Another Goal Achieved

Well it's been three weeks since my competition.  A lot has happened physically and emotionally.  My body is still adjusting to the "after" affects of comp/show prep.  I got hit a little harder as we had a wine passport the weekend after my show.  My mind thoroughly enjoyed the time, my body hated all the crap being put into it.  It responded by swelling up and I paid for it a couple days after.  Then we flew to Austin.  My body did a little better, but to be honest it was TOUGH trying to eat decent in Austin where every meal is full of hearty, meat, sauce, sodium.  I had an amazing time with my hubby and we both needed to escape and hang out with good friend.  Mentally, I needed this adult hubby time.  Physically my body need more time in between show and normal life.  It's just a reminder for me to stay on track.  I have had a few ups and a few more downs watching my body get back to "normal".  The hard part is I tend to forget what "normal" looks like after holding show weight for so long.  Now is the time I am finding my balance and I am getting there.  The process of preparing for a show, all that it entails is easy for me in comparison to the after show affects.  Again, thank GOD I have my supportive hubby for me to lean on, crash on, and bounce back from.  We all tend to be hardest on ourselves and I need to remind myself that what I look like is normal, healthy and be thankful I have two arms, two legs and functional moving body to continue do what I love doing.  Speaking of doing what I love doing I am now a certified personal trainer.  I have been studying my booty off, when I was working it, and took my NASM exam last Friday and PASSED.  I am so excited to start this new advantage and share my love for being fit.  I can't wait to help people reach and achieve their healthy goals whatever they may be.  I could not be more happier in life right now.  Feels good for me to work so hard for something I wanted so much, and have such a passion for, and achieve my goal.  Remember this: You are NEVER to old to make ANY dream or goal real.   Go out there and make it happen.

Another show, Another experience, Another memory.

Show is done with and now a memory.  Governor's Cup was yesterday and was a long day.  Starting off with Thursday registration, Friday tanning, and Saturday all day event.  Pre-judging was at 9:00, and getting there at 7:00 for tanning made for an early start to my day.  I was very tired and I think it showed.  I did my best on stage and was bummed I didn't place.  I think sometimes I do all this hard work to be judged for one day sounds weird sometimes.  I then remember I do all this hard work for myself regardless of judged or not.  After prejudging we headed back to the house to rest, which I really needed.  I received so much support throughout the day with texts, emails, messages, friends going with me, helping me get ready and that alone makes this experience 10 times better.  I feels so good to have the supportive friends and family that I am so blessed to have.  It's an awesome feeling to have friends think of you and wish you well and letting you know this.  I could NOT do this without the support, especially the support of my immediate family.  My husband is my rock who has held me up when I crashed down.  He is the one who listened to me, he pushed me to give more than I thought I could give.  I am truly blessed to have him and my family and those special friends in my life.  People know how much of a passion this is for me and it shows they care by their continued support.  I was in a lull heading back to finals, but once I got there, saw my trainer I felt better.  She pumped me back up.  I met some really wonderful girls, sweet and very real.  Every girl that was in my class deserved the place they received.  It was VERY TOUGH competition and I can't complain placing what I placed, 11 out of 13.  I had a wonderful time at finals, a wonderful time seeing my friends and family who came to support me and a GREAT time going to dinner with them.  I am a lucky girl for sure.  Each experience is a new, different one that I would never replace as it gives me an opportunity to grow from it.  I am happy with the end results and would not change one thing in the process.  I am taking some time off from "show prep" and will be focusing on keeping to build muscle, eating clean but having fun living also, and focusing on my plan to purse my dream/goal  I have lots ahead in my future that I can't wait to unfold.  Love this quote ~ "Win or lose you will never regret working hard, making sacrifices, being disciplined or focusing too much" ~ John Smith

One week left....whooo hoooo!

One week from today and I will be on that stage.  I am excited and nervous as usual.  Week was good.  My trainer added in a little more carbs to my eating, so we can fluff me up a little.  My metabolism is still working super fast and I don't want to get too lean.  I am at 132.2, (131.8 yesterday).  I skipped cardio as I don't want to loose another pound.  I replaced it with a weight training session.  7 sleeps and the day will be here.  I hope my body is at it's best it can be at this point in time.  I have given it all I have and in the end that's all I can do.  I can not devote any more hours/time without suffering elsewhere in my life and I am not willing to sacrifice any more time away from my family.  It's a balance all in itself.  I still love doing this, despite the lows which are expected in anything you do in life.  I love to challenge my body as well as my mind.  People still ask me if I starve myself, if I go to bed hungry, what am I doing to get skinny, or loose weight.  A lot of people don't realize it is all just hard work and dedication by eating really good and getting in cardio.  We all should be eating good 80% of the time and always make time for cardio at least 5 days a week.  Even when I am not in training mode, I do my cardio or some sort of physical activity at least 5-6 times a week, and I find things I love to do.  I love eating good, but I also love having my sweet indulgences.  It's just a matter of picking and chooses what you want.  I don't do anything crazy, or take anything, or do endless hours of cardio to get this way.  I simply eat at 100% healthy, which consists of vegetables, protein, carbs and lots of good ol water.  I simply get in a variety of exercise 5-6 days a week from anywhere to 40-60 minutes.  It's that simple and it's where the mental part comes in telling yourself you can do it, pushing yourself to do it.  I have learned you can do anything you set your mind and most importantly your heart too.  My heart is always in this, and always in the things I truly want. Guess it's time for me to end this short journal, get some weights in, and then focus on my son's 8th birthday party.  By this time next week, I will be on stage, and hoping that what I have done is enough to belong on that stage.  That's all I can do, is bring everything I have worked for at 100%.  Whatever the outcome, I am always happy with myself for doing this, making it to the end, not giving up and putting in 100% dedication mentally and physically.  Wishing everyone a wonderful Saturday full of Sparkle and ending with this quote:  "Win or Loose you will never regret working hard, making sacrifices, being disciplined, or focusing too much" ~ John Smith.

2 Weeks out....

Can't believe it's only two weeks out.  This is crunch time.  This is where I start to get my second wind and get excited all over again in doing this.  Since last week, I have had three cheat meals.  EEEKKKK.  First one we went out and I had pasta, bread and yogurt, oh man my stomach didn't like me  I was hurting for a day after.  My second meal we made BBQ hamburgers at home.  My stomach didn't like me after as I don't think it's used to real grass fed red meat.  I always eat turkey meat.  Then last night's cheat meal was better and my stomach was fine.  It was a little cleaner, but allowed me to have that carb at night, and some extras.  I am weighing in at 134.0.  Which is good and I am happy with.  I had two posing practices and feel I need to practice more at home.  It's just finding that time, which I planned for today and tomorrow.  I hit another wall on Monday/Tuesday.  I didn't sleep at all on Monday night, don't know why.  It resulted in me taking a day off on Tuesday.  I felt horrible and for once I listened to my body and decided it was best mentally and physically to not do anything.  I needed it!  I have my tanning, nails, hair, wax appointments all booked and am ready to go.  This next week should hopefully be a great one, then peak week to follow.  Keeping up on the cardio, getting a little burned out on it, but trucking along with it.  This show is supposed to be one of the biggest ones yet.  Over 800 competitors expected.  I am not looking to place 3rd, realistically.  I would be lucky to get the top 5.  Either way I am ALWAYS proud of myself for making it this far, giving it my 100% best.  It's something I enjoy within me, placing would be awesome but it doesn't define me in anyway.  I love doing this each time for myself, and the outcome is that I did it, naturally, for ME!  Looking forward to having some variety though in my meals, taste on my taste buds and MORE peanut butter.......lol.    "Happiness is doing more of what you LOVE"

3 weeks out.......

3 weeks out until my show.  This week went super fast.  On Tuesday, my weight went down to 132.8, then on Wednesday went up to 134.6.  Weighing in today at 133.2 which is good, means I held my weight for this week.  It's funny how my body fluctuates.  I think stress plays a huge factor with weight and holding on to it, so does sodium.  I try and have set days to weigh  myself so I don't get consumed with just a number.  When I weighed myself on Wednesday, at 134.6 was on a day not scheduled.  I knew I should not have gotten on the scale, as when I saw I put on that pound+ it messed with my mind.  I worried that I was gaining weight, knowing it was probably due to salt and stress, two NO NO's!  lol.  Here it is Saturday, and I am at a good holding weight.  This is why in this process it is good to have yourself STICK to the set weigh in days you decide.  Mine are Tuesday's (this is the day I work out with my trainer, so I let her know where I am at) and Saturday's (as this is the exact week,s, out marker of my show)  Getting on the scale on Wednesday, shows me that's what I get for not sticking to my set days.  This comp can consume you if you don't have limits and control.  This is why I set days for weigh ins.  I also, plan out on a calendar my cardio, workout days to help organize my time, and time with my family.  It's a balance to work in all this prep and still have time for priorities, such as my family.  I tend to get a little overwhelmed trying to get my cardio, workouts in, working during the days, being mommy, and wife.  I felt like I hit a wall last night, and felt overwhelmed.  I have a LOT on my plate right now, (which is by my choice) but I know what is on my plate is for my future and is my passion.  I had a "moment" of discouragement last night but thankful I have my hubby to listen to me.  My husband is my main support, he is always there when I have "a moment". His encouraging words to keep going, letting me know I can do this, keeps me in focus.  Good thing my family understands, and supports that mommy is doing something she is passionate about.  Another posing practice is on for this morning, so it will be nice to get some feedback how I look in suit and how to fine tune my posing.   On a good note, it's daylight saving time, which means lighter later evenings, and get this......I get a cheat meal tonight!!  Yeah....date night with hubby.  Since I have stuck to my training and lost all the weight needed, she is giving me a cheat meal.  Hopefully, this helps to slow up my metabolism so I don't loose anymore.  Such a good Saturday and it's only 7:00 am.   Ending this post with words of encouragement: "I will not be discouraged about how far I have to go, I will be EXCITED about where I am headed"

4 weeks out....it's the countdown marker

Four weeks out, whoooo hooooo.  For me this is the countdown marker.  I can actually say my show is this month, it's 4 weeks out!  So excited.  I have had a great week, minus get slammed with a cold.  I took two cardio days off due to my cold.  It was hard and my husband is the one who scolded me to rest and not do cardio.  I am thankful he always looks after me as I realize taking care of my bodies health is obviously first.  I just have a hard time sitting out doing nothing.  Posing practice went well with my trainer, practicing on fine tuning it and being more comfortable doing the posing.  At 4 week out marker, I am weighing in at 133.4.  My trainer wants me to hold this...which is hard to figure out how to do but I am learning.  I am thrilled I am at where I need to by, but get worried on keeping it here  She lowered my cardo time to hopefully slow me down in loosing weight.  I have been trying my best to get in my weight time so I don't loose muscle and add a little more.  Squats and sit ups have been my friend.....lol.   With all the ups and downs in doing a show, I still love it.  The ups definitely out weight the downs.  I don't think I would enjoy it so much though if I didn't have amazing support all around me, my husband, kids, mom, sis, friends and co-workers.  Everyone has supported me, always asks how I am doing, looking after me, it's amazing to have that love given to me in doing something I am so passionate about.  This show is supposed to be the biggest one yet.  A little worried but I just push that feeling aside as I know all I can do is give my absolute best and what show on stage is ALL my 100% hard work and dedication.   Today's agenda, CWS, Cardio, Weights, Sit-ups...oh and practice posing.  I hope this next week(s) are as good as this one I just had with this show prep.  "The difference between your body this week and next week is what you do for the next seven days to achieve your goals"  Happy Saturday all, doing something today to put you one step closer to your goal!

5 weeks out.....

5 weeks out, still seems a ways away.   Looking forward to that 4 week out marker to make it more in reach.  Last week was good, although I did hit two low days.  It was due to lack of sleep.....which is so important to be getting during time of prep.  I am still feeling pretty good over all, happy with where I am at.  I am weighing in this a.m. at 135.6.  Very happy. Hitting posing practice today, then cardio, sprints to be exact, YUK!   I tried on my suit last Tuesday and my trainer is very pleased with my legs, which has always been hard for me to work, get definition.  She is looking at getting me to 133, and seeing where I am there.  If I look to lean, then we will add more protein to my eating, which will just add more weight in muscle.  Being that I only have a little over 2 pounds to loose in 5 weeks, is a bit scary for me.  I am afraid that I will gain, or at last minute have to shed off weight.  So far loosing this time around has been by far easier for me, and that scares me.  I know how to loose, I know how to gain, but I am scared and don't know how to maintain exact weight.  It's a little overwhelming, but I am trying to not think about it and just go with with each day.  This kinda of training you have to take it day by day.  Still eating everything the same.  LOVING my rice cake and peanut butter part of my day, always wanting another when I am done;-)  Even though I have a lot going on in my life, I am doing my best to balance it all, be momma to my wonderful kids, wife to my supportive hubby, a great co-worker at my job, 100% with training and taking on a new life adventure.  I know my social life has been put on hold, but I know what I am doing for my future, for myself and family is worth it.  I have learned through all this and learned with taking on this new life adventure, that it's about priorities.  We are NEVER "too busy".  I hear everyone say how they are too busy, they don't have time for anything.  Well I am a believer that we are never to busy for what we really want, or want in our lives, it's all about priorities.  If it's a priority in our life, we make time for it.  I make my family, my work, my passion, my dreams/goals, my friends,all a priority in my life.   "Life is a balancing act".

6 weeks out...feeling better

6 week marker and lost the two pounds I gained and down to 137.2.  Happy with that and realize stress does NOT help in this process.  Made it through Valentine's Day, was a little bitter in the end due to not getting my wine and ice cream..LOL!   This sport is ALL Discipline!   My friend has decided to do the competition with me and I am just soooo happy to have her along this journey with  me.  Makes it more fun, more enjoyable and it's nice to have someone to talk to that can fully relate to my emotions.  My trainer ideally was thinking she wants me at 134 ish...depending on what I look like as I near that or get to that.  If that is the case, then I only have 3 lbs to go in 6 weeks.  HMMMMM.....I think I can do that.  As long as I keep getting my peanut butter and rice cake, I am content.  Hitting weights today, then spin, going to be a great day.  I just hope I can maintain when I get to my goal weight and not gain.  It's a very hard balance to maintain a weight when you know exactly what to do to loose, but to stop that and maintain, to me is a challenge.  Had a much better week, (besides Valentines) than last week.  Hoping and praying it stays like this.  Happy Saturday.  This post is short and sweet, ending with "Discipline the one thing necessary to achieve any goal worth having"

7 weeks out and Grumpy.....

7 weeks out and I am laying around with a pinched nerve, (which I get from time to time tha is stress induced)  I am grumpy today and feel like pooooh!.  I don't have time for a pinched nerve, moms don't have time to sit out.  I know I need to listen to my body, but all I can think of is all I need to do, get my cardio in, prepare for my mom's retirement party being held tomorrow, and study.  Thank goodness my hubby is home from being out of town as he can take care of the kids, household part of things.  I also for some reason gained 2 lbs back.  I was down to 138.6 and now back to 140.2.  It could be numerous reasons why, but when your in prep mode and not loosing, let alone gaining a pound messes with the mind.  I know I still have plenty of time, it's just a set back that comes along with training, and life.  I keep focused on the bright side, which is having about 6 lbs to loose and I am ahead of the game compared to last season of prep.  I just gotta keep my mind set, and work hard still, as it is what it is.  Doesn't help it' raining either.  Even though we soooooo NEED this rain, it isn't good for uplifting the mood.  I know it sounds like I am complaining a lot, but I want to share my honest feelings as I go through this "on season" prep.  I plan to post at each countdown, week mark.  7 weeks left, I still got this, just gotta pull through this grumpy part, set back, and keep moving forward.  For now I will rest, (how do you do that???) and let my body heal so I can give 100%!
Wishing you all a HAPPY weekend. 
Quote of the week: "Setbacks and Stressors are bridges to be crossed to our goals, not barricades to keep us from them" ~ Stephen Pierce

8 weeks out

I finally have a marker, 8 weeks out.  Still a lot of time...but it's a countdown in my mind which I seem to work better mentally with.  I need a marker, countdown visually to set my mind up better.  These last 2.5 weeks have been hard, I have been very tired and my energy is low.  I am a VERY energetic person so to have that, any of that taken away, is not good for me.  It's un-motivating and I hate the feeling of having no energy.  I know it's my body adjusting, and I know it's because I started this "prep" mode already doing bigger amounts of cardio.  I have slimmed up my cardio here and there as I don't need to do that much right now.  It's helped a little.  I have a 10k race for tomorrow, that I was focusing on my time more than anything.  With this "lean" eating though my time has not been where it should be:-(  I am able to have a little pasta tonight (EEEKKKK) and do what I need to do for breakfast to give me the proper fuel to get me through this race.  I have realized I could never do a half marathon or another race during comp time.  I know how to train for competitions and I know how to train for running races,  I don't know how to intertwine the two, as my body can NOT handle both at the same time.  On a good note, I have lost 5 lbs., in the 2.5 weeks, which is keeping me hanging in there.  That is huge in my eyes as that leaves me about 5-6 pounds left to go in 8 weeks.  So very do-able, and won't leave me stressed.  As draining as this "on season" can be, I do really love it.  I look back and I appreciate at age 38, what I can mentally push my body to do.  I LOVE seeing my body take shape, build muscle, get and stay healthy.  It amazes me what we ALL are capable of doing if we really commit.  We ALL have it in us to do what we really want to do, it's mind over matter, it's pulling out the will power we all have and using it.  Nothing comes easy, we have to work hard if we really want something.   I really want this, so I am working my butt off and to not forget doing so while being a working mom, wife.  It's a challenge itself to juggle this with our lives and not have this comp consume our lives.   I take my shows one show at a time.  As long as the passion lives in me, as long as I don't let it consume my whole life, as long as I have my hubby and family support, as long my body allows me, I will do a show.  Show by show.   Keep this in mind with anything you are thinking of pursuing in life....."Don't wish for it, WORK for it"  Happy Saturday to you all....

Starting my "on season" prep......

Well.....I've been given the go and started my "lean eating" for on season prep of my show.  My trainer had me start a week early, due to the fact that last prep I did well the last week and didn't have to adjust my cardio or carbs.  She wants me to end the same way, as she saw how happy I was.  I am very pleased with my starting weight of 144 and ready to start leaning out.  These last few days have been tiring, but I always know it's my body adjusting to the lean eating.  It's always a little challenging to juggle my every day schedule of working, being mom, wife, and this lifestyle, but I somehow seem to get it down.  Again, thank goodness I have my hubby's support.  Also, happy I kept my cardio to 5-6 days during "off season" so there really isn't any increase or adjustment in my cardio as of yet for "on season".  The scale has already moved so that is a great start and keeps me motivated.   Very thankful for a 3 day weekend with nothing really big planned, so I can catch up on my sleep.  Sleep is very important during this time and also very important for life in general.  I LOVE sleep!  I love every part of this journey of prepping for a show, and just living this fit lifestyle.  Okay, there are some parts I could do without....but I do love it, or I wouldn't be returning for more.  This journal is short and sweet, (oh how I could love something sweet right now) but I just wanted to document my beginning of how I am feeling and my weight.   Quote of the week: "Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it" ~ Julia Child.

The Holidays are over and my jeans still fit!

Well, I made it through the holidays in "off training" mode.  I still fit in my jeans which I am thrilled about.  I enjoyed every bit of the holidays, indulged when I chose too, declined when I felt needed, kept up on my cardio, but most importantly I had FUN.  The holidays mean the most spent with my family and being happy, and that is just what happened.  I feel great about myself for maintaining my weight and not going over board with the eating/indulging.  It helps to have a friend that goes through the same scenarios as me.  It also helps to have my hubby +Jason Konen support me and loves to see me happy enjoying life!  As I near my end of off season, I am getting my state of mind prepared for another season of training for my next figure show.  I have been adding weights and love seeing more muscle throughout my body.  I love this lifestyle of keeping fit, maintaining a healthy weight, and living my life.  I am a little nervous for this next show, but then again all that is normal.  I just hope I do well, give it all I got and still keep the passion for it.   One thing we need to remember is we can do anything our minds tell us.  We have complete control on choosing what we want to or not want to do.  No one is to ever blame for our poor choices but our own self.  If you have a set back, it's up to you to turn it around right away and stay in control.  If you find something you are passionate about, don't loose site of it, hang on to it and keep pursuing it as long as the passion remains alive in you.  Next time I blog I should be in "clean eating" "prep" 'training" whatever you call it, I will be getting my body in show stage and happy to do it......well I say that now....LOL