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!

May 3rd, 2012....Two Days Out...

Well, here I am two days out from my biggest show of 2012.  There are more big ones to come, but this show is so much fun, there are tons of vendors, and it is located smack in the middle of my alma mater.  As I had mentioned in my first post, I placed fourth in my class last year at Pitt.  I hope to come in better this year, but I have a feeling that this year, this show is simply going to be huge.  Therefore, I am completely unsure about how things will turn out for me.  I have been putting exhausting hours into the gym, eating less and less trying to lose those last few pounds.  This week has been all about getting enough rest, buring fat, and getting things together to make sure I am on schedule and that I have everything I need so I am stress free.  Last week, my progress slowed and I had to take a couple of days off.  I slept and rested the entire weekend, which enabled me to push hard this week.  Good planning and plenty of sleep have been the stress busters that worked for me on this prep.  I am planning to finish super strong in my final cardio of the week tomorrow morning, and although I did rest last weekend, I caught a cold yesterday that hindered my intensity.  The nerves set in on Monday, as I set into a panic about how I would look on Saturday.  To cope with those nerves, I spent the week by focusing on my teaching, and put the nerves out of my mind.  I ate, trained and slept all day, every day, outside of work.  It hasn't hit me yet that I will be traveling to Pittsburgh tomorrow afternoon, checking in, tanning, dehydrating, and then waking up Saturday hoping to come in good.  I am excited to see my friends and to mingle with all those involved with the show....I hope you will be watching and waiting on Saturday, for I am very nervous.  I will be posting constant updates on my athlete page, NPC Figure Competitor Erica Vogt....so follow me all the way in!  HERE...WE....GO!!!

Ten Days Out

Up to this point, my weight loss has been easy.  This week, however, work has been busy, been longer hours in the gym, and the wonderful (yeah right!) foot of snow that fell in my area of PA have left me a little frazzled.  I did not make the appropriate adjustments to my routine in order to keep my schedule flowing well, and that resulted in loads of stress!  I purchased Beauty Burn pm from BeautyFit.com to help me get a bit of rest during these last few weeks.  I knew that I would need to make sure I got proper rest at this critical time.  Using that product, I have gotten some of the most restful sleep I've had in a while.  Although, due to my maladjustment, I've only gotten 4-5 hours of sleep the last few days, which is not good.  I must try harder to get 7-8 hours of full rest so my body responds to my training.  Being so close, I am feeling the nerves.  I'm getting a little scared about the level of competition at this show, because it's going to be tough! 
Nonetheless, I always have fun no matter how I do, so I am going to focus on that.  It's about the journey, so I am going to make some time to de-stress and get excited, rather than fearful.  I'll let you know what stress-busters end up working for me!  See you soon, and train hard!!

Building a support system

I mentioned in last week's post that I sort of, "hit a wall" with training after competing in back-to-back shows.  I tend to become very frustrated when I am tired, hungry and craving carbs, or even when I become ill.  I have such a competitive spirit that I really come down on myself as though I should be tougher than all that goes on around me.  Not that I shouldn't be 'tough', but I have to learn to be a bit easier on myself when I'm running a million miles a minute, and I should be able to do it all, right?  We as women tend to do that, and tend to 'bash' ourselves with negative self-talk, as though there is something wrong with us when we are, god forbid, tired after two intense training sessions per day and a full-time job. 

Then, I obsess and worry that I will not come in the way I should at showtime.  That is what went on through my mind all week as I felt my body slowing down and feeling worn.  Thank goodness that I was able to attend a training weekend with my team and coaches, who are incredibly supportive, positive and we all push each other to reach our best.  I had a fantastic weekend weekend of tough training, and definitely lost some bodyfat...which is my main weakness! 

I came home feeling strong and incredibly appreciative that I am able to live this lifestyle.  Although I live in an area where not many people live or understand my lifestyle, I have a fantastic support system with teammates.  A few of my closest friends and I keep in close, constant contact.  When we're tired, cranky, or having cravings we'll text and help each other through.  I am so grateful to have this full team of women who share my passion.  In addition to that, my family supports me so much.  I could not do this without them.  My parents, brother, cousins and aunts and uncles have all been incredibly supportive, whether it's simply wishing me luck, or helping me cook my food, or do laundry during volleyball season when my days are non-stop.  This got me thinking that not everyone is so lucky.  Some people have told me of friends and family members who do not support them when they make an effort to change their lives for the better.  Whether out of jealousy, insecurity, fear, or lack of knowledge, some people simply will not accept certain things, unfortunately.  I experienced this when I started competing. However, I was lucky to have my team and family. 

So, this is what I am going to tell everyone reading this blog who may be making a change for the better in their lives.  I don't care if you are trying to compete, lose weight for health, or heck, even move into a new career.  When you follow your passions, find others who share them, so you have a system of support.  If it's tough at first, go to my athlete page, NPC Competitor Erica Vogt, inbox me and I"LL support you!  I would love to provide as much encouragement to our new ventures as I possibly can!  In fact, reply to this blog, or post to my athlete page and tell me what your passion is.  What are you doing about it?  What made you decide to finally GO FOR IT?  How do you feel about your choice?  And remember....those who aren't there for you during your struggle, don't get to share in your success!

Three days into Pitt Prep

Today I can say that I can definitely feel some need for recovery from back to back shows.  I trained HARD on Monday and Tuesday, and I gave myself off from cardio today as I am traveling to train with my team this weekend.  I am very much looking forward to seeing my good friends and coaches, and havin' a booty-kicking time to get a couple pounds of bodyfat off!  The timing couldn't be better!  One thing I need to do better for this Pitt Prep is to make sure I get enough sleep and stay stress free.  I just ordered a bottle of Beauty Burn from BeautyFit.com because it helps maintain a fast metabolism at night and fit sugar cravings, in addition to a restful sleep.  I will let you all know how it works!  As for now, I am about to head to bed to get that rest!  See you all in a couple of days!

Competition Prep

Tomorrow begins a four week training preparation for a competition that I have had my eye on for a while.  The NPC Pittsburgh Championships is one of the biggest and most recognized bodybuilding contests in the sport.  The event brings in a ton of vendors, IFBB Pros, a national panel of judges, and hundreds of NPC competitors hoping to be noticed in the industry. 
I earned 4th place in Figure B last May 2011.  This season I have my sights set to place a bit better.  I have spent a lot of time and money prepping, training, traveling and competing, and have finally mastered the art of healthy nutrition, as that is the key to seeing good results.  I will be posting my progress here and on my athlete page and invite you to follow me on my journey.  I would like to use this blog to help my followers learn how I did this, and hopefully inspire and motivate you to do the same!  I am here for YOU...if you have any questions, please post, reply and discuss!