4 weeks and counting!

Man, I didn't realize it's been over a week since my last post!  My bad!!

I'm now 4 weeks away from the stage and couldn't be more excited.  Food and sleep have become critical.  I'm not trying to really make any gains, but will continue to push myself in the gym.  I had a great upper body workout today.  The weather was amazing, which only helped push me.  Do you know how hard it was to wake up when it was still dark and it was under 20 degrees outside??  Brutal.  When the sun is shining, windows down, Katy Perry-Dark Horse blaring on my radio, and sipping my Evogen EVP Plus...workouts are the highlight of my day!!  I can tell I pushed myself.  As I type this, my forearms are exceptionally heavy.  Good arm day.

My poor husband is getting to see the other side of me...the hangry side.  The carb deprived, tired, worn out, not so pretty side of me.  It's not as bad as when I was 100 months pregnant and the sound of him breathing irritated me, but it's close.  Thankfully, he's patient.  Very patient.  Plus, he gets to look at my smokin' hot bod while I dance around in my underwear...consolulation...right??  I'm going to tell myself that.

I was talking to a girl at LifeTime Fitness today about competing and how I still have those days of complete and utter doubt.  I think that's only natural.  As women, we doubt ourselves constantly.  Why would it be any different when you add the pressure (self-inflicted, I know) of stepping on the stage in a teeny bikini and giant heels??  That's where my coach comes in.  His weekly check-ins have been crucial to my mindset.  I have to remind myself that it's a process as well!  I'm down 20+lbs and have put on a bunch of muscle.  That happened really quick because of my radical change in diet and workouts, but it still didn't happen overnight!

Today is National Wine Day.  That sucks.  I kinda wish I even had the option of enjoying a glass or six.  Instead I'll drink my protein shake.  Maybe I could put it in a wine glass?  Nah.  I'll just go on Pinterest tonight and pin a bunch of delicious looking things and inspirational gym quotes.  They totes go together.  Yup, totes.

I'm starting a monthly "What's in Your Gym Bag".  This month will start with me, I was thankfully available on such short notice.

Gym Bag:  Stella & Dot Getaway Bag

Inside:

Pouf #1: holds all my gum: Extra Dessert Gum in Lemon Squares, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Rootbeer Float.  My iPod shuffle and Coby Mini AM/FM Radio so I can listen to the TVs at the gym.  Ear buds.

Pouf #2: Various lip gloss (I have a bunch, but LOVE EOS), Aveda lotion, YL Thieves hand sanitizer.  I have a lot of lipgloss and this little Pouf goes from bag to bag, I just needed to keep them contained!

Floating around the rest of the bag:

Shaker cup with my BCAAs...major necessity.  They keep me from being super sore.  I can function after leg days because of them.

Lush Buffy - I LOVE this little soapy scrubby bar.  Comes in a little tin and is so yummy.  I don't feel like I need lotion after my shower.  Soft, smooth skin.

I also keep a sample pot of Lush Big Shampoo - This stuff is amazeballs.  It's super gentle and smells delish.  I only wash my hair about 2-3x per week with shampoo.  I typically scrub and rinse the product out of my hair.  It does much better when it's a little dirty. ;)

My bag also has an extra pair of socks and panties at all times.  I'm not sure why I do this.  Typically, I have my clothes to change into after I shower (LTF has great shower facilities).  Following that, I have my cheap rubber flip flops for said shower facilities.

What are your gym bag necessities??

Europa and Beyond!

As I sit here in a slight sugar/food coma, I am searching online for different shows, bikinis, and overall motivation. This weekend was so amazing. When I think back, everything is a blur. I just remember the feeling I got being up on that stage. It was nervousness mixed with the rush of adrenaline. My lip quivered the entire time I smiled and I'm not sure if I was breathing.

When all was said and done, I was already thinking about what my next move would be. Placing 5th qualified me for a national show. As exciting as that is, I want to do a few smaller shows and continue working on building some more muscle. It's exciting to think what a little more hard work can do!

I texted Jeff letting him know that I wanted to meet to discuss my fitness future. We'll see what he says on Thursday. I'm debating on whether or not to do the Heart of Texas show in September. If I don't do that one, I'll be resting a little bit before hitting it hard to get ready for something at the beginning of the year.

The "season" is almost year-round. A lot of shows are in the summer months with the big scattered throughout the year. I may decide to do a Jr National show which is just a warm-up for a National show. All kinds of things to think about! If I can keep the muscle on and keep building, I have no doubt good things will be in store for me. :) Now, I just need to find a sponsor! Any takers??

I'm ready!!!...I think...

Guess what? This will be my last blog before the Europa Supershow Dallas!!! **I got my nails done yesterday and the sound of them click click clicking on the keyboard is quasi-annoying, so this may not be a long one.**

The past few days have been a bit of a blur. A fun blur, but a blur. Mixed in with trips to the store for more fish, chicken, or sweet potatoes, was a facial, hair appointment, and mani/pedi. I have my bag pretty much packed and purchased a fun new cooler today for all my food for Friday and Saturday. Tomorrow is when the fun stops, however. I'll be cleaning house for most of the day along with drinking a gallon of water. No seasonings, condiments, or anything to drink other than water is allowed. No biggie. The chicken Shane grilled for me tonight smelled yummy, I don't anticipate it being too bad. Despite my penchant for tex-mex, I'm ok with a pretty bland diet. I don't really add salt or pepper to things and can do without ketchup on my SPF.

What I am looking forward to is how my body responds. We shall all see the results on Friday!! Many pictures to come. My heart pounds just thinking about it. It's a mixture of emotions...nervous, excited, scared, determined... I'm looking forward to the whole weekend, actually. I'll have friends and family joining me at Europa as well as afterwards for a yummy dinner that Shane put together. On Sunday, Zoe is being baptized and we'll have family there for that as well! It will definitely be a weekend to remember, a weekend of celebration. If I happen to also have a trophy to show for it, that would rock! If not, I'll be ok, but will have something to work towards in the near future.

Time to get some rest. Stay tuned for a show recap on Monday! :)

40 days...I think I can, I think I can!

Hello all!

Since Zoe's birth, I've taken a huge hiatus, but am back!!! Since I last blogged, I've joined on to become the lead yoga instructor and coordinator at Omega Performance Training in Plano, TX. Along with amazing classes, they also have a Crossfit gym in the back.

I've been inspired to try it and also try the Paleo diet that is growing in popularity. The two often go hand in hand, eat and workout like a caveman! With Lent right around the corner, I figured this is as good a time as any. So, starting on Wednesday, I will be a "Crossfitter" and attempting to get lean with the Paleo diet.

I'm pretty excited since I've seen such amazing transformations in others with both regimens. My goal is to blog about my journey everyday, I know it will keep me accountable. Right now, I'm going to go enjoy a taco or two for lunch...it will be my last for at least 40 days!

-Tricia