Reality check

I'm sitting 6 weeks out from the Emerald Cup. It can't get here fast enough!!! Not because I'm not enjoying the prep process, but because I want to be in that moment again. On stage, nervous as all hell, feeling as fabulous as ever, having a great time! The 2013 NPC Western Regional in Mesa Arizona was this weekend, and seeing all the posts and pictures on FaceBook got me super excited for the next 6 weeks and whats to come.
Lately, I've been having a hard time with my scale reading. Its reading heavier than it did 6 weeks out from my previous show. I try not to let it bother me, but lets be real here. It bothers me. Its frustrating when your following the diet and exercise plan and the scale doesn't move like you'd expect. But thats part of the problem. I need to just be better about removing my own expectations that I don't have control over. I have complete trust in Jason and his program and I need to just let go and not stress so much. The number on the scale is just that, a number. We use it as a monitoring system since Jason is long distance. Even though I haven't been ecstatic about the number on the scale, I'm seeing the results in the mirror and in the way my clothes fit, and thats what really matters. I was curious to see where my body was at 6 weeks out from my last show. I take progress pics once a week for Jason {even after doing it for over a year now, I dread the selfie pics}, but I am happy that I do have them. With the pictures I was able to compare my progress 6 weeks out from each show! (a good reason to ALWAYS take progress pics) This definitely put my mind at ease. Looks like I'm right on track!!! It was definitely the positive reality check I needed. Theres definitely some growth in my legs and back too! Yahooo!! BOOTY!!! =)

Progress

                                             
     We are just shy of the 8 week countdown to the Emerald Cup in Bellevue Washington. I know I say it a lot, but DAMN!....time goes by so quickly. The next 8 weeks is major GO TIME! This is also the fun and crazy part of prep for me. I start to diet down, begin posing multiple times a week with Joe Valdez and his prep crew, the training becomes more focused than ever, and of course, the work and social calendar is always insane. I can NOT skip a beat when it comes to diet and training as we wind down to the end. This means always being prepared. Always having my food pre cooked and measured. Lifting and cardio sessions are always scheduled in for the week. There is no room for excuses. Its that simple. And trust me, it really is once you find a routine and keep the rhythm moving forward.
     On Monday I met with Jessica with Glam Girls Swimwear to design my new competition bikini. She was really sweet and wonderful to work with and I'm really excited about my new suit. =) For this competition I went with a gem tone royal blue. Its going to take about a month to make since it is all custom. I'll post pics when I get it. Its gonna be GORGEOUS!!
     My Sundays will now be booked with trips to Costco with Mommy dearest and group posing with Joe. Along with the group session, I will also be meeting with Joe once a week for one on one posing and walking help. ***much needed*** I'm going to have Joe take a weekly picture documenting the dieting down progress over the next few weeks. I started my carb cycling on Wednesday, (March 6th) so this is when the big transformation will start. This is the portion of prep that I LOVE! Seeing how small tweeks in a diet can drastically change your physique floors me! This is the time where will power, determination, consistency and motivation are all tested. But the results are worth the difficult and trying times.
Carb cycling is basically high and low days of carbs. Even on my low days I'm on a plenty big dosage of delicious carbs, but the high days are an overdose of the delicious carb goodness. ***DISCLAIMER*** ***only carb cycle under the supervision and direction of a coach! do not try this on your own.*** For any diet, nutrition and training advice may I HIGHLY suggest seeking out the brilliant mind of Jason Phillips. =)
     As always, its always hard to post pictures of one self. Especially wearing a super small competition bikini. That being said, only kind words please. If you don't have anything nice to say, just don't say it. It takes a lot to open up and post pics. I'm doing it because I want to share the transformation and experience with all of you. So here it goes!!! Thanks for your support! Let the transformation begin!

3/6//13

3/6/13

***i need a tan***  #whitegirl #winter #casper