5 days out....

Hello Everyone-

I decided I wanted to try to write each day this week during Peak Week so others who compete, or who want to compete can follow it. I also wanted to have it as a reference in the future to look back on when I am at this point again.

Today was a pretty good day. I'd say on a scale from 1-10 my energy level was at about a 6.5 and my motivation was at a 10. This past week I have leaned out a significant amount so I decided again doing a.m. fasted cardio this week. I woke up at 5:25 to get ready for my day. I enjoyed some salmon for breakfast (Mmmmm wonderful way to start my week!) and headed out the door by 7am for school. I don't have to be to the school until 8am everyday, but we always have meetings etc so I like to get there early so I can get organized. Sure enough a voice came over the loud speaker and we had a meeting at 8:05. It got out later than expected so when all the other teachers were talking after the meeting, Mrs. S insisted I go back to the room to eat my chicken and keep pounding my water. I started my 2 gallons of water/day on Sunday. It is going alright. By noon today I already had the first gallon gone. The kids were cheering me on throughout the day. THATS A LOT OF WATER! haha Mrs. S got a new microwave for the classroom (since our exploded last week during recess when I was done cooking my chicken haha). She had me carry it through the school and every person we walked past she insisted we stop so they could feel my muscles. She sure knows how to make me smile.

I still taught my regular lessons today, and did not take a step back just because of the circumstances of the week. My mind was where it needed to be. I had a slight headache through out the day but I think that is most likely from not getting enough sleep last night (too excited to sleep)!

Salmon Breakfast :)) Mmmm

One of the boys in my class came up to me and said, "Mizz Limbo...is your muscle contest this weekend?" I told him it was, and I was very excited. He wanted to hear all about the trophies. I told him about it and before recess he came up to me and said, "I really believe you are going to get that giant medal you want."

I said, " Thanks, kiddo. Why do you think that?"

He looked at me and said, "Because you are a super hero teacher that eats tuna for breakfast and remember my uncle said your a freak in the gym!"

haha :) These kids make every day great :)

Being at school all day on a strict schedule really ensures my meals will be at the same time everyday. It works out really well for me, and Mrs. S is very accommodating. She will take over if needed so I can quick eat my tuna and rice in the back of the room. The students are really understanding too. Sometimes when they come in right away in the morning I am still eating, but I walk around the room and still hold up my duties and responsibilities. 

After school I was feeling pretty tired. I ate my chicken and headed up to my room to digest and relax a lil while before the gym. I headed to the gym a little early because my buddy Docta Ryce was doing my final body fat test on me. I know those tests aren't accurate but its just another form of data I can use to track progress. He performs the 7 site caliper test on me, and each of the pinches were significantly lower than the previous test he did 3 weeks prior. That gave me a little kick before I walked down the hall into the gym. It is always nice to see my friends in there at the end of the day. Several ask about the show, and they know I am getting so excited about it. Right above the bubbler is a poster for the Fox Cities Show Down and I have a Post-It note on there each day with a countdown. It is a nice visual reminder :)

My buddy Alex met me in the gym to drill me through one of his intense ab workouts. I know in bikini you don't need to have a jacked up rockin' 6 pack...but my third line is just about always showing now so I just want to see where I can get it by Saturday :) 

We did circuits for the ab workout that included: 

1. Leg Throw Downs (I lay down and he throws my legs down and I have t stop them before they hit the ground and bring them back up. He does them in front and to each of my sides so I never know what is coming next. (2 min 30 second rounds)

2. Planks (1 minute and 30 seconds Front, 1 minute Left Side, 1 minute right side, 1 minute front rounds)

3. Slammin' Bitches aka Ball Throws (14 lb ball over my head and slam it down as hard as I can for 1 min 30 second rounds)

4. Knee Raises (I hang on the pull up bar and pull my knees up...sets of 25)

 5. Decline crunches and side twists with 8lb medicine ball (went for 30 seconds, 40, seconds, 50 seconds, and the last one a good song came on and oops I did over 100)

6. End with an Arnold Special....Roman Chairs (you sit on a bench...lean back and focus your breathing squeezing your abs for 5 minutes....for the last minute you go back even further...it burns!)

When that was done my heart was really going. I worked out each of my upper body muscle groups to get a pump going, and then I headed up the stairs to finish with 30 minutes of cardio. As I walk up the stairs, my energy level hits me and I realize how tired I am. I climb up on the treadmill, crank that sucker up as far as it goes on incline...speed of 4.1 mph and I'm off! 20 minutes in, my friend April came running up the stairs to talk with me for a bit. It was nice to see her and I am really excited she is coming to the Showdown! Usually I need my ipod to get through cardio but this past week or two has been different. I zone everything out. I don't even realize what music is blaring from the speakers or who is around me. I feel like I am on stage. I picture it all. I picture every move I am going to make. I can feel my heart racing as the excitement takes over my body.

At least once during every cardio session my eyes start to water. I get so emotional over everything I have over come in these past two years of training...in the past year...in this crazy semester..in the past week....and it drives me to push harder. Over the weekend I watched several YouTube videos from several IFBB and National level NPC shows and watched posing from the pros...and noticed small details such as hand placement, jewelry, hair, make up, stage presence etc. Some of the videos I watched were ones in which a new competitor turned pro. My heart ached each time I watched it, as I imagined just what that would feel like. This is my passion. This is my dream, and I want this more than anything. I don't expect it to be easy to be handed to me. That is why I am working so hard and dedicating so much. Every decision I make, every action, every step, is focused around this goal. I belong on that stage. I BELIEVE it. This is my dream, and I am not going to let anyone take it from me.

I live by this every day <#

After cardio I say goodbye to my buddies for the night and I head home. I usually hear from my mom, sister, and Diana before I go to bed and they remind me they are proud of me. A final push to rev my engine for the next day.

The words from one of my good friends, Bree Brooks... ::Never dull your SHINE for someone else::

2 gallons...check!! Egg whites....check!!! Then.....sleepy time! Another day closer!!!

<3 SJ xo

Crank the ::HEAT::...ITS PEAK WEEK!!

Hello Everyone!

  

Keep it UP, competitors!!! We are almost there!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend, I know I sure did. Just 6 days out from the 2012 Fox Cities Showdown. I am still giving 125% everyday and not skipping a beat. Everything is falling into place, and I know when I wake up at 5:25 am on Saturday, April 28th, I am going to be ready. I am not stressing or worrying about any other competitors- just myself. I put in the blood, sweat, and tears. I did the work. I gave it my all. The rest is up to the judging panel the day of the show. Do your best....forget the rest! :)

I made some nice changes week and started significantly dropping each day  starting Wednesday and it is continuing. I haven't touched my diet as far as changes in a few weeks because I am having steady progress with where I am at right now. However, if I continue to drop I may make some slight changes but nothing drastic  because there are just a few days remaining and I do not want to mess anything up. This week I am going to keep my activity lighter in the gym as well because I know with the diet alone I'll lean down even more, and judging by the mirror, I feel on point now.

This was the first weekend of prep I did not go home. It was really weird not driving home on Friday night and meeting my Mom at Golds. Instead, I went to the gym alone and if the music was off I would have heard a pin drop. It was just me. Typical...everyone is out ruining their gains because its the weekend and they think its time to get rowwdyy...not me. I did my normal quad annihilation, some glutes, abs and my hour of cardio. I got home, ate my egg whites, did some posing practice and went to bed because I knew I had my photo shoot in the morning.

Saturday I had the option of sleeping in...but let's be real here...my body is a machine. Everyday my head pops off my pillow without an alarm and I am ready to rock. I woke up...looked at my phone "You've got to be kidding me..." it was indeed 5:25 a.m. and and no matter how hard I tried going back to sleep my body wanted me to do cardio and then eat meal 1. So that's exactly what I did. I was all ready to go for the day around 7am like I am on a typical school day. I went to visit my hair stylist, Jessica Richie at Salon Envy and she did my hair for me. (THANKS GIRL!! YOU ARE THE BEST!)

My best friend Diana and her daughter Maria came to visit me for the day and do a photo shoot just for fun. She was nice enough to meet up with my mom before she headed here and my mom sent along cooked chicken and lots of frozen broccoli to get me through the week :) I am so thankful for the support system I have!! Teamwork makes the Dream Work! Watch for pictures to be posted :)

I had fun doing the shoot yesterday afternoon. We did some pics in the gym I go to at school, and some more outside.  We had a lot of fun :) It was fun to look at the pics and compare them to the last time I did a shoot in that gym last June. I am amazed by the changes and I cannot wait to show the world on stage in 6 days :) After the shoot was done, I still had an hour before the gym closed so I decided to do some cardio. I got on the treadmill, put my ear phones in and went. After about 25 minutes I looked down and realized I had never even turned my ipod on. Instead my mind was racing and thinking about the excitement of the upcoming week. I had so much internal energy, it was amazing.  I got home, ate my egg whites, did some posing, and took it easy for the night.

This morning...again...like clock work I woke up, looked at my phone....damn 5:25 a.m. I forced myself to go back to sleep. I I went to bed later than planned and knew my body needed rest. I think I was so excited to wake up because I knew I get to eat salmon for meal 1 today :) I popped my head off my pillow at 7am, heard the birds, saw the sun and was excited to get out and do sprints. I normally sprint 2 blocks..walk a block and repeat. 

Today, I don't know what it was, but I couldn't stop running. My legs were going whether I wanted them to or not. I ran all around and then I stopped in the gym when it opened so I could weigh myself. Every Sunday  I like see where I am at. I could have cried. I didn't just reach my goal weight,but I was slightly under it. My goal of having my third ab line show finally happened this morning too. I was feeling GREAT! When I left the gym I wasn't really ready to head home yet so I went around campus and ran some more. I always enjoy looking at the pretty flowers planted by the buildings.  I took random pictures of my mom favorite flowers and sent them to her too since she couldn't be here with me to enjoy it.

Lilacs for Mom :)

The sun was shining, the birds were singing and then it really hit me...Holy shit...I am graduating from college in 28 days. I forget because I am not on campus anymore sitting in lectures, but instead spending full days teaching the second graders.I cannot believe I am almost done. I cannot believe I did it. I am very proud of this accomplishment. I am not sure where the next road will take me, but I believe something good is coming my way. It is time<3 I know I've earned it.


I hope everyone has a fantastic week!!! If you are competing this weekend...keep it UP! You are almost there!!!!!!!

Time to finish pounding my water for the day, make sure my meals are organized, lift, cardio tan, and get ready for Monday with the kids :) Hope to see you all Saturday!!!!!!!!!!!!


<3 SJ xo
 
 

Once Upon a Time....



Where it all began....2 short years ago....



Holy Smokes!!! Just 10 days out from the 2012 Fox Cities Showdown! I cannot believe where the time has gone. I am so incredibly proud of myself, and the work I have done. I have never put so much heart, passion, and drive into something before. This semester has been incredible through my journey student teaching in second grade AND prepping for my fourth NPC show, competing in the Bikini B class. I have had several obstacles with my body and not having a home at school for a while...but I blasted through those with a positive attitude believing that I will make it- no matter what.

This NPC show, it is more than the greatest show put on in the world :) It is where my journey began just two short years ago when my younger brother, Joshua was training for his first body building show where he would compete in the teen class. Looking back at those 12 weeks...I remember how crabby he was (haha sorry bro you were a BEAR to say the least...but you know I love ya) but more than that how much he sacrificed. I didn't understand the sport at that time but I remember eating meals at holidays like Easter, and Josh would be looking down at his chicken and eating quietly as we ate whatever my mom made. I remember him leaving and spending three hours at the gym and I just thought he was a nut for doing this.  When it came time for the 2010 Fox Cities Showdown, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I knew I was definitely going to support my brother. I remember looking around and seeing people eating chicken and yams everywhere. I was thinking...hey that's what Josh does! I wonder if everyone does this? haha

2010 Fox Cities Showdown...Josh took first in the teen class. My life was forever changed <3

I went to pre judging and I sat in the front row. My jaw was on the floor all morning. I watched in awe as each athlete was on the stage, showing off their hard work. By the time Josh got on stage, my heart sank and tears filled my eyes. I was so proud of him. I thought to myself....so this is why he made all the sacrifices...this is what the dedication and passion came from. When I saw the different categories of women on stage...bikini, figure, and then body building I was determined. I saw what they were doing and how strong and beautiful they looked, and I thought...could I EVER possibly do something like that?

Literally that Monday, I started researching. I looked into diets, and training. I gave away all of my food to my friends, and started a clean slate. I headed to the grocery store and I was determined to make this work. My brother literally spent 3 days with me in the gym and was like, "Ok sis....back/bi, chest/tri, legs/shoulders....Here is what you do...Ok good luck" haha And that was that. Then he went back to GB for the summer and I was on my own. I was determined that I was going to compete at the 2011 Fox Cities Showdown, and make my brother proud for following in his footsteps.

I spent that summer working my ass off, waking up at 3:45 in the morning and going to the YMCA before I would work at my nanny job 10+ hours a day. I prepped, measured all of my meals at the start of each week. I took advice from other lifters and used that to make my training more successful. I remember going to bed at night, and even if it was 11pm, I couldn't wait to get up in morning at the ass crack of dawn just so I could go into ::beastmode:: in the gym.




Progress after first summer of training: End of May, Mid June, and July (L-R)


I left for school that fall with making some amazing changes over the summer. I knew I wasn't going to be working out at the YMCA anymore....nope...I was going to be working out at the UWSP Strength Center with all of the (at the time I viewed them differently) big, scary athletes. I remember each day I would be dressed and ready to go to the gym, and I would get there and peek my head inside and it would be over crowded with purple and gold with the sounds of grunting and iron smashing on the floor. I was the little fish in the big pond, and I was scared. I was surrounded by average joes and older people like I was at the YMCA...no I was surrounded by college athletes. I called my brother and he told me, "Sara, you are the strongest girl I know. Heck your stronger than guys in my gym! Go in there, and show those stupid meatheads what a beast you are!!!" So I did....at first it was scary. I didn't want to get in anyones way, and some of the equipment varied from what I was use to so I had to switch up some of my training.

As the school year progressed, I continue my strict training and diet regime and knew that my time would come in April. The campus gym wasn't scary anymore, it was like a second home for me and a lot of the athletes I was once intimidated by were now my friends. I made a lot of sacrifices and spent all of my free time outside of being a full time college student and working two part time jobs in the gym. I did my first contest prep: diet, training, posing, etc all on my own. I told myself I WAS going to make my brother proud and reach my goal to train and compete in the 2011 Fox Cities Showdown.....


{And that is EXACTLY what I did}



My brother, Josh and I at 2011 Fox Cites Showdown...less than one year before I decided to change my life.



Josh and I were featured in INSIDE WISCONSIN SPORTS magazine

 Looking back at all of that...my life was forever changed thanks to the Fox Cities Showdown. This event is more than a competition to me, it is where I made the decision to follow a new path in my journey and inspire others through my success, obstacles, and passion. I made this lifestyle change, and I will continue to do it for the rest of my life. I live, breathe, and dream body building. I could not get through the day without the gym. I have only began the process, and I cannot wait to see where I am next year...in five years...in ten years...and so on. 

This sport has not only given me something to work for every single day, but it has given me confidence. It has given me life-long friendships. It has given me the ability to work towards something I want more than anything. It has given me the opportunity to inspire others and change their lives, just like my brother, Joshua did for me.

Thank you to everyone who believes in me. Your support means the world, and I could not do it with each one of of you. I appreciate those who are understanding and know that each day is spend giving 125% effort to my goals and dreams. It means a lot to me. I hope to see you this year at the 2012 Fox Cities Showdown!!!

::Come to the show....let it CHANGE {YOUR} LIFE forever::

Have a beautiful day. Make every second count-
<3 SJ XO

And this is why I am not a math teacher ;)

Good Morning!

I was going through my old blog posts and reviewing my progress throughout this prep and I realized I actually lost way more that I calculated in the last post. For all of you that know me, I have terrible math skills, and it prob doesn't help I was carb depleted. Please forgive me :)

In 14.5 weeks I lost 20 lbs and a total of 8.5 inches (measurements taken weekly from: chest, hips, waist, biceps, quads, calves).

Measurements: (Jan 1st compared to 2.5 weeks out)

Chest (33.5 inches vs 32 inches)

Waist ( 27 inches vs 25 inches)

Hips (34 inches vs 32 inches)

Quads (23 inches vs 21 inches)

Biceps (11.5 inches vs 11 inches)

Calves (15 inches vs 14.5 inches)

Almost forgot 1.5 inches in there that I lost. That is a huge difference and it took a lot of hard work and dedication to get there. I know this time around, after my round of shows, I am not going to put on a lot of extra weight. I want to maintain looking 3-4 weeks out year around so my contest prep is not such a bitch next time around :) I also have some pending opportunities that may start this summer in which I need to keep closer to contest shape anyway. Keep your fingers crossed for the good things to come my way :)

I cannot believe two weeks from today I am going to be probably getting my hair done right now by the best hair dresser ever, Jessica Richie :)), and my mind will be racing about the day. What an exciting feeling to know that I am so close once again. The feeling that I get on stage is too great for words. I love it because it is something I worked hard for, and no one can take it away from me. No one.  I am excited to  reunite with old friends and make some new ones too!

 I am so proud of everyone, and just remember, if you are stepping foot on stage in 14 days, everyone is a winner that day. You are a winner for doing something that 99% of the population isn't doing. Everyone has a different story....everyone has different accomplishments. We can all be proud of where we are, and what we have done. Don't worry about who is in your class, or how others progress may differ from yours. We all have strengths and we all have weaknesses. Capitalize on your strengths, smile, and be proud for being you. There is only one you <3 

In the words of my good friend, and a.m. cardio ass kicker, Docta Ryce ::DO YOUR BEST...FORGET THE REST::

Thank you to everyone who has been supporting me. It means more than you will ever know!! I hope to see a lot of you at the show!! Pre-judging begins at noon, and the Night Show at at 6pm. Come make some noise!!!!!!!!!!!!

Make it count!
<3 SJ

So close I can taste it...

Hello Everyone-

Wow I cannot believe that the Fox Cities Showdown is only SIXTEEN days away!!! The time has just flown by, and I am amazed with the progress I have made. In 14.5 weeks I lost 20 lbs and a total of 7 inches (measurements taken weekly from: chest, hips, waist, biceps, quads, calves).

Measurements: (Jan 1st compared to 2.5 weeks out)

Chest (33 inches vs 32 inches)

Waist ( 26.6 inches vs 25 inches)

Hips (34 inches vs 32 inches)

Quads (22 inches vs 21 inches)

Biceps (11.5 inches vs 11 inches)

Calves (15 inches vs 14.5 inches)

BOOM!

I am very proud of these changes, and now that the show is approaching, I am noticing day and night changes DAILY. It is amazing what hard work and dedication can do for a body. Never did I ever think I could compete in the NPC during my busiest semester of college with student teaching. And look...not only am I doing it...but I am kicking ass :) I am doing a super job with my second graders and devoting 50-60 hours a week of teaching/prep time towards them, and all of my other spare time is dedicated to making my future IFBB Bikini Pro title come true. Anyone can do ANYTHING!!

I keep envisioning myself on stage...the bright lights radiating off my tan, hard body. The darkness in front of me and the roars of the crowd. The way my heart races and palms sweat because I am so excited to be there showing off my hard work. Every move I make, every pose I hit, has been practiced hours and hours. The movements are natural to me, and I do it with passion and pride. My smile reflects the love I have for the sport, and my happiness illuminated on that stage. 

I think about it while I am driving...when I am getting jacked in the gym between sets, when I run up and down the bleachers at 4:30 in the morning, when the kids are our for recess, when I am doing cardio after an intense lift, when I am in the shower, when i'm posing in my room every night, when I lay in bed tossing and turning because my heart is racing and excitements pours out of me.

I envision it all, and I really believe...that this is my year. This is my year to EARN my IFBB Bikini Pro Card. This is my year to EARN a sponsorship because someone else is taking a chance and believing in me. This is my year to shine..and make a difference. I have put the work in, and I will continue to do so day in and day out until I reach my goal...and then after that I keep pushing it until my heart stops. This is what keeps me alive...this is what keeps me going every single day. This is what gets me out of bed before the birds to run bleachers or sprints when its below 32 degrees. This is what gets me through my first meal of tuna. This is what gets me to go to bed hungry sometimes after only eating egg whites and having to wait until the next morning AFTER cardio to eat again. I will never, ever give up <3

Stay tunes...16 days and counting!!!

Time to pack up for the weekend so I can go visit my mom :)

<3 SJ XO

{Never Settle}

Hello Everyone!

Today marks SIX weeks out for the FOX CITIES SHOWDOWN!!! Sorry I have not written in a few weeks. My life has been a blur to say the least.  The past two weeks were my lead teaching in the second grade classroom. I would wake up every day at 5:30a m, get to school by 7am, and stay at least two hours after my students went home. After I got home it was usually 6pm or later and I would go to the gym for my lift and cardio, tan, then go home to prepare for another day. Even though it was extremely busy, I still enjoyed every minute of it. It felt great to have responsibility of the classroom, and to have the chance to try new learning methods with my students.

The past month I was really brought down by the guy I was seeing. It was really stressful and not good for my self esteem. Being the person I am, I don't put up with b.s. from anyone. I took a step back and thought about it. I am not the type of girl that needs a man in my life...especially not one that was emotionally abusive. I did what was best for me and I found a new home, and got out of an unhealthy relationship. If someone doesn't appreciate you or support your goals, they are not meant for you. Do not let yourself be brought down by the negativity of others. Surround yourself with those who are supportive and love you for you. I may be contest prepping while living on a couch for two months but things could be worse...like losing a gym membership :) So I am very thankful for all that I have. Just a speed bump in my journey...on to bigger and better things.


TRAINING
I am really happy with the work I am putting in at the gym. Last season I never had energy and didn't put forth near the effort I am this time around. I am still lifting 6 days a week, and I was in the gym every night with my beastmode: ON and I am ready to rock.

Here are my training splits:
Sunday: Hammies and Calves
Monday: Back and lunges
Tuesday: Chest
Wednesday: Shoulders and traps
Thursday: Arms
Friday: Quads and Glutes
Saturday: OFF but I am a :FREAK: so sometimes I get bored and do a full body workout.

I am really happy with the progress I have made on my upper body as far as adding size and the craziness of my quads. I am really excited to see how it will all come together and look on stage!

CARDIO
I have still been doing 40 minutes of cardio after my training. I have been mostly doing it on the treadmill inclined at 15 with a speed of 4.1 mph. Today I decided to make the choice, no matter what, from now until the show I will also do fasted cardio. I did this last contest prep but now with teaching and the gym not opening early enough, its not an option. But guess what...it is an option. Either I purchase another gym membership at a facility that opens earlier or I have some fun running around at 5am in the dark :) No excuses. It's happening. 30 extra minute of cardio...fasted..in the am :)

DIET
I have changed a few things about my diet, and made it a lot more structured and repetitive so I can closely monitor what I need to add or take away to make the changes I need to before show time. I have cut out rice cakes and I am strictly eating brown rice for my carb source. I bought a rice cooker (which I am LOVING by the way) and it makes my life a lot easier. I also took a break from my love of green beans and switched to broccoli. I felt like I was eating extra almonds throughout the day, especially at school so now I put my serving for the day in a bag and I tell myself "There you go...this is all the almonds you get today. When they are gone...they are gone" :) So far...its working.

BODY
I am happy with the way my body is looking for 6 weeks out. I know I am not there yet...but I am getting closer each and every day. I need to learn to follow my heart and not second guess myself. I did it on my own last season, I can do it again. Each week I can tell that I am leaning out as I see new changes on my body.

LIFE

I am really happy right now with my dedication both in the classroom and in the gym. I know that I am doing a great job teaching second grade, and I have had positive feedback from my university supervisor, school principal, teachers in the building, and Mrs. S, my cooperating teacher. I applied to teach summer school in the district, and I am really hoping that all works out for the best.


I am really thankful for all of the support I have. SO many do things that help me get through each day. I am so blessed to have supportive friends and family. My mother sends me motivational cards each week to remind me to keep up the hard work and she sends prepped meals back to school with me to make my life easier. My sister and nieces send me mail and pictures to hang on the refrigerator so everytime I eat, I am reminded of my love and support back home. My friend Diana checks in on me everyday to send me love and support. I am so thankful to have her by my side as we go through prep together!!!! (PROUD OF YOU!)  My friend Cassandra stays up late and keeps me company messaging me when I work late or lesson plan and sends me fun mail to keep me in happy spirits (PROUD OF YOU TOO CHICA!) My friend April visits me in the gym and says hi and roots me on when I am struggling through an intense workout. Mrs. S does everything in her power to make my student teaching experience the least amount of stress so I can make my competition goals happen. There are so many of you do things each day without even knownig. I am so blessed to have all the support. Thank you, everyone <3


Remember to never give up on your goals. You may come across a bump in the road, but it is only a tiny obstacle in the larger picture.
Keep working hard!
XO SJ <3

::Freak_Mode::

Hello Everyone!

When you do all of your contest prep on your own....you have to do this.

I hope you are doing well. Yesterday marked 8 WEEKS OUT from the NPC FOX CITIES SHOWDOWN! I cannot believe how fast time is flying by during contest prep. I am enjoying every minute of it, smiling over my accomplishments, and learning from my struggles. I never thought that I would be able to accomplish this journey this semester with student teaching, and I am doing more than accomplishing it, I am kickin' some serious booty :)

My beautiful Mother, and Me at FCS last year :)

I wanted to take some time to thank a few people. First, I would like to thank my Mom, Denise Lindbom. She is such a big support to me. I am so thankful to know that even though I am away at school, she is still rooting for me and doing what she can to make this a smooth process. Every time I go home to visit, she has the kitchen full of foods that I can eat and stay on track. She also always sends me back to school with more cooked-up chicken so I have one less thing to worry about for the week. She mails me inspirational cards, and we talk on the phone daily. Thank you, Mom. I love you!

Diana and Me last year at FCS! :) This is the day we met! <3

Diana Kersten- You are my iron sister and a wonderful friend. Thank you so much for supporting me DAILY. You make me smile and laugh throughout the day, and I appreciate everything you do for me. Even though we have only known each other for just under year, you are so close to me at heart. I am so proud of everything you have accomplished, and I cannot wait until April 28th!!! We are going to blow the roof off :) Thank you for being my guardian angel here on earth, and helping me each day get closer to my dreams. Keep on rockin', Dirty Diana!

Corey Pedri- You are one of my best friends. Even though you are not with me this semester (because you are off kickin some booty at the Mayo!), I still take everything you taught me this fall, and apply it at each workout. I go into ::FREAKMODE:: every single day...you would be proud! I seriously would not have made the progress I did in my "off-season" if it wasn't for you and the hours you spent lifting with me, and teaching me new exercises to add to my routine. Not only were you a great motivator in the gym, but you always supported me, and picked me up when I needed a boost. You are a great friend, and I am so proud of you! Thank you for helping me get closer to my dreams. Wherever you end up...you will always have a special place in my heart.

Mrs. S- You are the most amazing Co-operating Teacher I could ask for. I am so thankful to be completing my student teacher placement with you. You support me both in teaching, and my passion for competing. Thank you for accommodating me throughout the day to ensure that I can get my meals in, and also for not keeping me late at night because you know that I need to get to the gym. Your are understanding, patient, and supportive. Thank you for all you have done!

CARDIO

I am actually loving cardio. {weird...right?} Sometimes I walk up the stairs to the cardio area with a "sigh...here we go again" type of feeling, but then I am quickly reminded why I am doing it. As I am givin' 'er on the treadmill, elliptical, or stair-master, I jam out to my Cardio Cutting Playlist and envision the stage. I think about the feeling I get when I am there, and great it is going to feel when I get to show off all of my hard work. The feeling is indescribable, and I cannot wait to experience it again. Sometimes the songs will come on that I practice my posing to, and I almost want to turn around and flip my hair and look back, but then it hits me that I am in a gym. On a treadmill. In clothes....not on stage in a bikini looking back at the judges :) ::Living, Breathing the DREAM. Every. Single. Day::

This was the first weekend that I did not go home to visit my family for at least a day, so I was able to do fasted cardio in the mornings. This has not been part of my plan so far this contest prep, but why not get ahead when the opportunity is there? I have done two a days on the weekends when I am at home with my mom, but I just have not done the cardio part fasted. I really enjoyed it, and it was a great start to my day. 

After getting some suggestions, and downloading some songs that I have been meaning to....I updated my playlist:

PLAYLIST:
Firework.......Katy Perry (This was my ultimate favorite song last contest prep)
Circus..........Brittney Spears (For you, Angel!)
Ni*** in Paris......Kayne West and JayZ (For you, April! We love dancing to this one!)
Girl all the Bad Guys Want.....Bowling for Soup (I still think they need to re-write this song, hardbody style)
S & M.....Rihanna (always pumps me up!)
Bad Girlfriend........Theory of a Deadman  (Reminds me of someone I know haha)
SOS.......Rihanna (<3 her!)
Sexy and I know it!......LMFAO (For you, April!!!!!!!!)
Dirrty.......Xtina (Think you would like this one, Durtyyyy Diana!)
Can't Hold us Down....Xtina
Superbass.....Nikki Minaj (Hey JT BIGBACKMONEYYY! This one is for you, pal! SUPERbootyBASS!)
Push it....Salt n' Pepa
Set Fire to the Rain...Adelle (There is just a lot of heart  and emotion in this song so I like it towards the end of my cardio session)
Waka Waka.....Shakira  (Mizz Heather ZUMBA Wanta!)
Can't be Touched (For Corey...from my Freak Mix!)
Sound of Madness (Also for Corey...thanks for all the songs before you left!)

I enjoy having songs that remind me of others while doing cardio because it motivates me to push harder because I know they are counting on me to word towards being the best! I really do not think that I could go a day without out. It is hard to imagine what other teachers do at the end of the day to relive stress...the gym helps me and I couldn't survive without it :)

Another aspect to cardio that as made it easier, is I recruited one of my buddies from the gym to compete at the Showdown. He will compete in the Men's Physique  B Class. It is somewhat comforting to look over and see someone else givin'er on an incline too :) {Keep up the hard work, Mr Peters! I am proud of you}

TRAINING
 I love going to the gym every single day. I think about it periodically throughout the day, visualizing what I will do that night, and what exercises I will do for each muscle group. Last week I had a bad cold that hit me pretty hard, but I only had to take one unscheduled day off during the week to fully rest/recover (which was actually much needed because I did full body last Saturday instead of taking the day off). The lunges have still been added in every other day for extra glute work, and I bumped up the weight from 75lbs to 100lbs now while doing them. {I always enjoy a challenge!}.

I also added in last week, an extra 100 squats with 100 lbs on Friday nights....and let me tell you...I can still feel it today with it just being a couple of days ago. I will push it to the next level in every area to ensure I am satisfied with what I will showcase on April 28th. 

I have not lost strength for the most part, other than the fact I am not able to bench plates anymore. I am doing more dumbbell exercises when possible instead of barbell because I do not always have a spotter. I have a bad shoulder, and I do not want to risk injuring myself for lifting too heavy without a spotter. I know my limits.

PS- I am still LOVING my Vibrams!!!! I have noticed significant difference in my leg development/definition since I have started training with these shoes.

DIET

My diet is going super. I am on track, and I have not made any significant changes yet in my contest prep. I am still consuming the same foods (egg whites, chicken, tuna, salt free rice cakes, sweet potatoes, green beans, raw almonds, natural peanut butter etc). The only changes I have really made in the past week was switching out less carbs, and eating more healthy fats instead. I am really thankful that I have Celiac Disease and I think that it is truly a blessing in disguise. The foods I once craved, I am now unable to have so it makes it so much easier this time. Yes, I know they make Gluten-Free options, but I do not like to make exceptions. I also do not want to torture myself if I find something that looks good. I will wait to look more into these options once the 8 weeks have passed. I am not really craving anything like I was last season

BODY

I was at a plateau the past couple weeks with my weight, and I was feeling discouraged. I know it is just a number, but I like to use it for guidance during contest prep. This week I plowed through that wall and I dropped 4 lbs. Some of this could just have simply been made with the slight tweak in my diet with lowering carbs, but either way I can see significant changes in my body.  I am tightening up, and really feeling good about how I am looking at this point. 

My friend Docta Ryce tested my body fat for me, and I am very happy with the results. I know these tests are not super accurate, but it is still reassuring to see that each area has decreased, and I have made progress in the past two weeks. 8 weeks out and I am at 13%. I know what work has to be done to get to my goal.

LIFE

Basically everything is going pretty good for me. I am enjoying every second of student teaching, and I am learning a lot! These next two weeks are my "full time" weeks to teach the second graders. I am very excited because we are starting our Natural Resources unit and Introduction to Mammals which both tie in nicely with my environmental education minor. I have a lot of great ideas and resources that I am excited to share with the kids! Looking ahead to summer I am finishing up my application to teach summer school in the district I am in right now (CRAZY! I can't believe it...my first application to teaching in the "real-world" aka a big girl job) haha I am so excited!! There is an environmental education related program at the intermediate level (3rd-5th grade), and I am really hoping to get in there. I really have a passion for introducing students to the out doors and increasing their awareness and environmental sensitivity of the world around them.  Keep your fingers crossed!!!!!

FUTURE...

I have been looking ahead to the future as I am coming to an end in my college life as a student with graduation approaching quickly....and many new beginnings to come. I feel for the first time in my life, things are going in favor for me. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I have been working hard in every area of my life and I really believe that things are unfolding. I have faith that I WILL graduate with a full time teaching job. I am working very hard, and it shows in my teaching abilities both in and out of the classroom. I also have faith that I WILL take my fitness career to the next level with the upcoming year. I will be out of college and will have the perfect opportunity to be established in a career, and have the money to achieve those goals as well. I have it listed on my goal wall that I WILL be an IFBB Bikini Pro and a sponsored athlete by the time I am 25...CLOCKS A TICKIN' SJ! :)

BELIEVE it and you will ACHIEVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a fantastic week!!!

<3 SJ