Laying down some serious fatttt...................

eeeeeeekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk  was totally off the rails 2nd week after comping.  Just let my hair down and literally ate what I wanted (always within reason) and did get into exercise but felt all over the place!!!

Now 3rd week after comping I am a lot more focussed and solid in my mental thinking.  Before my headspace was everywhere..................... interesting watching myself process what was going on and not being able to get out of that space!!!

I am now thinking about the future, goal setting for my training, enjoying and being motivated in lifting weights again.  Actually feeling 'on purpose' again :)

The weights are going to take a while before I am lifting heavier weights, although, I have noticed that with some of the weights it has been easy to up the weight and in others, alas no!!!  My bench press still has not improved by much.  I am now pressing 35k (this includes bar) so this is an area I really want to work on.  My lat pull downs has been upped, my hand weights have been upped as well as the preacher curl for my bi-ceps, that is going really well and surprising me :)

My running has improved as I managed to do about 4 - 5 runs last week.  Would love to get back into the boxing again, as I miss that, always such a good workout!

I did not like the feeling of not having a focus as this is what I had for so long, but maybe my brain and body were saying enough focussing and lets just party/hangout!!!

Have had a preliminary chat with  PT in regards to training, comping next year, building more muscle and generally getting back into training.

I have other things also that I am focussing on at the moment..................... yoga retreat in Bali, house warming party and then Christmas.  This Christmas will be my first Christmas in my new house and what I have wanted for a long time is a simple Christmas day with, literally, prawns and champagne............................ by the beach!!!

So, it looks like my wish is going to come true and it will be celebrated with family and friends by the beach.  :0

 

Post Comp...............

Its now nearly two weeks after comp, after my body 'peaked'!!

You might ask, "how am I feeling now?" mmmmmmmmmm good question.  I decided I needed a little time out, but was that a good thing!!  My diet is not good, or am I just being too critical of what I am eating or not eating.......................  that is the ?  I have a sweet tooth, therefore there has been a fair share of sweet things passing my lips, not good as I always feel like crap after I have eaten them.......................... Need to focus now and set myself some goals.  

PT did advise that there can be 'post comp blues', but I feel that I just need to become focussed again, not so much the 'blues' but a little in limbo land, thinking about what to focus on next.  One of my goals this year was to bench press my weight, so now as I am not carb depleted and have a lot more energy, I am upping my weights.  I looooove my weights and tonight I am going to write my own program for tomorrows weight session.  I decide what to work on and mix it up so that I double set or triple set and either do shoulders & arms or back and legs but try and work hard whilst I'm there.  I leg pressed nearly 200k this week so pretty happy with that.  I've up my lay down flys to 12.5k in each hand (have been on 10k for ages)  I'm thinking I was a little concerned about lifting heavier weights whilst in training for comp but now, different story.

I just need to knuckle down with my diet...................

Exercise?  3 weight sessions a week, yoga and running and some walking!  I need to get back into Boot Camp as I sooooooooooooo miss the boxing!!!

PT advised that we need to set a plan of weights happening particularly post comp and I am happy with that.  I also want help to work of muscles that will help with my bench pressing so that I can continue that process until I can benchpress my weight.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm will keep you posted!!!

Competition Done!!!!!!

Here I am on the other side of the competition.....................................

Can I say that it has been the most exhilarating, incredible, amazing experience!!  I did not place at all, but that has not stopped me from being blown away by all that I have achieved!

I had very strong competition with women who have been lifting weights for a lot longer than what I have been and also younger women...........................  in both categories, this was apparent.  I gave it all that I had at this time and was thoroughly happy with my performance.  I have never aspired to be on stage and acting does not come naturally, but I was soooooooooooo very proud of myself and my body to make it on stage, in a BIKINI, showing my age and what my body looked like.  I could not possibly have done any more than that.  

I love and respect my body even more so now, it is an amazing vehicle to live in!!

My PT has been absolutely amazing, there supporting me at every moment along the way, checking in, holding the big picture, feeding information to me slowly so I would not go into overwhelm, always maintaining contact, spending the time, and on comp days, dream tanning me, pumping me up with all the added extra's (spray canola oil, hair spray......) cheering and coaching me from the sideline and there congratulating me at the end! PT said it would be a journey and it surely has been a journey, one I have been blessed to be a part of and I am grateful to have run with my initial 'gut' feeling that it felt 'right' and I was happy placing my trust in PT,  that he knew I could do it and my body would respond, I couldn't ask for more :))

So see pics below..................

What do I do next????  Well there could be another comp......................................
My goal is to bench press my weight this year, still have a few months left :)
I have made some incredible friendships out of this experience................
Want to lift heavier weights to sculpt my body further................... no bulking up as such but trying to stay looking feminine and shapely but fit and fabulous!!

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm stay tuned!!  lol

Whoops forgot to mention............... body feels amazing!  I am still less energetc, I notice my energy levels are lower!!!  Have had quite a few goodies............ cake, ice cream, champers..............dropped off diet for the first couple of days.  Still feel institutionalised with my diet and will need to reshape what I eat if I am feeding my muscles constantly.  Finding the right sort of proteins that work for me............ (will keep you posted with this one)

I did have my cheat meal after comp, which was CAKE & CHAMPERS .......... a Gluten Free Coconut Islander Cake and French Champagne........ in the car to the restaurant that served Gluten Free Pizza!!!!   Absolute Heaven....................

Back into weights, walking, some running (feel quite strong in that area) and yoga!  Smashed at my first weights session back............ felt strong and had quite a bit to give. I also did a little bit of what I wanted to do which was nice not sticking to a routine............... Bench pressed 40k's but fewer reps and 4 sets, YAY!!!!!!!!!

D Day........... or really C - Competition Day!!!!!!

Definitely up with the birds this morning, awake at about 4.30am, after having woken during the night too!

I'm excited..................................... which is a change from a couple of days ago where I felt a bit apprehensive, intrepid about it all.

Today, though, I feel confident and strong.................. confident with my musculature and strong, after a mini workout....................... I will need to do a few more of these today as I believe it is good for the muscles plus good for the mind to remind you about what has bought you to this point in time, competing for what?  Competing to showcase the hard work I have put into building muscle for the last 7 months, yes, ONLY 7 MONTHS!!!  Incredible it seems to me and I am so proud of my body and how it has adapted to weight training.............. see below........

OMG, this is after the fifth layer of tan that Tanning Lady requested to take some photos!  I am one proud woman...............

So, rice cakes I have eaten then in another hour approx. I eat again, some chicken and broccoli and rice cakes again!!!  This is to put glycogen into the muscles so that they will be full and stand out..............................

I have all the gear ready to take with me, makeup, hair care, straightener, clothes, all that I may need for the day.  I get to eat, in small increments today, so that is good.  

My sister, who flew in from Adelaide yesterday, made me a yummy gluten free cake (Coconut Islander Cake) and we have champers.................. so post comp food, READY!!!!!!  

All, I need now is a shot of VODKA or CAFFEINE to see me into the day, unfortuantely neither is available so will have to go it alone.................... feeling a tad tired which will hopefully dissipate once the adrenaline kicks in!

Pictures ................. will be following.................... :)

 

one day to go..................................

One day to go........................

Feeling a little apprehensive, gunshy and a tad nervous!!!  Excited to have reached the ultimate goal, what we set out to reach, OMG.  Can't believe that I have finally made it.  All my food fantasies hopefully will be enacted next week......................... cannot wait!!!  Mind you the foods I do want to eat are that bad for you, its just going back onto my regular diet.

Green smoothies here I come............................ 

I know its crazy, but I am thinking post comp at the moment.............. I need to be concentrating on what is going to happen on Sunday, but thoughts keep turning to, WHAT NEXT???  What goal am I going to set for myself?

Chatted with Posing Coach last week and I have decided one GOAL is to muscle up, grow bigger muscles, as much as is possible for me......................... I think that is a good place to start and then everything else will fall into place. Posing Coach said that for the next two weeks, post comp, work like crazy with the weights..............good goal!!! :)

So, last night back to tanning lady!!!  Decided to take her advice and go with a dark brown tan that was different to what we used last time.  Tan looked great this morning but went quickly after a shower................. spoke to PT about it and he was not happy, particularly as he knew that the particular tan that is used works well with the tan placed on my body at the last minute.  So when I was at tanning lady's today, I said "go back to the Protan with a double layer". This she did and I feel I am quite brown.  Tomorrow will be another two coats.

I am in water depletion mode now.............. one and half litres which was easy to achieve.  PT said go for a big walk this morning, which I did.  I did the Clontarf to 40 Baskets beach and back.  I was there a bit after 6am and I finished @ 7.30am   Came home and parked the car then went to closest cafe and ordered my special omelette.............. they are only tooo happy to accommodate.  So my omelette and my cuppa, all very soporific today as the weather was verrrry balmy.................nice!!!  Walked back in a balmy daze, it felt so good to have a day off of work, I just felt sooooo relaxed.

I then went and picked up my niece, as she was down from the Gold Coast, and we hung out together till the evening.  She was laughing hard whilst having my spray tan happening.  We had the best day together and we will do it again when she gets down this way.

Had GF over as well and it was just an all round good day.  Tonight, relaxing the muscles.............

OMG today I have noticed what PT has been talking about.  My muscles are sooooo much more defined and harder.  I have carbed up this morning, brown rice with 2 meals!!!  Amazing the transformation of my muscles, I am most imp\ressed and I feel incredibly grateful that my body is starting to transform, wheeeewwwwwww job almost done!!!!!

Cheat Meal......................... Yummmmmmmmmmmmy!!!

OMG....................... went to Hugo's up the Cross for my cheat meal................couldn't think of anything better than pizza at Hugo's, GOD it was sooooooooooooooooo good!!!!

Myself and two BFF's ordered 3 pizza's and I reckon I ate defintely one pizza on my own, hardly touched the sides as it went down, it was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good!!!  Did you hear me????? sssssssssssssssoooooooooooooooooooooo gooooooood!

That being said we left at a reasonable time and on the way home BFF stopped and I bought a Ben & Jerry's triple chocolate fudge icecream.  On my normal diet, there is no way I would have eaten so much food but because I was literally 'let out' of institutionalized diet, I went to town.

So, here I was............... Sunday night with the bath filled up with warm water, the baby oil and salt on hand and BFF with a screamingly jagged hand mitt and me with my tub of icecream and spoon in, ready to do battle to finish the icecream whilst BFF works her magic on my tanned back.  The colour of the water changed dramatically and even when I thought I had a fair bit of tan off, there was still more.................................... Enjoyed the scrub, the icecream and the fan bl**dytastic day!!!!

But into bed and I thought, to a great nights sleep, but NO, not to be had, awoke a couple of times.  

Back to business and back to gym first thing on Monday morning to do a leg weight session.  It was lovely walking in as friend S greeted me with such enthusiasm and excitement to find out just how I went..................... not only that, she did a 'show and tell' with 'me' in front of some of the regular guys................. it was fantastic!!!!  I then had a fave PT on the floor come up and also congratulate me, I was still on a high and enjoyed every moment.  PT had said I would have great energy after eating my cheat meal, and I definitely did!

Off to work and BOSS comes into kitchen and says, "How did you go?" Are there any photos?  He was most impressed, as I am, can't believe how my body responded.

Had the best day............... then home!  Did not go out for a walk but managed to do 3 loads of washing and organise some food for the week ahead................ fell asleep on the lounge, had another scrub in the bath, then fell into bed.  Still not a good nights sleep but when I did sleep, I slept!!!

Walked in the morning on Tuesday, the most gorgeous morning and tested myself by doing a short sprint, it felt really good.  Off to work and then to PT session in the evening............ did some serious weights and practiced posing, it was good fun and tried to learn a 'free posing' routine............. haven't nailed it yet but practice, practice, practice before Sunday!!!

Well, off to the bath and scrub again with lots of oil to keep body moisturised......................

Whewwwwwwwwww one down and one more to go!!!

I am exhausted, elated, exhilarated, tired, truly amazed and inspired and very deeply blessed!!!  What an amazing day...............................PT was absolutely incredible, with me every step of the way................BFF's truly supportive, loving and tirelessly looking out for me and cheering me on, I am enamoured with all who are there for me!!!

It was an anxious, fun, awe inspiring incredible experience today, I am very proud of my body and what I have achieved.................................. bring on next week.............

Back at gym tomorrow, need to work twice as hard this week for the next comp next weekend................................

Cheat meal tonight, then back on chicken and broccoli tomorrow............. lots of water and green smoothies.................. YAY!!!!!!!!! mmmmm

First Competition Day.....................

Awoken with the birds this morning, the cockatoo's, currawongs and magpies (also first coelles of the season) ............ beautiful spring morning, clear skies and very still!

I am looking forward to the comp, just to see what it is all about, what the people are like, what actually goes into the organisation and how it operates.  What sort of people turn up to compete!

How am I?  Well, feeling a little flat/tired, to be expected at the beginning of the day. Slept well last night........................ no nerves this morning, well not yet anyway.

HOT OFF THE PRESS, I am brown............. no really...........BROWN

No makeup, brown, funny looking fingers/hands, bra ...........way too big, but you get the drift!!!

Hoping it will all come together on stage and it will be ok.......... BIKINI should be a hit!!!

Well, hi............ ho.................hi................ho...............off to comp I go!! :)

Shades of ........................ no NOT Grey but there's Something About Mary

There definitely is Something About Mary.........................

Tan is browner than brown.......................... after shower this morning, it lightened up again!  But had another session with Tanning Lady tonight and she did layer upon layer so that I was looking incredibly brown, so brown my teeth looked almost ultra violet!!!!

Today, shellac on the nails, french polish with sparkle arkle................... toenails are green, to match BIKINI with sparkle arkle...................  all looking glamourous!

Last posing session prior to comp with PT, just to practice more.  I am also practicing again tonight in front of BFF's.  You know its funny, but I don't actually feel like lifting weights, apparently not all that unusual.  Although PT says I need to kill it with the weights next week for 4 days prior to the main comp.  Also diet will be a little stricter and water intake different.............. mmmmmmmmmmmm I will wait and see!!!

Today was supposed to be carb up day................ I was thinking (dreaming) pancakes, toast, cake, lots of yummy stuff...................... what a let down, rice cakes for brekky (as well as egg white omelette) then some rice with the next two meals and that was it!!!  Oh, and the really exciting news was a piece of steak, YES, you heard it hear................. a piece of steak.  Now I am not a real avid fan of red meat but don't mind some on the odd occasion............... so tonight I was happy with my 60g of steak, at least it was a change in diet............ all done and dusted by 5pm.  Nil by Mouth after that time.  

Have got a bag packed with some food goodies and also a backpack packed with makeup and essentials to get me through the day........... hopefully I will be well prepared.

So, at the moment feeling sticky................... thirsty, could do with a really strong GIN AND TONIC!!! or bottle of CHAMPERS................... dreaming again................ am excited and optimistic about my performance tomorrow and am really so glad to be having some BFF's in the audience to support me.

Check in tomorrow with outcome and photos!!! :)
 

Browner than brown............is that possible????

Day gone............................ 

mmmmmmmmmmmmmm seen better days.  I got to this afternoon and BFF phoned and said that the promoter putting on Sundays event had no record of me entering the competition................................... arrrrrggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh that coulped with a very stressy afternoon was not a good combination!

So had to ring promoter quick smart to work out what was going on.  Seems to be a tad disorganised as I entered online Saturday last and then spoke to Promoter on Monday explaining what I had done and would that be alright.  I also explained that I would email in a copy of my entry form.  This I did three times and it was still not received................... so stressful afternoon and YES I am ENTERED!!!! now, though!!!

OH GOD.................... so am now browner than brown, didn't think that was possible and will be browner again in the morning!!! :)  SPRAY TAN lady is interested to see how it all looks having NOT done this tan before............mmmmmmmmmmmmm hopefully it was a good idea to go with her.  So, I am now in bed with brown sheets and really loose fitting clothes............. I have a brown towel to dry myself with, oh and I am not supposed to shower until after comp now!! 

Yeeeeeeeeeeeekkkkkkyyyyyy

Am really tired so hopped into bed early.  Did a small bit of posing practice and will pose again with PT tomoz!  Nails to do, earrings to check out............... list goes on!  Will review it tomoz morning as right now, I AM GOING TO BED........................too tired......................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

oooooohhhhhhhh I'm Brown!!!!

Ok, check this out................... the feet are very brown and this is the first layer, two more to go...................... f**k!!!

Then my body....................heading out for a walk this morning!!

 

Ooompah Looooopah Tan................

Hilarious, I now have one coat of ProTan Competition Colour, very brown/red and thats just now............. whats it going to look like in the morning?????

I'm allowed to 'shower' in the morning, thank goodness, I can reduce the colour by a little.....................  So working tomorrow, didn't want the colour to be tooooo brown, too many questions from the young uns!

I am going to do a good walk in the morning, probably only 45mins though and work up a sweat, no weights until next week now.  

Ok, don't be shocked, but no makeup and I am skinny and brown..........................and it does make me look a lot older............ boo hoooooooooooooooooo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow is another carb free day and I drink one & half litres of water, so slowly reducing the amount of liquid.  PT yet to tell me about what I can eat on Saturday, he is keeping me in suspense as I can eat CARBS.................... whoooooo hooooo, but what sort of carbs, I'm yet to find out.

See below what I am eating at the moment, the container is verrrry small, so don't be fooled....  I think 60g of fish and 60g of greens............. its not a lot is it..........

 

Gorgeous Morning.........saw the sunrise

Completed my hour and half walk this morning :)  I'm a happy camper!!!

Got out the door @ 5am and walked at a brisk pace, I don't know any other way, really!  Headed north to the headland, there were a few people out....... surprisingly!  I felt the steps this morning, a bit out of energy.............. but to be expected and really, I am surprised still, at my fitness level.

So, the best sunrise........... my walk took me to Warriewood Beach and then I turned around and at some point stopped to watch the sun rise over the ocean, gorgeously breathtaking!!  Worth getting up early for...............


Headed back home and stopped for a Machiato on the way back.  The Barista knows "the usual" now................ how good is that............... not on the diet and naughty, PT would not be happy but so helpful for me and something to really look forward to!  Isn't that what life is about??

Egg white omelette this morning, green smoothie............... later in the day, chicken & broccoli, fish and asparagus.................. no sweet potato :(  work and then back home for first tanning session.

Will let you know how it goes.  I'm @ work tomorrow so am trying to plan what to wear to hide the tan.  Will let the young ones know that I 'got the worst tan out'.................... need my money back!!!! :))

Am I getting nervous, apprehensive, concerned? No................. I am thinking it will all come together somehow!! Chatted with BFF last night about the challenge and really, the challenge of doing something like this, at this stage in my life, is exciting and FUN and will only encourage and expand my experience and confidence! 

It has really challenged me in many areas, emotionally............ physically.................. mentally, not the least is the strict regime of diet............ I so love my food and what I can eat (my diet is almost always pretty healthy anyways), the exercise side of it has been a great challenge as I have loads of energy (most of the time) to burn.

I have to say I am loving the challenge............................. the next challenge/goal, not sure about, but need to seriously think of one  :)

Three days to go....................................................................................

Whewwww what a day......................

Home just now, its exactly 10.41pm!!

What a day and guess what...................... the tan has finally arrived!!! YAYAYAYAY  I was having real concerns that it was not going to arrive in time for my Thursday night first tan........... disaster and PT was getting quite concerned..............  I had ordered it on Monday, hoping it would arrive Tuesday but there was no record of it yet, so had to ring and yadayaydyaydada.............. eventually got them to leave at front door................ so TAN ON!!

BIKINI ON......................

OMG................................................ 

never spent so much money on a piece of clothing............ but here it is............... I actually tried it on last night and had sis on 'facetime' also checking it out!!!  I actually thought it looked ok................. surprised the hell out of me and you know me and my belly?????)(*&*&^&^%$*(*&

So, I do think, with a little tan that I might just pull this off! SH*T!!!

So, tonight, went to BFF's and she gave me a 'scrub'........... totally necessary if having TAN tomorrow night................. GOD what I would give for the Ginseng Bathhouse to make its appearance again, but it isn't going to happen ............. so grateful to BFF for suggesting for me to come over and bathe and then scrub.......... the skin so smooth, hopefully it will be receptive to this very brown "oompah loompah" TAN!!!

Just to take you through today, awoke at 5am, out the door at 5.30am for the gym.  Arms, chest and back this morning, sucked at bench press again.................. off to work, full day and then to BFF's for scrub, some posing practice, then home.  Thank goodness, tonight, I did not have to prepare any food, all done!!! Had cuppa when I walked in the door after unpacking.  Really needed it.  

So, carbed up today.  oooops nearly forgot to tell you but did training session with PT last night, worked my legs bl**dy hard......... and then did our last posing session.  Didn't think I did too badly and it was great to get some practice in.  Soooooooooo when I got there PT had big smile on his face and said I have some great news for you......................... "yes, so tell me?"................. great news and you will be really happy.............."yes, so tell me?".......... you can have some carbs tomorrow, some sweet potato, YAY!!!!

So as soon as I got home last night I put on the oven and cooked some sweet potato, enough for last night and today, YES!!!!!  All good.

So carbed up today.  Tomorrow and Friday, however, is back to the same stripped back diet.  Saturday, I can carb load again.  

Today was 4 litres of water................... peeing a lot, but that is to be expected!  Did well with the last two days and 5 litres of water each day.  I am proud of myself at having been able to do it.

Ok, tired now and need to go to bed............................... had some Ballerina Tea.......... you may well ask..................?

Tomoz morning out @ 5am for a one half hours brisk walk, get rid of some of those carbs. 

 Hope PT knows what he is doing, I'm looking very slim or leaned out...............................

Seriously Coundown On.....................

What a day................ it really is a full on day, but also, really, I wouldn't have it any other way at the moment.  I guess there are other things I could be doing, but this is what I am involved with right now!!!  And more often than not, I am having FUN!!!

Weights at gym this morning and really my energy is not sapped................ I had energy!!! did my back and arms, stretched and I quite like doing a headstand to finish with.  I think it helps to realign my body and gives my legs a break too!

Then I had my 4 egg white muffins, well they really aren't muffins, and I had trouble getting them out of the silicone muffin pan................. thought silicone was nonstick????? Anyway, what looked like a considerable muffin in the photo of my last blog, well, really, they shrank down to small amounts of eggy squareness................ I was hungry after eating three of them................ but consoled myself with the thought that I would be eating again in a couple of hours and I did have my 'Green Smoothie'..............

As I was drinking 5 litres today, I drank about 2 litres whilst doing weights, I then tried to drink most of my water in the morning, so that I had all day to siphon it through my system and literally pee it out again!!  Note to Self:  make sure I am taking my vitamins.......................

Come 10am I had my next meal which was 60g of both chicken and broccoli.........mmmmmmmmm I was ready for it.  Needless to say I was ready for the next meal and the one after that!! 

Went to posing coaching after work, this was another invaluable session................... just a few more things and ways to stand and hold to pick up!

Then home, cook some fish for tomorrow and the next day and pack my bag again!!!

I have now registered for the INBA, so I am officially a member.  I have also entered and paid for the competition this sunday, whooaa not that far away when I talk like that............

This week, need tanning product to be delivered, need BIKINI to be finished and picked up (BFF helping out there), tanning starts on Thursday, scrub Wednesday, nails on Saturday, hair - still a little undecided.............. makeup............ anything else I have forgotten???????????

Sunday Night .......... preparing for the week ahead!!!!

Have just finished preparing for the week ahead!!!!!!!!!

This takes me awhile................ just protein & vegies!!! Cooked chicken, cooked fish for dinner and also for tomorrow's meal and then prepared egg white muffins............. literally that is all that is in them.  I'm allowed my Green Smoothie which I can add some coconut milk and water too, so really looking forward to that.

See my food prepped below:-

So tomorrow its water loading and carb depleting.  I need to drink 5 litres of water............... how on earth am I going to do that?????  I will be on the toilet all day :)  I figure I will drink a fair bit first thing in the morning and drink heaps whilst I'm doing my weights.  If I can get the bulk of the water out of the way first thing, I will be happy.

Having posing coaching tomoz night after work, so looking forward to that to get some feedback with how I am going with it.  Then heading off to BFF's to pick up my BIKINI.  
So big day tomorrow and I won't get home till late...............................

Feeling?  A bit apprehensive, excited and kind of wondering if I will get it all together for the day?  I have lots of support from my sister and BFF's, in all sorts of ways, so feel very cocooned with support and love, blessed!!!!!

Two Weeks To Go Till Main Comp TODAY !!!!!!

I am sitting here feeling a little daunted by the competitions ahead!!

Yesterday, the PT session was about my diet and exercise routine for the next week.  As I am entering two comps, and the first one next Sunday, I am carb depleting. Diet is mainly protein with some vegies thrown in such as broccoli and asparagus.  PT also included, he said he was 'going out on a limb' my green smoothies........................ OMG my body is going to love it!!!!!  YAY!!! its a big green vitamin pill and I know it does my body a big healthy favour.  So that is a big plus.  I am exercising still, sticking mostly to the same routine until Thursday. Brekky OATS,  QUINOA and PROTEIN SHAKE gone!!

I am also water loading, starting Monday I need to drink 5 litres of water, this is the most I will have to drink and then each day it decreases.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm interesting process!!!

Yesterday, BIKINI maker phoned and BIKINI was not ready!!! Crystals were started on BIKINI top and so as we were in the area (BFF and myself) we dropped in to check it out.  I also needed to try BIKINI bottom on, as that had to be adjusted.  BIKINI bottom fitted perfectly, YES!!!!! Crystals looked FANTASTIC, YES!!!!!!  BFF offered to pick up BIKINI on Monday afternoon and then I could pick it up from her place after I had been to Posing Coaching.  YAY!!! (as I breathe a big sigh of relief!!!)

Today, exercise is a big walk once again from Clontarf to Manly or part there of, just see how we all feel,whether a long walk or not. The rest of the day is literally going to be a 'day of rest'.  Hopefully a few visitors will pop in, loved making a chocolate brownie first thing this morning............................ and I know, naughty, I did LICK THE SPOON........................ only a small lick though :)

Sat Morning....................

Still no word from BIKINI maker...................................

Woke with a very slow start.  As there is no where to go early this morning, I have a slow start to the day.  I feel tired, I actually sometimes think its better to get up and go.......................

PT session this morning and then hopefully will hear from BIKINI maker................

Today is First Day of Carbohydrate Depletion Day, so this morning is my usual 3 egg white, 1 egg omelette.  I included some spinach in this and also had a couple of strawberries (not really classed as a fruit but a vegetable and I will miss out on the spinach salad today, which includes tomatoes, Vit C) so all good!  

Today is also WAXING day................... Full body wax, that will be this afternoon!

Friday Night.....

Managed get to the gym, a little later than normal and headed straight for the rowing machine.  The warm up is generally either the walking machine, stretching or if I have the energy..... the rowing machine.  

This morning felt like rowing machine morning, not sure why but it was.  So did my 5 min. warm up on the rower, then headed straight to do the weighted squat, one of the heavier leg weights to do.  

I have to say, its amazing, that after being at the gym since February, that I have made friends with a few of the women at the gym, and not really any of the guys???.  There is a whole psychology around  the gym floor.................. interesting that the guys don't generally say hello or smile at you.  Mind you, I have my head sets in but then generally I am one of two females that are on the floor regularly.  So having said that, What is that about?????????**^&((&(&(&*&^

S, who has become a friend, we love talking weights, has only managed to talk to some guys in the last couple of months................... and she has been at the gym for 3 years *(&*%^$(*&(*&&*(&(*

If a man came into a female domain, there would be so many hello's and fuss made of him, he would be made to feel most welcome, so can't really understand why guys are so 'shy' or just plain don't like more mature women in their 'domain'.  Truly, I have no idea and it stumps me every time, so I just plug in the headsets and get on with my weights..................... interesting :)

Completed what I needed to complete and had to lower my weights in some of the exercises this morning.  The routine today consisted of squats, deadlifts, leg curls, leg extensions and leg press.  I threw in a few arm exercises as well.

Work, the day went quite quickly and actually I felt quite good today, mood was good.  Posing Coach txt'd to say that we needed to resched and I was quite ok with that.

Haven't heard from BIKINI maker, maybe tomorrow, as I am hoping to pick BIKINI up tomorrow.  Will keep you posted with that one. 

Tomorrow I need to register for both of the competitions now.......................... way toooooo close!!!

Friday ...............Legs

Its 5.14am in the morning and this morning, I'm feeling reallly like I have been run over by a bus!!  Big week and interesting week.  

Hit an interesting day on Tuesday, had gorgeous walk in the morning, it was a lovely spring morning and then came back home brekky etc. and headed to work and was a cranky pants girl....................... the body this week is not responding well to the diet, a byproduct of eating lots of protein, but for some reason this week, its not happy with my food intake and routine............. toilet talk, not going there but a real issue when diet has changed. 

So, I felt like I just wanted to keep on driving, "Head West Girl" was in my head, either that or box the sh***t out a boxing bag................ Anyway, neither of those options were available, so I just headed to work!!!  It was more my frustration with my body that it was not doing what it was supposed to be doing whilst I was working hard with my diet, exercise regime and just doing the ordinary things that needed to be done in the meantime.  NOT HAPPY JAN!!!!!

Seriously was over the whole regime!!!

Anyway, headed to BC after work and HALELUJAH, PT had the boxing pads and gloves HOORAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!  Well, that was such a good workout and I felt so much better afterwards.    really feel sorry for my padder, I was a little relentless!!!!  but oh so necessary.............. its amazing how much better you feel when you know you have some stored up energy and just can't seem to release it!

Getting a tad nervous, legs at the gym this morning then posing coaching after work.   That will probably be my last session as next weekend is the first competition OMG!!!!  Ooooompha loooompha here I come!!!

Bikini Again................

Who would have thought that choosing a BIKINI and embellishments would be challenging???  Not me for one, that is for sure...........

BIKINI maker txt'd ideas for the crystals on the BIKINI this afternoon.  After having PT help design a pattern for the crystals for the BIKINI bottom (more experience than me in what is expected) I sent off the design to BIKINI maker; she was impressed and loved the idea and that was what the txt was about this afternoon.  See below the different ideas for the BIKINI top and bottom.  It actually is important to have input into the pattern, don't want it looking shoddy on the day!

Checking in with PT for another opinion and after making a decision, I txt'd BIKINI maker with final choice...........

It is going to be so much bling :))  God I hope it looks all right, HILARIOUS and FUN!!!!

ooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh and still a little daunting!!!

Theres a whole psychology and theory about spending time in nature......................... so try it!!!

The above I posted on fb as it is true......................... ecopsychology is about the reconnection with nature and how it is important for humans to spend time in nature, particularly more so when we are so much into the digital/technical age where we spend most of our days on some sort of electronic device.................................

So I heeded my own advice and went on a bushwalk with BF where we walked by the harbour, Clontarf to Manly, then Manly to Clontarf, which took approx. four hours.  Stopped at Manly for brekky in the organic cafe there and the proprietor very kindly made me an omelette to my recipe.  He said he had people coming in all the time with special diets and was very accommodating :)  Love that!!!!!!!!

Then went home and managed to achieve a few chores crossed off the list, visit from BFF's, arvo nap, much needed, as late night last night where the dancing shoes came out, and didn't get to bed till about 1am.  Girls night in!!

Quick trip to shops and then home to prepare my food for the next couple of days ahead.  So egg muffins, steamed chicken, quinoa, spinach salad..................... I actually feel food institutionalised at the moment.................... concerned about how I am going to go when let out of the diet, will I be able to eat normally, how will I cope? or will it all feel foreign.............. will I hide back into my pre-comp diet just to be safe............................. scarrrrrrry

Mind you, I know what my post comp meal is.................... a bottle of Piper and a gf cake.......... preferably the whole cake...............
Egg muffins below with a bit of spinach in them for flavour :))

 

 Quinoa and Steamed Chicken (can't go wrong here!!)

Is this where the nerves start to kick in?

Having a lazy beginning to saturday morning!  Well I deserve it..............

Reprieve last night from posing coaching, yes.............. I actually feel like I have had a mini holiday :)  Left work and drove to Bondi to meet with Son No. 1 (chiropractor) for dinner............ we had a lovely time together.  Sushi is the way to go as Son 1 loves the clean japanese food.  I also love it too but at the moment I can eat the sashimi, white fish.................... always mindful of 'the diet'.  Had a much needed adjustment as well, was concerned about how straight the back looked................. will need a couple more adjustments before the comps.

This weekend, training session with PT and then big 2 hour walk tomorrow by the harbour, brekky somewhere as well.  If I don't feel too fatigued a yoga session will be mandatory.  Food, I tend to be not so regimented as I am always out and about but need to carry some protein shake with me and plenty of water.

Booked spray tans, YAY!!!!  

Intend to use Heel Balm on my feet this week to combat the dry heels and generally dry feet.  I don't think my body has had soooooooooo much attention for so long!  Will try heel balm on back of hands too........... they get so dry in winter. Wonder about face, but surely someone has thought of that too......................................... hahahahaha

On a totally different subject, struck up a friendship with S at the gym, we are now both the proud owners of a dehydrator each, YES!!!! Have been wanting one since Son 1 took his when moving out...............

Anyway, when I can eat normally again, I will be drying fruits, vegs and making my own flaxseed crackers, including some raw food options in my diet.

Its nice to see I am planning for post comp food........................ :)

Getting Closer - 3 Weeks To Go!!!

Today, definitely spring weather.  I was awake at 5am and then out the door at 5.35am for a morning walk, it was warm, jacket only stayed on for the first 5 mins and then off it came.  The sun was not up but once I was up on the headland and heading back, the sun was above the horizon.  Found a new part of the headland walk today.  I had watched a few people walk in front of the house on the headland and found the path, magic!!!  I'm happy ...................

So mini breakdown last night, tears, but was about work not necessarily about my comp, although maybe the hormones, lack of sufficient nuitrition in diet, age, well f**k who really knows, but there you go............ went to bed and had a good sleep, although was awoken a few times by the really windy weather beating against the windows.  

No posing practice last night or exercise.  I thought I would conserve my energy, probably just as well.

On Saturday I went to get a trial nail session done!!  Here is the French Polish Shellac finish.  Was very happy with the finish and hopefully they will last for two weeks when I will go back again.  Comp Ready !!!! YES..............

BIKINI coming along.  BIKINI maker txt'd yesterday with photo of the crystals that will go on to the BIKINI, on the bra and back and front of the bottoms.  I am excited as they look amazing, the more bling the better.  I said "if I am going out there in a BIKINI, I may as well go all out!!!!"

Kind of Peacock colours going on a green BIKINI.............. should be gorgeous!!!

See below just what I pack each day to go to work.  This goes into a bag that has all my vitamins and minerals and water as well. YAY for supplements!

So, there is no breakfast there today as I had that at home.  If I was going to gym first thing, I would have packed some egg muffins and oats.  Today I have my protein shake, lunch - chicken and salad which I have at 10am, then chicken and broccoli which I have at 1pm then the protein shake I have at 3pm.

Off to Boot Camp, and because of the late finish, I have packed some fish and asparagus for ont he way home.  Need to eat protein within half hour of working out to feed the muscles!!!!

Yay!!! BIKINI fitting!

Went and had a session with PT on Saturday morning and actually what we ended doing was talking about the process of the two weeks before comp, well three weeks, and what I would be achieving with my diet and weights!  Also, I needed to diarise the tanning regime and the waxing, hair, nails so that I could have it all in my calendar, and in my head.  Its really quite full on and the tan................ I really don't think I should be out in public..............  PT called it the 'oompah loompah' tan, and I can see why............. its verrrrrrrrrrrrry brown!!!

No real diet changes at this stage, and it will be two weeks before I stop eating carbs, this will affect my overall energy levels, so it will be interesting to watch this process.  Spoke to PT about my energy levels and said that I am not good when my energy is low.  I found that by the end of the week just gone that I felt really quite fatigued and could not complete my weights reps how I would have like to.  Apparently normal............................ just need to suck it up!!! :) 

It was so beneficial sitting down with PT going through the schedule, I felt less overwhelm with all that I had to do and now I had a plan (always like a plan) of what the two weeks prior to both comps would look like................. yeah for PT, just what I needed!!!!

Went for the BIKINI fitting after the PT session and was really happy with the way the BIKINI fitted.  A few minor adjustments need to be made to the bustline, as in bringing it in at the centre so that I can show a little bit more cleavage, not that there is a whole lot there anymore; and some adjustment to the bottom.  The BIKINI will also have its crystals glued onto it, I am going to be bling, bling, bling!!!!  So hopefully I can pick the BIKINI up in two weeks time and it will be perfect!!!  I am actually looking forward to it!!

Then raced home and unpacked and went off for a gorgeous hour and half @ yoga!!  A really nice way to finish the day.

Sunday, day of rest................... no exercise at all.  I enjoyed socialising and taking myself off to get my nails done.  French polish with shelac,hopefully the shelac will last for a couple of weeks and then I only need to get them done once more so that they will be comp ready!  (one thing to tick off the list)
I then went for a massage.  As I had a massage with Elbows on Thursday (yes, he only uses his elblows) it was not necessarily what you would call a calming enjoyable massage, so thats what I wanted to get today and most of it was.  I am quite tight across my back as I am lifting a lot of weights and have not been solely focussing on massaging my back lately.  So that was what I wanted to achieve this weekend.  I then organised my food for the week ahead and also tomorrow.  I'm in such a routine now, it is really easy!

So, nails SORTED................... tanning, I have it planned!  Hair, not yet............. makeup, worry about that on the day.............

Three weeks to go before the first comp...............eeeeeekkkkkkk (off to practice some posing now)

whoops, here see some photos below..............

have to say, I am pretty proud of how my muscles are looking!

No Bikini Fitting

Arrived home after Posing Seminar........... did you think you knew anything about spray tans?  Well, I do now!!  Dream Tan is what you put on your body just before you go onstage; and it needs to be patted on or rolled on, yes with a paint roller that you can purchase from the hardware store.  Its a matt tan, as the women do not want to look shiny up there on stage.  Pro tan is a tan that you can use before the comp day.  You need about 3 layers of tan before comp.  As I have two comps that I am going to, I will probably need 6 spray tans.................  Never having had a spray tan before except for a month ago, this will be interesting to see how my body manages with the tan.  

Anyhoo, the Seminar was informative, quite a bit of information on nutrition, carb depletion, water depletion, supplements to take whilst leaning out, tanning products and how to apply and what could potentially go wrong.  A first aid kit for comps, ie. safety pins, wig glue, super glue, plastic gloves, snacks, gatorade, paper towels, tissues, eye drops, sewing kit etc. Talked about Bikini's, styles, colours, what was not appropriate, bling.  Photo's, when to have them taken etc. and Posing Practice, we practiced for quite some time to have our styles looked at and adjusted.  Now that was fun and actually I felt quite accomplished with my posing practice, so it is all paying off!  I also learnt a few more ways of posing that would bring out the best in my body and muscles.

Left the night feeling a bit overwhelmed with all that I had ahead of me, not only that, there was that feeling of being a little displaced, not on familiar ground, all a little different................. weird............. and really I was absolutely tired and hungry so just headed home and knew I needed to put myself to bed, worry about everything in the morning..................................

So, all in all a good seminar BUT STILL NO BIKINI.  Bikini maker was there but she had to leave, and she did have my bikini................... so I saw it but no fitting................ so tomorrow I go into Newtown for a fitting and then decide on the bling!!!!  YAY or NOT!!! :)

5.30 Friday morning............

On my way to do friday morning weights (legs)!

Am feeling tired and a little 'fatigued'.  Great Boot Camp session last night, it was hard yakka and once again my energy level flagged a bit before half way through!  I can say I was not happy that I did not have a lot of energy but knew it was the diet.  I am finishing the exercises but am probably the slowest now.  We squatted, frog jumped, sit ups, suicide runs, rolled tyres, sprinted...... it was a good session.

I had started 'flagging' towards the afternoon, so not surprising I didn't manage Boot Camp so well.  The thing is, I started the week on such a high with high energy but my energy levels have changed drastically, not sure why.  I did start the week with yoga????

Anyway, off to weights this morning, it will be interesting to see how I go, given my back is a bit sore this morning (note to self:  be careful with the barbell squats) ............work (always busy on a friday) and then I have a Seminar for getting ready for competition.

Reminder:  FUN!!!!! this is why I have committed to do the body building, well that and seeing how my body adjusts.

Ring Doc today to see about getting another blood test for the kidneys!!!

Oh, and the BIKINI fitting tonight......................................................

Spring is definitely in the air..........

Woke up wondering where my BIKINI was and feeling a little anxious about the whole enchilada!!!  There are quite a few things I need to organise and will my body be comp ready????

Having had a restless sleep last night and also feeling a little weird with the change of season, which is just 'change' again!

Awoke at 5am and rested, meditated for awhile then got dressed and out the door before 6 for a walk.  Sunny this morning but I was wondering what was evoking memories of the farm and just memories; until it hit me when I was walking up the headland that there was 'burning off' either yesterday or last night and the air was sitting heavy with smoke and haze over the hills.  This just reminded me of spring weekends up at Wards River where there would be a mass of 'burning off' during a 3 week window in late August, early September. I loved that time of the year there, it was magical!!  Promise of summer and new beginnings....................

So, back to BIKINI and comp worry!! Tomorrow night I am heading to the "Stage Ready Seminar" that posing Coach is facilitating, hopefully will learn all I need to know for the 'big day/night"...................... essentials, like what tan to use!! most important as I do not want to look ORANGE............................... :)  (am also concerned about the big head on little body look now too!!!!!!!!!) 

Sometime near midnight..............

Woke in the middle of the night and cannot sleep, not sure why though!!!

My sleep has been pretty steady the last week but tonight its hit a dive.  I'm not sure if its the weather, its warmer now and I need to have some lighter bed linen on the bed or it was Boot Camp.  

Tonight, at Boot Camp, I jogged around the oval 4 times and then we jogged around the outside perimeter (giving a rather wide berth) another 3 times.  For me that was a good achievement as I am NOT a runner, walker, YES.  We then did other running circuits, this session was about endurance. 
I think my body is on a bit of a high, well it has been since the weekend. I seem to be back to my old self, hard at the exercise, working hard during the day and then home etc. with chores and bed but all whilst feeling like I have the energy, positive attitude and switched on!  (I'm enjoying it while it lasts!)

Before work this morning, I went for a walk along the headland and it was so noticeably lighter and more like spring weather, although, there was a definite chill in the air as my eyes were watery!  The walk is such a good grounding before the day begins and so important in my weekly routine.  I do believe in ecopsychology................. talking about connecting with nature/natural world and how that is important for the psyche of the human being.  It always makes me feel more alive!!

So, BIKINI is coming...................... heels I am practicing in each day :) body doesn't feel like it has leaned out anymore since last week, will check with PT on Thursday.  A new diet and plan will be mine within the next week, no carbs at all, that is going to be really hard for me, even with meagre few that I am having now!!

Well, off to sleep I try and go, hi ho, hi ho, hi ho............................................

Latest photo...........

Ok, here is a latest photo just to show you how much leaner I am and the biceps........... this is one of the mandatory poses 'Front Double Biceps  STRIKE!'.......... of course I would be standing up and probably a lot tighter in the arms, but still you get the drift!!

Dare I say 'spring' :) or is it too early?

Finally some warmth of spring....................

I'm three weeks into Boot Camp and really enjoyed the session on Thursday night, boxing!  When I left work, I actually considered not going, wash my mouth out!!!! that is never on my agenda, but I was feeling really fatigued from the week and the prospect of another cold etc..... anyway, I am so glad that I did get to BC, even though there was major issues on the road due to the wild and woolly storm that swept into Sydney late in the afternoon. Chatted to PT after session about what to expect, information I cannot gather all at once as it would be overwhelm/overload, but I wanted to know how I would cope? will I need time off work? would I be able to manage my workload, exercise etc. without going completely crazy???  I have a deep down feeling I might get a little 'scatty/vague', well really a 'little bit all over the place'?  PT thinks I am a little like that now :)) mmmmmmmmmmmm 

We went through the process of carb depletion, then carb load, then water depletion.  Apparently I am going to just "loooooove" being at my peak and that is why people go back and do it again and again!!!  mmmmmmmm this could be FUN!  Oh, and apparently thats when you get the photos taken, you are at your BESTEST!!!!!  I don't want that loose skin hanging off me..............  when the carbs come back into your body, apparently they go straight to your muscles so the muscles look fuller and the skin looks tighter............ that plus the tan (layers :)), BIKINI, bling, gel nails, hair, makeup, waxed skin, stripper heels, .................  The photos could prove interesting!!!

I always imagined that women with muscles were quite big, but they are verrrry small.

I have leaned out again this week, really noticeably!!! The jeans that I bought last weekend are loose around the waist.............................

Posing practice last night, I have to say I am actually enjoying it now!  Well, we will see how long that lasts! :) But I met Posing Coach at North Sydney and we did lots of talking, I have stacks of questions about timing for all the things I need to get done beforehand plus its also good to get the information from a woman's point of view!  We went through the sequence a couple of times, just so I can get it cemented in my head about what I am actually doing and the sequence of it all!  There are poses that need more work than others and some poses that I just go OMG............... are they really my muscles, is that really my body??????  I'm actually learning to be proud of my muscles :)  You know what else is nice, I am learning that it is definitely an art form and that some people are totally passionate about it and I am learning about an appreciation for what goes into creating and maintaining a certain developed musculature in the body.

After practice went out for dinner, Miss Chu's, had fish and greens (no departure from diet) with a gorgeous friend and then went to the Standard and kicked back with a good band playing.  So good to go out and break the routine and have some party FUN!

This morning, off to weights, no side affects from staying out later than normal, as had a good sleep in till 7am.  Weights went well and managed to better my close hand grip bench press, so I was happy :)

Well, after sitting in the sun, soaking up the warmth, eating my 1 egg, 3 egg white omelette, oats and green tea, I am off to do some chores, shower, change and head out the door again!!

 

I refuse to get another cold............ I refuse to get.......

Still fighting off another cold!!!
I awoke this morning feeling clogged up in the back of my throat and nose, hopefully its just a passing state and nothing full on.

Posing coaching last night, so was out after work, surely that is not the reason why I am feeling coldy again?, surely my body doesn't want me home right on the dot of 5.45pm every night, just to eat, rest and bed??????  So, more vitamins today, all day.....................................

Practiced the posing again last night, it was a one-on-one session, which was really beneficial!  I am progressing.............. I still feel 'clunky' getting from one pose to the next.  There are poses that I am better at than others, so they are the ones I am going to work on.  I have developed some of the poses more now, knowing exactly what I need to do.  It is really interesting watching the whole process and my body in the process.  I 'laughed out loud' last night as I was watching my muscles and how developed they were.  It was like "F**ck, are they really my muscles OMG!!!"  I am amazed at how my body is transforming.  So I am really 'leaning out' now and therefore you can see the muscles so much better. 

You are reading it here, dare I say, but I'm loving my body and seeing what it is capable of!!! I'm loving my new found muscles................... who would have thought!!! Photo will be coming!!

So, no changes to diet yet.................. still on track!!! No changes to program, still on track!! Will ask PT tonight if I should be looking at lifting heavier weights???  I do think I need to do more 'abdominal' work though, as this is the part of me that I think is certainly not as strong!

Off for my morning walk now, it looks like its another one of those 'spring is nearly here mornings' YAY.............................................. cannot wait!!!! 

P.S. Heels were great...................... just need to get comfy walking in them, can pose in them quite ok!!!

Cloudy Tuesday morning...........

Shake, rattle and roll............................ 

yep, that was me last night. Sitting at work yesterday I could feel my nose start to tingle and I felt really cold.............................. WTF???  I have just managed to get over the last bout of cold/flu (it had been three weeks) and here I am sitting at my desk thinking it is all happening over again.  Knew I could not handle being sick again, so when I got home, panadol (now I have hardly taken a pain killer in my life but I was determined to NOT GET SICK) then laid down on the bed and had an hours sleep.  I put the alarm on so I wouldn't over sleep, besides needed to eat, feed the muscles!!!

Oh, and I had taken masses of Vitamin C, Vital Greens, Echinacea, Garlic & Horseradish throughout the day plus multivitamins.  Organised dinner, did some paperwork and took more vitamins, then bed!!!  Do you think I could sleep........................

With a broken sleep I awoke and, as of yesterday, had every intention of walking this morning, but thought my body needed rest instead, so no walking, rested and went to work.  Lots of vitamins today to restore body and hopefully Boot Camp tonight :)

Will post a photo of me now shortly.................