As I prepare for my final two weeks of competition I stop and think about the things I have done that have lead up to this time.  I remember trying to talk myself out of going through the constant food preparing, long cardio and weight sessions, and even the low energy weeks that lead up to the goal I am trying to attain.  There are some days that are worse than others and I ask myself, “What am I doing?” But then a client or friend will acknowledge the hard work I have invested and tell me how inspirational and motivational I have been for them.   It is those moments that make me realize why I decided to compete for a fourth year.

There are many of us that need something or someone to aspire to or to just wake up the sleepy person inside us and say “Hey! Do you see what she has committed to? If she can do that then you can get yourself up and to the gym and maybe eat a little healthier.” This comment actually came from a client.  Either way I am happy to have inspired anyone out there.  Yes I am dedicated but it is no easy task.  Do I enjoy it? It has its moments when I realize I am improving my physique and eating the healthiest I’ve ever eaten.  I also enjoy the discipline.  It strengthens my soul and shows me I can tackle anything I set my mind to.  Sometimes I think I am lazy but then I realize, “Wait a minute.  I get my butt up at 4:30AM most mornings to get my cardio done, train six days a week, cook and prepare meals twice a week, and work 35 plus hours a week, Lazy? I think not.”

This past weekend I took a road trip with nine of my girlfriends to Austin.  It was my friend Marisol’s birthday and we decided to take the party to ATX. With only 4 weeks out from my show my girls did not think I would want to compromise my strict diet and scheduled workouts.  A few years ago that would have been the case but this year is a little different.  After four years of competing I am finally getting use to the diet, daily exercise, and low energy days.  I decided to join the fun and go along for the weekend.  Staying up late Friday and Saturday definitely had its toll on me and I am extremely tired.  I packed my food in a travel cooler and went to the 24 Hour fitness in the Hancock center.  While I was doing my cardio the girls were at brunch.  Later during St. Patty’s day we roamed downtown and enjoyed the live bands.  We did a lot of walking and I definitely struggled but made sure to keep a smile on my face.  At one of the bars a guy stopped me and asked me if I competed?  I smiled and said yes.  He said he could tell  and the compliment assured me I have been doing something right

The best part of the weekend was seeing all the fun my friends and I were having.  I never dreaded being there and was happy I made the trip.  I could see Marisol was excited we all went along and it made for a great weekend.  Not drinking was the easy part, smelling all the food coming from the food trucks on 6th street was torture.  I did not get to eat all six meals both days due to waking up later than usual but I was able to eat clean.  Planning and preparing were on my side and it made the trip  more enjoyable.  The next 4 weeks will come and go as my diet tightens up and the workouts become harder.  Watching my body transform is always the fun part and I can’t wait to see the final product on stage.  Until next time keep lifting and eating clean.

Starting and sticking to a plan is not the easiest thing for someone to do.  No matter the task, once you make up your mind to do something it takes an extraordinary individual to follow through with it.  Many start and fail.  Some will accomplish most of the task but very few see it to the end.

I knew that I wanted to compete this year but I mentally fought myself and tried talking myself out of it.  ”I don’t want to watch every meal”, “I look great at this weight”, and “People will say I’m losing too much weight”.  Like anyone dreading to commit to a long-term goal I was making excuses not to compete.  Then I realized something…the journey is what makes me stronger each year.  I know it won’t be easy but nothing you have to work hard forever is, so I decided to commit to the Shredder April 14th in Austin.  I have been planning my meals, working out with another competitor a few days a week, once with my trainer Greg, and the rest on my own.  I can already see and feel a difference although it’s been a couple of weeks.  My body does not take long to adjust and the fact this is my fourth year competing it should respond quickly.

I hope you enjoy this journey because you will have the opportunity to see my highs, lows, the type of workouts I am doing, and the meals I am preparing.  As I am typing this I am having grilled chicken, brown rice, and green beans.  That doesn’t sound too bad, right?  All you have to do is eat the same things everyday until it is time to change your meals to get a leaner and tighter body.  Breakfast consisted of a buffalo patty and oatmeal with banana. Dinner is fish, salad, and a sweet potato (plain). With 10 and a half weeks out it’s definitely tolerable but I can’t casually go in the fridge and snack on anything I want.  Nor can I have the occasional wine I love to have after a long day at work.

It takes discipline and I have learned that I can flip the switch when it is show time.  Until my next post remember to think fit and live fit!