Friday, February 11, 2011

The art of saying NO and life balance.

Today was interesting. Things have been going really well with work, training and staying on track but life isn't going to always be so predictable. Friends have birthdays, people want to party and stay out late but drinking and eating out isn't at the top of my list right now and it's easy for me to say NO, but hard for people to accept. Of course I want to go out party, have fun and go dancing and I can but it has to be at my discretion.
From my point of view, I’m 17 weeks out from my competition but this is my first one and I want to be prepared. There is no reason for me to be eating well, getting lots of sleep and investing time and money into my goal if I am going to do be having constant “cheat nights.” I want to be 100% dedicated to this because this is something that will help me achieve my goal.
The more I train and dedicate my time I want to go far. I want to be top 3 and make contacts for potential magazine spots and other sort of networking opportunities. If I do well here, I want to see where it will take me especially with regards to Skechers and how it will help me break into different niches. I have so many ideas for Skechers and my training is definitely helping me. This is something that is really important to me but I also know that finding a balance between life and training is key. Everything in moderation is how everyone responds, but it you had to be in a swim suit on stage in 17 weeks you would be cautious too.
I’m not only 17 weeks out from my first competition in Toronto but I’m 15 weeks out from a competition her in Vancouver that I am still debating to do. I really want to compete here in Vancouver not only because it would be great practice for Toronto, but my family and friends could come here and support me and see what I’ll be doing in Toronto. If I decided to do Vancouver it will be hard because I will be two weeks out from Toronto and will be prepping for that. I have time to decide though, but need to make up my mind sooner than later.
Other than my dilemma which I’m sure will get easier after I get into more of a routine with cardio, strength and rest that I will feel better overall. In terms of everything else, I feel great and really excited about everything going on in my life.
That’s it for now.
N

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Chest and Back = Soreness

Today Pepe and I did a chest and back workout where we focused a lot on form and the proper way to do a lift and breathe etc. There is a lot to take in, but it's a good challenge for sure. I can't wait to start being able to lift a lot of heavy weight. He said it should take about a month to get to deadlifting 130lbs and we will go from there.
We even did a little bit of core today which in addition to my posture needs work. Doing this is also a great test to my patience because I won't see results over night but over a period of time. I need to remember how excited I am now because I'm sure things will get hard or challenging and I will need to remember those times I felt excited to be able to lift a lot.
He also said since I am looking for more of an athletic build as a fitness model, vs. a more muscular build we will be doing more explosive movements vs. slow movements that build more muscle.
Our next session is on Monday and I can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve. We are also going to be taking measurements and find out where I'm starting so in 19 weeks from now I can see my changes.

I had some delicious boiled eggies after my workout and a little bit of nut butter on some rice crackers. Since my session was at 10, I was able to get up and make oatmeal and egg whites which was good breakfast to have before my workout.

In the mean time, Natalie and I will be doing a killer leg workout on Saturday so I'm sure walking on Sunday will be a bit of a challenge...but definitely one I'm up for. Tomorrow I might do a little swim for a break and then take Sunday off.

That's all for today....rest is the name of the game in order for me to get feeling better as I'm still not 100%.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

19 weeks out.

As of today I am about 19 weeks out form competition. I feel okay, but I am still fighting a cold I've had for 3 weeks now. I went to the doctors and had to have blood test to see if they could figure out what I can't kick this cold.
I met my trainer on Tuesday. His name is Pepe and I think I had a case of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) because I am really starting to feel the burn in my legs and calves.
I will be training with him 3 times a week, Natalie (my mentor/coach/friend) once a week and then on my own once a week. I get two rest days, one of them being an active rest day so I can swim or do yoga. It's hard to image where I will be at the end of May, 2 weeks before competition.
My eating plan has changed a lot. I had been eating really well, but I actually wasn't eating enough. Natalie beefed up my meal plan and I get to even more. Lots of protein, eggs, nuts and more protein. Travelling with my job makes this a challenge, but learning how to eat on the road and pack meals in advance will be a good tool to learn. I think a good cooler is going to be an investment for sure....hopefully I can find a cute pink one.
My number one goal right now is to fight this cold and to get healthy. With lots of travel over the next two months, training, eating well and staying healthy are my goals. I have a great support network at home and amongst my friends which definitely helps.
I have a workout tomorrow with Pepe and I can't wait to see what he has planned for me tomorrow...oh boy, it's going to be awesome.