OKC Grand Prix - 9 weeks and counting!

When I met with Jeff last, we discussed future shows. I knew at the time that I wasn't ready to be done for the season. He mentioned me trying to get ready for Texas State in October and possibly Oklahoma City Grand Prix at the end of October. He said, "let's shoot for Texas State, see how you are, and make a decision then." That sounded good to me. I even asked him to give me a new menu to hold me over until he had my new plan ready. Let's just say I haven't quite gotten back into a routine yet. My intentions were there...are still there...but my mind just wasn't ready.

Why do we self-sabotage? I know that I don't feel well when I eat crap, so why do I do it? I know that cheeseburgers aren't going to give me more muscle and donuts aren't going to help me burn fat...so why does my mind want them...constantly?! After letting myself gain almost 15lbs back from contest weight, I decided not only was it time to get real, but it was time to get real real quick. I have to hold myself accountable. That's the only downside to not working with a trainer in the gym. What helps me stay accountable is writing. Even if no one reads this, me taking the time to write down my feelings and intentions keeps my mind right. The other biggie is getting back into a routine. I had written about my routines or habits at one point. I need to get back into the groove with them. Cooking larger quantities, grocery shopping on my specific day that I used to, hitting up the gym around the same time...etc etc etc.

Ugh. That reminds me, my workouts have gotten a lot harder. It's like my last group of exercises was the minors and now I've stepped up to the bigs. The first leg program was killer. So much so, that today is the first day since Thursday that I'm not sore. I even had to split it up the day I did it. I only got through the 125 jump squats and 1 set of 50 lunges before my body wanted to stop. At that point, I hopped on the elliptical and chatted with a gym buddy for 30 minutes. Later that night, I was back up there...I even had Shane time me when I did my sprints. I'm not sure exactly what got me, but I had some serious soreness. Needless to say, that sidelined me for the rest of the week. I got my yoga in, but didn't lift again.

I have gone to bed every night for the last 4 days saying, "ok, back on track tomorrow." and have yet to stay on track. I think it's the "I'll start my diet tomorrow" syndrome. I know way too many people that do that...and now, myself included. Well, tomorrow IS when I will be back on track. I have my day planned out in my mind and have even prepped food for tomorrow. Part of what will make it easier is Shane is starting his meal plan that Jeff wrote for him tomorrow. I took a look at it, and it's legit. I'm a little jealous of his 2 allotted cheat meals, but then again, he's not trying to get on stage in 9 weeks.

I can do this. I know I can, and maybe that's why I've been slacking. Well, no more slacking. Tomorrow starts Tricia's road to a first place victory!! I think I can, I think I can, I know I can, I know I can!

It's tiiiime!

Shane starts back with classes tomorrow, all my teacher friends have their students back tomorrow, and as I sit here tonight thinking about what to write about, I can't help but feel like tomorrow is MY first day of school. I start back up with contest prep tomorrow for my next show and haven't been in the gym in what feels like forever. I have butterflies! Mostly because I have gotten to know a lot of people at the gym being there everyday. It's only been about 10 days, but feels more like 30! Crazy how a little time off can really mess with you.

To get more stage-time and practice, Jeff suggested I compete in the Texas State show in October. After taking this past week off completely, I'm ready to get back into the groove. Jeff sent me my plan which included my food and revised workouts. In order to put more muscle on, I need to increase volume. This means more reps and more weight. Shane and I totaled up my leg workout...it's insane. It's around 450 reps total. My legs get tired just thinking about that. Thank goodness for Jack3d and glutamine!!

I know that it will all pay off, but leg workouts are not my fave. They're tiring. I just have to think about how awesome my booty is going to look...legging all fall/winter!! Haha!! This next show will be fun since I already know what I'm in for. It won't be as big as Europa...and supposedly not as political. I think with the amount of time I have before the show, I will be able to put on some good muscle and have a little better look. It will all be in prep for my first NATIONAL show next summer-possibly in Chicago! Who wants to come with??

Thinking about it all gets me excited. The workouts may be rough, but I know I can do them. I just need to make a good play list and get mentally prepared for the next 8 weeks. I need to remind myself to just take it one day, one workout, one meal at a time. Luckily, I get a cheat meal for the moment on the weekends. We have one more reservation for restaurant week that I didn't really want to miss! Haha! Well, it's time for bed. Gotta rest up for my busy day tomorrow!

One week from now...

One week from now I will be on stage under the bright lights strutting my stuff! It's crazy to think about. I think I'm ready though. Mentally, but not necessarily physically. I don't know if I'll ever feel ready physically...to me there is always something you can improve. That is not to say I like the way I look, because I do, I just have extremely high standards for myself.

I got my super dark spray tan today. As I sit here, I realize that not only am I dark, but I'm stupid dark. I like it. :) Pictures to come tomorrow! I'm looking forward to talking with Jeff about what this next week is going to look like. I'll be busy with all kinds of prep stuff and that's a good thing, it will help the time fly by! Big thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way, even if it was a quick word, it means a lot!

Tomorrow is posing class, I'm ready to see who shows up. I'll have my game face on (which translates to a perma-smile for the stage) ready to show Jeff what I've been working on. He was in Vegas competing in the USAs. One of the guys he works with, Steve Kuclo, won men's bodybuilding overall and earned his pro-card. He's proof that hard work and dedication pay off. While I'm not trying to have 30" biceps, I am trying to be the best I can be. Even if that means tilapia for 1/2 of my meals!

Time to rest my body and get some much needed sleep! Check back tomorrow for pics from posing class...it will be my last one before the stage! EEK!! Goodnight all!

Cardio Bloggin'!

As August 12th quickly approaches...11 days and counting...I find myself figuring out new ways to multitask! Today I'm blogging while biking. Don't worry, I'm on a recumbent bike. All I have to do is periodically check the screen to make sure my heart rate is where it needs to be.

So, here I sit at the gym being one of "those" people I shake my head at. The ones that sit/walk there on their phone/ipad/crackberry typing away. Hey, if it weren't for my heart rate monitor, I couldn't do it.

I have a lot to look forward to over the next 11 days. Not only will I continue to add muscle and drop fat but all the girly stuff starts. Hair cut and color (staying dark, just covering the blonde that keeps poking back through), trial spray tan, nails, and of course more post contest food shopping! LOL! This whole process has been fun for me, but I do love all the girly primping stuff that motherhood has put a hold on.

I've continued my daily/hourly visualization stuff that has kept me focused. I'm feeling more and more ready each day to show off all my hard work on that stage. I'm also excited to watch the other competitors do their thing. Victory loves serious preparation!

I have a feeling I'll be rolling up to the Dallas convention center with a big 'ol suitcase. Inside will be all the things that have been recommended to me to have on hand by fellow competitors. Track suit to stay warm backstage, hair dryer to stay warm backstage, every kind of snack I could imagine because I don't know what Jeff will want me to eat depending on how my body looks, bikini bite to keep my suit in place, lip gloss, flip flops, post-show outfit, and of course my suit and shoes!

Being the list maker/prep queen that I am, I already have most of this stuff together minus the food. While I'm hoping that my last week will be stress free, I'm not stupid. Time to finish up my cardio, drink some protein, and take my baby girl to the splash pad!

Sweet 16

To "celebrate" today (my "sweet" 16), I purchased my first of many post-contest goodies. Tom Thumb had Chips Ahoy cookies on sale...buy one get one free. I stood in the aisle trying not to drool. I don't think I could tell you when the last time I had a Chips Ahoy cookie, but I do love them. I had to decide which 2 I wanted. There's your basic chocolate chip, which is classic, but now they have 4 or 5 different ones. I decided on the rainbow chip candy blast one and yummy Reese's peanut butter cup. It was then and there that I officially gave up my grocery shopping duties...until Thursday night before the comp! Ha!

Tonight at yoga, I told my students of my cookie purchase. They all laughed as I described how excited I was and how much I was looking forward to eating some of them. "Not the entire bag?," several asked. I know I will say I want to, but what will actually get eaten before I'm sick...I'm not sure. I continue to say how I really do like what I'm eating right now. It's just that occasional snack or meal that I miss. I'm sure I will be able to get it out of my system within a week of finishing Europa.

The way that food has transformed and changed my body is crazy to me. I've always heard...and said...that abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym. I couldn't agree more. What prepping for the competition has done for me is not only gotten me into the best shape of my life, but confirmed what I had been thinking for the past few years. I want to continue my education in nutrition. I understand the personal training side of things and have even rekindled my love for it. What I've always wanted to focus more on is nutrition. I've had clients that I've been able to help get back into good cardio shape and build muscle, but I know the missing link has been nutrition. I want to help people with that struggle. Shane has even seen great changes with his body by stepping it up nutritionally. He looks great! I look forward to us opening a DBAT and me helping not only the athletes, but the whole family.

What started as a goal to just get my butt on stage before I turn 30 is now turning into something that can truly change my life. I can NOT wait to see what the future holds! Do what you love and love what you do. It's that simple. :)

No More Cheats

I got my revised meal plan tonight from Jeff. Not bad, doing another carb cycle again. Last time, it produced some amazing results combined with my increased cardio, so I'm looking forward to it.

At the bottom of the plan, where it normally says what "cheats" I'm allowed, it just said, "NO MORE CHEATS". Boo. I knew this day was looming. It's better that way anyway, it's not like my cheats were really cheats. I was allowed 1 cheat meal on the weekend when we first started. It could be anything I wanted. Anything. Then, it got cut back to 1 clean cheat meal on the weekend. A clean cheat meal consisted of fish or chicken made my someone else along with steamed or grilled veggies made by someone else. I could also have sugarfree/no sugar added froyo...which I savored.

Zoe and I went to Target tonight to pick up a few things for the week. I knew I needed to go tonight before I was too deep into my week. I know I need to stay focused and even told Shane tonight that he would probably need to be the grocery shopper for the next 18 days. It's not so much that I don't trust myself, it's more that I just don't want to see or think about the bad stuff. I do, however, have a running list of things I must have in my goodie bag for post-show pigout. Oreos, anything made by Little Debbie, BREAD...the list has the possibility of becoming endless.

I did receive a tip at this week's posing class: bring a bag of digestive enzymes, Tums/Rolaids, and anything else that might help my tummy from feeling like a bomb went off in it when I do decide to eat "unclean". Right now, I'm debating between a burger, fries, and milkshake from Twisted Root; a feast of salad, endless amount of breadsticks, and pasta from Olive Garden or Maggiano's; or a complete mexican fiesta from MiCo or Uncle Julio's. Maybe I'll hit up all of the above...just which one is first... ;)

Since it is now down to the nitty gritty, I'll warn you in advance that the tone of my blogs might change. You may notice a bit of grumpiness and this is to be expected. I'm starting to get hungry and have been tired for weeks...but this too shall pass! I have been able to handle much more than this, so I know I can do it. Gotta keep that end goal in mind!!!

Paleo Day 4 and 5

Day four wasn't realllllly a Paleo day for me. Breakfast started out great (some turkey sausage and fruit), but I knew that I planned on having my "cheat" meal later. I like what Adam Farrah talks about in Practical Paleolithic; listen to your body and try to practice Paleo 90-95% of the time. This gives me the sense that I have a little freedom. Other times when I've tried to 100% eat clean, I've felt like such a hypocrite if I want a french fry or jelly bean. So, I had my Greek food last night and enjoyed every last bite of potato. Yummmmm!!

I got up this morning (day 5) and with the time change, decided to get my day started. I packed up my baby girl and headed to Market Street for more of their yummy Old Bay seasoned shrimp. I loaded up the cart with organic fruits and veggies, including some rainbow chard I'm excited about, and headed for the checkout. Apparently noticing my plethora of organic goodies, the college-age checker asked me, "so do you really notice a difference with this organic stuff?" In my head, I was screaming, "heck yes I do, how could I not??". Instead, I said, "oh yeah, the flavor is so much better". Even though I could have stood there for at least another 10 minutes going on about all the reasons to "go organic", I knew maybe that reason alone would encourage her to try it out. The whole time, Zoe stayed content teething on cold slice of organic Braeburn apple.

On the menu for today: egg scramble with hamburger and avocado, snack of an apple, lunch of spinach salad with strawberries and tomatoes topped with cold left-over broiled chicken, and dinner will be fish and mixed veggies.

One of the biggest reasons I decided to take on this challenge for 40 days...and hopefully a lifetime...was to be a strong role model for my baby girl. I want to show her how to take care of your body and how to be a strong, independent girl and woman. Everyday I wake up, I remind myself of that.

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

All hail Hail Merry!

As if The Movement Co-op wasn't already exciting, Hail Merry was there handing out samples!! Have you heard of Hail Merry yet? It's a new line of AMAZING raw goodies. My favorite is...well...all of it!

I sampled the blonde and chocolate macaroons, the crazy good chocolate tart, and I've been snacking on the grawnola all afternoon. Hail Merry was started by Susan, a Dallas-based Raw Food Chef (and all-around fun chick!). She wanted to spread the word about the benefits of healthy fats. What better way than through yummy delicious food! Hail Merry products are organic, raw, vegan, gluten free, full of omegas, contain no trans fats or processed anything. Could it get any better?!

The Movement Dallas is among one of the newest places to carry Hail Merry products. You can also find her stuff at Roy's, Whole Foods, Central Market, Green Spot, South Paw Organic Cafe, and Exhale Spa. Since the stuff is raw, it can be found in the refrigerated section.

I could probably sustain on the grawnola alone, I can't praise it enough! You are what you eat, so choose wisely. Remember, not all fat is bad fat!

Check out the website at http://www.hailmerry.com/

Have you tried Hail Merry? Tell me what you think!

Clean Eating

I get the question, "what does it mean to eat clean" a lot. Before I get into it, I warn you, there will be lots of metaphors... : )

Think of your body like your car. It gets you around from place to place, you want to put the best fuel you can in it, you keep it clean, all so it will last as long as possible. You don't want to junk up your car, why would you want to junk up your body?

To eat clean is to eat as little processed food as possible, plain and simple. If you look at your food label and it's full of preservatives and sugars (real or not), it's not a "clean" food. Our bodies thrive on whole foods. Nothing that has a number or color in it's name.

What do you drink everyday? Do you start your day with a soda or a sugary latte? If the answer is yes, think about this...would you water your plants with it? Our brains are like plants, look at how a droopy plant responds to water. Our brain does the same thing. Feeling droopy? Try drinking a big glass of water!

I think my favorite thing about eating clean is just exactly how much you can eat! Fruits, veggies (raw, steamed, or grilled), lean meats, nuts, natural cheeses, eggs, whole grains...the list is endless!! FYI, the salad I ate for lunch today had all of those things, minus eggs. We ARE what we eat. If you spend you day munching on cookies, chips, and soda...you will be round and puffy just like those things!

Need some ideas on where to start?

-Switch to herbal tea in the morning. My favorite is Enfusia!! No caffeine withdrawals with this stuff. www.nutriharmony.com/triciawallace
-For breakfast (and you need to eat breakfast) have fruit and whole grain toast with peanut butter or fruit and eggs.
-Before lunch, pack some carrot sticks and hummus or other veggies. They're packed with water so they will fill you up without all the extra calories
-Lunchtime have a low-sodium broth based soup and a salad with fruit and nuts...and maybe some feta on top!
-If you need a snack on the way home from work, grab an apple. It can help curb your sweet tooth.
-Dinner is always a good time to try to eat lighter. Lean meat (chicken, turkey, fish) with veggies is my favorite. If I feel like I really need a grain, I choose brown rice or quinoa.

A good book to dig a little deeper into the "why's" of clean eating is "The Eat Clean Diet" by Tosca Reno. Also, feel free to drop me questions anytime! Happy eating!

Local Organic Co-Op

This past month, my husband and I decided to join a local organic co-op at The Movement Dallas! We enjoyed zucchini, tomatoes, raspberries, mangoes, red leaf lettuce, bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, sweet peppers, avocados, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach. ALL ORGANIC!! We got so much for not a lot of money. It came out to be less expensive than a small trip to Whole Foods!

Why organic? To be organic, food must not be treated with pesticides or chemicals and isn't farmed with synthetic fertilizer. Organic farmers use sustainable resources and conserve soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. By eating organic, not only are you bettering your body, but also promoting a better world!

"Conventional" farms often use pesticides on their produce. While keeping bugs away, it is toxic to us! You may wash your fruit and veggies, but do you realize what actually soaks into the food itself? Many farmers also use steroids and antibiotics on their animals to keep them from getting sick and to make them bigger. Both = more $$! It's no wonder that our children are getting bigger and bigger. Steroids are in the food that we eat! What do steroids do...they make us grow...not always up. Organic meat is typically grass fed (no grains) and raised more humanely.

You may wonder if it is more expensive to eat organic. The answer is yes and no. The cost of organic food reflects the true cost of farming. Conventional food doesn't reflect the cost of environmental clean-up. Some organic foods such as meat and cheeses may actually cost less! As organic foods become more and more popular, the cost will continue to go down.

Check out www.TheMovementDallas.com for info on their local organic Co-Op.