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~