My Journey - 8 Weeks In, a Lifetime to Go
Iām only 8 weeks into my new lifestyle, and already I couldnāt be happier. Of course, there are some growing pains here and there (primarily just getting over the fact that I canāt eat whatever garbage food I want and stay skinny), but overall this new way of eating and working out is awesome.
8 weeks ago, I started my journey. 5ā6ā tall, just shy of 160 pounds, I had known for awhile that I was carrying too much weight for my body. For the last two years, I have wanted to go for the challenge of training for and competing in a bodybuilding show ā ever since I picked up an issue of Fitness RX for Women magazine at the airport on my way to see Brody when I moved with him to Georgia two and a half years ago. This has been a dream Iāve held on to, knowing in my heart I wouldnāt be satisfied until I went for it.
October 2012 came, and I went to see my friend Lauren compete in her first figure show. At the competition was a high school friend of Brodyās, my now trainer, Chris. He had trained multiple people for this show, and had (not to mention) won the overall award in the March competition just a few months earlier. After that day, I forced Brody to contact Chris and see if he was taking on new clients. The best news ever ā he was.
A few more weeks went by, and I contacted him for us to set up a time to get together and chat about what my goals were, what I wanted to accomplish, my timeline, etc. At that point I had it in my head that I wanted to train for the October 2013 show. But after 6 weeks of working with Chris, I knew I could do something sooner. I didnāt want to wait! I donāt want to wait! So after looking at the schedule, I realized that to give myself the best chance possible, I could train for the June show starting at the end of February ā that would give me 16 weeks. It will be tough, I wonāt lie, and probably a lot tougher for me than most other competitors, but if thereās anything Iām certain of, itās that I am HELL BENT on kicking ass at this show. And I believe I have done exactly what I shouldāve to get on the right path for this ā Iām modeling the best (my coach ā I mean, he won the overall for crying out loud!), Iāve got the right mindset, and dammit, I want to WIN! Itās not just about wanting to compete and look good for the show, it is about wanting to go in there and take 1st. You know who doesnāt rest? 1st place. You know who knows exactly the right amount of time to take between exercises? 1st place. You know who wants it worse than anyone else? 1ST PLACE.
So alas, youāve found me at 8 weeks into my journey. Iām down 16 pounds and kicking butt! (Though my glutes need a lot of work) I am so excited about the changes Iāve made to my body but more importantly, to my lifestyle. Iām no longer waiting until Iām starving to eat, and then gorging myself on unhealthy food like I used to. Iām eating every 2-3 hours, Iām eating healthy and clean food, and I feel better than I ever have. And I even enjoy a weekly treat meal too ā no stipulations, just 500 calories and I can have whatever I want. Iām quite partial to the Rubioās mango habanero mahi mahi blackened fish tacos with rice & chips, followed by a few bites of Red Mango frozen yogurt. Yum.
I am so excited to share my journey with you, and I hope you will enjoy what I have to share. Iām planning to do features on āMy Journeyā (bet you can guess what that oneās about), āFood & Recipesā (eating clean can be delicious too!), āWorking Outā (this will be EVERYTHING workout-related, from clothing to exercises to doās and donāts at the gym), and āFashion Stuffā (because even though I like to workout and lift heavy things, a girl wants to look feminine and pretty too!). If thereās ever anything you want me to post, please let me know. Suggestions are ALWAYS welcome!