Personal Notes - July 2003

Hello Everyone! I hope you are all happy, healthy and continuing your journeys. I know sometimes it can be difficult. You can have your training and nutritional program all planned out, but life's daily obstacles may get in the way occasionally. However, you have to prioritize and put everything in perspective. Think of it like brushing your teeth. You know you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, but if you fall asleep one night before brushing, will your teeth rot and fall out of your mouth by morning? No, however, if you continually miss brushing your teeth as you should, then yes, you will start to experience dental problems. The same goes for your health and reaching your fitness goals.

Okay...off my soap box...on to the good stuff.

I believe I am finally getting a handle on all my projects. Some projects and opportunities I've had to put on hold for various reasons, which is good because I was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed.

Here's what's been going on since the last time...

I competed at the NPC 2003 Jr. Nationals, which were held in Chicago, Illinois. Going into the show I was really starting to get burnt out on preparing for competition. Even though I was sticking to my diet and continuing to train, I was feeling extremely drained. This was going to be the fourth show for me this year and I was really dreading the remaining shows I had planned for the rest of the year. I had never done so many shows in one year before and I honestly don't see how some girls do it. Even though a few people commented that it was the best I had ever looked, I didn't feel that way. I felt I looked much better the previous month in Pittsburgh. Considering how I felt and the number of girls in my Fitness class (9) & Figure class (26), I didn't place too badly. I placed 7th in the Fitness division and 13th in the Figure division.

I would like to congratulate my buddy Kirsten Nicewarner for winning the Overall in Fitness. Way to go girl! I also want to congratulation all my all fellow Fitness Factory competitors who were also competing at Jr. Nationals (Lori, Megan, Naloni, Latisha, Aida, Rebecca, Tera, Makeba, Jodi, Melissa, Tara, Suzie).

I would like like say a special thank you to the following people:

• Mo, my friend from Chicago--for bringing me and my roomies all kinds of goodies and for her support.
• Lori, my partner in crime--for always being there for me.
• Son, my friend from Florida who also competed in the men's bodybuilding division--for all of his good advise and words of encouragement.
• And last, but definitely not least, Mike Davies. Your selfless dedication to helping your clients reach their maximum potential continually amazes me. You painstakingly guide so many of us through the emotional ups and downs of being a competitive athlete and I know I am not alone when I say we are eternally grateful.

After Jr. Nationals and consulting with Mike, we decided I should take a break. Whoopie! So, now I am in my off-season. I can relax a little bit and eat and I can go back to lifting heavy so I can put on more lean muscle. My diet is still very clean and I still have to eat strict, but I get a little more variety than my contest diet. Now is when the hard work is done to make the changes for next year.

I am having fun planning out all the details for my new routine--selecting music, getting ideas for my outfit and learning new skills. I will be working with my choreographers soon to start putting it all together. I'm really excited about it!

Unfortunately, because Mike and I decided I should take a break for the rest year from competing, I had to withdraw from competing at BodyRock 2003. However, I still attended the show and I had a blast. It was nice for a change to be able to enjoy a show from the audience as opposed to dealing with the hustle and bustle backstage. You can view the pictures I took from the show in my Personal Photo Gallery.

Well, my planning for next year's competition season is well under way. I'm hoping to bring an improved physique as well as an improved routine to the stage next year. Wish me luck!

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