Some people say.....

Well, Gab it should be easier for you this time around, you know what to do to shed the fat and expose the muscle. I really don't buy into that ~ do I really know what to do? I was fortunate enough to have several supportive friends at the gym, a great friend...Teri...who was there for me with all my family drama...though all the tears...while training, tanning, doing our routines in the sauna...and she painted me several times before the show.
A wonderful trainer who was very creative and pushed me incredibly hard. I never wanted to let her down...Sherry had a way of bringing out the best in me. She's a very inspiring person, that made me discover how much drive I truly possessed. My training buddy..Staci...who also encouraged me....I think she was just as excited as I was to see all the positive changes my body was displaying. It's funny.....how.....I felt like a became a "body" experiment....I was a body responding to outside forces and food intake. I was told what to do.....and I did it. What did I learn? Alot.....but what have I retained? It's all just a blurr......a prolonged, low carb, no sleep, cardioed-out blurr.

What's difficult is.....remembering what I could do...and now I can not. {{at least not yet}} Struggling with the excess weight and time restrictions of life. Building up my cardio again....btw...any and all suggestions are appreciated. Reaching for heavier dumbbells and putting them back....fighting with tendonitis, collarbone and shoulder issues....as well as low back issues. {{Ok....I wasn't going to state the "issues"....believe me I know there are tons of people worse off than me.}}

I remember experiencing the thrill of push-ups and chinups....and beliveve me, my trainer did not allow GIRLY pushups or chinups then!

So this is my battle.....one I will win.....in time.....now I have to learn and experience what works for me.

1 month approx. before 1st show

This was taken approx. 1 month before my first show. I'd love to maintain this level of bodyfat and conditioning. Maybe more so than participating in another show....I have a strong desire to be lean.

** On a side note: I would love to do a Mixed Pairs routine with my husband. I have a few ideas I think are unique and would be great for the stage.

**Then later when our son gets out of the army...participate in a show with him!!!

I'm proud to be a natural competitor! In fact, this time around I'm limiting any supplements I take. Creatine has not ever entered my system...that may be one I'd like to try.

Focus on the Outcome

"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going."

Beverly Sills

Meals: 1/8/2007

First of all I've got to get up earlier!
I don't even want to post my meals since I haven't been consistent! Breakfast was "off "

Ok here's my plan:

Cottage cheese 1/2 cup for a snack

Baked chicken, green salad with low fat, low sugar dressing {sesame - ginger}
A few tablespoons sweet potato

Small protein drink prior to dinner and working out
3oz sweet potato

Dinner: Hubby made chicken, broccoli and celery and peppers last night...I'll warm some up.

**Having difficult time planning, cooking and eating meals** and
THIS IS ONE VERY IMPORTANT KEY TO SUCCESS!!!

Just a thought to motivate me

Ok.......fast forward 20 years....with the activity level I had...the past two years {not much}....

"What will I look like?"
"How will I feel?"

Now......STICK TO AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE......fast forward 20 years.

"I'll look young for my age."
"I'll feel young for my age."
"I'll a live longer more fulfulling life."
"It truly is the fountain of youth."

Look at Jack Lalayne!!!

Work out: 1/8/2008

Work out will be the same as mentioned below. I'm just getting my body back into the swing of things ~ concentrating on form and really working the muscle being used.
"No cheating" and even though my back is NOT 100%.....those squats will be "perfect" form!

I'm looking forward to feeling and seeing the progress my body will make. I will be at the gym right after work....unless it's raining...I will have to run home take care of the horses...maybe let the dogs out for a pee. My gym clothes are already in the car....I'll be there.

I'm planning on working out in the evenings until the time change and then switch to 5 am workouts. My evenings will be spent, caring and riding the horses, exercising dogs, and let us not forget...QUALITY TIME FOR MY HUBBY!!! I like to set aside some time for my daughter...if at least to catch a movie or lunch. I wish I could influence her in lifting weights? Something? Now don't get me wrong...she danced for years and has a great shape....but it's healthier to "keep" active for the rest of your life.

Brief reflection of the past few years

Just a matter of two short years ago, there would not be a day that went by that I wasn't working out by 5am on weekdays and between 7 or 7:30 on weekends. I looked forward to it! I had held that schedule for approx 4 years. No easy task while working full time, two children in junior high then high school. Usually one horse, and two dogs also needing a portion of my time. Let's not forget my other half too...my husband.

"Life gets in the way." Is a quote that has been said to me many times. It seems since the competition, shoulder surgery....and out-of-the-ordinary family problems....have yet again distracted me from pursuing health and fitness. "Something has always got to give" I would like to meet the person that can "do it all."