, landed on the bed and slept for 2 hours. I got up because I was starving, ate and fell asleep again for another 2 hours.

When Kevin came home, I had just gotten up again so we had supper, I had a bath and we were both in bed by 9:30pm. When the alarm went off this morning there was just no way my body could do it, so I took a sick day and I didn't get out of bed until 10:30am. Since yesterday afternoon, I have slept for a total of 17hrs and to be quite honest I'm not sure I'm done yet. It's so not like me to sleep so much, so I know my body is telling me something.

I'm getting concerned though because I wasn't able to train yesterday and if this morning is any indication of how the rest of the day will be, I won't get anything in today either. My fingers are crossed that I start to get some energy later so I can at least get cardio in.

Luckily, I am fairly certain that it isn't the flu but it is something that needs attention or could turn into the flu; and that, I really don't need at this point. Rest is so important and I haven't been getting an adequate amount to accommodate what I am doing to my body on a daily basis. Hence, the 17 hrs....lol

I want to say a quick thanks to everyone following my blog, some of you I know, as friends on my Facebook page, who have emailed or wrote on my wall with supportive comments and encouragement. I appreciate it more than you know. Support and encouragement are also very important in this process and make a big difference to ones motivation and determination. All your words have motivated me to keep going when I thought I had nothing left, like right now for instance.
My husband, family, friends, work colleagues, people at the gym; it means a lot to know so many people are rooting for me.

18 days until the big day! Although I feel pretty crappy right now, I wouldn't change the decision I made to do this for a second. It has made me so much more aware of my capabilities as a person, of my will power and determination and of my love for fitness. Fit girls really do rock!

Tomorrow is also my last day of shift for 5 days so more time for well deserved rest. I am not going out of town with Kevin this time because I want to focus on everything I have to do, all those lists, on training and on rest. I have to search out my photo shoot work out gear, maybe new runners and I have an appointment for a hair cut and highlights.

So for the remainder of the day, I'm going to be resting and praying that my body catches up on the rest it needs by this evening. I really need to pump out my workout and cardio, however, I won't push it if my body is screaming "no". Tomorrow is another day!

3 weeks out and counting

Again it’s been a few days since I provided an update so you would almost think that I have nothing to talk about or that nothing has been going on. I almost wish that were the case…lol

I have been so busy with so much; I don’t know where to start.

I feel like I am getting the flu but please oh please God, don’t let that be happening. I have 19 days to go yet and I can’t afford to get sick. I have a slight sore throat and I just feel blah. However, I do have the strangest PMS symptoms, one of which is a sore throat so I am hoping that’s all it is. Lack of rest is not helping though and I need to catch up on that and get myself in bed before 11pm at night.

Friday was my last update so as you know I had a course that night plus I worked all day. There was no work out, which was ok because Andrew has been telling me lately that I should consider a rest day every once in a while.

Saturday marked the 3 weeks out point and I am certainly getting excited. Am I still scared and nervous? Most definitely, however I see significant changes quite often now and I am less anxious about being ready body wise and more anxious about presentation on stage. Practice, practice, practice is the key for T-walk, poses and quarter turns.

After my rest day on Friday, I was back at it Saturday morning with a short work out before class. Being that I was in class also meant that I could sleep until 6am; which was a welcome escape from 4:15am, however I am not getting to bed early enough to make it count.

Morning Workout was as follows: 3 sets of

20 triceps dips

10 hanging leg raises

12 elevated pushups

20 calf raises per leg

After class I also headed to the gym and completed my arm workout and cardio. I was having periods of lightheadedness but it seemed to go away later in the day. I still have sore shoulders and bum but I love the feeling because I know the workouts are working.

I also have noticed more body changes; a new vein in my shoulder and I am getting a line going down the middle of my abs. So exciting! My diet is still the same; Andrew hasn’t changed it even though I have been on it for over 2 weeks now. I am not sure that it will change much more at this point.

We also went to a Halloween Party on Saturday night; we dressed up as Popeye and Olive.

It was nice to get out and although there were goodies there; I wasn’t tempted. I stuck to my Perrier and drank 2 liters of water while I there…gotta do whatcha gotta do!

Sunday, I was in class again and I was tired. My head feels like it is a constant mumble, jumble of lists, things to do, planning workouts, diet and so on. I don’t get much time to relax and then with going out it’s tough to keep up. Overall though, it is a fun process. I didn’t do a morning workout but I paid up for it at the gym with total body training and cardio later in the day.

Luckily, I got out of class early enough to hit the gym, go home, clean and cook because my husband had organized us a date night to go to the college theatre to watch a Beatles tribute band, they were great and it was fun. However, it meant once again not getting into bed until almost 11:30pm. I’m so tired!!

So that brings me to today and to be honest, I’m pooped and not feeling well. I am so worried that I am getting sick but praying that I am not. I’m back to work so I was up at 4:30am but once again, I didn’t complete a morning workout and if I don’t feel any better; no workout period.

Things are coming together though overall and I am happy about that. I am currently looking for pose ideas and “sexy” workout gear for my photo shoots as well as finding some unique move for my T-walk. I have most things booked and ordered at this point:

Hair/highlights, make up, suit, shoes, theme wear, jewelry, manicure/pedicure, photo shoots, tanning, waxing, and posing classes, bikini bite, pro-tan and muscle sheen.

I hope that there is nothing that I am forgetting. I am so thankful that I had enough vacation to take the week off before the show because there is so much to do in that time span.

Looking forward to rocking it for another week and seeing what changes I can make happen. A little concerned about my suit arriving on time but I think it’s now on its way at least. Keep your fingers crossed that I don’t get sick!

Personal Bests

I’m in a better mood today for a bunch of reasons I guess.

I got a randomly dialed call from my niece this morning babbling on in her own language and it made my day.

It's my grandmothers 92nd birthday.

My appointment and workout with Andrew last night were phenomenal. I beat some personal bests, he was impressed with how lean I look, told me not to be concerned with the scale and we set up a photo shoot with him at the gym for Wednesday, November 14^th.

I also got the information yesterday for the photo shoot that I won as part of the competition and that one is set up for November 16^th at 11am. I even get makeup and wardrobe like a real model….lol; now I have to research my favorite poses and come up with some sexy work out gear to wear.

Help! Any ideas that you have for poses and sexy work out gear are welcome. So feel free to post any ideas here.

Today, I am taking a day off from work outs, under Andrew’s advice and, because I really won’t have the time anyway. I am in a course all weekend that starts tonight from 7-10pm and since I am working all day; I really couldn’t have fit it in.

I won’t get a day off this shift but at least the course only runs from 8:30-4:30pm on Saturday and Sunday so I will be able to sleep in a little bit.

So back to personal bests; last night I managed to complete a set of 12 hip thrusts with 135lbs first and then get this; another set of 12 with 155lbs. Woot, woot! I also completed high bench step ups with 30lb dumb bells in each hand. My butt is sore today and so are my shoulders from the previous night’s work out but I feel really good.

Tomorrow marks the 3 weeks out point, 21 days until the big day. I think I’ll be ready physically; however emotionally and mentally it’s going to take a little more work. I need to find that confidence, that poise, that “I’m sexy and I know it” attitude…lol

I am scared, nervous, super excited, and anxious but I have worked so damn hard to get here that I want to do my absolute best and feel good about it when I am done. I want to enjoy the day and the days leading up to the show. There are so many exciting things going on that week; photo shoots, spa day, tanning, pampering, athlete meet and no work to make it even better.

21 days to go and still giving it my all.

Discouraged

I am discouraged by the scale yet encouraged by the way my body looks and feels. I went to bed last night feeling so lean and thought for sure that the scale would have moved but alas it has once again NOT budged. I am sitting at 125lbs, all be it, a very lean 125lbs.

Am I disappointed? Most definitely but am I giving up? Not a chance.

I text Andrew right away with the results and since I see him tonight, we’ll judge from there what the next steps will be. Obviously if I look much leaner, have more veins and am tighter, from his point of view, than that’s a good thing. I’ll know more at 6pm.

So yes I am a little discouraged today and I am tired. Getting back into the routine of 4:15am is not agreeing with me and I haven’t made it to bed before 10:30pm yet this week. I’m sleepy and at this rate, I’ll be worn out less than half way through the shift. I even hit snooze on my alarm this morning without knowing that I did and when it went off again 9 minutes later, I was like what, why is my alarm going off at such a weird time?

I didn’t do cardio this morning, I just couldn’t. My body is still a bit sore and I am just too tired. I’ll have to make sure I really rock it again tonight though. Andrew and I are doing a leg work out so it’ll be a good one for sure.

Last night, I did shoulders, one of my favorites and I have some great definition there now, even more so in the last few weeks. Then I completed 25 minute intervals on the treadmill and 20 minutes of intervals on the stepper.

Diet wise I have started not eating my first morning meal until about 8 or 8:30am just because I was noticing that I was hungrier later in the day, when all my meals were used up already. Previously, I was eating my first meal at 5-5:30am before leaving for work but I am finding this way better so far, in terms of being less hungry later.

The last couple of days I have been feeling slightly lightheaded and dizzy at times not sure if it’s the diet or if it’s from lack of rest. 6 hours of sleep per night is not really cutting it. I have to find my groove again and get back into the swing of things; I am finding that there is so much going on that I am always on the spin cycle…lol

I got the name of a lady who is doing the hair for the show so I’ll be talking to her sometime today, with my hair being so short though, I am not sure that I need someone to do it. We’ll see after I talk to her.

I get discouraged like this every week after I step on the scale because I get caught up in that number and I know it’s wise to just throw the scale out the window…lol. I have one pair of size 0 jeans that fits me properly, all my size 2 jeans and pants are too big so that’s another clue that I am leaner. So I really do need to learn to concentrate on that!

Things do feel like they are coming together and I am super excited to show off all my hard work. I think it is going to be an amazing experience overall. It just gets frustrating when you expect certain things to happen and they aren’t happening; especially with all the hard work I am putting into this.

I’m sure that I will feel better tonight after my appointment with Andrew when he looks at me and tells me how lean and great I look. Fingers crossed!

Change Room Etiquette

Today I am back to the fabulous 4:15am wakeup call. Yuk…..it comes way too early!

I am thankful however that yesterday I was in a training course that didn’t start until 9am. Which means an extra day to sleep in a little and the course was finished up by 4:15pm so I got to the gym earlier than normal as well.

My day, although the first one back to work, is going well; I am alert and in a good mood. Hopefully this energy lasts through until after the gym because I am working off only 6 hours of sleep again.

I practiced my posing and walking for 45mins last night after the gym. I am still trying to figure out how I want to do my T-walk poses and which ones I want to use but it’ll come together as I go along.

I am still sore today, last night I couldn’t manage anything for my upper body so I did an interval type leg work out, and tonight will be shoulders and abs.

So here is a topic for discussion; proper change room etiquette, does anyone know what that should be?

I mean do you think it’s appropriate for someone to be standing in the change room, butt-naked with not a care in the world, texting?

Here is the story, I walk into the ladies change room when I get to the gym last night and go to a locker as I always do. On my way, I have to pass this chick that is standing there butt-naked, cell phone in hand, texting. Not a big deal, in one respect, except in the amount of time it takes me to get ready, i.e. remove my long pants and sweatshirt, put BCAA and Creatine in my water, put on and lace my sneakers and so forth, she is still standing there or maybe now sitting on the bench, still BUTT-NAKED!!!! She was doing nothing else, other than texting that whole time and it had to have taken me at least 10-15 minutes to get ready and who knows how long she was standing there before I came in and after I left.

Another time I walked in and there was another chick also standing butt-naked, walking around and she is talking to me, like full on conversation. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that either. I mean where do you look?

Don’t get me wrong, I am not one of those girls that won’t get changed and unclothed in the change room; in fact I do it often. No biggie; we are all women; we all have the same thing. But I don’t flaunt myself around, walk from one point to another; strike up conversations or sit/stand around and text while I am naked or changing. To each their own, I guess, but I kind of thought it odd.

What do you think?

The Big Day is Getting Closer

I haven't written an update in a while mostly because I have been busy. There seems to be so much going on these days.

I have had a great couple of days. I've been in a great mood, have had lots of energy and have gotten lots accomplished. My days off were really great overall; I slept in until 8 or 9am every day, had some really awesome workouts, went on a date with my hubby, completed all my cooking and cleaning and I actually feel refreshed and relaxed.

On Sunday, the weather just got worse so I didn't venture outside but I did complete my training, which included free dancing to a few songs (I turned up some dance music and busted out some moves, it may have looked silly but it got my heart rate up, it was fun and care free), plus cardio intervals and abs.

Monday was trainer day, Andrew and I worked back and holy am I sore. We did chin ups which get me every time. Today my back, abs, triceps and biceps are all so sore.

My diet plan is still rather lack luster but I haven't been overly hungry and I haven’t had any really bad cravings in the last few days. I am noticing some big differences in my body, in terms of getting leaner and I have a couple of more noticeable veins. My body just seems firmer and tighter.

Kevin helped me get into my cat woman outfit again which is starting to look better on as my abs finally seem to be getting tighter. I also tried on a couple of dresses that I had forgotten about which will work for our Christmas parties; it’s amazing how much nicer it feels to try on clothes when you feel better about yourself and your body.

Other updates, Kevin and I are attending a Halloween party this coming weekend and we are going as Popeye and Olive. It's cute and we are looking forward to getting out and socializing a little. I'll be carting along a pack of sparkling water as a substitute for alcohol…lol, which actually doesn't bother me, other than a glass of wine once in a while; I was never a big drinker anyway.

Posing class went very well. It's incredible how tough it is to do the poses, do them properly and continuously smile. We practiced the T-walks and the quarter turns and now that I have an idea of what it all involves, I am more excited and a little more confident.

The posing does require a lot of practice however, so this has added another 45mins to an hour to my daily routine. I’ve been putting on my beach bikini and my show shoes at home and practicing both the walk and the poses. My husband being the sweetheart that he is told me last night, that I look great and that he thinks I can even win this thing; I know he is supposed to say that….lol but still what a sweetie!

So what else is new? Let’s see. The photo shoot that I won is taking place on Friday, November 16^th, the day before the show. Super excited about that! I am also planning on doing a photo shoot with Andrew as well; he is going to do some gym shots and other variations. There is the athlete meeting the evening before the event, where we will be able to practice our walks and wearing our shoes on stage.

As nervous as I am, it seems the more I talk about it now, the more excited I get. I am looking forward to it so much.

We are almost 3 weeks out now. 3 weeks to keep busting my butt at the gym, keep giving 100% to my diet and practice, practice, practice the stage walk and posing.

Will Power

I am sitting here this morning on my couch, pjs on, relaxing, green tea in hand, watching the snow fall. As much as I think it's too early for this weather and hate to see it in one respect; it is also so peaceful to watch.

I have "Hold On" playing in the background to keep reminding me of why I am doing this and how much I want it. This morning I need it; the diet is getting tough and I want something different so badly.

Will Power- it's a tough thing to maintain. So how do I do it? Sometimes I wonder about that myself. Focus, keeping busy, talking myself through the really tough moments; I do all of those things and obviously they work.

27 days to go- there are moments when I ask myself, if I can do it. Can I maintain this for another 27 days? It's so hard to focus sometimes when you want so badly just to have a little piece of something, anything different. But what would it satisfy in the long run....anything? I know it would make me feel worse because then I would feel guilty for giving in. So I just WON'T do that to myself.

Had a great gym workout yesterday, plyometric circuit and cardio.
Plyometric:
1. Bosu squats (15lb dumb bells), pistol squats off bosu, step ups (10lb dumbbells) and kettle bell swings (30lbs) x 3 sets
2. Side to side bench jump overs, lunges (15lb dumb bells), bench jumps, 1-leg dead lifts x 3 sets
3. Side lunge jumps off bosu with medicine ball (12lb), pulse squats, straddle jumps onto bench x 3 sets
4. Plié squats off 2 bosu with 30lbs x 3 sets
Cardio: treadmill work varying speeds and inclines

Shopping wasn't as fun as I had hoped. I did finish up some birthday and Christmas stuff but found no dress pants, dresses or skirts for myself. Looks like, I'll have to wait until we go out of town again for that.

Last night my husband and I went to the movies and saw Looper. It was a pretty good movie considering, I really knew nothing about it going in, but we felt we needed some time out of the house other than at the gym...lol

What another huge testament to my will power. The smell of popcorn, the sound of people crunching it as I am watching the movie, my husband next to me with his bag and the sight of those mini Reese pieces, it was all I could do to talk myself through it and focus. I am giving myself a pat on the back today however because I Did It!

Now you may be thinking "how could her husband do that to her?"...lol and in his defence, he wasn't going to buy any popcorn but I told him he shouldn't be deprived simply by my choices. I also told him that my willpower has gotten me this far, it'll get me through this as well. Thankfully, it held strong!

So back to today, it's pretty crappy weather, the kind where you want to curl up and do nothing but we all know I don't have that luxury. It's a day where I do wish I had my own treadmill at home though. However, in a little bit, I'll pack up and head out to the gym for cardio, intervals and abs, I also have some cooking and cleaning to do but I may just leave that until tomorrow.

For now, I'm holding strong and pushing hard! Giving it my all and hoping to make my supporters proud. I do know, however, that it only gets tougher from here so these next few weeks will be the ultimate test to my will power and determination.

I just gotta "hold on" and fight!

4 weeks out

4 weeks from today and I'll be stepping on stage for my first ever fitness competition.

I still can't believe I am doing this and that I have created the body (well its pretty close; it's getting there, shall we say) required to do such a thing!

I can't even begin to describe the will power, dedication or hard work this takes and there is still a lot more work for me to do yet. I have the next 4 weeks to bust my butt to achieve my best body ever, well I have MY best ever body right now, but to make it 100 % stage ready.

I slept until 8am this morning, got up and cooked 2 loaves of healthy version banana bread for my hubby. A testament to my will power, either that, or I love torturing myself or I really love my hubby.

Next steps for today are a 15 minute interval workout and a tanning session before I go out for some shopping. I want to finish up some Christmas and birthday shopping as well as try on some clothes for me (dress pants and a Christmas party dress mostly).

Interval workout was as follows:
1 min Fast feet to push up after each minute x 5
1 min wall sit
1 min fast feet to push up after each minute x 5
1 min plank

After shopping I'll be off to the gym for a plyometric work out concentrating on legs and then some cardio.

Feeling optimistic and excited about the competition, the diet is beginning to make me nauseous but such is life right now. It will change again in another week, so I am holding strong and steady. Focus is key!

I am getting some well deserved and needed rest as well this weekend and catching up on some things that were being neglected around the house. Looking in the mirror and feeling my abs, they are so close to being out, I just hope they decide to show themselves soon.

One day at a time.

October 19, 2012

What's on today's agenda?

Sleep in. Check, didn't get out of bed until 9am, feels great!
Groceries. Check
Cooking. Check
Outdoor cardio. Check
Arms and ab training. Check

I feel good so far, have my moments of tiredness but overall the day is going well. I didn't have my first meal until 1pm because I was all out of the limited selection of food that I can eat. So off I went to the grocery store as soon as I got out of bed.

My butt and quads are quite sore today after yesterday's work out with Andrew, so my run/ walk was entertaining, good thing that today is arm day.

Here is what I did for arms and abs:
ARMS
Bicep curl (dumb bells) superset with tricep dips (feet elevated on Swiss ball)
Zottman curl superset with overhead tricep extension (dumb bells)
Hammer curl superset with lying tricep extension (dumb bells)
21s superset with tricep kick back (dumb bells)

ABS
#1 side to side oblique, legs up toe touch, stretched out and tensed plank (20 sec/10 sec x 3 sets)
#2 reverse crunch, bicycle, leg raises (20 sec/10 sec x 3 sets)

I completed this work out at home as I have some of my own equipment and I wasn't in the mood to drive downtown.

Other news: The lady called about my makeup for the show and I am all set with my appointment at 8:45am that morning. Super excited! Things seems to be coming together. She'll be there throughout the day for touch ups and also again before the evening event.

So it seems I have appointments for all the necessities, at least those that I know of at this point. Spray tan is booked, makeup is now booked, waxing is booked, hair cut is booked, manicure/ pedicure is booked with my lady friends and posing classes are booked. Time off work is set up so I think I am all set, I hope there isn't anything that I am missing.

Suit should be completed this week and sent in the mail, I have my shoes and my theme wear, however I do still need jewellry.

28 more days until I step onstage; 28 more days to work my butt off for ab and leg definition.

To be honest as nervous as I am about the stage, I am also very excited to actually be doing this, to see the progression in my body and know that I can make it. That I have made this body through hard work, will power and dedication; It's a dream I have had for so long and it's finally becoming reality!

Cravings

I have been feeling the not so pleasant cravings for food that I can not have.

It all started when someone at work decided to microwave popcorn and that smell....oh good God!

From there I craved a Tim Horton's breakfast bagel BELT, toast and a myriad of other things. I didn't give in and my will power remained strong, thankfully.

It is now 9pm and I am currently feeling very hungry. I have completed all my workouts for the day and all my meals are eaten, so now what? Since I'm exhausted; I think it best if I  just go to bed so that I don't eat anything.

I am smart enough not to keep junk in the house so I don't have the temptation around but what I wouldn't do for even a taste of something bad right now. I don't even mean bad in the sense of junk food, although a piece of chocolate would sure be nice. I mean bad in terms of my diet structure. I would like fruit, greek yogurt, nuts, a piece of weight watchers toast with peanut butter...the good things but things that I am not allowed at this point.

My motto is simply to relax and refocus. Keeping busy helps as well and working out does the trick. If not it feels like I could just snap at any second.

But again, like everything else, cravings do pass and in actuality they don't last that long. It's a mind thing and something that takes a considerable amount of focus, at times, to get through.

We have been discussing lately about our cheat meal after the show, since its getting closer and not that far away. It's makes us want to drool but the thought of eating those foods.....nom, nom, nom.

I want that nice warm bun of bread from the Keg, their mushroom caps, a glass of wine and a piece of their Billy Miners cake. OMG! Of course, I'll have steak too but those are the things I am thinking of the most plus a nice big breakfast the following day with bacon, hash browns, toast and screw it, maybe even a pancake....oh and Reese peanut butter cups.

Well now that I have tortured myself with all of that once again and I think I drooled on the iPad. I had better get to bed, my mouth is watering and I hope I don't dream of food.

Determination

October 18, 2012 and only a couple of days off of the 4 weeks out point. 29 days to go.

How do I feel today? I have already been through every emotion you can imagine and it's only 2pm.

I weighed as soon as I got up but I wish I hadn't. The scale moved 1lb in 1 week.....wtf. I was so distraught that I felt like sitting on the bathroom floor and crying but I didn't. As depressing as it is, not o see the scale move, there is change, there are noticeable improvements in my body and I have gotten leaner. Even my clothes fit looser this week and my body feels tighter.

So did I give up? Not a chance. I threw on my 5" heels and struted my stuff for a bit to analyse this physique and I motored my way through my workout with Andrew. What a workout it was, we did legs and worked mostly on getting my a$$ lifted, then I completed 40 mins of cardio.

I am sticking with the same diet for another week, at which point, it's going to change again. So until next Thursday, I'll be giving it all I got to see if I can get a lot leaner and maybe lose another pound or two.

Discussions with Andrew and my workouts had my spirits up because although he was also anticipating more of a drop, he is impressed with my body and how it looks. So onward I go with more determination.

Andrew also suggested that I may be doing too much so I may need to take one day off a week. I need to judge how I feel as I move forward.

I am finding myself a lot more tired these days and now that I am off shift, I hope to rest more, relax and get in some good workouts. It's a beautiful day so my second cardio will be outside in the fresh air.

I had a pretty tough day yesterday with the diet because I was having bad cravings and hungry. That doesn't mean I gave in because I did not. My willpower has gotten me this far, it's not going to quit on me now. But seriously who cooks popcorn in the office at 8 am?....uggggggg....good God people.

I realize that these next few weeks will be the toughest to get through. The process is a tough one and takes a heavy toll on the body. I mean the diet is very strict and I am training on average 2.5 to 3 hours a day. The progress also slows down somewhat so I have to keep these things in mind and try not to get too discouraged.

In regards to my reward, I am not getting it unless I reach at least 124 lbs. The runners are on ebay and I think it's over in 6 days so I have until then to get there. If not, no reward for me!

Overall, is it tough? You bet it is. Does it get easier? It certainly doesn't seem to. Am I still into it? 100%. Is it worth it? YES

I am exhausted but I am keeping my eye on the prize. I'm almost there and when I step on that stage for the first time, I will be ready. I will strut my stuff with pride because I worked damn hard to get there.

Exfoliating

Through this process I have also learned a lot about skin care. Making your skin soft and smooth as well as tanned, groomed and so on.

Here is this great exfoliate that I use called Sugar Whip, it comes in different flavors that smell great.

I purchased this one from the lady who is doing my spray on tan. For anyone interested her company is Sun Kissed Mobile Heated Spray Tanning and is based in Fort McMurray.

30 Days Away

Last day of shift and I am feeling great this morning so far. Stepped on the scale and I am down to 125lbs, not a huge drop but I can see some major changes in my body so I am happy with that and I’ll take what I can get for movement on the scale.

However, I am not so sure that one pound is achievement enough to purchase my runners. What do you think?

Looking forward to a weekend where there is no travel and I can stay home, relax, catch up on rest and get in some great workouts. Maybe even do a little shopping; I need new pants/jeans.

Last night when I got to the gym I felt so tired and like I had nothing but I pushed and completed a full shoulder workout, abs, 300 skips, 30 minutes on the treadmill and 15 minutes on the stepper. By the end of it, I was feeling on top of the world and what made it even better was on my way back to the change room, this girl I know from the gym says “you’re not going to give anyone else a chance, are you? I think you got this for sure”. It pumped me up.

This morning I did get up to complete my workout and I did a tabata style one.

#1 butt kicks, ab tuck, dumb bell swing and spot run in/out x 4 sets

#2 bent over rows (dumb bells), leg raises and OH press (dumb bells) x 4 sets

Tonight’s workout plan is back plus cardio intervals and at this moment, I can’t wait to get to the gym. Funny, that as tired as I am most of the time, I love my workouts and look forward to them all day.

Nutrition wise I am staying on track and doing well. As excited as I was about whole eggs in the beginning, they are getting old now.  Almond Butter is keeping me sane, being that it’s that little sweet treat. It will be a week tomorrow since the diet plan changed and I am hoping for more results (like low 120’s) in the upcoming week. If I reach that, it will be the smallest on the scale that I can ever remember. Obviously it goes without saying that I am already the smallest I have ever been; being that muscle weighs more than fat.

I am feeling excitement today as opposed to the nervousness and butterflies that I was feeling a few days ago. I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am feeling more confident because it seems that there are now daily noticeable changes in my body so I am almost certain that I will make it.

My performance on stage will be tricky but I have to shut my mind off to that, practice ahead of time for what I can and talk myself through the rest.

Hold On

This morning a friend of mine had this on her face book page and I thought that I’d share it. It was very motivational and so true.

“For those of u who don't know I have been training for a fitness competition! Is it hard to eat clean for 50 days? U bet! Is it hard to come home to home cooking and ignore it? Absolutely! Is it hard to spend 15+ hours a week working out and see the scale stay the same? u bet ur ass it is!! Will I be ready in 30 days? Maybe not! But I will eventually be ready! What keeps me motivated? It's a song I play on repeat when I want to quit! It's called Hold On by Sean Paul. Have a listen! It's for anyone busting their asses to meet their goal especially when they don't see expected change!”

This process is freakin’ hard and she is right it is not easy to eat this clean for 12 weeks, to spend, on average, 3 hours per day training plus keep up with all the normal daily tasks in life, such as, work, house work, cooking and so on only to find that you aren’t getting as lean as you should be or you aren’t dropping as fast as you expected. But is it worth it? Of course it is, if it wasn’t we would have all given up long ago.

Here is the song she is referring to and the lyrics are also below:

Hold on to the dream, hold on
Hold on now, now
Hold on and believe
Oh we already won, we still hold on
Hold on, hold on now, now
We still hold on
Hold on, hold on now, now
Hold on to the dream

It is done I'll see you there
I know you're well prepared
Put aside all your plans
God will answer all your prayers
Might seem that no one cares,
Been working hard for years
Keep climbing up the stairs
Gotta know that you already there
Blood, sweat and the tears now
None of them can take the shares now
Enemies better be aware now,
champion's got a lot to bare now
I'ma tell it as I'ma swear...
I got the... I got the stairs
Carry on until we see the sun,
We holding on

Hold on to the dream, hold on
Hold on now, now
Hold on and believe
Oh we already one, we still hold on
Hold on, hold on now, now
We still hold on
Hold on, hold on now, now
Hold on to the dream

Although the road is long we still hold on
We carry on, we still stay strong
Today is long but tomorrow will come
Hold on, hold on now, now
... cause now... strongest fit
... trouble and grief
Hard times will never get you beat
And you never will get defeat
Come all strong... concrete...

Hold on to the dream, hold on
Hold on now, now
Hold on and believe
Oh we already one, we still hold on
Hold on, hold on now, now
We still hold on
Hold on, hold on now, now
Hold on to the dream

I know the road is long we still hold on
We carry on, we still stay strong
Today is long but tomorrow will come
Oho, oho, oho, oho, oho, oho

Hold on to the dream, hold on
Hold on now, now
Hold on and believe
Oh we already one, we still hold on
Hold on, hold on now, now
We still hold on
Hold on, hold on now, now
Hold on to the dream.

Progress

Today, October 16, 2012, I am tired. Tired, however, is a normal feeling for me these days so I am getting used to it. At this stage of the game, with the intense workouts I have been doing for quite some time now, the early mornings and the diet plan it is to be expected. So I am still trucking along! Although, I was so tired this morning that I felt nauseous and had a slight headache so there was no way I could do my morning cardio and I had to skip it today. I’ll do my best to pay up for it tonight.

Andrew pushed me really hard again last night with intervals. We completed 2 sets of 2 x 5 minute interval circuits plus a tabata style (20sec/10sec) interval thrown in there for 3 sets. I was soaked in sweat and pooped but I also managed to push through 10 minutes on the stepper at different levels and 30 minutes on the treadmill at different inclines and speeds.

Here is my interval work out with Andrew:

#1 (5 minutes continuous) Feet elevated push ups (10) plus Dumb bell clean and press (10 each arm)

#2 (5 minutes continuous) Resistance band rows (20) plus burpees (10)

#3 Tabata (20sec/10sec continuous) pulse squats, upright row (15lb dumb bells), and stretched out, all muscles tensed plank (harder version)

As I explained yesterday, once I got home after this and physically sat down I was like a zombie; I was so exhausted.

Andrew and I discussed a lot about the competition last night and he gave me the good news that he is certain that I will be ready for November 17, 2012. He even anticipates that in the next couple of weeks I should be seeing way more ab definition; that made me feel so much better. Our main areas of focus for me going forward will be legs and abs, as I have said before; my upper body is in really good shape for where I need to be, I just need to maintain that area.

So I finally took progress pictures:

My next biggest hurdle will be getting comfortable posing, walking in my shoes and most of all getting past the self-consciousness I feel walking around half naked. Yesterday, I put the above pictures on face book and before I hit post; I was like OMG…I can’t put myself out there for everyone to see half naked. However, I did, because I have to figure out a way to get past being uncomfortable and nervous with that. I need to be able to rock it on stage!

Andrew suggested that I not weigh myself until Thursday or Friday after I have been following this diet plan for a week so I’m going to wait like he suggested. By Thursday, fingers crossed, I will be down and can jump for joy and purchase my new runners. If not, I know I will be extremely disappointed, however Andrew did notice a change in me last night, meaning that I am leaner which I can feel as well; so that’s positive. I am learning that the scale not moving does not necessarily mean that I am not getting leaner. I just have to learn not to be disappointed when I step on it and it hasn’t moved.

Tonight the plan is to work shoulders, abs, complete cardio plus an interval workout and hopefully crawl into bed before 10pm because I need rest.

The diet doesn’t seem to be too bad so far today; I don’t feel extremely hungry at least. I am eating every 3-4 hours, all be it very small meals; 3 ounces of chicken is not very much.

I am feeling positive again today, yes I am tired, but I am progressing, I am getting leaner and I still have 32 days to work on getting in even better shape. Tomorrow is my last day of shift and being that my husband is working extra days; we are not going out of town this weekend so I can relax at home and rest up—looking forward to that more than you can imagine.

Until next time.

Another Day Closer

If someone were to ask me how I feel today, I would likely say I’m not really sure. I’m not sure because I didn’t sleep well which means I’m tired, I’m not sure because the scale hasn’t moved yet again but I feel leaner and I am unsure because I am trying to stay positive but not feeling 100% there.

I woke up at 4:15am, weighed myself-no change, so I have decided that today will be a fast day to see if I can get that damn scale to budge. I can notice a new vein, although very slightly but it’s there, going down my right side…woot woot! This means, of course, that I am getting leaner even if the scale isn’t moving.

So I do have some things to be positive about and it’s also another beautiful fall day.

My morning workout today was as follows:

3 sets (30sec work/ 10sec rest)

*military push up/knee in, roll, repeat

*ab tucks

*side lunges

*squat with front kicks

2 sets of butt exercises (leg out, pulses and leg in) x 10 of each

Yesterday I took some time to go through some clothes that I haven’t worn in forever, try some things on and give away some stuff that no longer fits. Here I am in a size 7/8 pair of dress pants that a little while ago were tight fitting and that now I can’t even keep up.

Love it!

I learned today that there are a lot of my colleagues coming to see the show. How does that make me feel? It gives me butterflies, makes me very nervous and puts on added pressure. I am happy that they want to come out and support me but oh God! That self-doubt hits and I am left wondering if I can actually do this. Of course I can, right?

Cake! Who brings cake to an office where a girl is training for a fitness competition? One chocolate and one vanilla—just pure torture but hey I managed and in actual fact it wasn’t that hard to resist. Fast days are actually pretty good days for me, as weird as it sounds, the fact that I am not eating makes me less hungry and I seem to always be more focused. I am counting on a drop by Wednesday so I hope that I am not disappointed.

I got an update on my suit and it should be ready to send out next week. I can’t wait to get it, try it on with the shoes and prance around the house. I just hope it fits!! I also booked my first posing class for October 22, 2012 from 8-10pm.

Myself and a couple of girlfriends planned an evening at the spa for the night before the competition, I am having a relaxation massage with a manicure and pedicure. It’ll be so nice and will hopefully calm me down a little with it being the night before the big day.

Updated progress pictures will be taken tonight and I will update you with those tomorrow.

Tonight’s after work agenda is an appointment with Andrew, cardio intervals, a quick tanning session and then home to pack lunch and snuggle with my hubby for a little bit.

A Back Stage Mantra

I was reading a blog from Tosca Reno just a few days ago as she was going through her fitness competition, actually I was reading it the day she was competing and won.

She did something that I thought was a great idea. She developed a mantra for back stage to help her put her game face on and I have decided that I want to do the same.

Any thoughts on what I should tell myself, what I should recite before I step onstage on November 17, 2012 for my first ever competition?

I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.

40 Things I Have Learned So Far

So far on this journey, I have learned a lot about myself, other people and fitness in general.

I thought that I would share some of those things with you as food for thought.

1. I have learned that your mind is always a quitter, you have to learn to ignore that voice telling you that you are too tired, not in the mood, that you can’t or that you need that food.
"Your mind will quit a thousand times before your body does"

2. I have learned how to push past my comfort zone and that when I do; I am amazed at what my body is capable of

3. I have learned how to recognize when I am really hungry, which has resulted in learning how to really listen to my body

4. I have learned that cravings pass really quickly

5. I have learned that this process is a very trying and selfish one but also a very rewarding one

6. I have learned that anybody can create the body they have always dreamt of through hard work

7. I have learned not to be afraid to lift heavy as long as I know how to do so properly

8. I have learned that the diet is not the hardest part; the hardest part is actually finding balance, time and structure

9. I have learned that I can enjoy workouts at 4:15am and that the gym feels like home and puts me in a good mood

10. I have learned that a fitness competition requires much more than just working out and eating right

11. I have learned that I can do anything that I set my mind to, that I am determined, focused and very strong willed

12. I have learned that some people will not like what you are doing and will not encourage you because they are jealous

13. I have learned to appreciate the little things

14. I have learned that I have a lot of supporters who are rooting for me

15. I have learned that my husband is far more understanding than he should be at times

16. I have learned the importance of preparation and planning especially when it comes to food

17. I have learned that nothing comes easy. You have to fight for it and through it every day

18. I have learned that I can accomplish a lot in one day

19. I have learned the benefits of having a positive attitude

20. I have learned to listen to my body. If it tells me it needs rest, it needs rest. Sleep is very important.

21. I have learned that this can be an emotional roller coaster

22. I have learned that abs come from nutrition and that no amount of ab exercises will ever give you a 6 pack

23. I have learned that encouragement, words of support and keeping a journal or blog are very helpful and that I have some great friends and family

24. I have learned that competing is expensive

25. I have learned that Andrew is awesome because he got me here, because he is supportive, motivational and knowledgeable

26. I have learned to walk, cook, clean toilets, etc in 5" stripper heels

27. I have learned that as soon as I slow down or stop for a second I am exhausted. If I just keep going, doing no matter what, I am good

28. I have learned to enjoy green tea

29. I have learned how to cook cleaner, healthier meals

30. I have learned that sometimes pain is a good thing

31. I have learned how good it feels to give your all during your work out and feel totally exhausted afterward

32. I have learned that I am not skinny, nor do I want to be. I am a strong, fit, healthy woman

33. I am learning to love my body

34. I have learned how to properly dead lift

35. I have learned that your body adapts to everything so switching things up is important

36. I have learned that no matter how much a woman works out, she will not be big and bulky like a man unless she is taking something to create that effect

37. I have learned that most people don’t understand this process, what it takes and what it’s about

38. I have learned that fasting does not hurt the body, it actually helps and also that eating 5-6 small meal a day is better than 3-4 big ones

39. I have learned that nerves always get the better of me but I need to learn to overcome that for the big day

40. I have learned that this is a lifestyle choice and that I love it

Jergens Natural Glow

I purchased this Jergens Natural Glow product a few days and today is day #2 using it. I am using it to achieve some extra color and reducing any cellulite doesn't hurt either.

I am curious to see if it does what it claims.

Here is the claim:

Reduce the appearance of cellulite and achieve natural-looking color

Jergens natural glow Firming Daily Moisturizer gradually creates fabulous natural-looking color with a subtle skin-darkening complex. In as little as 7 days of daily use you'll experience visibly firmer skin with less noticeable cellulite and improved elasticity.

• Reduces the appearance of cellulite
• Exclusive Firm Perfecting Complex contains six ingredients known to help reduce the appearance of cellulite, including collagen, elastin and ginseng
• Designed for Fair to Medium and Medium to Tan skin tones

Has anyone tried it? Does anyone have any reviews they would like to share?

Skinny vs Healthy- There is a Difference

I have been getting comments and such in regards to being skinny, too skinny or that I don’t need to lose any more weight so last night I posted something on my face book wall to clarify.

Here is what I wrote:
“People, there are differences between fit/healthy and skinny. I am not skinny, nor am I trying to be skinny. I am fit and healthy which was and is my goal”.

Why is it that people think that as soon as one starts a fitness program or lifestyle change and begins to look different i.e. lose weight that it’s a bad thing and that they are becoming too skinny?

Or that the only reason one chooses to do something like this in the first place is to lose weight? Couldn’t it possibly be because they enjoy it or because they dreamt about doing something like this forever?

Is it because they are jealous, it is because they have no idea and do not understand or is there some other underlying reason or a mixture of all of these?

Do I look unhealthy? I know for a fact that I don’t. I have worked hard to be where I am and I am going to continue to work hard to make it to the competition and even afterward. I have muscle; skinny girls don’t have muscle, they have bone and they look sickly.

I have never felt better in my life and as I stated before not only do I look different but things that affected me before like IBS, migraines and bad PMS have all but disappeared.

Take a look at this picture. The one on the right is skinny, the one on the left is fit, healthy and strong—that’s me! There is a difference!

I am proud to say that I don’t starve myself nor have I ever starved myself, in fact I eat 5-6 times a day and I eat very clean food. “Strong is the new skinny”!

Also as I stated in previous blogs, I didn’t start this process to lose weight or be skinny. I started this process to be healthy, to be fit and strong and build muscle.

One thing that needs to be clarified and I believe that I have also said this before; the competition diet is not a maintainable lifestyle diet or a diet that is recommended for long periods of time. Maybe this is the misunderstanding; the competition prep nutrition plan and workout style that I am doing now is not something that I will maintain after November 17, 2012, it is for stage prep ONLY.

After this date, I will have a few cheat meals and even take a small break from the gym but I will get right back into the healthy lifestyle, the clean eating plan and the regular gym workouts that I was doing before the 12 week mark after these few days, for a lifetime.

For me, this is a lifestyle choice, a possible career path and something that I love and is important to me. The goal is not and has never been to be skinny. The word skinny to me implies unhealthy. The goal is to be fit, athletic and healthy because I feel better this way.

October 14, 2012

No work means sleeping in, so grateful for that. I slept until 9 am. Which if you count the three hours from yesterday I have gotten 13 hours of sleep since yesterday afternoon. Well deserved and needed though.

I don't really feel, what i would call, refreshed but I do feel a lot less tired. I have a headache and my body hurts but that's more from having my period than anything else at this point. 

The intent for today is to do a little more cooking. My husband wants more protein muffins, which is tough for me because I can't even lick the spoon, but he shouldn't starve because I can't eat those things. Or should he?.....lol. I will also be making more ground chicken breast burgers and a couple of big salads for the week.

Laundry is going, meals are ready for the day, first cardio will be outside in the crisp air and then some shopping before hitting the gym for the second cardio, intervals and weights.

My husband purchased his tickets for the show today....exciting but makes it more real and therefore makes Melissa a lot more nervous!

I can notice some changes again in my body in terms of leaning out and it seems as though in the last few days I have leaned out more again. Stoked! I am hoping that my body adjusts soon to the amount of food I am taking in because right now it seems to be hungry all the time. Being hungry and thinking about food leads to cravings which are not fun.

What a beautiful day! First cardio session was refreshing, nothing like a brisk speed walk on a crisp fall day to lift your spirits. Second work out session was great too. Worked legs....ouch.....killer! Plus the stepper for 45 mins (210 flights of stairs) and a mixture of abs (3 different exercises, 3 times) and skipping (500 skips)

Here is my leg routine:
Barbell squats starting with 135lbs and going up 10 lbs each time for a total of 4 sets, 10 each set
Hack squats (90lbs) super set with low walking lunges 4 sets of 10 squats and 24 lunges
Straight leg dead lift (80lbs) super set with hamstring curl (105lbs) 3 sets of 10 each
Leg extension (105lbs) 4 sets of 10

Had loads of energy today for workouts and I got everything accomplished that I wanted to. Food is prepared for the week, laundry is done and workouts are all done early enough to relax a bit tonight before bed time.

Totally love it when things go as planned on my day off!

Back at it tomorrow with cardio at 4:15am as well as evening cardio after work and an appointment with Andrew.

Here's to feeling great again tomorrow!

Listen to your Body

I am exhausted right now, every muscle in my body hurts and I just feel drained. Wishing I was at home in my sweatpants and sweatshirt all curled up with a nice tea.

Talked to Andrew about only doing light cardio today based on how I feel and he agrees that I should listen to my body. So if that means rest today, I’ll rest. I may also concentrate on some stretching and yoga at home.

When I got home from work today, I still felt so tired that I did actually get into those sweats and I fell asleep for 3 hours. Woke up still not feeling refreshed, still achy and cold so I think a nice bath may be the next step.

It is important to listen to how you feel as much as it is important to push hard and be tough. I feel like I should work out but I know that today it could make me feel worse rather than better. My body is telling me it needs rest so I had better listen to it because at this stage I DO NOT want to get sick.

I am in good spirits even though I feel pretty crappy right now and although I am feeling hungrier on this diet, I am finding it ok so far. I do feel leaner already and I really want results plus those new runners as reward so I'm giving it my all.

I have had a bath now, slept a bunch, had my tea and the rest of my meals for the day. I didn't work out but again with how I feel I think it's best. I'll push hard and get back at it again tomorrow with leg day, aiming for 2 x cardio and intervals.

Note to self: When hungry, DO NOT watch TV. ( So many commercials for chocolate, for yogurt, ugggggggg)

Remember listening to your body is an important step; pushing to hard when you are already exhausted could do more harm than good. So allow your body the rest it deserves and get right back at it tomorrow.

Possible Reward

If this new diet works and I see some results next week, I have decided that I am puchasing a new pair of runners as a way to reward myself.

Right now, its a toss up between a pair of Pumas and a pair of Nike Free Run.

Here are the Pumas:

And these are the Nikes:



Which would you choose?

Inspirational

Today I was at the gym and a lady that I have only met twice, once at Andrews boot camp and the second time at the gym, noticed me and couldn't believe how lean I had gotten since I saw her last. She said "oh my your muscles are so defined and you look so good, healthy and fit. Wow, you look great, I said from the moment I saw you running those hills with Andrew, that you were my inspiration".

That made my day today and got me thinking about who inspires me to be my fit self.

Andrew inspires me with his knowledge, with his abilities to always set new goals for himself and with the fact that everything he has been putting us through diet wise to get ready for this show, he is doing with us as well. He inspires me in our sessions to push because he knows I can, he encourages, supports and listens. Listens a lot; even texts when he is on vacation. There isn't a doubt in my mind that without him I wouldn't be where I am today.

Fitness Competitors everywhere inspire me because I now know what goes into doing these things and I know how difficult and tough it is.

My husband inspires me because through all of this, he has been my rock. He has been there for support, for a shoulder, for motivation, for words of praise and for that hug that is so often needed in this process. I appreciate that even though this process has changed our lifestyle for the time being, he has not complained once but has instead given me continued support and encouragement.

There are 2 girls that I know going through this process as well, who are also training with Andrew and I think that we inspire each other. Whether that be because we understand each other and are going through the same things, because we need to vent or need that little extra push from time to time, it helps to communicate with others who are going through the same thing.

There are also a couple of ladies that I work with (Milly and Roxanne) who have inspired me. They have listened to me and helped me through this process more than they realize and they are my biggest supporters next to my husband of course. They have inspired and motivated me to keep going on days when I thought I had nothing left.

And last but not least, the people who have written me notes and words of encouragement also inspire me. They inspire me to keep going, to push and stay positive because there are people out there rooting for me in all this.

I love knowing that I am inspiring other people to go forward with their fitness goals, no matter what they may be and I hope that I continue to do that as a personal trainer when I get there.

Competition Checklist

I didn't realize there was so much that went into fitness competition preparation.

There is so much to think about, register for, do and it can get very expensive.

Of course there are the obvious things
- nutrition, diet plans and their variations based on number of weeks out
- food preparation and planning
- water intake
- supplementation (what to take, how and when to take it, etc)
- gym membership and personal trainer
- weight workouts for each muscle group
- cardio twice a day
- the suit or suits (color, size, style)
- shoes
- show registration and choosing the right category

But then there are also these other things
- theme wear and how to present it
- posing, posing practice and posing classes
- walking in those shoes (more practice)
- tanning (spray, lotion or both)
- make up for stage day
- hair for stage day
- waxing and shaving
- jewellery
- manicure/ pedicure for stage day
- bikini bite, muscle sheen lotion, etc

That is the list that I know of right now but there may be more that haven't had to deal with or think about yet. Who knew? 

It will be interesting, after I have completed my first, to see how much easier it is to do another. If that is in fact the case?

5 weeks out

So I did get to stay home from work after all yesterday which was great. I got so much accomplished, caught up on the housework, cooking and even some relaxation. On top of that I got to the gym and home much earlier which felt great.

I didn't sleep in or get any extra sleep however so I do still intend to take another day off from work but it will be Sunday now instead of today.

I promised to try my cat woman costume on and I did. It fits pretty well and I will be sticking with it, however there are areas of my body that need work to make it look better. Legs and abs especially but I think that it'll work, I just need to get the courage and get comfortable walking around half naked in front of hundreds of people wearing it.

Practiced walking more in my shoes as well yesterday and I do find them quite comfortable. Hopefully it'll stay that way. Posing classes are set for October 22 and November 5, so I have to register for those and I started tanning as well, going to do just a couple of times a week to use up my minutes and get a base. I want to make sure that I am dark enough because you do have to be really dark or apparently the stage lights wash you out. I also have the name of a lady who does the pre-show makeup and will be giving her a call. The makeup is another thing that has to be more extravagant then normal due to the stage lighting.

Diet went well yesterday but I was hungry. Stomach was growling for food a few times but I stayed focused and am hoping to see some more results from these changes. I found coconut oil that I think I'll manage to eat by the spoonful, it smells and tastes like coconut unlike the other one I had; which is a good thing. I seem to feel leaner today but I am holding steady on the scale at 126.

Workout yesterday focused on arms and abs as well as cardio on the treadmill. It felt good, I love pushing through my workouts. Started taking the creatine, 2 scoops, one during workout and one post workout, but I haven't been taking it long enough to notice any changes yet.

Late last night just before my last meal I started to not feel so well. Cramps in my stomach, nauseous, chills and a little lightheaded so I laid down for awhile, still not feeling the best today but I started my period so I presume that is what it is all stemming from.

Today officially marks the 5 weeks out point, that's 35 days. I still sometimes can't believe that I am leading this path. It is nerve wrecking and tough but very exciting. In some respects, I can't wait for November 17 and in other ways I hope it doesn't come on to quickly. I still have a lot of work to do.

My plan was to work legs and then do cardio today, however because I started my period and I am not feeling the greatest, I may cut that down and only do cardio today and work my legs tomorrow. I should be feeling better by then. We'll see how it goes when I leave work and how I feel by then.

So 5 weeks left to get as lean as I possibly can. I am hoping and praying that the new changes to the diet plan will make me shed the last of my body fat. Looking forward to reaching my goal and I'll be pushing hard and staying tough until the big day!

The Little Things

Before I get into how I am feeling today. I wanted to reflect on the title of this blog.

"The Little Things" meaning the little things that make you happy or excited when you are going through this process. You get a new appreciation for food, tastes, and flavours and a new appreciation for any sort of extra time.

For instance, who would have ever thought that a person could get excited over whole eggs but here i am on top of the world for that reason. The same happened with the turkey breast for Thanksgiving, you have no idea how good that was. I talked to another girl yesterday doing this as well and she was over the moon for salmon. So funny but so true, any change or any little difference at all helps.

Then there are those moments when somehow you come upon extra time. Getting home from work a little earlier or like this morning when the traffic is so bad (weather) that you get to turn around and come home. Those moments are few and far between and it's a God send when you get to take advantage of them.

So that puts me into how I am feeling so far today. I woke up as per normal but I was exhausted so I had to push myself to do my morning interval workout but hey I did it.

Here it is: 3 rounds
10 leg in/ out plus 10 pulse each leg
10 prisoner jacks
10 weighted over head press
10 Turkish get ups each side
1 minute wall sit and 1 minute plank

So I pushed through, felt better and got ready for work, had my yummy, yummy whole eggs and 1 tbsp almond butter, also yummy and headed off. Traffic was ridiculous because we had snow and ice last night so I hadn't gotten very far when I was just completely stopped and annoyed. So when I got to where I could turn around, I jumped at the opportunity and came home. All I could think was great because now I can get some housework done and maybe even some cooking before I try to make it to work again.

So here i am feeling energetic again, still at home, and so far I have done laundry, changed my bed sheets and cleaned my bathrooms. I may crash and feel tired any minute but for now I am taking advantage of the time and the energy. Not sure if I'll even make it to work today so if not even better  and I can get my gym workout in early too. (Sweet....ahhhhh the little things.....)

Diet is going well so far today and I am following it to a tee hoping to see some major changes in the next two weeks. No period yet but I know it's coming and it is causing me to feel bloated sometimes.

I'll be working arms tonight along with my cardio intervals of course.

Oh yes, other news, I received my cat woman theme wear. I'm afraid to try it on, I know I'll critique myself to death, either that, or my luck it wont fit. I will force myself to put it on sometime today and if I don't, I'm sure my husband will. I'm also sure you'll here all about how it works or doesn't.