Happy Holidays!

The Holidays have now come and gone. It was a busy time with lots of family functions and making good memories. Of course, along with all of the family activities comes a lot of yummy food! Good times!
But now things are getting back to business with the training and eating.

We took some great pictures of the family and kids at a local park. It was definitely a task, but we are all glad we tackled it. This year, for the first time, we sent out picture Christmas cards using our family picture.
It's been several years since we have taken a family picture. So I'm really glad we took the time to make it happen this year. The kids are growing up too fast!


2007 was a good year...full of lots of changes and new experiences! I'm looking forward to 2008...another year of growth, continued changes, and opportunities. I want to thank all of you that have been so supportive in this past year. Your support meant a lot to me and so many times helped to keep me strong. I hope to experience your continued encouragement in this upcoming year.

Happiness in the Midst of Sadness

Early this morning my grandfather, Verlyn Cox, passed away. It came as a bit of a surprise to some of us, because we didn't know the cancer was that far along and we thought we had a few more months. He was in a lot of pain and couldn't eat much of anything. But because of his pain, his death comes as bit of a relief because now he is in pain no longer. And since he was a Christian, we know we will see him again someday.

Even still, it is hard not to be sad and miss him. I had planned on going to visit him in Illinois after the first of the year. I wanted to spend some time with him before he passed. But unfortunately, he didn't last that long. I am happy and sad about that at the same time. Happy because I would have hated for him to have to endure life the way he was and in that kind of pain for even another day, let alone several weeks....just so I could selfishly see him one last time. But, of course, I'm sad that I didn't get that chance to see him again before he left us..to give him that last hug and last kiss goodbye.

He loved his wife, children, many grandchildren, and even more great grandchildren very much. He was very proud of his ever growing family and was interested in every single one of us. He will be greatly missed.

I love you, Grandpa. This is not 'goodbye', but 'see you later'. I look forward to giving you that hug and kiss 'hello' when I see you again!

A New Program

Hitting the weights these past few weeks has felt awesome! This week I started doing some DC training, doing a two-day split. It's exciting doing something new and I look forward to seeing the changes it will bring about. I can't wait to watch the increase in strength and the muscle mass that will follow.

I've changed up my cardio schedule just slightly and I'm doing a variety of exercises (3 hours a week total). I'm enjoying the new lifting schedule as well... Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only. They make for long workouts, but it's nice to have the extra nights off to spend with the family.

Workin' to Grow!

This week I started my 'structured diet' and workout routine. I've changed up my cardio a bit. So many people disagree with how much cardio I'm doing. But right now I want to make sure I do not gain an excess of bodyfat. As I feel things are leveling out, I can back off of the cardio as needed. For now, I have scheduled myself 3 weekly morning cardio sessions of 40 minutes and then 4-5 weekly 20 minute sessions after my weight lifting in the evenings. I finally braved the scale yesterday....weighed 174. Not too bad at all...that puts me 12 pounds more than I was at contest weigh-ins and 20 pounds less than I was before contest prep started back in June.

I'm back to keeping a lifting journal of each day's workout. I haven't done it in several years. It helps to keep you more focused on increasing your weights/strength when you can see exactly what you did the week before and push to beat it! I'm looking forward to watching my strength increase....which means the mass will soon follow!

Hitt'n the Weights Again!

It has felt totally AWESOME hitting the weights again....getting back to the old intensity and working the heavy stuff! I've missed those kind of workouts sooo much! It just feels so good.

I'm still doing cardio (45 minutes after my weights sessions, 5 days a week). I'm trying to make sure I stay leaner now. I don't want to get as heavy as I was before contest prep.


My goals now are to get my strength back to where it was, focus more on my hams, glutes, calves, and lower back to build and tighten them up, add a bit more size and detail to the upper body, continue working abs (I hadn't worked abs in a long time before starting contest prep), and doing all this while trying to stay on the lean side.

THIS IS THE FUN STUFF!
I LOVE IT AND THERE'S NOTHING LIKE IT!

1st Place Heavyweight

I competed in my first show this past weekend, October 27 at the NPC Texas State Championships. I weighed in at 162.5, which put me as a heavyweight. I won first place in my weight class, which also qualified me to compete in a national show. I have until the end of 2009 to use it before it's lost.

Preparing for this show and then competing has definitely been an experience. I'm not sure that bodybuilding is for me. I was pretty sure before the experience that competing really wasn't my thing, but was told that I should give it a try to make sure. At least now I can say that I have done it. Ummm....been there, done that, got the trophy, and now I'm over it! There is still a possibility that in the future I may do it again....but that is not before a year or more.

I am considering competing in powerlifting. I think that is more along the lines of what I love....lifting and strength! Although, I would want to stay more on the leaner side. But for now, I'm just letting my body recover and slowly getting back to my workouts. I can't wait to be 100% again and hitting the weights hard!

I'm finally able to enjoy 'normal' food! It has been wonderful! I've had pizza, some mexican food, chocolate, brownies, cheesecake, pancakes, and a few other samplings. Although, I'm still experiencing the 'rebound' (my body adjusting to regular food)....which is quite miserable. Hopefully within the next week or so my body will level out and things will be back to normal.

Kickin it at the Rodeo

Last night we went to the Pasadena Rodeo to hear my brother and his band (County Road 101). They had a great turn out and they sounded FANTASTIC! It was a lot of fun!


It was also good for me to get out and feel a bit "normal" for a while....even with all the stares and comments!





Only three weeks left of prep....I'm starting to get a bit nervous that I won't be ready in time. But I'm just going to keep with it, knowing that I will end up wherever I end up.


My energy levels have been way down and my body has been aching and hurting. I'm just taking it one day at a time....one cardio session at a time...til I finally reach my destination. Slowly, but surely, I'm getting there!

And The Tough Get Tougher!

I'm struggling with constant hunger pains every day now. In a way, I'm getting used to it! But I can't wait to finally be able to eat some yummy food and actually feel full and satisfied!
I find myself thinking and daydreaming about food a lot and have even started a list of foods I plan to eat that first week! I will continue to add to my list until my competition!


http://after-partyfoodwishlist.blogspot.com/

My body is getting a bit run down and aches a lot from all the cardio, which makes it harder to do the long sessions (60 minutes in the mornings and 50 minutes in the evenings). But I push myself through it, knowing that 4 weeks from today I will be finished with cardio! I just stay focused on one day at a time...getting through just that one day. With each day conquered, I am one day closer to my rest...closer to my goal...and closer to FOOD!

This training has pushed me to limits I have never been before. I can honestly say that I have become stronger in spirit, willpower, and discipline through it all. Without a doubt, I will finish....and finish on top!

Enjoying The Ride

For the past week I have been focused on my training and all has been good. I'm now just enjoying the ride! I have finally stopped stressing about my competition and have just let go. I have worked hard (for several years) building what I have. And now for the past 3 months, I have been doing grueling work unveiling it all! But I'm almost to my destination and the end is finally in sight...just 5 more weeks to go!

It's so thrilling and empowering to have made it this far (knowing that many can not endure this extreme training and dieting) and know that I'm almost to the finish line. Win or lose on stage...making it to that point is a victory! So now all that's left to do is finish unveiling the product of my sweat, tears, and sacrifice and showcase it all on stage next month!

Feeling Good

These past few days I have been feeling MUCH better. My last set of progress pics showed a lot of progress and we were all pleased with them. My coach didn't change anything in my diet or cardio, but said that at my next 5 day progress check (which will be on Tuesday) my diet will probably change a bit by possibly adding another one or two low carb days.


Tonight my husband and I will be going to meet the lady who is making my posing suit. Her name is Jodie (Fit N Flashy is the name of her business) and she is also competing at the NPC Texas State. We will be picking out the style, color, and fabric, along with getting my measurements. She already picked up a royal blue, crushed velvet material. She said when she saw it, she thought of me. I'm sure it will be perfect!

My body continues to make changes daily, which is exciting and encouraging! I'm getting to where I really don't even recognize my own body anymore...it has changed so much! I'm noticing more veins coming to the surface as well, which of course is a good sign. The ones in my pecs/chest are becoming more and more visible and am now starting to see some coming up on my quads.

Sacrifices

I had another rough couple of days.
I started dragging on Saturday and I hit bottom on Monday. It was so difficult to just think clearly that day, not to mention accomplish my workouts and attend a family function. Of course as you might have guessed, the family function had lots of yummy food and tons of even yummier dessert! It was very rough on me....with just my chicken breast and oatmeal, especially the way I felt on Monday. After leaving the function, I had to battle so much added frustration and once again the overwhelming feeling of wanting to quit this contest prep in order to feel "normal" again.

My experiences that day have taught me that I need to protect myself better. I have decided not to attend any more get-togethers or family functions (especially the ones centered around food) until after my competition. It's just too much for me to deal with, especially if it happens to be on a "low" day (and you never know when those are going to hit you).
I don't expect my family and friends to understand and, frankly, I'm not asking them to. I'm only asking that they respect my decision because it is what's best for me at this point. Preparing for this competition is the hardest thing I have ever done and in order for me to succeed, I have to stay focused, with as little distraction as possible.

On The Other Side

I've made it through the valley!

Man! This past week and a half or so has been tough (emotionally, mentally, and physically)! But I've made it through to the other side and I'm feeling good! I'm doing much better and going strong once again!
My diet has been slightly changed to include a high carb day in the rotation. Of course, my diet is subject to change on a daily basis depending on my body and progress. I am due for my next set of progress pics on Saturday morning. We will then see what kind of changes will be in store for me next. I have just 8 short weeks left before it's time to step on stage.

Overwhelming Frustration

After taking my progress pics on Saturday morning, my coach decided that it was time for a cheat meal. He agreed that my muscles were indeed flat and it was time to try to "fill them back up".

So for meal #5 I finally got to eat that pizza and chocolate I've been craving for several weeks!

I enjoyed it very much....even though I did feel a bit guilty eating all those bad calories. He also added 50 grams of carbs to meal #6...which was a big bowl of yummy oatmeal!
I actually had to force that down since I was still stuffed from my pizza and brownies!

I noticed no changes on Sunday, which has brought on
A LOT of frustration. I feel like I've hit a brick wall and I'm quite pissed off with the lack of progress. My coach is telling me that my feelings are normal for this stage in the game, but that doesn't comfort me at this point. He continues to stress that there have been changes and my progress is going good, but I'm just not feeling it. These feelings have actually started to consume me and I have this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach. I'm battling with wanting to throw in the towel. I miss the focus being on building muscle and strength! THAT is what I love! Not this dieting myself to misery and tons of cardio...all to constantly manipulate my body for this reason or that! I'm left wondering.....Why am I doing this? Why am I putting myself through all this? Is this really worth it?

My diet has been adjusted for Monday...it will be a very high carb day. He is hoping that will finally fill the muscles back up and I'm sure he is also hoping it will encourage me to stick with it, since I have voiced my feelings of frustration and wanting to quit. At this point, I'm really not convinced that having a positive sign will out-weigh the negatives that I know are still ahead.

Ups and Downs of Dieting!

This week has been a bit nuts!
It actually started on Wednesday....my metabolism was up and I was crazy hungry. It was like I was feeding a bottomless pit! I also started losing a lot of water. My coaches adjusted my diet by adding 50 carbs to one of my meals (which was quite enjoyable, I must add).
Then I started feeling drained and by late Wednesday night, every muscle in my body was aching and tender. I had a lot of trouble sleeping that night as well. So yesterday I spent the day relaxing and recovering. By late last night, my muscles had become very flat. I'm told that I will remain in this state for a day or two more (when my body will make the most progress leaning out) and then they will adjust my diet again to allow me to "fill back up" and recover.
I'm definitely looking forward to that since it will more than likely include a cheat meal! YEAHH!!

Tomorrow is my next set of progress pics and weigh-in. My coaches will then evaluate and decide how soon I will need the high carb day and/or cheat meal.

Recovery Day

These pics were taken last night before we left the house for the gym. We worked chest and shoulders and then did 50 minutes of cardio on the stepmill.

Today is my day off from the gym, which couldn't have come at a better time! I actually feel as though I've been hit by a truck! Every muscle in my body is aching and hurting and I'm completely wiped out!
My coach says it's mainly from a bit of overtraining and to rest as much as possible today in order to recover.

Tonight we will be going to all of the kids' schools to meet their teachers and check out the schools. We will have to visit 3 different schools in an hour and a half time frame! That will be a challenge! But we are looking forward to a brand new school year for them....which starts early Monday morning!

Fun-filled Weekend!

What a busy weekend!

Tonight we went out to Bacliff to listen to County Road 101.
We had a lot of fun and they sounded fantastic!







The restaurant where they performed had a great atmosphere and the weather wasn't too bad either! I wish I could have tasted the food, cause it smelled delicious! Mmmmmm....mexican food is my favorite! But I was a good girl and brought my own food to eat. =)

Last night we were able to meet up with my coaches for a while. We had a lot of fun (as we usually do) and they were able to check up on my progress in person. Things are going good and everything seems to be on target! Tomorrow is my next set of progress pics as well as weighing in. So far nothing has really changed in my diet and workouts. Tomorrow I will start adding 15 minutes to my second cardio session each day (bringing them both to 50 minutes each). After my coaches review my progress pics from tomorrow, they will determine if anything else needs to change.

A Day Off

Today was my day off from the gym....no weights and no cardio! I enjoyed the time off and was able to relax a bit. But it will be back to work first thing tomorrow morning!

We did my progress pics today instead of yesterday because of the camera situation. My good friend Jack, allowed me to borrow his digital camera while mine is sent to Kodak to be repaired/replaced. So now I won't be lost without one! Thank ya, sweetie! =)


I also checked my weight....lost another 3 pounds! I'm now waiting to hear back from my coaches to see if anything will change in my diet or cardio for the next 5 days.

Another Arm Day

Well, we took these lifting pics today to post, but it appears something is wrong with our digital camera (as you can tell from the pics when you view them larger). David contacted Kodak today and they gave him some suggestions to try before sending it in to be repaired/replaced (since it is still under warranty). In the mean time, a friend of mine has offered to let me borrow his. Hopefully I can get it from him sometime tomorrow. I take pictures almost daily. I don't think I could function without a camera!

Tomorrow is my next weigh-in and set of progress pics (hopefully I will be able to take them). My progress is still coming along fantastically! I'm getting more lean and more cut with each day. My clothes are getting too big and soon will have to buy new ones! I'm loving the transformation!

A Special Day

Today was my daughter's 12th birthday. We all went out to eat and met up with my husband's family as well. Then she and I did some birthday shopping later in the evening. It's amazing how fast they grow up! She is becoming such a beautiful young lady. Although, I'm still not looking forward to those teenage years!


Today was also progress picture day. I am now taking progress pictures every 5 days(along with weighing in), instead of once a week. My weight loss is up to 15 pounds after 5 weeks of pre-contest prep.





My progress seems to be coming along well. I have just over 11 weeks left, so I expect things to get quite intense from here on out. I plan to take it one day at a time and give everything I have each day. I'm excited to see the continued changes in my body as the result.