Figure Bodybuilding 2009

I Don't think I will continue to post

2009-12-06T22:52:00.000-08:00

I haven't really been posting much these days. Life is busy and hectic and it's been taking it's toll on me.

I was thinking about 2010 (in relation to blogging) and decided I most likely won't blog anyway.

Visiting blog land and catching up with you guys is still on going, it has never stopped. Plus the contact through facebook is great too.

If I have news or anything important I wish to share I prefer to do it through Lindy's forum :-)

So i'm taking a break from my own blog for a while but will still visit :-)

Hugs

The things we do for our loved ones!!

2009-11-22T16:46:00.000-08:00

I bought the QLD VIP 3 Theme Park tickets for my son and myself last week. Since working as a PT I found I have been spending less time with him and I really want to change that so I got the tickets for us to have some fun!!

Movie World on Saturday was awesome and he managed to talk me into going on the Superman ride, i'm getting to old for this lol, I was freaked out. When we got off the ride he said "was that you screaming out shiiittt"? Hee hee that wasn't all I was screaming!

It's been a year since I started working at Goodlife as a PT and I can't believe how fast the time has pasted. I have learnt so much in that time, I have also established my self very well and had helped many people make some amazing transformations. I will post a few before and after shots of a few of my clients soon.

I now need to find balance and structure in every aspect of my life. I need to have more time with my hubby and son (number one priority), while balancing my work.

I also need to structure my nutrition and training and once I have all this planned out I will feel so much better.

Xmas is around the corner, I have no plans at this stage and i'm not going away, need some well deserved rest and what better time to do it then Xmas.

Talk to you guys soon.

Deb xxx

New Federation or Organization is Upon Us

2009-11-12T01:55:00.000-08:00

Lafemme Australia - Click here

I received an email today in relation to this new organization. I have been asking around but no one else seems to know about it.

I responded to the email and this is the reply I got:

Hi Deb,

Over my 20+ years in the industry and just as many from others in our organization, between us we have owned supplement shops, gyms, sports stores, pt studios, and have all competed many times in lots of sports, including bodybuilding, weighlifting, sprinting and lots lots more.

Within the network that has come to form LaFemme, we have gathered as many contacts as we could from, our own, friends who still own businesses with contact lists etc and contacted people that would be interested in what we have to offer.

Our focus is to make our organization as large as possible, and have already had interest from overseas. We will definitely be looking to expand internationally as soon as we can.

But we intend on doing this, and obviously expanding around Australia, by providing as much as we can in the way of prizes for competitors, rather than just the obligatory trophy and title.

The great new thing that LaFemme provides is the opportunity for everyone to compete at a national event.

Obviously other federations have a scaling process for an athlete to gain entry to a national event, by placing at a lower event.

But as our concept dictates, we are not a federation of any sort. We are an organization providing what is missing out there.

And if we didn’t do things differently, then we would just be another federation.

We are looking to introduce new people at high/professional levels in other sports to ours at our events, and ours to theirs. We believe that creating new interest from other genres of sport will greatly benefit Australian women’s sport in general.

We will have guest speakers, and seminars, social fitness events and much, much more to keep everyone looking forward to more than just 1 or 2 comps a year.

Any ideas that you have or any other competitors, friends, family, spectators etc have, we look forward to hearing, to help develop our concept and keep moving forward.

I hope that is enough info to get you started. Feel free to contact us anytime again.

Kind Regards.

Phil.

Did anyone else get an email? Does anyone else know the people behind this and what do you think about it all?

Deb

MIA

2009-11-09T21:01:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys!

I have been around and reading blogs, not really leaving many comments, just flying through when I have a chance.

I guess I have a lot to write about but I don't have the time right now. I wanted to post to let you know that I will update very soon, i'm still here :-)

This week I will make time to blog.

See you soon.

Debs

What a journey!

2009-10-13T22:43:00.000-07:00

All I can say is that sometimes you need to go through difficult situations to see things clearly. Sometimes going through a tough situation can be a good thing, only if you look at it that way. I have learnt so much about my last comp.

Knowing I was not coming in at my usual leanness and having it confirmed a week out from comp made my decision to continue to go to Sydney very frustrating and difficult. At one week out I knew I wasn't going to make my optimal condition for the comp and having paid for airfares, accommodation etc I felt obligated to bite the bullet and go anyway.

Coming 4th is still a good outcome and deserved for the package I had presented on the day. The thing is I know I can do so much better so I walk away knowing that and I also take away some very useful information with me in regards to what not to do for my next prep.

Sydney was done on my own, I did the entire trip without a hitch and I am proud of myself for having the confidence to take that on. I have really grown up! :-)

Next year I will stand on stage in awesome condition, I have no doubts about that! After the Sydney Asia -Pacific comp I got loads of honest feedback and comments that made me open my eyes to many things. The Sydney comp was not a complete waste of time.

At this stage I hope to compete in the latter part of the year, hears hoping I don't change my mind due to unfinished business and compete in May. Don't let me do it or I will be prepping all year again and that's a big fat NO NO.

I have also decided to prep myself next year. I have done it before and I believe I can do it again but with even more knowledge behind me. The only thing that would be challenging to get around is having someone be my eyes for me when I get to 4 weeks out until comp day. But I have good friends here in the know who would be happy to help *cough* Lia :-) Last time I sent photos for honest feedback (2007) I can always count on her for honesty.

I'm really looking forward to my off season training and nutrition and can't wait to compete again next year.

Thank you so much for all your support through facebook and text etc. I have to say that on the day of the comp having my iphone to update and check back for replies was so comforting, I felt like you guys were there with me, just to share everything I was going through and knowing you guys were there reading on was unbelievable. Thank you to iphone and technology and mostly to my amazing friends. xxx

Almost 1 week out

2009-10-01T02:03:00.000-07:00

Not sure where to start. I had a very busy weekend. Saturday was my birthday plus it was the day Steph and Ali competed at the ANB for the first time and I was lucky to be there to see them for pre judging.

They both looked fabulous and did so very well, they both have a bright competitive future ahead of them :-)

Sunday was full on for me as I had my client Eleanor competing in novice at the WNBF. I felt like mother hen to her lol. She ended coming 2nd so you can imagine how happy her and I both were considering she had come to me approx 12 weeks ago having never done any weight training before and asked me to prep her! She lost about 8kgs and managed to build enough muscles. Her condition on the day was really good and I even got many compliments on the way her tan came up. She put in so much work and I am extremely proud of her.

As you know Jon Davie was away so I haven't had a chance to see him since Tuesday last week and don't get to see him until Monday so that's two weeks! I feel a little freaked out at the moment as I don't know if i'm on track and won't know until Monday my final week.

Being so close to the show any competitor would know how hard it is to judge for yourself. One minute you think your right on the money, the next minute you feel very uncertain. I really need to keep it together until Monday.

I fly out to Sydney on Saturday morning, the show is on Sunday. The competition will be huge and very competitive, I can only do my best and hope that my condition is spot on at the right time, I have been having issues with holding lots of water over the last few weeks, I think it's improving now but again not sure of much right now as my judgement seems very clouded.

Work is still demanding and busy and life is stressful. I can't wait until this is all over as I really need to focus on my daily life. I must make a note to myself as a reminder not to do two seasons in one year. Prepping most of the year is way too much especially in my line of work. I will just compete at the end of the year. Boy I can't wait to rest up :-) Even if (big if) I was to place at the WNBF Asia-Pacific's I won't go the the World's in New York, I just can't get away now :-( and to prep for another 4 weeks is not very enticing right now either.

I will be at the Olympia promoting International Protein so I can't wait to catch up with many of you who will be attending and competing.

Hugs xxx

Still Here!

2009-09-16T22:08:00.000-07:00

OMG, I really miss blogging but only have a couple of minutes to stop in to let you know i'm still alive!

I'm prepping and almost 3 weeks out. I have so much I want to share about this prep but not rushed like this. It's in relation to many aspects of cutting down and the difficulties associated with it.

Good luck to all competing this weekend, sorry I can't be at the INBA Qld titles :-(

I will be checking in with everyone to find out how it all goes.

Debs

P.s. I'm cheering for you Miss Tara!!!!! xxx

A Decision has been made.

2009-09-03T22:28:00.000-07:00

I'm going straight to the WNBF Asia-Pacific Championships in Sydney (Oct 10-11). Since making the decision I feel awesome about it. Now I have more time to help with my girls at the Qld show which is proving to be more and more of a need then I realized as we get closer.

I have booked my flights and accommodation. Hair and make-up lady is also booked and all I need now is to find a mobile spray tanning person to book in.

I must stay focused for this comp, the stakes are going to be high but i'm really hoping to place 1st, 2nd or 3rd in order to qualify for the Worlds in New York. This is my dream and I should give it my all. If however I don't place, there is always next year.

These days I don't seem to phased by what the outcome of my competitions end up at, I can only give it my best shot and go from there. I am finding other activities in my life that I really enjoy and feel it's great to diversify. I believe that the outcome on the day is uncontrollable and I will just go with the flow. In fact this new attitude has been taken up in most aspects of my life now. I find that I am not stressing anywhere near as much as I used too especially during prep. This prep is the first to date where I haven't had "an episode"! Hope to keep the record clean LOL.

So this Sunday means i'm 5 weeks out, i'm in a good position prep wise but I must remember that it is a higher level of competitors i'm standing on stage with in Sydney and I still need to come in nice and tight :-)

I hope to try and update a little more often.

Debs xxx

Introducing My New Toy

2009-08-28T19:22:00.001-07:00

My new bike! It is a "giant" and it looks almost exactly as the picture above. I have taken to cycling really well and get a huge buzz from it.

I went out to the track this morning and loved the power and freedom I get from riding. I am getting more confident with being clipped in, and my form has improved heaps.

Now I simply can't wait until i'm in the off season as I will be able to spend loads more time riding. Since i'm four weeks out I need to be careful not to go into a big calorie deficit and risk breaking down muscle etc.

I know I haven't blogged in a very long time but I can't believe how busy I am. I have taken on so many clients and I never intended on taking on that many. I feel overwhelmed by it at the moment but am getting on top of it again.

My prep is good, in fact it's really good. I am on target, in fact i'm slightly ahead from last comp. JD is just fantastic, he is really getting to know me better and knows exactly what to prescribe for me to do that works. A trainer / client relationship really takes time to learn as everyone is different but once you have a formula the your on a good thing. We still have some work to do in time before we hit that formula but it's getting there and I love his approach.

I'm also at some crossroads in relation to what I am going to do about competing. As you know I am prepping for the WNBF Qld Championships, then going to Sydney two weeks later to compete at the WNBF Asia-Pacific Championships. A thought popped into my head yesterday as to why do the Qld comp, why not just do the Sydney one like I did in 2007?

I have pros and cons for both so I need to weigh it up.

I will make a decision within the next couple of days and let you know.

Have a brilliant day!

Debs xxx

I'm Spinning Around

2009-08-11T22:25:00.000-07:00

Move out of my way!

LOL

It's all good, i'm just so busy, I have been getting PT inquires almost daily with the up and coming new 12 week challenge starting again on the 22nd August.

And I got a call yesterday in relation to my pursuits with Alzheimer's Australia with news that I have (pretty much) got a government grant to go ahead with nutrition and exercise seminars for the carers. I will be putting together a presentation and sending it off to them, then I start early next year! OMG who would have thought???

Mona-vie is really taking off aswell, I am building a great sideline business with this nutritional product that has bubbled also.

And yes, i'm still prepping and going well.

My poor boys haven't seen enough of me but they understand and they also know I will have more time after the comp season ends.

Sorry this is short and sweet again but I have to run!!!!!!!

Debs xxx

Australia Natural Bodz Magazine

2009-07-30T20:59:00.001-07:00

The latest issue has a ten page spread on the ANB Asia-Pacific 2009 and their is a photo of me in it too! OMG my first time in a mag LOL

And an amazing write up on the amazing Michelle Nazaroff.

This is a quickie as i'm flat out again today. I'm trekking well. I am cycling again tomorrow and Sunday I am doing my Padmasters course, can't wait!!

See you soon.

Debs

Acai

2009-07-27T20:20:00.001-07:00

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Never Felt Better

2009-07-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how amazing I am feeling. I'm still extremely energized and at less then 10 weeks out from comp i'm loving my prep.

I trained chest yesterday morning, did 40 minutes cardio, worked, went to the other gym (the one I don't work from) did another 30min cardio session, was about to walk out when I ran into a friend who was about to do shoulders and I said "what the heck i'll join you"! So two training and cardio sessions in one day.

After waking up 5am this morning for work I thought I would be trashed from yesterday's craziness but I wasn't, in fact I had an awesome 40 minutes cardio session this morning - somebody stop me!!!

I have been feeling this way for a few weeks now, since starting my daily doses of Mona-Vie. I have a feeling my body was lacking in some nutrients that I just couldn't get from food, multi vitamins or any of my other supplements that I was taking to try and pull me out of that drained mess I was in before. My last prep was one of the hardest and judging by the way I am training now (and hindsight) I know that I had not had enough nutrition to prevent me from being over trained or whatever it was that made me feel weak.

I now train the way I used too and have so much enthusiasm and spirit. I love cardio again. My mind is so positive and I want to take on the world!

The Mona-vie is so potent with high nutrition and micro nutrients and enzymes that really get absorbed well due to it being in liquid form. Whatever my body was being starved of is in that 60ml shot I have twice a day.

This Saturday I am getting my first cycling coaching lesson (weather permitting). I'm excited, can't wait.

I see JD on Thursday and i'm looking forward to that, never thought I would be excited about skin folds lol. I can feel the changes, see the changes so I know the results will be good.

I hope everyone is well.

Deb xxx

I can't keep up with myself

2009-07-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

Things are flying at me from all directions so bare with me.

I saw JD last Thursday and it all went better then I expected. He was very happy with my results but more so because he can see that I have adopted a good eating plan post comp that has helped me to keep my skin folds at a great place. All I can say about that is I haven't even put much effort into it because it wasn't difficult, he really knows his stuff! Eating on JD's post comp plan pretty much effortless, preparation is the key, not self-discipline.

So it's prep time and i'm in a good place to kick it off and get going for the big day. We did discuss the fact that I will be coming in leaner in 11 weeks time, i'm excited about it. I really believe I can do this as I feel fantastic since I've been drinking Mona-vie, it has giving me endless amounts of energy and nutrition which is keeping my mind positive and my emotions high even though i'm lacking sleep again.

Mona vie is going well, I have had alot of people joining me in this awesome business and I find myself meeting with people most days of the week now. I'm buzzing from it really I am!

I don't know if you remember I mentioned that I was working on getting into Alzheimer's Australia where i would have the opportunity to work with th carer of dementia suffers etc? Well I got a call today and things are looking very positive there. I'm excited and scared at the same time. Excited due to my passion for health and nutrition and wanting to help others, nervous about public speaking. I will need to overcome this as my dreams are way my important and I don't want to lose site of them over a fear that can be overcome.

I will let you know more about what my role will be once it's confirmed.

So between personal training, prepping, Mona-vie, Alzheimer's Australia and family i'm pretty busy lol. And that's still not all, i'm about to take on another sport lol. Cycling, the real deal. I have to get a date together for my first coaching lesson in a week or so. It will be on a track on a bike that I will be cleatered into. I can't wait to give this a try.

Deb

Hey Hey

2009-07-07T23:10:00.000-07:00

I'm off to see JD tomorrow yippee! I haven't seen him since my comp and now I am less then 12 weeks out, sooo over due!

Training is going great guns to say the least. My weights are on the increase and i'm so stoked to me training hard and heavy again. I'm even enjoying cardio again, in fact I am chaffing at the bit to get on and start moving, i'm just enjoying it and the added energy is fabulous.

Looks like I picked up another sponsorship, it will be confirmed once I meet up with the sponsor in person next week, so very exciting, will tell you more once it's confirmed.

More updates tomorrow after I see JD.

Debs

I am now a distributer of Monavie

2009-07-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

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Bursting with energy

2009-07-03T00:01:00.001-07:00

I have got so much energy since starting on a new product this week it has me jumping out of my skin LOL.

My cardio has gone through the roof just because I need to release some energy.

It's a natural product extremely high in antioxidents and has me on some kind of a natural high as well :-)

I haven't time to go into it as I need to get going but will go into detail very soon.

I'm so excited!

May have spoken too soon

2009-07-02T03:07:00.001-07:00

Since blogging this afternoon I ran into JD early this evening unexpectedly. Looks like I won't be trainer-less after all lol. Must have been fate running into him in the car park like that!

Competition Decision

2009-07-01T21:25:00.000-07:00

I am competing in a little over 12 weeks time. I have decided that doing two comps a day apart is not a good idea as I lose condition the following day and it's bloody exhausting! So I had to make a choice, ANB or WNBF? It was a very difficult decision (typical of me not being able to make a decision, to busy analyzing everything to bits), I have decided to try the WNBF again, that was the direction I was aiming at since last year so best to follow through.

I know it will be a tough event as Vicky Thomas (World Champ) is competing that day, but at the same time it will be great standing up there next to her as she is an awesome athlete and a supportive friend.

It was a difficult decision as I truly had the best comp experience at the ANB Asia-Pacific International, the vibe and atmosphere was incredible. If only they were at least a week apart then I would do both. I will be competing with the ANB again for sure.

So I am now trainer-less! I'm going to give it a shot on my own. I believe I am ready for this, but who knows I may change my mind later lol.

JD is awesome but not always easy to get a hold of! I figured I wanted to implement a few new things that I believe would benefit me in my prep also. So i'm excited about leaning down again.

Good luck to everyone competing at the All Females this weekend, wish I was there to cheer you guys on.

Deb xxx

Blogging is not the same any more

2009-06-22T23:16:00.000-07:00

Apart from being busy I have been wondering why i don't blog much anymore, not like what I used to back in 2006 & 2007 where I blogged almost daily! Things seem different now in blog world.

Now I just find myself reading a few blogs a day and not even leaving comments, not from lack of caring but just not knowing what to say at times.

Perhaps it's just a phase or maybe it's more then that, who knows??

I am currently putting together a website for my PT business but will still remain blogging here when I have something to blog about that is :-)

At the moment life is taking on new directions, more doors are opening up and I need to take the plunge and give it a shot, changes are scary, fear of the unknown but regrets are worse.

I am competing again in late September at this stage but need to call Jon Davie to discuss a few things, he thinks I fell off the planet as I have been missing in action for the last few weeks. I will try to call tomorrow and then i will know what the heck i'm doing lol.

My training is still on fire and my strength makes me feel like i'm unstoppable! I get so excited about going to the gym for a weights session, gosh i've missed this feeling, please don't ever leave me again! Chest tomorrow woohoo lol

See you soon.

Debs

Thank You Dallas Olsen

2009-06-15T23:44:00.001-07:00

Below are some pictures taken by Dallas Olsen at the ANB Asia-Pacific International. He sent me loads more but I will upload more another day.

My lovely trophy!

Their were two more girls in the line up on the other side of me.

Quarter turn (my better side) ;-)

Ab and thigh

Side chest, my favorite pose.

Can't wipe the smile off my face lol

What a fantastic day and I have nothing but awesome memories of the entire show. This is a very different me on stage and it was lovely to experience it, the fuller more rounded physique is very feminine indeed! But having said that, I will be coming in leaner in September, I still have room to move their without compromising on muscle :-)

What a night!

2009-06-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

Goodlife's 12 week challenge dinner results night was on Saturday night in Brisbane at the Convention center.

It was a huge night with all the clubs from Australia there for a big night of fun and presentations.

This was the first time I had experienced the challenge since starting work as a PT at Goodlife. I had four clients that entered it and so I too decided to enter under the staff division so I could work with my clients as a team.

I am so very proud to say that I had a winner on the night!! Kevin Grey, Male Winner from Helensvale Club woohoo!!! I am so stoked.
I had to walk Kevin up for his presentation, what a moment that was.
Then to top it off I was the overall staff female winner lol. I can laugh now but I was freaking out on the night as I had to get up and give a speech in front of over 1000 people (stop giggling Lia), yes I froze for a few seconds standing in front of the two microphones in front of me but I eventually managed to say something.

And take a look at the size of the cheque I got, I was pretty plastered by the time they handed me that. John and Nathan cracked up when they saw it the following morning LOL.

I am so proud of Kevin and his wife Melissa who I trained for the challenge, they have both adopted a lifestyle change and never looked upon the challenge as a weight loss competition which was an important point that I put to them. They trained hard and were consistent and for that they now look and feel better and continue to drop more body fat and tone as they train with me. Having clients like this makes me say "I love my job"!

Can Stand It No More

2009-06-04T23:48:00.000-07:00

Resting that is!

I can't take a full week off I NEED to train so i'm starting back tomorrow, I can't wait lol. I have had enough rest and am ready to rock 'n' roll with the heavy iron, cardio I don't miss yet hee hee.

Food wise I have indulged a little but have been quite good, I will clean my act up even more once I start training again.

At the WNBF comp I was on stage early so once I was done my father and I (and a few friends) went for lunch. There was a buffet that most of the others had but all I felt like was a club sandwich, so that is what I had with a glas of chilled Sav Blac, it was delightful!

I have had a few nights of wine and nuts but thats after a clean eating day so not to bad. I will enjoy my weekend then get serious again as of next week.

My plans are kind of all over the shop at the moment. I am competing again late september but am yet to decide which shows. The ANB and WNBF are back to back again and that sucks because I find it hard to hold condition the second day. But I really want to give both fed another shot as I will come in leaner this time.

So I will work towards both the comps at this stage and decided closer to the day but since JD is coaching me through this again I would say the ANB is a definite even knowing I will be standing in line with Minnie :-) Pitty she wasn't shorter lol. But it will be awesome to meet her in person, i'm looking forward to that.

On Sunday I came so close to booking tickets to Melbourne to compete at the All females, so close I was, but I would have had to rearrange way to many things and it was going to become stressful so I gave up on that idea real quick ;-)

I'm still hanging out for pictures, I must be patient ;-)

Have a great long weekend everybody.

Debs xxx

WNBF Gold Coast Championships

2009-06-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of hunting down photo's from this event, shouldn't be long until I post them.

Ms. Fitbody Open - Tall class - 3rd Place

I kind of feel that I should have done better at this comp and have learnt a hell of alot over the weekend.

Two federations looking for too different looks. The WNBF prefers the leaner more "cut" look and since I wasn't as lean as I usually get I just didn't do as well on the day.

The feedback I got after the show was that my gains were awesome but if I had the leaness of 2007 I would have done much better.

I guess it was weird placing 3rd at such an elite event the day before and then expecting to do better at a local show that threw me a bit at first but now it's all good, it's good because I know I can come in leaner next time so I can fix the mistake easily.

So where to from here????

I spoke to Jon Davie today and we discussed a few things but I really want to give this another shot so I will be competing again late September for another back to back show with the ANB and the WNBF, but this time I will be leaner.

Time to enjoy my week off before getting back into it all, at least i'm at a great place to continue my next prep.

Deb xxx

ANB Asia-Pacific International 2009

2009-06-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

Figure Open - Tall 3rd Place OMG!!

What a day Saturday was from morning till night it was full on but so much fun. I have to say this was the most fun I have experienced at a comp. I was calm and my nerves were no where near as bad as previous shows.

I'm so stoked with my placing as I had no expectations at this event due to the amazing athletes who were competing on the day.

Even though I had to wait so long to get on stage it all went so incredibly fast that I didn't even know how many girls I was standing on stage with until I asked when I got off! LOL One minute i'm backstage with JD pumping me up, next minute i'm on stage posing.

Looking at my photo's I see a VERY different Deb. I'm not used to seeing myself that full and round. This is what the ANB prefers from what I heard and I guess that's why I was prepped that way. I do feel that I could have come in leaner but for now nothing can take away my happiness and joy from what I experienced that Saturday :-)

The pictures above where taken by Steph and the other one by a friend of my hubby's who was in the crowd. Dallas has photo's so when I receive them I will post more.

I have to say a huge thank you to Lindy Olsen and Jo Rogers for tanning me at JD's place. You both did so much for me and I felt like a princess on the day :-) I am here if you ever need me to help with anything in the future.

I will blog again in relation to the WNBF, running out of time again!

Deb xxx

Quickie

2009-05-24T23:36:00.000-07:00

After a full on emotional weekend I am now (finally) starting to feel excited about the comps. Speaking to Sam Atrill on facebook today was awesome, she will be at the ANB on Saturday and I have a feeling it will be a cracker fun day!!

I'm trekking beautifully in relation to my body and have an amazing week of prep ahead of me that I am finding exciting.

My nerves got the better of me over the weekend, stage fright nerves, but I am starting to move on from that and not let it get the better of me, I have worked to hard to let it ruin my day.

Lia I always said you were my guardian angel, Thank you once again. I can't wait to check the mail tomorrow hee hee. Love you lots!!!! Actually it may arrive along with my bikini too, it's due tomorrow too I think :-) Is it my birthday? LOL

Will blog again soon.

Debs xxx

My Rambles On Where I'm At

2009-05-19T22:49:00.000-07:00

Walking into to see Jon Davie for my weekly skinfolds was a different feeling today. I guess I felt confident about the results due to how much I have progressed in the last week. I could feel the change and I could see it and the skinfolds confirmed that.

I am now sitting in a good place condition wise for 1.5 weeks out, having said that I still have my work cut out for me but that's okay as I now know I will be making it to the stage, I have passed the point of no more self doubt, it feels great to finally be here.

The ANB will be a huge event with awesome athlete's competing on the day, I look forward to having a fun day and trying so hard not to stress about anything. I am just stoked to have the opportunity to compete there that day and look forward to having Dallas capture the moment so I have these awesome pictures to look back onto and remember all the work that went into me being in that condition on the day.

The ANB will also be a day that I hope will help calm my nerves for the following day at the WNBF. So hopefully by the following day I would have less or no stage fright lol.

But I must say in the last day or so I am feeling a little more at ease about the ANB. This comp was freaking me out because I know that some of the best figure girls will be there on the day and I didn't want to look at of place.

I have come to my senses, i'm there for me, with my physique and my improvements and if I worry about anything else im not going to enjoy my day and have fun, what is the point in all this hard work then? So I go into both comps with no expectations, therefore no disappointments. I will learn more about things after that weekend as I do after every competition as they are never the same, so much to learn and always will be.

I am very curious to see the end result after speaking with JD today about what we are doing for the final week leading in, I haven't quite done it that way before and can't wait until the big day. I'm in good hands, I trust my coach more the ever.

By the way, my boobs are holding up well (pardon the pun), 1.5 weeks out and no sign of rippling, in fact they still look really natural, hang in there girls lol. I can't wait to get my bikini to see what I look like, i'm sure it will all come together really well.

So I leave on a good note and stay on a good vibe :-) It's great to be back in the right headspace, feels like i've been gone for too long!

Hugs Always,

Deb xxx

P.s. Thanks again Lia for your support every Wednesday post skinfolds, you have helped me hang in there over the rough patches yet again. Talk to you next week ;-)

I'm so humbled

2009-05-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

Working as a personal trainer was an area I was so wanting to go into as I felt I had so much to offer to my clients and today was the day I really got point of how it feels to change people's lives.

This coming Saturday marks the end of the Goodlife 12 week Challenge. Four of my clients wanted to enter it so I was happy enough to have them go through it under the condition that they didn't treat it as a weight loss competition and that I would guide and help them along the challenge to promote a healthy lifestyle change for them and to also create such amazing results!

Well all four of them have exceeded my expectations and have not only transformed their body's but have learnt so much about eating, training and most important "Balance".

I received an email today from on of them who told me how much I have changed her life, for the first time ever she is happy in her own body, she can sleep at night without medication, she is no longer hungry and she is "happy". She is in her mid 40's and has had eating problems all her life. So much more was written, it made me cry, it is so worth it and I love my work.

This Saturday is the final weigh in, girths, skin folds and photos so everyone is getting waxed and spray tanned and doing themselves up for the final shot. I'm so excited for them all as they have all done so well. My club alone had about 45 entrants.

Given I have permission I will post my clients before and afters here on the blog, i'm sure they will say it's okay :-)

The timing is good as it will give me a little more time in my final week to focus on myself and try to rest up a little more.

I see JD tomorrow, so I will update then :-)

Deb xxx

The finish line nears

2009-05-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

Gosh where do I start?

I'm going to make this post only about where i'm at prep wise and not go into everything else as it will be easier this way :-)

I am a little under 3 weeks out and I feel nervous and a little frightened about competing. I can't help but feel as though i'm not lean enough but in having said that I have some muscle on me now that I have never had before.

Now if I can stop comparing myself (by memory) as to how lean I was for my previous comps then I may start to feel better about the whole thing. And if I remind myself of my goals for this comp and the reason I took 2008 off was to compete with more muscle (size) and have a fuller look but still lean, then i'm right on track! I certainly won't be too thin this time around. With my last comps all I wanted was to be ultra lean at the cost of my muscles, that was my first priority back then and it showed. This time around with the guidance of Jon Davie I am coming in with more size and health I might add!

I haven't got any progress pictures, never took them this prep, haven't really done much at all except visit JD once a week for skin folds and pose in front of the mirror, that's it. I will take one week out pictures and make comparisons then, I will keep that tradition going at least :-)

I have to say that I have always in the past mentioned that my shoulders are small and they were up until now! I now have shoulders and i'm stoked about this, all that hard work has paid off, this in itself is a huge thing for me as it has been my weakness since day one. I honestly thought I would not ever get them to grow at all, thought it was a genetic thing. They are not huge but they are better then ever for me. The reason I bring this up is to let you all know that if you have a body part that is your weakness or just not as great as your other muscles just know that you can improve on it :-)

I will try to post more and comment more from now on, work and the passing of my Aunty has been difficult.

I have been reading blogs most days so I know whats going on in your world :-)

See you soon,

Deb

Finding it hard to blog

2009-05-04T23:18:00.000-07:00

I am finding blogging very difficult, I had plans on blogging in detail tomorrow after my appointment with my coach but things have changed.

Yesterday my Aunty passed away, she had some form of cancer and it all happen very quickly. She lives in Germany so it makes things so hard being so far away.

I'm not really wanting to go into detail about all this right now but I am still around.

I will see how I feel tomorrow and try to blog more details about how i'm progressing etc, I won't actually know for sure until I see JD tomorrow anyway.

Deb x

Snap Out Of It

2009-04-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

HUGE wake up call today. Only dropped 1ml. If I want to compete end of next month I have to push forward even more. I don't know how i'm going to do this but I am, I have too.

Balls in my court, wish me good luck :-)

Debs xxx

Coming or Going???

2009-04-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

I don't know what i'm doing in relation to the comps. One day i'm doing them, the next i'm not! Good Friday I slept, it was nice. Got up went for my walk, my son came with me which was so lovely, spending my day off with him at home on a rainy day watching movies was so wonderful.

We were watching "Australia" and I was so relaxed and felt that spending a carefree, stress free day with my son and husband not thinking about work or prep just made me blow the whole comp off. I opened up a bottle of good red wine and enjoyed my day.

The pressures have been to much, I really believed I was not going through with it and I felt a weight lifted from my shoulders gosh it felt great until the following morning. I woke up feeling that I had to keep going so I went to the gym and it all continues again.

Today I feel like crap again and i'm really not taking to this prep very well at all. I just think it's been going on for to long, 20 weeks, I won't be doing it this way again.

I have no idea what my skins are going to be coming in at tomorrow, I doubt that I have any changes as I don't see any changes. God i'm just so sick and tired of all the head games, the on and off drained feelings and the time committed to cardio. I'm so over it and wonder if it's worth it.

My mind just seems to go into a place where is doesn't want to communicate with anyone, I just want to be alone and not have to talk to anyone. This isn't healthy and it happens on those drained days. I was fine over the long weekend and today was my first day back on 4.30am wake ups and guess what, drained and negative.

I have to somehow deal with this for the next 7 weeks and hope for the best. Please give me the strength to get through this prep, I just want to compete end of next month and then rest, I have come too far to have to pull out now.

Have The Technology, So Use It!

2009-04-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

Since I will be spending more time doing cardio in the form of walking I figured I needed two things:

1. Something to help to time pass without it becoming mundane.

2. Something I enjoy that will also help keep me happy (kill that cortisol).

So as I type I am converting a movie and some T.V. shows I like and never get to see (because I have to be in bed early) to my Iphone. I can walk and watch the show on my phone, the screen is an awesome size and the quality is second to none it's awesome. I can't wait to try it out tonight.

Last night and this morning was my turning point in cutting back on my cardio intensity. I walked at an easy pace. It felt good but it felt easy, why does that bug me? In fact it scares me. I feel that if it's easy, it's not going to work (somebody slap me now because I know you want too), but I will do as i'm told :-)

Before you all leave comments about the reasoning on how it works I will let you know that I am well aware of the fact that it DOES WORK, and I know how it works but when your almost 7 weeks out your mind plays games and it is this time that you must trust in your coach. Your coach will be your eyes, your mind even! Things are a little difficult to judge in relation to yourself at times. If it was somebody else saying all this I would clearly tell them exactly what JD told me, it's different when it's not you :-)

I am in a better place today because I saw Jon yesterday, because of the changes he made to my cardio and training and because I get a day off tomorrow hee hee....SLEEP yay!

I can already feel my happy hormones kicking in as I blog, it's all good. Prepping shouldn't be hell, it's not worth it if it is.

Thanks for everyone's awesome love and support, it's gets me through everytime.

Happy Easter.

Debs

Update Time

2009-04-07T20:56:00.001-07:00

I guess things seem worse then what they really are when prepping, yes I knew this but I was thinking the worst regardless. I was actually thinking I might not make it to the stage end of next month but with continued hard work and focus I can actually get there.

After seeing Jon Davie today he pin pointed two reasons for my drained body situation. The first is what I mentioned, lack of sleep and the other is my cardio, I haven't followed his prescription totally. He has structured my cardio around my meal plan so the fact I have gone slightly higher on my intensity has left me with nothing to function on. The reason I did this was due to lack of time, I thought it best to do more in half the time when I didn't have a whole hour to spare, this back fired.

As of today I will structure my cardio and sleep times as number one priority to see how things go.

Lacking sleep and doing more cardio then my meal plan allows has caused my cortisol levels to rise and I must avoid this at all costs.

I did have a 2.5ml body fat drop in the two weeks, although it doesn't seem like much it was good as it came off my lumber and thigh, just where I need it to go from :-). I also dropped about 2kgs in that time aswell.

I'm still a little frightened about not getting lean enough for the shows but will do my very best to keep at it, I can't stop trying as I have worked way to hard for this, it has been difficult and I now need to stop being so darn afraid to say that I deserve to stand on stage and shine on the day as I would have earned it big time :-)

I need to slow down, pull back on that throttle and trust in my coach as he is an amazing guy.

Deb xxx

No news is not always good news when your a blogger....

2009-04-06T21:19:00.001-07:00

I think we know by now that in blog land no news is not good news. I haven't blogged due to how difficult this prep has been over the last few weeks in particular. I have struggled with having absolutely no energy to function with and as a result I have had issues that set me back a week, not a good time to lose that kind of time. I just needed time out to try and catch up.

To tell you the truth I won't know exactly where i'm at until tomorrow when I see JD. I didn't go for my skinfolds last week because I couldn't bear too, I know it was the wrong thing to do but I needed to sort things out on my own. Tomorrow will be a good indication if I made things worse but not going!

My energy levels are so low I haven't even been able to get off the lounge on the weekend to go to the toilet without willing my body to stand up! I have had no posing practice and haven't even taken my weekly progress pictures because of it, I truly couldn't tell you how I go to work on a daily basis and keep my clients happy. I know that they are happy due to a recent email I got received saying I was the best PT, this made my day :-)

I'm up at 4.30am mon-fri and really use up whatever energy I have on my clients and on my training and then I have nothing else to give :-(

Food wise no problem, i'm not hungry, just drained.

I need to talk to JD tomorrow, but when i'm there i'm always in a hurry to leave so hardly in the mood for a long chat when I have to be in other places!

This is all self inflicted and I need to sort myself out.

Love you guys.

Walking Down The Right Path

2009-03-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

I had my skin folds taken a day earlier then usual due to JD having to travel a fair bit at the moment, he is one busy guy!

All went better then i expected and I am on track, I had another good drop in body fat.

The comments i'm getting at work are continuing and it's all good for now but wait a few more weeks when they start seeing some really big changes! I know many of the members will be pretty shocked as they have not seen this kind of transformation before, it will make for good gossip and conversation lol.

My results are great and i'm happy with my progress, my 10 week out pictures show some awesome improvements from my last 10 week out prep.

But I have to make mention that this has been one of the most challenging preps I have ever done. I am drained most days of the week, it's a real struggle to put one foot in front of the other at times and I have to train my clients with enthusiasm and I have to do cardio etc, etc, I don't mean to go on and on about it but anyone that's reading this and seeing that i'm getting results needs to know it doesn't come easy to me. In fact, I don't believe it comes easy to any of us, I just never want to give that impression.

I was having weeks when I wasn't progressing well and I may fall back into that rut again (desperately try not too though), but right now the results are good and I need to continue to work just as hard to keep right on top of things, I can relax later, after the comps :-)

So full steam ahead is what is needed as I approach the 9 week out mark on the weekend, single digits already, it freaks me out a little. I start to get frightened of standing on stage, every week it scares me more and more, when will I ever get over the stage fright????

I have been reading everyone's blog but haven't commented, sorry, lack of time. I will comment very soon.

Deb x

Pretty Pleased With Myself :-)

2009-03-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

I had a fabulous drop this week, a full 5mls and 1.5kgs off the scales :-)

I just need to keep the momentum going even though I am still having issues with my energy levels. I picked up a few supps today that should help me with this problem.

I'm getting lots of comments again about my weight loss, as many members at my work and even staff don't really understand how lean I really need to get for stage appearance it shocks them when i say I still have a long way to go.

After reading Nicole's blog on the stages we go through I found this very interesting and true, I feel I am in stage two but taking my first steps towards stage 3 now which will really have people talking.

I'm too focused to worry about what people say behind my back, once you come this far nothing is going to stop you, no way :-)

Back on topic, i'm allowed to have my very first off plan meal for the year yay. This Saturday night it will take place lol. I'm hanging for pasta, wine and nuts! Will be fun. And depending on my skinfolds next week I may be allowed another one two weeks later hee hee.

See you guys soon.

xxx

11 Weeks Out (Pictures)

2009-03-15T20:02:00.001-07:00

Since i'm not very comfortable with posting pictures this far out from comp I have only added two photos. These pictures compared to my other preps at 11 weeks out shows me that I am a little leaner with a fair bit more muscle! Very happy with that, now I just need to hold on to it :-)

Still feeling drained but will get onto that this Wednesday when I see JD.

Not much else to report so I will leave it until Wednesday after I get my skinfolds done again. Oh yeah, I have my posing routine, I went out to Troy and Christine's place yesterday and they went over it with me. I have to learn it then go back and show them so they can tweak it. I'm stoked with it!

Talk to you soon.

Deb xxx

And the answer to my problem is

2009-03-10T22:32:00.000-07:00

SLEEP!!!

Yes i'm well aware of the importance of sleep especially during a prep but when it's your own body you think your okay and you have a good handle on everything, that is until you hit a brick wall like I did on Sunday.

Today was my regular visit with Jon Davie, I spoke to him about my drained body and negative thoughts two days ago and he even said I still looked drained. We assessed everything (nutrition etc) but he already knew it was my lack of sleep that was causing all this. We did discuss this previously but now I have no choice but to take it very seriously if I want to see results. I actually managed to squeeze in a 45 minute sleep after seeing him, my god it was one of those deep, deep sleeps that I must have needed. I'm feeling better already but I know I need more and will make sure I get it when ever I can.

After my regular visit with JD I have my regular phone call to Lia, she has been my wonderful supporter since day one and knows me better then I know me ;-) As soon as she hears my voice she knows whats up with me lol. So another peep talk from her had me heading straight for the bed for that awesome nap I had today. Sometimes you just need someone to tell you what you need to do, just hearing it come from someone else other then yourself makes a HUGE difference as to whether you take action or not. So thank you once again sweetheart :-)

As for the results today, they were good but could have been better, but I am happy as I am still dropping and that is all that matters right now. Once I start getting more sleep my body will be able to respond alot better and I should see some great improvements.

(((Hugs)))

Better in mind but not body!

2009-03-09T20:44:00.001-07:00

Today I feel a little more positive, well a whole lot more then yesterday that's for sure, I now feel back on track mentally but physically I feel drained.

I knew I was feeling better this morning during my cardio session as I wanted to do it but my body had no juice in the tank, so the desire was there and that was what I had lost two days ago, it's great to have it back.

Tomorrow I see JD so I will talk to him about this then. And yes, I am a little nervous about the skin folds, even though I have done everything prescribed I just have a concern about plateauing or something. But whatever the numbers are I will do as the picture reads "Don't Panic!, Just Smile" :-)

I have also got Michael (personal trainer) back on board with me as of this Friday, he will be training me one on one once a week at Goodlife to start with to help me stay on top of things, I always train hard when I have someone like him pushing me so i'm looking forward to that.

It's funny as I never needed that extra push before when it comes to training, but after speaking with Michael today he did remind me that I am at work by 5.30am most days and I have so much more on my plate that it just isn't possible to have the same amount of energy that I had 2007 when I had more time and more sleep on my hands. He also put other things into perspective today which really helped get rid of my self doubts! For now anyway ;-)

Thanks again for all your love and support in regards to yesterdays post, the responses and emails really helped me get my head back into the right place.

XXX

Not in a good headspace

2009-03-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

I have been seriously struggling since yesterday afternoon and have continued to do so today. Head games? not sure. I felt like pulling the pin last night but figured I just couldn't for many reasons outside of what I want, I know this doesn't make sense but I don't want to go into it right now.

I have no idea why I am even doing this, prepping again. I'm not sure about if I can get into shape for the day and even then i'm s*&t scared on stage, why do I do this??

It's not due to hunger or cravings that is making me feel this way, but I am feeling drained and two cardio sessions a day are not helping. My mind and body are feeling way overwhelmed and knowing I still have 12 weeks of this is kind of insane! I have been at it for 8 weeks already and am feeling over it.

My body has made some good changes but i'm not convinced i'm going to improve on my last comp as I doubt that I can get as lean this time around due to my ridiculous new life style and hours of work etc, I just can't keep pushing myself like this as I have nothing left to push anymore. I feel really down right now and I am struggling.

I know that this will pass and I will get over it, but right now, this very minute, i'm in it and in it deep. Perhaps me blogging about it will help or it may make me feel worse :-(

I also know I need to take it one day at a time, one training session at a time and one cardio session at a time, but it's not like before, I had a set time to train and do cardio and I had no restrictions on my exercises as I had a good back.

On a different note I had an appointment to see Jo Rogers yesterday to order a bikini, I needed to be fitted due to the breast augmentation. Her new place is fantastic, the studio is awesome. I was as indecisive as usual but we got through it. I'm going with colours I haven't used before but I will continue with the velvet material. The design will be pretty much left in Jo's hands.

I took my first progress pictures yesterday (12 weeks out), the pictures didn't turn out to well due to lighting unfortunately but from what I could see i'm pretty much on par with previous preps at 12 weeks out, so I have a long way to go and a lot of work to do - this just freaks me out.

My posing is bad, I could tell by the pictures, very unsteady on my feet and lack confidence in the poses.

Christine and Troy told me today that my routine is finished, so I must see them next Sunday to learn it, I hope I don't disappoint them!

So even though you just read a very gloomy post please don't feel you need to respond as I will get over this I just needed to put it out there. I am human, I do get pushed to my limits at times.

Deb xxx

Food Matters

2009-03-03T22:47:00.000-08:00

Click here to find out more

Staying Focused

2009-03-03T22:14:00.000-08:00

I now see JD on Wednesday's instead of Thursday's and today's visit was pretty darn good if I say so myself :-)

In six days I lost a another 2.5mls bodyfat and 1 kilo off the scales, the high intensity cardio obviously shook things up a little, but they have been removed again.

Meal plan has been changed, I still have plenty of food to eat but the macro's change a little.

My training unfortunately has suffered and continues too due to lower back problems since last October. I am concerned as to how it will effect my end result - comp condition. Although my back is good right now, I am pain free for the first time in months and it has only been a few days I have felt this good but I still can't do any squats, bent over rows, lying leg raises, stiffo's etc, but I am working on other exercises so hopefully it won't be to much of an issue, I really am trying not to think about it too much, the end result will be great i'm sure of it :-)

I watched "Food Matters" today, it is mind blowing, I know Alison has seen it, has anyone else?

Deb xxx

Spin Class - OMG!

2009-03-01T18:07:00.001-08:00

Yes you read it right, I did a spin class on Saturday! It was awesome to say the least. After seeing JD last Thursday he said I was allowed to up my cardio intensity for a week. I had made a good body fat drop too and will be seeing him again this Wednesday.

I was at Goodlife (work) for the start of the 12 week challenge as I was the girth measurer for the day. I arrived early to train and then was thinking of doing cardio on the crosstrainer then saw that a spin calss was about to start so I thought "I should just do it"! I loved it, it was fun, hard but fun :-) Kim B the instructor is very motivating and kept me going and going! My face was glowing red when I left the class.

I too have entered the Goodlife 12 week challenge (I go up against staff not members). They have a professional photographer taking before and after shots, then the weigh in, girths, and skinfolds. Since I have 3 clients who are doing the challenge I have decided it would be good to get in on it too and really motivate them through the entire 12 weeks.

Some of the PT's who have entered had time to fatten up for the before photo's, I obviously couldn't and wouldn't do that so I have to come in nice and lean, it will be a week before comp day anyway so game on lol. It's all in fun at the end of the day :-)

I can't believe i'm 13 weeks out already. I am driving out to see Jo Rogers this Sunday for a bikini fitting and then i will go over fabics, colours, creations etc. I have a rough idea in mind but am hoping to leave it up the her, Jo is so creative and I feel comfortable just leaving it in her hands.

My sponsors "International Protein" Troy and Christine are putting together a routine for me with the music I gave them a few weeks ago, i'm told the routine will be done by next week, can't wait!

Feels like time is just getting away, this comp is coming way to fast for me atm, I thinks its because i'm so busy everyday. I picked up 4 new clients that start this week! It's good, I just need to stay in control of time management to remain as stress free as possible.

One of the key things JD spoke to me about last Thursday was sleep, I need to make sure I get more of it. I wake up 4.30am Monday - Friday so I must get to bed earlier. Sleep is important for fat loss and muscle gain, all our hormones need to be working well. We are finely tuned creatures :-)

See you soon.

Deb xxx

Some Doctors Have No Idea!

2009-02-23T19:08:00.000-08:00

Upon waking up at 4am this morning to go to work I found that I couldn't even get out of bed due to my sever back pain, I have never experienced this kind of pain before, I crawled out of bed and managed to get my clothes of and into the hot shower where I could slowly feel the pain release.

I decided to make an appointment to see the GP, so after training my clients this morning I went to the doctor's and waited and waited and waited, 1 hour over time grrrr. I get this doctor I have never seen before, asian guy not the usual asian doctor I wanted to see.

I tell him everything about the pain and sciatica etc and he said I may need a CT scan, fair enough lets get it done. I was wearing my PT uniform when I saw him as I has come straight from work and on the back it says "Personal Trainer" across the back of my shirt. He asked me to turn around and show him where my back pain was, so I did, I then turned to face him and no word of a lie he asked me what I did for a living!! I thought he was joking but he wasn't. My hubby was rolling his eyes. Then he asked me when my last period was as you can't have the scan if there is a chance I may be pregnant. So not even thinking I told him I was a week late followed by "but i'm definitely NOT pregnant". I told him it's due to the fact I dropped below 15% body fat etc.

Well he wouldn't listen and said I could not have the scan because I may be pregnant and he wouldn't do a pregnancy test because i'm only 1 week late! So frustrating!

He told me to rest, no weight lifting, take panadol (as I may be pregnant and this won't be harmful) and to use a heat pack. See how I feel in a few days and thats it!

OMG one thing I know about back pain is not moving makes it worse, swelling around the spinal disc should not have "direct" heat applied and panadol does jack shit, I need an anti-inflammotory to reduce the swelling around my disc so the sciatic nerve has no pressure on it and the muscles stop spasming!

The doctor I wanted to see is familiar with the fact that I compete so he understands it a little more. This guy was straight off the boat! No point in even telling him that I was getting ready for a show. So after sitting there with John and him asking about our sex life due to this suspected pregnancy we left feeling that it was a complete waste of time, I almost cried. This pain is very draining and with the hours I work and the comp prep I am struggling to find energy. Having said that I am forcing myself to train and do all the cardio but it's 100 times harder then I have ever experienced with previous comp preps.

So where to with the back? I will start another course of Nurafen, use ice packs for three days, once the swelling goes down I will then use heat packs and this should help. The step to take after that is to see a Physio.

This post is more of a vent then anything else, I feel better already :-)

Changes

2009-02-18T21:59:00.000-08:00

I am amazed at all the changes i'm experiencing already. I must be dropping weight fairly well as I continue to get comments on a daily basis now about it. My jeans are to big now so it's time to pull out the next size down. My waist is shrinking and it's a great feeling to be getting these results after almost 6 weeks of full on prep, it makes it worthwhile and also makes me more motivated! Still have a way to go and I am looking forward to seeing the end result. My shoulders have never looked this good at 14 week out, here's hoping I actually did gain more muscle over my year off.

Last Saturday night I had two glasses of wine and I was almost blotto LOL, I used to drink a bottle to myself without a worry, not now! I'm just a cheep drunk and lovin it hee hee.

My monthly never ended up showing, still waiting, I can't imagine they have stopped already as they usually do during prep, it just seems to soon at almost 14 weeks out, I shall wait and see maybe their just late.

I didn't have time to see JD this week but am booked in for next Thursday, will update then.

Have a great day,

Debs x

Overwhelmed :-)

2009-02-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

I can't thank you enough for the comments left, gosh it makes me feel better reading them....THANK YOU!

I am feeling a little better today, just very tired, I need to try and fit in a nanna nap today to catch up but have a few programs that need doing.

The support here is so important and I took in everything you guys said. I know it's not meant to be easy and that we are the tough ones, the survivors :-)

I look forward to standing on both the ANB stage and the WNBF stage in less then 15 weeks time in the shape of my life!

I have also been looking into alternative exercises for my leg workouts that don't kill my lower back. Lunges are definitely on the top of the list as it's the only exercises I can get some kind of decent weight happening. I need to see how the leg press goes too, it may be an option. I will look more into this in the next week or two.

You guys rock you know that!

Deb xxx

Just stay focused!

2009-02-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

It's been really hard, my prep that is. I'm struggling with time and energy, just not enough of it. I am forced to really dig deep, deeper then I ever have to stay on top of this. On top of everything my back is screwed again! I can't train legs very well and haven't been able to since October last year, god knows how they will look on stage this year :-(

On the food side of things I am fine, just finding the energy to do the second bout of cardio after a long day is almost impossible, I say almost because I still get it done, only just. It's not like this everyday, just some days but those days feel like forever. I had such a high energy day on Friday and Saturday then I came crashing down sunday and i'm waiting on the dreaded monthly to start already!

It was all too much for me yesterday I had thoughts creeping into my mind about throwing in the towel, but I knew straight away I would never do this and if I did I would regret it more then anything.

I must stay focused.

My journey has began well and truly and I have started seeing changes and many people are commenting. I hope that my journey brings me to the whole reason why I am doing this, to better my physique from last comp, that is my goal, my battle, my intension and I hope to succeed in doing this, i'm just a little doubtful about my legs as I can only train them a quarter of what I used to train them at as I can't have weight on me as it kills my lower back.

With my back inflamed again it causes sciatica, not having much fun with numbness and shooting pain running down glute, hammie and calf.

So this is why I question myself about wether to do this comp or not. I will keep at it though, I really can't imagine stopping at this stage, one day at a time right?

Sorry about the gloomy post I just feel down today, my back pain drags me down. But you know me, I will bounce right back in no time :-)

Deb x

Fitness Q&A

2009-02-14T23:19:00.000-08:00

. Weight training body part?
Chest, I love training chest!

2. Cardio exercise?
Crosstrainer, I only use leg, no arm work.

3. Intervals or steady state?
Intervals.

4. Carbs – friend or foe?

Friend when consumed at the right times.

5. Cheat meal?

No cheat meals ATM

6. Treat?

Glas of wine on a Saturday night.

7. Protein Powder?

International Protein - absolutely any flavour they all taste amazing!

8. Gym outfit?

Lorna Jane & Rockwear

9. Runners/Shoes?

Adidas, nike, reebok

10. Clean or Dirty Diana? (clean healthy food or healthy with naughty extras)

Clean

11. Inspiration

Success stories.

12. Fat Loss Philosophy?

Clean eating, weight training, consistency, preparation.

13. Favourite Fitness Related Store or Brand:
International Protein

14. Last fitness related item you picked up?
Fitness MAg

15. Your fitness philosophy?

To not lose sight of what your goals are, think about them everyday and work towards them. Most importantly when you fall of the wagon just dust yourself off and get right back on it again and don't have a second thought about it.

Getting There :-)

2009-02-11T18:30:00.000-08:00

I seem to be feeling better (PMS), but the beginning of this week was a massive challenge, it's behind me now and I move on. Thanks for your comments and support :-) What would we do without each other, it helps so much to have you guys here.

On a positive note I saw JD today and have dropped 3.5mls since last week! The changes he implemented worked, this is great as we will continue on as is with no changes for the next two weeks. My scale weight remained the same, all good :-)

Work is great, busy but great. I really love working with my clients, the lady's are a lot of fun and have made me laugh alot during our sessions with some of things they come out with. I also love learning, and I have learnt many things from them since starting work as a PT. Everyone has their unique situations, everyone is different in their own little way and I love this about people, finding out how each person ticks is fun and exciting.

However, it's not always roses, some people are set in there own way and will not open their mind to facts, or science! Skipping breakfast and only eating two big meals a day will not make you lose weight!! They completely can't believe that small frequent meals every 2-4 hours helps you lose the pounds, I get a dry mouth from taking so much time to explain all the ins and outs of why this way works. Anyway, you can only help those that help themselves, and these are generally not the types to take on a PT in the first place anyway, imagine trying to train someone that will only listen to themselves? I tend to come across these people through client screening and consultation every now and again.

All i do is promote Lifestyle Change, this is the key and I teach them about preparation, once they have that, then they are set!!

Debs xxx

As if prepping isn't hard enough!

2009-02-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

Training five days a week, cardio twice a day seven days a week, clean nutrition, 4am wake up's, work, family, etc, now throw in PMS and you get one very emotional, pissed off female!!

One week before it's due is when it all happens and this month instead of making me ridiculously sad, it seems to have pushed my "short fuse button"! It has also left me completely flat and drained making my cardio sessions 100 times harder.

OKay, feel better now that's off my chest :-)

It seems so unfair that we female athlete's have so much more to deal with from month to month, I still can't believe how much it actually does to us. I also know that it will pass in a day or so and that I will feel better mentally, emotionally and be less of a camel (water storer).

Venting seems to help, hence the post ;-), it releases a little pressure so we need to take what we can get. I know we all go through it as we continuously read it in our blogs, why hasn't a magic pill been invented to fix this yet??? ;-)

Other then that I am still doing everything JD has prescribed and am hoping for another drop in ml's this Thursday.

I look forward to a better day tomorrow (hopefully), just need to get through another cardio session tonight.

Will post again soon,

Deb

Sort Of, Almost!

2009-02-04T20:38:00.000-08:00

The results of my skin folds today were good, but not good enough for JD. I fell short by 2.5mls of my target 6mls in 2 weeks. But, I am still happy with the drop, I also dropped in weight, that's a 3kg drop since Christmas, I think it should level out a little there as I don't want to drop to fast at the risk of losing precious muscle.

He has made a few more changes and I see him again next week to see if it's going to plan. So I continue on as I have been and follow my nutrition, training and cardio 100 percent :-)

Coming into 16 weeks out this weekend, I have faith in myself and believe I will be okay as long as I don't lose sight of my goals, which I won't. I have done this before and I will do it again, it's just that going through my nutrition, training and cardio with a fine tooth comb is making it all to weird for me. Every prep I have ever done was so much easier, no percentages, skin folds, etc. It kind of makes me feel like i'm not on target when I know I am, again to many numbers telling me where i'm at. I look in the mirror and I know where i'm at.

I am not in anyway saying that I don't like it, i'm just not used to it, i'm sticking with this in hope that I will stand on stage with a bigger yet leaner body :-)

Debs x

Progressing....

2009-02-01T21:51:00.000-08:00

17 weeks out and progressing nicely, well I feel as though I am anyway ;-), I will know more by this Thursday when I get my skin folds taken again.

I have been on target with everything and am feeling and seeing the changes which is exciting and motivating all at the same time.

Work is unbelievable, i'm so busy, so many ladies, so little time lol. I only have female clients, no idea why, I seem to attract a certain type of client, but I love training them so it's fantastic.

Nothing much else to report really, other then looking forward to see JD on Thursday, i like the appointments because I learn something new from him each time I see him. I'm still getting used to the skin folds though, i'm really trying not to let them govern everything on the day but i'm getting better with them now :-)

I will update on Thursday to let you know how it went!

Debs

No Comments

2009-01-27T21:46:00.003-08:00

I have been wondering why I have had absolutely no comments this year since starting this blog. I just found them all and published them, my settings must have changed - Doh

Sorry for not replying, I couldn't find them!

I need to change my settings.

Will update again soon.

Deb xxx

Skin Folds

2009-01-21T19:56:00.000-08:00

Finally i'm progressing yay!! My target was to drop 5mls in nine days, I ended up dropping 5.5mls! I'm happy with the results as I worked hard towards achieving my mini goals.

I'm happy more so because this time everything came together, I feel leaner, i've dropped weight on the scales and the skin folds show a drop.

So after a few changes to my nutrition and cardio I have now to focus on what I need to do and hope that the new targets set before me fall into place. My new goals are for a 3ml drop every week. I will see JD again in two weeks time.

Cardio is still pretty easy paced most days but I also get to do some intervals which I love, problem is squeezing in the time to do it, and now it's a little longer, but I just have to push through this, it's not permanent, it's only for a few weeks (18), I can manage my time if I plan ahead and if I get enough sleep through the week, to many 4am wake up's!

I have to say, JD is so precise in every aspect of the prep, I am really experiencing something different with him and it's all good. I'm really looking forward to seeing what's under the fat!

My biggest drop in skin folds today came from my quads, I knew it would as I could see a difference in then as they are starting to look my defined. It's weird how my legs come in first! But my lumber area had a drop too, this is my body's favorite place to hold fat and where I lose it last so a little drop there now is a great thing!

I have been reading blogs most days but not leaving comments (sorry), will start leaving comments soon.

Deb

My Rainbow

2009-01-21T18:03:00.001-08:00

Your rainbow is shaded green.

What is says about you: You are an intelligent person. You feel strong ties to nature and your mood changes with its cycles. Those around you admire your fresh outlook and vitality.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

19 Weeks Out

2009-01-18T20:48:00.000-08:00

Well it seems I survived last week fairly well :-)

I got all my cardio and training in and my nutrition is spot on.

I'm starting to feel more in the prep zone.

Everyday we learn something new about ourselves, it is never ending and I believe that what makes life so wonderful.

Prepping for a competition really makes you learn so much about yourself.

I learn to take more control of my life when i'm in prep, must be because everyday needs to be thought of ahead of time so everything gets taken care of regardless of what it is!

I'm still learning to take more control over my stress over the comp prep period and I bring this up because every prep I have done I have caused undue stress on myself over the littlest things! I can't believe how much I have changed and how much more control I now have to say "it's okay, there is another way around this" and if there is no way around it, then nothing can be done about it anyway so why stress? This change in my way of thinking has made me more clam and less likely to cause elevated cortisol! Let's hope I can stick it out all the way through too and passed comp day :-)

On the weekend I started looking at song choices, oh boy this is freaky stuff, too many to choose from but nothing I like. I did manage to find one I really like but it's very slow and it would mean a slow, flowing routine. It might just have to do. You know how much I dislike this part of the competition, I wish it were optional at every comp, I wouldn't do it! Yet another challenge for me to take on I guess :-)

Hope everyone is well.

Debs xxx

20 weeks out and a few steps backwards!

2009-01-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I woke up with a bad stomach virus. I was bedridden. Every muscle in my body ached like mad and I had no energy to even walk! My stomach was in pain. After a day and night of rest and sleep I was able to get back to work today, it must have been a 24 hour virus.

It's funny because I remember starting my prep back in 2007 and going through the same virus but it last 3 days, weird. Anyway i'm getting better :-)

I had my skin folds taken today and I have gone up, not good for 20 weeks out. But I was expecting this and we now have plans and goals to reach on a weekly basis. My weight has actually dropped 1 kilo though, strange. All these numbers, not what i'm used to when prepping, not sure I like doing it this way but I have too. So the plan is to drop 5ml by next week (Thursday), see what I can pull out of my magic hat ;-)

Since the 5th of Jan I have been on target, I will continue to move along the way I always have when prepping because the results will show, I will stand on stage no more then 30mls, it will all come together :-)

I'm still juggling my training and cardio around work, it's a real challenge but nothing in life is easy is it? The most amazing thing I have taught myself (don't ask me how) is not to stress! Instead of freaking out because I can't train on Tuesday, I now say to myself "that's okay, I can train Wednesday instead, easily fixed"! No point in being so anal about what day I train a certain body part, time to chill a bit, saves loads of stress, wish I was like this before.

Will visit soon,

Debs

P.s. I picked up two more super duper clients this morning :-)

Reflecting

2009-01-04T23:48:00.000-08:00

Today I went back over my last comp prep diary, I logged weekly details of everything including things like weight, nutrition, training, cardio, headspace and more. I also looked at the weekly photo's from 12 weeks out to 1 week out. Doing this really puts things into perspective for me and I am so thankful I took the time out to record my entire prep.

This being the longest I have gone without competing and being in the off season for a little over a year has made me realize that it will take a little bit of time to get my head back into prep mode. I have flicked the switch and am ready to go but it feels kinda different to before, hard to explain.

I have prepped three times before and they were pretty much back to back so I was always in the zone. This time it's taking time to "feel" in the zone even though I know i'm in it.

I am so excited about the transformation, I simply can't wait to be lean and cut again and to see what gains I have made. I am 21 weeks out, loads of time to come in without stress. In the past I used to prep from 16 weeks out.

Comp fever has all ready started for 2009 :-)

Oh Boy!

2009-01-01T20:22:00.001-08:00

I think that image says it all! I have been "out of control" with my eating over the last week. It started at Christmas Eve and continued until last night!

Even though I know I have undone alot of really hard work in that time I still feel guilt free. I haven't let go like that in a VERY long time, over a year now or longer, I can't even remember.

I'm excited about my prep, it's now "game on" and I will be right to go now. I have everything out of my system now lol, have eaten some pretty yummy foods in the last few days but am over it, plus the "all or nothing" behavior has clicked back over to the correct switch :-)

The buzz of competing is getting around the blogs already and I am getting so excited, I never thought I would have had a year off and am so glad that I did but I just can't wait to start transforming, it's the most exciting part of this whole process.

I have a feeling that the next few months are going to fly by so I really need to stay on top of things, stay in control, this is the most important thing, control!!!!

Now I must get this excess weight off before I see JD again Arghh!!

Debs

Figure Bodybuilding 2009

I Don't think I will continue to post

The things we do for our loved ones!!

New Federation or Organization is Upon Us

MIA

What a journey!

Almost 1 week out

Still Here!

A Decision has been made.

Introducing My New Toy

I'm Spinning Around

Australia Natural Bodz Magazine

Acai

Acai Berry - The #1 SuperfoodFor Better Health

Acai Nutrition

Never Felt Better

I can't keep up with myself

Hey Hey

I am now a distributer of Monavie

MonaVie's premier açai blends are designed to complement your healthy and active lifestyle.

Bursting with energy

May have spoken too soon

Competition Decision

Blogging is not the same any more

Thank You Dallas Olsen

What a night!

Can Stand It No More

WNBF Gold Coast Championships

ANB Asia-Pacific International 2009

Quickie

My Rambles On Where I'm At

I'm so humbled

The finish line nears

Finding it hard to blog

Snap Out Of It

Coming or Going???

Have The Technology, So Use It!

Update Time

No news is not always good news when your a blogger....

Walking Down The Right Path

Pretty Pleased With Myself :-)

11 Weeks Out (Pictures)

And the answer to my problem is

Better in mind but not body!

Not in a good headspace

Food Matters

Staying Focused

Spin Class - OMG!

Some Doctors Have No Idea!

Changes

Overwhelmed :-)

Just stay focused!

Fitness Q&A

Getting There :-)

As if prepping isn't hard enough!

Sort Of, Almost!

Progressing....

No Comments

Skin Folds

My Rainbow

19 Weeks Out

20 weeks out and a few steps backwards!

Reflecting

Oh Boy!

Acai Berry - The #1 Superfood
For Better Health