Official Blog of Allison Ethier

RX Girl Blog

2012-01-16T07:58:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone-
I have been posting some videos in the RX girl forums and a few videos.
I don't have someone to walk around with me at the gym, so I do all my own videos and editing.
My friends all work. lol.
Hope you like.

http://forums.rxmuscle.com/showthread.php?64836-Fitness-Pro-Allison-Ethier-s-Video-Blog-Journal-to-the-Arnold

A.

2012 IFBB Flex Pro Prep - 34 days.

2012-01-16T07:56:00.002-05:00

http://allisonethier.com/2012/01/15/ifbb-flex-pro-prep-34-days/

A.

2012 IFBB Flex Pro Prep - 49 days.

2011-12-29T11:36:00.003-05:00

http://allisonethier.com/2011/12/25/ifbb-flex-pro-prep-49-days/

A.

Strategizing the Holidays

2011-12-21T13:39:00.000-05:00

Strategies for the Holidays

A.

2012 IFBB Flex Pro Prep - 66 days

2011-12-11T17:15:00.002-05:00

Prep for the 2012 IFBB Flex Pro
http://allisonethier.com/2011/12/11/ifbb-flex-pro-2012-prep-66-days/

A.

Finding a good trainer/coach

2011-11-23T13:40:00.003-05:00

http://allisonethier.com/2011/11/18/finding-a-good-trainercoach/

A.

Metabolic Damage --> It continues....

2011-11-15T05:29:00.001-05:00

http://allisonethier.com/2011/11/15/metabolic-damage-it-continues/

A.

2011 Toronto Pro Supershow Wrap Up

2011-06-23T14:39:00.004-04:00

http://allisonethier.com/2011/06/23/wrap-up-2011-toronto-pro-supershow/

A.

New York Pro Fitness Wrap Up

2011-04-16T13:15:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone-

Well another show has come and gone. With this the New York pro was this past weekend.

I placed 12th.

Am I disappointed - yes. Will I get over it - yes. This is part of the sport. Some days the judges like you and other days they don't. When you are competing in a sport that has subjective criteria like this you always have to take the highs with the lows and good with bad. But I will pick myself back up, dust myself off, and try again. There are always more shows around the corner.

When competing you work hard. Really hard. For an extended period of time, and for some, myself included, I would do most of the preparations anyways. The diet, the training - the routine, and the body aches I would probably skip over -- but I am sure you get my point. I am finding year after year the routine is still really hard. And it can be nice to just go out and do a routine and not have to worry about whether or not you 'hit' it perfectly. To just go out there and enjoy. In essence - this would be considered 'coasting'. Am I coasting - probably. I like competing, but it is what I do - but it is also nice to just go to the show and compete without competing. And I think this is what I did in New York. I was there competing, as a participant, but I definitely was not present or a contender on this day. My mind kept wondering all weekend. I would see kids, and just want to be home with my son. I really did not want to be 'in that moment' and it showed. There are times when you want to compete, and this was not a weekend that I wanted to be competing.

I feel like that who weekend I was being complacent in my work ethic, and really just wanted to 'get it all over with'. The statement that I hear many times during the weekend of the show from girls who spend much time getting ready for this moment, and then somehow I was that statement. I am disappointed in myself for thinking this way.

I feel that sometimes I need a low moment to realize how to be 'great' in other moments. It is a balance for me. I do have these times that I want to be 'great' and other times where I just want to be home in my comfy pants, eating chocolate, relaxing and being able to eat whatever whenever I want rather than by a specific point in time. To just 'be'. Just because I compete quite a bit, does not mean I don't truly love a lazy day as well.

Can I just 'be' while getting ready for a show? But it does require more discipline. I also need to be motivated by something else other than placings in order to compete. Like a personal challenge to be the best. I can put my head into any show - however, my heart only goes in certain moments. I tend to be more motivated to do well for myself if my heart is in the moment not just my head.

I find that with my change in career my focus has drifted to that as I get so much more out of my clients and seeing their success than my own. I am on a different path in my choice of profession, and decisions need to be made.

For instance, I need to decide what to do with my job for the following school year - my teaching job - go back, ask for another leave of absence, or quit. My mind may have been on this topic rather than in the task at hand - such as my routine or the weekend competing in NY. My attitude was definitely not myself that weekend. Even considering the idea of 'quitting' just seems to go against who I am as a person. However, my happiness is important, and so is quality of life. I remember days with my teaching job where I had to motivate myself to get out of bed to get to work teaching everyday - and now I don't mind getting up at 4am to train clients. But when you do 'what you love', it never feels like work. Training others does not feel like work.

I loved being in New York but perhaps not at that moment. Those other things that go on around us, even for a moment, can throw us, and make us into people who we are not normally.

So now I have to decide what moment I want to create for myself in the future.

With that being said, Toronto pro is the next IFBB fitness pro show on the horizon. Will I be there - probably, it is already on my radar.

A.

New York Pro - April 8-10th (this weekend)

2011-04-08T17:43:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone -
Here it is - another show in the horizon. It is Friday the night before the NY City Pro event. It will be held tomorrow Saturday April 9th - starting around 10am at the Tribecca Performing Arts Center. You can see more information here. The physique round is in the morning with the routines at the night show.

I have been trying to hold the line since the Arnold. I find it easier to just hold the the line than get into shape. However, if you had asked me 3 weeks ago I would have a different answer I am sure. I feel this way not as the end is here, however, on Monday I was hungry! (and my clients knew I was hungry)
Routine I have not changed much - a few moves to make it more 'fly' but the theme is the same. 4 weeks is not enough time for a new routine and I was thinking of going backwards to an old one but again, impressing it on my memory is hard now as my thoughts are elsewhere so I have a hard time focussing. Keeping the same routine with a few minor changes I can handle, an overhaul - not in 4 weeks and a full work/home schedule.

Since the Arnold I have been non stop busy. And loving it. I started personal training back in June just to test the waters and see if this would be something that I could do for a living. I never knew. I just never knew. All my friends knew - but somehow I did not. My mom knew. My co-workers - fellow teachers knew but how come I did not know. I think I am just very stubborn and once I get an idea in my head it is all over - there is no changing my mind until the goal is accomplished. Although there is much to lean personal training is where I was supposed to be all my life. Now I feel as though I spent quite a bit of time in the wrong place and need to 'fast track' my learning to become an awesomely superior personal trainer. It will take time, long days, and a lot of reading but I am excited for the next 10 years - (they say that is how long it takes to become an expert - so I am guessing with all my fitness experience I can maybe scale it back to 7-8 years but I digress).

Now I have to make a bigger decision - the time has come to decide what to do for next year - for the school year. School is not even out for a teacher after March Break you start planning for the next year. I know what I need to do but doing it does not make the decision easier. Everyone tells me the right thing to do but I have a hard time with change. I remember when we bought our house with a garage, and I would for weeks (even in the cold) still park the car outside as the change of moving the car inside the house was very difficult for me.
Growing up we never had a garage - anyways....change is tough in any form.

So leaving my job - and starting (or continuing) a new one is one of those major life changes that can throw your stress levels soaring, and your sleep out the window. But with this change I feel less stress and sleep more - so it must be the right decision - again not easier but right.

Besides my work life, this weekend - yes back to competing - my goals - rock the routine and come in shape. A top 3 or qualification for the Olympia would really be icing on the cake (hmmm icing).

A friend of mine will be coming down and I am very excited to have someone in my corner. It should be a good show and if you have seen the listing of competitors - here it is - and follow any updates on Siouxcountry.com

Talk soon,

“There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction”

A.

2011 Arnold Classic Wrap Up & Up Next

2011-03-27T19:08:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone-

Yes, it has been too long. I am amazed at how the time just flies by. I guess I must be having fun at whatever I am doing as I seem to look up and the day/week is done.

For the Arnold I left on a Wednesday, in order to be all settled in on Thursday. Thursday was spent much of the day relaxing, working on client files, and resting. I very rarely get to just sit and relax, and when I do I only need about one day and then I am ready to get going again. This time I did sit, relax, nap, and browse the stores in the downtown area of Columbus - which included a CVS and the grocery store. But I love shopping in the US as there are products we don't have access to here in Canada so it is an adventure.

I was to have a few friends staying with me - but unfortunately they could not come. I was completely bummed, but 'everything happens for a reason'. I do understand why other girls come with a variety of people with them at the shows along the circuit. I have never really traveled with anyone - it has always just been me. I would always meet girls at the shows and have my crew to hang with, but for an event as the Arnold - this time, (and last year too) it would have been nice to have my own 'crew' there for me. I am very independent, and so for the next show I have at least one person there for me. It does help to know you can lean on someone if you need it.

Thursday evening was spent doing registration, and the 'meet and greet' with Pros and was paired up with Canadian bodybuilder Ben Palulski. We spent about 1.5 hours at that event, and then continued on with our pre show prep of tanning, and lastly a final meal before bed.

Friday I was up early feeling great. I had vowed to do my best at this show. I had makeup and hair by Elaine Goodlad, and Nancy Jambazian. Prejudging began at 12pm, and we were on around 1pm. The backstage area for the Pros is pretty plain. Just some tables and mirrors. Nothing any more special than when you were an amateur - except there are girls back there to help you out with anything you need. I did have a few girls who were amazing with me, and am thankful that they were there.

Prelims went as well as could be expected. I am still a rookie (or at least I see myself that way) and many of the girls have been competing as pros for years. I am very thankful to be invited to the Arnold, and will continue to push to make those top spots. It does take time to move up the ladder after having climbed the amateur ladder for year. It is the same story when you turn pro - you have to climb the ladder. How did I think I did in the physique round - I loved my body - however, the judges did not appreciate it the same way. Hey, everyone looked great so what am I going to do complain - nope. There are always more shows. ;)

The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing, but not for long. This year I went early to the venue to be able to 'feel out' the backstage area and play around on the main stage. I did this in order to 'feel' what the energy would be like at the night show; so that I would comfortable in the situation. There are certain things a fitness gal can never control on the day of the show -

the lighting of the stage
the floor surface
whether the floor is slippery or not
the sound of the music
the tempo of the music (sometimes it is different with different machines)
warmup area
ability to stay warm before going on the stage
temperature of the theatre

So even though you have practiced a lot in an aerobic room etc the day of the show it is best to try to get accustomed to the situation as quickly as possible before doing the routine. I feel that it is key to the fitness competitors having a great performance. When there are paying customers (the audience) watching - it is very important.

The night show began with the bodybuilders going on first. At first the girls were a bit concerned as for the oil that might be on the stage however, the sound and light crew figured out a mix of cleaning products to be able to clean the stage in between the bodybuilders and the fitness gals.

I went out there, set for my routine and you know what I told myself in my head - "this is fun". Every move - saying 'this is fun, this is fun'. And it was. I nailed it. No bobbles, no missed moves, all done, and complete. The results - last place.

Am I bummed. Nope. I nailed my routine - the final results are what they are. I cannot decide or predict what the judges will decide. In my opinion I did great and I was very proud of myself for overcoming a fear that I held for one year. In order to be able to return to the Arnold stage and 'fix' the mistake (or do over) from last year. I did exactly what I set out to do.

Photos of the event -
RxMuscle
Bodybuilding.com
Flex Magazine

Suit was by my sponsor and IFBB Fitness Pro - Tamee Marie - and if you love the suit she has it for sale. Contact her - tameemarie@gmail.com

On Saturday, I had my presentation on my diet and training and how my did doesn't 'suck' (yes, that was the title) for the International Society of Sport Nutrition. I did a lot of 'trial and error' over the years, and kept many journals since 2001. It was quite interesting to see how I finally managed to come out with good diet and training regime for myself. Now I share this information with others as I am personal trainer, and help with their nutrition, and finding a way to incorporate that into their lives. It is hard. Hard to diet, hard to training consistently, and never give up.

For the rest of the weekend, I spent hanging out with JanTana and her crew. She had asked me to do some body painting for the weekend. So I was a cat on Saturday and a super hero on Sunday. They are such an amazing 'family', a real team atmosphere. I use her products all the time for my shows, and use them for when I do my spray tanning at events throughout the year. You can see some of the pictures on my facebook page.

On Sunday I had planned on browsing the expo, and wish I could have, but I was so tired - (as I am sure many were that day), I had to go and pack and get my flight home. I had heard that I might not make it home as there was a snow storm up the east coast. And well, I did not make it home.

I got to Regan International, and well, that is where I stayed for 4 extra days. I was to be home on Sunday evening, and I did not end up getting home until Wednesday - so I was only back at work on Thursday. Home was hammered with snow - so much that the city buses were pulled off the road - and well, if you are from Canada, and have experienced severe snow they only way you know it is really bad is when the City buses get pulled off the roads. And they were.

So I spent 3 days in a hotel, by myself, trying to work. I took this as an opportunity to rest up from the weekend. I welcomed the sleep and the quite. Did I get as much work done as I wanted - no. But I was very well rested, and ready to get back on my diet when I got home.

Yes, that is right - more dieting. I am going to New York Pro on April 8th. There are only 4 shows before the Olympia and I would really like to qualify for this show this year. There is the Arnold, NY city, Germany and Toronto. I considered Germany but it is too much time away from the family and my clients. I have heard that many girls will be showing up to the 2 shows as like I mentioned there are only so few shows in fitness and to get to the Olympia you have to make the top 3 spots - I am hoping that those girls who are already qualified don't show up to the shows, but I know that if you want to be the best you have to compete against the best. Either way I am going for it, not holding back. So over the last 2 weeks have been upgrading my skills in my routine. I really did not have time to do another routine with only 4 weeks to the NY pro once I finally got home. Now it is less than 2 weeks away, so solidifying the routine is my main concern, and just repping the heck out of it.

So back to the grind for me. I am very excited to visit NY city again, I had so much fun last year.
And this time I have a friend with me for support.

Should be a good weekend,

Until next update,

A.

2011 Arnold Classic Blog Update 6

2011-03-02T18:48:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone-

Here it is. The last step in the journey.

I find the last 2 weeks the hardest. I say the ‘hardest’ as you are either trying to bring your body in, or else just holding the line. Although I have been in both situations before a show, the last weekend before the show for me is the most difficult. I find myself dreaming of food. I watch TV - and see food commercials, and think, hmmm I would love to eat that. Not really the junk – just more of the good stuff – like oatmeal with fruit and nuts, or salad or warm bread & butter. (I think you all know by now I have a thing for bread – Mmm)

I find grocery stores particularly interesting and I purposefully walk down the junk isle to see what I cannot have, or will be having in a few days. I do try to remind myself that the food will always be there, and even with non dieting times.
I would not eat really badly normally. It is only during show prep that I want that stuff. It is the lack of the option to have that stuff that makes me want it. Right now my body is starving. It wants food. Just a few days.....

I leave tomorrow, and then compete on Friday. It is interesting how I get to this point and the only thoughts are about having it over. These thoughts tend to kick in just 3-5 days before the show. I think every show I have been at I have heard or overhead a competitor make this statement - "I just can't wait for it to be over". Yes I have those thoughts as well. But I always have those thoughts just before competing.

I try to reflect on my process through the whole competition phase, and every prep it is the same feelings that arise near the time of the show. It is different with the Arnold as it is such a big event, and most shows I can be in and out in a weekend. Arnold - 5-6 days of stuff with travel, and the expo - and more athletes in 3 days in Columbus than at the Olympics. I am sure once I get there my mind will change - again more reflection - once I am there my mind has always changed.

So last week's training and diet - I did cut a few things - like peanut butter from my diet and just replaced it with more controlled foods - like almonds. Some times with the PB you take a bit more, no slight bit more, and then well, then you know it you are over your planned meal's calories. And when you are trying to make your body look a certain way for a certain date - it does matter!

Training was great last week, felt really strong, and routine practices were strong. I do go with how I am feeling on most days, but near the end I have to push myself. I have never really thought about it, but I don't have a coach - not in the athletic sense. I see my competitors have trainers with them while they train - and I don't have that. Not for the routine, or with my own training. I am very independent that way, and really don't know how I would manage having them there as my schedule is so inconsistent. But I will say that it would be nice to have them (or anyone) there. To push you to keep going, try harder, and be better than last time. All of this - at least with the sport that I participate comes from within. And it is hard. It is hard to keep going.

Notes to myself, my body and how I feel at this point: (4-5 days from the show)
I do love what I do, and am in love with it, but near the end of the journey you are tired, and I am tired. I know it is due to a lack of gas in the tank, which can affect your training, and motivations. I mention this all for my own benefit as sometimes it is hard to remember exactly how you feel (or I how I felt) when you are dieting, and training and are at this point before a show. This time I feel cranky, moody, and out of sorts. (Perhaps the last show prep, and before that, but I don't remember from show to show) It only kicked in on Sunday, the week before the show. So I guess you could say I am right on schedule. There are moments since Jan 10 (when I started my diet) that I was cranky but knew that it was only temporary, and would fade. But the last 3 days have been tough. I feel myself being cranky at my son, (which I hate myself for after), and have avoided being outside as I am cold all the time. I also avoid being too far from the house or knowing where a bathroom is as I am drinking quite a bit of water. This is the last 3-4 days of the prep. This is what you do to get yourself to one of the biggest stages in the world for the sport that I do.

I need to be able to return to my blog and read this now and again to know how it feels in the moments before the show. These are my thoughts when I am prepping. Perhaps there are others who do not feel this way. Is it necessary to feel this way – no. Some handle the prep better than others. First timers might experience this as they are not used to the sacrifices that you need to make to get to the stage, ready, and on time. As you prep more and more, you see the work involved, and know that it is part of the process. Even though I am ‘experienced’ does not mean that I am immune to those feelings. I just choose to ignore them. I have the will power, to ignore.

Am I ready? Sure. I just have to go out there and do what I have been training to do – perform. My only responsibilities this weekend are:

1. show up in shape.

2. nail the routine

Everything else is just details, and I don’t sweat the rest of the weekend. ‘No worries’ is my philosophy for the time I am at the Arnold. Sit back, and enjoy. I always think – “what if this is my last show”, and question, “how do I want to remember the experience?”

Pictures from last week.

22 February 2011

Arnold Classic Weekend Schedule: Friday - competing - VIP meet and greet.
Saturday - ISSN Conference 1-2pm
Sunday - home.

If you see me – stop me, and say ‘hello’. I might have a few photos on hand to sign and give away. The new Slimquick Razor is out and I have some fantastic shots to share with you all.

Today: Travel Day
I met someone on my flight down who I know from the competition circles – and she is competing this weekend in the Arnold amateur. It was great talking to her as I see her enthusiasm for the sport, and how motivated she is to keep going and get her pro card. I remember when I was like that. Striving, pushing, dreaming and hoping. It really made me think about where I am in my career and what I really want to do with it. What do I want to accomplish?

I am about half way to Columbus right now, and am starting to get excited. Perhaps it is because I saw people I knew on the plane. I am starting to feel the spark. I am sure once I get to the host hotel – the Double tree – where all the action is, get settled, and organized, I will be more willing and ready to be in the zone.

I know this weekend is going to go by in a flash, so I will bring my camera to be able to remember it all.

A.

2011 Arnold Classic Blog Update 5

2011-02-17T19:39:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone-
Here is it the hardest part of the prep - the last 2 weeks. I find that at this point in my prep the last 14 to 21 days all I am thinking about is food. What am I going to eat after I compete? And then the time comes and well, I really just want my diet food. I see television commercials, read magazines, and just stare at the food. I even subject myself to 'browsing' the middle rows of the grocery store to see what I will eat. Funny how that works - we always want what we cannot have, and then when we can we don't want it anymore.

During this time I find myself getting annoyed quicker than usual. Annoyed at little things that any other time (meaning more food) I would not pay much attention too. There are times when I can feel myself going from normal to super cranky in a minute. I try to see if it is hunger related, and most times it is. I tell myself that 'this moment will pass' and basically have to check myself. I cannot be cranky at those around me, as who is going to want to support me through these shows (and more shows) if they are constantly subjected to moodiness around the time of contest prep.

My clients are noticing that I am having trouble focusing, and sometimes am a bit more giddy that normal - laughing and sometimes a little spacey. Let's see what I did last prep (that would be November) - oh, smashed my head into a bar on a rack - and it was a hard 'crack'. Last year this time - (check March 2010), I backed into the garage and fell down the stairs (with a brick wall hugging the stairs) with a huge recycling bin in my hands. Yes, I have made mistakes. So this time I am focussing on paying attention more, so that perhaps, just perhaps the mistakes don't happen.
My son, who is now 4, knows exactly what is going on around him when I do the 'diet' and the 'training'. He knows that I am going to practice my routine, and when I am 'dieting' as there are certain foods that I can eat and certain that I cannot - like any gummy worms he offers me. One time we passed the ice cream store, and asked me for ice cream. I told him 'no' and he said, 'mommy is it cause your dieting?'. I was a little surprised that he knew, and I said 'yes'. When I am not dieting he reminds me of that, so that he can get the ice cream. So I do stop for ice cream, but most times when mommy is dieting, the house is dieting too. This is not a bad thing, just there are less treat foods than healthy foods.
I can remember my mom being the same way, so perhaps she instilled the good eating habits in me. Our only treats in our house was Cott pop and maybe vanilla ice cream. They were both gone in about 3 days after the grocery day, and anything 'extra' was always purchased with allowances.

But I digress.....

Back to the Arnold...

This year I will not be at a booth - I am competing on Friday. On Friday there is quite a bit going on with the Arnold event as now they have added a 'meet and greet' with the pros for VIP attendees, and I will be there signing some photos. Friday is a full day of tanning, meetings, visiting the venus, and the VIP meet and greet. Should be a great time I am looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Saturday will be giving a presentation on my diet & training leading up to the Arnold at the ISSN conference on Saturday from 1pm to 2pm. I would love to see you there.
I will also be shooting with some amazing photographers - My good friend Liana Saadi (now Louzon) will be taking appt for shoots you can contact her at: lianasaadi@gmail.com . And another good friend who I have known for a long time - Harry Grigsby - lhgfxphoto@gmail.com

Both are excellent photographers, and are published. They have super rates and if you are looking to start your portfolio, expand on your current portfolio and are in shape for the weekend of the Arnold, now would be the time to do it.
Over the weekend I will browse the event, and this time be able to spend some time with my friends. I tend to run myself into the ground with these events as I love them, and this time decided to slow down a bit. I am enjoying my personal training business, and want to grow and learn from the best in the industry. The Arnold houses many of these individuals, and gaining knowledge and understanding of this side of the industry is now a huge motivator.

This weeks pics taken on February 13. I just took a bit long writing the blog as time seems to get away from me.

Two weeks to go from today (to showtime) and counting.

I love seeing how I can make my butt 'look the part'. Flexing the butt or not flexing the butt, ah, so many things to think about before the show. And still a bit to go, as my butt is the last thing to come in. Some it is abs, some legs, me (and I think for the majority) it is the butt. Shows are won from the back right? :)

Front Pose - 13 February 2011

Not flexing the butt

Flexing the butt

Routine 3x this week - cannot believe I managed that.
3 x weights, and about 20-30 mins cardio.
Food really has not changed since day one. I just make sure to eat on time and now everything is measured. I usually just eye ball it as I have been doing this for so long, but even now and again I need to remind myself of how much I should be eating (or not eating).

This week has gone by in a flash. I am so busy at work, and loving it that the dieting phase of the training has not been that difficult. I still have a lot of time to go - two weeks does not sound like much but to the diet and training of a competitor it is like another month. So many things can change in 14 days!

This weekend's main goal is to get my luggage in order, photoshoot gear, and make sure my costume, and swimsuit (by Tamee Marie) is ready to go. I don't think I have washed my costume since last show....hmm.

The light is near on the horizon,

Talk soon,

A.

2011 Arnold Classic Blog - Update 4

2011-02-09T18:49:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone -

It is funny how time flies, and then one day you wake up and someone makes a comment, "hey you are looking skinny". Yes, it is happening. "The change". By 'the change' I mean that I am looking more in shape on the outside, and things start moving at a quicker pace.   Quicker, hmmm more top down I should say - a little bit everywhere but the top always gets leaner quicker than the bottom. I just have to be patient to make sure the bottom catches up in time.

There are moments during the prep that I love, or I should say things about my body, and my life that I love when I am preparing for a show. And of course to be balanced, there are things that I am not so fond of.

For instance, when I am preparing for a show I am at my most busiest with my work, super efficient, organized, sometimes feel that there is a lot of work to do and am always moving.   Things are more likely to get accomplished, and I feel proud of how much I do achieve day to day. Food is just fuel to move on to the next activity - to keep hunger at bay, and my body moving.  My social experiences are more focussed on the people rather than the food that is being offered.    For me when you take the option of having those foods that would not be considered part of a pre-competition diet phase out of the equation the stress of choosing to eat or not eat those foods is lessened. Sure near the end of the whole process - let's say the last 2 weeks I am ready to eat, but when you are that close, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

For instance this weekend, I was out socializing, and even though those around me were eating regular food, I did not miss it (again depends on how good the meal that is being offered really is...;) and comments like, "Oh, Allison I never have to worry about you" often are said.

Another thing that I love is my skin - my skin has never been better. The diet, consistent training, good rest, gives me good skin. I have found my 'trigger' for bad skin - too much saturated fats.   I know what to eat and what not to eat to keep my skin looking great.   Those dematologists who say food does not cause bad skin are wrong - at least in my case. My skin clears up with a cleaner diet.

Right now with the show being so far away - about 4 weeks, the light is dimmer, but still on the horizon. I still have plenty of energy to get through my day, and know come every Sunday I will be prepping my food. Even if I was not dieting (referred to as non normal - official dieting mode), I would still prep my food. The difference between on track, and diviating every now and again is small for me. This is who I am, what I was born to do, and am lucky that I happen to be in love with most of it.

At times the things that I do not love about "the change". Number one is, how cold I am most of the time. I wear a hat around the house a bit kangaroo hoodie, and at times splash pants or track pants, socks, and of course boot slippers. Please don't read into this too much. I do not have a metabolic issue because I am cold - I am just getting skinny, which means less bodyfat. And with the temperature being -10 degrees Celsius or less, I feel the cold. When not working out, my gym is a very cold place to work. I am toying with the idea of having a heater underneath my desk at work.

Number two - My face - right now I like how I look, but getting down to those low number makes my face so skinny - smiling results in more lines than a map. Probably out of everything this is the part that I like least. I like my body how it is now - 4 weeks of consistent dieting makes me like my current physique. If I had to choose a body to have all the time, this is the body that I would want.  The results come from the food (obviously) - and practicing the routine. Once I start really getting into that training, my body takes a different shape and it is easier to keep the weight off when I am doing all this high intensity training - such as my routine.

Number three - the number of bathroom trips. Always planning where to go, and how much to drink based on where you are going to be. I am nearby a bathroom often as if I drink a litre of water about 30 minutes I need to go. I drive my husband crazy with this one. This is slightly annoying at this point, but really the worst time is when you need to go and you just got your tan done, and you are not dry yet.   It does get progessively worse during the prep as you are trying to 'fill the void' with something and of course the best option is to use - water.

This week - did 3 days of weights, about 20-30 mins of cardio after (depended on how busy I was at work) and only one day of routine - on Saturday. It was a really effective and efficient practice, however, I would like to have 1-2 more routine days per week. I am hoping to get in more time with practice this week and am looking for time for it in my schedule. I think it is doable.

For routine practice - I don't normally put the routine music on and just think about my music and practice. I tend to move a bit quicker to feel the fatigue. Then I top the whole practice off with some plyometrics and/or some cardio.

You can tell I am tired as my feet are not pointed, and the steps are not as 'bouncy' as they should be.

It is about 4 weeks until the show, (a little less) and 3 weeks, before I leave.

This weeks pics are absent (eek sorry...), and there was no one at home to take the photos. I could ask someone at my gym, but I will just wait until Sunday.   Or I could ask my 4 year old.....naah.

You do, or I should say I do, get quite tired near the end, and really I have had moments this weekend where I was not paying attention. Even my clients know now about my absentmindedness at times during the prep. Thank goodness they are so forgiving. This whole progress is only temporary, and I won't be competing forever. ;)

Until Sunday or Monday next week, (with pictures)

A.

2011 Arnold Classic Blog - Update 3

2011-02-01T09:49:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone-

Officially, it has been 21 days since the beginning of my diet.

Training - I am always training, but not always on point with my diet. My family would refer to this as 'normal' or 'doing your training thing'. They always ask me if I am training for anything - and well, this past year it has always been yes. In fact the last 3 years I have been in 'diet' mode quite a bit. I remember back in 2009 when I was trying to get my pro card, and I was 'in season' for the CBBF Nationals in August of that year. My father-in-law has asked me if I was in training for anything, and we happened to be at a wedding in which I was carrying my ever so prevalent essential to any competitors lifestyle - my cooler - and I told him I probably would not be eating 'normal' until October. The wedding was in July.
His response was wide eyes, and well, we all had a laugh.

It does amaze me at times the lengths we will go to in order to achieve what we want. I don't see these little instances, or events in which I am dieting as a restriction to what I do. Eating well is what I do all the time. Sure the event might be a bit nicer if I could share in a drink with friends, or even just a hamburger. I know that this whole process is just temporary, and anyone who has been around me, and has shared a 'normal' meal knows that I can chow down like the best of them. I think that many who do this type of lifestyle really love to eat, but have habits in place to know when is ok, and when they should probably cut back.

There are always signs of weight gain. For me it is bad skin, joint pain, back pain, and more obvious things like, my clothes not looking the way I want them to look. So I know for me these signs means 'cut back'. (fear of back pain, and bad skin usually can keep me in check). However, with this being said in no way do I 'diet' all the time. I do feel much better when things are on track though. ;)

This weeks training - similar to last week - different training plan.
4 days weights
Cardio: 2-3 session of 20mins
Diet - on point. A few missed meals.
Routine practice: 2x this week - started full out routine practice. Messy but got through it.
I felt a twinge of pain in my calf last week - could have been one of 3 things:
1. lack of gas in the tank at the time of my routine practice
2. improper warmup
3. body not ready for the pounding.

Although I do think it to be a bit of #1, #3 is most likely. It is hard to go from doing nothing (even just training), to doing a routine full out. I find my body needs time to adjust to the demands I place on it. For example, fly pushups, and tumbling. I see spots every now and again, but last practice things were ok, so I do think I am over the hump of the adjustment period. Now since I will be getting leaner, and working harder with the routine - up to 3x routine practice next week - I have to be careful to work it as hard as I can without injury. There are times when I pull back as I know I am tired, or am close to my next meal.

I try to time my food with my routine practice so that an hour before I eat, then train for 1 hour, and pretty much am ready to eat again when I am finished.

Photos -

I see good progress this week. I cannot wait for next week, as this is the point when things should really start tightening up.

I have noticed that the lighting plays a bit role in how I 'perceive' my body to be responding.

Until next week,

A.

2011 Arnold Classic Blog - Update 2

2011-01-23T17:05:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone-

I am amazed at how time flies. It feels just like yesterday I was updating this blog, and posting about my progress. It is exactly 37 days until I leave. 5 weeks! Yikes. This is when you really know the pressure is on, and your diet and training need to be exact. I did not start my diet until 14 days ago (maybe less), and with every show I always think that I am not going to make it.

I can say that right now I am in full diet mode. What that means to me, is that I eat my food, and really don't think to much about swaying from the diet plan.

This week:

4 days of weights
2 routine days (one day was good, one day was a waste of time)
20-25 mins cardio per session twice this week.

I cannot say that I do all the cardio as I just don't have time. I had to cancelled two of my own cardio sessions as I am very busy. It is January, I am personal trainer, demand is high right now.
My personal training business has taken off, and I am quite busy. Compared to last year at this time (See blog postings of January 2010), I have to say that I love coming to work everyday.

When preparing for a show being busy is key to staying on track. Not only does it contribute to your caloric expendure (even slightly), but your mind is always focussed on the take at hand, and if you experience hunger you don't notice as much. I find that summertime is extremely hard for me to diet (and I have mentioned this before in previous posts), but in the 'winter weight' does come off a bit easier when it is cold outside.

Perhaps it because I am cold most of the time (due to the cold weather - don't read into this too much), and even if I burn an extra 100 calories over the period of my competition prep - that could add up to 1-2 lbs of fat loss that I did not have to consciously work for. Plus working all day, and the coming home to my second job - being a mom & taking care of the house - my daily activity expendure is quite high.

I do have to say that when I am dieting - I don't watch a lot of TV. I think TV (much like the Internet) can be a huge waste of time. Sure I do watch certain TV shows, but sitting still in front of the TV has always been paired with eating. But with the Internet - typing and eating does not happen as much. I cannot enjoy cheat foods while sitting at the computer, but sitting in front of the TV and eating - that could be really easy, and fun - since I don't partake in that activity frequently.

So the point being - when dieting --->

keeping busy is extremely helpful to staying on track and with that minimize TV watching.
Internet usage for me does go up slightly for the reasons mentioned above (cannot eat and type), but lately I am just too busy to 'browse'. But the Internet can prove to be useful to keep the hands busy when dieting.

Here are this weeks pictures:

So I had started my diet on January 10th and now it is the Saturday the 23rd of January. Good things have happened in two weeks. I took the last set of pictures on the Monday, so only 6 days between this set of photos and last set --> Arnold Classic Blog Update 1.

I have to admit that for the first time ever in a prep - I am missing meals. I work, then I keep working and don't eat. This is not a good strategy. I am a smaller frame by nature, and need the food to keep my muscle. Otherwise I just end of looking really lean, but small.

Goals for next week - eat my meals, especially between clients. Routine practice full out at least 2x this week. Change up my training plan. Hold the line with the rest.

Until next week - Happy training,

This weekend - Coupe Pro Gym - Nov 14, 2010

2010-11-12T05:46:00.000-05:00

Spray Tanning at the Coupe Pro Gym - November 13th and 14th.

I will be at the Hotel Gouveneur in Saint Jean sur Richelieu for the Coupe Pro Gym. I will be on site to present myself at the athlete meeting as well as backstage.

We will have JanTana products for sale this weekend - 10minute tan - Ultra One, Pre-Scrub skin prep, Glaze mist, Glaze for Bodybuilders, sponges, and moisturizing lotion.

You let me know what you need, and we can take care of you.

contactallison@yahoo.ca

See you all soon,

I will update my blog this weekend. I cannot believe my show is next weekend. Where has the time gone?

50 days to the Fort Lauderdale Pro

2010-09-29T09:18:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone-

Time is just flying. I have meaning to update my blog all month, and then when I sit down to do it, other thing pop up to draw me in a different direction.

Last month, I was at the CBBF Fitness, Figure and Bikini Nationals 2010 - it was a well organized event and I have posted many photos with friends on my facebook page.

The event was held the last weekend in August in Toronto Ontario Canada. I was there shooting with fabulous photographer Liana Saadi - now Liana Louzon, and doing some spray tanning for a few girls - they all looked stunning and I welcome you to contact them to have feedback on my services.

You can see pictures of the tanning as well on my facebook fan page, and my personal page.

Liana and I created some fabulous images that you all are just going to have to wait for. She is undeniably the most fearless person I have ever met.

"Doing something scary every one and a while makes me realize I am alive"

Personal Training
Speaking of scary; my personal training is going great. Still slow but getting there. I am making new contacts everyday, and with each client am learning more and more. It has been almost 4 month since starting my new position. Although I still have much to learn, I am excited to get up everyday - including those days at 4:30am to get to work. When I was teaching I would have many days, especially this time of year at the end of September when the days just felt so long, and the amount of work was just so great getting to the end of each day was an accomplishment.

I am extremely happy for the change. It is so easy to just be 'me'. My decision to leave teaching for a year is one of the best decision I have ever made.

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. ~e.e. cummings

Upnext
The Fort Lauderdale pro is the next show on my schedule this year. November 20, 2010 in Fort Lauderdale. My goal - top 3.

I want to make the Olympia qualification for next years event. I just finished watching all the girls compete from the Bodybuilding.com webcast, and always get inspired when I see fellow competitors and their talents. In fact just seeing bodies in shape keep the inspirational juices primed.

I have about 54 days to get ready for this show. I love dieting in the fall much more than in the summer. Not sure why, and I never figured it out. Being cold can lend itself to extra calorie burn I am sure.

Week 1: Photos (13 September 2010)
Here is what I look like last week.

This is this week.

20 September 2010

Some improvements.

The suit I am wearing is for sale. I have a bunch that I am willing to sell. Not sure why I hold on to everything but I will be liquidating.

Photos and price to come soon. I do have some routine outfits that I will be selling as well.

Placings Perspectives
Competing is a journey with the focus being on where you have come from to where you end up on the day of the show. Holding the outcome to be the 'be all end all' of your journey is a very dangerous barometer to measure your competition experience. You just NEVER know where you will end up and certain placings are more frustrating than others. Such placings as 2nd, 4th, 7th, 11th, and well last. Last can be frustrating but not the most frustrating. Actually if you are last there is no where to go but up the next time you compete. I have been last before, and in the other placings listed.

In relation to the IFBB, making 4th is crummy (unless the other 3 are already qualified) as then you are not in the Olympia qualification position, and well 7th as some shows the top 6 qualify for the Olympia which makes being 7th all that more hard to accept.
Unless you have been last and then moved to 7th. That would be a huge improvement.
11th is bad as you are out of the perennial top 10.
And well last depends on how you define yourself, and compare yourself to the others in the group.

You never know how things are going to go on the day of the show - really anything can happen. Those who are seen as contender end up a few placings lower than what the buzz was about. It is a disappointing moment? It could be. However in this sport, and the industry having things be inconsistent should be seen as the most consistent thing. You just never know. No matter how hard you have prepared, there are always others who are doing the same thing. When you put yourself out there like that - competing - lined up ready to be judged by others, and the public, it takes an immense amount of courage. Then when the awards are announced, you either get to bask in the spotlight with a placing that satisfies you, or have an extreme amount of a resilience to be able to get back up if the results knock you down.

It is just one moment and there are always more shows around the corner.

Of course, there are worse things that can happen in life than losing a game, but we all know the pain we can feel after a difficult loss, or even the joy we feel after a great win. This game is one of joy and pain. If you want to feel the joy, you must be willing to suffer; like taking the final shot, planning a different strategy, etc... This game is not a matter of life and death -- it only feels that way sometimes!

Until next time,

A.

Europa Texas 2010 Recap

2010-08-19T14:01:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone –

The weekend has come and gone. Part of me is happy to see another competition behind me, but sad as I know that it will be sometime before I am back on stage again… or will it? (I will return to that thought later)

Recap of the Weekend’s Events

Tuesday

The weekend in general was a hit. I left on Tuesday night to drive down to Burlington VT as I always try to fly out of the US to avoid the nightmare of customs, and immigration at a Canadian Airport. I spent most of Tuesday prepping to leave, packing, food preparation, and packing the car, going over numerous times in my head what I need to be bringing and going over it again. Beside suit, shoes, costume, and routine shoes – everything else can be bought.

Driving to Burlington was pretty much uneventful and then I went shopping. spent way too much money, and checked into my hotel for the night.

Wednesday

At the airport, I am always hopeful that things go well, and that I don’t get too much flack at security. This time was great. Flights went well, met all my meals on time and drank my water for the day.

Once in Dallas, I met up with my roomie – fellow competitor and figure pro Ginette Delhaes. We stayed together in Orlando and had such a good time, so Texas was going to be much of the same – laughing, prepping for the show, some relaxing, and of course plenty of eating afterward.

The rest of Wednesday included: relaxing, some shopping for groceries and post show treats, eating, and getting to bed early – even if travel is uneventful it is still very tiring. We had met another new comer who just turned pro – Louise Rogers from England. I got to know her quite well over the weekend. Turning pro in England is just as hard as Canada – so when she got her chance – she jumped on it. I agree – why wait right? Learn while you are in the pros.

Thursday

The athlete meeting was at 7pm so we had quite a bit of time to kill during the day. Again, we went shopping, bought some more post show treats, hung out at the hotel relaxing. We did meet up with Aleisha Hart, another Canadian figure pro and her boyfriend for meals during the day. Ginette helped me put on some tanner, and then we went down to the meeting.

The thing with these shows is that they are so much more relaxed than I ever remember being as an amateur. Everyone who is competing is a champion at some point and very good at what they do. Europa shows are so very organized that things are just easy. At the meeting, you walk up, get your number, get your information and leave. No messing around. I love how organized Ed and Betty Pariso are to put on these shows, and provide a top quality atmosphere for the athletes.

After much socializing at the meeting, I was ready for bed, however, I needed a bit of food before bed, so indulged a bit in order to fill out onstage. I am a smaller girl, so I need to eat before the show to look full. I was not as depleted as I was in the past, as I think I just hit my mark just in time for this show. Eating beforehand depends on my current leanness, as well as how depleted I am. Not being as depleted I did not consume as much food as I would normally and hoped the next day that I would be ‘ready’.

Two weeks before, or even a week out from this show – it was very obvious by photos - I was not ready.

Friday

On Friday, we woke up early to get our tans done by JanTana the queen of tans. We rode on over to the convention center which was very convenient and a short shuttle bus ride from the hotel. It was really easy. We got sprayed, and unfortunately the convention people keep one of the large doors open keeping the humidity really high in the building – and we would not dry. I stood for at least 1.5 hours to dry under the fans. Later in the day they did close the door and turn up the AC but for that morning – drying was a pain and it was so hot.

Normally I cut back my water, but due to the humidity and how swollen I felt I kept drinking water all day.

I ended up staying at the venue for the morning to get my makeup done, and I was a little worried about going outside as it was so hot and humid that I did not want my color to change. The show was only in the afternoon so I used this time to catch up with fellow competitors, and socialize. I love being around these fit folks, that talking to them is such as inspiration and I use it as motivation to stay on track when I return home.

There were many divisions this weekend as this is the last show to qualify for the Olympia. Men’s 202, Open Pro division, fitness, figure and bikini. There were a lot of top names here vying for those few last spots. Qualifying for the Olympia is like competing for a pro card – very challenging and difficult to do. I don’t think it was out of my league to believe that I could make it there this year; however, I knew that my competition was fierce, so I would have to put on a perfect showing.

A week out from the show I have to say that my body was not ready – two weeks out – it really was not ready. I did change my job, and move much less than I did when I was teaching. Summer is harder for me as I am moving less. I find fall/winter/spring easier because I am always on the go, and maybe it is the cold weather and I have to work to keep warm, so freezing everyday actually helps fat loss ;)

My suit was made by Tamee Marie and I loved it. I think her suit style and stone patterning flatters my physique the best.

When it was finally our turn for the fitness division to do comparisons I knew we would not be on stage for long. There were only 14 of us, and for fitness that is a great turnout. I am not really nervous for the physique round as all my nervous energy is spent on the routine round. If there is anyone who has done fitness and then switch to figure or bikini they realize the difference – being onstage is very exciting, but the nerves for me only come before the routine.

I was in the 2^nd callout – which is respectable. I know that my physique is something that holds me back from placing slightly higher, but considering how difficult this prep was I was proud to be among those called out in my group as they are well established in the industry and bring their A game every time. These girls are pillars of consistency, and when you are at this level not being prepared is not something that does not happen to often.

After a few quarter turns the physique round was over. It took maybe 15-20 mins? I really enjoy the physique round, and wish it was longer, but with only 14 girls, and some very experienced judges I can see why it does not take that long.

The figure gals, however, took a bit longer. In the pros having over 20 girls seems to be considered big – now there were 38 onstage – all in one group. Maybe they will have to consider heighting them into short and tall to at least be able to see everyone. Not sure how they (the judges) do it, but they managed to judge all those beautiful bodies, and get through the prejudging.

That was it for the day. The rest of the day we spent relaxing, cleaning ourselves up from the tanning/makeup and went out to get a small bite to eat. As usual all I wanted was salad, and was so tired from all the posing that I had to turn myself in early.

Saturday came so fast that I could not believe that this was the last day I was to spend in Dallas. I work up telling myself that this was the day I was going to be great. Not just good but great. There are moments in which I get really excited to be performing the routine, but until it is over it is only thing I really think about. I always have a good time performing it, but somehow over the past few years I have become extremely nervous to the point of panicky when performing the routine.

I got up, got re-sprayed, makeup redone, and basically hung out until the NPC show was finished for the morning. I went over and over in my head my routine numerous times. I listen to other music that I would listen to when I would be preparing to run my routine at home. I did get on the stage before other competitors so was able to walk out my routine a few times before we started to share the space. I took in the all the lights around me, the view of the audience the view of the judges, and tried to absorb all the energies around me to be make this a familiar place rather than a scary one.

Doing a routine for me is very tough as I feel as though what happened at the Arnold was very uncharacteristic of me, and want to show the industry that I am consistent at what I do. (I am probably the only person who keeps thinking of that moment. ) That they can count on me to perform even under the toughest pressures. My nerves are hard to control so getting on the stage is crucial to preparing mentally to be on that stage.

I had a conversation afterwards with new pro Cinzia Clapp and asked her about her experience for her first pro show and she seemed to be able to express what I was feeling as well.

When you come from doing small shows, where the stage is so small and the audience is on top of you transitioning to a large venue show can be a shock. At the smaller venue shows, you can feel energy of the audience. You can internalize that energy, and transmit that through your performance back out to the audience. It almost creates a cyclic effect of give and take. However at these big shows, on a big stage where the audience is very far away, and positioned lower on the ground floor from you and puts you on a bit of a pedestal, it is hard to have that give and take. It is almost as though you are practicing and there are people watching from far away, and you have to use your own internal experience to transmit that energy only in one direction. The energy must be generated internally in you, and then out to the audience. They are so far away that any response seems very quiet to the point where they don’t seem like they are reacting at all.

This can make for a tough transition from the amateurs to the pros – however, all the new pros – including myself are working through it, and hope to become seasoned pros soon enough to the point where it just feels natural.

After the introductions of Betty & Ed, all athletes were onstage to throw Frisbees. I took this opportunity not only to try to see how far I could biff a Frisbees without killing someone, but to also hear the music, feel how it sounded, and use that for my routine and how it might translate to what I am about to do.

There were 5 girls before me. I basically just listen to their music; see if it is can help pump me up to get ready for my own routine. I never watch the girls before me as I don’t want their routine to mess with the one that I am about to do. My only focus is my own routine. I do watch afterwards (as I did purchase the video) but for the time being I am the only competitor about to perform.

When it was my turn I was surprisingly calm. I tried to soak up what was going on around me and remember it for later. I do still feel the energy and nerves that I have during the routine round as all that adrenaline is hard to control. I tell myself – ‘just like practice’. As I have done this routine so many times during practice that I know it. I went out there and after the first move – relaxed – things flowed so well on this day that I breathed in every moment. I felt light and airy. Moves we finished, and flowed, with no hesitations.

Sometimes I get too nervous and have to tell myself in my head as I am doing the routine – ‘calm down, relax, breathe’.

It is an exhilarating feeling once it is all over and you have done your best, and it came out really well. You feel proud. And I was proud of myself on this day.

I was not ready a week ago and my routine I was extremely nervous. I managed to overcome these nerves and put out a great performance. And I was relieved and very hungry when it was all over.

I waited to eat some as we had a huge break between the routines and the finals when they announce the winner. I spent the time collecting food from the athlete dessert buffet, fixing my tan, socializing, and touch up on makeup.

When all was said and done – I placed 5^th – sweet! My goal was to keep in the top 5 and with many of the big names who showed up for this show I am super pleased to be among the top 5. Respectable finish – especially for someone who just turned pro last year and I am already cracking the top 5. Sweet.

After the show, we went back to the hotel, eating all the way, got showed up and started the tour of restaurants in the hotel. I went to eat with Jan Tana’s team who are always a hoot, hung out at the bar for a while, back to the Italian restaurant, and then decided to pack it in for the evening as I was super tired. The stress of having to perform the routine makes me really tired afterwards. I had a lot of stress about it this time, perhaps I know that I huge break is on the horizon for me, and just wanted to put out a great performance for me. And I did that.

Sunday I woke up early, got dressed, and left. I did not want to wake my roomie, as she was sleeping, but I felt very peaceful at what I did this weekend.

I am very excited to be heading back to work this week, and seeing my clients. I am always so motivated for them to do well.

Right now I am in the airport writing, and many people are staring as

1. I have muscles, and 2. Am oddly very tanned.

I usually shy away from showing my arms but this time I am proud. Proud to have muscle and show off my arms – and I should be more proud. It is very hard to do what we do – fitness, figure, bikini, bodybuilding etc – the diet, the training, the focus. Getting a beach body is one thing, but a stage ready body – well that is WORK!

I had a super time in Texas – they are so friendly and warm down here. The host hotel was amazing and had top notch hospitality and services. I would come back to this show and can see why it has been running for 17 years.

Thank you’s.

I want to thank Ed & Betty Pariso for putting on this show, and continuing to produce top quality shows.
Coach & mentor – Erik Ledin for helping to build this body to do well in the pros.
Husband for continuing to support my fitness endeavors over the last 10 years.
Family & friends for being there when I need them, and lend a helping hand when I cannot seem to get my brain to work right.
Fellow competitors & fitness friends – I am so proud to know you, honor and respect all your hard work.

I am not sure my plans for the Olympia but do hope to be going. I should know more in a few weeks.

But as for another show – will there be another show – the last one of the year after the Olympia is the Fort Lauderdale show November 20^th. I am not sure but I am feeling that I want to do another one….don’t we all feel like this after the show – wanted to do more…..

When I do know, I will post.

Talk soon,

Europa Texas on the Horizon

2010-08-11T08:43:00.000-04:00

Seeing the Light - so warm, so nice
Ah, I can see the light - the light at the end of the tunnel. Some say it is the last 21 days that are the most tough, however, I disagree - it is the last 7-10 days. Your body either is 'in' or else it is not quite in and you are hoping that you meet the deadline - the day of the show. Most of the time I am ahead of the game anywhere from 1-3 weeks; this time I will be just in time. Mike Davies told me 'you don't win a show 3 weeks out - and this time his words have stuck with me throughout my entire prep.

Today, right now, I am traveling to Dallas, TX.
I have never been there, and am pumped to be among some Southern folks. Always warm and welcoming they are really great to be around.
This show is shaping up to be one tough competition. They all seem to be like that though. Especially figure - there seems to be quite a few girls competing - perhaps it is due to the fact that it is the last show before the Olympia in order to qualify for that event. I too, am keeping my fingers crossed, and hope to get a 'ticket to Vegas'. Oh, and have you seen the fitness competitor list - I get heart palpitations, and nerves just looking at it.

You can see a full list of competitors at http://www.ifbbpro.com/.

Prep Perspectives
This summer I started my diet late. My fault. I was on vacation with the family near the beginning of July and well, it was hard. Really hard. I can diet in fall and winter and spring no issues, but summer for me is hard. I love being in shape, but getting there (contest shape) is hard. It is never a lot of weight that I need to lose - just around the 10lb mark, or if I am lucky less, but getting the momentum to do the work, and stay consistent at it is hard.

Again, I never realized how much time and energy I have put into what I do. I never 'thought' about it before. And now since I have embarked on being an awesome, knowledgeable personal trainer I see the demands it places on my family and myself as a person. I never thought I kept myself from doing things just because I was preparing for a show - but now have realized that I do just that. There are situations that I avoid as I just don't feel like socializing, or being around people. When I am moody or cranky, because of the diet or perhaps that time of the month - I do isolate myself. Perhaps it is a protective mechanism as I never want to seem disinterested in those around me, or seem preoccupied by my thoughts but when dieting and especially the last 2 weeks before a show, I am very internal as they say. I am pensive - I am focussed. I can understand why some relationships don't last in the industry as I can see it from the other person's perspective how hard that must be for them. To feel isolated while living with someone else. Their thoughts on their show and the other person almost feeling jealous not of a person but of a thing.

I am so lucky that my husband knew what I did years before we ever got married. He knew what he was getting into.But what about other husbands - when their wives take up this sport (or girlfriends) and then things change. It is hard. Really hard. As you are always trying to find the balance between giving your all to the activity you love, and giving to your family. That is why I say the last 2 weeks (for me anyways) are the hardest - as I am the most focussed and thinking about the show basically all the time. Everthing I do for the next 2 weeks surrounds what is going to happen in 14 days - the show.

Have a I found a balance? I thought I did but now I am finding it swing the other way. What do I really want out of all of this? I am questionning more and more my reasons for competing. I think it is good to do that, but I am finding myself feeling the need for a break. A long break. I want to leave the sport (or take a break for a while) with good positive feelings rather than keep chasing something that I am not really sure of what the goal is anymore. Why am I competing?

Again these thoughts have been running through my mind for a long time.

Dallas - this weekend. I will be focussed. I will have fun. I will be very excited to see everyone, laugh, eat, and take lots of photos as I am not sure of my next move in the industry.

This weekend I will savor every moment. It might be a while before I get an experience like this for a while.

"Moving on is a simple thing, but what it leaves behind, is hard"

Official Blog of Allison Ethier: Two Months in.

2010-07-25T08:13:00.000-04:00

Official Blog of Allison Ethier: Two Months in.

Two Months in.

2010-07-25T07:37:00.074-04:00

Hi Everyone-

It has been a fabulous summer so far. The last year has been so trying and I think I have finally build a bridge and go 'over it'. Meaning all the events of the previous year.
I took about 10 days for family vacation in the Maritimes. Loved being home. The weather was a complete 180 from the previous year - super sunny and hot while last year was dark and down pour rain the entire time. This summer's weather has been nearly perfect and we are only half way through.

Personal Training
July has been a busier month than June for my personal training. My personal training services @ the ProGym is going well, although it is slow right now. I am told that is normal for this time of year. Summer, I am told, sees many individuals take a 'break' from the gym for the summer. I have had about 10 clients in person so far. I am always excited to see them and cannot wait to train them. I would like to be busier, and many friends have given great information.

I am putting a lot of pressure on myself to be busy, and be great right away. I have to stop doing this. I am new, the whole experience is new and I cannot expect to have a filled schedule in less than 8 weeks. I would never have done that with teaching - teaching was all about survival of the day. It has not even been a month in total that I have been at the gym. I have been travelling a lot, have been away for vacation with the family - so having clients depends more on me - I need to be at the gym to mingle and meet clients. I am told everything will pick up by the end of August. It is really empty during the day at the gym so I think this would be a good time to be branching out - to online training.

Online Training
I have a few online clients right now so much of my time is spend setting that up. I am almost ready to go live on my website. Eventually I would like to have both running solid, but somehow I am liking the idea of working from home. My web guy - MirapDesigns.com - redid my entire site and if you like what you see.... - his name is Paul and he is super reasonable and always responds back to your emails. Quick, reliable, and good.

Realizations of Competition
I am also preparing for the Europa Texas show August 13th, 14th of next month. I am finding it challenging to prepare for this show. I am realizing many things that I have never paid attention to before. Like my diet for instance, I never realized how little food I do eat to get ready for the show. It is less than maintenance level calories for off season, but I guess I was just so busy that I ate and went about my day. Perhaps it is because I feel more present in my life, and can take the time to eat my food, and pay attention to it.

Another thing is the routine - which I love performing but somehow do not like practicing it. I can totally understand why girls do bikini or figure - the routine is HARD. I never knew how hard until now. Although I am still conditioned and not completely out of shape being in perfect routine performing cardio shape is tough. I will be working through that, and am almost there to be able to run through it 3X full out. But again, I never noticed that before.

Then there is the time we spend onstage. I watched a full show online and it was around 8-10 mins in total that you get to spend onstage. Luckily with fitness we have 2 rounds, but with the elimination of the one piece for figure (which is still a good thing) the amount of work that you do to get onstage begs me to ask the question - is it really all worth it? Fitness still has 2 rounds which allows us now to have the most time on stage - actually no - we are not equal to the bodybuilders. They have group comparsions and individual posing. But if you just look at fitness, figure or bikini of the 3 yes we have the most time onstage. However, if you are only getting one call out - that is about 2 mins of facetime for 8-12 weeks of contest prep. I know there is more time outside of that as you don't discount all the prep work you did before that, but if we only look at the 12 weeks before the show, it works out to be (12 weeks x 7day/week x 24hours/day x 60mins/hour) = 120 960 minutes of prep work before a show. Even if we take out the 24 hours in a day, and put in 2 hours a day of prep (on average over the whole prep and this is being conservative) that is (12 x 7 x 2 x 60) = 10 080 minutes of work for the prep divided by 2 mins for a call out and that is:
5040 mins of work for every 1 mins on stage.

Or in terms of hours that is: 84 hours of work to every 1 min onstage
I am sure you can appreciate the point I am trying to make.

Training me, Training others
I am not sure how girls who compete full time and train others continue to have motivation for themselves. Giving my motivation to others can be much more rewarding - but having enough for me and then for others is really tough. I would rather see someone else compete than spend all that energy on me. I wonder what this is saying about me at this point in my life? Time to take a break maybe? Not sure. I always find I experience these feelings before a show and then when I am at the show things change again - I always am more motivated at the show and cannot wait to do another. Being around people who are just like me is very inspirational.

August Schedule
So for August I have the Europa show, then I will be off to the Canadian Fitness, Figure and Bikini Nationals in Mississauga at the end of the month. I will be doing spray tanning at the event. Sign up today if you are going and I would love to take care of you.
Sign up today! Visit my facebook page to see images of my work.

For now I will spend the last 3 weeks prepping for the show, and trying add new clients for my business. I am so excited to get up each and every day. I am really enjoying life right now.
Everyone asks - "Will you go back to teaching?" I am not sure. But I will leave you with this -

Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. - Maria Robinson

One month in

2010-06-26T21:55:00.009-04:00

Hi Everyone-

I am sitting here at the Tampa International airport about to board my flight back home and I thought I would take a moment to let you know how things have been going.

I have had a few clients so far this month. One is a long term client that has signed up for a few months. I am very excited to see their changes over the next few weeks. I do have some clients who sign on for a week, and then take a week break with me. I have been told that this is not normal - however, what really is normal when it comes to personal training? Sure I would love the client to have me with them all the time to make sure they are progressing, working hard enough, but then again it is all about what the client wants. I am willing to show them as much as I can in that small time frame we are together, and then let them see if they are able to work on their own, and usually they do come back for some more. My philosophy is to teach independence. I would do the same thing with my students; preparation for the next level. Giving them information and hopefully they are able to assimilate this information into something that is workable for them.

CISSN Exam/ISSN Conference

This past weekend, I was in Tampa, FLA for the International Society of Sport Nutrition’s (ISSN) annual conference and of course I was writing their Certification in Sport Nutrition (CISSN). This information is very athlete specific - endurance, or anaerobic/strength/power athlete. The application to fitness, figure and bikini gals is very limited. However, it is information. Information I feel I need, and perspectives that can only add to my understanding of my role as personal trainer, and ultimately fitness, figure, and bikini coach. Plus I get to hang with some super smart people for the weekend, and see what is up and coming in supplements.

Like Vitamin D for example. I saw a wonderful presentation by Rikki Keen out of Alaska about Vitamin D and how it is recommended for anyone who lives north of Altanta, GA they should be supplementing. 2000mg is the recommendation, but she herself supplements with 5000mg. There were some presentations that I was really impressed with; impressed that I had the knowledge to understand what was being said. The language was clearly very scientific but seemingly I understood all of it, and was able to follow along. I am sure reading the ISSN textbook has helped tremendously in refreshing my memory to some of these concepts, including the use of a very good dictionary.

Speaking of the ISSN exam - I think things went well. There were questions (of course) that I was not sure of and others that I was absolutely sure of. I will have to wait up to a month to see what my results are and I am very hopeful that things will work themselves out. I tried to remember questions that I had difficulty with in order to go and look up the answers, but after 3 hours of intense focus, and 200 multiple choice questions, I was pretty spent. I am sure questions will come to be as time passes, but yes, it was a difficult test, and yes, you do need to have a strong science background to be able to handle the concepts.

What is next for me? A few items.

Europa Texas - I will be training and dieting all summer for the August Europa Texas show. It will be the last chance to see if I can qualify for the Olympia. It is the last chance for any fitness competitor to qualify for the Olympia. I would love to be able to attend the show in my rookie year. Am I ready? Well, that is all up to the judges. I am on the smaller side (even Oxygen said so recently) but my routine I feel is on par with what is being presented on stage today.

Dieting - well I am actually looking forward to it. I have always found dieting in the winter easier, but this summer I want to be in better condition. I am not content with my shape right now, and losing a few will make everything (including me) feel better. Being in the gym on a daily basis also helps as this is now my job, and I am my own advertising.

Eating well can be seen as something as overwhelming but over the years I have found the right formula to make sure I am always prepared with my food. Like cooking in bulk, or preparing in advance if I know I am going to be away from the house for the day. I always bring my food with me. Always. You just never know when you will get stuck somewhere or might be at someone's house, and well - it is time to eat.

There are times when I want to go out to eat, or have a beer with friends, but it is few and far between. Many, many times I am extremely disappointed with the food I receive at restaurants, and think to myself, ‘why did even I even bother?’. I am always more satisfied with my food at home, and feel much better afterward.

I say this as I just traveled with all my food to this conference, and it really was not that hard. You never have to wait for your food, you always feel satisfied, never that heavy feeling you would get after a big meal, and it is good food. Sure you can get good food at restaurant, but if you are not familiar with what is being offered in terms of restaurants, or the kinds of foods they serve in that area (fresh, frozen, or fried) would it not just be a safer bet to travel with your food?

I rarely go out to eat in my town, and if I do plan to go out to a restaurant ever again it needs to be a very high end restaurant; one that offers the best food in the city. If I can cook it at home for fewer calories, and equal taste, I just don’t see the fun in going out to eat. BBQs and suppers with friends takes care of the social part, and I anytime I do eat out in a restaurant you know what I get? Salad. That is it, just salad. To me salad is a treat, and a ‘cheat’. I love to have a huge salad, with lots of toppings, and dressing, and some bread. Pretty boring eh? I guess my tastes have changed over the years, and I just find it easier to eat the same things most of the time. This was not a change that happened overnight.

Gym - Back to the gym on Monday, and with that I am going to make a push for more business. I have not advertised at all, and will do so when I get home. Unfortunately, I will be going on vacation in July so that might slow things for July. I will be visiting the Maritimes again this summer, and will start advertising down there. Plus I do want to hold some camps in the early fall. I really want to train fitness, figure and bikini competitors and show that your prep does not have to be THAT difficult. It is a process, one that you must be patient with, and realize that changes don't happen overnight.

I do have a post that I have worked on and am considering posting it; however, I do want to see how the summer goes with PT and how busy I am.

;)

Have a great week,

2010 New Beginnings - June 1

2010-06-06T08:41:00.011-04:00

Hi Everyone-

There are so many good things going on, that I am not sure where to start.

Spray Tanning Services-
My friend and I are doing Spray Tanning backstage at shows and for regular spray tans in the Sherbrooke area in which we live. We did the FCPAQ Est show here in Sherbrooke (CBBF stream), and received great feedback from the promoter and he has already booked us for next year.
It was a busy day, but I loved seeing all the athletes performing and being apart of the atmosphere without any pressure to compete.

Sophie Charpentier, an athlete who I helped train competed in her first show. She is 18 years old and a former math student of mine. She did an amazing job - I could never have imaged myself at 18 years old competing onstage.

We have some photos online - where you can see the before and afters.

We will be at the 2010 CBBF Fitness, Figure and Bikini, Junior, Masters, and Grandmasters National championships in August in Toronto.

If you would like spray tanning services, you can sign up from my website - sign up here - and then we can make sure to take care of you for the event. We are still seeing if we can get backstage at the event as the CBBF has expressed interest in supporting our endeavors. We will update all our athletes of the final decision, however, we will be at the host hotel for the event in August.

Along with that we will be at our 3rd event - the New Brunswick Provincials in November. Information is available on my site - under 'services'.

Teaching & Beyond
Summer is almost upon us, and school for most students is coming to an end. Although I did not finish out the school year I know that I would not have made it to the end of the year. Teaching is one of those things that is so hard nowadays. It is unlike the way the education system was even 10-15 years ago. Expectations are different, students are different, administration has more pressure on them to implement changes quickly and effectively, and the teachers are expected to do more work than is humanly possible. This June try to thank the teachers of your children. High school might be tough but maybe you can thank the homeroom teacher or that teacher that takes the most care of your child. It is not an easy job at times, and even just a small note is enough encouragement for those great teachers to stay in the profession a little longer.

For me, I am so blessed. I did apply for a parental leave of absence in March, and luckily it was approved. This now leaves me the time to pursue being a personal trainer, teacher, and coach.

Personal Trainer & Teacher
I have finally decided on a gym that I will be working at for the next year - ProGym in Sherbrooke (Fleurimont) location. I already have an office, and a few clients under my care. I am very excited to what changes I can help them make. So if you are in the area, by all means stop in and see me or contact me at - contactallison@yahoo.ca

ProGym is a great environment for me. I had a decision to make as the other major private gym in my area also expressed interest in me. Although I would love to work at both gyms, I don't think either one would be happy with that arrangement. I have a great relationship with both gyms, and this was a tough decision to make. Did I mention that I am also trying to tackle this new position all in French? I will be learning a lot this year.

My goals include teaching my clients - (as that is my background) I want to help teach those who just don't get the gym to at least feel comfortable in the gym, stay motivated, and keep them on track when those times get tough. I find it tough every now and again, and it is always good to have someone in your corner to help pick you up when you need it.

Presentation & Posing Classes
Along with my gym, I also have a great working relationship with other community areas in Sherbrooke/Lennoxville area. I do my presentation classes at University of Bishops - they have an amazing dance studio that I can use for routines, and presentation/posing classes.

I know some from the Maritimes have contacted me about having seminars etc on this, and I will be home this summer in July - so if you are still interested, contact me and we will see what we can do.

Studying
I am currently studying for the CISSN sport nutrition exam in June - I will also be attending the ISSN Conference in Clearwater Florida at the end of the month. It is a very challenging exam as I have forgotten a lot of my chemistry and biology, but bit by bit it is coming back to me. I will be glad when this exam is over as it is occupying a lot of my time. I just don't want all this time and energy I have been putting into this, (plus the expense) to go to waste. I am very excited for the conference though. I like being the student as well as being the teacher.

Competing....? Again?
Yes. Yes please. I will be competing again this summer - crazy I know. I told myself not this summer, no more dieting in the summer, not any more summers, but here I go again. I don't find the diet as restrictive as I used to. Actually when I eat those 'bad' foods, I don't feel well, and my skin does not cooperate well to the change in foods. I am 33 and sometimes have the skin of a 14 year old. I don't realize how good I feel on the good food, until I start eating the bad food. (or too much of the bad food).
So I will be going to the Europa Texas this summer. Very excited, as I have never been to Texas. I do have a family vacation in there, but it is on the beach, so it is manageable.

My goal is to make it to the Olympia this year. Top 3 I need to make, or if the top 3 are already qualified, then the 4th place will be qualified. I will keep visualizing (a hint from Kary Odiatu), and then go out there and do my absolute best. I can only control me; not the outcome.

Along the lines of competing - how do I manage to compete year after year, and still enjoy it. My prep is not THAT difficult. Really. There are times when I want bread, and butter, but other than that I enjoy working out, I enjoy performing the routine (the practices are killer though...especially after a break), and I like the travel and seeing the girls. The summer I know it is about beer, and food, and friends. So I can have the friends, and the BBQ (with selected foods), but not the beer.

Is socializing with my friends going to be any more/less fun if I ate the non diet food? Probably not. I still talk and drink (water etc) and have a good time. I think it makes the people around me (or those who don't know what I do) more uncomfortable than it makes me. I do have tricks to mask my dieting, but my closer friends know when they see the blue cooler it is time. Time for the diet. They just don't even ask anymore.

Metabolic Damage
Although I never suffered any of this myself, I do feel that I could have been one of these girls. I ended up having my son at a time that if I continued competing this would have been me. After having my son in 2006, I did not have the time to spend doing endless hours of cardio, so trained smarter, more efficiently, and worked on cleaning up my diet more. In March of 2008, I connected with Erik Ledin and well, he wrote an excellent piece on this heated topic of debate - Metabolic Damage - all you who compete should read this.

Contest prep should not be a part time job. If your trainer is doing any of the mentioned things...you might want to rethink your trainer - or perhaps get a second opinion.

I would love your feedback -

A.

Update - April 2010

2010-05-08T08:55:00.007-04:00

Hi Everyone-

Yes it has been a long time since I have updated. There is so much going on. I am thrilled to be embarking on some new challenges this year.

Before I left for the Arnold, I had put in for a leave of absence from teaching for the following school year. I have to make a decision in March for something that is only going to happen in September. Perhaps that is why I am such a planner. In teaching you always have to plan way in advance.

I am looking to spend more quality time with my son, and have a bit more time for myself, and pursue some interests that I might not otherwise. Teaching has been very good to me over the years, however, I am very unhappy with the direction the education system is headed. I do not feel that my own personal expectations of students are in line with what I am being told to do in the classroom. I know that I am able to 'close my door' and still do my own thing, yet, ignoring what is happening is no longer an option. My colleagues are able to deal with the situation much better than I. Hopefully my leave will be approved, as my love of the students and my fellow teaching staff is what I felt has kept me teaching for almost a decade. The amount of work required of me as a teacher has tripled over the last 3 years, and I am unable to do the job that I am feel that I am qualified to do, as the amount of preparation, planning, correcting, and daily administration duties are beyond what is humanly possible in the span of a 8-12 hour work day. And if I am going to be putting in that many hours into something that I am not 100% passionate about, I might as well be giving the same amount of effort into something that I would anyways - fitness.

I feel that at this time in my life, choosing to do something 'different' and for me that would be pursuing training others, helping with their nutrition, and helping them change their lives for the better is something that has interested me since I was a little kid. I am willing to face my fears of changing my job in order to do something that I never viewed as 'work'. I love learning, and am willing to do the work required to get better. I am more motivated than ever at the prospect of being 'superior' at my job.

Teaching I always felt as though I was lacking, as there were too many variable that continuously changed. With a constant change in workload/subject area, I never felt as though I was progressing. Every year I felt as though I was starting over, and never had a chance to be 'great'. For me it was important to be able to add to my resources, not scrap everything and have to start over. I always felt like I was starting over.

In the last few years of teaching, I had a really difficult time of separating my two worlds - teaching and fitness. I felt as though I was not being authentic self when I was teaching. There were parts of me that had to be 'controlled' as certain aspects of the industry could be viewed as inappropriate. I am fully conscious of my role as teacher, and role model for the younger generation. I think that this move towards fitness is going to be more in line with who I am. I am still an educator - but one of health & fitness not just mathematics, science and ethics. (although I will always love math)

I will be training girls for shows to show them there is an easier way to contest prep. I am having more fun than ever preparing for my shows, dieting, and training than I ever have. I am to help those in need to achieve their goal of being on stage. It is such a wonderful time when the show finally comes around and you put what you have prepared for into action. I am following a few girls now, and am very proud and excited for them. Much more than I ever have been for myself. I love being able to 'teach' girls how to prep for shows, so hopefully they can take this knowledge with them for their next show (if they choose to compete again).

I am also starting a spray tanning service at shows (see previous post), for shows, and if I can - backstage. I want to be involved in many aspects of the industry and this just seemed like the next natural step. With a friend of mine, we are going to be attending various shows in my region (Sherbrooke, QC). Depending on the schedules of shows, and our schedules (she has 2 children, myself just one), we will be at various shows. Just check back here, or on my site for which shows we will be attending. The first one for this year is the FCPAQ show in Sherbrooke, on May 22nd.

On the competition front - lots of good things happening.
I placed 5th in the New York Pro show, and 6th at the Orlando Pro. I had a wonderful time at both shows. Really I just wanted to redeem myself from the performance at the Arnold. It was a better showing, but ultimately my goal is to make it to the Olympia this year. One more show that would allow me to qualify - the Europa in Texas in August. So I am 99% sure that I will be attending that show. I have a new suit in the works, and then I have to decide new routine, or just my Be Italian routine with a few modifications.

I did make it up to Toronto and spent some time with Liana Saadi - photographer extraordinaire, and close friend. We shot together. Images were amazing! While I was there, I was able to shoot with Oxygen and Inside fitness, visit with Erik Ledin of Lean Bodies Consulting and meet with my agent - Tereasa Panossa of the Red Group.

I have been traveling quite a bit in the last 2 months, so now it is time to take a break, and catch up with friends, and family. (and put the house back together).

I think I will be taking up golf this summer, take on a few clients (so you can email me), some vacation time, and we doing some alterations to the house, have plenty of visitors, studying (I am writing the CISSN exam in Clearwater in June), and prepping for the Europa Texas. There are plenty of things to keep me occupied since leaving teaching.

I have to say that I am super excited to get out of bed everyday. I really have not felt like this for a long time. I guess I never realized how unhappy I was teaching (or maybe just teaching the subjects I was teaching). Sometimes in life we do things that are expected of us. I am glad that I took the risk, and am taking the steps necessary to do what I really want in my life.

"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together."
Vincent Van Gogh

Talk soon,

A.

Services de Spray Tan

2010-05-05T11:16:00.006-04:00

Hi Everyone-

Long time since I have updated and I will. I have so many new things on the go and am very excited. I actually have too many things on the go, and really just have to sit down and focus on one or two things, set them up and then add more.

My first big project right now is starting a tanning business with a close friend of mine.

I will be offering back stage tanning services as of May 22nd starting with a local show that is going on in my area - Sherbrooke, QC.

It is the FCPAQ Est. Follow www.fcpaqest.com for more information on the show and times of prelims & finals.

For the tanning services I am listing both an English and a French writing of the service as my clientelle is primarily French. I am very excited to be helping the athletes present the best they can on stage. The tan is the final step to heading the stage, and can have affect on your final placing if things don't go well.

I will update further on my other events since the Arnold. I just have to say that I am in a very good place in my life right now, and having so much fun.

Talk soon,

A.

Click on image for English & French Version on Facebook

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any questions on the tanning.
contactallison@yahoo.ca

A.

Arnold Classic WrapUp & Beyond

2010-03-22T12:15:00.009-04:00

Hi Everyone-

I have been away for the past 2 weeks. I decided to take a quick vacation home to Moncton, NB, where most of my family resides, and well, my old stomping grounds. I am originally from Halifax, NS, and lived most of my adolescence in Moncton, NB and also spend quite a few year in school in Charlottetown PEI - so I am a true Maritimer through and through.

I came home from the Arnold, only to leave 2 days later. I had decided to spend time taking a Can Fit Pro seminar that was happening in Moncton the following weekend. I thought it would be a good time to go home, and visit with the family as summer vacations never seem to be long enough to visit with everyone.

But before we get to that, let's talk about the Arnold.

The Arnold was a great experience for me. I learned so much this year from competing to making some new contacts. Everytime I compete I learn something new. This show really taught me a lot.

Everything leading up to Friday went really well. Friday morning, I had my tan touched up by JanTana, had my makeup done by the fabulous Elaine Goodlad, and then went on the athlete's bus to the Expo to do the physique round of the competition.

I felt really good backstage at the expo. My physique felt tight, and I was not nervous at all. It was a good showing. I was in the 3rd callout, with the other newbies. I am not a big girl, but I really liked the package that I presented, and was happy with that. My suit by Tamee Marie, was beautiful and it fit like a glove. I left the expo feeling energized, and excited for the nights' events. There was no expectation going into this show, and being at the Arnold has been one of my dreams since I had begun competing. I was more than happy with what I presented.

I stopped by the Bodybuilding.com booth on the way out to pick up my outfits for Sat/Sun, and it was a zoo. A crazy mad house! Like usual the Bodybuilding.com booth is always one of the main attractions of the Arnold Expo.

Here are some links to pictures of the physique round:
Muscular Development.com
Bodybuilding.com
RxMuscle.com

I went back to the hotel, relaxed a bit, ate, and then got ready to go to the Veterans Memorial for the night show.

For the night show, they decided to put the bodybuilders first before the fitness routines. Not sure if that threw a few girls, as I have not seen the routines, but I do know that when it was my turn to go, I did find myself questioning the floor, and if it was slippery or not.
I was 4th to perform my routine, and the girls before me, did mention that the floor was slippery. When they announced my name to go, I went out there to a big welcome cheer from the crowd (which was absolutely wonderful to hear), and went in position to start my routine. (I am getting cold right now thinking about this as all the nervous feelings are coming back to me).

As the music started, and I heard it start, and did my first move but then I could hear nothing. I am not sure what happened. I watched the broadcast on Bodybuilding.com and basically I looked lost, but in my mind, I could hear nothing. Nothing. I was lost as I could not hear my music. So I walked off the stage. I told the music guy I was 'going back out there', and did, so if I was not supposed to have a 'restart' I did, as I was on my way back onstage. I did do my routine the 2nd time I started, but still had a really hard time hearing my music. Again the replay of BB.com makes it look like I am behind. Not sure what it was...maybe I am just not used to hearing my music played in such a big venue. Could it have been nerves? Absolutely. I can tell you now that I was really scared of performing as, this was the ARNOLD! I hold the Arnold competition on such a pedistal that I am still really amazed that it all happened. As I was doing the routine, I was so mad at myself for having a 'do over'. There is no 'do overs' in the Pros - you get one shot and that is it. So for the routine I was in last place. That is cool. I was mad at myself, but not upset. Hopefully I can get this across correctly - it did not feel like the end of the world to me. Although it was a huge mistake in my eyes, so many told me how they really enjoyed the routine, and that is what I am really proud of. I love it when people understand and appreicate what you do. Bottom line on this one, I learned many things about how I need to prepare myself for this type of high level performance, and will do so in the future. The Arnold was a great moment to shine, but it was not my best moment. Right now I am in last place so there is no where to go but up. ;)

On Saturday I woke up and felt as though everything on Friday was a dream. Like, did that really happen? I was proud of the physique but the routine round I can do way better. And I will.

Sat and Sun were just as crazy as Friday. Less stressful, but more crazy. The booth was super busy, and Sly Stallone, and Arnold stopped by for some pictures at the Bodybuilding.com booth. I was not tired during the day, even though I had expected to be. With this renewed energy I scheduled a shoot with Liana Saadi, before going out at night. It was a great shoot. We always seem to do really great work in a short amount of time. I wonder what it would be like to have more time to really get some good shots in? After the photoshoot, and not wanting to waste my photoshoot makeup I went to a sushi place with fellow fitness gal Jill Brooks. Food never tastes so good than after a show! We went to the Party with the Pros - there was a buffet, and I was not really interested in socializing just browsing the buffet! Just kidding. You know how us competitors can get post show. After about an hour at Party with the Pros, we were off to Boma after party.

I don't go out much but for some reason this evening I was energized, and ready to stay out all night. I did see quite a few people out and about - including Beth Horn. She told me her story when she competed at the Arnold. Very encouraging.

I love hanging out with the fitness types, and was able to make a few new friends. It is so wonderful to hang with those who are really similar to yourself. A feeling of connection and belonging.

I knew that working on Sunday being tired is not fun, so I packed it in. I left early am (around 2am- early?) and headed home.

Sunday was just as busy as on Saturday. Working at the Bodybuilding.com booth this year was a bit more busy than last years. The booth had 3 sides of crowd rather than one line of crowd. It was tough to manage but by Sunday we had things set up and rolling smoothly. We did hand out all of the product that was there on the weekend. Luckily on Sunday I did not have to rush to the airport and was able to stay another day and leave on Monday. I took the evening to have dinner with another BB.com booth gal - Maleah Bataoel, at Buca Di Peppo. I had never been to this restaurant, and was plesantly surprised. I loved it! I do love Italian food, but really all I want is salad after a show, and well, plenty of bread.

After all the events on the weekend, I was pretty tired on Sunday night. I packed it in early - around 7:30pm. I basically crashed.

The Arnold is always my favorite event of the year. I love the time that it is held, and the city of Columbus really does an amazing job of putting together the event. I hope that I will be invited back next year, and well, this time no 'do overs'.

On that note, I am preparing for another show the New York Pro & the Orlando Pro. I have already sent in my applications, and made my flight and hotel arrangements. I have roomies, and am excited to get to know other Pros. What's 2-4 more weeks of dieting right?

It is time to do my absolutely best all the time, and live without this fear. Sometimes I think I make mistakes on purpose. Or I over think things rather than just doing. There are many changes that I am going through with my 'life's work', and it is having an impact on my performances. I wonder how others seems to be able to go out there and perform so consistently, all the time, and I am sure they have personal issues as well. I admire those who can do that. I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve a bit more. I vent. I write. Then I move on. I can tell you that I am moving on, and it feels really good. Sometimes when there is a huge 'negative' in your life it is really hard to focus on all that is positive. Things in my life are great, and I am trying to lay the foundation to move forward with what I want out my life.

I do want to take this time and Thank some very influential people in my life all of whom have shaped, lent advice, help guide, and calm me when needed. You are immensely important to me and I want you to know how much I value your friendship, experience, and guidance.

Arnold Classic Committee
IFBB Professional League
Erik Ledin - Lean Bodies Consulting
Cathy Savage & the Savage Team
Mike Davies Fitness Camps
Slimquick Extreme & Explorex
Bodybuilding.com & Bodybuilding.com Team
Elaine Goodlad - Makeup, JanTana - Tanning
Friends, and Family for their continuous support and encouragement

Talk soon,

A.

Arnold Classic - Thursday

2010-03-05T07:17:00.003-05:00

Good morning everyone
Yesterday I did not do too much. Lazed around watching housewives of orange county all day on Bravo.
Ran a few errands, went for a walk, ate, and that is about it.

Everything really did not get going until the afternoon. I had tanning at 2:30, then back to the room to eat and watch more TV. I have been relaxing way too much. Tanning did not go well. Same issue that happened last year happened this year. I will discuss later when I am on a full keyboard.

Athlete meeting was at 6:30 for the fitness gals and 7pm for the figure. It is so funny meeting all the fitness gals cause I already know who they all are. I am really a huge fan and watch them all online. I love the Internet for this reason as I would never have been able to see shows if not for the internet.

Then we all went over to the convention centre and then the Veterans Memorial to see what would be the for the night show.

The whole process took about an hour. I did not bring food with me and aS ready to eat, tan and sleep.

I am excited for tommorrow (today). I have to get more tanning, get my makeup done., do my hair and be over at the venue at 11 ish.
I am ready.

Talk soon,

A.

A

Arnold classic weekend - Wed

2010-03-04T07:42:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone-

I am here in Columbus. The weekend has officially begun.
Preparing for the last couple of days has not be as stressful as it has been in the past. Usually it feels like I am feeling like a chicken with it's head cut off. Perhaps it is because I am familiar with the packing, and cooking so I don't need to think as much on how to get it all done

I left home feeling ready and prepared. The drive to the airport was uneventful. I did have a delay out of Philidelphia but that is par for the course nowadays when you fly. I was still able to make my supper with fellow fitness competitor Cara Thien.
I returned to my hotel to go and get a few items at the grocery and met up with J and met Myriam Capes. Myriam and I live in the same province. We have heard a lot about each other but never met.

After shopping we went back to the hotel and met up with Tina Durkin and Nicole Duncan. The time has begun and I am sure I will be slightly star struck over the weekend.

Did I mention what an honor it is to be competing at this show?

I am typing on my itouch so each update will be short. Although I am familiar with technology I don't have the latest gadgets. You should ask to see what my cell phone looks like.

Talk soon,

A

VI days to go!

2010-02-25T15:44:00.014-05:00

It is almost here! I can feel the emotions starting to well up inside me. It has been an extremely long journey this time around. When I returned from Sri Lanka, I had only 52 days to get ready. Some girls start dieting before the Arnold invite lists are announced. However, all that is behind me now, and I know that I am ready.

It is funny when things finally start to take shape. You get smaller, and your clothes get much, much bigger. When my undies start hanging off I know things are going well. Plus the veins start to pop all over, especially after a meal with any carbs in them.

Today was routine practice. I dread routine practice, but love performing the routine. Once I get to the point where I run the routine through without my lips turning blue is a good day. Today was a good day. I practice in different shoes than what I perform in as they are a bit heavier and have much more padding on the toes. My other performance shoes, are more dancer shoes, are lighter, and well there is not much padding in the toes or support, as they are a soft sole in the arch (to make pointing your toes look like pointed toes). Not something that I recommend, but due to the pounding on the wood floor over cement, it hurts my body much less.

Here are a few new songs that I am completely in love with to get the motivation flowing.

Kesha - Blah, Blah, Blah

Imma Be - BEP

Telephone - Lady Gaga

Replay - Iyaz

_______________________________

Body wise I am think I am ready, ok, maybe the judges will say something different ;) I really cannot ask for more. I just have to go out there and do what I have practiced to do. I will be practicing more routine, and more posing before I leave on Wednesday for Columbus but it is a comforting feeling knowing that I am ready to go onstage. I just need a few beauty moments, and well things are good to go.

What am I expecting from this competitive experience? I would like to be able to go out there on stage and represent myself well, and represent Canada well. I want to remain competitive. That I look like I worked hard to be there, and did not just 'show up'. I want it to be evident that I prepared for this show.

In Canada, we do not have that many active pros right now. I understand that it is very hard to compete, especially after you spend much of your amateur career trying to reach the top and a pro card, only to hit the pros, and then spend more time working your way back up the ladder. It can be very frustrating. I have lived many frustrating moments in my amateur career, and hopefully will be able to transfer this understanding to my time in the Pros. I just need to be patient. Patience is a virtue, and I am willing.

In my routine, I just want to perform well, so I am proud of what I presented.

____________________________

I am not getting any younger and there are other things that I do want to be doing. Competition prep is time consuming and really I have not realize it until this year. After this show, I am not sure if there are other shows on the horizon. I say this as I have spent more time with my son in the past few weeks, and do see a difference in my mindset when I am preparing for a show, vs when I am not.

In the past few weeks many things have changed like I mentioned. What I have not mentioned is that I took a break. I had to go. I had to leave. January was a huge month for me. After much discussion...actually 7 months of discussion...I decided to take a break from teaching. Yes, I did it. I felt completely guilty for leaving my students as they were wonderful, but I was not in a position where I was happy. My family was unhappy. I was unhappy. I was working 50+ hours week for a part time job. My son was going to daycare all day and I was teaching once 75min class. I spent more time with these other children than my own child. It was a scary decision but I knew when the principal told me what the workload was going to be next year, on paper it looks like 50% but in reality it was not. I could not do my best work, and do my best work at home, so I had to leave. And the best part of it is, all of my co-workers said, 'good for you'. I was surprised, as I felt really guilty & shameful for leaving mid-year, but there was no way I could survive or else I would have been on stress leave. Maybe they knew what a raw deal I got this year, and were happy that I wasn't just putting up with it. Either way I really happy to have these people in my life. They are immensely supportive and encouraging.

With my leave of absence my job is still protected for next year.....ahhhh...next year. I have to put in my request for what I want to teach for next year by the 16th of March. So after the Arnold I will have some really hard decisions to make.

But, I do have some ideas of what I would like to do with my "in the meantime". Personal train others, and prep girls for shows. I am also preparing a 'coach for a day' service. Basically I would be your personal consultant to the stage & cheerleader for the day for your show. It would be more local to the girls around my area, unless there would be a demand for my services elsewhere. I am also preparing for an exam in June which is in line with personal training services. I have many ideas and cannot wait until everything is in line, and ready to go. I will post what shows I plan to attend on my website. And I am free to travel as I need to. Something I have not been able to do since my college days.

I can say that I am in a really, good place right now. :)

___________________________________

This weekend is filled with:

packing.
cooking, lots of cooking, to do for the week. And freezing.
routine practice, and posing.

Did I forget anything?

See you all really, really soon,

A.

10 days to go!

2010-02-21T17:05:00.013-05:00

Here we are; the final stretch.

Last weekend, I was in Columbus for a Mike Davies camp. I had gone to a camp in July of 2009, just for a little motivation and it was just what I needed to keep on top of everything. This time was for the same reasons.
The weekend is filled with 4 huge workouts, posing and bootcamp. I met some wonderful girls. Funny, welcoming, and very friendly. Those who I have encountered in the industry who truly love what they do and love competing are so enthusiastic, and smart.

Weekends like this really put a positive perspective on everything. I think I am so attracted to the bootcamps as it is a time when I know I can hang with girls who are just like me. I remember my weekends away competing as time with the girls. In conversations with them, I sensed that they felt the same way. We would have a lot of laughs, eat really well (diet food, and then of course non diet food) and share our stories of training, tips & tricks, and motivation ideas.

I was in much better shape this time than last time I attended camp. The post workout soreness felt like a one hard workout, and was able to walk normally when I returned.

I noticed some huge changes in my physique in the last couple of weeks.

I was looking back on a few posts from when I began my blog and stumbled upon these:

This is me 6 months (Oct 06) after having my son and just about to compete:

And this is me from about a week ago:

And from the back:

I think looking at these I think it can be said that I have made some improvements.

My waist is still not as small as I would like, but after having a baby I think I have come along way. Things change after a baby, move around, and sometimes don't go back to where you want them to go. I have had a friend who competed 3 months after having a child. I did not know how she did it. Babies love protein, and I found that having a child took all my muscle away. The next time, (if there is a next time) I have a child I will not push it so hard to get my body back. Giving up your body for 9 months, ++ months to get back into shape, can be hard on your mental state; especially if you are not ready. I will be ready the next time. I will also continue to workout regularly while pregnant - the first time I did not. I gained 50lbs + in the process. It was a long road back to get my muscle back.

Workouts are going well. Routine is going well. It is a fun routine, and I am hoping that I am the only one doing this theme - Be Italian by Fergie.

Here is a part of the song:

Inspiration & Motivation
I have also adopted 3 songs for inspiration for the training period.

Ke$ha - Tic Tok

Evacuate the Dance Floor - Cascada

Empire State of Mind - Alicia Keys & JayZ

I always have a few songs to listen to before I get on the stage. I don't watch the other competitors - and in this case, I am really not watching the other competitors. I looked at the list again of who will be competing at the Fitness International - and see that I am and should be proud to be doing this show. The amount of talent that will hit the stage for this show adds up to a total experience level of about 110 years between the 15 of us! That is on average 7 years of experience each. Incredible! These are some very, very experience girls, and again, I am so proud to be able to share the stage with them.

I am looking forward to just performing really well, and soaking up the moment. I know I have expectations for myself, but I do have to remind myself that I am new to this whole IFBB Pro scene and need to be patient. I have always had coaches in my life tell me to 'slow down' as I always want to 'run before I can walk'. I am starting everyday to get more and more excited. It is hard to maintain the momentum in training/diet when the show is so far away, but now that it is just upon me...it does get a little easier. I have aspirations of making it to the Olympia this year, so a top 6 spot is what I am aiming for. Ok, a little lofty considering the lineup, but why not? I only live once, and well what if I die tomorrow? I just want to be able to 'got for it' and be proud that I actually did that. I always want to do my very best, and whatever the outcome is - so be it.

Webcast - Bodybuilding.com
I am really excited that the show will be webcast by Bodybuilding.com - here is the main page.

Arnold Main Page - If you scroll down you will see WEBCAST - when the page is ready you can bookmark it.

Those around me have never seen me compete in a long time, and it will be wonderful to share with them what I have been doing for so long. The hear all about it, and now they will be able to experience it too.

I will also be at their booth all weekend long. What a fun weekend!

So for this week I plan to train, eat really well, get my beauty stuff out of the way, start packing, and cooking. This week is going to fly by and really I cannot wait.

I think I am just hungry. I cannot wait to eat....bread. Mmm...bread.

Talk soon,

A.

26 days to the Arnold!

2010-02-08T14:35:00.010-05:00

"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it."
Maya Angelou

The countdown has officially begun. There is less than 24 days to the Arnold (on my calendar anyways), and I have begun to feel the pressure. The pressure to get everything ready. My body, my costume, my routine, my suit (ok, I delegate that one - but the pressure for it to arrive before I leave), my posing and of course my head. I have to get my head ready for this event. To be able to calm my nerves or fears when the time comes to preform. This is my biggest goal every time I compete. To do the best that I can under the pressure. Basically to be perfect under the pressure. That way what ever the outcome I can accept there is no more that I can do. The physique round does not scare me the way the routine round does. I wonder how the figure girls feel? Or the bodybuilders? Is it the same kind of pressure to do well for themselves?

I have struggled over the years with perfectionism, and how I can try to have things be 'just ok' at times. As a mom, this was easier for me to handle. As an athlete - much harder. I can control the outcome or at least try to by being my very best. But when you compete against the very best, sometimes you get a rude awakening. I hope for the Arnold that I am at my best, so that I can leave feeling satisfied with my experience. I have wanted this experience for so long now....that it sometimes does not feel like it is going to happen. That someone is going to come along and say - oops we made a mistake you are not actually on the list. Where does this voice of insecurity come from? Each day I do try to make the most of my time at the gym, with my meals, and routine practice so that I know that I am doing all I can to be at my personal best. There are times when I wonder if it is all enough; is it all worth it? Do other girls go through these similar emotions when in the throws of contest prep?

I am happy to be seeing changes in my body. I had a changed a few things in my personal life and was concerning that my body would not respond like it used it - but I was wrong. It did, and is responding, and I am on track for the show. I was considering the Phoenix show, but knew that traveling twice in a month for my family was a bit much. Any more than once a month, is really hard, and besides, I miss home too much. So my decision to only focus on the Arnold was because I am going to a Mike Davies camp this weekend. It is just the big push I need to lead me to the Arnold. I loved my experience last time. I couldn't walk for a week. I am in better shape now, but somehow I am not sure if I will be pain free. I am basically there for a butt kicking, and well he tends to kick everything - legs, arms, back, shoulders.....

My routine practice is going well, although it is hard. How come I have done this for all these years, and never viewed it as 'hard'? Everyone else told me it was hard, but now, 11 years later, I realize - yes, it is hard. Maybe it is the twinges of pain I feel every now and again. Or the getting back into the gymnastics that hurts temporarily as my body becomes adjusted to the pounding. But wow, you really feel alive when your whole body is sore.

I finally have some costume ideas, and am hoping that everything will come together on the day of the event.

The Arnold is going to be a busy weekend - I will be competing on Friday during the expo, and Friday night at the Veteran's Memorial. Then on Saturday at the Bodybuilding.com booth & Party with the Pros, and then on Sunday at the Bodybuilding.com.

I would love to meet you, so make sure you stop by. The BB.com line is always quite long, as we do give away a lot of product, so you will have to be patient.

There are times when you want to quit - I think it is around this point. When you get to around 3 weeks out, and you see changes happen daily, but still the time feels slow. Maybe it is low motivation, or else it could be that I am just hungry. Not crazy eat my arm off hungry; just it is cold outside, I am in comfy clothes, and I really would like to be eating comfort food.

Training is going well. I am still working with Erik Ledin - of LeanBodiesConsulting.com. He is a great sources of information for me and I value his knowledge tremendously. I love having someone who knows that much more than me. It is very inspiring.

After coming back from LA for the Fit Expo, I realized how much I really just love the industry. I love being at shows (always have), love seeing all the fit bodies, it motivates me to stay in shape. Once a month is good. To be reminded to try to do better at your workouts, maybe push a little more.

Training others has always been on my mind, and well, there is no better time like the present to do that. So for the next little while, I will be researching much about a career in personal training and nutrition. I have already looked into doing my nutrition degree, but since it has been more than 5 years since I have been in University I am looking at a full 4 years - and a 2 hour drive to get there. Not really an option for someone with a family, and well, 2 other careers on the go. So for now, I will be preparing for a nutrition certification, and keeping up my CEUs for my NSCA-CPT certification which I have had since 2007. It will be a lot of work, but I am thrilled to be learning more in a subject area that I love - training & dieting.

I think life is trying to send me a message, and really I have to listen. There are moments when you have to make a choice. I remember my University professor giving me an assignment that I did not quite understand what he wanted. After much discussion, and some meetings I handed in an assignment that I though is what he wanted (....as really smart students sometimes are not smart, just smart at figuring out what the teacher wants).
He calls me into his office and told me that I could do the assignment over (it took about 10 hours), or take a pass. He then told me that maybe because of my fitness, I should make a choice - to do teaching or do fitness. I told him I told him that I did not understand what he wanted, and would take the pass. I also added that I felt as though I could do both. Since 2001 I have done both, teaching and fitness. However, recently there have been many incidents that are making me believe that I should be choosing just fitness.

My mac laptop provided by the school crashed recently - everything from the last 4 years was gone. Assignments, tests, some marks, attendances - any thing and everything a teacher would make up and save. We teachers are closet pack rats. We save everything.

There are other things that have happened that I really won't get into, but man.....could life be screaming at me any louder?

A.

35 days to the Arnold!

2010-01-28T15:07:00.007-05:00

Not long now. Only one month away. The Arnold Classic. My favorite event of the year. Training has been going really well. Trying to maintain my muscle, and keep some shape this year. I can get lean but it tends to be really lean, no shape. I wanted to post pictures, but just have not had time to get some done. Maybe next update. Weight - in the 125lbs range. I usually compete around 120lbs so I am pretty much on schedule.

Dieting is going easier than I expected. The first 2 weeks are always tough, but then you get into the groove. Knowing that the show is a few short weeks away keeps me on my toes. The 3 to 6 week mark out from the show is when the most damage can be done, and when you need to work your hardest. During this time I will have to finish my routine, commit it to memory, find or design and make a costume, and get all my ducks in a row for the day of the event. There is no shortage of things to prepare. I am ready and up for the challenge.

Also for the Arnold Classic weekend you can visit me at the Bodybuilding.com booth on Saturday and Sunday. Come early as it is always the longest line up of any booth. There will be many faces stopping by during the weekend. Details to come!

Los Angeles Fit Expo

(Crystal from Bodybuilding.com)

I just returned from a weekend out in LA with Bodybuilding.com. It is always fun to see everyone without having to prepare for a show. And my luggage was a lot lighter too. (except on the way home). The event was a 2 day event. Usually it is held in conjunction with the Ironman Pro bodybuilding show, but this year they did not hold that event. Instead there was the 2nd annual 2010 Bodybuilding.com Bodyspace Spokesmodel contest. I was lucky enough to be there to see the next 2 bodyspace members (a male and female) become the Spokesmodel for 2010.

It was Ben Brooker, and Jaquelyn Kay, the new 2010 Bodyspace Spokesmodels. (pictured)
You can see more on the contest, and the other contestants on Bodybuilding.com.

The show began in the mid-afternoon and I got to do something that I have always wanted to do - host! I was a co-host with Bob Cicherillo for the event, and was able to ask questions of the competitors to highlight their talents, and motivations. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to see what it is like on the other side of the stage. Not easy to have questions ready to go when in front of that many people. It is something that I would like to do more in the near future.

(Alexandra, Mindy, Danny, & Erin)

The rest of the weekend was filled with hanging out with friends, handing out various products at the Bodybuilding.com booth, seeing other booths, taking some pictures, meeting fans, and having a good time. I always look forward to these events as working does not feel like working.

Maybe life is telling me something and I should be paying attention? ;)

At the Ironman Magazine booth they had my cover with the face cut out so people could put their face instead of mine. I thought it would be funny to put my face where Sean Harley's face was. He did the same thing on his cut out. Very funny.

(Silvio Samual, 2009 Ironman Pro Bodybuilding Champion)

Up next for me is a Mike Davies Camp in Columbus Ohio. I went back in July and well had my butt kicked and loved every minute of it. I was very quiet when I was there, but that was probably due to being so tired. I could not walk for a week afterwards. This time I am preparing for the body bashing and am training for it. These camps and weekends away do amazing things for my motivation. Traveling once a month seems to put everything into perspective for me.

I have a few things in the works but for now I will keep mum, and let life take me in the right direction.

"Man is only truly great when he acts from his passions." Benjamin Disreali

A.

New Year! 2010 is here!

2010-01-13T19:14:00.014-05:00

Arnold Classic 2010

It is with great pride that I announce that I have been selected to compete at the 2010 Arnold Fitness International as a IFBB Pro competitor.

Here is the full list of the Fitness International competitors:

Myriam Capes
Regiane Da Silva
Nicole Duncan
Tina Durkin
Allison Ethier
Adela Garcia
Tracey Greenwood - Withdrew
Oksana Grishina
Jennifer Hendershott - Withdrew
Tanji Johnson
Julie Palmer
Kayde Puckett
Camala Rodriguez
Sylvia Tremblay
Kizzy Vaines
Trish Warren

I put in an application in mid November, and basically crossed my fingers. I heard this news just before I left for Qatar and Sri Lanka for 2 weeks for Christmas. It was a welcomed Christmas gift. I am so proud to be among these talented competitors. They are all so accomplished, and I am excited to learn from them.

What did this mean for training/diet over the Christmas holidays? No dieting. No training.
I was traveling, and well, it is not fun to be doing the 'diet' thing while you are on vacation. Possible, but definitely not fun. So I decided not to sweat about it and when I returned home I would have around 60 days to get my act together. I did not and do not have that much weight to lose - around 10 lbs, so in that time frame I should be ok. My issue has never been getting lean, but rather maintaining or gaining muscle. I am small frame, and like my body, and well, am not sure if I want to gain too much muscle. I know it is just temporary (in terms of my life span) but I also really enjoy modeling so I am hoping I can find a balance between the two. Being able to do well on stage as a fitness competitor, and model from time to time.

Here are some progress pics as of my return from Sri Lanka
(taken Jan 10th)

So this year I have been toying with the idea of going back to a few routines that I have done in the past. I try to always move forward in my routines, and learn a few new skills over the years. This year, I have so many ideas, that I had a hard time choosing a theme. I tend to do themes, as the costume is always easier to design and make. So, this year I will not return to an old theme but come up with a new one. I have decided on trying one song instead of a mix. I have never done that before. The song has good levels, and a great theme, that I could not let it go and had to use it.

So I have been dieting for about a week now and already see changes. I think it was good to give my body a rest. I have never taken 2 weeks off of the gym. I mean never. Ok, when I was pregnant but that is about it. Even after a show I might take one day off, but 2 weeks? Usually after 3 days I am going crazy and need to do something.

Perhaps I did not miss it as much as it was so hot in Sri Lanka and I was sweating all the time, that I did not have the need to workout. Sri Lanka was amazingly friendly (much like Thailand), and Qatar was interesting as well. Qatar reminded me of Las Vegas but without the lights. There was a lot of construction, and basically just desert. I enjoyed my time away, but am back to school, and training, and really looking forward to everything. Especially the training. I really missed my gym.

Teaching

Teaching...hmmmm....how do I discuss teaching.

Maybe I should leave that for another post.

I do have to say that I really love my students this year. They are awesome. They all work, all are on task, and generally love school. How could I get an luckier? They must have awesome parents. Actually I met most of them at the last parent teacher night - and well, they are awesome too.

“Man can only endure a certain degree of unhappiness; what is beyond that either annihilates him or passes by him and leaves him apathetic”

Los Angeles Fit Expo 2010
I will be at the LA Fit Expo next weekend - January 22-24th, at the Los Angeles convention center. You can find more information here - Bodybuilding.com
I will be at the Bodybuilding.com booth on Saturday and Sunday.
I will be crowning the next 2010 Bodyspace Spokesmodel on Saturday. You can see all the contestants here. Spokes model contestants.

There is 47 days until I leave for the Arnold. I have quite a bit of work to do until then.

A.

Late Nov/Early Dec Update

2009-11-28T19:14:00.014-05:00

Where has the time gone? Since the Olympia I have been working hard at school - teaching my new workload of grade 8 math, science, and ethics. I know this school year has been extremely hard, and I have not had this much work to do in 8 years. My first year of teaching was this busy, but that was to be expected.

I teach the same group of students all 3 subject areas. So I see them at least once a day, and sometimes twice. With all that has changed for me this year, I have to say that someone has blessed me with awesome students. I don't want them to know that I think they are awesome, but they ALL are awesome. As long as my lessons are well constructed - they all will work, and be on task. All of them. Some minor discipline issues, but they are in grade 8 this is normal. But overall, they work, they hand in their stuff, and are conscious of their behavior.

I wanted to give up one course, as I am working 50+ hours a week for a job that requires me to be in the building (including teaching time) 16 hours. My goal for taking a reduced workload was to spend more time with my son, and that was not happening. I am still really confused on what to do. I am sure the year will pass by and nothing will change. I will probably have taught this new workload (secretly enjoying my students more), and then see what will happen for me next year.

I have talked with my principal, and expressed my unhappiness, and hopefully he will listen. Right now he does not seem to be listening. He says he will talk to me in February and explain why the change was made. People around me are baffled why the change was made. Hopefully I will get more clarification later in the year.

Other options...

I am still toying with the idea of doing personal training. Yes, I do want to do this but finding the time is tough. I can find the time to mom stuff, teaching stuff, wife stuff, house stuff, me stuff (when needed), and try to do the fitness stuff - however doing fitness stuff for others is more time than there is in 24 hour day. This is a project that I will be researching and working on over the next few months.

Lately, I am not sleeping well. Do you ever get like that? Not being able to sleep for no reason? I finally feel like I have control over the situation at work. But still, not sleeping. Tired, but not sleepy.

New IFBB Pro....

I think I might be excited for the upcoming fitness season. I still really enjoy competing and know that I am not finished just yet. I get very excited when I think about the upcoming shows, and events. I have applied to the Arnold Fitness International and am hopeful that I will get an invite. I am a huge fan of the event, and after having competing twice in the Arnold Amateur, I would love to be at the Arnold now as an IFBB Pro. I would love to be able to show my stuff on THAT stage. I have been dreaming of this moment since I began fitness, and it is very close now. I am so grateful to still be doing this after all these years, and just hope to continue for a few more years. The Arnold and eventually the Olympia are my goals for 2010. I do have other shows that I would like to do this year and will post that list later in the month.

I am always training. People I know always ask, "still training?" My answer of course is always 'yes' still training but not always dieting. I don't go through those phases of going for a while, and then stopping. I always go to the gym at least 4-5 times per week. Even at my busiest with school or fitness I still manage to go. I find of the diet, sleep or training - if I am lacking time sleep is the first to go. Then diet, then training. I am enjoying my break, and know that it is time to get on the wagon again, but like last year at this time, I am looking forward to the shows, and the preparations. I think I have come to realize that I no longer have to do fitness, I choose to do fitness. For years, and then some I would compete out of pressure (self pressure or external pressure) to compete. I felt I had to compete. Now, I truly want to compete.

To eat or not to eat....?

Do I find certain aspects of dieting hard? Sure. When I am stressed, or near that time of the month I feel like binging. In fact I think I have always been a food binger. Fitness did not bring it out in me. I can remember at times in University eating a whole pizza by myself. Or huge bowls of pasta. But I was so active that it never caught up to me. I live on either end of the bell curve. There is no happy medium with me. I am either all in or all out. I cannot have just a few m&ms. It is the whole bag. Just because I know what to do does not make it easier for me. So how do I stay on track? Deny, deny, deny. I know that in the end the means are justified. The means for fitness includes the diet. It is just part of the preparation.

When I take breaks from the diet - like now, the urge to binge goes away. I always consider food as a source of energy, and not just for pleasure. Sure there are times that I allow myself to go crazy. Once a week at the most. Again, when I am working I am super busy, train regularly, and am active, so can afford the calories. Right now I have no urge to binge eat. There are a few Christmas parties coming up, and I always arrive already fed. That way I will not fill up on just anything. Most times I will just have a drink or two and wait to get home to eat. I always ask myself if eating the food will make the social event better. Most times it won't. It is not always about food, but when you are dieting, some how it is all about the food.

Suggestion for future shows...

I wish I could compete without having to be in shape, and just do the routine. Hey, they have bikini, figure, fitness model why can't they have 'just routine'. They have just body events, why not just truly routine events? I know that most girls don't want to (or feel they are not capable) do the routine so they do figure or fitness. What if there are girls who just don't want to do the diet - they should have just the fitness routine. Maybe that would bring more girls to the arena. And it is highly entertaining as well.

So what is going on now? I am focusing on getting a new routine in the works - music first and then starting my diet in hopes of making to the Arnold this year. There is another pro show 2 weeks prior to the Arnold, and am hoping to be able to make it to that one as well.

I think the list for the Arnold is out around the 3 week of December......

Until then.....

A.

October 2009 Update

2009-10-17T16:21:00.017-04:00

Hi Everyone-

It has been 5 weeks since my last show, and 3 weeks since the Olympia, and boy, am I craving another show. I am sure that it is not the right time to compete, or perhaps that I still follow the shows online, but I do like when my body is in tip top shape.

Olympia 2009
My first experience at the Olympia was great. I arrived on Thursday and puttered around. I worked all day at the Bodybuilding.com booth on Friday and Saturday. By Saturday night I was pretty spent and super tired for the flight home on Sunday. The 3 hour time change did me in for sure. I did work out both Friday and Saturday morning to try to get acclimated as quickly as I could. Flying West is ok for me, but coming home is the worst.

I managed to go out on Friday night, as there were friends in town that I had not seen in a while so I had to take advantage of the situation. However, I did have to cut the night short in order to look 'presentable' for Saturday. I am sure glad I did. Saturday I thought I was going to be able to make it, and perhaps stay up all night long, but a 6am flight the next morning (yes, I realized later that this was not smart) was hindering me from a having a good time so I cut the night short and went to bed. I just cannot seem to party it up like I once could. And reality set in as I did have to go back to work on Monday, and well, was not familiar enough with the material in order blow off an entire night partying. Plus, I have responsibilities at home (ahem, my son). Anyone who has kids knows that being tired, and taking care of a young child is not fun. Next time I do go to the Olympia I will plan for one more day for recovery. It was a again, a fabulous time at the Bodybuilding.com and after party at the Encore - at XS. Gorgeous club - I would love to be able to go and enjoy once more. :) Next year for sure, I will plan to stay out late and party the night away in Vegas. (typical me though...even since college I have been known to get all dolled up, start having a good time, and then just get too tired and go to bed..weird, I know...?)

Another show?
I had a huge desire to go to one more show for the year - the Fort Lauderdale Pro. However, after discussing it with my hubby and knowing that I had traveled every 2nd weekend for the last 8 weeks (for 5 days a piece), I realized this was not a good idea. Another day off work, and time away from my family - I had make the right choice and not go. It was not the diet, or the training or any of the prep stuff that would inhibit me from going. I was pretty selfish for the last 8 weeks, and got a lot of support and encouragement for it, so I had to let the year end on a good note (the Olympia) and set my sights on next year.

Right now I am watching the 2009 World Fitness Championships online, and really wish I could be there. Again I had to decide a while back about this show. No regrets for sure, but the experience would have been nice. I would have to take at least 2 weeks off work, and well, that is just not feasible when you are a teacher. So instead, I am going to Sri Lanka, and Qatar at Christmas. Travel - yes; dieting, and training probably not.

It is a tough choice sometimes when you choose to compete. Finding the balance between family and your training can be very taxing on relationships and your work. I find myself looking for the balance in those moments. Training will always take a back seat to my family, if the decision has to be made. I do plan way in advance for any show - I ask my hubby - 'hey, I would like to X show at this time - can WE do this'. It is not just about me, as I do need him to be on board with whatever I choose. I mean, he gives me the same respect. If he wants to spend weekend with the boys, he asks, and says 'hey is this ok?' We discuss it and then decide. Luckily this is the way our relationship has always been. I am grateful that he lets me be me.

Teaching.
I have to say that this year has been the toughest year of teaching yet. There have been numerous issues that I have been through since the beginning of school 7 weeks ago. I am trying really hard to keep my head up. And just 'keep swimming'. I do feel as though I am finally getting my feet under me. I did have this huge plan to help students who are not succeeding, and find the reason why. Instead of doing this with grade 9s and 10s, I have implemented my plan with grade 8s. They are a little more needy than grade 9s and 10s, but I like them. I am a 50% workload, but yet, I work all the time. I am trying to find the balance with my work. I plan to work during the day, and try not to take work home.
I know that I am doing better teaching than I have ever done over the last 8 years. This change has been a wakeup call in many areas, especially when it comes to life's work. I constantly question whether I am doing my 'life's work', and if teaching really is my calling. I am not sure I am ready to be put in this type of box for the next 10, 20 or even 30 years. I am feeling at times very confined, restricted, and unhappy. There are moments that I enjoy - like the teaching and interacting with my students, however, all the other administration stuff can really bog you down. It keeps me shaking my head, and wonder why I continue to put up with this nonsense?

Training.
I love to train. I love to train heavy. Right now I am back to an older program in order to put on some more size in my upper body. Hopefully I can do this. The most difficult part is eating a bit more to keep up with the demands I place on my body. I like to stay relatively lean all year long, and when I up the weights, there are times when the lbs like to come on as well. It is always different as this time I am moving much more than I have ever in the past for my work. I am in different corners of the school, which requires me to be go, go, go. Eating more has not showed up on my body yet, but again it has only been 5 weeks since my last show.

Post show ...this time around.
Last time I was post show, I had many feelings of depression and basically gorged myself with food to make myself feel better (mid March/April 2009). This time I took control and I did not allow it to happen. Sure I ate a bit more, but the overly full feeling you get from eating too much just did not feel right this time. I was wondering if I did that subconsciously to sabotage something good that was going on in my life. I am continuing to try to be grateful for what I have rather than what I don't have. I have my health, my family is doing well, I have food on my plate, clothes on my back and a roof over my head. All the other stuff (which I do stress about) is unimportant. I realized that last time I was punishing myself for things I have no control over. The only thing I can control is my training, my diet, and my reaction to things. I knew this time that I would not gain all my weight back in 2 weeks. So far it is working and I am feeling wonderful. I still have my treats with my friends, and eat well (or clean) the rest of the time. Just because you have experience with training, dieting and competitions, does not make it easier to make the right choice after the show. I do know what to do; just this time I am actually following advice I would give someone else.

What's next?
I do hope to get an invite to the Arnold Classic. I will have to put in a request or some sort of application to be invited, and then the list of competitors who will be invited is posted online around Christmas time. That way it still give us all time to get our diets together before the Christmas holidays begin. I have many ideas rolling around in my head for a new routine. I am very excited to begin work on that but will have to wait and see if I can get invited.

Based on last year's schedule quite a few shows were in March/April (in fitness) and I would like to take a go at the them at least once. I am coming to a new understanding of where I am at in my whole fitness hobby, and would like to enjoy all of it with my eyes wide open. I know it cannot happen like this forever, and I just want to make the most of it.

2010 Bodybuilding.com Ironman Spokesmodel contest
The 2010 Spokesmodel contest is now on - make sure you sign up. It is for guys, and gals. Just get yourself a bodyspace profile, and sign up - you never know what could happen. ;)

Olympia 2009 - Las Vegas

2009-09-19T15:54:00.007-04:00

Don't you just love the autumn? I have had or we have had, I should say, a very wet summer, and now the weather is just beautiful. I would have liked July to be a 'school' month, and then we should have September off. Just a thought...

Well, it has been one week since my last show. I am craving another show. Yes, I am crazy but I would love to do the Fort Lauderdale pro show which is the 10th of October. I know that my physique is not on par with other pros, but it is a work in progress. I would like to just have more experience on the pro circuit, have fun with the girls, and just 'see how I do'. Placing well was important, as it lead to a Pro card, but now I just want to get better each time I compete. Not sure if doing another show is in my schedule, but I know I want to, but perhaps may not have the time to. It does land on Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, and well, the weekend before is homecoming at the local University and well, things can get a bit crazy around here during that time. ;)

Oh, and I did I mention, I am moving all week. Yes, we bought a new house. My husband has been moving things all week, while I oriented myself back at school. I do feel as though I have my feet under me know. It can be very stressful when you just don't know what you are doing with your job. This weekend, I am planning on doing all the 'little stuff' for the move, and then letting him and his helpers (he has lined up many), move all the furniture when I am gone. So when I return we will be in the new house.

Next weekend is the Olympia! I have never been to the Olympia. I hear it is quite a scene. I will be working the Bodybuilding.com booth all weekend. Lots of product to give away so make sure this is your #1 spot to visit if you are planning on attending the expo. I am hoping to attend the night shows, but I think they might be all sold out!

I am trying to 'hold the line' with my physique this week. It is hard at times, but I am managing. I did not want to go through the rebound that I experienced last March after the Arnold. This time I think I have things under control. I was not as strict with myself, and did diet longer, but not harder.

After returning home from the Atlantic City Pro show, I had an interview with Jenna Mitcheson with American Body Plus. It was wonderful to be able to talk about my experiences this year. I find through my blog, and talking to others you gain a good perspective about competition, life, and the balance between the two.

And I did an interview with Dave Palumbo, for RXMuscle.com and I found my routine and the post win Interview. I was very excited, and extremely proud to be in that moment.

And I did post my 45 second routine on my YouTube channel.

See you all really soon at the Olympia - I will be arriving Thursday.

A.

Atlantic City Pro

2009-09-12T08:09:00.022-04:00

(45 sec cat suit - Gone!)
Hi Everyone-

It has been a really long journey this year. Many highs. And many moments that make you ask yourself, 'why do I do this again?'. Well, being in Atlantic City and having my Pro debut moment was definitely worth all the ups, and downs and then some.

I was prepping all week for school to make sure my students were taken care of for the classes that I was going to be absent. I am really hoping things went well, and I did bribe them with candy so I hope that worked ;)

They had posted the final list of competitors at www.ifbbpro.com , and well I was not on the list. All week I was anticipating my name to be on 'the list' of competitors competing at the Atlantic City Pro, and well, I hate to admit this but when I did see my name on the list by Wed night (the night before I was to leave), I was a bit worried. Did they not accept my application? What was going on? I emailed them just to make sure, (and a few other friends to see if this was normal), and they all reassured me things would be fine and I would be able to compete. I can be a bit of a worrier, if all my ducks are not in a row. I was leaving Thursday around noon, so sleeping Wed night was a bit tough. I did call the IFBB on Thursday am, to verbally confirm my attendance, and they again, reassured me that everything would be ok, and I would be on 'the list' by today. And after teaching a class, I checked back and by noon - I was on 'the list'!
Huge moment for me. To be listed among these girls is such an inspiration and honor.

So I went home, got my gear together and I was off.

But before I was even on the highway to the airport - I got stopped. I got myself a speeding ticket. Damn. I will be checking for the speed signs on the way home, for sure. I thought it was a certain limit, and well the cop told me otherwise. I am mentioning this, as I was determined to not let it bother me, and affect my focus. These 'little issues' can sometimes bring us down, and well, I have been working toward not letting the 'little issues' get to me so that I can focus on what is most important. And this ticket, although annoying, is not a huge issue.

My flight at the airport, was delayed, but that was fine, as I did have work to do.

I arrived quite late in Philadelphia, and then took a shuttle to Atlantic city and the host hotel. It was a long trip, and I was glad to get to my hotel. Atlantic city does remind me of Las Vegas, but my driver, told me not to 'insult' Vegas by doing that. ;)

Friday I was up early to tan with JanTana. Then off to the athlete meeting at noon to get my number, and hand in the music. I was the last girl to sign in, as well, I was not on 'the list' they had at the table. However I reassured them that I was ok to compete, and received my number (#13), and handed in my 2 rounds of music.

On my way to the hotel I did hear the news. Yes, I am one of 2 (Sofia Johnson is the other), to be the last pro debut fitness gals to do the 45 second routine, and one piece. (All those going to the Olympia are not pro debut girls). The IFBB Pro has decided to do away with the 45 second mandatory round, and the one piece round. Anyone want to buy a full body cat suit? See more information on HardBody.com.

(Renee, and I)

I met some new girls at the meeting, talked a bit, and then was back upstairs to get some more tanning. My friend Renee came down from New York to visit, and hang with me for the weekend. She was a huge help, again, a friend bringing me groceries, and just helping with other things for the show. I don't usually travel with anyone, but having her here, really helped me this weekend. There is nothing around the hotel to buy groceries, etc, and well it is quite expensive here in Atlantic city.

Friends, good friends, like Renee, I have made through competing in fitness. I do feel really blessed to have them around me.

The afternoon was filled with getting ready for the night show pre-judging which started at 5pm. The one piece was first. Tracey MacDonald who so lovingly lent me her one piece, was a beautiful CeeJay suit. I was tanned, oiled and ready to go. It was so great to be up there with those girls. There were 3 call outs, myself in the 3rd call out with the other newbies. Sometimes I find myself on stage watching the other girls rather than focusing on what I am doing. It was very exciting and very hot on the stage. Man, the lights were hot. I was sweating quite a bit under that one piece. The round went quite quickly.

The two piece round was next. I started to turn a bit green. It has been a long season for me, so my skin is probably sick of the tanning, and scrubbing. So I tried to fix it and with the help of Marnie Holley (fellow Canadian and fitness pro) help to fix my color. It really only turned green where my suit was as I was sweating so much. We went on stage, similar call-outs to the one piece, 3 rounds of call outs, and we were done. It went so fast. After, friends told me my color was off, and well if I look at pictures - yes, I could have been darker.

Up next: 45 second mandatory round. I loved this round. Luckily, Skinzwear.com was able to get my costume to me in two business days - and that meant shipped to Canada. Amazing what you can get done when you have to. My friend even video taped the routine for me. I was pumped to do that round, and think I 'hit it'. Too bad there won't be any more.

(myself and Tracey Greenwood)

That was that, for pre-judging. I grabbed my stuff, and went off to a restaurant to have a bite to eat. Showered, and went to bed. I was pretty tired by the end of the night, and really just craved sleep.

(fellow Canadian - Marney Holley)

On Saturday I really did not do too much. Fix my tan. Do my hair and makeup over again.
Get some sleep and try to relax a bit before the night show.

The night show started at 6pm. I arrived early, around 5 to start warming up the routine. I was told that for the physique confirmation rounds in the evening fitness would only be doing the one piece, and figure doing the two piece. The routine round quite quickly and I did do my routine well. I was happy with my performance. I do have it on video but it is in pieces. It was the same routine as nationals but I felt I had more pep.

The awards were announced later in the night. I placed 9th out of 10 girls. There was supposed to be 13 girls, but one switched to figure (you can switch between fitness & figure once you obtain your pro status), and 2 other girls dropped out. I understand how this works, so I am perfectly fine with the outcome. No worries, no issues, no complaints.

You can see pictures and results at:
MuscularDevelopment.com
RxMuscle.com
FlexOnline.com- (scroll to the bottom)

Full results will be posted on IFBBPro League site. Then I will know how I ranked in each round.

(Aleisha Hart, IFBB Figure Pro, and I)

Reflection....I think it is was a great showing considering I just turned pro two weeks ago, and that this is my 5th show of the year. I have many improvements to make.
The one piece round went great, and I thought I looked good. The suit was not small enough in the butt.
The two piece my color was not great - I started turning green. I am realizing now what I need to do when I do shows back to back like this. How I need to prevent the 'greeness' for coming. Also my two piece did not look 'great' on me. I think I made the wrong suit choice. Again the butt was not small enough. Who knew how small the suits the pros were wearing are 'that' small. It does not look like that on stage, but in person, they look quite small. Note taken.
I am also not as muscular as the other girls. I am a small frame so it is going to take a while to get up to that level, but I am up for the challenge. It is wonderful to see changes in your body. I will try to find out how to contact the judges, and ask for some feedback on improvement. Saturday night I do think I looked much better, especially with my tan.

Routines - I cannot complain. I did my routine perfectly, and hit all my moves. I liked what I presented, and proud of myself to actually jumping right in. It can be scary the first time you do something so new. But for me this was not scary. It felt as though this is where I should be. I felt completely at ease with being around the girls, and was not nervous. The Arnold this year I was really nervous. This pro show - not nervous, just excited that I got to show my stuff with these accomplished girls. They were all friendly, and welcoming.

(Tina Durkin, and I)

Immediately after the announcements of the awards, I headed straight to the buffet at the Borgata. I ate way to much, and headed straight to bed as I had a long day of travel on Sunday back to Canada. Who knew you could feel drunk on food.

What is next for me? Well, in another two weeks I will be off to the Olympia with Bodybuilding.com. How exciting! I have never been to the Olympia and am so glad that my principal has allowed me to take a few days off to travel and be among these very inspiration people again. Come and stop by, talk a minute and receive lots of samples!

Monday it is back to teaching, back to my diet(at least for 10 more days), and get back in the gym to train heavy again. Gosh, I love training heavy.

North Americans - Results!

2009-09-02T07:18:00.024-04:00

(me and Kim Tilden, newest IFBB Figure Pro)

Hi Everyone-

I cannot believe it. The goal finally achieved. I am the 2009 North American Champion and with that an IFBB Fitness Professional! Whohoo!

How do I feel? Blessed, and a little relieved. You hope, train, dream, and prepare for so long to achieve one goal, that when it finally happens, sometimes it is a bit overwhelming and you really don't know exactly the words to describe how you are feeling. I have to admit that I have not had time to reflect much on my experience, as the days leading up to leaving for Cleveland where filled with teacher stuff - meetings mainly. So I spend 4 days before Cleveland doing teacher stuff, preparing lessons in the hotel room in Cleveland, and then just this past Monday all the students returned to school. For parents this might be a relief, but for a teacher, the first day is the most stressful day. Things are not organized, and well it is very chaotic.

So I waited at least 3 days after the weekend to prepare this blog entry. I had to get my work organized, as well try to find time to plan to go to the gym, and well, I am stressing about what I am teaching - ethics - yes, I teach ethics. My colleagues are very helpful, but still, me - teaching ethics and religion. It is just very strange.

Leaving for Cleveland during this time was probably not the best idea, but there are times in your life that opportunities present themselves, and you just have to find a way to make them happen. It was a bit more stressful to fly as this time I decided to fly from the US and since I do not fly out of that airport very often - I really did not know how to get there. There was many back roads and small towns to go through, but obviously I did make it - after getting lost twice.

After arriving at the airport in Cleveland, I am always up for an adventure, so I took the subway to the hotel. It runs directly to the airport to the Tower City and the hotel is in Tower City. So you don't have to go outside at all. Which is a really great thing about this show as it down poured the entire weekend. I arrived at Tower City and to my surprise is inside a mall, so that you can go shopping if you want to. Bonus. And Tower City has free wireless. The internet - my addiction.

I checked into my hotel and a friend, Rachel Vienneau-LeBlanc had stopped by to deliver my groceries. How cool is that? A friend who went to get groceries for me. She was competing that weekend in figure. It was a huge help, and a huge relief, as any competitor knows that when you get to the hotel the first thing is trying to find water. Rachel and her husband were helpful, warm, and very generous all weekend. Probably because she is from the Maritimes. (like me ;)

Friday was a busy day. Getting up at 6am, there was tanning with On The Mark Tanning, then registering for the show, more tanning, some time to relax, athlete meeting, and then sometime to get organized to compete. The routines were on Friday afternoon to start the show at 3pm, with the physique round being on Saturday. Gary Udit runs a very tight show, and I love that you can count on that.

(Me, Paige Oliver, Babette Mulford)

The stage was carpeted, and at first I thought this to be a problem, but underneath it was a bit bouncy, like spring floor - so it was all good. Besides these things happen all the time you just never know what kind of floor you are going to get at a show so you just have to go for it.

The routine went really well. I was very happy with my performance. Whenever the routine is over, and you have done it well, it is a huge worry put to bed. I love doing the routine, but there are always possibilities of mistakes. I noticed a few Canadian judges on the panel - not sure if they were judging me or not. But I had seen them 2 weeks earlier so I had to make sure my performance was on par with the Canadian Nationals, just in case. And that was it for Friday.

After the performance I noticed I was turning green a bit. Poor skin prep on my part. Two weeks between shows is minimum I can do in order to get my tan right for the next show. I did not exfoliate well the night before so I decided to shower and start again. I went back to my room, showed up, and then went for more tanning. During this time I was hanging with Tracey MacDonald - a fellow Canadian, Maritimer, who now resides in California. She gives a lot of perspective to the industry and has been a fitness competitor, now figure competitor and she may be onward toward another goal. We hung out, ate, and had awesome laughs.

On Friday night I did stop down to the lobby, and happened upon the SiouxCountry.com crew taking the group photo. I think I missed the 'official' photo, but I was there, and someone did take a few pictures. I just have to find out who. And find the photo.

Saturday morning came quickly. I went to see Elaine Goodlad, makeup artist, and host of Bodysport Radio. She does an amazing job of highlighting the face on stage for shows. Unfortunately my eyes would not cooperate. They watered all day Saturday. All day. Basically, I was crying all day. I guess one day of makeup is ok, but two really puts stress on my eyes - I don't wear makeup that often. We got through it, and well after getting my makeup done, it was a waiting game until around 3pm. The figure gals were first, and I did want to see the show. So I went down to the venue around 10am, and it took about 30 mins per class. There were 6 classes I believe, and then there would be figure masters, bikini gals, and then the fitness gals. It was ok, as I was able to rest, talk to some of girls, get to know many more, and shop a bit.

The physique round in fitness took less than 5 mins on stage. They did individual presentation, lined us up, switched the line and then we were done. We had about an hour between prelims, and finals, so I went back to my room and rested, stopped back at Elaine's room for a quick touch-up, and off to the evening show.

The show started at 5pm and fitness routines were first. I still get nervous even if we are not judged. I was starting to get really tired, so during the final performance I did miss my handstand move. I was a little concerned afterwards, as I always want to give my best and well that was not my best.

The rest of the night show was filled with watching the women's bodybuilding individual routines, and men's over 40, and over 50 routines, before they would be giving out the awards for fitness. The night show went really quick as before I knew it the fitness gals were back onstage for the awards.

(me, and Stephanie, ClassB winner)

The announcement of the placings went quite quick, and as fast as I was ons tage, they announced me winner of the Class A division. Whohoo! One goal achieved. Myself and Stephanie - the Class B winner, posed for the Overall Title, and after a few short quarter turns (which seemed like an eternity at the time), they announced me as the Overall winner, and with that I was the overall winner, and newest IFBB Fitness Pro. I can remember seeing friends of mine on the side of the stage, and them clapping, and smiling - that was really fun. To be able to share this with my friends.

Congratulations came from everywhere, and I am so lucky to have friends like this to support and encourage me, not just through the tough times, but also share in the good results as well. Tracey MacDonald gave me a huge hug as I walked off the stage - I felt really overwhelmed at this moment. Ok, so I cried. It is to be expected right?

I did a quick interview for RXMuscle.com with Dave Palumbo, and then I was off backstage to gather my things, and my thoughts. Friends greeted me with 'congrats', but I was really not sure what to do next. I did want to watch the figure results, but my eyes were burning by this time, so I did what any competitor wants to do (besides eat, but I did that too), I went to take a shower.

I was in and out of my room in 45mins. Back downstairs to see the final overall results of the figure event. You can see full results of the North Americans and photos of the show at www.rxmuscle.com, and www.musculardevelopment.com.

After that I hung with Rachel and her husband and we hit Hard Rock Cafe for some good eats.

(Rachel, far left, she placed 5th in her class)

Sunday, I was up early, packing and getting ready to leave.
Erik Ledin and I had a good chat on Sunday, and talked about what is next.

So what is next for me? On to compete in the Pros. That is right, I am jumping in. No waiting. I am going to the Atlantic City pro show in 7 days. I am very excited, but it is hard to think about the show, when I have so much other work to do. I think this is a good thing, as I am sure I would over think the entire situation and it would make me very nervous. So the best thing for me right now is to make all my arrangements to go to the show (which I have done), and train when I can. The problem here might be that I come in too lean. I find once the process gets going, it is hard for me to slow it down. Plus I am back working running all over the place. I have no central classroom, so I am really running from classroom to classroom to teach.

So this week, I sent in my application and entry fee, made hotel, flight, and transportation arrangements (I am flying into Philadelphia), ordered a black cat suit, hair, and nail appointments for next week, and well, am enjoying every minute of it. Nicole Duncan is bringing a black cat suit for me just in case mine does not arrive on time. Tracey MacDonald lent me her one piece- just stopped and pulled it right out of her suitcase at the hotel - and she placed 4th in Figure Masters. That is a lot of trust. Those one pieces are not cheap! These girls are awesome and I am going to owe them big time.

I cannot wait to be on stage - you can see a list of competitors at www.ifbbpro.com. I am hoping they will add me to the list soon, as I am very excited to be sharing the stage with these girls. I have competed with some, over the past few years, and others I will be meeting for the first time. I will be off on Thursday to the show, and it will be an interesting experience I am sure. I am ready to learn more, and grow as an athlete into this new realm of professional fitness competition.

My goal is to be at the Olympia (and the Arnold) as a competitor. Either this year, or in the future. I will be at the Olympia this year, in 2009, regardless of the outcome. It will be my first Olympia and this is a very busy month, but exciting. Did I mention I am moving my house around the 15th of the month?

Thank you to all who have continued to support me over the past year, and also my career. There are those of you who have been around since I started competing, and those who have helped guide me to my Pro card. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are my 'teammates' and I could not have done this without you.

Slimquick Extreme & Explorer Technologies - Myslimquick.com
Erik Ledin - Leanbodiesconsulting.com
Mike Davies - FitnessFactory.com
Cathy Savage - CathySavageFitness.com
Dan Brown - Performancelab.ca
Bodybuilding.com crew - Bodybuilding.com
SiouxCountry.com - Thank you so much for your coverage of the show, and wow! I am listed as an IFBB pro with my photo on the right column of the page - that is really cool.

My husband for allowing me to be myself, and supporting me though each and every show.

My staff at school, family & friends who understand my crazy dieting, and my administration for approving my absence in order to compete during the school year. (and I will be asking for more days off.....;)

My fans - Thank you for your support, words of encouragement - I have not had that many posts on my Facebook page! I did start a fan's page. I have many more 'friend' requests to confirm, but I think I am limited to 5000 friends - not sure what the limit is on a fan's page. Wow! Thank you for all your words. I have read them all.

This week will be filled with training preparations, more cooking, practicing the 45 second routine, posing, trying not to lose muscle and come in too skinny, and preparing my lessons for the week. I have to build a terrarium this week, and read more about the internet and illegal downloading....until next week.

A.

Perspective & North Americans

2009-08-22T13:34:00.005-04:00

Hi Everyone-

This week I am in Winnipeg visiting family. Actually between Winnipeg and West Hawk lake. I took some pictures and I will share later. Monday I go back to school, and well on Thursday I am off to Cleveland for the North Americans. Needless to say I have a lot of things to do before I am off again.

I have never been to Cleveland or to the North Americans show promoted by Gary Udit, but have heard only good things. I am so glad they decided to offer a fitness division this year. And another crack at a Pro card. With athletes coming from Canada, USA and Mexico - the competition I am sure will be fierce!

It will be wonderful to see so many familiar faces, and of course meet some new ones. At CBBF Nationals this year I met so many wonderful gals - mostly in the fitness division as we were all back stage at the same time. The figure gals, and bikini gals I did meet, but there are so many and we are all on at different times that it is tough to get to know them all. I did meet a few in the Keg restaurant after the show. It is the tan gives us all away. ;)

There are times when I am posting things, questions, comments or ideas that perhaps does not sit well with some. Or they might read into what I am writing and then send it to someone else and say hey, "I think she is talking about you". Tsk, tsk, tsk. Someone trying to create drama.
Funny, if something is perceived as negative it spreads like wildfire, but yet, has anyone ever emailed someone I specifically wrote about and told them - "Hey, Allison said some really nice things about you on her blog - read this"?

My thoughts, are just that - thoughts. They roll around in my head and the best way I know to get rid of them is to write them down. Often they keep me up at night. Insomnia. Writing in this blog is therapy for me. Training is also therapy. Even if I was not a fitness competitor I would still train. My mind would not be so preoccupied with the show, but I would train everyday, and have a good time at the gym. Training and writing help calm my mind.

Maybe being so open with my emotions in a public form is not a good idea? I guess I will have to look at the benefits vs the negatives to keeping the blog going. The goal was always to help others who want to or consider competing in shows and give them a perspective through my own experiences. I only wanted to motivate through personal reflection, validate others experiences, and allow discussions to be had through questions/comments. This is only one point of view.

Was I upset about the CBBF National result? Sure. Sad - yes. For a moment. But you get over it. You spend so much time and energy preparing for a show, and well, (and I think I have mentioned this before in previous posts) -- I am entitled to my feelings. I allow myself to vent, or whatever I need in that moment, and within a few days I accept the outcome. I am an emotional human being, and sometimes very impulsive, and need time to process things. Being a bridesmaid all year was just not the plan. When I play I always go for the win. Anything less and the result is unacceptable - for me. I set my expectations very high. This is just me and my personality. It has nothing to do with the other girls competing in the show. In no way do I carry it to another event or show. Give me a few days to regroup and I am ok.

But here is my question to you:

What do you do? After you competed, and then have the result and it is not what you wanted, what do you do? Eat? Of course. But after that what you do really tell yourself to make all the work and sacrifice palatable? How do you deal? Do you ask the judges for feedback? Who do you turn to for guidance, and support? What do you do to make it work? To move yourself forward? I welcome your thoughts.

Many have written and reminded me how accomplished I am. Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. This does help put things in perspective. I am continuously working on my perspective. A positive, more upbeat perspective. I am 2nd. Yes this is very close to be first. 2nd in the short class in the country.

I love competing in fitness as I control most of what I do, but the part that I don't control is the outcome. My emotions I need time to process the situation and then I move forward. I have moved forward, and after I post this consider it moving forward.

I know eventually I will get a chance to be an IFBB Fitness Pro. I feel that I could learn way more, and grow more as an athlete by competing in the Pro ranks, than spending another year as an amateur. The good thing is that there are always more shows around the corner. I am young and do have time to achieve this goal.

Next up for me is the North Americans on August 27th to the 30th. In about a week, I will be competing in Cleveland. This could be the last show for me for a while, so I am making it count.

Tomorrow is always a new day to do better.

A.

The Result

2009-08-16T08:54:00.011-04:00

(Sherry Boudreau, me, Jodi Boam)

Hi Everyone-

I know I have been absent from this blog, but it has been on purpose. I had to take myself away from things that clouded my focus. Not so much this blog, but the internet in general. About 9 days away I was feeling like I could not make it to this show, but luckily through the encouragement of some really good friends I did make it.

One year and one week I had waited to compete in this show. Now it has come and gone. How did I do? 2nd. 2nd place at the 2009 CBBF Fitness and Figure Nationals. Damn! Not the results that I wanted.

How was my performance - awesome! I did it perfectly and am really proud of myself. I am sorry that the judges did not see it that way. I will be off to North Americans and try my body & routine there and see what happens.

I felt really relaxed all weekend, and wanted to work on my confidence, and performance to know and understand that I can 'do it' when it mattered. And I did just that. I could not have done any better. I did awesome work yesterday. And I do not often say good things about myself in this respect as I am very hard on myself. But yesterday I rocked.

I brought exactly what they [the judges] wanted - darker, fuller, better suit choice a more flashier costume and more dance. I guess they did not want me. They wanted someone else.

I did not see any of my fellow competitors routines so I cannot comment on what they did. I do not think anyone has taped my routine, as they did not have a videographer there this year. I do have some pictures so I will post them at the end of the entry. (update - routine is online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPYcf3BChSE)

Feelings? I am bit bummed. Bummed to think that Canada does not believe that I am qualified to be a pro this year. Will I ask for feedback? Probably not. Or maybe just not yet. I would have to decide soon, as the judges will forget. But I cannot see myself asking. I am sure they would just say similar to things like last time. [I am a smaller frame by nature and am limited by my genetics - comments by head judge last time]

This could be my naive or maybe because I am a teacher, but I refuse to believe in the politics. I always keep faith and hope that the judges know what they are doing and will choose the best to move to the pro ranks. People to continue to tell me things, and well, I just don't want to believe them.

Questions do run around in my mind. For instance, I do see some of the girls being pretty chummy with the judges -- does that matter? Or does the head judge decides who she wants as the winner? No - they would not do that right? Does it matter what trainer you have? Declining my invitation to Worlds - did that matter? How many times you have been at Nationals? (I have been 4 times - btw) I keep pushing these thoughts out my head, as I have found they will only cloud my focus, and I do want to keep an open and positive mind (this was a new resolution of mine for January and I am sticking to it) And someone came up to me in March and told me I would not win Nationals - Yes, it is official - I am very naive.

To me, it is not just about choosing the winner, but also the person who will best demonstrate talent and hold their own in the pros. I feel I can do that. I understand there is a hierarchy when you get to the pro ranks, but with that being said, you are a PRO - the biggest hurdle is already accomplished.

My love and respect for this sport has not dwindled. I follow many of the shows, love all the girls, getting to know them, hearing their stories and lives, and just being around those that are just like me. My motivation for competing has not lessened, in fact this show perhaps has fired me up even more. All year, things have been happening, and there is a reason for this, and I am not sure yet why...but it will all become evident soon. I have faith.

I do know that I am really tired, and have been up late, so I do feel emotional. Probably a combination of too much sugar, too little sleep, and a bit of anxiety as school starts in a week.

I want to thank everyone for this words of encouragement, and feedback after my performance. Fans who said hello - your compliments make my day, and during these times I carry them with me. Thank you. I love talking to all of you. (actually I think I just love talking....ha!)

On to my real life....

I have come to the conclusion that I will probably not return full time to teaching for a while. I am going to try to keep a 50% workload and then work towards training other girls for fitness/figure/bikini and training the general masses to achieve their goals. I will be working on a nutrition certification this year as I do have quite a few things to do this fall.

I love fitness. I love talking about it. I love researching it on the computer. I love studying it. It is stuff I do anyways. I just need to get my butt in gear, and do it!

Today, I might have one meal off my plan, but it is back to the diet mode, and getting my butt tighter for North Americans.

But this week, I am in Winnipeg - and need a gym near West Hawk Lake - any ideas? I will post on facebook and see what happens.

Here are some pictures.
(me and Myriam Cantin)

Me, and good friend Sherry Boudreau

I want to Thank Sandra & Ross Wickham for putting on a great show. Organized and on time. What else can an athlete ask for? The moderators were wonderful in getting everyone to the stage on time, lined up and ready to go. Thank you again, and your hard work and dedication to the sport is very evident.

A.

8 days....

2009-08-05T07:19:00.005-04:00

Ok, so here we go. The final big push. I have been struggling lately with motivation. Not sure it is because the end is in sight, or that the end is really in sight.....;)

I have been busy with various family activities over the past week. For one, we bought a new house, and sold our old one. We put our house on the market on a Wed, and by Sat we had 4 offers. About 5 days later I was signing the papers for sell out house. This is a big change for me. I remember moving into this house, and it was during preparations for a show. The move was from an apartment to a house, so, we did not have a lot of stuff. Now that we have a house, and a kid, well I just hope I don't get as stressed out about the whole situation like I did last time.

This past weekend a family member got married. Yes, I did it - went to a wedding, ate my 'diet food' and survived. It was a good time to be able to go back home and have some good weather. (unlike the vacation where it rained everyday). I even managed to go out one night with the girls and get home very early am. No drinking. No cheating. They were all drinking beer and margaritas and well I had my eggs, chicken, asparagus and some cottage cheese. Oh, and lots of water. I was glad I did go out as normally I would have stayed home. My life needs to be lived, and well if I am going to compete, I have to be able to do both.

This week, I have family visiting from various places. So the house is a buzz. I think it is great to have them around, as then I am always thinking about them and not myself. As long as I get my training in, and go to bed at a reasonable hour, things remain good.

School will be starting in about 2 weeks. My attempts to stay in the math department, and convince my principal it is the best choice for my family and for the department, have failed. I am more than 99% sure, I will getting the new workload. My compliance should never be confused with acceptance. I think this a move that is not in my best interest, and because I want to put my family first - I get the leftovers for workload. Funny, a woman who puts her family first in the traditional sense, and try to contribute to society by having a part time job just does not seem to be acceptable. I am in the business of education for Pete's sake. You would think they would be a little more accommodating? My new schedule does not allow for me to keep my son home some days from daycare. I am teaching everyday - even if it is just one class and well, my son has a schedule too, so he has to go to daycare, everyday. I will see what I will do in August. The most frustrating part is that I have to clean out my classroom. Do you know how much stuff a teacher accumulates? I swear, we are all pack rats by nature.

In other news, I am competing in 8 days. Or leaving for Vancouver in 8 days. I cannot wait to eat! I am so craving, and oogling the TV commercials lately. Different foods, such as ice cream (which I would never eat), hamburgers, nachos, fries - all the really bad foods. I know it is because I cannot have it now.

I took pictures yesterday, and well I feel really fat. Not phat; fat. I think that I have gained muscle, but I am not sure of what is going on. All my clothes are loose like usual, but the scale has not really gone down. I remember a time when this has happened - back when I was training in 2007. I started at 120lbs, and ended at 120lbs when the diet was all over. Perhaps it is possible to go in 2 directions at once: gain muscle, and lose fat? I am not as lean as I was for the Arnold- but am 'fuller' as they say. To me, that just is a loose term to mean - fat. Others would disagree but what else can I say? I like being small, tight and little. I just hope the judges appreciate, and reward my 'new' look.

I still have 8 days and a lot of things can change between now and then. Today I am off to practice my routine -- which I have to say is going really well. I enjoy this routine, and think it is a better reflection of me.

Until Vancouver, I leave with this...

With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable.
~Thomas Foxwell Buxton

Talk soon,

A.

17 days to Nationals

2009-07-27T20:01:00.008-04:00

Hi Everyone-

The summer is flying by. Unfortunately the weather is not cooperating - rain, rain, rain all the time. Which can be viewed as a good thing as we are having less BBQ outside this year. Isn't that what summer is all about - friend, family, food, fun and well BBQ fare. There is less 'tempting' food around which is a good thing. I never cheat on my diet, but not having it around does help.

Training is going really well. At first I was a little worried, as my weight does not seem to be coming off as easily as last time (in March was my last show). In hindsight, I did start cleaning up my diet a little earlier, near Christmas, for a first week of March show. Although I tried to follow the same time line as before, I am not working right now. Moving all day while teaching really does make a difference. I have upped my cardio a bit, and cut back on some more calories, and things seem to be moving in the right direction. I do enjoy seeing the changes, and really don't mind doing the diet. It is summer, so wearing 'cute' clothes always seems to go better when I am a little leaner. Post winter weight gain can be a bit depressing when the clothes come off for the first time.

This upcoming weekend I have a big challenge ahead of me -- a wedding to attend. It should be ok, but weddings are just so much fun (most of them anyways), and well having a few drinks with the hubby would be a good for a laugh. However, there is plenty of time for celebration after Nationals, and any other time of year. ;)

My routine is coming along and I can finally get through it. I think it is much better than what I presented at the Arnolds or the Naturals. Unfortunately, it is not up to me to decide if it is better. Still doing the same routine as before - a Star Trek themed routine. I do have a better costume - more flash - and a routine which I feel reflects me. Sometimes I get bogged down on what the judges want instead of what I want. Whenever I do what I feel is best for me, and do what is in my heart, things seem to work out better.

Physique wise, I think I have brought up my shoulders and back. But, like most women getting the butt to tighten up is really the last thing for me. Grrr.

I am really excited to see everyone at the show. I always love talking to the girls, and seeing how their prep went, and what they do in their own lives.

Right now I am still pondering over what to do about school. Take the new workload which I know I can do, but will take a while to get used to and not have sour grapes about how things were handled. I guess this really is the best option as then I have a job to go to and still have some spare time to pursue other interests. Like, actually doing personal training, and guidance for those girls who want to start competing. I just hope there is a clientèle out there for me to work with. English or French it does not really matter, however, my French is very basic, but I am always willing to learn. I seem to have quite a few 'friends' willing to share their information which gives me comfort to know that I can get help when needed. I wonder how hard it is to do online training?

My mindset right now is stable. I am not over thinking the show too much. I tend to allow my thoughts get the best of me, and well, this time, I will be prepared with all aspects of competition and just go there to do my best. I will be trying to take as many pictures as I can, as who knows what is going to happen tomorrow. I could get hurt, and not be able to compete ever again. I just want to leave my best product, best showing for that moment in time, on the stage. I have allowed myself to be part of the journey this time, rather than just going through the motions, and get to show day, and realize - "how did I get here?"

I was very nervous for the Arnold - and I am not really sure why. This time I will have excitement for the show, but will control my emotions to be more focussed, more in the moment.

I know my time is short in the sport and I really do want to make the most of every minute. I need to look my fears straight in the eye, and just go out there and 'do'. I have many more days of practice/workouts/meals/training ahead of me, and want to be present for every moment of it.

Here are some pictures from last week, and this week.

Pictures- 23 days to Nationals (my little guy wanted to try posing this time...and he helped me put on my shoes)

Pictures - 17 days to Nationals

28 days to Nationals

2009-07-16T19:46:00.005-04:00

The countdown has begun. I am really nervous. I am not working right now, as I am on summer holidays, and have time to be left alone with my thoughts. Sometimes this is a good thing, but when you are a bit of a worrier, like me, this is not always the best scenario to be in.

Prep time for me is best when I am really busy; no time to think or do. And somehow everything still gets done. None the less, I am still keeping myself really busy, finding things to do. I have a house that is a job that is never done, and have to prep for my classes for next year, so that makes for plenty of reading.

My training I felt was always good, and challenging but evidently I have been enlightened and brought to a new level of fitness. Why do I say this? This week was a particularly fun week in the gym, as I went to my first Mike Davies fitness camp in Columbus Ohio.

Not knowing what to expect, I signed up for the camp with the intention of getting a bit of motivation and inspiration for Nationals, and perspective on what it is like and/or what it will be like when I turn pro. I definitely achieved my goals, and I got a huge bonus in being able to hang with some really cool girls for the weekend. Including a couple of fitness pros.

Tina Durkin and Nicole Duncan just happened to be there for the weekend. How cool is that? I get to go to my first Mike Davies fitness camp and hang with the Pros. Including his wife Julie Palmer. I picked their brains as much as I could without seeming like too much of a fan or stocker. I really know quite a bit about many of the pros, and respect them highly as I know how hard it is to do what they do. And keep doing year after year, and never giving up. That is serious dedication and passion for what they do. Amazing to be able to hang with them.

There were some other girls Gina Molinaro, who just happens to be competing this weekend at the Figure Masters. Mona who is new to the scene, but has a body that is going to impress many when she does take the stage. Kim was in fantastic shape, looked liked she was competing this weekend. And Debra Lavette who is 'bringing it' to North America's.

It was an absolutely fantastic weekend.

We training immediately when I got there on Friday early afternoon, then we ate supper together as a group. On Saturday we trained at 6am, then early afternoon bootcamp (killer) and posing. We rested for the afternoon but I decided to go to gymnastics. For me that was a big mistake at this point I was so sore in the legs that I could barely walk. I was useless at gymnastics. We arrived back to the house, showed, and ate a meal out. Not too bad, just a little something to keep us motivated. Sunday morning I training and then left for the airport. It was a quick in and out, but I learned so much.

This is a camp that I would attend again. It was great to hang with girls who are just like me and just be who I am. I felt very comfortable being around everyone, in that atmosphere where whatever I eat is not being judged. Not that people around me judge my food, but they do ask questions. I just felt really comfortable. Like this was my place to be. It does make me think about teaching and how much anxiety I am feeling towards next year, and maybe I am doing the wrong profession? I mean if I am going to start all over again, which is how I feel about the 3 new classes I am getting next year - should I not be starting all over in the thing that I am most passionate about?

Last week and this week have been great for training and diet. I was super sore and really had to take Monday off, but once I got back in the gym the movement helped relieved the soreness I had. Today is Thursday and I am feeling better, but not 100% yet. By the weekend I should be ok.

Here are some updated pics as of Monday. I could not flex my legs as it was too painful.

This week I have been working the routine. I think I have finally come up with something that I am happy with. Now I just have to commit it to memory. I love when I finally get to the place where I know my routine and have the confidence that I can do it. I am also working on a new costume. Hopefully the judges will think it is more 'flashy' this time. It is still in its early stages but it is coming along nicely.

I was considering going back to a few older routines. I will probably do that when I turn pro, but for now I am more motivated to move forward. I know I can do my 'Star Trek' routine better, so I will do just that.

I was some other girls blogs/photos of their progress, and well I think I am going to stop doing that. I think it might cloud my focus and get into my head.

Till next week.

A.

38 days to Nationals

2009-07-07T07:03:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone-

Here are the pictures update. I have made progress. I weighed myself the other day at home and I was around 126lbs. I know 125lbs is a comfortable weight for me and 116lbs is way to skinny for a show. I did 12 weeks when I came into the Naturals and I was too skinny. Too cut, too lean, too everything - but I did really like the way I looked. I am not sure of what the 'look' is for this year, but I am seeing a 'softer' trend. A trend away from the hard cut look of years previous. Fitness, figure and now bikini continues to surprise many. When you think you have the look defined, bamm, the judges come up with something new.

This week's focus - the routine. Gotta get'er done!

A.

40 days to Nationals

2009-07-05T06:26:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone-

After my rant of last week, things seem better. Perhaps this is the wake up call I need in my life to pursue employment that is more in line with my true passion. Sometimes I think I do things that others expect from me, although they are not putting this expectation on me, but it is my perception of what I feel they want from me. I am a bit of a perfectionist, and funny thing is that many girls are perfectionists and the have a passion for fitness, figure, bodybuilding, etc. I have always been athletic and interested in health, fitness and training. However, I always went against what I was good at as I fear that once my hobby becomes my job, I will not have passion for it anymore. Teaching allows me many freedoms that I enjoy, and the students are hilarious. This would again depend on what day you ask me, but in general I enjoy them. But, I do have other goals, and this change of workload might be a sign that it is time to look into other options.

This week I was on vacation in the Maritimes, near Moncton NB. This is where I am from and have many awesome memories from my time growing up around here. Yes, the people are different. They are uber nice, welcoming and will talk to you anywhere, and anytime. It is more laid back here, no one is in a rush. If you try to cross the street (not at a cross walk) people will stop - try to do that in Montreal. The only downside to my vacation - the weather. It rained all week. So here we are at a cottage on the beach, and it was raining all the time.

We spent much of the time with family, friends, and meeting everyone's children. There are so many new babies arriving, that I cannot seem to keep up with the names. There are times when I do wish I lived closer to home as all the grandparents are in the Maritimes, but there are many positive things to living in Quebec as well. For example, $7/day daycare, and the focus on the French language.

Training
Before my vacation, due to the amount of stress I was under, I trained everyday. It was hard some days, as I only had 4 hours of sleep but I did as I needed the movement to calm my mind.

I am not supposed to be training everyday. I have to stop that. I am trying to maintain my muscle and over training is not going to allow me to do that. So this week, I trained 4 days, non consecutive. I still have not started routine practice. Not sure what is holding me back from starting the routine practice?

I am excited to be back in my own gym at home. I like the familiarity. I do need to get into a dance studio this week, as I am away next weekend. My goal is to have at least the main structure of the routine finalized, and the music finalized. That way when I get back from my trip I can spend the rest of the time just running the routine full out.

Diet
Before my vacation, my diet was perfect. I guess stress will do that to you. I cooked, I ate, I cleaned, and well I worked. I was in and around the school this week, trying to clear up marks, and clean up my classroom a bit. (gosh I love my classroom) I really need to be drinking more water. That I will set as a goal for the following weeks.

Thinking I could keep up with the diet while on vacation this week, I did plan to eat well. However, at certain meals this was not possible. I did eat clean most of the time, but there were some meals that were not so great. When you are in an Italian's house, you do not refuse food. They would have understood if I pulled out my broccoli, chicken, and sweet potato, but when there is a 4 course meal offered to you - by an Italian - you take it.
Let's just call that my cheat meal. ;)

When you travel is it important to have all the tools necessary to keep on point. Hindsight, I would have cooked more meals, and traveled with that. I had cooked twice while I was on vacation, as I did have a kitchen but was missing certain things to watch portions - such as measuring cups. Packing the food was tough as I did not bring any Tupperware, but did have zip locks, so I used those. I usually keep my protein shakes in my diet up to around 21 days before the show, and well I ran out of protein powder. All rookie mistakes, fixable, and well I just could not be bothered.

I was trying to maintain a certain amount of family/vacation balance, to the point where it is not noticeable that I am dieting, and not to throw my family out of whack too much. I mean, I think about Nationals all the time, and don't want my life to pass by me and not to be a participant in my life for the next 6 weeks. I want to be able to enjoy my summer some, and still be a contender for the top positions and ultimately my pro card in August. I do not feel that suffering through the diet phase equals more success on stage.

Last show, I was way to skinny, and you never know what kind of body they are going to reward at a show. My focus is being able to diet down slowly as to not lose muscle, enjoy the process, and live my life, visit with friends, family, have parties, and socialize. Summer is so short, and I want to be able to enjoy it. It just has to be without those summer foods for the next 6 weeks.

I will update pictures when I return home.

Talk soon,

A.
___________________________________________________________________

“Insist on yourself; never imitate.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

My real job.

2009-06-30T16:18:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone-

This week started out as a good week, but then took a turn for the worse. I attended a math conference for 2 days for grades 10 and 11 mathematics. That was a really fun. Who would ever think that right? My math department is quite fun, and very animated, and they have a good perspective on things.

Right now in Quebec, there is a major reform going on in all the programs in the high schools. Math, the subject in which I teach is much harder, more difficult than it has ever been. Topics are being brought to students a year earlier than previous, and now they are evaluated on competencies. The largest problem teachers are having is in evaluation. How do you evaluate a competency of a student in math without the basics of math knowledge? One (the knowledge) leads into the other (competency). We as a math department are seeing huge gaps in information of students who are currently in the grades 9, 10 and 11 levels.

This year was my second year within the new reform, but my 8th year teaching grades 9 and 10 math. Even though I have a biology background, I have only taught math.

Upon my return from this math conference, my principal announces to me that I am being put in a grade 8 science/math/ethics course for the following year. 3 new preps! I had put in for a 50% workload, but the amount of back ground work and prep does not equal 50%.

I have to say that I am completely beside myself with worry for the following year, and have not slept well since he told me this. I did not put in for a 50% workload to work more. And changing my courses, it will not allow me the benefits that teaching 50% gives. You might be in front of the students less, but the amount of work that you are doing actually equals 100%. One thing that people don't realize about teaching is that, you are working all day on your feet, and most times you have take home work that can be upwards of 3 hours or more every night. And I teach at a public school! And then on top of that teachers are expected to participate in the school in afterschool activities, and sports.

I am not sure what I will decide for next year. What he told me was only a 'preliminary' notice and I have received nothing official on paper. Yet. So you might think that I am hopeful that my workload might be all math, but I have spoken with the principal on 2 occasions, and he reassures me this is how it is going to be. If and when I choose to come back at 100%, I can have my grade 10s back. That would be 3 courses at the grade 8 level and 2 courses of math. With that kind of workload coming back full time does not seem in the cards for me.

And you wonder why the system finds it hard to track students, or that students are not achieving in the classroom? Maybe the system should look at how much work is being placed on its teachers to do their job effectively? At what point in the day do you stop doing your job? 5pm? 6pm? 7pm? 8pm? Most are at school by 7:30am and do not leave till 5pm, grab some supper and basically keep working. How do you manage to do that when you have a family, or other responsibilities outside of your working day?

Is it not too much to ask to give the teachers a workload they actually will enjoy? Back in the day when there was an excess of teachers (this is not the case anymore), if you wanted to be a teacher you taught what you were given. However, nowadays, there are no teachers, there is no more excess. In fact, schools are hurting for qualified teachers. Younger teachers will not put up with the issues affecting the school system today. Most times schools will hire people who do not have degrees, in order to fill vacant positions.

So how did I deal with this blow to my ego? Being the resourceful person that I am, I went to the grade 8 teachers and asked them help me with books, and outlines at least for the summer. I have to now spend my summer preparing for next fall. I would have been preparing for math classes anyways, but the material would have been familiar and I would have known what direction to take when developing new assignments. Now, I know nothing about the program, the direction, how long to spend on what, etc. And a new part of my teaching will include science fair, and sex ed. Yes, now I will be teaching sexual education. (ok, that part might be fun, cause at least the students are interested in learning that).

I am trying to get over my feelings but it will be hard for me next year to trust those that make these decisions. This was a complete blindside, and a principal is under no obligation to give reasons for the change, besides professional courtesy. A principal is allowed to give a teacher whatever workload he feels there is a need. The funny thing is, there is a need for math teachers in my department and he is switching an experienced math teacher for those less experienced. This does not make sense to me. And I have to add, I have not had an evaluation. No one has been in my class to evaluate me, ever. Bottom line is the principal has the right to choose workloads for the teachers, and the teachers, well they can take the workload, or choose another option.

Anyways, I will be doing 'homework' all summer and due to my training for Nationals, this could be looked at as a positive thing. It will keep my mind and my hands busy.

I will update next week on fitness, but for now I just had to vent.

Vent over.

A.

54 days to CBBF Fitness Nationals

2009-06-20T14:03:00.010-04:00

Wow. Can you believe a week has gone by now? Time flies when you have so much work to do. This week was my last week of school. I had one more exam on Wed, and oodles of marking to do, finalize my marks, enter them, call the students who needed a change of course for next year and do this all before Friday. It has been tough. Tough because my son has been ill all week. He caught a flu from a friend and the friend was sick for exactly 7 days. Instead of 24 hours it was 7 days. Not complete ill, just cranky, high temperature, headache, and lack of appetite. Normally I would stay home, but since this was the end of the year, I had to go to work, and my hubby had to stay home. It is amazing what you can get done when you have only a short period of time to do it. Luckily everything is done. Oh, and it had to be all done on Friday, as on Sunday I am off to a math conference for 3 days. Teacher math conference. The reform and changes in the system are continuing. Oh, and by the way, students now a days, don't have to pass math to get moved up to the next grade. At least not where I live. I have students who have never passed math. That is a topic I will have to re-visit as it is the most frustrating thing about being a teacher.

Training
I did what I vowed not to. I trained everyday this week. Not sure if it was to get out of the house, or just a way to start my day off right, but I did. And I hate to say that I have not practiced my routine yet. I have done pieces here and there, and know the layout of the routine, but have not had time to go to the dance studio near my house, and spend time on it. Hopefully next week. Oh, not till Thursday as I do have that math conference.

Diet
My diet was much better this week. I really hate the first week of diet transition. I do not start my diet completely as I find I need 1-2 of transition time in order to get my head in the game. Every day that goes by I keep telling myself - one more day, you can do it! Monday is the worst, as Friday - my cheat day - seems so far away. But I manage to keep myself busy, and this week was super busy, so dieting seemed easier. Diet should be ok next week as I will have to bring my food with me. I have done it so many times, that it is not that hard to travel and diet - at least for 2-3 days. Anything greater than 5 days away from a kitchen, and well that becomes hard. My food is good for about 5 days, even the fridge, and well after that things start to smell.

CBBF Invite to the Worlds in Italy
I turned down the invite to the Worlds. I weighed the options of going to Italy in October for numerous personal reasons. Firstly I am teacher. There is no way that I am flying that far to only stay for 4 days. Plus I could never get the time off in the middle of October to go away for 5+ days. I already discussed this with my principal. You really don't travel that far for only 4 days. You would realistically make a vacation out of it and tour around. I cannot. Other things I considered: a long season for me, (I am competing twice in August); my family and how it would affect them; the expense of the competition; and my goals of competing.
I want to compete as a Pro and per chance got my pro card this August would compete as a pro in September. That is my goal. The Worlds is very prestigious, but the timing is just not right for me. I am sure there will be other opportunities, and hopefully the CBBF will invite another fitness athlete to attend.

Pictures Update

Ok, so I don't see much different in my shape. However, my arms do feel leaner. It is a top down process right? I am traveling this week, so that is actually a good thing. I brought all my food with me for the next 2 days. I am hoping to see a bigger difference from the end of week one to the end of week three.

Jr. Nationals was this weekend, and 3 fitness pros were crowned. One for each height class. I think that is amazing considering fitness is not as popular as it once was, but continues to be the most entertaining due the performance of the routine. The Fitness Universe was also this weekend. I wanted to watch the shows as they do a live webcast, which was free, and well I missed it. Thinking it was Sat, I logged on to find the show was broadcast on Friday night. I am sure I missed a good show. Miami is such a great time of year, and visiting Next cafe on Lincoln Road was always my favorite part of the event.

It is so nice to live vicariously through others during your time of prep. It keeps me motivated to do better and try harder.

59 days to Nationals

2009-06-15T15:06:00.011-04:00

Ok, here we go. It is or was my 'official' start to my diet on Sunday. I have been waiting for this moment since I stopped by diet about 3 months ago. I am so excited to be competing again this year at the Nationals in Vancouver. I have been looking forward to competing since last year's show. I knew that the results would improve last year. I placed 5th in 2007, then 3rd in 2008 and well I am hoping to follow the pattern and move up two more spots to 1st in 2009.

I will post progress pictures on a weekly basis - more if I can. It would be interesting to see pictures on a daily basis and then put them in a video and see the changes from 60 days down to show time in one 60 second video.

How much weight do I need to lose? Probably 10lbs or so. Any more I and I feel I get too skinny and start to lose my shape (this is what the judges don't like). Coming in fuller is not something I like, as I really like when I get skinny. And I think we all love when our clothes get looser, and well, sometimes skimpier.

I won't be getting a new suit as I really love the one that I have. However, my costume needs more 'flash' and well, I might as well do it myself. I have some ideas, and have no sewed in a while but am looking forward to making my own creation.

My focus for the Nationals is to entertain the crowd. In the past I have tried to entertain the judges, and guess or predict what they want and the funny thing is.... I never did any better. Sometimes I actually did worse. When I focussed solely on me, and what I could achieve is when I did better. External factors, those out of my control at times got me down, and clouded my purpose. This show is not just about getting my pro card, but it is about putting my best product on the floor, and showing that I am a champion even if I do not get first in the judges eyes. There have been moments in my career where I could have done better, and other moments where I did my best and did not win. It happens like that sometimes. But with me I tend to focus on how I did not win, rather than how much I achieved leading up the show. This year I am changing my focus. The focus is not on the outcome but in my performance. I am always trying new things, ideas, costumes, skills - sometimes they impress and sometime they don't. I do try all the time to improve myself and move forward. I am willing to take risks and am so proud that I can still do this after all these years.

At the end of the school years I always do a back tuck for each of my classes, to celebrate the last minute of their school year. They are always so excited to see that - so I do it twice. I am 32 years old and can still standing tuck. That is pretty cool. I was just hoping to be able to do that when I am 30, but I have surpassed that goal.

This summer I have quite a bit of travel planned. In two weeks I am on a family vacation, then back home for 2 weeks, then off for the weekend, then away for 2 more weeks, then back home for final weeks prep for Nationals, then Nationals, then family vacation, then back home, then another week of travel...then school starts. So, in other words I have to be very disciplined with my food. I have vowed not to workout every day leading up the show like I have in the past. I will make my gym workouts more efficient, and keep my diet cleaner. 3 days weights, 2 days routine, and 2 days of rest. Right now I am dieting for 2 weeks, then off for a family vacation. I will still be 'on diet mode', but if I feel I need to cheat -- I will. After I return from vacation I will still have 42 days or so of dieting, and for me that is more than enough time. (did you follow that?)

This week is my last week of school. I have another exam, some marking, organizational things for next year, and then off to math conference the following week. This year has been much less stressful than last. I am so grateful to be able to work as much as I do and try to maintain a fitness/family balance. I agree it is not easy. And honestly, never realized how tough it is to maintain a certain amount of balance between the two.

In other news I have been invited to attend the World Championships in Como, Italy with the Canadian Bodybuilding Federation. That would be cool to compete in Italy as I have never been there before. I will have to think this over as the event is in October of 2009 and would require me taking a week off of school. Teaching has many benefits, but unfortunately I cannot take days off in the middle of the week, so going to this event, might not be in the cards for me.
But it was nice to be invited to go.

Here are some pictures from today. Yes, there is work to be done. 59 days and counting.

74 days to Nationals

2009-05-31T09:31:00.005-04:00

Training
Training continues to go really well. Everyone always asks about my shows, and when is the next one. They say, 'hey didn't you just have a show'. But they never can tell with regular clothes on what stage of prep I am in. I, on the other hand, feel really big right now and cannot wait until the diet phase starts, as well as routine practice. I am done my 'back and shoulder' assult, and now Erik will put me on a program to help me grow. I am hopeful that this size I am putting on will serve me well, not only to get a pro card, but also when I get to the pros. I am not a big girl by nature, and this kind of muscle does look a bit freakish, but I know it is only temporary. Temporary - meaning - when I am 50 years old I probably won't look this way....or will I? I am sure the muscle mass that I carry will serve me well from a health perspective when I am older.

Diet
I am starting to clean up my diet. This week has been really good. I am cutting back on the treats, like, ice cream & different breads, and cheese. To me bread is a treat. I would rather have a garlic loaf, than a piece of cheesecake. I guess this way I am not normal. I have begun to see changes even in just a week - I am down to around 132lbs now. So this weekend I allowed myself some slack. However, back on Monday or maybe even today I am back to eating clean. I feel so much better physically when I do.

School
Whew. School is almost done. It is not that I don't enjoy my job - I do. But there are times when you do need a break. Being a teacher is a full time job, one that comes home with you at night. Not just with marking and prepping work for the next day, but also emotionally if there are moment when things do not go well in class. I will be on my last week of teaching - this week, and then my students are in exams for 2 weeks. Which means, more marking and more planning if not for this year, in September when school starts again. I plan now (at the end of June) for those things in September, as my mind is more in the game now, than it will be after 6 weeks of vacation.

Summer holidays start around the 23rd of June for me. I have a family vacation planned, another trip or 2 in July and then August will roll around with the Nationals on August 15th, and then North Americans two weeks later. School starts for me on the Monday before North Americans. Although holidays have not begun yet, I have so much planned that it might as well be September as the time is flying really quickly this year.

Family
My little guy is 3 years old now. He is a very active kid, one who needs to be constantly moving. Terrible twos - nah...I think it more like the terrible threes. He has his moments of impulsiveness and I am dealing with it on a week to week basis - one week he is super polite, and conscientious; and the next week, he is like a tornado in the room.

I can see why women who have competed and then have babies tend to take a break from competing. It is not only the time away from them, but once you start to mess with your calories and carbs - your mood tends to be a little less patient when you child acts 'out of sorts'. I feel the lack of patience in myself sometimes when I am dieting, and well, I really don't like that feeling. But anytime I do feel overwhelmed I definitely count to 10 in my head, and check myself. During my time of prep, I always get more sleep than I need (just like my son), and make sure my meals are on time. As I am writing I am seeing a small resemblance to myself and my 3 year old during contest prep. ;)

I am realizing when my little guy is most likely to have a meltdown, and try to avoid being to far away from the house. For instance, if he is hungry or sleepy. It is worse when he is tired.

Other than that he keeps me on my toes, and keeps me busy which is going to be good when I am dieting. I look forward to being on a regime that keeps me on the straight and narrow. No deciding on what to eat. You just go to the fridge, and eat to fill the void and then keep going. Eat, sleep, train, repeat. I guess my son follow the same pattern - eat, sleep, play, repeat.

A.

2.5 months to Nationals

2009-05-23T17:02:00.010-04:00

Hi Everyone-

It has been a while since I have updated. over the next few months updates will be more frequently as I will off on summer vacation once again, and thus have more time on my hands.
Right now I am in the midst of exams and final prep with my students. Two more weeks of prep for them, and then they are writing exams. This year has been uber busy as we are going through a huge 'reform' in Education in Quebec, and funny you never hear about it on the local news. I will not go into my rant on this topic as that is another side of me. The year is almost finished, and I want to remain positive and help my students the best I can under the circumstances.

Well, what have I been up to? After drowning my sorrows in food for a bit (it does happen to the best of us), I have been training really hard in the gym (ahem, heavy) in order to gain back the muscle I have lost through dieting and bringing up my upper back and shoulders. I have a few ideas of things to change in my presentation and will be working on that through the summer in order to make sure I show my best in August.

The next show for me is in August - THE Nationals - in Vancouver - the 2009 Canadian Fitness & Figure Nationals to be held on the weekend of August 15th. It is promoted by Sandra and Ross Wickham - www.sandrawickham.com for more information.

It is the next event and my 4th try at an IFBB pro card. I have the same routine with a few minor changes - Star Trek theme, and will be trying to 'wow' the judges once again. My physique is always tough, as I come in very lean and it seems to be the new trend not to go with the old school leanness that once was favored. But I do see the hardness, including the capped shoulders in the pros - so all I need to do is get there. On the CBBF website they have pictures of what the figure and fitness athlete should strive towards, see here, and well, they are not currently rewarding that look. It does leave me confused. I am not sure how to look but I will bring in a shape that I am happy with and then let the judges decide.

People have said some things to me, nice and well not so nice this year. I am surprised at how mean some people can be. When I competed for FAP, FAME and Tri-Fitness and Ms. Fitness I never experienced cattiness and mean spirited people. Now that I compete for the IFBB and NPC there are moments when people will say not the nicest things to me. Or say not so nice things about the girls around me. I find this to be very surprising as this is not the type of fitness environment I grew up in. Perhaps I am a bit naive but I have strong belief that in everyone there is good.

I think I just have to surround myself with a good group of people that can support me all the way to the Pros and beyond. It does begin at home, with my family, friends, and co-workers. They are so funny. For me to eat 'diet' food is considered normal. When I am not dieting that is when they make comments like, 'hey you are not supposed to be eating that'. We always have a laugh about that. For me to be 'not normal' is normal.

Then I have Erik Ledin of LeanBodiesConsulting.com. He has been putting me to the test over the past few weeks. My training has been quite intense. I love beating myself up in the gym, and I do have him to thank for that. I am sure the next program will be just as intense, in order to continue my preparations for Nationals.

There are others as well, who have helped guide, and shape me. I am going to have to make one special post to thank all those who have helped me over the years. I am going to keep them nameless right now, as well, you can't give away all your secrets. I will getting help where I can over the next few months, in order to improve. Which this is one of my main goals - always to improve and be better than I was the previous year. I have been doing this fitness thing for a while, by myself, and now I know I need to call upon others who have more knowledge in order to bring me to a higher level physically and mentally.

I will post some off season pictures sometime next week. Yes, I have gained weight. More than usual. We can talk about that later.

This weekend is the Jr.USAs. How lucky those girls are to be able to compete Nationally at least 4 times a year in order to earn a pro card. Here in Canada we have one Nationals and one pro card. Luckily the back up plan is the North Americans - yes, I heard about that show and the divisions they added. I will probably be there ;)

A.

Post show feelings.

2009-04-16T07:29:00.007-04:00

Hi Everyone -

It has been about 4 weeks since my last show and basically I have been eating myself through my emotions. Who knew about this post show depression? I have never experienced it like this-- ever. Sure there would a week or two I would feel like I would want to eat everything in sight. But this time I wanted to eat and had moodiness that I could not shake. Feeling lost, confused, frustrated, all the emotions that go with a post show competition. Usually I am able to put things in perspective quite quickly, but it has taken this long for me (since March) to get my feet back under me. Luckily I have great friends (and made some excellent new ones) in the industry who have helped me put everything in a different light, and I am able to re-group and move forward. Thank you all who I have spoken to about this, and I am taking each of your advice.

Lately I have been re-working my routine to take some of the judges suggestions for CBBF Nationals. I think that I have not been putting my best 'routine' forward. I need to continually challenge myself to get better. When you do not know your competition (as I do not really know the fitness girls in the CBBF), it is hard to develop a routine. Or at least this is what I find. I knew so many girls in the other federations, that when I saw them at the show you know what they are capable of and how good they are, so you would have to really up your game. CBBF is still to me, and I am still learning the girls.

Physique will always be a challenge for me. I am not a naturally curvy girl. I am a small athletic shape. I will be working hard between now and August 15th to put on my size and shape to my overall physique. I will also be working on posing and my tan - I am never dark enough - anyone else have this issue??

It is 18 weeks till Nationals. I have some ideas, and people that I will using to help me in my prep. I have been doing this for a while, but I feel that I have so much still to learn.

I realized the other day that I will be doing this fitness thing for a few more years. Ok, maybe more than a few. I had my son back in 2006, and I made a comeback. I will probably have another child and then make another comeback. I asked myself what would I do with my extra time that I have if I did not do fitness, and well I could not come up with an answer. Would I always go to the gym? Yes. I love that part. The thing I would miss the most is the routine. Performing the routine is something that I love. So, keeping that in mind, I will probably be around for a while. I am only 32 and have plenty of ideas to keep me going for another decade. Plus I have years and years worth of routines that no one on this side of the fence have ever seen. So, whether the pro card happens this year, or does not I am no longer stressing about it. I have plenty of time to turn pro and compete as a pro, and do well as a pro. Most girls are pushing 40 years, and there is even master divisions, so there is no limit to what direction I can go when choosing to compete. Knowing that I have time on my side, to achieve whatever I set my mind to, gives me great comfort.

A.

Ironman's Pump & Circumstance - May 2009 Issue

2009-04-05T15:13:00.003-04:00

Since I began in fitness, I have always followed various fitness & bodybuilding publications. This month Ruth Silverman presents that finalists of the Bodyspace Bodybuilding.com Spokes model contest. Thank you for the mention Ruth!

19 Weeks till Nationals.

2009-04-01T07:28:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone-

Thanks for all the kinds words post show. I know that sometimes one needs to vent for at least a moment to be able to put everything in perspective. I mean, we all work hard, and we need a moment to get grounded, and then move forward. I am completely ok with everything that has happened this year. The results, the feedback, the ups and downs. I have had a great year so far in 2009 and I am sure it can only get better.

The next show on my list of competitions will be the August 15th, Canadian Fitness & Figure Nationals in Vancouver. Already have my flight and hotel booked, and ready to go. I might just add one more show at the end of August, but I have not decided for sure yet. I have discussed with my hubby and prep lands at our end of summer vacation. He gave me the ok, but still you never know how opinions and perspectives change when that time comes.

I was off to Los Angeles for a few days, and will hopefully have some good news to post and a few other pics, as I shot with Michael Neveux. He does amazing work, and am very honored to have had the chance to work with him - twice!

Back to the grind now, working out without the pressure of competition - which I love. Nothing like going to the gym in the morning and setting up your day, feeling accomplished all before oh....6am. I love going to the gym. I have not felt that way for a long time. Perhaps it is that I have scaled back at work, and have more time to do my workout properly. I no longer have to rush to get through it in order to get to my other job.

The other job, teaching, well there are still many changes that I have to deal with on a daily basis. And if you are a teacher you probably can relate.

The Quebec Gov't has created a situation in which:
students don't actually have to pass math to move on to the next grade
students have memory aid (cheat sheets)
students have a hard time doing a test - asking, "am I doing this correct?" is not an appropriate question during a test
the lowest mark I can give a student is 24% (meaning 24% is the new zero - do nothing and get a 24%)
grade 9 math is what I teach, but I really teach a grade 8 lite math

I love being around the students as they keep me young, but wow, the changes that I have seen in my short span of my career are exponential. I can see why new teachers don't stay. But I do love coming in everyday, and enjoy my students. Mainly I beat them up (not literally) and am a bit hard on them which in grade 9 is necessary. They challenge me in a way that always makes me better.

Teaching and fitness could not be more different. This is probably why I love both.

A.

2009 Natural Physique Championships

2009-03-23T06:44:00.006-04:00

2009 Natural Physique Championships
I just competed in the 2009 Natural Physique Championships - I placed 2nd.

I was happy with my performance, and upon reflection did all that I could to go for it. Nothing more could have been done. I did ask for feedback from all the judges on what I can do to win. They told me that:
1. I had to be darker - which hurt me (that I can fix...yay!)
2. Had no waist
3. Am limited by my genetics, and have a long torso
4. Routine needs more dance
5. Posing is good
6. Beautiful girl with great stage presence
7. Am too lean, or cut and need to come in fuller

That is about all. Certain things I can fix, others not so fixable.

So where do I go from here? Not sure. Immediately following the show I feel like just walking away from everything. It would be so easy to do just that. I mean I have a life, I have a family to take care of, a regular job that keeps me busy, and fitness is just a hobby. A serious hobby I guess. Writing seems to put things in perspective, and I already have my flight for Nationals, so therefore, I am going to Vancouver in August. But am so confused on what to bring to the stage. One minute the bodies are rocking big and hard, and now they are rewarding what I would be considered in shape but very soft. I like coming in lean. I think the look suits my body.

So what is next? A break till around June. Not a break from training, but a break from having competing and competing prep on my mind. My family needs a break, and I need to spend more time with my family. They were so wonderful this past weekend. My husband, and son came to the show, along with my mother-in-law, and her husband to support me. I hear a small, "go mommy" in the audience which was too cute. It was really wonderful to have them there at the end of the show, when the trophies are given out, as you do need some emotional support from time to time to ease back into reality. My mother-in-law was especially vocal and gave some good advice to help me leading into Nationals. Thank you for that.

Let's focus on the positive for a minute - I placed 2nd at 2 highly competitive shows. Made some big mistakes at the first one, and got 2nd, and had no mistakes on the 2nd show, and placed 2nd. At least I am consistent.

A few changes for August, but for now I will enjoy this time (and food) between shows. Really, I don't have an inclination to eat huge. No binge tenancies right now. I think that is a good sign.

Thank you to Erik Ledin for his continued support, guidance, and ear -- so that I can vent from time to time ;)
Thank you to everyone who keeps writing and giving me your words of encouragement. I do lean on them from time to time.
And to Slimquick Extreme and the WellNx team. I would not be able to do all that I do without you.
Lastly, but most importantly my family -- who continue to support me in this endeavor.

A.

Arnold Classic 2009 - Results

2009-03-11T10:00:00.009-04:00

Hi Everyone -

I am back from the Arnold 2009 - whew! What a weekend. I am super tired, but I managed to get through it all. Working all day at the BB.com booth and competing is a lot. I did not realize how much work it was going to be.

Let's start with the BB.com booth - they were so busy and packed! The line was super long and some people waited upwards of 2 hours to receive some product. We did give out a lot of product, by the handfuls. People were so kind to wait, and we tried at the booth to be as fair as we could considering those who tried to cut the line. This was one of the busiest booths by far. I was so glad to be apart of team Bodybuilding.com and cannot wait to attend the Olympia in September of 2009.

Now on to the Arnold Amateur results....I placed 2nd! Yay! I made a few mistakes in my routine. For instance, I went first - and usually I want to go first, but this time I had no choice. They went alphabetically and well A, or E - either way I am screwed. Ok, not a problem I thought I will go first. But when I got on stage and heard my music, it was so loud, that it did not sound like my music, and well I started 2 beats behind, and that set the stage for the rest of the routine. I did forget about 8 counts near the end, as I flubbed a move, and it make me forget some movements. I thought I covered it well, but one judge really nailed me for it. Next time if I don't start properly I will stop and re-start. I mean, I spent a lot of money to be there, and need to make sure I have the best performance possible.

The physique round went ok, but all weekend I struggled with my tan. The new JanTana did not work with my skin, and I got sprayed, and then the tan was all blotchy and then came off completely on the clothes I was wearing. When you tan does not go right it can affect your focus. I had to get re-sprayed, and well it was tough to manage as I was worried the same thing would happen again. My tan was not great and I am sure that hurt me in the physique round.

I think my shape has changed this year due to all my heavy training. I like it. Some judges preferred softer, and some harder. You just never know what they want. But I do enjoy the shape that I am currently bringing and will stick to that look.

You can see the scores here:
www.getmyshowscores.com

In the end, Sylvia and I were tied for first. The tie breaker is whomever, has the most 1st place finishes. She had one more than me.

Am I disappointed? Well, a little. I did not perform my best; and that makes me disappointed in myself. I always want to put my best performance on the floor, and entertain the crowd. Then whatever the outcome, I know I had done my very best. That is always my goal. To do my best, and then let the results fall where they may. I totally beat myself up about not performing well all Thursday night, and even Friday am went to the gym and worked out to try to calm my thoughts. All the judging is done on Thursday night - the Saturday only results portion.

I end up being very hard on myself, and not sure why. I think it is my work ethic, and my future goal of achieving pro status. Perhaps I am placing too much emphasis on that, and need to scale back and focus on what is most important. When I mentioned that I wanted to go pro to some International judges they told me it was a bad idea. It gave me something else to think about - what about the World Amateur fitness event - that seems like a fun show - Italy anyone?? I need to focus more on the journey, and making some new friends in the industry. My balance is off.

My next show is the Natural Physique in Laval QC on March 21st. It is 2 hours away from my house. I know that my family and friends will be there to cheer me on. That will be great to have them actually see what I do as it has been a long time since my husband has seen me perform, and other friends have never seen me perform.

I have to scale back my routine a bit as it is a shorter time frame for this show - only 1 min 30 seconds maximum. This week, I will stay the course on my diet, practice my routine a bit more so this time I don't forget, and get my workouts in. I am also going to scale back my time on the Internet. I think I spend too much time here, and not enough focusing on other areas of my life. At least I am aware of that now, and can change it.

In other news, on the way home from the Arnold I was kicked off my flight. I had to spend an extra night in Cincinnati Ohio, and then only got home on Monday around 2pm in the afternoon. Brutal. Lost one day of training, but I am sure considering how skinny I was it won't affect show preparations for the Natural Physique.

The weekend was great, and I had some seriously hard laughs with my girlfriends. They are super fun to be with and I really wished they lived closer. When you grow older keeping your circle of friends tight becomes more of a challenge.

Here is a few pictures from the weekend. I will put the rest on facebook.

Interview with Fizeek Brazil Show

2009-03-05T08:07:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone-
I did an interview with Ana Tigre of Fizeek Brazil and & Terry Goodlad of Bodysport.com
I did this interview late Tuesday night before I left for the Arnold.
You can download it from BodySport.com

A.

Arnold Classic 2009 - Amateur Event & Bodybuilding.com Booth

2009-03-02T14:38:00.010-05:00

It has been quite a journey between January 1, and now - March 1, 2009. The time went quickly as I have been very busy with school, and of course my preparations for the Arnold. I can remember when they announced a few years back that they were going to have the Arnold Amateur event - I was so excited. The first year I could not compete as I did not meet the requirements, however, after leaning about the show, the decision to switch to the CBBF and thus the NPC was a no-brainer. It was time. It was time to go for the IFBB pro card, and well competing in the amateur is another step in the journey. Is this show a pro qualifier or pro card winning event? No. Not yet. Hopefully they will decide to do just that as many international athletes attend the show, and have already qualified to turn pro.

My training and diet in the last week have been pretty much the same all along. A few changes, like eliminating my protein shakes, and sticking to real food; drinking more water; sleeping more, and increasing routine practice. My cardio has remained constant throughout this prep - no more than 25 mins per day, 5 days per week. When I do my routine it is 15 mins of warmup and not hard core. Just enough to get the muscles working.

My swimsuit is by Sylvia Tremblay of TremblayDesigns.com - she does fabulous work. I also purchased a suit from CeeJay of CJ's Elite Custom Suits - another amazing designer. I barely sent her my measurements, and arrives this beautiful suit that fits perfectly. I will wear her design at my second show of the season - the Natural Physique otherwise known as the National Qualifier. Maggie Blanchard of MaggieFit.com has so saved my butt, and made me a costume in a very short period of time. It is hard to find a suit designer who does costumes for fitness as well. Hopefully with the elimination of the one piece, more girls will return to fitness who otherwise would have chosen figure. That way they get more face time on stage.

Here are some shots from yesterday. This is the suit that I will be wearing. Red. Gotta love red. (looks kinda orangey in the photos though....)

Some girls don't want to show the suit before the stage. Some would compare it to the wedding dress, before the wedding. I paid "X" amount of dollars on this suit -- I am showing it to any one and everyone who is interested. The same went for my wedding dress - I showed everyone - but I digress.

My routine practice went really well over the last few weeks. I did it twice full out yesterday and really had to push through for the second time, but it is worth it. I try to cross train with running sprints to mimic the routine, but really the only way to have stamina for the routine (I find this anyway) is the work the routine. Practicing every part - the face, the feeling of the crowd, getting psyched to mimic the adrenaline.

Today, I am cooking. Still working with food all the time. My husband asked me today if I was "sick of eating that crap yet". Well, sure it is not peanut M&Ms (which are my favorite - and it is hard to go to Costco and pass by the 1.5 kg bag of them), but it is a means to what I want to achieve. I just keep telling myself that the food will be there tomorrow. Actually I really just want a huge, gigantic grilled chicken salad. That is right a huge salad, with all the fixings. I am sure this does not sound, post competition enough. Ok, I want bread as well - a big huge garlic loaf.

Tomorrow, packing and off early am on Wed to Columbus. I have a bunch of movies to watch while traveling, and a book to finish off. Plenty to keep my mind occupied.

I am very thankful to be able to compete again. I love being on stage in the spotlight - even if it is only for oh...a total of what? 5 mins?

Hopefully you can stop by and see me compete. It would be nice to have some supporters in the audience. The Arnold Amateur fitness, figure, and bikini event will be held on Thursday March 4th, at 7pm sharp at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Columbus Ohio. I believe all events are free and this is the first bikini event of the year, so that is going to be very interesting to watch and see the progression throughout the year.

And after the competition, the Arnold Expo begins on Friday. All weekend I will be at the Bodybuilding.com booth.

Even though the weekend is going to be busy, I am very excited to be competing, hanging with some very close friends, meeting new people, and new competitors, taking lots of pictures, videos, and making some connections.

See you soon,

A.

Oxygen Magazine Casting Call

2009-03-01T20:33:00.002-05:00

Oxygen Magazine is holding a casting call at the Arnold next week.
It was kind of them to use my photo to promote the casting. Stacy Kennedy, the Editor in Chief is aware of my dreams of landing a cover of Oxygen magazine. Maybe you can email her and let her know your impressions (wink, wink) - Contact Oxygen Magazine.

Ok, I will probably stop by the booth and solicit myself to them. A girl can never stop trying. Shhhh, don't tell anyone.

A.

Getting down to the nitty gritty...

2009-02-24T16:16:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was not a great day.

I was cleaning off my car, for the 3rd time that day, and well, since it snowed, there was a build up of ice on the back of my car near the trunk. I had recently bought a new snow brush/scraper, as that is what us Canadian do all winter - clean off the snow and ice with the scraper. I must not have realized how strong I am getting because as I was clearing off the car, banging the scraper on the ice (to remove it), I smashed my back window. I thought to myself, "You've got to be f....ing, kidding me". I could not believe that I did that. So, I had to drive through town, with no back window, while a snow storm was happening to get a tape up job. Luckily tomorrow I will get another window. I was so embarrassed. A big 300lb man at the garage said he did the same thing to his car. This is a 300lb man! Ok, I can understand him doing that, but me?

This is not the first time I have done things of this nature. Accidents do happen while in competition prep mode. I have gotten into one car accident, forget numerous things...anywhere and everywhere; and today, forgot the groceries in the car. Somehow by the end of prep, it all seems to come together.

Like today for instance; it was a good day. I was able to get in 2 workouts - which included routine practice. I had gone to my normal practice spot - which is the University close to my house, but the aerobic room was occupied, so I had to go to my regular gym. This turned out to be beneficial. My other gym has an old aerobic room, with the wood floor, but converted it to a circuit type training with many machines around the perimeter. The knocked out holes in the walls, so that the area has a more open feel. This means, I am practicing my routine in front of people, watching me, and it adds a bit of stress. Perfect timing to do this. It is week till I compete at the Amateur Event. I need the push. Practicing by yourself in a closed room will not make me better when the pressure is on. I need to rep out the routine, in front of people and feel the pressure to perform when it matters. For the next few practices - maybe 2-3 more, I will go to my regular gym, and have an open type practice in order to prepare for the stage. The staff at my gym are extremely supportive and help guide the members (or hold them from the middle the floor) for at least 2 minute. I am sure they enjoy the entertainment while they are doing their cardio/training.

The end is near, but I don't want it to be. It is so funny that we girls train for these shows; are so disciplined on our diets, and about this time, we all want it to be over. I am not immune to having these feelings as well. But, since I have changed federations, I no longer want it to be over. I motivate myself to stay on track as I want my pro card, and was never more inspired to achieve that goal before now. The Arnold for me is an awesome show. Although it does not get me a pro card, to me it is my "Pro show". What if I never make it to the Pro stage? What if something happens to me tomorrow? What if I am never able to compete again? How would I feel about that? So, to stay motivated I picture myself on stage, in the moment every time I practice my routine. The same thing goes for posing. I picture myself, all tanned, in the suit, all makeup and hair done, and sell it to the judges. I visualize those judges sitting before me. I see the crowd. I hear the yells of the audience for their favorite competitor. I sense the bodies of the girls next to me, but only look forward, as I want the judges to see me. I practice my facial expression; the smiling; a certain face for each movement of the routine.

This is what I love. I love being in the spotlight. Being the center of attention - if only for 2mins, plus sharing the spotlight with a few other girls during the physique round.

It all comes to an end much to quickly in my opinion.

A.

Radio Shows

2009-02-22T13:47:00.003-05:00

I listen to many radio shows during this time of prep. I do have quite a few songs on my mp3 player, but sometimes they get a bit redundant. I want to learn something while I am working out, so I listen to the various radio shows that are available.

SiouxCountry.com
Launched in January 2009, Sioux has a variety of shows for all women who are interested in the sport of fitness, figure and bodybuilding. I have downloaded all the shows, and listened to pretty much all of them. There is a big variety of guests, such as trainers, choreographers, and athletes of all levels - amateur to pro. At times some of the sound quality makes it difficult to hear the show, (especially in my gym as the gym music is quite loud). But the main points of interest are covered in most of the interviews, and you are able to get a sense of the athletes personality. It is hard to know what the athletes are like just by their picture, and the interview does give us a glimpse, (or ear) to what they actually go through with their training, diet, contest prep, promotion in the industry, and their personal lives. No matter what division you compete in, there is a show for you.

SiouxCountry Radio

Muscular Development
I used to listen to the No Bull shows, hosted by Dave P, and John R, as they were 2 hours of banter, on various topics, and then an interview with 1-2 main guests. The new show called "Team MD Radio Show", I have not listened to yet, but have it downloaded to my Mp3 player so I will see what it is like. The new show is hosted by Flex Wheeler and Shawn Ray.

Team MD Radio Show

BodySport.com
I have been listening to the Bodysport radio shows since its inception. Hosted by the owners of Bodysport.com, photographer, Terry Goodlad, and wife, and IFBB Figure Pro - Elaine Goodlad.
They also have of Ana Tigre of Fizeek Brazil on their quite often. They ask very in depth questions to the guests, and get very personal at times. I really enjoyed their recent interview with two very strong & inspirational women - Lisa Person, and Tracy Wickenheiser. They did an interview with Jen Hendershott a while back, that really showed what a wonderful women she is and a true role model within the industry. They do a lot of interviews with many of the top women in the sport today. You do have to download them free from ITunes.

Fitness & Figure Talk Radio

Living Beautiful Radio.com
This show has been on the air for the last 3 years. With hosts Nancy DiNino and Dr. Catheryn Navarro they love to find out what makes women tick. How do they choose to live beautifully in their own lives? There is 3 years worth of shows to download. I think they have interviewed every top IFBB competitor in the industry. Each show is about an hour long, so you have plenty of shows to choose from to keep your mind occupied, while doing some cardio.

Living Beautiful Radio

RX Muscle.com
This is a new site hosted by Dave P. and John R. They have their own radio show called the "Heavy Muscle Radio show". I have not listened to it yet, but I am sure it will be in the same style as their "No Bull" Radio show. Again I have downloaded the shows that they have, and will take a listen. I always enjoy their show, as they are very blunt, say whatever comes to mind (which most of are thinking), and have interesting perspectives.

Heavy Muscle Radio Show

Soon, there is to be a branch of the RX Muscle site, especially for women called "Muscle Girls Inc". It will be hosted by IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Colette Nelson and IFBB Pro Figure competitor Krissy Chin. I will have to wait and download that show in the near future.

After having written all this I am realizing - I spend to much time on the internet.
Enough for today. Happy listening.

A.

11 days till I leave.

2009-02-21T13:43:00.006-05:00

Today, I did my routine full out. The way it will be done at the Arnold. It felt good, and I felt strong. I did have my cheat meal yesterday, and took the day off from training. So, that probably helped a lot. I find it harder to take days off, than to just push through the aches and pains, and overall tired feeling that comes with lower than normal calories, and the training. I think it is more of a mental thing, as it is really good for my body to get some rest.

I did practice my routine during the week, as planned, so everything seems to be coming together. Now since I am so close to the show, being motivated to do the routine practice becomes harder. I did not enjoy going to practice the routine today, but I know that it is necessary. To do it once, perfect, at the show requires a lot of repetitions. I have to make the moves happen so that I don't think about it, and just let my body do what it has been trained to do. And adrenaline from being on stage always adds a little kick.

Physique - I feel so skinny - I have felt this way for the past 3 weeks. None of my clothes fit me. They are really big. I am seeing changes every 1 to 2 days now. It is funny how you can actually feel your butt get tighter. Dents where there was smoothness before. Veins - OMG I am covered in veins. Oh, and bruises - I have so many bruises. This routine is not a walk in the park.

I prefer my body a bit heavier. Although I like the look of muscles in the context of competition, I just feel too skinny to be able to maintain this look all the time. The diet is going well. I am not moody, but I have found coping mechanisms for this. Basically I check my 'tude at the door when I come home from work. What person is going to support me when I am cranky during the 'diet' phase? My co-workers know something is up, as I am less talkative at school, and tend to look tired sometimes when at work. They ask if everything is ok, but know that the end is near, and I am very excited to be on stage.

After the Arnold I am not done competing. I am doing the Natural Physique in Laval Quebec, basically in my backyard on March 21, 2009. So it is a no brainer to do this show. It is close, so travel costs are low. It would be nice to have people who I know, and who have heard about my fitness for so long, actually be there at a show to see what I do. My hubby came to a show back in 2002, but not since. (Traveling by myself is cheaper) My son and my hubby will be there.

But for the Arnold - it is just me. I will be at the Bodybuilding.com booth and competing that weekend. It is a lot but I did the same last year and had a really good time. Hopefully things will turn out the same this year.

A.

Todays' pictures:

16 days till I leave for the Arnold

2009-02-16T04:46:00.005-05:00

Here is it. I have been waiting for this point of my training since just after CBBF Fitness Nationals. The point of no return. The point where things get more focussed, more disciplined (can we be more disciplined?), and just crazy!

My workouts are tough, but going well. I always feel rested, and energized. However, the routine which is most important, is really tough. I am starting to run sprints to cross train for the cardio part of the routine - which is an all out sprint for 2 minutes. I always do this to myself. Add more than I can do in 2 mins. I try to make it as hard as I possibly can - just for the challenge. But it is necessary; probably not. The judges cannot possibly see everything and reward me for it. I try to find a balance between making it hard, and having good flow, and transitions. However, I always try to do more than it possible and right now am cutting back on some moves for the sake of selling the more to the judges, and being clean in the routine, such as pointed toes, and straight knees. This week I am upping my routine practice to 3 days per week, and with my 4 days/week program that will be enough.

Luckily, I have my teaching to keep me busy and balanced to what is most important. My family keeps me on my toes, but I am sure my husband can sense that my mind - at times - may be somewhere else. Everyday I am learning how to live in the moment more. I used to be doing one thing, and thinking about another. My 'new' attitude is allowing me to be in the moment, focus on what I am currently doing in that moment ( like writing this blog) and then move on to what is next. I have found that I end up doing a better job, enjoy the moment more, and overall end up being calmer and more relaxed.

My physique keeps coming along. I still have many days between then and now. Many changes can take place, but ultimately right now, where I am at, I feel ready. I am ready to be on stage again. I still practice the posing, as you can never take anything for granted. Or at least I don't. The butt of course, last to change. I tend to gain my weight there first, so it comes off there last.

Till next update.....A.

Photos from Sunday: (my little guy wanted to be in the photo too)

Interview on Living Beautiful Radio

2009-02-13T16:05:00.002-05:00

My interview that I did the other day with Nancy DiNino and Dr. Catheryn Navarro is now posted online. You can hear the interview on Living Beautiful Radio.com.

I was worried about the interview as I am a bit of a talker, and say umm, a lot. A habit I need to change. I was nervous as I never want to say anything to offend anyone. I was constantly self-censoring as you never know who is listening. My intent is always to put my opinions forward, but never push them on people. I try to wait to be asked, as no one likes a 'know it all' personality. I am really not that unique as there are many women who work hard, and have children and accomplish much more than I ever have or will.

Thank you Nancy and Dr. Navarro for giving women a voice on how they choose to define balance, and 'live beautifully'. I am inspired by all of the women you have profiled on your show. Thank you again, and congrats on your 3rd season!

A.

Type A?

2009-02-12T21:57:00.004-05:00

Usually when I am training I sleep really well, but now here I am writing and not sleeping. I am up at 4:30am to hit the gym, and by the end of the day I am wiped. But tonight I am not sleepy. I get like this sometimes...pensive. Just thoughts running through my head that I cannot shut off. My workouts seem to curb the incessant need to think but today my mind has taken off.

So what do I obsesses about? Regular everyday things. Am I being a good mom? Do I spend enough time with son? How can I be a better teacher? Am I reaching them? Am I being a good wife? I wonder if this a girl thing. Maybe a type A thing? Fitness - do I think about fitness? Yes. When I am at the gym, I can be working out, and contemplating new moves for my routine. How can I change it? How can I make it better? Luckily since I work out early no one is usually around, and I can be seen bopping to my music, trying new dance moves in the middle of a set. Those who go to the gym frequently at 4ish are used to my quirkiness.

It does help to write all my thoughts down. I have lists for my lists. Oh, yeah, gotta make a list. A to-do lists. Then I cross off those items accomplished, and re-do my list so that it is fresh. There is nothing like a fresh to-do list. In the morning, again between sets, I am making lists. I do seem to get a lot accomplished while working out in the morning. Or at least I am able to put structure to my day.

As I write this, I really don't have much on my to-do list right now. Maybe that is the problem -- I don't have enough work to do. My routine is done, I am on track with my diet (actually way ahead), all my appointments are made for the Arnold - hotel, flight, check, check. I even made my flight for Nationals today. Nationals is in August. Never to early to cross something off my future to-do list.

Living Beautiful Radio Show

2009-02-11T10:32:00.002-05:00

This week I will be taping a show for Living Beautiful Radio with hosts - Nancy DiNino, and Dr. Catherine Navarro. I will post the podcast link once it is up.
Visit their site here:

I will update my training/diet/photos later in the week.

A.

25 days till I leave for the Arnold.

2009-02-07T14:30:00.008-05:00

Training

Training has been going really well this year. I am positive it is because I am lifting heavier, and my workout plan is interesting which keeps me motivated. It is Erik Ledin of LeanBodiesConsulting.com who does my training. This year I will be able to meet him at the event. Can you believe we have been talking for about a year, and still have not met?

Dieting
Dieting is well, is dieting. I eat the same 10 foods all the time. Does it get boring? Sometimes. I try to keep an eye on the goal, as I know it is only temporary. I eat oatmeal, egg whites, protein shakes, bananas, yogurt, chicken, sweet potato, almonds, broccoli, and asparagus. I have some supplements - EFAs, and BCAAs but have not started using the yet. I do take my Slimquick Extreme - as they have these energy shots that are amazing! They really taste great, and when you are consuming no sugar, it is like a treat. I also use the drink sachets that you put into your water. They are just like crystal light, but with a little kick. Again, another pick me up when your taste buds want to consume other things.

I am still eating my weekly cheat - I cut this out at around 10 days before the show.
The next 15 days are tough, but for me I find the last 10-12 days before the show the hardest. You are consuming your lowest calories, and still have to perform the routine. I can appreciate why girls switch to figure.

Evaluation of Progress

My physique is still changing on a weekly basis. I have put on size, and well, am trying to not come in too lean, as I feel I am ahead of schedule this year. I did 46 days of dieting for the Arnold last year, and this year I am doing 60 days.

I started around Christmas to clean this up, but never really fell off the wagon too much so the transition was not that bad. Even when I can eat whatever I want, I just don't. People say to me, "Wouldn't it be nice to eat this cake; too bad you cannot have some". Funny, I would not eat it anyways. At my work there is cake, cookies, and every kind of carb you can image during the week, and I never take my share. Most times I will pack a slice up for my husband. Even in the off season there are days when I still eat chicken, broccoli and sweet potato for lunch.

I am still waiting for my butt to come in. Everything else will continue to tighten up, but as always the butt is the last to come in. Hopefully next week, I will be seeing further progress. If you like the suit - it was made by Sylvia Tremblay of TremblayDesigns - she does great work.

Routine practice has been good. Today was my 2nd official going to try to do my routine full out practice. I got through it once but it was a bit messy. I tape myself each practice to make sure I am progressing. I was a little worried that I would not be in shape to do the routine. I always try to make it as hard as I possibly can, and then start deleting things as it ends up being too hard.

In Canada routines are 1min 30 seconds - and for the Arnold it is 2 minutes. I have chosen to do 2 mins for the Arnold, and make a 2nd cut of my music for the World Qualifier show as I will have to revamp the routine in 10 days after the Arnold for the World Qualifier.
In Canada we still have the quarter turn with the trunk twist. Most say it makes your physique look better, but I like the 'new' quarter turn to the side - less work.

I am very excited to be going to the Arnold this year. My favorite part of competing is meeting the girls backstage, and seeing their routines. I have such an admiration for all of them who compete. It is not easy to prepare yourself to be scrutinized by that many people - the audience and the judges.

Talk later in the week,

A.