I love this time of year. More now since I have a little guy to see the wonders and innocence that goes with the lights, the christmas tree, and of course visiting Santa. I have baked oodles of cookies over the past few weeks; I think I am obsessed. Ginger Spice is my favorite. Not too many though as one does not want to get too far off track before the 'official' holiday time starts.
My husband and I will be spending much needed time together, as somehow life seems to get in the way. We need this time to 'reconnect' with each other and will be taking advantage of having some family around for some babysitting services...Thanks in advance, Mom!
Many friends will be in town so it will be a quick catch up session with them, reminescing about the past, and our present lives. I always love going home for the holidays as nothing seems to change much....well, except the building of new shops and business.....the people are still the same, warm and friendly, and it reminds me to appreciate where I came from. I also love that feeling of connectedness that I have for my hometown; feeling immediately like it is a good fit, and it is a very familiar place.
What is next for the New Year? Well, I will be taking the time over the holidays to prepare my 'wish list' for next year. Goals that I would like to achieve by the end of 2007. There are many shows that I would like to participate in but we can talk of that further in the new year.
Hopefully you have been able to brave the malls, and get some of your Christmas shopping done. I have. Ordering off the internet is so easy, and quick. Why did I not do it that way last year?
Glad to see you stopping by. And hopefully I will see you on my message board as well (yes I brought it back). Many were disappointed with its disappearance.
I wish you all the best this holiday season.
A.
Official Blog of Allison Ethier
- Allison Ethier
- Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Official blog of Allison Ethier NSCA Personal Trainer, ISSN Sport Nutrition, Educator & Mom
15 December 2006
23 November 2006
Fitness America Nationals 2006
"You had a baby?" That is what I heard most of the weekend, followed by a "you look great". (Love hearing that BTW) And well most of you are wondering how the weekend went...for me it was a great show.
The results were as follows....top 5
1. Dawn Butterfield
2. Sheri Vucick
3. Vanda Hadarean
4. Nikki B.
5. Jenn
The full results will be posted on the www.fitnessamerica.com site, or fitnesshollywood.com site on Friday.
I placed 8th.
I performed my routine perfectly, but with that being said, it was not as skilled as it would have been in the past, and definitely not as skilled as my competitors. I do have to work on getting my strength back, and everyday it returns. I will be returning to FAP for the Universe and the Nationals next year, as I would love to win the big one (ok one of the two) one more time (or for the first time), before having baby #2.
By next season I will be just as strong as I was prior to the baby, am willing to learn a few new tricks. ;)
Here are some pics
This one is courtesey of John Atherton
Me.
Allison & Liana
Allison, Linda & Liana
Allison & Amy
Allison & Amber
Loved being on the Fear Factor stage. It was big and bouncy too. Glad to have competed in these 2 shows, as it really eases my nerves for next year, and fires me up at the same time to really put together a dynamo, routine.
The girls were a lot of fun as usual. Lots of laughs, sharing similar stories, the running to and from the tent (which was our changing room), the opening number. I always loved competing in fitness, but now I really enjoy it more and don't take myself too seriously anymore. Somehow Zach (the little guy), has put a perspective into my life that I have not been aware of before.
Up next for me, well, Christmas...already decorating, and baking some seriously calorie laden cookies, shopping, answering email,and trying to get myself to the Arnold again this year.
I just want to thank my sponsor Slimquick for encouraging me through my return to the fitness stage. Sylvia Tremblay of TremblayDesigns, thank you for putting together my routine outfit, and swimsuit in such a short time. They were beautiful and I will be asking for more in the new year!
Congratulations to Dawn Butterfield for winning the big one! I am so proud of you for sticking it out, and pushing forward!
Talk soon,
A.
The results were as follows....top 5
1. Dawn Butterfield
2. Sheri Vucick
3. Vanda Hadarean
4. Nikki B.
5. Jenn
The full results will be posted on the www.fitnessamerica.com site, or fitnesshollywood.com site on Friday.
I placed 8th.
I performed my routine perfectly, but with that being said, it was not as skilled as it would have been in the past, and definitely not as skilled as my competitors. I do have to work on getting my strength back, and everyday it returns. I will be returning to FAP for the Universe and the Nationals next year, as I would love to win the big one (ok one of the two) one more time (or for the first time), before having baby #2.
By next season I will be just as strong as I was prior to the baby, am willing to learn a few new tricks. ;)
Here are some pics
This one is courtesey of John Atherton
Me.
Allison & Liana
Allison, Linda & Liana
Allison & Amy
Allison & Amber
Loved being on the Fear Factor stage. It was big and bouncy too. Glad to have competed in these 2 shows, as it really eases my nerves for next year, and fires me up at the same time to really put together a dynamo, routine.
The girls were a lot of fun as usual. Lots of laughs, sharing similar stories, the running to and from the tent (which was our changing room), the opening number. I always loved competing in fitness, but now I really enjoy it more and don't take myself too seriously anymore. Somehow Zach (the little guy), has put a perspective into my life that I have not been aware of before.
Up next for me, well, Christmas...already decorating, and baking some seriously calorie laden cookies, shopping, answering email,and trying to get myself to the Arnold again this year.
I just want to thank my sponsor Slimquick for encouraging me through my return to the fitness stage. Sylvia Tremblay of TremblayDesigns, thank you for putting together my routine outfit, and swimsuit in such a short time. They were beautiful and I will be asking for more in the new year!
Congratulations to Dawn Butterfield for winning the big one! I am so proud of you for sticking it out, and pushing forward!
Talk soon,
A.
06 November 2006
Miami FAME Pro show
Hey all-
Back from Miami. I placed 4th. I was .4 away from 3rd place. I did think that things went well, but to everyone's surprise, WNSO (due to unforseen circumstances) changed the event venue on the Wednesday before the event.(I was to leave on the Friday for the event.) That was a bit disconcerning. It moved from the Deauville hotel to Hollywood, FLA which was 45 mins away. The stage ended up being very small, which freaked me out as I am not used to having curtains, posters, and mic equipement so close to my performance. I did downgrade a few things and when you practice you move in a certain way, so during the performance I was constantly checking and guessing my distance around the stage in preparation for the next move. Tough, but I got through it.
My goal at this event was to work out the bugs of competing again, and the nerves. I am proud of that. I was really nervous as it had been 2 years since being in front of a crowd.
Here are some pics...
The results...Sheri 1st, Sylvia 2nd, Amelie 3rd, and me 4th. I am not sure of the rest of the results but the girls were all so good. The show was very small, but a good quality of competitor.
Next up is the FAP Nationals so I will be working really hard until then. I have to lean out my body more, and up my difficulty in my routine, but I know that I can do it. I am hoping for a top 5 finish. There is a max of 30 girls competing in the event, as FAP capped it to 30 girls this year. I am excited to see friends, and have some girl time.
I did my miss 'little guy' when I was away and am happy to be back taking care of him.
Gotta go and make a training 'plan' for the week.
A.
Back from Miami. I placed 4th. I was .4 away from 3rd place. I did think that things went well, but to everyone's surprise, WNSO (due to unforseen circumstances) changed the event venue on the Wednesday before the event.(I was to leave on the Friday for the event.) That was a bit disconcerning. It moved from the Deauville hotel to Hollywood, FLA which was 45 mins away. The stage ended up being very small, which freaked me out as I am not used to having curtains, posters, and mic equipement so close to my performance. I did downgrade a few things and when you practice you move in a certain way, so during the performance I was constantly checking and guessing my distance around the stage in preparation for the next move. Tough, but I got through it.
My goal at this event was to work out the bugs of competing again, and the nerves. I am proud of that. I was really nervous as it had been 2 years since being in front of a crowd.
Here are some pics...
The results...Sheri 1st, Sylvia 2nd, Amelie 3rd, and me 4th. I am not sure of the rest of the results but the girls were all so good. The show was very small, but a good quality of competitor.
Next up is the FAP Nationals so I will be working really hard until then. I have to lean out my body more, and up my difficulty in my routine, but I know that I can do it. I am hoping for a top 5 finish. There is a max of 30 girls competing in the event, as FAP capped it to 30 girls this year. I am excited to see friends, and have some girl time.
I did my miss 'little guy' when I was away and am happy to be back taking care of him.
Gotta go and make a training 'plan' for the week.
A.
20 October 2006
2 weeks to go....
Hopefully I am going to make this show. Here are some updated photos of today.
October 20, 2006
I have 2 weeks to get everything together, well, the body mainly . Routine is great. I feel really strong. Cardio....let's see.....if you have a plan and it is working that is what I am used to doing in order to get ready for a show. I have heard and read much about HIIT. Using periods of hard work say, 20 sec (all out to die for sprint on the treadmill) intervaled with 40 seconds of recovery work. Although I do a type of training similar to this, mainly interval training but not of the same ratios, in order to prepare for the routine, I am leary to let go of my old training practices - such as cardio, in order to prepare for a show. If it works for me, then why change it right? I have to admit that I am have been doing less cardio now, than I ever have before. Mainly I just don't have the time.
My little guy sleeps but not the whole night. He is constantly learning new things, and well, wants to get up to 'practice'. When he wakes, I am usually awake after that. Luckily my gym is 24 hours, and going at 3:30am does not seem that foreign to me anymore.
From the pictures I really need to work on tightening up the backend. Isn't it always this way with the women. The abs are starting to come in nicely, but my skin really has not retracted as quickly as I would have liked from the pregnancy. Luckily no stretch marks on my belly but the skin...there is just extra. I am sure time will fix this.
A.
October 20, 2006
I have 2 weeks to get everything together, well, the body mainly . Routine is great. I feel really strong. Cardio....let's see.....if you have a plan and it is working that is what I am used to doing in order to get ready for a show. I have heard and read much about HIIT. Using periods of hard work say, 20 sec (all out to die for sprint on the treadmill) intervaled with 40 seconds of recovery work. Although I do a type of training similar to this, mainly interval training but not of the same ratios, in order to prepare for the routine, I am leary to let go of my old training practices - such as cardio, in order to prepare for a show. If it works for me, then why change it right? I have to admit that I am have been doing less cardio now, than I ever have before. Mainly I just don't have the time.
My little guy sleeps but not the whole night. He is constantly learning new things, and well, wants to get up to 'practice'. When he wakes, I am usually awake after that. Luckily my gym is 24 hours, and going at 3:30am does not seem that foreign to me anymore.
From the pictures I really need to work on tightening up the backend. Isn't it always this way with the women. The abs are starting to come in nicely, but my skin really has not retracted as quickly as I would have liked from the pregnancy. Luckily no stretch marks on my belly but the skin...there is just extra. I am sure time will fix this.
A.
18 October 2006
More cardio.
I have good news. I am adding another show. I will be competing at the WNSO Pro show in Miami on November 3rd to 5th in Miami, FLA. I decided I needed a warmup to Nationals.
Here are some more pics.
October 15, 2006
Now I am full into my cardio. I am doing 45 minutes in the morning, and usually 45 minutes at night if I can get to the gym. I can almost do my routine full out as I just missing one move at the end. It will come next practice though I can feel it.
For those mom's out there, I have been breastfeeding since May 1, and recently stopped as of yesterday. So these pics I was still breastfeeding. Some are wondering how you can compete and breastfeed, and well I am sure you can, but I was leary of trying this with my little guy. I did not want to cut my calories too much at his expense, and with me travelling for 5 days it would be difficult. Zachary is almost 6 months already, so by the World Health Organization standards I have put in the minimum. I am a little sad to have stopped, but I am enjoying the freedom that comes with being able to feed Zach with a bottle.
I am still hitting the weights hard, and heavy as I need my muscle back and I am sure it will come. I am just really excited to be getting out of the house, and travelling. It has been a year and a half since I have seen my fitness body, and boy, will I be pleased to see its return.
More pics this weekend.
A.
Here are some more pics.
October 15, 2006
Now I am full into my cardio. I am doing 45 minutes in the morning, and usually 45 minutes at night if I can get to the gym. I can almost do my routine full out as I just missing one move at the end. It will come next practice though I can feel it.
For those mom's out there, I have been breastfeeding since May 1, and recently stopped as of yesterday. So these pics I was still breastfeeding. Some are wondering how you can compete and breastfeed, and well I am sure you can, but I was leary of trying this with my little guy. I did not want to cut my calories too much at his expense, and with me travelling for 5 days it would be difficult. Zachary is almost 6 months already, so by the World Health Organization standards I have put in the minimum. I am a little sad to have stopped, but I am enjoying the freedom that comes with being able to feed Zach with a bottle.
I am still hitting the weights hard, and heavy as I need my muscle back and I am sure it will come. I am just really excited to be getting out of the house, and travelling. It has been a year and a half since I have seen my fitness body, and boy, will I be pleased to see its return.
More pics this weekend.
A.
14 October 2006
Here we go...
Hey Everyone-
I have decided to start a blog instead of my message board. I receive so many emails, and my time to very limited on the computer so this way I can give you an insight into what I am training/preparing for in terms of shows.
I still take the time to answer my emails. It does take sometime to get back to everyone back I do get to them.
Here are a few shots of myself, getting back into shape post pregnancy.
I did lose a lot of muscle during my pregnancy as 4 months into the pregnancy I had some pain while working out and was so tired all the time that I basically stopped going to the gym. I did continue to walk, but not very often.
I was just coming off a show when I got pregnant. I started around 120lbs, and by the end of it I was 170lbs. That is right...50lbs I had gained. Ice cream is good for heartburn, no so much for your butt.
I am training for the upcoming FAP Nationals in Hollywood on November 17th to the 20th. I am really excited to be back into the swing of training and dieting. I have missed it.
13 weeks post partum - August 8, 2006
September 14, 2006
September 25, 2006
October 9, 2006
I have decided to start a blog instead of my message board. I receive so many emails, and my time to very limited on the computer so this way I can give you an insight into what I am training/preparing for in terms of shows.
I still take the time to answer my emails. It does take sometime to get back to everyone back I do get to them.
Here are a few shots of myself, getting back into shape post pregnancy.
I did lose a lot of muscle during my pregnancy as 4 months into the pregnancy I had some pain while working out and was so tired all the time that I basically stopped going to the gym. I did continue to walk, but not very often.
I was just coming off a show when I got pregnant. I started around 120lbs, and by the end of it I was 170lbs. That is right...50lbs I had gained. Ice cream is good for heartburn, no so much for your butt.
I am training for the upcoming FAP Nationals in Hollywood on November 17th to the 20th. I am really excited to be back into the swing of training and dieting. I have missed it.
13 weeks post partum - August 8, 2006
September 14, 2006
September 25, 2006
October 9, 2006
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