Slow and steady wins the race....

This week begins yet another prep in my quest for the Pro Card. Since my last post, my body has undergone many changes, albeit a bit slow. I remember last year, with my seemingly endless hours of cardio, super low calories, high stress levels and lack of sleep due to all I do in a day, the rush to prep for a show became so dreary and difficult that I began to feel as though I didn't want to compete anymore. I was pushed to lose literally a pound a day...which by normal health standards is incredibly unhealthy, and stressful. I couldn't even enjoy the journey of the prep. So, in November I sought new help. First, I made sure my body was functioning well; my thyroid in particular. When everything was good, and although I had gained the most weight I have ever been, I knew I was on the right track to wellness, and would be once again onstage and looking my best. Since November 2012, I carved 25 pounds of extra weight off my body with the help of my new coach...and it seemed so easy! Although it was slow, it was steady, clean and enjoyable. My shows in May and June and July saw a tighter package each time. Even though I was not the best onstage, I was happy with my progression. I am now about 6-8 pounds away from my best possible physique, and I'm giving myself 20 weeks to do so. The body I have in my mind is slowly breaking through and the goal is to stay relaxed and positive that it will come as long as I stay on track and to listen to my coach. There are no quick fixes that are healthy and permanent. My next competitions this year will be in November, which will be plenty of time to focus! I would love for you to follow my journey these next few months, and join me in healthy weight loss!

A river cuts through a rock...

Well, it’s the second week of January, and most of us are well into (or out of!) our New Year’s resolutions. Either we are sticking to our new plans hard core, or we’ve already broken them once, or even a few times, and are starting over. I, personally, have not made a New Year’s resolution for as long as I can remember. I haven’t felt the need to make any changes, I suppose because I have always been a health nut and an athlete in some form, therefore I have had nothing to change as far as diet and exercise. Also, I’ve never been afraid of hard work, so I didn’t feel the urge to “amp” things up in any other area of my life because I have always given my best and striven to improve. However, looking over the past few years, and mistakes I have made with nutrition, training, and/or other areas of my personal life, I decided that this year it was time to take things up a notch, and really change up some patterns so I don’t fall into the same traps. Besides, I need change and excitement in my life! My resolution is to make 2013 the best year of my life in all aspects. I plan to put forth the most amount of effort in the allotted time I have to complete the tasks I choose to complete, ranging from my job, to training and nutrition, as well as my personal relationships. I will do things right the FIRST time, so I don’t have to go back and do them again! I urge to you follow me, as I will be blogging, AND vlogging this year, in an effort to inspire as many people who choose to follow my journey. This weekend begins the sixteen week countdown to my first show of 2013, and I would love to have you follow my progress, and I hope that my results inspire you to begin a life changing journey as well. ~A river cuts through a rock, not because of its power, but its persistence~

Staying the course....

I think everyone hits a time in their life when things become redundant. Whether it is in our job, where we live, starting a diet, or a new project of any kind. Most of the time, planning and prepping for a day or weekend is weeks or months in advance, and it is easy to lose focus every now and then because the goal is so far away. This happens in competition training as well...as it usually takes many, many weeks to prep for the stage. It is very easy to "forget" why those of us are doing what we do. For instance, I have been dieting and training for shows since January, and am coming up on my 5th competiton of this season. The summertime brings family get togethers, parties, festivals, concerts etc. that include food and drinks that I will not consume while training, not even as a cheat meal. I am going to admit that just a few weeks ago, I was on the brink of quitting. I hit a stall in my progress, not to mention that I was sick and tired of all the functions I have decided to avoid simply because I couldn't eat the food there, and I was very, very hungry. Day in, and day out of training, living alone and dieting just wore on me. I had worked so hard, and the fact that I wasn't seeing the results I wanted made me very angry. I was so very tempted to give up and go scrounch on pizza. And then, a family member of mine passed away unexpectedly. Although tormented with sadness, this tragedy made me realize how very blessed I am. I am able to live the lifstyle I live, and I have a big, caring family. It also brought the realization of how precious time is, and I decided, four weeks from my show, that I was going to toughen up and get over all the negative feelings I was feeling. Besides, as a teacher and a coach, I have made it my oath to be someone who inspires others, who helps others realize the possibilities they have in their ives. And then, a week later, I lost a young member of my high school volleyball team. This athlete's passing rocked my town...and me. Without a clue about how I was going to lead this group of young women through such a sorrowful situation left me numb, not to mention the fact that I was hurting tremendously for her family and friends. THis was two weeks from my show. I kept pushing, although my mind was fogged, as I was trying to stay afloat for my team. As I am now just ten days from my show, I know that despite life's trials, I have 'stayed the course'. In fact, I think that my training in and of itself has helped me do so. Exercise and eating clean does the body, mind and soul good. No matter what is going in your life, it is important to stay the course rather than letting it defeat you. Everyone has trials, everyone has excuses. It could be very easy to crawl in a hole and give up....but you would just stay down longer. Make adjustments, rather than excuses, and stay the course. This last week, I am relying a lot on that BeautyBurn, by BeautyFit for restful sleep...it helps a TON. BeautyFuel is my all-time staple for extra energy that has helped me push through those workouts despite any obstacle. In addition, I have added the full doses of BeautySlender for that extra kick of fat burn, and it helps me keep the muscle I've been able to carve throughout the summer. Next week, I plan to bring a package better than what I have brought in the past, and we'll see where the cards fall for me. My only Pro Qualifier of the year, I am excited to end this season on a good note, in hopes that the judges like me. If nothing else, I know I have stayed the course, never stopping, always pushing through the muck. Stay tuned for updates...T-10 days!

New focus

In a couple days, six of my very good friends will be competing at Team Universe in Teaneck, NJ. I, however, will not be, and it pains me that I wasn't able to room with them and watch them compete as I had originally planned. This summer I had to make some tough decisions in order to allow me to continue to compete this season. Some major car repairs have dug into my competition funds, so I have had to put a halt on national shows, and travel plans in order to save money. If you are a competitor, you know that these shows simply aren't cheap, whether you are competing or simply spectating. So, I have decided to take some time, save money, and train like never before for the ONE national show I am able to do this year; North Americans, which is being held in Pittsburgh on August 31st. I have been able to maintain my diet, and have been training like a freak to get myself ready. I have competed a lot in the past two years in an effort to be seen by as many judges as possible. That path definitely helped me to be seen and remembered by judges...but now, the focus is quality instead of quantity. So far, I am liking how I feel, and I am glad that I am taking the needed time to prepare for a national show. I will come in the best I've ever been, and be free of stress. I haven't competed at North Americans in the past, therefore I am very excited to compete so close to home. I am now just under 8 weeks to the show, so stay tuned to my new journey! Good luck to my girls, Rebecca, Susan L., Susan R., Lori, Kyrstyn, and Justine this weekend!!! You are all going to do great, and I will be watching for updates...see you all soon!

Six weeks out

I am about six weeks from Team Universe, my first national, pro-qualifier this season. I have to admit, last week, I just about crashed after having done 4 shows already this year. I didn't do my best on my diet and cardio for a few days last week. But, again, time with my teammates gets me excited and back on track again! I cannot say enough about making sure you have that support and those in your life who share your passion. I am holding so much water this week it is ridiculous and not feeling too well....hoping six weeks will be enough to get me where I need to be! I am ready though. I have the summer off and will be working with my student athletes so I will be monitoring myself very carefully...I am very glad to have the time to be able to focus on that and get it done. be on the lookout for weekly progress!

Refocus

With just a few days over seven weeks to my first National competition of 2012, I am finding myself very ready to refocus my energy to coming in my best yet. I am competing again in Pittsburgh on Sunday, (May 20) and have contemplated a decision to not compete in NYC on June 2nd, as I want to give my body and mind time to recover, refocus, and improve. This week, I came down with a stomach virus (as a teacher I'm exposed to all sorts of germs!) and was a little out of it for a few days, which most definitely caused me to begin stressing about how I'd come in this weekend. In fact, I may have lost a little muscle. I am feeling much better today and hope I feel great tomorrow as I prep for Sunday. Then, it's all Team Universe on my mind! School is winding down for me, and I am very lucky that I have the summer off...the summer is going to bring lots of great national shows, so remaining rested and stress-free is my goal!

Five days later...

For those of you who have been following my prep into the NPC Pitt, I thank you! I had worked very hard, but did not come into the placing I had hoped I would. The show itself was much bigger than last year, and the competition was very tough, almost at national level competition. I ended up coming in 7th out of 18 in my class. I am good with that number since this is a sport of progression, and this show was particularly large. I do have some leaning out to do, which I am working on! I am competing in Pittsburgh again on May 20th, and then again at another big show in NYC on June 2nd; Bev Francis Atlantic States. Each show I plan to bring a better package, and I feel I have done that at each show to this point….all a progression to nationals! My first national show this year will be Team Universe in Teaneck NJ on July 7th. I have eight good weeks to lean out, which I know I can do…I shall not give up! I am almost there! Please continue to follow my preps into my next three competitions. I hope I can be a source of inspiration whether or not you are competing!