POST: MARCH 28, 2011 - | BACK TO OTHER POSTS

Salt in the refrigerator, silverware in the trash, and eggs in the cupboard. Wait, what’s that burning smell? Who’s cooking tilapia? Ahhh, I am! My diet has officially burrowed a small hole in my brain. The funny part is I’m eating more food than ever! In fact, I’m consuming more than 120 grams of carbohydrates most days which is an amount the “average” human needs to operate. Apparently, I need a few more grams to function at full capacity lol. However, I can say I’m on a competition meal plan that’s working wonders as my physique is spot on, and I look better than I ever have. Instead of getting frustrated about my less than intelligent behavior, I find it hilarious, and I’m learning to embrace it. Only a week away from my first competition of the season, and if a few airhead moves are all I have to worry about, I’m not complaining. This first paragraph is more of a warning than anything. I apologize if the rest of my blog doesn’t make sense :)

My boyfriend and I made a trip to Portland this weekend for a final meeting with Coach and my team before show time in Vancouver. Before we left I was able to put on my first fitness routine performance in front of a decent sized audience, and I couldn’t have asked for a better crowd! I was able to perform for my boot campers! What an incredible experience! They’ve watched me transform over the last 12 weeks, and they’ve heard about all the hours I’ve spent practicing my routine. I was VERY nervous, but it went smoothly, and served as a great warm up. It’s so strange; you could put a camera in front of me and I’d feel comfortable, but put a dozen people I know before me and I get butterflies. Thank you to my campers for all the support and inspiration you give me on a daily basis!

On to round two! After making the three hour drive over the hill, it was time for posing practice with my team, and yes, another routine performance this time for my ladies and Coach. Again, my nerves were running high, but with the enthusiastic cheers from my teammates…my performance was a ROCKIN’ success! That night, it felt like everything clicked right into place. My physique and my routine; two things that at one point felt separate, had somehow morphed into one. The connection gave me a great sense of peace. All that ran through my mind was, I’m READY. I was able to have fun while running through my routine; something that used to kick my ass (conditioning-wise) just weeks before. Simply put: it was amazing.

The next morning, it was time for a check-in with Coach. The Vancouver Classic is one week away, and the Emerald Cup is following close behind, and that means one thing… it’s time to get down to the NITTY-GRITTY DETAILS. The week before show time can be such a balancing act, and I love it. We came up with a game plan, and I can’t wait to put it into action. I’ve hit 6.6% body fat, and I’m at my goal weight.

All that’s left to do now is coast into what I know will be a killer competition season! The hard work, persistence, and sacrifice are paying off. I haven’t even set foot on stage, and I already feel like I’ve won. I’ve gained so much strength, courage, and pride through this journey. The best part is… my journey is far from over. I can’t wait to show the physique and routine I’ve built. I can see the finish line ahead; in fact, it’s so close I can taste it. Speaking of taste, so many people ask if I am excited to eat “normal” food once my competitions are over. To be honest, food is the last thing on my mind at this point. I eat to fuel my body, and that’s it. I don’t care if it’s hot or cold, cooked to perfection or burnt. I just know that with every meal I eat I am one step closer to crossing that finish line. Remember, this isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon, and I’m making sure I enjoy every milestone. That being said, it’s time to hit the gym! My preparation isn’t over yet, and I’ve got work to do! Eat, Train, Sleep… REPEAT!