Vacation

Today is day 5 of my vacation to Myrtle Beach. We are having a great time. I have been challanged by my kids to get out of my comfort zone and climb on the monkey ropes. After a short panic attack that I was going to die, I sucked it up and followed my 7 year old out on the ropes. We were strapped in to a harness, which held 2000 pounds, even though I didn't think it could hold me. The rope obstacle changed depending on the direction you went. One course was tight rope walking, others were moving beams. It was a lot of fun but I won't be doing that again anytime soon. Also, my oldest son wanted to go on the 360 degree bikes. You had to be 58" and weigh less than 200 pounds. We were harnessed in like a roler coaster. The harder that we pedaled, then more 360's we did. We went upside down and around at least 5 times. Now that was so neat that we did it again. My diet has not been good this week. We are eating breakfast in everyday which keeps me on my egg whites and spinach. However, lunches have been out. I go into a restaurant with the goal of eating clean but then look at the menu. Its hard to avoid a cold beer and wings. The kids have been wanting ice cream everyday. One day we did frozen yogurt which was really delicious. But I can't seem to avoid eating the kids left overs. That is what is killing me. I try not to eat it but I cave. Everyday is a new day. Lets see how today goes. I will not eat anything I shouldn't. On the flip side, I have been working out everyday. The resort has an excellent gym where I can continue training heavy. Then I do a half hour of cardio. Tomorrow I think I might go for a long run to try to burn extra calories.

Posing

Monday night was our first posing class. There were about 20 men and women standing and looking at themselves in the mirror. Most women wore 5 inch high heels, me included. The heels are there to show off the muscles in the legs more. Others wore no shoes. The men get to pose bare foot. They are lucky. There don't need to learn how to walk in 5" heels.

We preceeded to stand in front of the mirror to watch our posing technique. We started with the front pose. We rolled our shoulders forward and then back, trying to keep the shoulder blades flat against the back. Squeeze the lats, chest up, flex the arms while keeping the hands relaxed, push the legs out and flex and hold. Oh yeah, and smile. It is very hard to keep all the muscles flexed and smile at the same time. We continued to practice our quarter turns and back pose. At least with the back pose, we don't have to smile.:) My back was definitely sore after this session. I will need to continue to practice holding these poses in front of a mirror to find the best angle to define the muscle.

After the posing for judging, we have to perform to music any poses that makes us look the best. That is not going to be fun. More posing practice!

During posing I was able to see where I needed work. I like my legs and triceps, they are nice and cut. However, I need to build my back and shoulders more. I met with my trainer last week to change my program. I am now working on back 2 times a week and shoulders 3 times a week. Shoulders are alternating between heavy, medium, and light days so as not to over due it. I am doing pull-ups everyday I am at the gym. I am now up to 6 pull-ups unsupported.

After months of having a knee injury, I finally can run again. I ran the Great Bay race last week and rocked my time. After running, I was still able to walk. I woke up the next day and still no knee pain. I ran several more days that week and no pain. I am so relieved. I was able to sign up for 2 half marathons this year. I can't wait to complete it, especially Disney in January. But I am going to continue to build muscle and work toward my July competition and maybe compete again in October.

I am struggling with my diet a little. I am not eating any bad meals. I am eating everything that I should however, its the bite here and there that is killing me. I have to do extra cardio to burn it off. I am still 7 pounds away from my competition weight. I am on vacation next week and I hope to continue to eat well. When I get back, I will have one month before the pre-competition to loose all the excess weight. Its going to be cutting it close. Atleast I have more time before the July competition.

First Picture

Here is the first of many pictures to come. I am doing awesome. I was stagnant and cheating a little too much, but now I am back in control with God's help. I pray to be kept on track and not let my cravings get out of control. I am down 19 pounds since January. I love to look in the mirror to see my muscles flexing. I know I sound concieted by I am very happy right now. I went on the scale this morning and I am 133.4. I never in my wildest imagination thought I would get this low. My goal was 145. Looking at myself, I can still see plenty of fat especially around my waste. 9 Weeks to go before my competition. Stay tune for more pictures.

I went for my fitting for my bikini. It is going to be green with star burst patterns. I also ordered my 5 inch heels. They should be coming in in a couple of days. I will have to do a lot of practicing to not fall with these shoes on. Normally, I might wear 2 inches, but never 5".