SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO TIRED

My body is SO TIRED right now. It's another week of "final week" prep. Most people take longer than 2 weeks between competitions. At the same time, most people take longer than 8 weeks to get ready for their first competition.

My day started at 5:00am this morning to get ready for the 5:45am spin class. It was pure torchure. That was followed by 75 minutes of working out at 80% of my usual weight. If I still had energy, I was encouraged to do another 20 minutes of cardio. That didn't happen.

Luckily I finished early enough to go back home and sleep for 45 minutes. Glorious, but not long enough. So now it's about 10:00am and I'm still here and work wishing I could lay in bed and do absolutely nothing. I'm not sleep, but my body is physically tired.

I guess it doesn't help that I'm back to drinking 2 gallons of water a day. I've already used the bathroom 6 times this morning. Luckily I'm already on my third of four bottles so the frequent urination should cease over the next several hours. I just keep thinking... this week, then next week... then rest, rest, REST!!!

Next Day Reflection

Winning my class qualified me to be in the National competitions. However, I don't think I'm ready for that just yet. Yes, I won my class, but it was only one competition and I had a small number of girls in my class. I have two more competitions coming up in three weeks and maybe if I am successful there, I'll consider a national competitions.

I also realized though my passion for both training and competing. The sensation for being on stage is one that is hard to describe. It's such a rush. If I could work part time and train seriously part-time I would love life. I may try to think of a way to make that happen.

With all of it, though, is finding a balance between life and training. These past eight weeks were really only about me. I couldn't hang out the way I wanted to and I was constantly tired. I had a full time job, my website and then working out. Many days it was too much. I pretty much ceased dating and if I went out, it was only for a short time. Regular food became a luxury and today was my only off day for several more weeks. I couldn't keep up like this for an entire year, but I definitely feel that I've made a lifestyle change that I hope to incorporate with my own life.

Competition Day (evening)

We had to be at the evening session by 5:30. I decided to head back a little early and left at 5:00 to walk over there. Unfortunately the doors didn't open until 5:15 so I stood outside in the cold with everyone else waiting to get in. Finals were much more laid back than pre-judging. The judges already knew who the winners were and this was just a show for your family and friends to attend. Larry and Charmayne drove up for the show and Larry took a lot of pictures.

We went out in out two pieces and then again after intermission. While standing onstage in our one piece they announced the top five. I was top five (which was my main goal). They then started giving out trophies... fifth place, fourth place and third place. It was now just between myself and the other girl. And the winner of Class B: #58. Hey, THAT'S ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was thrilled. It was my moment to shine.

With winning my Class came competing at the end of the competition for Overall Champion. My mind had really just been on getting pizza but it was worth the wait. The five other class champions and I were all backstage excited at what was going on. For one other girl, this was also her first competition. We pumped up and reapplied oil to our bodies. I sent text messages to all of my friends letting them know I won. At least an hour later the six of us went on stage for the final judging which was live. Another girl named Autumn won first place, but I was told I was a close second.

It was such a thrilling day. All my hard work paid off. So may people were impressed that I'd only been training for eight weeks. I floated into Domino's and ordered a pepperoni and sausage pizza. It was just great. I could have eaten the medium pizza but I didn't want to be sick in the morning. It was hard sleeping that night because I still giddy. I even woke up Sunday morning at 6 because I was still hype. As I walked in to the kitchen I saw my trophy and became excited all over again. It wasn't until about 11:00am in the middle of the Easter service that it all hit me. My body hurt and I wanted to fall asleep instantly. So, all today (Sunday) I've been relaxing as much as possible.

Competition Day (morning)

Competition day begins at 6:00 for meal one. At 6:20am there is a knock on my door and a woman named Rachel comes to apply my makeup. The thing that amazed me most about my makeup was that she didn't apply foundation because she said I really didn't need it. That was a major compliment and great morning boost. I ate meal two before heading to the Northern KY Convention Center.

They seated all of the athletes by section: Bodybuilders, Figure competitors over 35 and open figure competitors. As I looked around at the people sitting around me, I became less intimidated by them. I received my number, #58, and went on my way. There was a group of black women there. I found out they all trained together in Indianapolis and I attached myself to them for the day.

Pre-judging started around 11:00 for my group with our two piece outfit. As the women for Class B lined up, I realized that I was in better condition than many of them. I became hype. Walking on stage was such a thrill. To be under the lights with the attention focused on you was a rush. Since I didn't know what the judges were looking for, I couldn't really tell you how I compared. However, as we walked back stage, one of the other competitors in my group said she thought it was between she and I for first place. HOW EXCITING.

The second round was similar to the second round but we had on a one piece outfit instead. I felt my legs were better than my other competitors. By this time it was close to 3:30pm. There was a lot of down time between the rounds so I either listened to my IPOD, watched the show or talked with some of the other women. (by the way, some of these women were in amazing shape)

We had two hours between pre-judging and finals so I walked to the hotel across the street to watch Duke (puke) lose in the tournament. It was a wonderful break!

Last Day Prep

Friday was my final day of preparation before the competition.  I woke up Friday morning and looked at myself in the mirror.  I felt a little too lean and became worried that I would get blown out at the competition.  My spirits were a little down. I knew my form had changed, but at the same time I wanted to be a prospect to win. My morning started out going to my friend Renee's house to have my back tanned. She just had a new baby, and between his crying she helped with stage one of the tan.  I then rushed home and completed the rest. 

From there I went to a photo shoot because I wanted to document my progress that has been made.  A St. George's Community Center Board member, Melissa Mann Bean, took the pictures.  They were so wonderful.  She is so talented.  I couldn't believe some of the shots that she took.

I had to rush home from there so Larry could apply another layer of tan on my back and I finished the rest.  I must admit.  I really do like the color the tan makes me look.  I don't really look tan, I just look enriched.

I then headed to Cincy in time to watch UNC play in the NCAA tournament on tv.  Go Heels!  Check in was at the hotel where I stayed.  The lobby was packed full of people and I was intimidated by all the people there.  From an earlier email I thought I would be in Class C (it's based on height).  Instead I was in Class B. Man, I'm even short for a woman!

So, after checking in I went to my room to relax for the long day that was to come.  Oh, I forgot to mention that between all of that were the six meals that I had to eat.  Two of the meals were 3 oz of beef and a sweet potato.  The other four were 3 oz of beef and a cup of asparagus.  

Sweet potatoes are my new favorite food. Why didn't anyone tell me?

I've Set A New World Record

The results haven't been confirmed and there were no cameras around, but I honestly believe that today I set the world record for using the bathroom the most times in my office in a day.  I've been drinking two gallons of water for the past four days and today was the worst.  Every 30 minutes I had that rapid urge that I had to urinate.  It wasn't that subtle hint that it was time to pee.  It was that "if you don't get to a toilet in 30 seconds or less it's going to get really ugly" type of warning.  Luckily my office close to the restroom.  But come on, who wants to rush to pee every 30 minutes?  My co-workers now find it entertainment and know where I'm headed as I run down the hallway.  

Inside my office is manageable.  It's outside of my office that causes chaos.  It just hit like a flood in the middle of Target today and I had to put all of my items down in the middle of nowhere to rush to the front of the store to the bathroom.  It hit right when I walked into an office building and I prayed to find a bathroom close.  It hit on the way to a meeting where I was stopped at every stop light.  Not good.  Not good. (and did I mention that it's rained non-stop for the past two days!)

The worst thing about bathroom fiasco is that my urine senses a toilet.  When I get close to a toilet, my urine becomes so excited that it starts to rush out.  The urine doesn't care that I have on a belt, or a snap or panty hose.  So, I've found that each time I get steps from the "twa-let" I have to do a two-step shuffle for five seconds until I can fully get in pee position.

The water consumption decreases after today so I should be good.... but you never know!!!

All Fanciest Up

The competition is getting closer.  I'm really not a girlie girl so getting my nails/feet done is not something I ever look forward to doing.  I asked the Vietnamese guy for a manicure, pedicure and wax.  So, we do the pedicure first. He did a whole lot of things to massage my legs, feet etc. However, I really wasn't in the mood for all of that.  I was thinking about all of the things I needed to do and I wanted to be in and out with quality work.  He asked if I wanted flowers or anything design on my toes.  Yeah, no thanks.  Let's keep it simple...

We walk over to his station to get my nails done.  I tell him I wanted a fill set out nails.  He shakes his head in understanding.  However, he continues on to do my regular nails.  I figure he knows what he is doing so I don't say much - until he starts painting my fingernail.  I stop him and tell him again that I wanted a full set of nails.  So he stops and take me over to another table where they start the fake nail. 

I remind him that I also want a bikini wax and he looks completely surprised.  He tells me the person that does waxes just left and wouldn't be back until the next day. Are you serious????  That was my main reason for selecting that spa.  I temporarily realized that there wasn't anything I could do about it.  So I pouted for a couple for seconds and then was over it.

They opened again at 10 this morning and I arrived at 10:10.  To my surprise, they were not open.  Please don't tell me I wasted yet another trip.  I waited about five minutes and up pulls all the workers at once.  Getting a wax is no joke. I won't go into the details about what all they do.  Let's just say it's not the best feelings in the world.  The chic did apologize after each yank, but that didn't make the tingling any less sensitive.  My 'stuff' is supposed to stay hair free for several weeks so I'm hoping it lasts until the last competition on April 12.

Now all I need is my makeup and the tan and I'll be ready to compete........... I hope!!!

Updated Stats

Body Fat Measurements  3/14/08

Chest 4

Abdomen 8

Thigh 8.9

Triceps 8.7

Biceps 2.5

Subscapular 6.4

Suprailliac  5.8

Calf  5.5

Lower Back 11.5

Body Fat Percentages 11.6%

Water in the Brain

Today started the final week prep.  One of the things I was supposed to do was drink 2.5 gallons of water each day for the next four days.  That is a LOT of water.  Well, I started the day trying to do just that, but toward the end of the day started to have a headache.  I emailed a doctor friend of mine to see if this was normal.  He said, "No" and that I needed to go get some Gatorade to drink right away in order to increase my electrolytes.  I don't think my body is large enough to drink 2.5 gallons so I am going to decrease that number.

I remember not too long ago a women died from drinking too much water while trying to win a contest on the radio.  The competition is not that serious.  I do cherish my life.  I really wanted to come home and relax in the bathtub, but the thought of seeing anymore water makes me sick!!!

My Body Is Tired

This time next week, I will be in the pre-judging part of the competition.  Julie emailed me my last week's final prep.  It should be interesting.  Starting on Sunday I am supposed to drink 2.5 gallons of water.  Wow!  That's a whole lot of water, which means a whole lot of peeing. 

After today I start to slow my workouts down.  My body is starting to get really tired and I come home pretty tired each night. I went over Larry and Charmayne's last night to get final advice on my posing.  They were so wonderful.  I practiced a lot at home, but they gave me wonderful pointers that I would have never thought about.  Who knew that holding poses could be so painful.  I have a feeling that the day after the competition, I'll be relaxing in bed more than anything.

I did the craziest thing yesterday.  I worked out at 5:00am.  I've started to become anxious about the competition. When I woke up at 3:30am to use the bathroom, I couldn't get back to sleep.  I looked at the clock at 4:45am and realized the gym opened in 15 minutes.  So, I got dressed and went to the gym.   I had a pretty good workout and even came home in time to sleep for an additional 2 hours.  

This final week is going to be all about me and the competition.  I decided to enter two more while I am in training mode.  One is April 5 in Cleveland (I'm using a free travel pass Phil gave me for Southwest).  The other is on April 12 in Cincinnati.  After that, I'll crash and enjoy Derby here in Louisville.

MY GOAL for each competition:  TOP FIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's Getting Closer

Last week I got my first tan.  I had been nervous about getting it, but it actually didn't look bad.  It increased my natural skin color and balanced me out all over.  I had to go over Larry's house to put the tan on my back and then I drove him and finished the rest.  By the time Sunday came around, most of it had faded away so I may need to apply 2 coats for the competition.  

Since I'll be heading to Cincy by myself, I need to try to figure out how I'm going to apply two coats up there.  You can't shower once you apply it, so I need to try to wait as long as possible before applying it.  The last thing I want is to be the stinky girl up on stage.

Dating Is Not Good For Training

It's been a couple of weeks since I've written so I need to catch up. Being a single woman, I still go out and meet attractive/intelligent men that I'm interested in getting to know. Unfortunately, many of these men would ask me out to eat and I'd have to graciously decline and say "not until after March 22". I asked my trainer Julie if there were any 'safe' restaurants that I could go to that would still keep me within my meal guidelines so I could enjoy being courted. Surprisingly, she wrote back and said that most restaurants are fine, I just need to make sure I tell the waiter exactly how I want my food cooked. WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My first stab at this was on Valentine's Day. I saw a friend of mine at the gym and we went out to eat afterwards. Chili's was the chosen location. I ordered off the healthy eating section and ordered salmon and vegetables. I thought life was still good. Saturday I went ice skating with a different male friend. We stopped at Applebee's for a quick bite. Once again, I looked at the healthy people's section of the menu and ordered shrimp and broccoli. I felt I was still eating the things I always eat, it was just prepared by someone else.

The next weekend I flew to Baltimore/DC to visit one of my old college roomates. When we got to her place that Friday night she made sure she cooked something I could eat. She grilled some shrimp with green and yellow peppers and then had green beans on the side for me. For lunch the next day, we went to Ruby Tuesday's and I ordered some type of fish with a brown rice combination and broccoli. I made sure I had my protein shakes with me and continued to take supplements with each meal. Saturday night rolls around and I have a date with a guy that attended my college (although I didn't know him well in college). We go to the movies (oh, that smell of popcorn) and then he made dinner reservations at Indi Blu. It was some type of Indian American restaurant. It was one of those menus with limited dishes so I was worried at first. However, I found a salmon dish and was able to ask the waitress to just give me a plain salmon and some broccoli on the side. The broccoli didn't look like real people broccoli, but it was still good.

I left to fly back to Louisville that Sunday. My flight was delayed three hours so I arrived back later than I wanted. As soon as I landed, I drove over to Larry's house to get measured. I was somewhat disappointed with the results. While the majority of my skinfold numbers went down, my overall bodyfat percentage decreased only slightly. The measurements in my hips increased some also.

SOOOOOOOOO...... since my workout was the same and I didn't cheat on any meals, I feel that eating out (even though I ate healthy) stunted my continued progress. In the end I had to make a pledge to myself not to go out on any more dinner dates until after the competition. Even the movies, and popcorn, are tempting so I'm staying away from there as well. In other words, dating and I are taking a break from each other for two more weeks!