Its all mental

So im 8 weeks out with no hope for a cheat meal except my birthday,  thank god for that at least. If you think dieting is hard...you aint seen nothing. There are NO EXCUSES.  your mind will play tricks on you. One minute you'll think you look great... the next you'll feel fat or flat and feel like giving up. Others don't notice the day to day fluctuations and changes...but you do. Your friends will tell you that you look great or that you're getting too skinny or muscular.  Strangers will come up and tell you that you look unhealthy (as their fat ass is shoveling junk food.. .lets be real!) They may decide to vent to you about how bodybuilders are "out of control" and say stupid things like "men don't like that"  Haha! Real men do. at least in our world!  ;) You will hear them, doubt them and beleive them. You will pose in front of the mirror with pride. .and then you will refuse to look in it. You will try not to self-sabatage by being to easy or too hard on yourself. You will sit there and watch your friends drink while you have water. You will watch them eat. You will see them dance the night away as you yawn and think about how hungry and tired you are and how you can make your exit...if you are still trying to be social.

This is not normal. This is for an extreme look which requires extreme measures.  Your friends will go from admiring you and following you to thinking you are too much. They won't understand and thats ok. People will ask how you do it, or want to do it with you but most will stop within the first week.

You will have cravings for things that are otherwise healthy but still not allowed for you. You will chew gum like Its a food group. You will get tired and moody. You will get mad at yourself for being tired and moody. you will start glaring at other peoples food, partly cuz your jealous and partly cuz you can't believe they eat that way on a daily basis.

You will do this because you are an Athlete. because nonone else will. Because you want more. Because doing it only half-ass does not get you that trophy.

NPC Emerald Cup - 8 weeks out

Well, we're at 8 weeks out! This week I took some progress pics finally and also sent them to Sara. She asked if I was still having fruit which I am. 1/2 banana on my hard days and 6 or so strawberries on my lighter days. She told me no more cheat days except for my Birthday. Which I needed her to tell me. This is going to be a BIG show and I want to present at my best EVER. So as of today, I am down to 131lbs, approximately 17.7% BF so down about 1%. My goal is approximately 12% at 125lbs. (Lower % if possible, my first year I was 9% so I'd like to see what I look like there.)

 
March 5th 2013                                                                   March 8th 2013

So I need to KILL myself the next few weeks because I have a fitness conference Thursday - Sunday. So instead of my normal 2 days rest, I need to start RIGHT OVER tomorrow to get all 5 lifts in before the 4 day conference(which is all workouts) and then RIGHT back into Day 1 lift on Monday. So about 19 days straight. Right now my back is locking up and I should be going to the chiropractor. When it locks up I can feel my spine, it cracks a lot, and my low back is tight. I can't move my neck/head that much. I am in pain around T4(thoracic) and my neck. I don't like to take meds, but I'm taking some now. I try to stretch a lot, hang to decompress my spine and roll on my foam roller.

 
Our Mantra                                                                             This week's food

So I did my lift...it was short, and hey, I'm not stupid so I didn't do my Cleans or Jump Rope. My back was trying to give out on the BB Front Squats and I tried one clean and I could hear my back crunching. I did a nice 30mins on the stairs instead of the treadmill.


Makin' it happen

Training Week 1 of 2013

 

Here it is, January 4th, 2013. This is the first week of my Official Training. What does that mean? That means NO EXCUSES! No cheating, no missed workouts. GET IT DONE. I started my lifts on Monday, so today was my 4th lift, and 3rd DOD. (Day Of Diet). I am ON POINT!

I've posted my full meal plan. Now this is based on me, currently at 138lbs. This is also my plan for my TRAINING days(on these days I have 300-400cals extra). My food is logged in MyFitnessPal (CoachNicT).

 I lift (ideally) M-F, and teach 8 classes throughout the week. I am doing no extra cardio(7hrs is quite enough thank you, lol). If I miss a day during the week, I hit the gym Saturday(which will be this week). I will post when I have my off day. My 'cheat meals' are TBD. They will most likely not be a binge or junk of any sort, but like my lunch today(Chili's Lighter Choice 6oz sirloin & Broccoli, 250cals) - a healthier option I can choose and be able to have my dinner with family. Any real 'cheat' or 're-feed will be determined by my progress....and sanity ;)

My starting goal weight is 125lbs, 10% Body fat. I haven't been down to 10% in a while so I'm giving myself plenty of time. Our first show, Emerald Cup, is 17 weeks away. Typical leaning phase/prep starts 12 weeks out, but I'm heavier than usual and I don't want to worry at the end. And, if I need to do an earlier show to qualify, I'll have a shot at that as well. My birthday is also in between, and last year I did a show literally for my birthday. It was 4 days after, so ON my actual birthday, I was on my 3rd day of carb depletion. Then the show got sold out and my Dad and my Best Friend didn't even get to see me at Finals, or get my trophy. :( So, I really wanted to do something fun this year, lol. Maybe I can have a cheat meal lol. Looking good ROCKS, so there's that!




Meal 1: 1/2c oatmeal, 1/2c Lana's Egg Whites, 1 whole egg, 1/2c Pure Pumpkin, spices to taste
Picture 2: All ingredients, mixed & microwaved 2-3 mins for bread pudding/bread
Meal 2: Isagenix Isalean Pro w/Ionix Supreme(this is a high protein meal replacement shake I use for post workout.
Meal 3: 4 oz chicken breast, 4oz sweet potato, 15 almonds
Meal 4: Isagenix Isalean w/Want More Energy (this is a meal replacement shake.)
Meal 5: 3 oz chicken breast, 12c brown rice, 6 asparagus, 1/4 avocado
Meal 6: 1c Lana's Egg Whites, 2c Spinach, 1/2 avocado

Training for October, Weeks 1&2

I have really been debating which direction to take my training in for October. I definitely need some structure back. I have been getting in about 3x/wk splits. I've been getting sore, which is nice ;) I had a full work shop last weekend with my co-workers from various other clubs for kettlebell training on one day and 'suspension training' (think TRX) the next. Let me tell you I WAS SORE!! Sunday night, many things were uncomfortable to do, lol. It hurt to sneeze! Of course I'm pretty Bad ass, so I pick the most cocky guy there and try to take him on. ahhhh....I hold my own.

Anyhow, I'm still at a pretty heavy weight for me, but I really want to start lifting heavy and building some more muscle. I can see it starting to bounce back, but do I really want to up my calories and get...bigger? I was looking at my numbers for 'building' vs. 'leaning', and I've decided to create my meal plans in-between the two. I will be using the workouts from the M&F Workout Trainer which consist of 5 lifting days; lower body shoulders, upper body, lower body shoulders and full body, with abs each day. I am on Advanced Muscle Tone & Firm, based on the information I have provided to the program. I felt a huge difference and built muscle pretty quick when I started it before. I just have to MAKE the time each day.

I am starting at 144lbs, 22% BF. EEK! Yes, this is my absolute HIGHEST weight! I feel huge. Which is funny since the zone I target my regular clients for is 18-25% for health. (Of course, athletes and competitors are usually between 9% - 15% for females)

My food for the first 2 weeks is below. I am great during the week, but not so great on the weekends. 

    

   

I put myself on a 2,200 cal meal plan. At first, I was almost sick to my stomach because I was SO full! By the end of the week, I was hungry waiting for my next meal. Also, not only did I maintain my weight, but my scale would blink between my weight and the number below. I found out through my metabolic testing earlier this year that my body does much better at fat utilization at lower levels of HR or intervals such as lifting. 

   
I was VERY happy with my gains in these two weeks. All the definition is popping back. My weights are going up each week. Feeling pretty badass, not gonna lie! ;)


 
Here are some of the set-ups for the M&F Trainer workouts. LOVE 'em!

Now I will be working on my next food plan for the week and getting ready for the next lifts and takin' it up a notch!

Training goals for 2012-2013

As I've been taking time off to recoup and deal with life's challenges, I haven't stopped thinking about my training. While I miss my leanness, it's been nice to be free, sometimes TOO much at times! I definitely have enjoyed not having my shoulders feel broken among other things. I've been thinking, and researching and just trying to absorb all the infromation I can to embark on my new training journey.

I have worked with many coaches over the years, and I have loved all of them! I have learned so much! And as this is my profession, I also want to try what I learn and see what I can do. My MAIN focus is to find BALANCE, and something STABLE. I am SO over this diet yo-yo. I am going to really take my time to prep this season so that I can see what works for me, and what I can do without driving myself into a fit of Safeway cake. lol.

Mind you I am NOT where I want to be currently. I gained, let's just say, "A - LOT". I will of course post my progress photos once I am back where I want to be. So, In MY head I'm fat. Like Michellin Man FAT! Everyone around me thinks that's retarded and I look great. HA! Thank God for Spandex! lol However, I have it stuck in my head that I will build during the Holidays. Pretty Typical. And I'm excited about it! So I have been trying harder to lean out lately, I only have 2 more weeks to go! Now in my building process I'm not going to try to gain a lot of fat, I have 3 months so I can build slowly, but so far I think I will be able to build pretty well ;) I do have a little catch-up to do, but so far things are coming back, even after just a week. Last time I gained 1 lb in 2 weeks(supposedly). So 3 months to build.

AFTER New Years', I'll start my 3 month leaning phase. Now, here's the other reason Im starting 'early'. My Birthday is in March. Also the Arnold is in March. Last year, for my Birthday I was on the 3rd day of a carb depletion for the NPC Gov Cup. UGH! I am celebrating my Birthday this time! So I am making time for that, then back to it HARD for the final adjustments.

Of course, this can change at any time. I could find something I want to try and change course. I can do that ;) Because I am the one making the rules, it's easier for me to look forward to it. Because I can also let myself have a treat if I start to go nuts. But, I had to come back to this frame of mind. A month ago, two months ago when I was constantly breaking down on the freeway and dealing with my cat's cancer and mulitple surgeries, amputation and possible death....You couldnt get me away from a damn piece of cake. A few weeks ago, when I almost blacked out teaching a class and was breathless going up the gym stairs because I was having such high anxiety, I was in FEAR of working out. Can you imagine? ME - AFRAID of the gym?? WTH? Life happens. I have learned to accept the things I cannot change, work my azz off to change what I can, and get through it the best I know how, because I know where my roots are, and where my heart is. Sometimes all the 'motivational quotes' make you feel like you have to be 100% on or your...what? Lazy, making excuses, etc. I'm an 80% / 20% kinda gal. No one's perfect. I'M not  perfect. But if you do your best, most of the time...I think that's what counts.

If you are curious about my influences, I have been following Mike McErlane, who created Muscle&Fitness' Workout Trainer. He also for some reason saw fit to put lil ole' me in the Q&A Trainer section. I absolutely LOVE following Jim Stoppani, PhD. Could YOU see him in goggles and a lab coat?? To be able to have someone empirically describe how the body actually works in relation to bodybuilding is just amazing to me.  Also like reading Lee Labrada's articles as well. So i will be using a lot of what I have gotten from them, along with my own journals, and of course, education. I do have 6 years of college/graduate education in Exercise Physiology....not to mention about 30 different certifications. I should be able to handle this 'client', right? ;)

Training & Learning!

Hello! Well, since Tuffy's Fight, and purchasing my new car, I have been working my BUTT off! My workouts and diet fell by the wayside (well, aside of course from the 7 classes I teach a week, lol). Meanwhile I went to my IDEA World Fitness conference and had a BLAST! as always :) We spent 4th of July in San Diego the night before and took classes from 6:45 am to 6pm at night! Followed by wandering around, eating, catching up with old friends, EATING lol.

<-- This was a moment of victory! haha Larissa convinced me to do it! I didn't want to try, was worried about my shoulders. Then this girl did it, but wasn't going down at all and insisted on fighting with the poor girl working the booth. Well, I felt bad for the girl so I thought I would just break that record and make it a non-issue ;) ya, im a SmartAss! So I did. Funny thing is, I just thought it was til exhaustion, not until she started counting down at 10 seconds left did I realize so picked up the pace. Beat a dude, no shabby! Yeah....some people came up later and beat me, but it is a conference filled with Trainers and Instructors, so pretty phenomonally fit peeps! 

So, I came to this conference with a goal: NEW TOYS! I want to start a bootcamp and LOVE having toys to scare people with, um..I mean play with. I got the LeBert Equalizer. You can do dips, pushups, quick feet drills, hamstring curls, pullups...list goes on. After taking the class I also got their Buddy System, which is quite useful as well.

We also took a class on ropes and I had planned on getting them anyway, but they sold the ones they used in class for 50% OFF!!! SOoo, I got 2! 1 1/2" black & covered. Pretty Sweet! I also got the agility rings on the recommendation of Larissa and her bootcamp experience. I'm not an agility person, so I have much to learn there.

I also purchased the DietMaster Program. I had used this years back at Bally Fitness and have been looking for software so I can LEGALLY give my clients diets. Legally, only an RD(Registered Dietician) can do this. RD's go through YEARS of schooling. When I looked into it while doing my Kinesiology MA, I would have had to do an extra 3 YEARS of school! I completed the Sports Nutrition minor classes as party of my self-directed Master's Program. I've had many Sports Nutrition certifications. But really, so many people say they are a 'nutritionist' but that really means nothing.                  

Pe

So, like I said above, I ate, a LOT! The food was wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I had lost a few pounds before the conference and now I was back up. Time to get REAL. It's hard to train yourself. I know how to train others, but for ME I have all these things I want to try and although they may be fun and totally get me in shape, not gonna lie - my training is definitely APPEARANCE based. So I found myself on the M&F Trainer website and realizing I had not taken advantage of the Workouts I had in my account. The mobile app is AMAZING! I can look up my workout, get descriptions, pictures, crazy! It seriously kicked my ass. I was barely able to walk after the leg day.  It uses a lot of the bands, so...I got them! They came today so I will be playing with them on Monday. Im a little apprehensive. People will be wondering what I'm doing as it is. and so probably, will I! haha.

I also started using my own DietMaster software and gave myself a lean bodybuilder program. I like it - I'm trying new ideas and foods. I did alter it a bit, white rice --> brown rice, yogurt --> greek yogurt. My shakes are leaner(less calories). So, I'm really excited about all this, let's see what happens! :D

TRY SOMETHING NEW!

Life . . . happens

 I'm a planner by nature. A few months ago, I had it all planned out. 5 shows, ending with Nationals. Then I found out my good friend was getting married the weekend of Nationals. Meanwhile, my car broke down and needed to be fixed, and fixed. . . and fixed. I am currently driving with the Engine and the O/D Off lights on, lol. I realized as my body wasn't responding to my training, I needed a break as I had been dieting for 5 months. I also realized I needed to get my finances back in check. Competing is an EXPENSIVE hobby! Food is expensive when you are eating fresh fruits and veggies, salmon, supplements, plus hair, tanning, suits, makeup, etc etc. If you are planning your first show/season, be prepared to spend about $2k. You can definitely cut corners as I do, but you will still run about that much. I know some who spend MUCH more. I am better able to concentrate on my clients. I also had clients that wanted to train and I don't turn down work. Currently 3 of the slots I was lifting are now filled with clients. I work from approx 8am to 9 or 10pm. I commute approximately 30-60minutes each way. I am grateful for work in this unstable economy. Sometimes you never know when that paycheck will be your last.

The last blow, is my furball Tuffy having a tumor removed, finding out it is Fibrosarcoma (Cancer), discovering they did not get all of it. This is a common Cancer at the injection site of the Rabies vaccine, which is mandatory. The stories are horrendous, and  I read it as 1 in 3,000 cases have this outcome. Fibrosarcoma is locally aggressive, which means it has a tendancy to reoccur in the same spot. I then had to take her to an Oncologist. She had chest x-rays, and an obdominal ultra sound. Both areas showed clear of the Cancer. They recommended another surgery, including amputating the leg on that side. (~$4,000). They said to 'be more sure', but there really is no guarantee. I asked for the alternative surgery, not removing her leg(~$3,200). No matter how hard I tried to think it may be the 'better option', I just couldn't bear to take a perfectly good leg. The fat pad they removed(subcutaneous layer) also showed clear of cancer, so I am thinking the muscle should be safe under that as well. The Oncologist said the fascia of the muscles tends to be relatively good at blocking cancer so the surgeon would remove the top layer of the fascia. It's just a matter of getting enough skin. Well, cats definitely have extra skin, so here's hoping. Also, Radiation is recommended daily for 3 weeks, however I do not have the $7,000 that it costs. Who has this kind of money? It's not fair that there is more treatment that could be had, but I just can't afford it. What price is a life worth?

Some may think I'm "not a competitor", or what not. I'm all for "no excuses!" and all that, but I tend to overwork myself til I break. So I have had to learn to back off when I need to. The last thing I need is to stress myself out over something that is really not as important as me paying bills or saving a life.

I have had to switch my priorities temporarily. I have spent time working on my business, building it, struggling like most people to make ends meet. I have been researching what to do for my cat and I have had people message me in support and share ideas with me that I have greatly appreciated. If you are not an animal person, you won't understand. But my twins I caught as ferrel kittens, tamed and love like kids. They are just 6 and it is just unfathomable to me that I have them on a wellness plan, got all their vaccines, took care of them and one could DIE because of it. It is just not fair. She is only 6 years old. She had been glued to my side. Tomorrow is the next, more agressive(and last) surgery. I meet with the surgeon in the morning, they will operate at night. Then I must wait to get the lab results back to see if they were able to get all of it. Sit and hope. Hope I made the right decision.

I am trying a few things, such as the Cancer Diet. I am trying the Cottage Cheese/flax oil mixture, but so far she is not liking it. I have a lot of friends/family friends who are fighting caner and are swearing by it, at least feeling better. I have also ordered the Cat Cancer supplement. Both have lots of rave reviews. Who knows? I'm willing to try anything. Because of this search, it has also changed a bit of how I view my diet. I am going to be trying a few new things. More plant-based fats and new ideas. I will be sharing that with you as well. In case you are interested, or find yourself dealing with Fibrosarcoma, Cancer in either pets or people, I have included the links I have found or have been shared with me. Life is always changing. I have learned that no matter how well I plan, I must always have a backup plan, or be ready, willing and accepting to change that plan.

For more info on Fibrosarcoma in Cats:
http://www.vetinfo.com/cfibro.html

Dr Johanna Budwig's Diet & Protocol:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healingcancernaturally.com%2Fpet-cancer-cure-testimonials.html&h=pAQEiEdX6
(This is the link for dog & cats, but it's from the more extensive diet for people)

ES Clear by Pet Wellbeing
http://www.petwellbeing.com/products/cat-cancer

2 Days out - NPC Governor's Cup (BIRTHDAY!)

Here it is - Prep Time! I always overestimate and underbudget my time. On Sunday I started carb depleting. I worked out in the morning and was pretty much miserable the rest of the day, spending a lot of napping time in bed. This is where we do our lifts to keep the muscle full and pump out the carbs and water. Also I am still doing cardio. Tomorrow is my last lifting day. WHOOHOO! Also, I get carbs at most of my meals! ANOTHER WHOOHOO!

I did get a bed tan this time on Sunday and again today. Tuesday is the last time to bed tan as the tan caused inflammation/water retention. I will start my new tanning process with ProTan Line either tomorrow night(like before) or on Thursday morning(2x/day) as recommended. I'm antsy! I'm done being miserable and now I just want to BE THERE! I'm SUPER excited because I have met quite a few girls who are also doing this show, and one of them is my LONG time co-worker and friend whom I convinced to get on stage when I did my first show over 10 years ago. lol then I gained a bunch of weight after mine and couldn't do it with her and our other co-worker. She has since gone to Nationals and I am so proud of her! I am really excited to reconnect.

Interesting note - TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY! I am conflicted, lol.
Negatives: NO dinners, NO drinks, NO nights out(well i did have grilled chicken at Hooters on St Patty's), NO parties, etc etc. I'm tired, cranky, depressed, stressed, hungry..... No time off(I worked and did collections) and did my workout and prepared my food. blah.
Positives: I CHOSE THIS. This was my 'gift' to myself. I have a history of not so good Birthdays and I didn't want to rely on anyone or be let down, so this is ALL on me. I am doing a competition and looking the best ever have, I am celebrating ME. AND, some of my closest girlfriends will be there and my dad and we will be celebrating my Birthday after at Cheesecake Factory so THAT is my reward! And I can't wait!

THOUGHTS
At this point of the season, I have been dieting for approximately 5 months. I believe in overall health, and a Competition Diet is NOT HEALTHY. Most trainers(good ones) will make you take time off after a certain length of time. Your body and mind will wear down, and it will show in your stage presence. I am looking at 16 more weeks after this, including the Contra Costa in May, West Coast Classic in June and San Jose in July. My body is breaking down, my mind is not comprehending. Burnt out. October - July...that's 9 months of HARD training and dieting. "Eating Clean" is NOT the same as a Competition Diet. When you are eating clean, you can eat ANYTHING that you can 'pick, kill or catch'. Any fruit, veggie, protein, grain, etc. You have a large variety and many different nutrients. A competition diet is vary specific and limited. This is why we rely on supplements. I am planning my 'mental' breaks so that I can continue. If I don't, I will end up as before, rebelling and eating out of spite. I don't believe in extremes. I quit before because I saw too many girls become obsessed with their food and lack of realistic lifestyle. I saw it ruin friendships, marriages, etc. BALANCE is KEY in ALL things. And if I start to feel like a flipping apple is a 'bad' thing, that's out of control. It's not in a competition diet for me, but it's not 'bad'. This sport is truly what you make it. And you need to make it work for YOU.

Closing Thoughts
I have planned 'mental' breaks, where I will eat 'clean' but let my body refuel and then decide to move on. I WILL move on, but I need to check in with myself and make sure it is the right thing to do. I want to be able to keep pushing myself and enjoy the process, even the crazy parts!  I am SO excited for this weekend! I have more muscle than ever, and have worked super hard for this. I can't wait to compare this season's pic to last years! mmm....Birthday Cake! :D

< 4 Weeks Out: NPC Governor's Cup

Here I am at just under 4 weeks out! I have really been lifting hard and am noticing a lot more definition and lines that I have NEVER had! My hamstrings are finally peeking out! All machines and their weight are a little different, but at my Sunday gym I actually was about the same weight for leg curls as for leg extension. finally getting some more balance! I lift as HEAVY as I can, and my body is feeling it!

Even though I have taken a mental break, I have made progress. I am 126lbs, and 16%BF. I definitely need to lean out so diet changes are being made. A LOT of things are coming out of my diet, and I'm ready. When coach tells me to take things out, I do it. So I had prepared my food so the Steel Cut Oatmeal is going up into the freezer until I can have it again. I am up, well doubling, my cardio so 6hrs/week. I get paid for 3 hehe. All I keep thinking is "I need to find a few cycle classes to sub!" I do NOT like cardio! I love teaching, and I love getting PAID! :D Tomorrow one of my clients and friend is going to do the Stair Monster with me. SO GLAD! The goal is 120lbs (or less) and 12%BF. At San Jose last year I was 118 at just under 13%BF day of show and of course we always are looking for improvement. I am REALLY excited to see what my body looks like 'stage-lean' now that I have worked for almost a full year on building muscle.

 My body is breaking down however and I have an appointment with my chiropractor tomorrow. This is VERY important with my scoliosis. Things are crooked to begin with so as I build muscle and things get pulled even more in the wrong directions it causes pain. My 'loose shoulders'(they sublux, or dislocate with movement) are hurting, as well as my whole spine pretty much, and now my elbow. My Chiropractor is very unique in that she does soft tissue work. She pinpoints the problem and works the muscle. She doesn't just 'pop' things. I go in with pain, and most cases leave pain free, and I've gone in after some pretty bad issues(ie flipping over my head and landing on my hands popping my shoulders out while snowboarding).

Another interesting thing on my 'mental break' was that my stomach got really bloated, and I was holding a LOT of water. I don't know if I was taking in too much protein with my baking using eggs, protein powder etc or if it was sugar, I'm not sure. But, it does reinforce my current clean eating. It never used to bother me but I have been pretty much eating clean for quite a while now that I think even small changes affect me.



I also am having a lot of fun meeting new friends! I was a little nervous as none of my girls will be competing with me in these next 2 competitions, but I have met other girls through mutual friends who are doing these shows and I am super excited to meet them! Having others is such a great motivation to keep you on track.

So, tomorrow I start my new diet! Coach told me to post my info and pics weekly to keep me on track and hold me accountable, so here I go! ;)

Closer...

 

Well, The Eye said I looked better but she wants some BIG changes by next Saturday. I need to do another hour of cardio tonight so that'll bring my total to 5hrs this week. Of course, I also subbed 4hrs of Aqua and while not a workout persay, I definitely was actively moving around and my shoulders are sore!
Im definitely hitting the wall and a bit down today. Ups & downs. Gonna go get my cardio in at Ray's before I have posing practice with Robin. After the girls' session tomorrow we are goin to MAC for our makeup prep and next Saturday getting our hair done so that'll be exciting and hopefully help me feel ready. But the legs def more defined then before. Lines, triangles, hehe ;)

 Here you can see my crookedness show in the shoulders & waist.  

SAME weight. Holding due to lack of sleep & stress. But much more definition! Crazy how the body works!

This has been a CRAZY Busy week! Saturday after posing practice me and a few of the girls went to Max Muscle and stood in line to see Phil Heath. He is awesome, and seems so down to earth. We wore our team gear and took some great pics!

The girls are looking great, huge improvements! However, I was not happy with my own progress. I felt like I looked better a few lbs ago. I felt like i lost my muscle and was all fat. ugh. Fatima gave me the option of upping my cardio or taking out carbs. Well, this ANTI-cardio girl chose cardio for the first time. I'm cranky without carbs and I had 4 Aqua classes to sub on top of my regular 3-4 classes / week so I knew I'd need them. (Check out that crazy schedule below!) And im doing ok.  I've done 1hr of cycling each day. I'm definitely beat! My legs are J-E-L-L-O. Of course, my weight is the same. Go Figure! I drop quick. But I'm definitely leaner. I was mad that my jeans still fit tight, lol, but then i looked in the mirror and saw the hams and ass I did NOT have before and I'm ok with that ;) With the stress and lack of sleep i've had lately, my body is weighing heavier. I know it'll be lower once I get a good night's sleep. I feel good, but we'll see what Coach thinks at my check-in tomorrow. I still need to be leaner, and I'm already thinking of the next show, keeping it lean and trying to even out areas and put on a bit more muscle. I'm getting there though. I have more legs, more shoulders, I think in 2 more weeks, I'll be ok. I'd like to be MORE than ok so I'll do what I need to.

I am excited though, because I have a few people to meet at the LA FitExpo-another competitor I met through Twitter from my town, and Lester from Vizion Wear that has made suits for 2 of the girls, and will be doing mine next for later on in the season. 

Hopefully I'll have some good news & pics tomorrow! ;)

Mon Cycle @ Bally (missed for HOA mtg, but Oma ended up getting released from hospital. Ended up doing 1hr on my home bike while watching Nicole Wilkin's DVD for motivation.
Tues Aqua @ 24hr
Wed Aqua @ 24hr
Wed Cycle @ Bally
Wed Bosu @ Bally
Thurs Aqua @ 24hr
Thurs Cycle @ Bally
Fri Aqua @ 24hr

Ironman Mag Naturally - 3 weeks out

So I had my check-in and took pics. I know I'm behind. Fatima says I'll be ok, but I'm mad at myself. Of course, I NEVER would have tried to diet through the holidays, but since they are over its been easier. I doubled my cardio (not much for most but from 2hrs to 4hrs / week). And I've been on my 3wks out plan for the last month so aside from the cheats, I've been super clean. And have been good one week, lol. So far I lost the weight from the cheat, +3lbs so I am 128lbs, 17.6%BF. I took pics and felt like I had less muscle and more fat than my last pics at the higher weight. Thank god I have a coach to filter for me.

I've had a lot of stress at work, and my Oma has been in the hospital this week. She's going to be needing a pace-maker. She doesn't really know whats going on. Other than my SF mints, while I'm visiting, I haven't cheated. SO I'm feeling good about that and I just keep telling myself what I tell others: "Just do the work, and it will happen". It's hard, and I totally understand the mentality....people feel hopeless so they cheat, and because they've screwed up they make it worse. But you gotta stick with it. I made this commitment, and I am NOT a quitter. I knew I'd have to work harder when I made the choice to cheat. The GREAT thing is, I'm an instructor! SO I picked up another permanent cycling class at Bally's, so now I'm getting PAID for 3hrs of that cardio a week! Also what that means is its scheduled so there's no way i can miss it. All I need to do is squeeze another hour in(I have another instructor who's class I'm taking cuz she's awesome and I'm learning from it!) so then if needed another 30mins here and there on the stairs. Again, I drop weight quick, so many of my clients need to do a lot more cardio depending on how their body responds.

I also launched my YouTube Channel this week. So far I have my Intro video and one on my ProTan process. Helps a lot for showing my girls how it's done. I can't paint them all! ;)