Sunday, March 30, 2008

12 Weeks to go...

Front....

Side.....

And Rear....

So here we are at the 12 week mark. Some folks don't starting dieting for a show until now, but not yours truly. I need the time. Feels like a just posted the 13 week update, but that is because I was late taking the pics for 13 weeks (I usually do them on Sunday, and I don't think I took them until Tuesday this past week). Either way, I feel like things are finally starting to happen, so that is good. Now, if I can just get over this nasty sinus/allergy thing I have going on. Off to the doctor tomorrow to get an antibiotic for that!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

13 Weeks, NOW we're Getting Somewhere...

Finally, I am seeing results! I guess that is what consistency with cardio will do for me...duh....


Monday, March 24, 2008

13 weeks out...

Pics to come tonight....coming along slowly...I have been sick this past week, but managed to feel good enough to get my cardio in. Happy about that....more to come....

Sunday, March 16, 2008

14 Weeks Out...slow going...

So here I am, 14 weeks out...this is a slow process. Much slower than I would like for it to be considering that I feel like I am working hard. I almost feel like I looked better last week, and maybe that is because we traveled this weekend, and I wasn't able to eat as frequently as I was supposed to. I think my body just likes my butt to be fat, because I do see changes in my upper body much more. I am trying to keep my degree of frustration and worry at a low level, but that is hard for multiple reasons. 1) I am a worrier and 2) not too much is happening, or at least I don't feel like it, and 3) time is flying by. I have to keep in mind that I do still have 14 weeks and as history will have it, my lower body has always been more stubborn...so until next time...

And why did I agree to do pics in a swimsuit this week? I must have been drugged....but a good reality check I guess...



Sunday, March 9, 2008

Pictures 15 Weeks Out...

Here they are....pics from this morning. Things are coming along, slowly but surely. It is never fast enough for me though. I worked hard this week doing my cardio and agility the way I am supposed to, so that is good. I will talk to Marcus today after he sees my pics and he will make modifications as he sees fit, and we'll go from there....





Friday, March 7, 2008

15 weeks, here I come...

Well, I am fast approaching the 15 week mark (tomorrow) and yet another photo session. Hopefully, we'll see a little change this go round. My weight isn't changing much, but I feel like I am finally starting to "tighten up" some. I have been working hard this week, so it is nice to feel like "something" is happening now. I have done good with my eating and cardio this week and now I need to keep it up so I can get where I need to be faster, and not stress out as we get closer to the show....more to come on Sunday after picture time!

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Cardio Baby! Walk, Walk, Walk...

I guess you could say today was a major cardio day! Jeff's car had a nail in the tire, and with him being out of town, I was on my own to figure out how to get the car up to Kramer Tires and get back home....AH HA! Cardio opportunity! Load up the jogging stroller, drive car to Kramer, walk home! It is almost a 2 mile walk...bear in mind that I would have to do this trip BACK up there again in the evening to get the car once it was done!

So off Kenden and I went...dropped the car off, started walking, stopped at the park...then did it again at 4:00 this evening to get the car! I am all "cardio-ed" out!! I was high steppin it, too!

Monday, March 3, 2008

Monday, Monday...

Today has been good training/eating wise today. I went to the gym and lifted this morning after dropping Kenden off at school (back day), and this afternoon, I did all my agility stuff outside in the beautiful weather we are having today. It was great to get outside in the fresh air. Eating has been fine today as well...in fact, it is almost "feeding time" again now. I need to cook today but that probably won't happen until this evening, since my son has decided it is not a good day to nap. Grrr. Hopefully this week won't be too challenging trying to get all my workouts in since Jeff will be out of town on business. Thank goodness for preschool! I can do it...ha! Thanks to all of you who have already started checking the blog out and sending me emails with your support....

Until we meet again!!

Sunday, March 2, 2008

2008 NPC Junior Nationals: 16 Weeks Out

Here I am once again, getting ready for the NPC figure competition season! I started competing in 2002 and have only taken 2 seasons off; once when I was pregnant in 2005 and last summer (2007). I just felt like I needed a break from the stresses that come with competing. There is a LOT that goes into competing...a lot of money, a lot of time, a lot of stress/worry, a lot of cardio, a lot of lifting...the list goes on. So why do it, you ask? The rush of getting on stage in the best shape, the ability to say that you are able to discipline yourself more than most people would even try to....it is fun, but hard work at the same time.

So here is where I stand now. I am currently 16 weeks out from the 2008 Junior Nationals in Chicago. This is a National Level NPC show in which they will be awarding IFBB Pro Cards (this means one is no longer considered an "amateur" in the sport, but a professional...whole new ball game). I requalified to compete in National Level shows 10 months after Kenden was born in the Va. State Figure Show by winning my height class and tying for the overall title. I am excited about the upcoming season, yet apprehensive at the same time. Marcus Haley (IFBB Pro Bodybuilder) is my trainer this year and I am very thrilled to be working with him. He is very encouraging and positive and this is refreshing.

Here's where the apprehension/nerves/worry comes in...this week was rough. I have been holding weight, despite the fact that I am doing everything I should be doing (minus the agility b/c it has been soooooo darn cold and/or rainy that I haven't had the chance to get outside). Hopefully this will rectify itself this week, as the weather is supposed to improve and be warm outside. I also need to get in all my meals...tough to do with a 2 year old running all over God's creation, but I will make my best effort to do this, as it will speed my metabolism up the way it should be. Cardio has been going well, for once. I usually tend to slack in that arena, but since I have to get up early anyway with Kenden and because I HAVE to makeup for the agility I have been missing out on (sometimes I am doing it 2 times a day).

I am a worrier by nature, and I hope as the weight comes off, this too shall pass. So, here are the pics from this week. Definitely far from "stage shape" but not too terrible. I have also included pics of how I need to look (they are 3 days away from the state show I did in 2006). As you can see in the pics, I am still thick through my midsection, and of course my legs and butt. Story of my life. I guess you could call me a work in progress!

16 Weeks Out From 2008 Junior Nationals

Front......

Side....

Back....


2006 Va. State Figure Medium Height Class 1st Place (Qualified to Compete in National Level Shows). This is more like what I NEED to look like. Thank goodness for the gift of time, that is all I can say.



Okay, I am going to close for now since I have officially given myself a reality check and scared the crap out of myself. I will continue to update every couple of days on how I am feeling, etc, and post pics weekly!