Hi guys! I cannot believe I’m already halfway through this Prep! Between working full-time, training, eating, and life, it’s been a while since I’ve updated all of you! We posted an older entry as well, but hopefully now that things have settled down a bit I can get back in the habit of updating the blog more frequently!
The secret is definitely in the routine. I love the structure and discipline that comes with Prep. There is so much dedication, focus, and intention around the routine. I still focus on taking things one day, one meal, one workout at a time. I give each one 110% and move through each one each day, and the days slowly turn into weeks, and the results are slowly coming. It’s such an amazing process, but the secret is definitely found in CONSISTENCY in the routine.
Don’t get me wrong, things are still really different this time!!! So far so good, but man, this time just feels a lot more I guess calm?? It’s really weird. First off– I’m slowly seeing changes week by week, but the scale has barely moved! Coach says not to worry though, that I’m right on pace! ….I’ll take it! My diet hasn’t changed all that much from offseason, so the biggest difference I’ve noticed with this prep compared to last year, is that I’m not craving things nearly as much. Honestly, it seems easier!! I guess mainly because this has been a “lifestyle” for me for a whole additional year for me, so it’s really not a big deal. Eating clean and eating six times a day, is just how I eat! It’s been almost six weeks since my last cheat meal, but all I really want is a vodka soda with lime and maybe a cupcake. Hilarious, right? This time since I’m doing so many shows back to back, I’ve been a lot more focused on how I feel—I know now to expect low energy on my low carb days, and have structured my rest day so that it falls on a low carb day, and know to REST!!! My energy levels so far have been pretty on point, up until this week—we upped my fasted morning cardio to 45 minutes (way more than last year! Lol!) and my low carb days, I’m only doing 25g of carbs. A ½ cup of oats in the morning with breakfast, and that’s it for 24 hours! On Tuesdays and Thursdays at least. Needless to say, I’ve learned that low carb day + leg day is a shitty combo, and I won’t make that mistake again! Also now that I’m working from home 100% of the time, it’s been a lot easier to get my cardio and training in than last time. That’s such a blessing—Prep is hard regardless, but it would be so much harder with a demanding job and crazy schedule!! Shane has been amazing as always, encouraging me and supporting me in this journey. I’m so lucky to have him by my side!! I’ve got such an incredible support system of friends and family surrounding me, that I really just want to make everyone proud and enjoy each day as much as I can. As I write this, I’m making a mental note to focus more on this journey as an individual one, instead of constantly comparing it to last year.
Outside of just pushing myself in my weight training, I’ve also taken up my cardio a notch from last year, incorporating more sprints, running, and track workouts to help lean out my legs. It’s working! We’ve also added a topical fat burner called Vasoburn (like IcyHot without the icy) which is also really helping. That said, though, I’ve only lost 3 pounds since I started this Prep almost 8 weeks ago! WTF. Again, the scale is just a number— progress pics tell so much more. You can see in these two pictures how much difference a year has made. I’m still up about 25 pounds from stage weight last year, so we’ll see how the next 7 weeks go! In terms of muscle mass and added size ALONE, we know I’ve made significant changes to my physique this past year. I’m back to training with my Coach and posing once a week, which helps me stay focused and structured with my routine. Cardio, Eat, Work, Eat, Train, More Cardio, Eat, Sleep, Repeat.
I’ve also realized that I feel more confident in this process and myself and what I can push myself to do than I did last time. Today at least. It’s very easy to look on Instagram at other competitors getting ready for national level shows, or their progress pictures, etc., and become really discouraged. I try to just remind myself to compare me to me. That’s all I can do! When you give your best, and work hard, and do that day in and day out, the results will come.
We booked another photo shoot for two weeks before the first show, which also happens to be my 31st birthday weekend, and this time it’s with a different photographer which will be fun. My custom suit from Tamee Marie and custom bedazzled, BEAUTIFUL shoes from the Shoe Fairy are coming soon, so the excitement is building!!
On another super exciting note, NICOLE WILKINS (a.k.a. my Figure competitor HERO/IDOL) will be here in Dallas hosting one of her Fitness Phat Camp Bootcamps March 18th – 20th and I can’t WAIT to go!!! It will be so fun to learn from her, gain new insights into fitness and nutrition, and meet new Fit Friends!
Stay tuned for more frequent updates!
Till next time,
-Mere