Prep Shmep...

It's almost that time again.....

Ha ha... almost prep time!  I am actually really looking forward to the 2013 season for a few reasons.  I've had mixed feelings about it since the last competition.  Mostly due to feedback I've gotten.  Not due to how I felt coming in or how I felt coming out of the show.  I actually felt really good going in and have felt really good coming out of the show (no binge, no major gains to speak of, no post show blues).  All in all its been pretty great!  Let me explain.

2011... my prep was ridiculous.  I was doing NO weights at all... only cardio.  I was trying to lose a lot of the muscle I gained for Figure to compete in the Bikini division.  My diet was strict... very little calories, very low carbs.  I literally did not touch a weight for 6 months.  Now, before you start getting crazy on me I was NOT only doing cardio for 6 months.  Some of that time I was not working out at all.  There was a major hiatus in there, I was going through a lot of things in my life during this time as well so for a while the gym was no where on my list of priorities, I only "trained" for the show for about 8 weeks really.  In that 8 weeks I only did cardio whether it was a class or on the dreadmill.  Here were my results.

2012... I followed a 12 week program that consisted of weight training (circuits) and cardio (12-15 min sprints) and near the end I increased it to 30 minutes of sprints.  I absolutely LOVED this program.  My diet was not nearly as strict as in 2011, still tight but I felt better all around and I got to do what I loved most... lift weights again!  Here were my results.  I felt leaner, tighter all around.  I thought my package this show was all around, better.

My concerns:

Am I STILL in the wrong category?  This is something I have battled from the very beginning.  I was told when I first decided to compete to do Bikini because it was new and I was small and would have been PERFECT for it.  I could walk on stage next week said my trainer.  But I was certain that Figure was what I wanted to do.  I wanted to work my A$$ off and I wanted to put on that muscle and I wanted to earn it.  So I gained a few (15) pounds and I did it.  I earned it baby.  I did well.  I placed in every show.  I got told by a Pro that I needed to switch to Bikini , and then I showed her she was wrong by winning the next show I did and earning my sword.  And then I got to the National stage.  That was when I was delivered my reality check.  So I decided that Bikini was where I needed to be.  So here I am in the Bikini division, yet now I am being told I should be doing Figure.  I am just so confused.  I'm too muscular, I'm not muscular enough... I just feel  like I am not sure where to go or what to do sometimes and then seeing the judges score sheets adds to that confusion a little....

OPEN BIKINI B
17	1	13	4	1	1	2	3	1	1
24	2	20	2	3	3	3	1	4	4
60	3	22	6	5	4	1	2	2	2
25	4	31	7	2	2	7	5	5	3
22	5	31	1	4	7	4	4	6	5
42		35	3	6	5	5	7	3	6
20		48	5	7	8	6	8	7	7
15		52	8	8	6	8	6	8	8

(source)

(I am #60) Some of the other classes were ALL OVER THE BOARD as far as how off the numbers were. It was pretty shocking to see actually.  I have never seen score sheets look like this before.  I'm used to them looking more equal all the way across.

I did recently learn that there some of the judges were NGA judges, not NPC judges which makes sense as to why the judging was so all over the place.  The criteria is VERY different in the two organizations.  I have also learned that in 2013 that is going to change and there will no longer be NGA judges judging at the NPC shows.  That makes me think that maybe, just maybe the girls with a little more muscle might have a little more luck going into the 2013 season in the bikini division.  I am hoping so!

So for now I am giving it another season.  Bikini Twenty Thirteen here I come!  I want an overall win baby!  

Do-Nuts about it....

So, I've mentioned before that at work we do what we call "breakfast club" every day.  A few times we have made donuts.  Healthy donuts of course.  I have told my husband and kids about them and have told them that I really wanted to get a donut pan so that I could make them at home for my family.  Well at our Company Christmas party we had a gift game and in those gifts I knew there was a donut maker.  I knew this because I was there when it was purchased however I was not the one wrapping but I was determined to get it.  Well guess what folks.....

 Recipe:

1 C whole wheat flour (or flour of choice)
1/2 C sweetener of choice
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 C Almond milk (I used unsweetened vanilla)
1 tsp vanilla
4 Tbsp applesauce (no sugar added)

I made a glaze using Ideal Powdered sugar, Almond milk and some Orange extract, but you could easily make any sort of glaze or frosting to top these with.  I think next time I will try making an actual frosting.  My kids loved the added sprinkles.  I left them off of mine.  Took about 6 minutes to make in the donut maker.  It came from Target if anyone is interested in getting one.  I have a feeling this will be coming out every weekend around here!

Groundhog Day

The last few weeks have just been so crazy you guys.  We have SO many things filling up our week that I honestly cannot wait for the weekend just so that I can breathe only for the weekend to come, and for it to be just as busy as the week was and before I know it, its over and I am sitting at my desk Monday morning again as if I never left Friday evening.  I guess my point is I just really wish my schedule would free up just a bit.  As it is we have stuff Tues-Thurs every week.  These are things that are set in stone.   They are busy things.  Appointments (dance, sports, etc) that on some nights run until 10 pm but keep us VERY busy.  The remaining nights of the week get filled up with things we can't do the other 3 nights of the week, things for my church calling, errands, etc.  So here comes the weekends, oh the blessed weekends... when we can just sit around and do NOTHING.... (que the Angels).... YEAH RIGHT! I am exhausted.  Anyway, I talked my kids into seeing Santa one last time.  I think this is the last year I might be able to pull it off.  My son is 12, and as it was I had to really beg him, as we stood there in line he wasn't happy "mommmmm.... I am the oldest one here.  Everyone is like fourrrrrrrr" but thanks to Janetha who was taking the pictures (my kids adore her) that made it better.  They were able to relax and go with it.  She got some great shots of my BIG kids!

Competition Photos...

I finally got the pictures I ordered from the show.  I only ordered a handful of them.  One reason is because they cost a freaking fortune.  That is the one thing about competing that stinks.  You want the proof of how hard you worked?  Get ready to pay.  Gads.  Anyway, here are a few from backstage and on stage.

"FALL" ing

Some things I have "fall"en for....

1.  This bread....

source

Julian Bakery Sourdough bread.  Saved. My. Life.  probably your life too, during prep.  The stats are incredible.  The taste is unbelievable... it is well worth the cost and the wait (unfortunately shipping isn't exactly fast!!!) I order at least 4 loaves at a time and freeze them, when I get down to 2 well then I just place another order.  I have tried a few of the other low carb breads they offer but none had me excited, in fact a couple had me literally gagging and a couple are still in my freezer where they will remain until I am desperate enough to try them again sadly... but this one, is honestly just REALLY good!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size	1 slice
Servings Per Loaf	Approx. 16
Amount Per Serving
Calories 60	Calories from Fat 0
% Daily Value
Total Fat 0g	0%
Saturated Fat 0g	0%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 140mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate 10g	7%
Dietary Fiber 6g	11%
Sugars 0g
Protein 5g
Vitamin A 0%	Vitamin C 0%
Iron 7%	Calcium 4%
Thiamin 8%
**Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie a day diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

I never wear necklaces.  I feel like I am choking.  But this one, I had to have and guess what I wear it almost every day.

2.  Fashletics...

The most adorable, fun, inspiring jewelry ever.  Janetha, Amanda and I each ordered a necklace that we felt inspired us.  This is mine.  It spoke to me.  

Source

For me, THIS little phrase speaks big volumes.  I NEED to be patient with myself.  With my body.  I am SO hard on myself.  I am so MEAN to myself.  I am so impatient with myself.  It is my little reminder for ME to be nicer to me.

3.  SPRINTS... 

Say what?!?

Did I just say that?  

Listen.  I hate to run.  You want me to run far?  Forget you.  Like I really really hate it.  I hate long boring cardio but for some reason I get on a treadmill and I sprint for 30 seconds, then I get to jump off for 30 seconds and it is like... I don't know... the best feeling ever.  I feel like I could do it every day (I don't, but I could).  I crave it.  Its some sort of adrenaline rush for me.  Feels so dang good people!  NEVER thought those words would come out of this mouth.  Like ever.

4.  Breakfast Club

Every morning (or when most of you might be eating lunch), Janetha, Amanda and I are busy making our breakfast!  We decide the day before what we want and we all bring ingredients and whip it up.  We have had some pretty tasty things.  For a better recap visit this post from Janetha.  She is much better at this blogging thing than I am and she even takes pictures (I know!).  It has become a really fun way for us to try new things and to visit at work!  I love our little breakfast club.  Maybe we should start calling it brunch club though since it is usually around 11 by the time we get to eat.  Here are a few of the things we have made so far...

Low carb stuffed french toast (it was to die for and we used the sourdough bread above)

Eggs on toast with creamy spinach sauce

Protein Pancakes
Egg white pizza omelette (not sure if we decided on an official name) it was good though

Whole wheat puff pancakes (these were fun!)

 Hope you are all having a great start to your week!  Let's hope for a speedy work week and a slow weekend!  

BURPEES and SUSHI and ZOMBIES oh my!!!

Summing up the past couple of weeks because we have been so busy!!!!

I was forced into signed up for the Burpee Mile, it was a really great event that was put on by GPP, and had tons of amazing sponsors.  One of which was the company I work for, Advanced Window Products.  It was exactly what it says it is.  One mile of Burpees.  There is no way of sugar coating that.  It was actually more fun than I expected.  Here are some pictures to prove it!

my tattoo..

 we got cute shirts!!!

Last weekend was so busy!  On Friday I went to dinner (sushi) with Janetha and Amanda for a much needed girls night.  Yes I work with them everyday.  Yes I see them everyday.  BUT... seeing them OUTSIDE of work is so much better!!!!  We always have a great time.  We followed that up with a trip to a haunted house.  I haven't been to one in years.  Probably since I was a teenager.  We don't need to do the math on that one.  Its been a while people.  Saturday we all signed up to do a Zombie Chase 5K.  I signed my kids up too knowing that my husband would be out of town for one, and thinking that maybe, just maybe they would actually enjoy it.  Turns out I was right.  They had a blast.  I was so impressed with them.  Did they run the whole time?  Of course not... but they jogged, and laughed and screamed and are still talking about it.  THAT is a success!  When we were nearing the end Peyton took off just so he could beat us all to the finish line and high five us all in!  Stinker!  Janetha, Amanda and I dressed up as Super Heroes and my kids wore little masks that I got for them because they wanted to save their costumes for the big day!!!  Can't blame them!  Here are some fun photos!

 Superman, Batman and Robin... 

 I am pretty sure I got called cat woman a few times... 

 My two little superheroes...

 Let's go girls... 

 Its a bird, its a plane....

 No fear...

  we shot 'em with paint balls

 Flew through the crowds making sure all were safe

 Into the City Sewer System

 We climbed through tunnels...

Finish line... we saved the world!

Pumpkin Guts!

I have more posts that I want to do relating to the competition and my prep but I really need to find more time to actually sit down and use my brain :)  For now, join us for our family night!

Pajha refused, REFUSED to touch the "pumpkin guts" so I had to clean out her pumpkin for her (she is SUCH a princess), but the kids did a great job with them and it was a fun little family night!