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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Great workout and making progress!

I worked out with Blythe again today. We worked shoulders and arms and I must say, I'm TIRED and SORE! Really getting a burn makes that 45 minute drive out to see her totally worth it! I feel like I get a lot out of our workouts and she's really great to work with. We have a lot in common so it makes me feel comfortable and less intimidated (even though she's a pro competitor and has been doing this a long time).

We started out with HIIT training on the treadmill, only 20 minutes, but I definitely felt like I was busting tail! We then moved on to strength training and I learned some great new exercises to work the shoulders and arms, and I'm already feeling it! Triceps are a hard muscle for me to work. I never felt like I got a good burn, but after doing the exercises today, I could really feel them working hard! Blythe showed me the proper form on a lot of exercises I already knew how to do (or so I thought) and you'd be amazed by how just adjusting your form a hair can really increase a burn!

After the workout, I showed her how I've been working on my quarter turns. I think I've got the foot work done, but this week I'm really going to work on my hands and finding my positions gracefully and without hesitation. I'm starting to feel more and more confident and I'm happy with the progress I'm making; I'll definitely take more pictures in the next few days to show how I'm leaning out and seeing more definition.

Another big change that I'm doing is that I'm logging all my food and activity into www.fitday.com It's such a great website. Its comparable to www.411fit.com except that Blythe perfers that I use Fit Day because it is what she's familiar with and its easy for her to compare and offer suggestions regarding my nutrition. Right now, my nutrition plan is at 40% protein, 40% carbs and 20% fat. I'm not quite that accurate; I'm usually around 35% protein, 35% carbs and 25% fat. Blythe says, that's pretty darn good, so I'll take it!

So, I'm getting used to my new tracking system, I'm working out as hard as I can and my nutrition is going great. I'm still fumbling around with the poses and walking, but I'm confident that in a couple weeks, I'll feel pretty good about that too.

I'm just going to keep chugging along...

Beauty Tip

I never thought that I would be posting beauty tips on this blog, but I think something most girls struggle with when they work out hard core is ACNE. Its awful!

I've never had acne problems until I started working out really hard. I used to do my best to wash my face IMMEDIATELY after working out, but sometimes you just can't do that. I don't shower at the gym; sometimes I go home and shower, sometimes I run errands before going home, sometimes I would workout at night and then not shower until before bed... Its just hard to keep your skin clean and clear when you're sweating that much!

After MONTHS of frustration, I did various searches on the internet and found a simple yet very effective method of cleaning and clearing my skin! I'm serious, this is amazing! It is so simple and inexpensive too!

Basically, I use a mild face wash (in the shower) and then once I'm out of the shower and before I put my make up on I apply Benzoyl Peroxide 10% and then apply a moisturizer (the peroxide will dry out your skin big time).

When I first started this, I did it in the morning and before going to bed. (BEWARE the peroxide will bleach towels and pillowcases/sheets! I now use only white towels and sheets) Now, I just do it before putting on my makeup. Clearisil makes a great Benzoyl Peroxide 10% that's tinted, and Mary Kay has a really good one too. For moisturizer, I use Mary Kay INTENSE moisturizer...a little goes a long way!

So easy! So effective! If you find its drying out your skin too much, use it every other day. When you're working so hard on having a great body, you want to make sure that your face (the first thing people see) looks good too!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Cut the Fat Podcast

You have to check these out on iTunes! I recently subscribed, became a fan on facebook and checked out their website at www.cutthefatpodcast.com I LOVE these podcast! Today, I listened to them all day while cleaning the house. They are so simple, informational and VERY interesting! I really feel that Dr. Ray and Blythe talk to you like you're a good friend and they are just trying to give you the best advice to be successful in your journey in health and fitness!

Its definitely worth checking out!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Jumping Back In

After spending two days at a training conference for my preschool, I am feeling a little bit more like myself and ready to get back into strength training and compeition prep! I know that having those couple of days last week to let things soak in, grieve, sort and come to terms with everything is just what I needed.

I made my way out to see Blythe this morning and she trained with me working our legs and glutes. It was a hard workout! We did a lot on lunges, reverse lunges, squats, extensions and then some hamstring work. I was SHAKING. I really felt that my time (and hers!) was utilized very well! The simplest exercises, done in high intesity and good form, stressed my muscles, gave a great burn and also left me feeling pumped up that I have given it my all!

After the workout, we went into posing. I admit, it didn't get any easier since last time. The hardest part for me are my transitions during my quarter turns. Blythe, of course, makes it look effortless and graceful. I, on the other hand, look like a complete clown that has no business wearing 5 in. heels!

Blythe then showed me what my stage walk or "t" walk should look like. I felt comfortable watching her demonstrate it and quietly thought to myself, "I WILL practice this...as SOON as I get HOME." Nope, Blythe turns to me and says, "your turn!" As if I wasn't nervous and self conscious enough, her husband, John walks in just in time to see me in action! I was literally sick to my stomach.

So I did my first stage walk, feeling completely like an ass, trying desperately to remember everything (make your back wide, walk slowly, be graceful, smile, look confident, don't trip, quarter turns, 4 poses, walk to the side, CROSS THE LEG when walking to the other side, walk S L O W L Y, smile, relax the hands...)my mind was going to explode! They both gave me some pointers and suggestions and then put Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" on and I did the whole thing again. I think that the second time was better, but I've got a loooooong way to go!

I didn't get any pictures this time, but I think there was definitely some improvement since I last saw Blythe and John three weeks ago. I am making it a point to practice EVERY DAY and get those quarter turns down! I think once I master those, I'll feel more confident.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Moving Forward

My husband was the first to go back to "life". Running our own businesses leaves us in the position that we are never allowed to really take too much time away from work. So over the weekend, he went back to tending to business. It wasn't easy but I know that he was searching for life to go back to normal (at least as normal as it can feel right now). He then went to workout on Sunday evening. He said it felt good; he felt like himself.

I thought that it might be good for me to take that approach, so at 7 AM today, I made my way to the gym. I popped my earbuds in; Buckcherry, Joan Jett, Lady Gaga...all the usuals. I tried to allow myself to enter the workout and fall into "mobile meditation". It was hard. I focused on my muscles; the flex, the stretch, the effort. My body was/is exhausted. One of the trainers stopped me to say that they had heard the news and that they were happy to see me pushing through at the gym. I smiled, thanked him, and then put my hand up to motion "that's all I can say today."

Karen would have wanted me back to life today. She wouldn't want me to crawl back in bed and sob myself silly. She wouldn't want me to make it to just 12 weeks out from competition and then quit. So, today...one foot in front of the other... life resumes.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Loss of one of my biggest supporters.

This is somewhat therapeutic for me. I just need to get it out...

Yesterday, after my workout, I got the call that my mother-in-law had passed away very suddenly. She was a very healthy woman and this was a complete shock to us all. Our family is beyond devastated. Karen, was not simply my mother-in-law, in fact, she was one of my very best friends. She was my biggest cheerleader, confidant, supporter and we were closer than perhaps most women are even as close to their own mothers. I'm taking this very hard.

I met Karen when I was 20 years old. She and my father-in-law are not married, but have been together for over 3 decades. She immediately accepted me as part of the family and the more I got to know her to deeper I fell I love with her. She was the smartest, kindest and most brilliant woman I had ever known.

When my husband and I would argue, Karen was the first person I would call. I suppose she gave me the best advice on how to live with Martin Tiernay, as she had spent her life living with Martin James and they are absolutely cut from the same mold. She would tell me, "Alice Anne, there's a reason why those Loftus men need women like us... We're the only ones that handle them!"

Karen was there with me through the pregnancy and birth of both my babies. She loved those children with all her heart. Marissa was especially close to her. They would spend hours upon hours playing dress up, hosting tea parties, talking about birds (a love of nature that they both shared immensely!) and doting over Bebop. Karen loved to shower Marissa with beautiful dresses and toys and books; she spoiled the girl rotten! Karen's greatest strength (and weakness) was her ability to follow orders without fail when it came to Marissa. I really believe that Marissa was her world and vice versa.

As Christian was getting older, he was becoming closer and closer to Karen. He adored his Bemom. One day they spent together playing and then Christian had to take a nap. When he awoke, Bemom had already gone home. He searched the house, and after several minutes, his first words were, "My Bemom left me." I immediately called Bemom to tell her what he had said and she just laughed and then cried! She said it warmed her heart to the core because he was finally understanding and loving her!

As I began my journey through health and fitness, Karen was one of the first people I called and told about my goals and my dream to enter a Figure competition. She was beyond proud of me. We talked for a good hour and I shared my blog with her. I would also give her updates and send her pictures. She was so supportive. She was also so proud, she told everyone about it and was constantly complimenting me, cheering me on and she was so excited to attend the show in August. At this point, I know I'm going to take several days off from training. I am grieving and I just cannot imagine even trying to push through this right now. However, I know Karen would not want me to become derailed. She's watching over me and cheering me on and come August, I will get on that stage and make her proud!

Our lives are forever changed. The loss of Karen, Bemom, Friend, is so intense I feel empty and completely heartbroken. As much as I cherish and appreciate my time with her and feel blessed to have been able to have her in my life, I feel robbed. I feel that it just wasn't enough time and I'm devastated. I ache for my children and their loss, I worry for my father-in-law and I grieve for all our family. Karen was simply, the most wonderful person we have ever known and we love her more than words can express.

May God help us find peace and may Karen always know how much we love her. We will carry her in our hearts for all our days....

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Education and Experience

As I get closer to my competition, I'm trying to educate and prepare myself so that I have realistic expectations. I've been watching videos of competitions, speaking with people that have personal experience (special thanks to Kelly G., Blythe, Meghan, Amie and Christine!) and reading just about every thing out there about Figure competitions. There is so much to learn and I'm feeling overwhelmed and nervous!

Anyone that knows me knows that when I participate in something, I want to do it well! I am trying to keep in perspective that this is a subjective sport and it is possible that I might not meet the expectations of the judges. That's OK! I'm already a winner for my own personal goals and accomplishments!

I know I'm on the smaller side when it comes to muscularity, but I'm new; I've never lifted like this before and this really is my first rodeo. I just need to practice, push, and persevere. If I continue to participate in shows...it could be several before I place, if ever!

I'm going to start working on my poses and stage presence every day now. I want to get that down so that I look graceful, elegant and CONFIDENT! I'm also planning on attending a show in June. I think seeing it all in person will give me a better understanding.

My nerves are already soaring high...I can't imagine what I'm going to be like in a couple months!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Am I getting stronger or I am pushing myself harder?

Last week when speaking with Blythe and John, they explained to me the importance of working out with a trainer. Having someone there to push you and cheer you on is so valuable when trying to maximize your workouts. They also explained that most people don't really "push" themselves when they are working out alone. Its so much easier to skimp out or do lighter weights and you're not trying to "prove it" to anyone.

This morning for my legs and glutes routine, I decided to push myself as hard as I possibly could. I upped all my weights, went to absolute exhaustion and really focused on making each rep count. I know that I work out so much harder when I work out with someone (especially my husband) but I need to keep that mentality for every single workout.

For today:

160lbs for hack squats
165lbs for leg press
70lbs for romanian deadlifts
115lbs for leg extensions
97 lbs for leg curls
140 lbs for standing calve raises
Level 6 (not sure of lbs) for seated calve press on Hoist Machine

It felt good to go up in weight and I know that each workout I need to push myself just a little bit harder than the last!

May's Progression Pictures

I don't see much change this month. I'm tighter, harder, but my muscles aren't really showing yet. I think I'll really start to see some progress going into June. So, here I am: Just a couple days shy of 14 weeks away from my competition.






Thursday, May 6, 2010

My Competition Shoes are HERE!!!!


Damn! They are HIGH! 5" with 1" platform clear heels with a double strap and a row of chrystals! They are HOT HOT HOT! I immediately ripped them out of their box and tried them on; BEAUTIFUL! They are actually more comfortable than I thought they would be. It doesn't feel like a true 5" because of the 1" platform, so that helps. If I wasn't running a million miles an hour right now trying to get dinner ready and out the door for my daughter's lacrosse game, I'd put them on and take some pictures...alas, it will have to wait!

This is really happening! Now that I have the shoes, I can't back out of the competition!

HIIT Cardio and Ab Work

HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) Cardio is the best way to blast fat! Both Kelly and Blythe want me doing HIIT training 2-4 days per week. This type of cardio is much harder than steady state cardio (running at the same pace for 20-30 minutes). Today, I ran my neighborhood; it was a hard run since there are so many steep hills! I jogged at about 4 miles per hour for 2 minutes and then sprinted as hard as I possibly could for 1 minute; jogged for 2, sprint for 1, rinse repeat for the full 20 minutes.

Why is this better for fat loss? Well, when you run at a steady pace, your body adjusts to the rate and then conserves energy (fat) because it goes into a "steady state", by doing the interval training it can't adjust because your heart rate is constantly going up and down.

By the end of my 20 minutes, I felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest. Blythe told me that I should push myself as hard as I possibly can during my sprint. I don't think my heart rate has ever gone that high! I really pushed myself out there today and even though it is only 20 minutes, I felt that I really maximized my efforts!

After my run, I came inside to do ab work. Today, I did 3 sets of 30 crunches, 3 sets of 30 bicycles (you have to do each side to count as 1) and then 3 60 sec. planks. OUCH! I always follow HIIT with ab work. Ab work should only take about 10-15 minutes tops. I watch my form, focus on pulling those abs in and making sure that I get a good squeeze.

Great morning workout! I'm off to make my shake!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Awesome Day!

Today I had a meeting with fitness trainers/competitors, Blythe Alberg-Puskarich and John Puskarich. WOW! What amazing people! They are just the cutest couple and you can tell that they are both extremely passionate about health and fitness.

I met with Blythe to begin working on my stage presence and posing. When I first arrived, she wanted to hear my "story" (why did I start working out, what are my goals, etc) and then we talked about my training programs and my nutrition. She was extrememly pleased with my programs and she felt like I was 100% on track. She made a few suggestions and then introduced me to John. John measured me (waist, hips, body fat) and talked to me a little bit about my journey and offered a lot of support, suggestions and encouragement.

Blythe and I then went to the group exercise room and jumped right into figure posing. She said that I could have a rockin' body, but that if I didn't know how to present it, I wouldn't do well in my competition. She worked for about 30 minutes on the four poses, quarter turns and stage presence. Let me tell you...IT IS HARD! You have to flex, but not look stiff like you're flexing. You have to smile, show your curves and muscles, look relaxed, be elegant and graceful. All this, in a bikini, in front of judges and an audience...and did I mention the 5" heels with the 1" platform? HOLY HELL! Its hours later and I'm sore! Here are some pictures taken with my iPhone. They aren't great; this was my FIRST time ever posing. I have A LOT to learn!


At the end of the posing lessons, the three of us spent a lot of time talking. John told me my body measurements and I was thrilled to learn that I've lost 6% body fat in 6 weeks (based on my last reading) and I haven't really lost weight so that means I'm building muscle mass! YAY! Blythe and I started talking about where to order my suit (she suggested http://www.passionfruitdesigns.com/) and I'm hoping to be working with John and Blythe much more in the next 14 weeks!

John even asked if I would be interested in posing for a fitness calendar that would showcase people's before and after pictures. I think that's a really neat idea to show how someone has changed their lifestyle and body!

I feel really motivated, excited and rewarded! I was beginning to feel like I wasn't making any progress. This was such a great experience for me and I'm glad to know that I'm on track!

Check out Blythe's podcasts at http://www.cutthefatpodcast.com/

Monday, May 3, 2010

I'm Back!

I took a few days off last week. I actually didn't workout Friday-Sunday. I just needed a "break" and some time to reengergize myself. I went out with friends, drank wine, ate desserts, slept in and just vegged out. April was a really hard month for me energy wise and I was beginning to feel very very worn down.

This morning, I was up at 5:30 AM, had a great breakfast (rolled oats, with whey, blueberries and cinnamon), out the door by 6:30 AM and to the gym by 7. I worked legs and glutes and maintained great energy through the entire workout. I really like the new legs and glutes routine. I felt an awesome burn with the hack squats and leg press. The extensions and curls were intense, but I really felt I was pushing myself and I felt motivated!

After my workout, I came home and made a whey shake with almond butter and a banana. Its very filling! I was in to the office by 9 AM and feeling pretty good about my morning. I feel completely rejuvinated and I'm ready for the month of May! Let's hope I can keep this momentum!