Journey to the Stage…. What week is it?

Aug 15, 2012 by admin

Journey to the Stage…. What week is it?

Man, time flies! In to week 11 now I think….. its all a blurr!!! Crazy how I started out training with Bryn just to gain strength and learn. My results were quick and amazing so thought why not try a comp!

I have gone through a few phases. Was in Strength last time I wrote! I am full of fast twitch fibers so I get great results from lifting heavy and LOVE it!! But as we know its important to mix it up! Sooooo I am now doing some crazy workouts! They are difficult for me but love the challenge.

Bryan Marshall (my amazing coach), holds the snatch record right now in Ontario. Bryan is a pro when it comes to Olympic weightlifting among other things. He also does courses with www.darbytrainingsystems.com . Bryan is not only doing the Darby Training Systems level one course (whether you are a new or experienced trainer, this course is a must!) , he also does an Advanced Weight Lifting course and a course called Oly-lifting. So as you can see, he is someone I am definitely going to not only learn from, but he is and will get me in the shape I need to be by October 27^th.

I have learned how to do PROPER deadlifts, how to program strength training programs properly and efficiently. There is only 2 or 3 people I have seen since, that know how to do a proper deadlift. Even the crossfit people I see aren’t doing them right! My body has changed so much and so excited for my shoot this week!!!! I am a firm believer that as trainers we need to learn from others, keep updated and not be an EGIT (ego gets in the way)!!!! NO ONE is beyond constant learning and growth. There is no such thing as your way is the best way in fitness. Everyone’s body is different!

I am now doing workouts that require more endurance, less rest and its hard! It is four days of lifting, 2 upper, 2 lower. I do energy systems training on my off days and on the upper body days. I DON’T do cardio! It is either HIIT (10-15 mins) very intense intervals, tabatas or finishers. Mostly do stepmill HIIT, rowing sprints (great for posterior chain), got to hit the glutes as much as possible, and spin bike tabatas. This works for me! I am doing 5 sets of a tri set at beginning of each lifting workout and then 4 super sets and some core. The rest periods are varied and so are the rep ranges.

My diet is around 1800 calories, 1.8 gms of protein per lb of body weight, and carbs from fruit and post workout shake around 50gms. I do get in more carbs through veggies which I eat at every meal, so total carbs around 100 gms. Fat is from avocado , nuts and seeds. I drink at least 3 litres of water day but usually get in 3.5 -4 litres.

This past week, we switched up my diet because I have a shoot and working at the Can Fit Pro conference so need to look my best! One extra meal, no carbs except from veggies and what I get during and post workout. Really have gotten a lot leaner. Going to drink tons of water next 2 days to tighten up a bit more. I also have very specific supplements which are working for me. This is actually good test drive to post comp prep to see how my body reacts!

There is a lot to do to get prepared for a comp. So have already started. First its planning your workouts, phases (have Byran for that,thank goodness!) The training phases will probably change depending on how I am looking, the same with my nutrition. The things that are tedious and you CAN’T forget about:

1. Getting bikini, costume and posing suit. First you have to find someone to do it, get fitted and pick out what it is you want.

2. Practice posing and walking. This is so important! Stage presence is a big part of it and can cause you to place low even if you look great! I actually contacted a couple of pros to help me. I have competed before but I am in this to win! I will start practicing everyday, taking pics and video to perfect it! My posing and such will be different for fitness model and figure!

3. Plan workouts every week around my schedule. I don’t have a 9-5 job, so every Sunday I have to organize my workouts and eating schedule.

4. Constantly read and or attend things to learn. UFE has a workshop that helps athletes with things for the big day. I am going to attend one in September. I believe, even if its things I believe I already know, making sure whats in my head is still the norm and learning more is the key to success!

5. Promoting myself! This is a biggie! I am working on this daily! If they know about you before you get on stage! BONUS!!!!!!

My biggest challenges is being around family and friends and sticking to the plan! If I have to get up and early and train I do, even if its me at the gym at 6am when we first open and getting up on a Saturday to get it in before my clients. I bring my food with me where ever I go! Even brought a meal to the hairdressers! My big test was having my mom come visit and not having my cheat day. I did it! Stuck to my diet completely, even with my mom eating pizza and pecan tarts! (she has a cheat weekend!). I am not drinking at all either, so family functions will be hard. But I have done it before. I haven’t been drinking much since I left Miami. Go figure! I am also very busy, so scheduling in my workouts can be difficult, but make it a priority. I need about 90 mins or bit more. I do a very good warmup and work on mobility before. Iam far from 25 yrs old! Need a good warmup!

I have had a few friends ask for my diet. This always happens. Even strangers and clients ask! First off, I am not going to give anyone I don’t know well my secrets! But even if I did you would look at it and say “hell naw!”. This lifestyle is not easy and its beyond just keeping fit. Training for a comp and possibly a tough physical competition next year, is a whole other ball game! Much respect to pro athletes and Olympians! This is hard work! But I love the challenge and enjoy the prep for it!

I have this week and possibly next week on this phase depending on how I look. Will go back to regular diet next week. 10 more weeks til my competition! Decided to do both Fitness Model and Figure. We will see how it goes! And for those who aren’t up on this stuff, it is far from a bikini contest at Hooters!!!!!!