My suit!!

The suit arrived on Monday!!! I'm so excited :) I shipped it back right away Monday afternoon because I needed the straps to be tighter/shorter. I had a mild case of saggy-ness in the chest region that needed immediate fixing! Here is a picture I took with my phone:

My suit!! :-)

My attention this last week and focus has been entirely on my diet and getting in as much cardio as possible...morning cardio, classes, lifting and sometimes a late night session if I can muster up the energy. Yesterday was by far the most tired, irritable and drained I have felt. Zero complex carbs plus trying to do the stairclimber was the worst. I know that this is the final week of working out and I want to make sure I have no regrets going into next weekend, or feel like I could have pushed harder. I don't see my coach until next Thursday, so I am both scared to death and excited at the same time to see her and find out my progress. Some have asked me what I am going to do after the show...my plan is to relax a bit, enjoy some food and drinks with family and friends and then get motivated again to compete in the fall. I know that going into this show next weekend that I won't be where I want to be for leanness, so with trial and error I know I can get better and feel better about what I can bring to the stage in October. My goal right now is to work hard this summer, compete in the fall and then take 2014 off of competing. I think my body needs a rest from dieting and that way I'll be able to continue eating clean, training hard and see what I can do on my own as far as improving my physique.

Today I did a cardio circuit on my own using a kettlebell and my own body weight to get a 30 minute session in before a training client. Sitting on the stairmaster or elliptical does not appeal to me at all today! I'm going to get outside for a walk this afternoon because the sun has FINALLY decided to come out :-) It's amazing what the sunshine can do for the mood! Then back to work to train and teach a few classes at the studio! Seeing my clients and working with members at the studio really keeps me motivated, even though I am the one doing the instructing. I will try to blog more especially over the next week and a half because everything will start to come together!

Progress!

Welp. I'm coming into the final countdown of days (16) until the show! I just saw the competitor list this morning on facebook and oh boy things are real now!! There are 5 women in my category and they all look to be amazing athletes (according to my facebook searches)! I'm very excited to be up onstage among them. This week has had a good share of ups and downs energy wise. I've been cursing more during my lifting sessions, drinking a LOT more water and sweating the bejeezus out of all my workout apparel, and scarfing down lots of hashbrowns and eggs ;-) I had my mom take some posing pictures on Tuesday night at the studio after a long cardio day...different lighting, but I am starting to see some small changes happening in my waistline and legs.

Front Dbl Bicep

Side Tricep

Back Dbl Bicep

I've decided to email my "seamstress" tomorrow afternoon if I don't hear about my suit. Hopefully I can get an expected delivery date response and not be so paranoid about it! I meet with my coach tomorrow and will be showing her what I have so far for my routine...things are coming together! My family, friends and boyfriend have all been so extremely supportive and understanding during this whole process. I'm not sure where I would be without them and their constant motivation and positive feedback! Feeling very fortunate and blessed today :) f

Everyday Motivation

Well, my blogging skills over the last few days have really sucked. It's very easy for time to slip away and not take a break to sit down and write what's been going on! I have discovered a new role model to motivate and push me through these last few weeks. I'm not sure of his name or what he does for a living, but I see him almost every day. Rain or shine this older gentleman, I would assume probably over 60 years old, is outside run/walking the same route. I usually see him in the mornings before going to work or getting in my first cardio session. Although he is not moving at a fast pace, he is obviously determined to work on his fitness and the weather does not stop him ( a common excuse for many). He walks with a slight limp and his arms pumping through each step...People like this are such big motivators to me. Regardless of what is going on in their life, they still make time to do what is best for them. No matter what is going on in my life, the hour or so that I spend busting my butt is MY time. My time to collect my thoughts, think of new goals, challenge my mind and push my body to its limits. My workouts serve as a purpose for not only my upcoming competition, but to set the tone for the rest of my life. Someday I want to be that old man trudging through the rain on my walk or lifting weights among those half my age. Persistence pays off, and at this point in my competition prep I am very determined to make each day count. Getting "stage ready" is just a goal and a deadline for the show and my work doesn't stop once June 22nd comes. I want to continue making progress, transforming my body and my mind and accepting all the challenges along the way. As far as progress goes, I will be posting my 3 week photos soon for comparisons hopefully today or tomorrow :-)