6 days out. Morning abs peaking through nicely……that is, until I eat / drink! Lol.
Where the Clever Things Are
Killed it at the gym. Pulled the car over on the way home because I thought I was going to lose my breakfast. Legs+HIIT cardio— I guess that’s a success.
Just finished 2 gallons of water for the day. Water loading for a few days before I go for the final push (oh & Roy the cat makes a rare appearance….)
Trying to visualize success but I’m struggling a bit right now….. Just being real.
….
Getting my F’ing head straight at the gym. Hoping the sweat will disguise the tears.
thursday
Time to cut out the creatine. 8 days out and creatine holds a lot of water under the skin and around the muscles. I’ll have my last post-workout cocktail tomorrow.
This morning, one of my 7th grade students gave me a 2 page hand-written note. In the letter, she told me that I was her inspiration and role model. It’s not often that teacher’s get these kind of things (at least, not me)…. but when you do, they really mean a lot. I don’t really even know what to say, other than that I am honored to have made a slight difference in this girl’s life.
For my birthday, Matt gave me a gift card to get a deep tissue massage—- because today was only a 1/2 day at school, as soon as I was done, I redeemed my massage. At week 17 of training, this was AHHH-MAZING.
OH yeahh— And after 29 years, I got my first professional hair cut and color. I have had my hair “done” for 2 proms and my own wedding, but never colored. Nothing too drastic, but a bit shorter and blonder. This was part of my birthday gift too :)
Now, I’m eating a massive amount of chicken. And it tastes like freakin’ gold. Now excuse me while I stare at pictures of cookies, cake, pancakes, and beer on my computer screen. Food porn at it’s best.
Round 2. When all else fails— Go lift more weights. At husband’s school weight room.
Quote on the wall behind me: “Where Champions Train”.
All over.
My emotions are all over the place. One minute I’m feeling on top of the world and the next, I’m feeling like I need 4 more months to prep for this competition. I need to focus my energy and stop thinking the worst. My support system better be ready because my 2-a-day work out, low carb self is gonna need some lifting up in the next 10 days.
Dear God. Thank you for toys and watching TV. And thank you for friends and all the people. And Aiden. Amen.
11 days out.
Feeling good about my legs and arms but I’m still critical over my delt and back development. Hoping to lean out just a bit in the next week or so in order to get my lower ab region tightened up.
Last nights cardio was intervals on the treadmill. 60 sec @ 10 mph/ 60 sec @ 4 mph. For 30 minutes. I mixed in some 9.0 speed instead of 10 because I was slowly dying.
Just finished posing class. Now time for coffee with cardio…. Healthy, no?
Blessed to be celebrating 29 years of life. Celebrating this morning with my loves….and coffee (naturally).
I’ve learned a lot in the last year— and while it scares me to pieces that my next birthday will be 30, I realize that I am so lucky to wake up every morning and enjoy all of the amazing things I have been provided. I post a lot of pictures with the big blue mug somewhere in the frame and almost every time, someone comments that they like it, or want to know what it says. So, yeah… it’s my favorite quote (clarification: favorite life quote—- not fitness quote… yes, there is a difference). The mug was painted by my sister and means a lot to me:
To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
I have learned that life is about the quality relationships that you form with family and friends and if you spend too much time worrying about selfish things, you will miss life as it flies by so fast.
Your mum, she's fat
I don’t normally post stuff that isn’t “personal”, but this one moved me to the point where I wanted to share.
Putting in work. Repped 125 on bench this morning. Officially more than body weight. 14 more days to get stage ready. #figurecompetition #fitness #training #muscles #bench #progress #dowork
11:15 am on Thursday. My life in a snapshot.
Eating plain, cold chicken breast (too bad it tastes awesome!!)
Alternating between water and coffee. Also amazing.
Rolling my legs with the stick. This thing is a lifesaver. ANY person who lifts or runs should invest in “the stick”. My students never see me without it. Especially after leg day, which was today.
Never ending grades on the computer. Report cards due in 4 days & I’m a procrastinator.
Starting to add extra cardio in addition to my lifts this afternoon. 16 days until the show. It’s on.
Lots going on in this picture.
1. I got a spray tan yesterday. I was sweating brown drips while working out this morning. Wonderful.
2. I made this tank. Nothing fancy, but I like the low sides and no racer back style. Go steelers!
3. This is my hot-mess post cardio look.
4. I made it to 211 grams of protein yesterday and was wondering what my abs would look like this morning. I’m getting deeper definition in the “6 pack” area compared to just 2 weeks ago. Win!
Tuesday Things.
- Got to school this morning and there was no power in the building. I taught 2 classes in the dark and then they sent both the kids and teachers home. Score. That’s a first for me.
- I went to a posing class on Sunday. I wore my suit. I’m feeling ok about it all, but I’ve got so much more work to do. I tried posing last night by myself and started cramping up… hah. I’m thinking that’s normal?? maybe not.
- I’ve been trying to reach 200 grams of protein every day since Thursday. The closest I’ve gotten is 192. It’s really hard… all I do is eat tuna, chicken, eggs, and cottage cheese and I’m still not making it to 200.
- The small black ants in our house are about to make me nuts. I hate those SOBs. Frickin’ ants. UGH. I think we are going to bug bomb the house one day this week. Is anyone else having ant problems, too?
- It’s almost my birthday. I’m one year closer to a milestone and that kinda depresses me…. I don’t like the aging process too much, but as my dad always says “It beats the alternative”.
- I’m thinking I need a beach trip soon… not just any beach. No Maryland beach, for sure. I need a quiet one. With no obnoxious tourists…. in fact, no people at all. White sand. 10 hours of sun bathing. Another trip to the Dominican would be nice……..
