Behind The Scenes: Photoshoot with Mike Byerly

Man, what a weekend! Competition and all, Kate and I decided to keep with the diet a few more days and do a fun fitness photo shoot! We had the honor of working with Photographer Mike Byerly and Hair and MUA Amanda Kroon! Kate and I slept a few hours after traveling from So-Cal to Nor-Cal and woke up at 4:30am for our photo shoot (yeah we have dedication). We got prepared for the day and just ENJOYED. We laughed and played the whole day. Amanda and Mike were the nicest, most professional two people we could've asked to work with. We got some great shots ranging from fitness to commercial and even some glamour! At the end of the day it was nice to reward ourselves with a fun playful day as friends! Here's a sneak peek Behind The Scenes

A Look Back: The Competiton

Wow! It's over, finally done preparing and competing in my first fitness competition with Kate Rice!! Working out hours a day everyday on top of all the other things going on in life is never easy for anyone, but hey I guess we really do make time for the things we want to do or accomplish.

Hours of cardio, lifting, cooking, cleaning, portioning payed off in the long run. Kate and I both looked amazing, and better yet FELT amazing this weekend! I honestly felt like a million bucks, and for the first time in my life shocked myself with the pride I felt! Nothing has ever challenged me so much mentally and physically than this competiton.

Kate and I had a BLAST, we were shell shocked when we got to the hotel and saw HUGE MEATHEAD BODYBUILDERS (reminded us of the commercial, "I pick things up and put them down"). Naked bodies spray tanning, people taking themselves too seriously, and LOTS of orange skin! We had a blast and just stepped on stage to show off all our hard work!

I placed third in my height class, and am still shocked. I didn't expect anything leading up to finals, and was sincerely amazed my name got called! Icing on the cake for me!

I couldn't have done any of this, followed through, or stay so strong without my family and friends support! It has meant more than the world to me and I feel so special!

Most people don't know much about competing, but to do it properly you need a great coaches guidance. I am lucky to have had to opportunity to learn and work with IFBB Pro MJ Cooke-Elliot! More than just a business woman, full time athletic director, a role model, a competitor, a coach, an entrepenuer, a sincerly KNOWLEDGEABLE mentor! Teaching me to do things the right way, a little differently, and guiding me the whole way through the process. I couldn't have picked a better coach, with better intentions. THANK YOU!

Thanks to everyone who reads my blog and encourages me to push myself and learn everyday! I'm so thankful:) Also, remember life is about balance. VEGAN CUPCAKE'S ARE A MUST!

The Competition Is Right Around The Corner

Hi all! Wow, how a 9 week contest prep flies! It has been a wild ride, and let me tell you the workouts/diet has only gotten harder each day. I am motivated to keep my focus and finish strong. I am surprised with the amount of energy I still have. Working out 2-3 hours a day on not a high calorie diet is tough, but you know what I think our holistic approach to the food during this competition has saved me! I am thankful I am keeping whole (nutrient dense) foods in my diet. I am not as irritable and I expected, but hey ask me how I feel in a few days. I am looking a LOT leaner, my abs are coming in, and I am bringing a physique I worked my butt off for to the stage. Just a few days to go!!!!!

Competition Update

9 days until my competition!I don't think I knew how much work this would be until I got wrapped up in it! I am so glad my friend Kate is doing the competition with me, her support has meant the world and knowing I am not alone feels great! I am working my tush off, and although I'm completely drained I am pushing through. I have learned so much about myself up until this point, I have to finish strong!!!!! My body is pretty tired from intense workouts, but I feel healthy and fit! I don't know what I would do without all my friends, family, and coaches support! Some days are harder than others, and knowing I have people who support and believe in me is the best feeling ever. If you want to come out and support, here are the details. Competition Details: EVENT SITE Veteran's Memorial Auditorium 4117 Overland Avenue Culver City, California 90230 Saturday May 26th Finals 6:30 Tickets: $40 Unfortunately, this is a LONG event and may not get out until late at night! Past our bedtimes, possibly around 11pm. Thank you for the continued support, I just gotta finish strong:)

Competition Update and Donation Thank you's

Wow! The weeks have flown by and the way my life has changed over the last few months is crazy! I am a little under 3 weeks away from my first competiton and I can almost smell the spray tan and hairspray! Haha
I am so excited that I have gotten so much support! I didn't realize how lucky I am to have such amazing friends and family who believe in me. Honestly, I knew what I was getting myself into but I didn't expect it to be this time consuming. My days seem like they are spent at the gym, eating, cooking, and packing meals for the next day (OH yeah did I mention working, and moving on top of this?)
The days seem to fly, and it's crazy how much my life has changed! I just wanted to THANK some special people for the AMAZINGLY generous donations so far!!!! You have made this competition possible!

Hillary Chapman
Tina White
Ben Vose
Pam Nolan
Anne and Tom Johnson
Del
Ron Novello
Mike and Molly Kane
Janice Hearns
Nana and papa Kane
Nana and papa Nolan
Chris Carney
Matt Bergdorf
Marilyn Kane
Dianne

I am so very thankful for you all! I'm working my booty off, and your support means the world to me. It kept me on the stairmaster tonight knowing I can't let myself down, or you all down!

When It Rains It Pours

Can we agree on this? One thing goes well and a chain of events happen where tons goes well! Or on the opposing side one thing goes wrong, and it's a domino effect of disasterous events? I think I am starting to believe in this.
Personally, I did this to myself. On top of working 2 jobs (7 days a week) I decided to do something for me, and take on competing in a fitness competition! I applied for a job opportunity in the midst of this all, had a few interviews AND got it!!
Now, this is where the title really comes in. It's gunna pour!!!!!!

In the next few weeks I'm going to have to leave 2 jobs, pack and move, start a new job, and continue training long hours for my fitness competiton as well as cook and prep meals!

Bottom line, whether good or bad, you will become overwhelmed in your life. Focus on the important things and don't allow yourself any slip ups. Do the best to your ability and keep on trekkin'!

We can get through the storms and the quakes if we are prepared! Be confident and willing!

Competition Update- Preparation is KEY

Yes, I've decided to compete in an NPC bikini competition! It is so exciting, everyday is something new! I have a great coach who is truly helping me work through everything! This is an emotional and physical struggle let me tell you! On top of that being prepared comes 1st.
When you are on a time schedule with meals you need to be prepared for any situation. If you get stuck at work or in class and it is time to eat, you better have something! I am spending a lof of time cooking in bulk and packing meals in my cooler!
If you have your workouts, you better get to the gym! No excuses, no matter what time, if you want something bad enough you'll get the job done. If it has to be at 5am, at your lunch break, after work, or at 11pm you gotta do what you gotta do!!!
I am now 8 weeks out from competition and I am really focused! No slip ups, and no slacking! This is new to me so I am enjoying this process and learning a ton on the way!
Thanks to all the people who have donated and or supported me thus far, it's been amazing!

Happy fit Friday!