Fitness New England 88 Days!

It seems like yesterday that my first show in September was over and I had all the time in the world to "build" some muscle before my next show.  Somehow we are approaching the big 12 week mark and I am hoping my hard work has paid off.  Building muscle is not an overnight thing but I think as I keep progressing and do more shows the development will only get better.

The pic below is when I was 12 weeks out from the September show (around July 2012).  Do you see any muscle growth within the past 7 months?

Fitness America has officially posted the event information for Fitness New England and it is being held April 27th, 2013!  Tickets go on sale February 15th as well as the discounted rooms. Fitness New England is a HUGE show.  The Boston show I did in September looks like a rinky dink compared to this event.  The likelihood of placing will definitely be a lot harder but I am up for the challenge.  I have the tendency to start analyzing all of my competition and I have to constantly remind myself that it's not other girls I need to be worried about it's myself..and that's it. You can't control anything besides the dedication you are willing to devote to the sport. 



It's that time again...checklist time...and you know how much I love checklists!

FAP TO DO LIST:
theme wear
new sportswear (top was too big)
club wear (ordered and should be arriving this week) CHECK
Bikini CHECK
model bikini CHECK
TRAIN, TRAIN,TRAIN
Create a signature walk

The good thing about this show is that I am using my two suits which saves me A LOT of money! 

Also, I am starting to take my progress pictures on Monday.  Typically I take them on a Friday when my body has rid itself of my cheat meal(s) from the previous weekend.  As much as that makes me cringe after a weekend it holds me accountable.  Plus I had Mexican Saturday OYY!

13 weeks out

Sweatin' & Struttin'

It's a little overdue but I wanted to post about the seminar I went to last weekend with my competition prep team....The Strut & Sweat seminar.

The seminar was from 9am to 5pm, jam packed with everything you need to know about the life of a bikini competitor. Since I have competed in a show already you'd think I would know all of the information and what it takes to get on stage but that's far from the truth.  Leading up to my first show I was a ball of nerves and would google, YouTube, reach out to other competitors/coach for all of my questions/information.  I think for newbies as well as veterans, the seminar was super informative and really addressed all of a person's concerns going into a show.  It felt great to listen in on the information but also to have experienced a show before an
d really know what my coach was talking about.  When you have never done a show and people talk about being on stage, tanning prep, week of show diet ect...it's a little scary and overwhelming.   Having gone through all of this, I was able to really soak all of the information in without seeing visions of face-planting on stage or showing up green from the tanner.

9am sharp we all arrived, each equip with enough bags to go on vacation.  One thing about a bikini competitors...we don't pack light.  1 gallon of water, cooler packer with 2 meals, second workout outfit, suits, heels...you name it..I probably had it.  Not to mention I was anxiously waiting to use my new LuLu Lemon bag I got for Christmas. 

We first sat together and discussed all of the federations and the differences between each one.  Fitness America is the federation that best suits me at this point but someday I may branch out and try the WBFF.  I ordered a new pair of 5...yes that's right 5 inch heels to now practice in for the April show.  My heels were only 4.5 in September so maybe an extra half inch will give my legs some extra umph. 

We were then split up into 3 groups, (45 mins of Tabata, 45 mins of Slaughter and 45 mins of chatting with suit designers and suddenly sparkly).  Luckily, I was in the group that got Tabata over with first because that's always a doozy.  I enjoy getting my sweat on but the bling was calling my name.  I spent so much money on my first show that by the time it came down to accessories I just couldn't afford to really bling it up.  I have seen Suddenly Sparkle's bracelets in pictures and have been wanting some for awhile..so I splurged!  They are not the cheapest accessories but I know they will really pop on stage! 

After everyone completed the 3 rounds we moved into nutrition.  There is still so much I don't know about food that I loved hearing all of the questions.  The one thing I really like about Janelle (my coach), is that she is so knowledgeable about nutrition. She likes whole foods/ingredients and wants us all to eat the same way.  I think the allure of supplements can definitely be tempting and let's face it, easy, but in the long run..I'd rather know how to eat whole/real foods than rely on a processed supplement. 

Finally, my favorite part of the day....the strutting.  CHILLDDD...I could strut for days if you'd let me!  (sorry inner diva comes out when I talk about strutting).  I was never in drama or super outgoing but for whatever strange reason...as soon as I put those heels on...the inner diva is itching strut & pose.  I still have a lot of work to do on my walk and posing but it's by far my favorite aspect of competing.  Since I just love the drama, I've decided to get new theme wear.  Jane Bond was good to me but I want to bring the heat for April.  My new theme wear is in the works and I am really excited to start practicing the routine!!

Here are my progress pics for this week 1/18/13...BTW..I am throwing out my scale.  A goal for myself in 2013 is forget the number.  It does not define me or how I feel.  I want to love how I look in the mirror and I don't need a number to get in the way of that!

 

January 5, 2013

New year's is over...thank goodness...honestly I could not deal with another food get together.  My self control was lacking big time and I am just glad the holidays have passed.  With that said, I did post that I would now start to track my progress until my April show.  I am not super excited to be posting pics because my body is not where I would like it to be BUT...you have to be honest with yourself.  When I look in the mirror and get frustrated  I think to myself...how has the diet been?  Have you been sticking with the cardio plan?  My diet for the most part is not bad but I really want to work on my weekend relaxed meals. 

Another mission is my abs.  After browsing some fitness FB pages I noticed a few 6 pack challenges that I thought seemed really interesting.  The women would take a picture everyday of their abs and it was amazing to see the progress over the course of weeks.  I don't know if I would take a picture everyday maybe once a week.  It didn't really say what they were doing to get their abs but I would assume their nutrition in on point as well as some solid ab exercises a few days a week. I did an ab day on Saturday and all I can say is OUCH!!  Don't you hate after an ab day..you wake up so sore..and it really feels like you should have a six pack...and you look down..and it's the same ole mildy toned stomach you had yesterday. 

In Body Ambition news, we had a team outing this past weekend for drinks and dinner.  I carpooled with a few girls from my gym and thank goodness because my navigation skills are horrendous.  Competing can be a somewhat stressful environment and very focused around the nutrition and fitness aspects that you rarely get to mingle with your teammates in a different type of environment.  It was really fun being able to order some drinks and have some cheats with the people you are normally complaining about food with!

This upcoming weekend I will be attending my teams' Strut and Sweat seminar.  It's an all dayevent where we will be doing all of my favorite things.  We will be working out, posing & walking, eating (healthy food of course), talking about nutrition and looking at some bling!  Seriously, what could be better!  I will make sure to post about the event and take some pictures. 

Okay, so here are my progress pictures from this past Saturday 1/5/13.  I have not been weighing myself mainly for the fact that the number messes with my focus.  If I can stay on plan with my food and workouts than I should not have to worry about the scale. 

1/5/13

LIMITLESS

The new year is just a day away and I can't help but think about how much life has changed.  2012  was the year I discovered clean eating, circuit training, competed in my first fitness competition, PR'd on my 5k time and moved out of my house and in with my boyfriend.  When I look back at last January, I remember thinking of how excited I was to get started with the Get in Shape Girl.  I had never done anything like it before and was really anxious/excited to see if I would have results.  I never imagined the day I signed up would really change my life forever.  As dramatic as that sounds...it's the truth.  I had a void in my life and starting on this new fitness journey has really made me feel complete.  Creating goals and pushing the limits with my mind and body have really expanded my outlook on life, friends and relationships. 

When I started the GISG my body literally had zero muscle tone whatsoever.  A year later I can look back and see a girl who was really clueless at the gym.  I had a trainer but the days I trained alone I felt lost and afraid of looking stupid trying to figure out the machines.  I was eating Way WAY to much processed "low fat" foods and probably not even eating enough calories per day.  In a lot of ways I feel bad for girls at the gym that look like how I used to be.  Treadmill forever..then moved to the elliptical in hopes of burning more calories..maybe a sit up or two.  I would watch some of the females at my gym that would circuit train in awe and wonder how the heck do they even know how to do that...or where to learn how to do that but now i know. 

It is SO liberating going to the gym and not even have to look at a treadmill.  Of course there are days when I will do HIIT sprints or steady state but I don't depend on one for my workout.  I have my agenda and feel like a woman on a mission.  Tabata, HIIT, jump rope, burpees, box jumps, planks you name it...i can do it or at least attempt it!  Going from a girl who wanted to ask other women about their routines to having girls come up to me is mind blowing.  Ladies, liberate yourselves from the dreadmill!! The best thing about this journey is that there is no end point. My advice to women who may feel clueless in the gym is go online and do some research.   I pay for a program that provides monthly workouts and nutrition support but there are lots of free training tools that you can utilize.  Bodybuilding.com has some great training plans that are free.  Luckily my trainer provides full videos of her exercises but YouTube is a great resource.  Yesterday I was at the gym and forgot what a high grip rope pull was...so I googled it and watched a video...and went on my merry way.  Never be embarrassed when you do not know how to do something.  I have asked trainers, people at the gym, googled, texted a friend if I can't figure something out. 

As much as I learned in 2012 I am even more excited to see what 2013 holds.  Some of my fitness goals for 2013 include:

Day to day goals:
drink a gallon a water a day
Keeping track of my weights (example dead lift) and increase my weights. 
Practice moderation on weekends
Practice posing/walking 2 a week
Focus less on the scale and more on what I see in the mirror
Build the booty/leg muscles
unassisted pull up

Bigger goals:
compete in Fitness America Foxwoods in April
Diva Dash 2013
potential second competition
possible tough mudder

Next week I will start taking progress pictures/check-in on a regular basis.  I have a strut and sweat seminar next weekend which will really kick off the 2013 competition season and I am excited to see what the new years holds!

Slow and Steady....

After dusting the cobwebs off my keyboard.. I am finally writing a new post!  It's been a challenging few months since the show in September.  I have joined a new team which I am absolutely loving but mentally I am stressed.  The scale is moving up which is inevitable after a show but what is the normal amount of weight to gain?

I can tell you that there are many different factors that are playing into Mr. Scale heading north and they are as follows:

Nutrition - I don't know what it is lately but I feel like I have the appetite of a truck driver!  I eat my 6 meals a day as that has become a habit but on the weekends I just want to eat sweets and A LOT of them.

Holidays:  This is no excuse but let's be honest here...Holiday party after holiday party can really be a pain in the ass.  This is my "off season" so to speak and I really don't feel like sitting in the corner at the holiday party sipping on my water and veggies...so I haven't been.  I have indulged with a few glasses on wine and treats.

Lifting:  I am loving my new weight training program and aiming to put on some lean muscle.  I have never really attempting to add muscle before so I can tell I am getting bigger but I am not sure if it's good or bad...it's kind of freaking me out.

Cardio: Cardio is really my least favorite thing to do...when I look at the long line of people waiting to use an elliptical or treadmill I want to turn around and go home.  I would much rather just lift but I know I need a certain amount of cardio in my routine. Lately, I have not been AS good with my HIITs and steady state.  Thankfully my trainer has been adding an extra 30 min Tabata session after my full body Saturday workout for the month of December! 

All of these factors are coming into play and for someone who was so restrictive for months it can be overwhelming.  I don't hate what I see in the mirror but when you are used to seeing these cut abs and they are not really there anymore...it's mentally screwy..if that makes sense.  I absolutely loved competing but I am realizing that there is a lot of mental aftermath that you need to deal with.  Self-image can be real mind F%$&..excuse my language.  Having all of this emphasis placed on what you look like can be a lot of pressure.  Even in this "off season" where you can let your guard down a little..I am constantly stressed out about food and making sure I get in my workouts.  Sometimes I have to remind myself that THIS IS FOR FUN.  There are a lot more serious things going on in the world than whether I have gained a lb. 

My next show is set for April.  I think I need to just make it through the Holidays and then hopefully I will get out of this fog I am currently in. 

These are some progress pics I have taken within the past 3 months.  You be the judge...any muscle growth going on? I am really hoping that having done a show before will prepare me for this next deadline mentally and physically.

Gettin' that Body Ambition back!

Since my last post about accountability I have decided to make a few changes.  I think my biggest concern in this off season period is my nutrition.  Since I had never competed before I am really unsure where I am supposed to be in the off season.  Am I supposed to stay super lean?  Am I supposed to be building muscle? Am I allowed cheats and if so, what's normal and what's out of control?  I ultimately need someone to monitor my diet and really look at what I am eating each week in detail and help me make the right decisions. 

I made the hard but best decision for me at this very moment to leave Cathy Savage Fitness and move to Body Ambition.

Body Ambition is a competition prep program similar to CSF but a bit smaller scale and I think I will provide more personalization in terms of my meal plans.  I really loved CSF.  The women, workouts, Sunday sessions..ect but sometimes we need to weigh our options and what is important to us and make some hard decisions.  I visited the Bodyco studio for a workout and was able to meet a few of team members as well as Janelle, who would be my coach.  I really loved the atmosphere at the gym and am looking forward to start the program. 

When you decide to compete and join a team you have to remember that you are a paying customer.  As much as we attach ourselves to the people and coaches we meet along the way..ultimately you are competing for yourself.  You have to do what's right for you even if that means making some difficult choices.  We spend A LOT of money on this hobby to you have to be 100% happy with your decisions. 

I sent my food journal and progress pics to Janelle for her input and suggestions for getting started.  My next show will be in April so I have a good amount of time to make changes/tweaks and work on getting my abs back!!  I haven't really gained a TON of weight but I notice a difference. I want to gain more muscle...well..everywhere so hopefully as I post pictures I will start to see a difference! 

Nutrition is really the key to attaining the body I want.  I workout 6 days and put in the work but if your nutrition does not reflect the same work ethic you will not achieve the results you want.  I am going to post progress pics today and start tracking my progress off season.

11/16/12:
weight: 131.8

Accountablity....

I am having a really tough time with these cravings and balancing my relaxed meals.  I am feeling a little lost in this post show world because I went from being very rigid and restrictive and now everything is fair game.  This week I am going to hold myself accountable with all my meals and my workouts.  I am going to update this entry everyday this week INCLUDING the weekend with pics/journal entries of my food and workouts!  

 I need to get this under control and a big part of doing so is holding myself accountable! 

MONDAY 11/5/2012

Breakfast: Ezekiel French toast w side of berries and SF syrup
AM Snack: IsaLean Shake and side of green beans
Lunch: Tuna in water w 1 T light mayo 1 T spicy mustard, 1/4 cup brown rice, 1 Cup spinach and sprouts...side of blackberries and almonds
PM Snack: 4 egg whites, blackberries and sweet potato
Dinner: Lean ground turkey w spinach and a bag of frozen veggies..Low sodium taco seasoning and FF cheddar cheese
PM Snack: not shown...4 egg whites, 1/2 T of almond butter and T sf jelly ..cooked in coconut oil

Workout: Glutes

TUESDAY 11/6/2012

Forgot to take a picture of my Bfast and morning snack...sorry :/

Breakfast: 1/2 cup quick oats, 2 T pumpkin, 1/2 cup egg whites, 1 T coconut oil and SF syrup
AM Snack: 4 egg whites, 1 cup green beans, 1/4 cup oats and blueberries w cinnamon and Stevia
Lunch: leftovers from Monday nights dinner but with a T of EVOO...need to get my fat in and side of prunes (yes, i am 90 years old)
PM Snack: IsaLean Pro shake with side of blackberries
Dinner: Turkey cutlets w T EVOO sauteed in garlic, spicy mustard and honey with a side of mini sweet peppers and green beans
PM Snack: 1 scoop casein protein, unsweetened almond milk, pasteurized egg whites and 1/2 T almond butter

Workout: HIIT hill sprints & Chest/shoulders

WEDNESDAY 11/7/2012

I have technically only had bfast at this point but I pack and portion the next three meals so I know what's on the menu...dinner is up in the air!

Breakfast: 1/2 cup oats, 1 T almond butter, 2 T unsweetened applesauce, Stevia, unsweetened almond milk and 4 egg white omelet with FF cheddar cheese.
AM Snack: IsaLean chocolate shake with spinach (drank it and realized I forgot to take a pic) same with lunch!!!
Lunch: Leftover turkey cutlets, green beans and 1/4 cup brown rice...side of almonds and prunes
PM Snack: 3 egg whites, 1/4 cup oats & blueberries
Dinner: baked chicken with Swiss laughing cow lite cheese spread and low sodium ham.  side of asparagus.
PM Snack: Casein egg white pudding

Workout: Biceps & Triceps


THURSDAY 11/8/12

Breakfast: 1/2 cup oats, 2 T  unsweetened applesauce, Stevia,1/2 cup egg whites and SF syrup
AM Snack: 4 egg whites, asparagus, oats and blueberries
Lunch: Leftovers from last night's dinner, blackberries, rice cakes w 1 T almond butter
PM Snack: IsaLean Shake
Dinner: 90% lean ground beef burger, slice of FF cheddar, salad(edamame, mushroom, broccoli, beets) Newman's sesame ginger dressing
Off Plan: 1 square of  72 cocoa square
PM Snack: Casein egg white pudding

Rest Day


FRIDAY 11/9/12

Breakfast: 2 T pumpkin, 1/2 cup oats, unsweetened almond milk, 1 T pecans and 1/2 cup egg whites & 1 slice FF cheddar cheese
AM Snack: 4 egg white veggie omelet (no cheese), 1/4 cup oats and blueberries
Lunch: Leftover burger, 1/4 cup brown rice green beans and blackberries
PM Snack: IsaLean Pro shake
Dinner: 99 restaurant - Turkey burger - subbed fries for broccoli

Workout: Legs & HIIT

 

 

 

 

SATURDAY 11/10/12

Pre-workout: IsaLean bar

Post workout bfast: 4 egg white omelet w LF cheese, 1/2 cup oats, half banana, 1 T almond butter

Lunch: 4 egg whites, 1/4 cup brown rice, veggies and 2 T hummus

PM Snack: was out running errands and didn't plan...fruit and nut trail mix

Dinner: Steak tip Greek salad w piece of pita bread and glass of wine CHEAT MEAL

**Also made a tart from clean eating magazine for desert.

 

Workout: Saturday Slaughter class

 

 

 

SUNDAY 11/11/12

 

 

 

Breakfast: 1/2 cup oats, 2 T unsweetened applesauce, stevia, 1 T coconut oil SF syrup w two slices of turkey bacon.

Lunch: Tuna in water mixed with onions/celery/egg/mustard ..form patties and grill, topped with home made pesto sauce with side of half grapefruit, green beans and 1/4 cup brown rice

PM Snack: IsaLean Bar

Dinner: turkey meatloaf, sweet potato fries and wilted spinach salad

***Desert: strawberry short cake CHEAT

Workout: Rest (unplanned)


So overall my week was not perfect...but when is it ever.  We weekend relaxed meals were a bit more on track this weeked but I still think I can improve.  I am going to try my darnest to give up all artifical sweenters and dairy.  We will see how it goes!  We have a bumpy few weeks coming up with the holidays and my first Pats game so I am hoping I can stay motivated and on track!