Well I lost my cheat meal. I thought I would be more disappointed but I'm really not. I am so focused on my goal.

I gained another lb of muscle and lost a lb of fat...YEAH!! I don't think I will end up doing a show this year but rather wait and take time to continue adding muscle and tweaking everything. I am feeling great and looking forward to what the future holds.

I need to get better w/this blog thing. I'm just not consistant in posting.

It's been a great day. We had nothing on the agenda except train so I got a lot done around the house and spent time w/Tim and Wade. Last evening I met Tim and the kids after work at Sopporo for my cheat meal. We had a great dinner then I went home and went to bed. Ok after having such a big meal and food I'm not use to you would think I would have a full belly for a while well not so much. I woke up at 3:30 this morning STARVING!!! I could not go back to sleep so that is the time that I started my day. I worked on some suits for several hours then I met up w/Courtney, whom I haven't seen in a while (you look great by the way!!!) and we ran bleachers. My stamina in the cardio department is so much better than when I first started back training.

I had a great back workout a couple hours after running bleachers. My strength has increased drastically and I am lifting more wt than I've ever been able to before. It is very exciting because I can see the gains in my muscle growth.

Now I am going to run down and do an hour on the stepper then hopefully catch some zzzz's. My early rising is starting to drag me down.

I have to meet up w/Daniel tomorrow and hopefully I will have a little more info on if I will do a show in 2 weeks or not. Hopefully he will continue liking the results of me having a weekly cheat meal and I will get another one next week.....one can only dream!

One more week on 4 west and I am ER bound.Woohoo!!

chest 34 1/4

waist 24 1/4

bicep 11

hip 33

thigh 20 1/2

calf 13 3/4

I had another check in w/Daniel today...I am still making good progress. I've lost another 1% bodyfat and gained 1 lb of muscle in 6 days. I've lost 22% bodyfat since Feb.

Daniel said today that I will not be doing the Aug. 15 show. He feels I can be ready but he wants me to come in better than I ever have before. The progress I am making is slow but steady which he said is better. I have to keep in mind the long term goal and that is to go pro. He is talking like maybe I will hit a show in September. I've never been married to a show, I just want to be my best and if that means waiting then I am ok with that! I totally trust his judgement and know that he will stear me in the right direction.

I am pleased with the progress I am seeing and know that I will only continue to improve!!!

perseverance- noun. steady persistance in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc. in spite of difficulties, obstacles or discouragement.

This journey has been an adventurous one. There have been many, many bumps in the road and I've almost thrown in the towel on more than one occasion. It has been pure will-power that has sustained me to this point (that along w/ a little stupidity). Now I am at a point in the journey where I am begining to see the fruits of my hard work and determination. I know I still have a long road ahead but at this point I am ready to tackle whatever comes my way and see this through!

I still do not know what show I am doing or what the future plans are. I am leaving all of that up to my coach. This is a little difficult for me since I am a planner but I trust him and his judgement and am confident he will steer me in the right direction. I will continue to follow his advice, train hard, eat right and look forward to whatever my future holds!!

We took some photos today. This isn't the suit I am wearing it is just one I have for practicing my posing in. I always hate looking at my photos!!

Well my plans changed along the way and I decided that to stay focused I would compete again. I've been training and dieting for a LOOOONNNNGGG time now. I am hoping to do a show in Aug. (8 weeks away) so far everything looks on track but we will see. I'm not married to a date or show I just want to come in my personal best. I have a great trainer (my hubby Tim) and a great coach (Daniel S.) and with their help I know I can accomplish this. Training is grueling cardio twice a day and weight training 4 times a week. I am excited because I am finally starting to see the results from my hard work!!!

chest 35"
waiste 25"
hips 34 1/2"
bicep 12"
Quad 21"
calf 14"

wt. 118lbs

chest 34 1/2"
Bicep 12"
Waist 25 1/4"
Hips 36 1/4"
Thigh 22"
calf 14"

Arms 12 1/8"
Chest 36 1/2"
Quads 23"
Calves 13 3/4"
Hips 37"
Waist 25 3/4"

Arm 12 1/4"
Chest 36
Waist 27
Quad 23
Calf 14
Hips 36 1/2

Current measurements:

hips 37"
waist 27 1/4"
calves 14"
quads 23"
bicep 12 1/8"

It's been a great weekend! Yesterday I spent some quality time with Wade. Then last night we went to dinner at Nava's (my 2nd cheat meal for the week) w/our good friends Hanley and Nancy and their daughter Samantha. I also enjoy spending time with them!!

I didn't post my workout from yesterday so I will go ahead and add it today.


Saturday: Arms
Biceps:
Cable curls 3 sets of 12 (35lbs first set, 40lb second set, and 45lbs third set)
Dumbbell curls 3 sets of 12 20lbs
21s x 3 sets 30lbs
Triceps:
Cable Pressdowns 3 sets (30lb first set, 40lb second set, and 45lbs third set)
Seated dips 3 sets of 12 w/90lbs
overhead skull crushers 3 sets of 12 w/20lb dumbbell


Sunday: Legs
Tripple Set:
1st and 2nd set
Leg press (1 45plate each side) x 12
Hack Squats x 12
Leg Extension (45lbs) x 12

3rd set
Leg press (70lbs on each side) x 12
Hack squat x12
Leg Extension (45lb) x 12

Lying leg curls
3 sets 12 w/60lbs
single leg curls
3 sets 12 /w15lbs

Calves:
Leg press machine 3 sets 15 (115lbs)
seat calves 3 sets 15 (45lb plate)

I got the day off from working out today. I had to work at the hospital today so I am just too wiped out. I realized I didn't post my workout yesterday.

Back day
hyperextensions 15 reps x 3 sets
Deadlifts 12 reps (95lbs) x3 sets
Bent over rows
12 reps 1st set (30lbs)
12 reps 2nd set (40lbs)
12 reps 3rd set (50lbs)

Cable upright rows
12 reps (45lbs) x 3 sets


Wt ass't pull ups
12 reps x 3 sets

Rear Delts
12 reps (15lb dumbbells)x 3sets

Abs
25 min bike

Diet is the same as yesterday except I got a cheat meal for dinner...La Parilla. I am allowed 2 cheat meals a week. Since I am working the next 3 days I decided last night to take one of my cheats the other will be Sat. We are going to dinner at Nava's w/some friends. Can't wait!

I had a wonderful time spending the day w/my mom today. She lives in Rome so I don't get to see her as much as I would like. We headed up to Chattanooga for a little shopping. I am really glad we were able to do something but I am beat from all the driving.

I headed to the gym after dropping Wade off at school this morning. The intensity of my workouts has increased soooo much since I've started working out w/Tim again. I'm glad to have my training partner back.

Today was chest and shoulders day. Here is what I did:
incline presses 12reps w/the bar (45lbs)
12reps w/10lbs on each side (65lbs)
12 reps " " "

machine presses 12 reps 45lbs
12 reps 55lbs
12 reps 55lbs

Incline flies 12 reps 10lb dumbbells
12 reps 15lbs
12 reps 15lbs

Cling and press 8 reps (45lbs)
8 reps (45lbs)
10 reps (45lbs)

side laterals leaning on incline bench
12 reps (8lb dumbbells) x 3sets

Cable Upright rows 12 reps (45lbs) x 3 sets

Rear Delts 12 reps (15 lbs) x 3sets

Abs

20 min on eliptical
25 min on bike


Food: (still taking inflamma trim)
meal 1: breakfast steak w/ 1/2 cup oatmeal
protein shake
grilled chicken, sweet pot, asparagus
protein shake
grilled chicken salad w/sweet pot at Outback

1 gallon of h2o

Tomorrow is back day woohoo. I have to say that I am feeling soooo much better. I can't get over how much more energy I have. Why do I ever let myself fall off the wagon?

Wow, it's almost been a week and I haven't posted anything. Well the good news is I've just been really busy and I haven't fallen off the wagon!YEAH!!!

I've gotten all my workouts in this week and didn't cheat on my diet at all! I am also now down to 130lbs. I'm pretty excited about that.

I reconnected with a good friend this week and we have a lot of great ideas in the works and I am just so excited about Tim and I's future. I'm not ready to say just yet what is going on but I think our business is about to explode and we have some new business adventures in mind we are pursuing.

Anyhooo, We had a GREAT workout today. I got up at 6:30 (just woke up on my own feeling great, not at all tired). I had a protein shake (1 1/2 scoop Micell Edge) then I went up to the studio and worked on a couple of suits. I ate a breakfast steak and oatmeal 1/2 cup at around 9:30 (2 caps Inflamma Trim). We then went to church and heard a great sermon. At 12:30ish I had another breakfast steak and oatmeal. Then we headed for the gym. Tim and I trained together...I love when I get to train w/him b/c he knows how to push me to the next level. Here was our workout (of course this is my wt listed not his as he lifts much more than I do):

Squats:
12 reps w/bar (bar weighs 45lbs) as a warm up
12 reps w/10lbs on each side (65lbs total including bar)
12 reps w/20lbs on each side (85 lbs total)
12 reps w/30lbs on each side (105 lbs total)

Walking lunges:
length of gym and back w/8lb dumbbell in each hand x 3 sets

Leg Extension:
12 reps w/45lbs
12 reps w/50lbs
12 reps w/50lbs

One legged leg curls superset w/stiff leg deadlifts
12 reps each leg, leg curls w/10lbs then 12 reps stiff legs holding 20lb dumbbells
12 15lbs 12 " " " "
12 " " " 15lbs 12 " " " "

Calves:
leg press machine superset w/standing calf raises
15 reps 95lbs superset w/15 reps holding 1olb plate single leg
15 reps 115lbs 15 " " " " "
15 reps 135lbs 15 no wt both legs at once

25 min on bike
20 min eliptical

I then had a protein shake. 2.5 hours later I had another breakfast steak and 1/2 cup oatmeal. It is 9:00 and I am about to have my final shake of the day and then it is off to bed. I know I had a lot of steak today which isn't the norm. but total it was less than 10oz. I also had 1 gallon of H2O. I am truely amazed at how easily I have slipped backed into my diet. My mood is soooo much better which is crazy. I can't explain it but I'm not going to question it!

Oh I almost forgot we did measurements today. I will have to try to find the ones we took a couple of weeks back when I got started so I can post them.
waist 28"
Breast 38"
Hips 38"
quad 23" (each)
calf 14" (each)
bicep 12" (each)

I don't know if I am brave enough to do pictures yet. Who knows maybe tomorrow. I like to do photos b/c it really lets me see how I am progressing.]

It's Monday!!!

Today was definitely a Monday at work. I arrived at 5:45 am since I was in charge...yes that means I was up at 4 am. YUCK!!! After 12 hrs I skipped out early so I could hit the gym. My workout was sub par since I trained at Health Place. It was crowded and their equipment dated but as Tim reminded me it is ok this early in the game I am still getting back "into" it.

Here was my meal break down ( I missed a meal today. I have a feeling this may end up being the case on the days I work).
Meal 1 1/2 cup oatmeal, 4 oz breakfast shake, 2 capsules of Inflamma Trim
Meal 2 1 1/2 scoop Micell Edge
Meal 3 4 oz grilled chicken, 2 oz sweet potato, 5 pieces of asparagus
Meal 4 1 1/2 scoop Micell Edge
Meal 5 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1 1/2 scoop Micell Edge

1 gallon h2o (yes, I spent quite a bit of my day in the bathroom)

Workout:
3 sets of 30 reps of squats w/no wt. 1st set normal, 2nd set sumo style, 3rd set feet together
3 sets of 15 reps stiff leg deadlifts holds 15lb dumbbells in each hand
3 sets of 15 reps leg curls (I couldn't tell the wt on the select a dial...did I mention the equipment at health place is old? I just found a wt that felt "right")
3 sets of 15 leg press 135lbs (1st set middle stance, 2nd wide stance, 3rd set close stance)
calves.


I've got to figure out how to work cardio in there next time.

Home from Savannah

I haven't fallen off the wagon, Yet! Tim and I had a trip planned for a while now and this weekend was the weekend. My Mom came down to watch the kids and we headed to Savannah. It was a much needed relaxing, break. I decided before we left that I would not stress about food this weekend it would be my last hoorahh so to speak. Tomorrow the journey starts again.

We had a wonderful time in Savannah. It was my first trip there, crazy I know. We stayed at the Hyatt on River St. I did get my cardio in as we walked just about everywhere we went. Yesterday we took a drive our to Tybee Island. Man o Man I love the beach. It doesn't matter where or what time of year something about the beach is just so darn relaxing. I can't wait for the day we get to retire on a beach somewhere.

Well I am preparing my meals for tomorrow after all preparation is 99% of what leads to success. My meal plan for tomorrow consists of:
Meal 1 4oz breakfast steak, 1/2 cup oatmeal
Meal 2 Micell edge protein shake
Meal 3 4oz chicken, 2oz sweet pot., asparagus
Meal 4 protein shake
Meal 5 4 oz chicken, 2oz sweet pot, asparagus
Meal 6 protein shake

I have to work tomorrow so I plan to hit Health Place after work to get my work out in. I'll let ya know how all that goes.

Sleep tight!
Jen

Day 1 on my road to a summer ready body.

I've been in a major slump for quite a while now. I haven't been working out or eating right. I haven't had any goals I've been working on and for all you goal oriented people in the world you know how miserable that feeling is. I've decided now is the time to set a new goal and achieve it!! I am ready to get in shape for summer. Last year I was too embarrassed to wear shorts or a swimsuit. Not this year I am going to be READY!!! and it will start today.

It wasn't that long ago that I was competing as a NPC National Level figure competitor (last competition was June 2006) so I know what to do to achieve my goal I just have to do it! I topped the scale in Jan. of this year at 140lbs...that is a lot for my 5' 3/4" frame (I was less than 98lbs on competition day). I've already lost a little weight...this morning I weighed in at 133lbs.

My plans are to update my blog frequently listing what I am eating, what I am doing exercise wise, how I am feeling, and photos tracking my progress. I'm ask at least every couple of days for advice on diet or exercise so that is why I've decided to share this adventure so everyone can see exactly what I am doing and who knows maybe try it for themselves.


Day 1
I woke up feeling really crappy, my throat was swollen, I had a headache, and chills. Great what a way to start out my workout journey. I decided I would not let it get me down. I got up and took some ibuprofen. I also went ahead and took 2 Inflama Trim tablets (a natural wt loss supplement I got from our local health food store. I like these because they contain a lot of herbs and vitamins).

8:30 ran up my stairs (13 steps) 6 times. Ran up/walked down.
9:00 1 packet of instant oatmeal w/splenda, 2 scoops of Micell Edge Protein shake
10:20 at the gym
3 sets 1st set 20 reps jump/lateral squats, 2nd & 3rd set 12 reps
superset w/reps of 50 1st set, 25 reps 2nd&3rd set of squats (no wt)
3 sets of 15 reps single leg, leg curls (10lbs)
3 sets of 15 reps (35lbs) leg extensions, holding for 10 count at top
3 sets of 15 reps calves (115lbs)
25 min on bike set on intervals
11:30 1 scoop Micell Edge protein shake
2:00 Grilled talapia w/apple cider vinegar for seasoning, 4 pieces of asparagus, 2 oz sweet potato
4:30 grilled chicken cooked in teriyaki w/onions and 1 tbsp wt watchers chz
8:00 1 scoop Micell edge protein shake

1 gallon of water

I know my workout was weak but this is day 1 and it has been a while since I've been consistent in the gym.
I am looking forward to tomorrow!!