A WEEK IN THE LIFE!!!

A friend called and requested that I post my exact workout schedule for this past week. She was determined to attempt a replication this coming week. I told her to play on! I can't wait to hear if she accomplishes this goal. I did let her know it was a light week for me. After reading my week, I realize she might think I'm crazy........

I also drug along a new workout buddy this week, Lindsey.  She is in nursing school and extremely busy but realizes she has to make time for fitness instead of making time for excuses. I had her attend "Hell Week" with me Monday-Wednesday and she hung in smiling the entire time. She might have been a little sore at the end of the week but she never said no or complained.  I was also able to help her with a goal, accountability and a plan.  So far, so good. Lindsey is texting me her progress daily which is holding her accountable. I love it!

Monday

Took Lindsey to an 1 hr 20 min. workout with my team and Coach.  I knew she would be inspired and encouraged after meeting a few ladies on the team and that was exactly the response I received after our first workout. Lindsey loved the workout as it was something she had never done before and loved the encouragement a group of girls can give.
Later that day, I headed out for an hour run.  It was going to be raining the rest of the week so I knew it would probably be the only day this week I could run outside. I initially told myself I would do 30-45 minutes because I was so tired but once I hit the pavement, the endorphins kicked in and I extended my run.

Tuesday

Lindsey and I participated in a Kickboxing class with my friend Neda for an hour then headed to the gym for more functional training with my teammates.  I was pulled aside to focus on building the booty since my competition is coming up next month.  Here is a video of the fun. You can see Lindsey and the rest of the girls in the background with their grueling workout.

I made it to the gym later to do a quick 45 minutes on the stair mill that night. I didn't force Lindsey because I knew her body was tired and 2 hours in one day was enough for a beginner!

Wednesday

I met Lindsey at the gym to take a class called RIPPED which involved weights, plyo, cardio and abs.  After the hour class, I put Lindsey on the elliptical for 45 minutes and I got on the stair mill for 50.  She didn't complain or quit early as she had homework to do, she just did it. I was super proud.  Later that night, I attended a 50 minute kickboxing class at a local boxing studio.  All of this may seem excessive, but to me it seemed like lighter cardio than I'm used to........at least lighter impact I guess.

Thursday

 Lindsey had to leave town to go back to class but not without instructions and a plan.  I gave her Thursday off because she worked so hard the last 3 days and I knew her body and mind was tired.  She also had a very long day of school on Thursday but she still had homework from me.  Although it was her day off, I requested she did 10 rounds of 10 push ups, sit ups and dips every day for 1 week and then we would increase. I also gave her some nutrition advice and asked her to check in daily.  Friday she needed to be back at it on the cardio.  1 hour a day 6 days a week with her 10x workout daily.
As for me, I headed to kickboxing to meet up with Neda and then to the gym to meet up with some teammates.  Even though it was our day off (meaning do cardio) from Coach, we decided to meet up and do some extra credit.  Our workout consisted of 50 jumping jacks with lateral raise (3-5lb weights in hand), 50 jumping jacks front raise with weights, 20 jump pull ups and repeat 6 times.  Then we did some running ladder work for agility and kettle bell swings with leap frog, I had an 18lb weight.  Me, Emme and Jess W finished off with abs.  Later that day, I made it to the stair mill for a 45 min. session.

Friday

My neighbor Dawn and I headed out for an earlier morning workout being we had things to accomplish during our regular workout hours.  Dawn and I met Emme, Erin and Shannon at the gym for a "Dysfunctional Friday" workout consisting of skipping lunges, lungs with shoulder press, side walking squats with shoulder work and balance/back work with lighter weights. I will admit the weather made me lazy because it was pouring rain and so cold...........I never made it to the gym for a battle with the stair mill.

Saturday-4 WEEKS UNTIL I HIT THE WBFF STAGE!

7am boot camp included lots of jumping rope and trampoline running along with lighter weight/stability work and abs.  Once again, it was a cold rainy day so I spent some quality time on the couch watching movies with the pup.  I did manage a quick 37 min. jog with the dog but I don't think I consider that cardio.  I was even able to finish off the day with a team dinner.  We had one of our newest teammates in town from Canada so we were able to catch up with Shannon D. over a nice steak (yep Coach ordered steak for me, Emme and Erin)! It was so tasty however the steamed veggies came with butternut squash which I love but was told to push to the side.  It was great to learn a little about Shannon and I look forward to learning a lot more. She is truly a beauty as are all my teammates. I'm always in awe of how gorgeous these girls are in person.
Of course a lot of the discussion at dinner consisted of our diet and competitions on the horizon (I know this has to get so old for Coach Doug and Karen but they are sports and appease us).  Coach did mention that there would be a very long conversation regarding our diets immediately after the competition because so much can go wrong with your body if you go off the deep end (deep end being eating everything you haven't had for so long in the time frame of a night, a week, a month).  You're body doesn't know what to do with all the foreign food since you've been eating clean for so long so it just holds on to it apparently, hence why competitors typically gain a strange amount of weight after their competition.  We all know that we are a little crazy in the head right now with our diets and goals so it's so important that Coach brings that to our attention.  We are all starting to love how we look but we also know it's not the healthiest way to live or the most functional way so we will have to find balance. I actually think Coach is super concerned about my body's reaction to the whole pizza I plan to ingest along with the molten lava chocolate cake! Only joking (kind of)!

***It was check in time today because we forgot yesterday. Coach did my weight and measurements
120lbs
5.5% body fat
Coach said I am lean but he will blow me up the day of the show a good 5lbs but I probably still have 4 or so lbs to lose. We are still figuring out my body so it's not precise yet.
It's important to state that I am not starving myself. I am not carb depleting either. I am eating every 2 hours (for the most part)!

Sunday-

I actually slept in until 9:30am which I can't recall the last time I slept that late. I awoke with a nasty headache that made me a little lethargic but after eating and coffee, I was feeling somewhat better. I made it to the gym for a quick workout only because I was feeling so weak after 40 minutes. I did a 10 minute uphill treadmill walk and 30 minutes on the stair mill.  I was feeling like I probably needed to eat but had to check the time because I thought I ate right before I went to the gym.  I soon realized after I ate breakfast, I cleaned, did laundry and some computer work so it was over 3 hours since I had eaten when I was feeling weak.  Back home for a lunch of tilapia, green beans and yams was yummy but of course it started raining again and I found myself on the couch typing up this blog. Maybe I will make it back to the gym to do some light cardio.  I just want the sun to come out again so I can play outside.

***I weighed in at the gym today at 120.4 which is a 4lb loss from last Sunday.  I sent my Coach a text to make sure that was normal with the light amount of cardio I was doing and he stated "And you've done less cardio.  Science of the body is amazing isn't it?"  Kinda crazy is what it is.......Still trying to grasp the whole concept of less cardio=better body but I think it's true in my current situation.  I'm still in fear of waking up this coming week with a 5lb weight gain from my lack of cardio. I know I'm a little crazy but I said I would be honest on my fears and feelings. I'm also trying to look in the mirror more and accept my body as well as notice the changes. To me, I only see a more toned body but not smaller. I don't know if that's a mental block or everything just tightened in different ways. Yes some of my clothes are too big and I can wear things I would have never considered before but I am hesitant to make any purchases at this size because who knows what reality will be in a few weeks. I'm also not going to be throwing out the wide variety of sizes in my closet either.


Friday I also received my proofs from the Boudoir Shoot I did in Vegas in February.  I can't wait to get the edited versions back. Critsey Rowe did an amazing job and I'm looking forward to posting these. Here is a sneak peak unedited.

Laugh at the confusion, Smile through the tears

And keep reminding yourself that Everything Happens For A Reason.

 And after this last week or so I am beginning to see the truth in this belief. Last week was extremely busy and somewhat crazy. I was almost convinced the Earth must have been off it's axis but I now realize it was just fate closing one door and opening so many others.  So, I'm just going to let the stars align and enjoy the ride!

I was able to efficiently workout while traveling last week. I even managed to get an amazing beach run in with a stop at the beach park incorporating push ups, pull ups, dips and abs. This was by far my favorite workout of the week.  I was rushed for time every day and although I might not have been on the stair mill or pounding the pavement, I was in my room working up a sweat doing jumping jacks, push ups, crunches, lunges and dips. Friday, I rushed back to the gym in time for Coach Doug to inspect my "damage" which he had already seen from check in pictures.  Basically, there was no damage and he was impressed with my dedication to diet and exercise while traveling. However, I was a little nervous to see Coach because I had managed to have my first true breakdown while traveling. Unfortunately, several people got the wrath of my breakdown via text.  Then I ate (I was a few hours behind schedule when this occurred), normalized and apologized to everyone involved. My teammates were so caring and genuinely concerned about me even sympathizing with me.  It's such an asset having these amazing ladies there to watch your back, rub your back, be the shoulder to cry on or to be your biggest fan and motivator.  I was able to explain myself and frame of mind to Coach Doug and back to business we went.  If anything, this guy has probably seen every breakdown a woman can have and still wants to be surrounded by us daily........ so he's either crazy or passionate about his work, friends and family.

Saturday was a big day for team TBA. Scheduled was a photo shoot with the Fabulous Noel Daganta and several teammates were flying in from various parts of the country.  I also had a solo shoot with Noel I had been prepping for all week.  Coach told me during my workout on Friday that I was required to have steak and potatoes for every meal after 5pm.  He even gave me the green light for a little wine with my steak. I once again was waiting for the hidden camera because surely this couldn't have been an option from my coach's mouth.  Coach explained the steak and potatoes would help bring out (POP) my muscles for the shoot and the sugar from the wine would make me vascular.  This sounded like the best eating plan I had heard of in forever (or at least since that last diet plan of only pizza and chocolate I've dreamed of).  I was so excited to go to Ruth Chris's and almost seem like a normal person that night.  It was comical trying to measure out an ounce of wine but I've come this far so I had to be precise on my splurge. And I can't lie, it tasted sooooooooooooooooooo good. I am looking forward to that first glass of wine after I win my Pro Card on April 14th.

Saturday morning I arrived bright and early for the talented Jorge Monroy to begin beautifying me with his magical hands.  I was also excited to see Noel's reaction at my progress since our last photo shoot when I was only 2 weeks into the diet in January.  He seemed more than surprised and was nothing but complimentary the entire shoot.  I have to say it felt good to see the look on his face.  We had a great time shooting for the hour and I am anxiously awaiting those pictures too.  All morning some of the out of town teammates began to arrive and I was finally able to see how beautiful these ladies were in person.  I think we were all excited to meet each other.  Also, seeing majority of our teammates in one room was AMAZING.  There was of course even a little friendly competition while we checked out each other's best ASSests, knowing that at some point we would have to be on stage competing against each other. We had teammates in from Nebraska, New York, Florida, Arizona and Southern California.  It was very empowering being surrounded by a group of such multi talented, friendly and warm women.  There was not one ounce of cattiness you would expect in a room full of competitive ladies.  You could honestly feel the warmth of friendship throughout the room as everyone engaged themselves in getting to know one another better.

First chore was a calendar shoot for Harley Davidson.  It had to be quite the scene for innocent bystanders to see over 20 women and their muscles enhancing the bikes. Like any true athletic photo shoot, the ladies had to pump up beforehand to make sure our muscles were POPPING.  Doesn't everyone work out in heels?

Aundrea, me and Tammy Posing Pretty

Coach Doug is a LUCKY MAN....but we are even luckier girls to have him!

And true to the saying, behind every great man is a greater woman.......and looky who is behind Coach.........Karen! We know she's the brains and backbone of the team and Coach!

 Tammy, Shannon, Me, Aundrea and Jess Just Being BADASS!

We wrapped up a very long Saturday with a team meeting, new friendships, fresh ideas and ignited motivation.  Everyone has goals and dreams we are trying to achieve and the WIN taste that much sweeter when shared with friends.  I look forward to watching all of these woman accomplish their dreams.  I know they will be a big part of my success and I just hope I can give back to them what they have already given me.  

4 weeks and 3 days until I hit the WBFF Stage to win my Pro Card in Fitness. This journey has been unlike any other and I'm looking forward to opening the last few chapters.

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”
― Marilyn Monroe

GO BIG OR GO HOME!

As the weekend winds down, I am reminded that I now have less than 6 weeks until I step on stage to win my PRO CARD with the WBFF!! My how time flies is really all I can think. From what seemed like an unrealistic/extended/long/forever amount of time is now hurdling at me like fast a ball thrown by Nolan Ryan.  I started this journey with 104 days giving me what I deemed plenty of time to achieve all the mental and physical aspects needed to win the GOLDEN TICKET. Now I see that for me, there is no cruise control option because that enables me to get lazy and detour from the plan.  I know I've made great progress over the last 9 weeks, so much so I've almost convinced myself I'm ahead of the game.  This kind of thinking could lead me down a very dirty road I have to constantly tell myself not to take.  Once I start thinking I can cheat here and there because I've done so good and made so much progress, is the day I hand back that PRO CARD I'm so vividly envisioning in my hand on April 14th.
This is no time to be lazy and hit cruise control. I can be lazy is 6 weeks. I can skip a workout in 6 weeks, eat that cupcake, have that glass of wine or run 3 miles instead of 6.  This is not that time. If anything, it's time to throw more embers on the fire and kick it up a notch.  Maybe my competition is getting lazy therefore I am not.  If I listened to what some of my friends and family think, I would believe there is nothing left to improve and they can't imagine what else I could do in 6 weeks. I guess they are a little biased and probably haven't engrossed themselves in the videos of my friendly competitors. Thinking out loud, if I was going to slip up, it should have been many many weeks ago and certainly not 6 weeks out when time is most critical.  My Coach encourages me daily and expresses how proud he is of my progress but he's is definitely not telling me to hit cruise control and coast into first place (is that even possible?). I don't think I've heard him tell me to give 50% during our workout and then recover with some pizza (although I would be torn and perplexed should this happen.... kind of like the shot of vodka he gave me last week). I don't think I heard him endorse 2nd place as 1st place loser, something is better than nothing mentality (nope def. didn't hear that).  I better come in like a category 5 hurricane when I win.  Simply put, GO BIG OR GO HOME!

Check out this video my coach made of my progress. Initially, I couldn't see the changes and if I did they were so small and irrelevant to me. I saw this video and was impressed myself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypxY8GHwntY&list=PLC1FC3D4CD582882F


For those of you that don't know me, I will give you a brief little history on my knees.........why you ask??? Because I have to consider them every day with every workout and every activity I do.  I have had 4 knee surgeries consisting of both right and left ACL's and both lateral meniscus.  The ACL's stem from 2 soccer accidents and the lateral meniscus is from being a crazy workout woman not listening to her body.  Hence now, I listen.  These surgeries have a direct impact on my day to day life conscientiously and subconscientiously.  Although I consider my knees BIONIC KNEES, these surgeries have left me with a little list of problems that I will have to deal with the rest of my life.  My body is unbalanced, I have knee pain when doing certain activities, my IT Bands are so tight you could spring them, my hamstring lead way to hip problems and my piriformis (booty muscles) are jacked up (that's the technical term)! A lot of this could be subsided or avoided if I would stretch better (yes I even got certified in yoga so I would practice more often but don't ), use my roller and get regular massage.  Friday was butt detail day (imagine that, I was working on my glutes). I later set out on a run with the puppy and forty minutes into the run, my glutes and hip basically locked up causing so much pain I  couldn't push through running or even speed walking.  I had to hobble home with the dog dragging me the next 3 miles. Those 3 miles felt like an eternity.  Not only was I mad about not burning my calories, I felt bad that the puppy wanted to burn some major energy and I was slowing him down. Once I finally arrived home, I decided it was necessary to get a massage and get this worked out so it wouldn't impede my workouts for the rest of the weekend.  I finally found a new place called Massage Heights and scheduled a 90 minute massage and reflexology.  I usually opt for male masseuse but none were available and I was assured that the female was phenomenal and strong.  I typically doubt this but was in so much pain I agreed to give her a whirl.  Once I plopped down on the table, my masseur Yvonne made it clear she not only had the hand strength to get the job done but she also knew what she was doing and what she was looking for concerning my issues. I didn't mention to her any of my previous problems (or surgeries) and she pointed out a lot of my problems come from my right side although my left side was hurting. I already knew this because I have had problems for quite a while and knew it was stemming from overcompensating.  I was impressed she acknowledged that along with asking if I have TMJ (which I do, damn gum chewing) and stating that I must have digestive problems (yep, got those too)! She was so energetic and passionate about helping heal people that I felt better just being around her energy.  Yvonne recommended that I use my roller and get in a minimum of 3 times a month with her because it was going to be like starting over each time the longer I went without massage. I believe and agree with her on that.  When I was checking out, I met the owner, Terri Cicchetti, and we started talking about massage, my injuries and my competition.  She was so passionate about the purpose of her business. They really are into healing people and instilling knowledge rather than getting you in and out once a month. I spoke with Terri for awhile about her ideals on massage and how she started her business. When her son was in high school and obtained several sports injury, massage was part of his therapy and she saw the benefits and results.  Shortly after, her husband was diagnosed with cancer where again massage was recommended as therapy.  Seeing the benefits first hand made her realize their was a true need for massage therapy for others and therefore she started her business. It was so refreshing to know they are really interested in healing the body as she talked in depth with me about massage therapy for various injuries and problems.  I scheduled another massage the following Friday and I am looking forward to a little torture and a little relief.  So if you are in the area, I would highly recommend Massage Heights and Yvonne.  I'm excited to actually stick to a massage plan of therapy and see the improvements.

Well time to get back to packing for a quick work trip this week. That means a 4:30am wakeup call for 5:30am workout then home to get ready and head for the airport. I know I will get my workout in the morning and cardio later tomorrow night but what about Tuesday when my meetings start very early and go all day? Let's see how I handle it. I will keep you posted. Remember, train hard.............HAVE FUN!

My teammate Kya made these cool photos of me and Alice at the gym the other day! Love the sayings. Thanks girl!