In the entries below, you can read my training journal and follow my ups and downs, triumphs and challenges as I move through my days as a mother, trainer, wife, business owner, and a fitness competitor.  I am sharing this partly for my own motivation and accountability but also to let others catch a glimps of what it means to train on the level I do.  Many people hold the belief that things come easier to highly competitive athletes.  I want to help people understand that we all face the same phsycological, physical, and chronological challenges when it comes to exercise and nutrition.  Please read and enjoy!  If you like something you see (or not) please feel free to comment. 

*****Click on the title of each entry to read more*****

2010 Europa Super Show Pre-judging

I can't believe today it has been two weeks since my IFBB pro debut at the 2010 Europa Super Show in Dallas, Texas!  I just ate my second meal of the day and while enjoying a cup of coffee I am feeling the urge to write in my training journal as I have not been able to for a while now, and I have so many things to share! 

After my last entry, three weeks out from competing, the days went by incredibly fast.  All of the sudden I found my self  on departure day sitting on my living room couch  ready and antsy to head to the airport and start our trip to Dallas.  I began feeling agited and worried about missing our flight.   Urged both my husband and my son to hurry up.  We loaded the truck and left to take little Sean to our dear friends'  house, the Mortensens, where he stayed for a week while we were in Texas.  Shawn and I left their house feeling sad we had to leave our son once again.  We looked at each others and realized we were sharing the same feeling of sadness.  We shook it off and focused on our journey.  Once at the airport I found out we had left one of my bags at home.  Desperate and mad at my husband for not making sure all of our luggage was in the truck before leaving home, I had to get on the plane, our only chance to make it to Dallas on time in order for me to compete.  As upset as I was I had a hard time remembering what was in my carry on and what was in the luggage that was left home.  I knew for certain that my competition suits and shoes where in my carry on as I always make sure to bring them on the plane with me in case something would happen to the checked luggage.   All of my clothes and some of my makeup was certainly packed in the missing suitcase.  As I am writing now, it does not seem as such of a disaster as it felt like when it happend, most likely because I just ate and I am not on a  week-out contest diet plan!  Indeed it felt like a disaster - it was a disaster!!!

In the years I have been competing I have developed a particular routine and peculiar habits I continue to follow everytime I am traveling for a competition from the moment I start packing back home to the moment I step off stage after the evening show is over.  When I realized I didn't have all of my luggage with me, I practiced that voice inside me telling me to not sweat the small stuff, but this time... it did not work!   I can honestly say I LOST IT!  I was so mad at my husband I could not think.  So, I got on that plane to Seattle still tremendously mad at him and feeling lost.  I stayed this way all the way through the connection in Seattle and it wasn't until I was well into the flight from Seattle to Dallas that I got on Facebook while on the plane and read some nice comments that made me feel better about things.  I was eventually able to listen to that little voice inside me and finally push the mad thoughts away.  The second leg of our trip from Seattle to Dallas was only 3 and a half hours, but it felt a lot longer.  The exaustion from being so mad and stressed made it worse.   We eventually landed after midnight in Dallas, had trouble renting a car, waited 30 minutes for a cab to come get us at the airport and finally made it to our hotel at 2:00 am.  Exausted and hungry I went to bed and luckly fell asleep.   I woke up on Thursday feeling so much better physically and mentally, but still hungry!  Chicken for breakfast, a nice shower and the arrival of our friend Safiya Johnson made me feel even better and I was able to start concentrating on prejudging.

Heading back stage to warm up for the routine round!

Preparing for prejudging for my first pro show was a lot different.  As an amateaur competitor  in the NPC when competition day came about during prejudging I had to perform my 2 minute routine round before going out for the physique round.   A day later, usually on a Saturday, during the evening show,  again I had to perform my routine first before changing in my two piece for a moc physique round and awards.   The pros have it a lot easier especially now days since the removal of the 45 second routine round and the one piece round.  One routine and a physique round.  Physique round on one day and routine on the next.  On Friday, day one of competition,  It felt like if I was about to compete in figure.   No worries, no butterflies in my stomach when Friday morning arrived.  I loved the feeling of getting ready and all dolled up without worrying about messing up my hair  in performing my routine prior to the physique round.  Diet was also different as I didn't have to worry about feeding my body any differently to be strong for routine.  I was able to continue to focus on what my physique needed in order to look good and not have to worry about being strong and energetic for the routine.  I was even able to sleep longer on Friday morning, as prejudging didn't start util 2:00 pm.  After physique round was over on Friday it came time to change gears.  Time for action!   I felt like like Dc Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde.  It was time to transform into Mr. Hyde. 

On Stage with the pros!

With Ms. Fitness Olympia Adela Garcia!

My expectations going into my pro debut were not to place high.  Just like my first marathon I went in thinking that what I wanted to accomplish was to get there and feel like I belonged crossing the finish line with my chin up.  I intended to step on the pro level stage before the long off season winter training to first of all experience the difference  between the professional and amateaur level without adding the pressure of expectations.  Secondly, I intended to compare myself to the other pros on stage in order to determine what I needed to focus on and improve before next season.  So I stood in a line up of 15 professionals feeling like I belonged; what a great feeling!  I walked out on stage not intimidated at all, on the contrary, comfortable and proud.  In part because the years I spent competing in the NPC prepared me for that moment and in part because the more experienced competitors, although focused and tuned in, reached out to me and made me feel welcome. 

Enjoying a treat with Safiya after the show!

I am writing this entry with excitement.  Once back from the NPC Fitness National Championships I began my "off season" training in preparation for my pro debut in the spring of 2011.  While training I felt very strong, both psychologiacally and physically, and I started wondering if I should consider moving my pro debut to this year instead.  I immediately discussed these feelings with my trainer, and I called my coach, Tanji Johnson. 

Bringing it all together on stage

Today marks one week since the 2010 NPC Fitness National Championships, and I can finally begin this entry by proudly announcing that... I DID IT!!!  WE did it!!!  I am the 2010 NPC Fitness Class B National Champion!   All the way from Eagle River, Alaska to Hackensack, New Jersey, the many miles that divide these two states are for sure representative of the three year long training journey I traveled along side my trainer and my son to achieve my goal - professional status in the IFBB, International Federation of Body Building and Fitness 

Many have asked what does "pro" mean in my sport?  Well, there are a couple of answers to that question.  The practical answer?  Well, in the USA the largest amateur organizationa for body building, figure, fitness and bikini combined is the NPC (National Physique Committee).  According to the official site of the NPC, "The IFBB, which oversees international competition and the professional side of the sport, recognizes only one amateur physique federation per country, and in the United States, the NPC is the amateur arm of the IFBB.  All bodybuilders - must win a qualifying NPC show before they can become IFBB professionals."   And so, I did, and I am now an IFBB Pro.  I will no longer be competing in the NPC, since I am no longer an amateur in the sport.  I will compete amongst the pros in the IFBB.  If you want to learn more about the NPC I would recommend loging onto their website  http://www.npcnewsonline.com/new/history.htm  Good luck with your journey in the NPC! 

For more information about the IFBB check out http://www.ifbb.com/ Great site as well! 

My best performance yet!

Now, what does becoming a pro really means to me and to my family?  It feels like I have just completed one of those million pieces puzzles, the 3D kind with the million pieces on every side.  All of those pieces represent the pieces of information both myself and my trainer have gathered over the past 3 years.  Information that came from competing, training, dieting, from personal experience, professional advice, from the successes, the losses, the injuries, the victories and the mental and physical growth.  I felt like crying at that moment on stage when they announced my name as the class winner.  Right at that moment I had completed my journey.  My trainer and I had finally finished that complicated puzzle that often made us argue, feel frustrated, even consider quiting, but that most of all kept us working on together as a faithful team inspiring and motivating our son.   I felt a little sad my baby boy was not there with us to watch me win, but when I gave him the news he could not contain himself and started screaming with joy.  He said, "So the judges finally liked your routine and your physique? "

After enjoying a few delicious dinners in Jersey and a special one at our friends' house the night we got back, 5 days after the win, I got back on my diet and training.   I feel great and in all honesty, I feel like competing again real soon, or at least perfoming my routine again.  I miss it!  We are still working on deciding what my first step as a professional will be, but we know it will not be until next spring at the earliest.

The 2008 Vancouver USA Natural / Tanji Johnson Fitness & Figure Classic

It is certain that I will be on stage again at the 2011 NPC Vancouver USA Natural / Tanji Johnson Fitness, Figure & Bikini Classic!  My Coach and Mentor, Tanji Johnson has invited me to guest perform there and I am thrilled at the idea!  This is where it all started for me in a sense, where I first began to believe I could become a Fitness Pro.  After winning the overall there, I remember discussing with Tanji whether or not I was ready for the Emerald Cup and then Tanji just began talking about Fitness Nationals as if I were a given I would compete there.  I asked Tanji, "Do you think I could become a pro?"  Tanji replied, "Of course you can!" 

So off I went, embarked upon a quest to become an IFBB Fitness Pro, the pinnacle of an amateur physique athletes career but, just as if I had climbed a tall mountain, now that I have reached the top I can see there is a bigger mountain behind this one.  At the top of that mountain is the Fitness Olympia.  I can see a lot of check points along the way, a pro debut, the Europa, the New York Pro, and very high up near the top is the Fitness International / Arnold Classic. 

Will I reach each of these checkpoints?  I don't know, but I do know I will begin the climb.  It is clear to me that it is the climb that matters.  The checkpoints are wonderful, and it feels great when you reach them, just like if feels when you reach a beautiful vista during a climb up a mountain.  Why do we climb when we could get dropped off by a helicopter and enjoy the vista without the work?  Because the climb is what it is all about.  When we stop climbing we are either stuck on the side of a mountain or we start heading back down.  Life is a climb - enjoy the climb!

8 days left until the 2010 NPC National Fitness Championships!  5 days until we will fly out and I am counting down the minutes!   I am a little sad to say that this time I will venture out without my son, Sean.  My husband and I are so grateful to know he will be spending a whole week with our dear friends Kelly and Mike and their beautiful girls, Malia and Kayla.  Malia and Sean are such close friends!  They will have a blast camping and playing together and Sean is looking so much forward to it!    We will miss having him with us to share every moment of our journey while there, but we will be happy to know he will be having a great time. 

I flew back from Chicago after competing in the NPC Jr. Nationals on June 19th, Father's Day, 12 days ago.   On that Sunday, I enjoyed a some Italian gelato and yummy pizza, but on Monday I got straight back on my diet.    Our plan?  Get back into the same diet and cardio as I was on three weeks out from Jr. Nationals for 3 to 4 days and, after that, re-evaluate my physique and adjust both diet and cardio accordinely. 

Blueberries & egg whites. The perfect combination for combating early morning catabolism

Well, as expected, by Thursday last week,  my body had shedded the little spill over from the off diet food and more!  So we took measures with both nutrition and training in order to keep me full, maintain balance and not become too lean!    As it turns out I have not been doing cardio at all!  Shawn tripled my fat intake for a couple of days and I continued to wake up leaner.  Incredible proof that what he always says, "fat in does not equal fat on," is true.  Since I continued to drop weight, we added simple sugars early in the morning in the form of blueberries.  The fructose in the berries gets processed in the liver, which turns off cortisol (the catabolic hormone that is responsible for breaking down muscle tissue).

Cutting cardio has left me with so much time available during the day that I am not used to that I have no dirty laundry to wash.  I was able to wash even those left over blankets from the winter months today instead of doing my HIIT!  I am all packed, twice I have to say.  I decided to unpack a couple of things a repack them a little neater, like my suits for example.  I found these cute cases shopping (yes, I am also shopping a little!) to store my two piece and my routine outfit!  Silly, I know, but it is such a great feeling to me and so unusual not to have to work so hard.  I guess all that hard work is paying off and I am now enjoying some of the profits of it.  I better enjoy it now while it lasts!  

The intensity at witch I practice my routine has not changed though - I actually increased it.  I am certain that one of the reasons why I don't need to do cardio is that I have intensified my routine practice so much that it is like running high intensity circuit training, causing me to burn fat as if I were doing HIIT on the treadmill.  I have been running my routine pretty much every day since I got back.  3 full-outs on average just about every day.  Today I actually took a day off from routine runs to rest my legs.  My quadriceps were feeling a little exausted.  I had the pleasure of lifting some dumbbells as I trained shoulders and chest.  It felt good to see my upper body is staying full as my legs are continuing to get smaller!    After resistance training I worked on posing for 15 to 20 minutes and, with Shawn's help, I made some minor changes to my front pose.  It is a little easier to practice right after a show when I have fresh images of myself in mind.  The best practice is ultimately that which we achieve while on stage competing; this is one of the reasons why I compete! 

I have made couple of fun changes to my routine music and FedEx envelope and I look forward to surprising everyone again!  I am finding out a lot of my fitness friends will be coming to NJ, some to compete, some to just watch and to offer support.  I am looking forward to meeting them all again and to strengthen our friendships some more.  To me competing is also about building these types of relationships with women who, like me, are passionate about fitness, bodybuilding in general, and a healthy and fit life style.

Finally, I am able to write on my diary!  I am borrowing my son's laptop since mine died on me a week ago.  Yes, right after I got back from Chicago I had a lot of nice notes saved on mine ready to be published and out of the blue my hard drive quit working!  I am glad I am so focused on my next competition because things like this in my current state of mind usually don't get me mad.  I feel in control and ready that I will not allow anything to disturb my positive attitude, but I still can't believe it!  This is the second hard drive I have lost in a year!  Unbelievable! 

I have been back home for a week now.  We got back on Sunday, June 19th, Father's Day.  I had the chance to enjoy a little celebration with my son and husband eating some yummy pizza and Italian gelato!  The day after father's day I got back on my diet and started training for the NPC National Fitness Championships.  NPC Jr. Nationals was a success for me - it seems the judges liked my routine and my physique but unfortunally, during my routine pre-judging, I cramped up and I was unable to deliever a complete routine.  On Friday afternoon we headed to the venue at 3:00 pm to perform my routine for prejudging.  We were supposed warm up and then start at 4:00.  Right before going on stage a storm hit the city of Chicago causing a power outage not only for the Hyatt hotel, but for the entire city. 

Back stage with my Save Fitness Team Mates during the blackout in Chicago

Not knowing the severity of the blackout, we continued to warm up waiting for the power to come back on, but unfortunally it took 2 and half hours before we got it back.  The great thing about this is that I was able to get to know many of the fitness competitors backstage.  Most of them I already knew, some of them only through Facebook and some others from meeting just a little at other national shows.  This long two hours gave us plenty of time to chat and find out more about eachother.  Often times the tension back stage can really build a wall between competitors and only the more experienced ones sometimes can have that cofidence to still reach out for others.  Unfortunally, although I tried to keep a very positive attitude and spirit, my routine round suffered greatly.  Partly because I am 41, and partly because I only had enough food in me to get me though to the scheduled time!  In physique comeptition, every minute counts and timing is critical.  Alas, half way through my routine my left quadricep cramped up and left me with no power in that leg.   I knew I had to conclude my routine in order to get a score, so I kept on going, but I knew I did not look pretty.  I will look back with a bit of humor, picturing IFBB Pro Tracey Greenwood (a frequent on-stage expeditor at national level competitions) as she was waving for me to exit the stage, mouting something along the lines of "just get off the stage!"

Fitness ladies back stage at the 2010 Jr. Nationals

The top 5 in Fitness B Class at the 2010 NPC Jr. Nationals. All awesome ladies!

I immediately changed into my routine outfit, warmed up, and when it was my turn gave my best.  I Felt good about my evening performance and, although, I knew I could have done even better, I felt I connected with the audience and had much fun while performing.  My son and my husband both were so happy for me!  I changed back in my two piece and lined up amongst the top 5 in my class for the awards.  Number 5 was called out and it was not my name!  I know I started making funny face right then!  The forth place was called and it was not me again!  I could not believe my ears!   I didn't know than I had placed second in my physique round and fourth place in routine then.  With these scores I was able to still get top 5 and ultimately place 3rd in my class.  My class had 9 fitness competitors all strong and beautiful and with amazing routines.  This was the toughest competition I ever been in, packed full of veteran competitors, truly the best amateurs in the country, and knowing know that the judges placed me 4th place even when I didn't get to complete my routine the way I know how gives me the confidence that they liked what they were able to see.  Now I can't wait to show them the rest and enteirtain them to the fullest!   

So, this is why I am headed to the National Fitness Championships next week.  It will be held in New Jersey in conjunction with Team Universe and I am sooooo ready!!!!

1 week out.

The days are flying by!  One week out today!!!   I am feeling happy, accomplished and ready to leave already!  But, I will have to wait until Tuesday night to take off.  Even with everything in place and taken care of, FOR SURE I can use a few more days of routine practice with some full outs in my new routine outfit.  Yes, the beautiful IFBB Pro Sylvia Tremblay from Canada made me the perfect costume!  I got it in the mail on Wednesday, and I could not contain my excitement when I first saw it!  

It Arrived!

Not so close family. My cousin Marzia who visited form Italy this winter.

Back on track!

If you are my friend you know you have been there for me when I needed you, so thank YOU for helping get back here today. 

Me and Ann being silly at the bowling alley!

  Thank you to my coach Tanji for giving me so much of her time during those conversations about the emotional struggles a fitness competitor often encounters during her journey.  Your words gave me strength.   

My Coach Tanji, and her beautiful sister, Safiya.

Thank you, little Sean, I am so blessed to have such a loving son.   You are my motivation and inspiration.

Me and Sean.

Thank you Heather for being there for me when I needed your motivation.  And, thank you  to all of my Save Fitness teammates for all of their encouraging messages and comments they have been sending me!  You all helped me going! 

Me and Heather after a great leg workout.

My Friends and Supporters

Shelah and Anna

Anne

Alycia

Kelly

Husband, Trainer, Nutritionist, Cheerleader.

Last weekend I traveled up north to judge the NPC  Heart of Alaska Figure, Fitness, Bikini and Body Building Championships.  Before leaving on that Friday, with only 3 weeks left in my preparation for Junior Nationals, I had some planning to do when it came to training and dieting while on the road.  Even as an experienced traveling competitor I still anticipated the event with a little nervousness.  

2 weeks out!

Funny how lately our sky is covered with clouds, because I have just recently started feeling like walking on a cloud at times during the day.  Usually, it happens in the evenings and luckily after my early morning sprints and routine practice so that, even when I am about to do my evening moderate cardio, I can still get through it with control and a smile on my face If you have pushed through the diet and training required to step on stage as a competitor, you must know precicely what feeling I am talking about.  As I am typing this while on my treadmill on a 15 % incline and 3.0 mph speed, I have a tough time remembering the spelling of certain simple words.  And, me being Italian it is not to be blamed for this. 

As far as food cravings and how well I am able to stick to my diet.  I am on it!  Do I cheat when no one is watching?  NO!  I would be there while cheeting and I would know!  As the worst critique of myself,  I would get very upset and feel like I let everyone down including myself.  So, early in my prep, I discuss with my nutritionist and trainer, Shawn, tactics to stay focussed and that can help

3 weeks out.

It is raining here in Alaska today after having so many sunny days this cool wave actually feels nice and refreshing.  I just took Shawn to the studio this morning and on my way back home, I was driving through my neighborhood, a few houses away from home, when I got surprised by a running mamma moose with her little baby calf.  What a beautiful site!  Our neighbor from Pennsylvania was watching with his little son both bear foot on the side of the street, as he tip toed to my window, he explained how suprised they both were since they had just moved to Alaska and they are not used to the wild life here.  Well, I have lived here for

3weeks out.

I am back!  I am now 3 weeks out, but not for very much longer I have to say!  In two more days I will pass the 2 weeks out mark and I can't believe how fast these last few weeks went! 

OK, I have been wanting to share this for a while, but so busy all the time!  Good things, I am feeling strong and have a whole lot of energy for being this close to competing.  I am very satisfied with the way my body is looking at this stage of preparation; I have been getting leaner and retaining a full overall look, and things are happening slowly as they should.  As a fitness competitor the hardest part of preparing for a competition are the last weeks of training when the body can begin depleting quicly under the intense training load, and the diet, consequently leaving the fitness competitor without the energy necessary to continue the routine practice wich, at this point, is what counts the most in order to arrive as a strong competitor on stage. 

As of today, I feel I have played my cards just right.  My family, most of all, has played an important role in what I feel is a success already - the  way I feel today.  My business, my clients and dear CMC family have been there with me every step of the way since I started my competition prep.  My clients have been showing me their enthusiasm; they have been asking questions about my training and genuinly demostrating their support.  I had trained while they themselves were being trained by Shawn and I could feel their excitement for my upcoming national shows.  Some of them even showed their support through generous sponsorship!    I am so blessed to have such wonderful people come to our studio every single day, sharing their life stories with us, sharing their struggles too sometimes, and I am greatful to have the opportunity to be there for them especially now during these last weeks of prep.  I am feeling not alone in my struggles while training; I have many along side me who are training with me, who support me and I support them.

My beautiful necklace from my son

5 weeks out.

Yesterday was my birthday.  I started the day with a question, what would morning cardio feel like at 41?  Well, I went on with my new day as any other – getting on my treadmill after taking my pre-cardio supplements.  1 hour, some sprints, some flat steady running, some hill fast walking and after all, yep, cardio felt just like when I was 40, better yet, stronger that when I was in my 20's!  Some of my clients asked what I would do for my birthday. 

Jack & Vicki Phipps

A week ago on Monday, I woke up with wonderful news!  I received the usual call from my wonderful hubby, Shawn, early in the morning.  He often calls me from our studio early in the morning to make sure I am up and running! I mean, literally!  On Monday his call was not only to find out if I was on top of my game, he was very excited to let me know that he had just found out about a generous sponsorship from some fellow bodybuilder friends of ours.  

I have known Vicky and Jack Phipps since 2007.  I introduced myself to them after watching them perform their bodybuilding couples routine at the 2007 NPC Last Frontier in Anchorage, Alaska.   I was not competing in fitness then, I was just a very interested spectator at that local show, but Vicky and Jack made such an impression on me (as did Tanji Johnson who was guest performing ) that I clearly remember going home that night telling my husband that competing in fitness was going to be my next journey.   They inspired me!  So, this sponsorship means a lot to me. 

Vicky and Jack live in Fairbanks, Alaska, where they own JVP Construction.

5 weeks out.

I am sorry I have not been writing for the past few days, but surprisingly enough, I was unable to log on to my site becasue so many people have been visiting it that I superceeded my bandwidth allocation and had to have it increased!  Nice problem to have, so if you visited yesterday and found an error message, that is why.

Boy!  I really had a hard time sleeping last night! 

6 Weeks out.

One funny comment about an article published in a magazine this morning caught my eyes on Facebook!  The article shows pictures of a girl using two 24 ounce water bottles for resistance while doing some very "interesting" moves.  Here, I will take a moment to list the names the article calls these "exercises" : Biceps Twist with Ab Lift, Pass the Bottle, Scissor Kick with Biceps Press, W-Shaped Arm Press, and all under the title of...24 Hour Tone Up!   Yes, 24 Hour Tone Up!  Pass the Bottle??? 

6 Weeks out.

How great it is to sleep in!  Yes, that is how today started for me, just like the perfect beginning of a wonderful Mother's day!  Either my adductor or my hip flexor, or maybe both, started feeling quite tight, sore and tired after Wednesday's routine practice; all for a good cause I must say... straddle jumps and high kicks were looking really good!  Not that it had to be that way, but sometimes you

Yeah!  I feel great about the progress we made.  Little Sean was running around my blue mats with his ninja mask acting crazy, like a true 8 year old boy would, while I was running through my routine segments.  Of course, big Shawn and I had a few arguments over what to do in some parts of my routine, as usual, and in the end we were all three very proud of the work we got accomplished!  What a team we are! And how great it always is to see see my boy being inspired by the things I can do!  Guess where he is right now?  Still going... on the trampoline this time!  I love it! 

So, this Mother's Day has been a beautiful day so far.  I feel truly appreciated as a mother by my son and by my husband who adores me.   I am making some delicious tomato sauce for little Sean right now with some good Alaska caught salmon a client of ours gave us last week (one of the good things about living in Alaska...your friends often give you gifts in the form of protein, love it!).  I am practicing my control skills over pasta as I am checking the progress of the sauce and pasta, and so far so good!  I find it easier to control my selfwhile cooking for little Sean, if I can munch on some broccoli while cooking.  We grilled some chicken, so, for me it will only be 4 oz of chicken and a spinach salad, but I will also enjoy the company of my favorite people -  my boys as I like to call them, while dining outside on our deck, and that is much more delicious than any other succulent recepie.  Ok, maybe not as delicious as a creamy cup of "gelato con panna", but for sure not easy to get here in Alaska, so I will stick to the competition diet a lot easier tonight!   

I will conclude this wonderful day with my evening routine: pm cardio, night time supplements and some yummy chocholate casein.  Maybe a movie will keep me company while on my treadmill tonight, will see, since it is so nice outside I am thinking I might go for cardio outside.   It's getting harder to go to bed at a decent time and get 8 hours of sleep with the day light we are having here in Alaska!  The sun rose at 5:28 this morning and the sunset will be at 10:26 tonight, that is 17 hours of light!  You wonder how everything is turning green so quicly! 

I hope every mom out there enjoyed their Mother's Day as much as I did.  And to all of the moms reading this, remember how much your child loves you and looks up to you.  You are the inspiration, motivation, the hero in his / her life.   Love yourself as they love you!  As mothers, we must be proud of who we are.  It is that pride that they will see in us and will feed their ambitions.

6 Weeks out.

Ironman 2 is finally playing today!  Little Sean is so excited!  Of course, that is one of the things I will be doing today!  We will probably go see it tonight.  As far as what is going on with my day so far, I really didn't want to get out of bed this morning, but, as I usually do in these cases , I told myself to remember to think of one thing at the time.  So first I told myself to get out of bed.  Once I was up all I allowed myself to think of was taking my pre-cardio supplements.  

Tunnel vision can get you through a tough workout, and a tough day!

Ok, after this was taken care of, my 30 minute window opened up, so I was a little more awake by then and, at that point, with the supplements ready to kick in after 30 minutes, there was no turning back!  Hahaha!  I am so smart at tricking my body!  LOL!  Quickly, I got the dishwasher started, a load of laundry in, and now I am here writing a little in my diary. 

Not to give you a boring list of what I have been doing so far, but to encourage you to look at things one thing at the time and not at the whole picture when it comes to exercise and healthy lifestyle. As silly as it may sound, it actually really works!  Sometimes the whole picture can feel a little overwhelming.  Success can sometimes require tunnel vision.  Keep focused on what you must do next.  As my husband often tells competitors, “Just check the next box, and then the next one – one box at a time.” And next thing you know, you have done it all and made it through a tough workout, a long day, a healthy year! 

Make your good healthy choices, minute by minute, and you WILL have a healthy life, YES!  Try it today and let me know how it felt and how much closer to your goals you have gotten than if you had kept your mind on everything you had on your schedule!

7 Weeks out.

Ok...I could not wait any longer to start writing my entry for today! Yesterday, it was plyometric leg day.  First time around, I felt so strong and high on my jumps and I was able to even tease little Sean at times who was doing my same workout with me while daddy was training us both.  Second time around, I found myself looking at my form in the mirror for self encouragement and less at my son,who by then had corrected some of his form and looked amazing. 

7 weeks out.

Ladies' Night Out!

Partying CAN be a lot of fun without alcohol.  Yes!  That is the truth!  Have you ever tried?   One can have fun, dance and laugh without drinking any alcohol at all!  Yes, it can happen!  It is ALL ABOUT THE COMPANY and YOUR MINDSET.  I often hear about women’s socials in which alcohol and “good” food is the main course.  Is GOING OUT and DRINKING alcoholic beverages like PENAUT BUTTER and JELLY in our society? 

7 weeks out.

HIIT here I come!  Ok, now that I just concluded my first training session for the day, I would like to write a little about what I was doing this morning on my treadmill at home.