Titanic, chzech sister and possible nanna naps...

Yes yes i know, its been ages since my last blog. But life has taken a hold and has been shaking me non stop! Where to start?....
So this week has seen me abandon any structure and responsibility as i played tour guide and host to my beautiful sister in law Deniska. On a whim she decided to take a weeks holiday and chose to spend that week with me and my hubby here in melbourne. I feel very special that we were her choice for a holiday. Deniska, just to paint a picture for you all, is a beautiful 24yr old chzech spunk with loads of personality and a very gentle spirit. I had such a wonderful time throwing out all structure in my day and heading off to do whatever we felt on the day. We did manage to get to the Titanic exhibition which was amazing - if your in melbs and havent been - dont wait, its trully awesome. And deni certainly single handedly helped the melbourne economy with her spending!
So I dropped her off at the airport at 5.30am this morning and now feel a little sad that my 'play mate' has gone! Oh well, back to reality...
My website is slowly getting there, it has taken a lot longer than i had hoped, but i don't want to launch it til its perfect - yes people i am a perfectionist, shoot me.
Fingers crossed it will be ready to go by the end of next week...
Nit much else has been happening, life seems so very normal without a comp prep! Actually some days I really wish i was prepping, and other days i am so grateful im not! Im still looking to compete in March 2011, and am looking to start my off season plan very shortly. In the meantime its just balanced, clean eating...mostly!
So thats it for now, im so tired form late nights this past week that a nanna nap looks very promising...
xxoo

Passion is the key to success...

Well this week has seen me busy busy busy! I like being busy, it keeps me out of trouble ;)
So as most of you know, my husband and I created, own and run a Personal Training Studio in Richmond and Sth melbourne called Unique Fitness Studio. Up until now i have been Studio Manager which means i deal with the day to day 'stuff', marketing, PR, stock, some receptioning and much more behind the scenes bland jobs! Don't get me wrong, i have enjoyed this role and its created a very nice little existence for hubby and I. BUT, for some time I have felt a little lost within the business. After finishing my comp in July I had a lot of interest from clients wanting nutritional advice. So it occured to me that that is what I should be focusing on. I have my qualifications so why not utilise them fully?
This is when Unique Nutrition was born. I have spent the last week building (yes people ON MY OWN!!) my own website which will offer online nutritional support programs as well as face to face consultations. It will be particularly aimed towards women wanting to achieve weightloss goals and women with hormonal disorders such as PCOS and Endometriosis.
I designed an eating program for my girlfriend KT who suffers from endo and she has had amazing results after years of not being able to lose weight. When she saw her specialist at the ACT Endo clinic, they were amazed at her transformation and asked what she had been doing. When KT mentioned that I had built her program and was a sufferer of endo and PCOS myself, the Co-ordinator instantly wanted to speak with me. After a wonderful discussion, I will be working with ACT Health and in particular women who suffer from Endo, to help them change their eating and lifestlye habits to avoid surgery for their disorder. I am beyond excited at this prospect!
So I will be working from home and the studio, clients can see me in my home office, at the studio or just online support - up to them. Im hoping to go live with my website on Mon or tuesday.
This is a real passion of mine as i have transformed my body, and although I dont claim to have the be all and end all of nutritional knowledge ( i have a lot to learn) I do have first hand experience of how to change my body, gain more energy and overcome hormonal limitations.
Very exciting times for me, hubby and our company!
I went and saw my coaches on thursday - i have really missed them in the last couple of weeks! They are both looking great as their prepping for october comps. And then the comp feeling started again - oh boy! They think i should do the october comps and trust me when i say it is veeerrryy tempting. I had, by thursday afternoon decided to do the comp and today im swinging again. Hubby is supportive no matter what but its important i do this for myself and no one else. Over the next couple of days im chatting with an industy 'celebrity', professional and overall gorgeous person in the sports modeling world. Im hoping with her help to gain some insight and make some decisions around competing. So far her words to me have been 'You and your health are my number one priority - i couldnt give a shit about some show'! So i know that she will help me formulate some plan of attack either with competing or without... i will keep u posted on this and value anyone's input on this topic.
Alright enough already, im exhausted from this post!
Keep training hard and eating clean everyone
xxoo

Finding balance...finally

Well life has finally setled down since i finsihed my comp nearly 4 weeks ago. It's hard to believe that it has taken me this long to get my sh*t together!
Since making the decision not to compete, a load has lifted and everyday i wake up feeling relieved at not having to watch every morsel that enters my mouth or do excessive amounts of cardio. I grieved for a few days after having made the decsion though - wondering if i had infact made the right decision not to compete again so soon. It was 100% the right decision and im very pleased i made it. I do want to do another comp in 2011 - i loved the process - but my body and mind needs a break. Im now concentrating on what a lot of figure girls do after their fist comp, build much needed muscle and maintain a healthy weight. I finally got my head around balanced eating again, and its paid off. Ive lost a lot of fluid and am now happily sitting at 56.5kgs. My goal is to get a couple more kgs off and maintain 54kgs, which for my height and frame suits me.
Im happy to report that i can now walk past a bakery - and not go in. Ahhhh triumph. I do not people, have the type of body where i can eat what i want when i want. I get fat that way. It is not helped by the fact i suffer from PCOS which hormonally is a nightmare for women and weight gain. But im happy with the eating plan i have structured, which incorporates 2 cheat meals a week. Im also happy to report that i am...wait for it...enjoying exercise again YAAAA! Ive even got back into some running this week, and boy does it feel great. Im also lifting heavy heavy. So my weights program is the same for if i was competing - its torture, and i love it!
I also have a very exciting business venture in the pipeline which i will reveal next week. Its great to have a focus on something other than comp prep!
So on that note im off, but keep training hard, eat clean and enjoy life
xxoo

The aftermath...

Well it certainly has been too long between posts. It seems like my life has been a bit of a carnival ride for the last couple of weeks and i feel like i have finally hung up my fairy floss and got off the roller coaster.
Lots has been happening - good, bad and ugly. No one ever prepares you for the aftermath of a figure comp. Im sure there were knowledgable people telling me, perhaps even warning me, about the affects of post comp struggles and what was to ensue. However perhaps its just one of those things that you cant ever really prepare for and thus just have to experience and figure out, for the most part, by yourself.
I have experienced the joys of getting up on stage in top condition, the exhilaration of completing a personal goal, the highs of being part of a somewhat misunderstood industry and sport. And then i have experienced the heartbreak of losing my comp figure merely days after i stepped up on stage (a figure people that was completley unrealistic to keep); the confusion of somewhat disordered eatng and the mental angst of finding myself without structure and nothing to strive for anymore.
Geez. Sounds like im ready to hang myself. But Im just trying to highlight the highs and lows of sometimes doing this kind of extreme sport.
It has now taken me 3 weeks to get my head around my new physique, to stop eating everything that i pass by and feel like having, and get myself back into regular exercise and eating patterns. I have finally, after a long 21 days, finally found my balance.
So that brings me to my next bit of news. I have decided not to compete in the october comps this year. I had my plan from my wonderful coaches all ready to go. I had done all my shopping and worked out my schedule. I was ready to start the craziness. And then D day was upon me. i woke up on the morning i was due to start comp prep and knew i just didnt want to do it. I had spoken to Corina the week before and I had mentioned to her that surely i could start my cardio prep at 1hr a day and build up on that, as i didnt have nearly as much weight to lose as last time.
However, the moment she told me that no i still had to do 2hrs of cardio a day and then 3hrs towards the end - i think i lost my mind! It was at that moment i lost my momentum. 3hrs of cardio a day plus weights. Ummmm NO! So that was it, decision made. I broke the news to my coaches a couple of days ago - and although im sure their disappointed they totally understand why i need a break.
Sooooo i needed a new goal, a new challenge. Im just that kind of person. I think at this stage my goal is to run the 1/2 marathon in october. i have always loved running and i feel this would be a good challenge for me to aim for.
So with more balance in all areas of my life, off i start on my new challenge...watch this space people!
xxoo

Food food glorious food...oh bugger im fat again

Well what an interesting week post comp it has been. Only one week has felt like an entire month. And this is why. I have not touched one vegetable, stepped on my treadmill, lifted a weight, or checked my watch to have my next meal. I have been a complete sloth. And can i say, this has not come guilt free. there have been times in this last week i have thought to myself, gosh, better get my arse moving again, and then i have stuck my hand in the m&m packet and carried on watching The real housewives of NYC.
So, where has this left me? Ummm with a bloated tummy, fluid retention and an extra 5kgs on the scale ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Well if you don't laugh, you will cry. I know i know, i couldnt keep my 49kg frame without sacrificing my sanity for much longer - but gee, really? 5kgs? Yes a lot of that is water but im not going to kid myself - i have been stuffing my face for 8 days straight now AND not exercising. Its a receipe for disaster - i only have myself to blame. So, that being said, its time to reel it on in again. Decisions have been made.
Now that i have consumed enough sugar to feed a small country, i feel ready to get back onto a plan, and actually 3 days after my comp i decided i was going to compete inthe october comps!
Tomorrow i start my prep. I will be approx 12 weeks out tomorrow and im hoping that this prep will be a whole lot easier considering that i dont have as much weight to lose. I started 16 weeks out last comp at 65kgs. This time round i will be starting 12 weeks out at 55kgs. Ahhh big difference. Glenn has said he would like me to be at the same comp weight of 49kgs but with an extra 5kgs of pure muscle. I like the sound of that. i had to lean down so much last comp that i just didnt have enough time to build the level of muscle i would have liked. So this time round its heavy heavy lifting and hopefully a lot less cardio.
I did a grocery shop today - im finally over my aversion to brocolli - and have just finished cooking my food for the week. Im excited to get moving again, this has taught me that i love exercise a lot more than i love jelly beans. Go figure.
So i have decided to put a (much better) plan in place after this comp in october. I am a qualified sports nutritionist, who thought i had the knowledege to get myself into an eating plan soon after comp - i was wrong. I need specific help from a pro to ease myself back into 'normal' eating after this comp so i dont make the same mistakes. I have contacted a well known coach and competitor who will do me a post comp plan. Im excited about this because it will give me the direction i need to help stop the infamous post comp binge!
So life after a comp is well, pretty ordinary! Dont get me wrong i love my life, but preparing for a comp is such a thrill and there is an exhilaration thats hard to describe. So for now, im happy to keep competing and bettering my physique.
Well people, here i go again............... enjoy the journey!
xxoo

Figure athlete reporting in!

Well i did it! I finally realised my dream of becoming a Figure Athlete on Saturday night, and boy oh boy, what a buzz! It was everything and nothing i expected.
Where do i start...
The day began with what felt like xmas...steak and 60g of lollies for breakfast. I kid you not. The night before i realised very quickly that my carb load of white potatoe was bloating me. After sending an emergency text, with picture of said bloated belly, to my coaches, i got an emergency phonecall at 11pm telling me to STOPPPPPPPP the potato and move onto plan B...operation starburst rattlesnake lollies. So the day started off well and just continued to get better and better! I spent most of the morning chilling and getting 'glam' and that was due in large, to mrs makeup extrodinaire Kate! Wow, what an amazing job - thanku hon. Then before i knew it - me, hubby, glenn and corina were in the car headed to Glen Eira stadium. As we jostled our way through the hoards i realised it was going to be time for me to get out on stage with the other girls to open the show. So i threw on my sports wear and headed nervously out on stage with 30 odd other beautiful glamazons. Ummm, i was packin it! I was so nervous by this stage that i just wanted to get in the car and go home! Im not sure why - this was the moment i had been training for for 16 weeks!!! I needed to collect myself so i could show off all my hard work.
Fortunatly, a short stint sitting int he audience with hubby, support crew (thanks girls!!) and corina, settled my nerves, and then it was time...
Glenn and Corina bustled me backstage and into a sea of fake tan, fake hair, fake nails, lots of makeup, sparkling bikinis and a table loaded with every sugary delight you can think of. We were packed like sardines, it was hot (thankgod, because i was so sick of being freezing!)and everyone was madly applying their last coat of tan for the stage. So i stood still whilst glenn and corina squirted and rubbed handfuls of the so called 'dream' tan onto me, until i looked like a little golden emmy statue. All of a sudden, a very official looking person burst through the doors and yelled out 'Novice figure short, your up in 15 , we have moved your group forward'. What the?! There i was standing in my beautiful bikini - with less than half my tan applied. When i saw the panic in glenns eyes, i started to get nervous all over again. Needent have worried however, as what seemed like 30 seconds later the tall offical man wandered back in and told us we had more time due to lengthening the intermission. Phew!
So finally tanned up, olive oiled, and with a tim tam in the belly, i was ready. I began to move down the hallway and before i could say one final word to glenn or corina, i had found myself behind the curtain on stage with 5 other girls!
As the nervous tension grew, we all chatted mindlessly and practised our routines.
And of course - i was up first...there it was, my name being called out...
'And please welcome Lauren Badman, representing Unique Fitness Studio, from Tasmania'.... Ummmmm WTF??!! Tasmania?!! That really threw me! However off i treked in my stripper heels trying to look confident, not fall over and rememebr the poses.
On stage I felt nervous but strong but the minute they called forward 3 girls to compare i knew i had not placed and so i started to relax and just enjoyed it.
And then it was over - i had placed 4th, and for me, i felt like the may as well have called me first, i felt like a winner. It was a very strong lineup, and the girls that placed deserved too, like me, their journey had paid off.
So there you have it, i achieved something that seemed so impossible many months ago. I had transformed my body, learnt many nutritional lessons, learnt alot about myself and about who i can count on to support me (and who i cannot), and conquered some demons along the way...
Today i spent the day relaxing, reliving the special moments of saturday night and catching up with some blog girls...oh yes, and eating! My poor belly! My bestie left with her hubby after a chow down on some chocolate pizza on sunday, and so now im left with photos, a medal and many many memories...
Im so forever grateful to my coaches glenn and corina who, without them, this would not have been possible. Those guys along with ASN supported me the whole way. It goes without saying that the special man in my life who i adore is the reason i stepped up on that stage. And finally to Liz, kate, and jess who came to the show to yell and scream and cheer for me,you guys are the best. Thanku to all the other wonderful clients that called me, or left me gifts and cards or just thought about me on the day - it meant so much to have your support. Thanku to all the clients that came to the afterparty, what a great time!
A lot of people have been asking me...so now what Lauren? What happens now? Well, i have decided id like to do the October Melbourne Comp. Im off to chat to my coaches tomorrow about plans for this. Yes people, im addicted!
Ill leave you now with some pics...
Remember, train hard, eat clean and ANYTHING is possible xxoo

24 hour countdown

Well people, this is it. And im not referring to Michael Jacksons tour. In 24 hours i will be stepping up on stage to complete my journey and become a figure competitor. I have done a lot of reminising over the last couple of days...how did i get to be where i am? How did i do it, when on some days, i really felt like throwing in the towell? How have i coped mentally and emotionally and physically to get to this point? And the answer: Im not really sure. Somehow i tapped into unknown reserves of determination to see this through.
This process has not just been physical, but really emotional. I have learnt things about myself i never knew - fancy that! After 31 (nearly 32 people) years of being me, i didnt know all about me at all. These are some things i have learnt about Lauren Badman.
* I am more determined than i knew
* When i want to be, im highly focused.
* Im not as emotionally attached to food as i thought i was.
* I need motivated people around me
* I adore structure and follow direction well!
* Im not very moody when carb depleting!
* I am too sensitive to others comments (well ok i really did know this one about me already!)
Theres many more, i could be on here all night. But the point is this. Just when u think you know yourself, just challenge yourself and see what u find out - it may surprise u.
Im feeling emotional about this process being over. As hard as it has been, i have enjoyed the process and am worried i may feel lost without 'prepping' for something. Do other figure girls feel this way just before a comp or after? I mean, im going to do more comps, ive decided this already, who knows when, maybe soon or maybe next year. Undecided. But maybe without the structure i will struggle...
Im also feeling emotional because this is a chapter of my life that is nearly over. i wont ever have a FIRST comp to prep for. The first is always a bit special they say.
And im feeling emotional because i want to do everyone proud tomorrow. I dont want to let my coaches down, michael or my family down, clients of the studios or myself. No pressure!
So all in all im a bundle of nerves, excitement, fear, relief, exhaustion and an eerie calm that comes over me every so often...

This morning i weighed in at...wait for it...51kgs! By stage time i should be 49-50kgs. My bikini is fitting great and im very brown from 3 spray tans! My bag is all ready to go for tomorrow and im practising my posing every chance i get. Im as ready as i will ever be.

I want to give a shout out to a few people:

1. Glenn and Corina my ASN coaches: You guys are amazing! You have supported me, guided me and taught me all the way through this process. You never gave up on me and have been there for me at the drop of a hat. I couldnt have done this without you guys, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I hope to make you proud tomorrow.

2. My family: Even though you cant be there tomorrow i know you will be thinking of me. Thank u for your words of wisdom and suppport. I love you all.

3. Kate T: You have always been an amzing person and friend. Thank you for always making me laugh, when sometimes i want to cry, and for believing in me, even on the days i dodnt believe in myself. Your a star!

4. My blog girls: All the girls that have left me comments over the months and cheered me on from cyber space - thanku! A particular thanku to Leisl who called me tonight to wish me luck with my comp - thanku your such a sweetie! The bodybuilding community is a tight nit one with loads of support, and you all have shown me that and i hope to repay the favour once you all start competing in sept and october.

5. My hubby: Saved the best for last! Thanku for being my rock, my best friend, and biggest cheer squad. In your eyes i know i can never fail. You have put up with a lot over the months and tomorrow i know u will be screaming for me the loudest. I love u.

So thats it people, sorry about the long post! Im off to get some sleep but will be posting pictuires next week and will be updating u all on how it goes. Keep everything crossed for me.

Here i go......................................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
xxooo

7 days until cake... not steak!

Well the title says it all really. My husband actually came up with this one the other night and said i should use as my blog title...so done! Thanks Mick!
Before i get onto comp related 'stuff' i just wanted to take a moment to thank all the people who emailed me, messaged me, rang me and came and saw me in person, to give their condolences regarding maddy. You all have been part of her life in one way or another and im so very grateful you all knew her as i did - a beautiful, wonderful and loyal dog. She is missed but will always be in our hearts. A particular thanku to Lisa who brought me the most beautiful bunch of flowers, a smile and a hug...its because of people like Lisa that I was able to mend my broken heart a little and forge forwards. So thanku...
OK comp prep is in its final days. Id love to be estatic, however my diet of steak/chicken, sweet potatoe and brocolli is hindering somewhat my will to live! I do think this week will be the longest i have ever experienced. Its a gruelling end to a long 15 weeks and saturday just cannot come fast enough... im ready for some CAKE!!! Actually im ready for anything that has a little bit of flavour. As ive now had to say goodbye to my friend, black coffee and my life line 'jols', im really starting to hurt, become foggy and a tad moody. I have a carb load on friday (which sounds exciting, but actually isnt at all) and then saturday its show time!
I picked up my bikini yesterday - and it fits yaaa! I was having panics about it not being right, but helen the bikini lady is magic, trully magic. She told me she uses the force...hmmmm, i beleieve her.
I also had measurements take today and all is better than good. Im sitting now at
54kgs, which if u think sounds tiny - it is. I am constantly frozen due to lack of body fat and keep getting bruises because i keep bumping into things (i think im wider than i really am at present lol!). All girths have dropped but i didnt check my body fat, but it must be below 10% because 3 weeks ago when we checked i was at 10.5%.
So this week sees me finally getting rid of most of my workouts, cardio has dropped as has my weights program, and by wed i dont have anything to do except practise posing. i just simply wouldnt have the energy for anything else anyway. Im off to register for the comp with Glenn on wednesday and thennt he rest of the week is getting glamourised! I have tans, haor and nails all booked in, so im excited to have some pampering.
Not much else to report really, now just going through the motions and ready for it to be over. I have enjoyed the process of comp prepping, and i will do more comps this year, but it is hard bloody work and yes, im ready for it to be done with! Im ready to go out for coffee with my hubby again, to have meals with friends and not panic about eating every 2 friggin hours! Im ready to have 4hrs back in my day where i dont have to exercise, and im ready to wear clothes that arent gym gear! So all in all im ready for saturday. I have worked hard for this, and im ready to get on stage and show my hard work.
I will probably do one more update before the comp on saturday so keep an eye out..but if not, ill see you on the other side of the competition!
xxoo

Heartbroken...

Well this is going to be very quick this post because i am only just holding my shit together... 2 days ago my husband and i made the agonizing decision to put down our beloved girl Maddison. For those of you that dont know, I am a more avid fan of animals than I am of most humans. I have always been an animal lover and 8 years ago i rescued maddy from the rspca. The following 8 years i treated this dog like a princess and she was spoilt beyond belief. She was my mate, i was hers.
The last few months have been very difficult as her behaviour started to become more erratic. She was getting older and should have been settling down a bit but she was always barking, agrressive towards aother dogs, not a fan of small children and generally stressed if not in her own little environment. She also suffered from hip displaysia in both hips, abyss's and a lump/tumor on her chest. So all in all a beautiful dog but riddled with difficulties. We had the option of keeping her locked in doors all day or drugging her up on medication to make her docile and passive - neither of which would have equalled quality of life in my book. Our wonderful vet stella (who has been with us through all the surgeries with our other dog Niko) agreed 100% that the best option was to let her go...
I have cried straight for 2 days, wracked with guilt and feeling terribly lonely...
We still have our beautiful Niko to hold and cuddle, and for that im grateful, but life just doesnt seem the same now.
Yesterday, i nearly threw in my comp prep. It just didnt seem important anymore. I just wanted to curl into a ball and stay there in my grief. i didnt cheat on my food plan yesterday - but i just didnt eat, which is kind of just as bad. Today, after A LOT of supportive pep talks from many of you out there, i am determined to see this comp through... i will dedicate it to mouse.
So with waves of sadness engulfing me every couple of minutes, i am pushing through, and although a bit numb i know i have to do this and finish it off.

Bring it home strong

Ahhhhhh. That is a sigh of relief... i will make it to the stage! You may be scratching your head wondering what im talking about so heres the deal. For the last 14 weeks i have been dieting and training, training and dieting, the occasional tear has been shed and muscles have been sore. I have had days where i feel like i could walk on water and days where ive felt like i could drown. I have had good 'body' days and bad 'body' days, carb depleted lows and warm breakfast oat highs. Some days it has felt like prepping would never end and other days, like today, i feel on top of the world.
Last week I wasn't sure I could bring a physique to the stage i was comfortable with. It wasn't about me being body dysmorphic, it was me trying to be realistic and not set myself up for dissapointment should my coaches tell me i wasn't quite ready. I was prepared for the worst, like someone going to war - i had all my armour on. And then it was time - the day i had been dredding...a text from corina telling me to come for a posing lesson - and the kicker - IN MY BIKINI!
So i tanned myself up like my life depended on it and wandered into the studio to meet my fate...
Glenn and Corina took one look at me and i knew - i was going up on that stage and i was going to rock it out! They were happy, impressed, excited and ready for me to represent them, ASN and unique at the All Females in 2 weeks time.
Praise coming from these 2 people in the industry is like winning lotto - they don't sugar coat things and have always been real with me. I had been given the thumbs up and something in my brain just clicked - im going to knock the next 2 weeks out of the park and bring the best physique i can.
So people - its on. Im ready. Im focused. Ive nearly done it. Wow. What a journey.
The next 2 weeks brings some challenges. My diet will change again as of next thursday, when i slowly start to remove things from my diet. Then tues, wed, thurs (the week out from comp) i will carb deplete completely, before i carb load fri and sat. I will also spend 6 days water loading and then depleting, leaving me dry as crackers. I know what to expect with this last week to some degree due to my trial water load and deplete at Easter time, but unlike at easter time i only have a couple of days before i can eat cake!!
The day after comp on the sunday I have organised a photoshoot with an amazing photographer, who also happens to be an old client of the studio, Lisa Ray. So this will be my opportunity to have a bit of fun and capture my achievement on film. Thanku Lisa, your amazing!
So things are rolling along nicely, and im excited about the final package I will bring to the stage. This week sees me just going through the motions of final heavy lifting and final stages of long cardio, and then im into 7 days out YAAA!
Til next time everyone
xxoo

Whether you think you can or think you can't - either way you're right.

I love this quote. I think it sums up the process of figure competing perfectly. Prepping is a mental game - if you think you can't get there, chances are you won't. The opposite is also true. I have been battling with this for the last week...can I? Can't I? Do I even want to? And I have decided, yes, I do want this and I will do it and i will suceed. When I say suceed, im not referring to placing or bringing the best physique on stage, im talking about suceeding for ME. Getting up on stage will be a success in itself.
There are people that openly want me to fail. There will always be people like this out there and goodness knows if i let them affect me everytime i wouldnt have the personal success i have today. But for me i choose to concentrate on the people who have unconditionally supported me through this entire process: Michael my husband, Glenn and Corina my coaches, and Kate my bestie.
These 4 people have never let me down and their belief in me makes me want to suceed even more...
I had a bit of a meltdown yesterday. After a few crisis texts back and forth between Corina and I - i got a call from Glenn. Glenn, to put it all in context, is this great big italian unit who to look at could be considered intimidating. He has competed before and is very successfully running ASN Richmond store. Glenn understood what I was feeling - the fear, the doubts, the tiredness, the depleted mood swings - he has felt it all before. His words really resonated with me. He reminded me to look how far I have come and to stop comparing myself to any other competitor. He said "It's not about them Lauren. It's about you". He's right. This is why id lost focus - i was so caught up in what my other competitors may or may not be doing and looking - i forgot to keep focused on MY journey.
So with 15 days to go im re-focused and ready to finish this journey strong and with determination. I will get on that stage and be proud of what i have been able to achieve - not for anyone else other than me.
I want this to be a lesson to all our Unique clients out there. Anything is achievable, you just need to want it bad enough and do what it takes consistently to get there. The journey may be long but it will be worth it in the end. This is what i will be teaching my clients when i start nutritional consultations in a few weeks time. Just start something now, be patient and consistent, ask for help, dont give up and you will succed. Trust me - i know.
On that note im off to get on my ever faithful treadmill and roll with the positivity that im feeling today...

20 days to go. Let the 'head' games begin

Well i have been very slack with the old blog haven't i? Apologies but most days when i have had time to sit and write out a blog it would probably look something like this:

Im hungry. Im cranky. Im tired. The end.

Soooo feeling a bit brighter this morning i have decided to write a more positive blog - not completely positive, ill still keep it real people!
I am officially 20 days out WOOP WOOP! What started at around 120 days out seems to have quickened in pace the last few weeks and is now slowing to an excrutiating speed! 10 days left on my current diet and then i go onto my 10 day out plan which even though i know is going to be tough, at least i know it is only for 10days and then i get to eat a real meal, so its all good.
I have started to book in all my glamour needs for the big day which is so much fun! I have booked in my 3 tans, 3 days out from comp, my hair, and nails, and then the rest will be achieved by the beautiful kate. Just booking these things in makes it all very real and feels very close. I also pick up my bikini in 2 weeks which is very exciting.
So even though im getting excited and nervous now, I have been finding the last few weeks quite emotionally draining. Hubby has told me I have been handling it all very well and havent been cranky at all, however I don't feel my normal bubbly self and i find it exhausting just trying to carry on conversations with people. Its not because imm not interested in what they have to say, im just constantly in my own head reminding myself what time i need to eat, exercise and prep meals - it doesnt leave a lot of space for much else! lol! I sound like an airhead!
I have been dieting and training (pretty hardcore) for 13 weeks now, you would think i would be finding this last stage easy, but its quite the opposite. I think im just ready to have a 'normal' existance again. Dont get me wrong, i love this process but its a long haul and its nice to go out and sit and have a chai latte and a meal with my husband on the weekends. I havent been able to do this and sometimes it grates on my nerves. I also have not been able to have cheat meals on this entire plan or high carb days, so my diet has been pretty bland right from day one.
My cravings have been swinging out of control recently too - its just my body rebelling. In fact I have had to remove the brown sugar from our pantry because even it is starting to look too tempting! Thankgod for cinnamon, splenda and jols!
So my eating has been fine, training has been a little lack lustre. Im getting all my sessions in (all 4 hours a day!) but my lifting capacity has really gone down hill and my cardio sessions are getting slower and less intense. Im doing what i can do at the moment and thats what is important.
My weight is sitting at 56.5kgs and im not expecting much change on the scales until i start shifting water in 10 days time. Glenn and Corina said i should come in around 53kgs which should be just about spot on. Everything feels very tight at the moment (i mean my skin not my clothes - could u imagine!!) and even my legs have lost a lot of size and muscles are starting to poke through which i love.
Oh and i have to give a shout out to Sara 'pocket rocket' brown who left me a message on my facebook. i was so chuffed that someone so successful in this industry took the time to wish me well for my comp and sending out positive messages to me. It really made my day and i look forward to meeting her at the all females in....20 days time!
Ok so thats about it, hope this post didnt come off to negative, but im just trying to express my journey, the ups and downs, and trying not to sugar coat it. Wish me luck for the last haul of this process and...im off to do some cardio!
xxoo
(Remember everyone after party saturday 10th July at Richmond Studio. Time TBA. Hope to see u there!)

Energy...what is that again?

Ok well it has been a long tiresome week full of ups and downs. I really do feel bipolar sometimes on this comp prep - one minute im full of beans loving the process and the next im curled up in a ball on the couch unable to get up to get my next meal into me!
I had a change of diet recently which saw a drop in cals - it was just enough to put me over the edge, so it needed revising and seems to be more doable. The new diet is only an extra 80cals or so but boy it makes such a difference.
So diet. check. Training. check. Energy. Ummm not so much. BUT i only have 27 days til stage time...can we hear a WOOT WOOT?! lol! Excited much?!
I have 2.5 weeks left on this diet and then im 10 days out from comp which will see me tackle the horrid water load and deplete and then its showtime peoples. And showtime means tan, bikini, posing,and then cake...lots of afterparty glorious cake!
Ok so shoot me - im dreaming of rice cakes, granola cereal and cake. Simple things really but after 16 weeks of dieting im not really going too be hard to satisfy.
This next 27 days sees me making lists of things to do, such as booking in for tans, nails, picking up bikini, and a myriad of other things. Im so excited because my bestie from canberra, KT, will be spending the friday before with me having a bit of a pamper session and just chilling out with me, making me laugh and doing makeup trials. Doesn't get much better than that really.
So measurements done today. Im 56.5kgs, dropped some mls in my thighs (yaaaaHOOO!)and girth measurements are all still coming down. Im actually now getting happy with my shape as my legs are finally getting some good definition. Glenn and corina did a posing session with me the other day and they were very happy with the drop in my legs, so all good on that front.
So thats about it - boring blog tonight as my brainpower has switched off for the day. Havent felt great for the last 24hrs so probably need to go and get some more rest (sorry liz and jas for not making it to your get together ;( promise ill make it up to you guys).
Alright well all you girls and guys out there starting to prep for sept comps good luck, stay focused and keep motivated. Ill be thinking of you all xxoo

Hungry hungry hippo...

I am hungry.

Perhaps as hungry as a hippo. I nearly clawed my husbands eyes out last night as he opened a block of cadbury chocolate in front of me. Men. I actually stopped the movie we were watching and told him to finish the f#%@ing chocolate whilst i surfed the internet upstairs. At that he very tactfully put the chocolate away and came and got me - apologising no doubt for being a bit of an insensitive douchebag.

Ok, maybe a little over reaction on my part but people, im STARVING! And im tired and carb depleted, so yeah sue me for being overly sensitive to the heavenly smell of chocolate ala areo bubbles.

Now, he did this the other night (i know right!) and it didn't bother me - well ok it did a little but nothing i couldn't handle. I sat with him, ate my chicken and had my green tea and was fairly content. It just goes to show the rollercoaster of emotions one can experience whilst comp prepping.

So onto more important things - measurements. Today im comfortably sitting at 56.8kg. My Body fat over 7 sites is still on 10% and waist and hips are down and so are my biceps ;-( Not good. Im losing a bit of muscle which is to be expected but i hate losing muscle - but i LOVE losing fat, so whats a girl to do?
Legs sllloooooowlly coming to the party. Im not stressing anymore because its pointless. Im doing what im told, im following everything to the letter, so if they come in on time they do, if not, at least i know i gave it 110%.

I did say that i wasn't going to post photos and boy oh boy did that create a stir! It seems u guys out there reading this and clients also, are wanting to see my progress, so it seems like i have to give the readers what they want haha!





Well there u have it. Please excuse the awful posing - im still trying to figure that out with the help of glenn and corina. It is such a crucial part of the on stage presentation - it can make or break u - and it is so darn difficult to master. But im getting there...i think!

Michael and I went to Georgia May Naming day yesterday and let me tell u, this is one beautiful little baby! Congrats stu and amanda, georgia is divine...see what i mean...



And finally, a shot of me and hubby on our way out...


He does my head in occasionally...but i love him all the same!

Ok well im off to cheat on my husband with my latest fling....the treadmill.
xxoo

Go fish

Ahhh yes I have been one slack blogget but alas I have been busy doing...wait for it...yes, still comp prepping.
People, it takes up soooo much time! I can't even tell you, and now, i have lost yet another hour of my life to the dreaded...cardio *sigh*.
My new program and diet is in. Im 4.5 weeks away from the All females comp and so it is go time - no turning back now, just focus, focus, focus. I have to admit I did get a little tear going when Corina told me I had 3 hours of cardio to complete on top of my weights program. This is 4hrs of working out 6 days a week. But okay on top of that I'm trying to run a business, keep the home fires burning, be a good friend, be a good wife, and mother to 2 kelpies, as well as prep all my food each day. Now i want to be perfectly clear about this - im NOT complaining. This was my choice and I am loving the process, but its tough. I guess that is why not a lot of people compete in this sport.
I am luckier than most though, owning my own business (in particular 2 studios) means that i work out whenever i want to and go home and sleep whenever i need to. Brilliant - actually i am one lucky buggar now that i think of it.
On that note, sleep that is, do any of you figure girls out there start to have difficulty sleeping close to comp? Im becoming an insomniac! Tips please!
Ok ok so i digress... yes my new diet. Its a lot of fish *drumroll*.... i LOVE fish! Yaaa !! So im quite happy, its very restrictive and bland but at least im not eating something i can't stand. So this diet lasts for 3.5 weeks until i go into my water load and deplete for 10 days prior to comp. Gee just saying that shows me just how close this comp is.
So i had a posing lesson with glenn and corina the other day - boy oh boy posing is tough work. I need A LOT of practice and fast! I will be incorporating 15mins of practice every day now and more regular lessons with G and C.
Oh and i know i promised to post progress pics but i kind of dont want to at this stage - id rather unveil my new shiny muscles on stage! lol! Well we shall see, i may include a coupple when im at least a little tanned!
Thats about it for now, not much else to report, things moving along nicely - weight is dropping, mls coming off and over 7 sites with calipers im actually spot on 10% body fat. The next few weeks shall see me dropping rather rapidly, to hopefully reveal some more muscle i have built - and im very excited bout that.
Just a quick shout out to Shannon who won her figure comp last weekend - girl you ROCK! What an inspiration ;)
Now, Im off to have a little sit down before evening cardio!
xxoo

The start of comp dreaming...

Well theres a running tradition it seems with figure competitors, that the closer they get to comp - the dreams of competing on stage begin. And so, I now join this illustrious club!
Last night i had the first of many i suspect, comp dreams of being on stage under the bright lights in front of many many people...and i lost! Not just lost - got laughed off stage because...and wait for it... i was too muscular! Well, i don't think this is going to be a dream turn reality any time soon! Just before i went on stage I asked my coach Corina if i looked in 'condition' and her response was 'It will have to do'! I told her i didn't want to go out there if I wasn't perfect but she assured me i was fine and pushed me out there.
Ok, well even with my psych background it doesn't take a genius to see the real meaning in this dream. I have already talked extensively with glenn and corina about my fears of not being stage ready by july and they have assured me that if im not stage ready - they won't be letting me compete. So my fears of lagging are starting to haunt my dreams too!
Well anyway everything is going great. I seem to be on track and am starting to see leg muscles pop with anticipation! Good stuff - its my weak area. I have 2 weeks left of my current eating and workout program (maybe one week as i have suggested we bump it forward to get things moving a little faster). So goodbye oats, eggs, banana and protein powder *sigh*. What does this leave me with u ask? Well, let me see, ummm...chicken, brocolli and sweet potatoe. O.M.G.
Today I am 6 weeks out from competition. It is really gaining momentum and i just hope i can keep up with it all.
So as it is all starting to get closer I have started to think about comp day logistics. Backstage you are allowed one helper to assist with your bikini fitting, pump up, food etc. So Corina will be my helper and glenn will be backstage anyway because he often helps out with the comps. The saturday morning of the competition glenn and corina will be coming round to mick's and my place and glenn will be doing my tan for me cos he has experience with this. Kate will be doing my hair and makeup and michael will be there to keep me from spazzing out and feeding me! It feels like my wedding preperation all over again! All very exciting and nerve wracking.
Not much else to report really folks, its the same thing day in day out at present. I did take progress pics on the weekend but haven't downloaded them yet so i will post them soon ( i know some of you are anxious to see my progress which i love by the way!).
Ok keep training hard people and ill report back soon...
xxoo

How do you flu?

Well its been a little longer between posts than I would like but this 'bug' i have been trying to fight for the last couple of weeks has taken a hold and carried me off to flu land where I am currently being held hostage. *sigh*. So, like any good kidnap victim, I have given in a little (just to appease my captor) and am taking..wait for it..a full day off all training. This is a scary thought just 6.5weeks out from comp, but my body has given me no option and if I keep trying to push it, it's only going to get worse. This means that nutrition must be spot on, which is also tricky when u feel rotten. *double sigh*.
Lately my mind has been consumed with food! Im sure many of you figure girls can relate to this! A few weeks ago one of our staff members asked me what I was craving and back then I think I said not much really, maybe some cereal (in particular granola oooooooohhhhh YUM!). The cravings weren't so bad that I had a bucket list of food swirling around my head. Now, i DO.
Here is a list of what I want to dive into and devour:
- Huge bowl of honey nut granola
- Milo from the tin with a spoon
- Licorice bullets
- Strawberries, blueberries, apples, raspberries and any other fruit you can think of
- Avocado
- Jelly beans
- Honey nut cereal
- Cookies and cream ice cream
- Carrot cake, banana cake, rainbow cake...any sort of cake will do
- Nuts
- Yoghurt
- My famous homemade chicken salad
- Banana Smoothie
- Chai latte
- cookies with icing

Ok im going to stop there! lol! There seems to be a running theme of sugary things which is definately what im craving. I saw on someones facebook page the other day that they have started a 'goody box' 4 weeks out from comp so that once their show is over they have a collection of everything they have been craving stuffed into one big box! Hahah! I love this idea but its far too dangerous for me to be putting naughty food into a box and then having it sit in the house - anyone want to hold onto it for me?!
Ok so I had measurements done on sunday and i was quite pleased. My bodyfat is down to 11.5% (although on the body comp machine im at 16% so who knows where im really at but at least its coming down!), and I lost 3ml off each thigh (my problem area) so that was pleasing. My weight is at 58kgs (5 more to go in 6.5weeks). My lower body is definately starting to come down now, i just dont have anyhting left on my upper body to come off. I am starting to see some good muscle definition in my legs and it all seems to be coming along nicely. I may just be one of those people that everything starts to pull in and come together 2 weeks out form the comp, who knows.
So thats all to report for now, just plugging away the best I can - not long to go now and i can actually see the finish line...
xxoo

Blood, sweat and tears...lots of tears.

Ok so this week has been so erractic that i'm feeling a little exhausted just from the emotional highs and lows. You hear alot about comp prep being hard, torture sometimes and you nod your head and think to yourself yes im sure its tough - BUT, until your in the midst of it, you simply cannot understand fully what it is like. Nor would i want you to!
So for you girls out there (and guys) reading this who have completed a comp - hats off to you.
The hardest thing i am finding is that one day im fine, bursting with energy (ok well not bursting but, kinda feeling normal!) and then the next day, i feel like dog poo. Then the next day im ok again and so on. So just as i get used to feeling shitty, i feel ok again and then when i think great, im doing ok, i feel shitty all over again ARGHHHHHHH!
So although my mind and emotions have been a little off kilt, my eating and exercise has not - its been spot on. Ya - victory!
Yesterday I felt awesome. I did spin class in the mornning, did my killer weights program and in between my weights and afternoon cardio, i cleaned the house from top to bottom. By 8pm i was in bed, crashing big time!
This morning i woke up with angry tonsils as a result of my manic thursday! I have always suffered from tonsilitus, and as soon as my body becomes stressed physically, they flare up as a warning. So i woke this morning, dragged myself out of bed and did my morning cardio. By the time i was due to do my weights session, i was feeling miserable but of course, in i went to the studio. I walked up the stairs and during the first exercise - i started crying...hmmmm thank god my husband is my trainer!
Poor Michael - he is such a trooper! So long story short i dragged my arse through todays weights (yes people, crying the entire time), didn't make it all the way through however and came home to bed. Bliss is a doona and 2 dogs.
I did send an emergency text to Corina, who quickly told me to calm down and just keep focused.
So after a sleep, some food, and puppy cuddles, I am feeling better.
The funny thing is, i am actually enjoying this process! Its the changes I am seeing in my body that spurs me on, so even on the days I feel like my world is crumbling around me - i would never give up. Im oficially hooked on comp prep.
I did have an amazing discovery today however that has me tickled pink - and of course it invloves food! My post workout meal involves eggs, chicken and banana. So today i mixed the eggs, banana, cinnamon and some splenda together and cooked it into a pancake. Then i squeezed lemon over the top. Perhaps this is what nirvana feels like. For anyone out there wanting a quick and easy breakfast that is kind to the figure - this is it - i promise u it is th best thing ever! Then i just had my chicken seperately. I just needed somthing sweet and this certainly hit the spot. YUM!
Well thats it for now. Next week sees me 7 weeks out from comp. Its not a lot of time. I will be posting some more progress pics this weekend and fingers crossed there has been some good movement...
xxoo

Sit and spin...

Well im nearly there people. Its hard to believe that I have now been dieting for 7 weeks and next week sees me 8 weeks out from the July comps. It really has gone very quickly - although some days have felt like months rolled into one.
My program has changed now and the intensity of my cardio has increased to maximise the fat burning process. 2hrs a day of cardio is tiring, but when the intensity of those 2 hours is increased, it becomes a whole new ballgame. Im tired constantly. The cocktail of supplements i am on is the only thing that is keeping me from being a walking zombie. And yet I am more driven than ever to get the best possible physique for this comp. I think it must be the inbuilt competitive person in me that just does not believe in failing. When I do something - I do it properly and with intensity. This has been a blessing and a curse in my 31 years, because lets face it, really competitive people are often, well... annoying. I don't think it is possible to compete in this sport without that type of nature though, because when it starts to get tough - thats when u have to dig your heels in and work even harder. Glenn said to me the other day something that resonated. He said "when your not doing what you need to do in YOUR comp prep - your competitor IS". He's right of course, and that's what keeps me going.
So this morning i rose at 6am to meet Glenn and Corina for a spin class! Yup, never done one of these in my life, but i was pumped (excited, if only for the simple reason that it was cardio that didn't involve the treadmill *sigh*). Im oficially addicted! I sweated my toosh off (exactly what needs to be happening!) and had lovely shaky legs after class. I think Glenn and Corina were surprised at my stamina considering im carb depleted! But my cardio fitness is really good and so even though i was shattered from it, im excited that i have been instructed to do 2 classes a week as part of my comp prep.
So after class glenn took corina and i through a legs session - killer. Need i say any more? And a few abs. Then off for a feed, where the chef was quite put out that he was asked to do a 3 egg white omlette with NOTHING else in it, for moi! I had to play the allergy card just to get them to do it, ahhh the joys of comp prepping!
So then it was back home to sit for a second and then 1 hr on the treadmill. It is now 4pm saturday arvo and grandma here is in her pj's after a long hot shower! My poor husband is slowly getting used to losing me to cardio equipment and comp prep in general.
So that's it for now, ive got measurements tomorrow, hoping for a good drop. Nutrition changing slightly next week to incorporate food every 2hrs now instead of 3hrs.
So im off to go lie down for a while (!!) but ill leave u guys with a few progress pics...
xxoo

Hot pants and stripper heels

Well, first posing lesson over with. Hmmm not sure that i have an inbuilt graceful button and yet i managed not to fall over in my 6 inch stripper heels! What a traumatic event this whole thing was. Not only did it require me to learn poses that I will have to master before getting up on stage, but it required me to do so in the aforementioned hot pants *sigh*, and in front of clients. Ok, well one client (hi Kirsty!) and i sent one of our staff memebers downstairs to do boxing so he didnt die of fright! lol i jest i jest!
Ok well, i have seemed to mastered the ability to display my lats...and well, that's pretty much it. Posing in itself is a full workout - its hardcore and im actually a little sore form it. The hardest part is actually trying to look like your enjoying yourself, which im sure is mandatory in terms of what the judges are looking for ;O
So Corina was happy with my upper body and abs and we have now declared war on my thighs! So enter...the spin class...
On saturday i am off to a spin class followed by an abs workout with Glenn and Corina. Im actually really excited because i have never done a spin class before - im sure i should be petrified but im so carb depleted i dont have the energy for that type of strong emotion. So, new program is headed my way thanks to corina and glenn and im told that 2 spin classes minimum a week will be required. Michael has said he will do one with me cos he loves spin so im lovin the idea of that.
My cardio has increased to 6 days a week (still 2 hrs a day)and weights 6 days also. This should really start leaning me down. Im looking forward to seeing some movement again.
Going to try new Infernos from ASN tomorrow - a fat burner. Corina said it kicked her arse yeaterday so im liking the idea of that. Oh and I am ofically now an...
ASN SPONSORED ATHLETE!!!!!!!!!!
How cool is that! Big shout out to Glenn and Corina for their on going support, guidance, friendship and expertise. Couldn't do it without you guys - u rock! So anyone in the richmond area head in to ASN (on swan st) and chat to the crew there about any of your supplement needs. trust me, these guys know what they are talking about.
Well thats about it for now. 9 weeks and counting...going very quickly.
Oh and a big thanks to all our Unique Fitness Clients who constantly tell me im doing great and all the other encouraging remarks - its you guys that keep me motivated to keep going.
Next blog...spin class...yikes!
xxoo

Gotta love ASN!

Ok everyone, I promised to put up some more pics, and I have decided to dedicate this post to ASN (in particular Corina and Glenn)! Soooo I am rocking it out in ASN gear! Well, trying to anyway.





So still a lot of work to go, but its getting there slowly but surely. The bum and thighs still haven't registered that Im doing this comp - or if they have, they dont care and dont want to come. Well bad luck, cos i have already rsvp'd for them so they better well bring it or else.
All measurements are down, weight dropping a little but sitting fairly steady at 59.5kgs. BF down to 12.5% over 7 sites. Girths still dropping in some areas. Corina and Glenn have set around the 52kg mark for me so thats a good 7kgs in 9 weeks *sigh* thats a big ask. BUT im determined, so there. Not surprised there hasnt been huge movement in the last week as I have not been weight training due to my injury. Howeveer today saw me pump out an awesome heavy session so its all good to go for my new program next week.
Got a posing lesson with Corina tomorrow. I am scared to death. I just bought my stripper heels today (which are quite magnificent) however she has instructed...wait for it..hot pants or else. Urghh. So, i have gone out and bought some teeny tiny shorts - umm, well they look like knickers - to strut my stuff in tomorrow. Oh god, what has possessed me to do this? So im bringing out the big guns tonight. A TAN.
Ill keep you all posted on how that lesson turns out...Ok off to finish my cardio people.
xxoo

Hump week

Well this week has just sucked. Im not even going to try and sugar coat it. I have been fatigued, cranky, hungry, annoyed, disillusioned and downright over it. So in terms of comp prep - im right on track! I just couldn't get my mindset to shift back into positive gear, and it seemed the harder i tried to do it, the further away i got. It was wednesday afternoon when i was toying with the idea of throwing it in. Here are some of the things that ran through my mind: why am i doing this? It would be easier just to stop. No one would care if i chucked this in. Im not going to make it to the stage anyway so why bother?
So i sat with these feelings most of wednesday afternoon, swinging from 'you CAN do this" right back down to "But why are you doing this?" and back again.
Looking back over this week now im actually amazed at myself because despite the negativity, i didnt once cheat on my nutrition and still managed to get in 2hrs of cardio in everyday. So even though my mind was playing headgames - i was still in competition mode - a very good sign that i CAN make this to the end.
So after a bit of an emergency text to Corina asking what can i take supplement wise to make me feel normal again (oh and telling her i thought i might have a 'bug') she told me to get my bum into ASN to have a chat.
As i walked in i was greeted by glenn and corina who took some enjoyment in having a poke at me, saying "oh your tired and feeling unwell? oh yeah there must be something wrong... (laughter ensued)" and then "Lauren, you're comp prepping, this is how your supposed to feel! If you felt any other way, we would think there was something wrong at this stage!". Ok ok people, im new to this! I really thought i was going crazy! However the feedback from corina and glenn was that im on track and that im really lean upper body so now the weight has to start coming off the legs YAA!
Sooooo after my little intervention yesterday Im feeling positive, motivated and ready to do this. I have 9 weeks left and thats a little scary but i can also see the end now.
Oh and i have to give a big shoutout to my girl KT who visited mid week and took me shopping! lol nothing like a shop to heal the soul right girls?! Anyway she really took my mind off comp prep for a few hours and i lover her for that.
Oh and Glenn told me i can have sugar free Jols if i need them *big smile*. This has truly made my week!
So there u have it. Comp prep is not easy - in fact its downright torture at times, but losing focus is not productive. I can do this. I will do this.
Progress pics this weekend....
xxoo

10 weeks out...

Well doesn't time just fly when your having, uhhmmm, fun...! I am now 10 weeks out from comp which means i have been dieting and training for this now for 5 weeks - crazy. I have really made some fantastic progress with my body shape, and muscle size in just 5 weeks which gives me hope for the next 10. I am under no illusion about the next 10 weeks being as smooth sailing as the last 5 however. With the small drop in calories with my new diet and the increase in cardio, i am finding myself hungry at times and tired. I am also becoming less tolerant and increasingly snappy especially towards the end of the day. The funny thing is, though, is it passes as quickly as it comes in a sort of schizophrenic manner! hahah! No im not going crazy, im just a little fatigued people!
Anyhoo, im more determined than ever to see this through and am excited about more body changes to come. In particular im excited (and nervous) for my bum and back of my thighs to start coming down. This will be the last area and it really is driving me crazy! Hopefully they will come in before comp - or else its goodbye July, hello september comp.
Ok so my measurements from yesterday are as follows:

Bodyfat: 13.2% (over 7 sites)
Weight down: 500g (sitting at approx 59kgs)
Girth measurements: Down in all areas except upper body (which is good)

I would give the specifics of these measurements but i have left them at home, so i will post them next time. My weight has really slowed down, but that is to be expected. 1/2 kg drop per week until comp will see me come in at 54-55kgs which would be ok.

I have been slamming the cardio over the last few days because i have been given strict instructions by glenn and corina not to do weights. I have injured the head of my bicep and it has been very painful even on the lightest of weights. So i have been on anti inflammatorys and on thursday hopefully i will be ok to get back into the weights. Just a minor setback but at least it is not a leg or groin injury - that would mean the end of my comp prep for sure, as u need your legs to do cardio!

So this week I have the wonderful KT coming to visit me. This is my bestie from canberra and she rocks! Looking forward to having a movie night on wed and then shopping on bridge road on thursday (don't tell my husband!). Kate has been following one of my nutritional plans (Unique will be launching Nutritional packages and consultations run by me in the next few weeks so watch out for them)and she has lost nearly 7kgs in 3 weeks! Awesome job and proof that if you follow the 'right' plan, it WILL work.

I will be posting some progress shots in the next few days. Corina has asked me to do some progress shots in my ASN gear so i will be organsing some nice shots not the dodgy ones i have posted so far!

Ok well that is it for the updates, i hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend break!
xxoo

Ordinary, so so, blah...

Ok well today has been less than ordinary, so so and blah all rold into one. Just having one of those days me thinks! Nothing in particular has happened to cause my meloncholy, and yet I still feel a bit blue. Thank goodness for my husband, who just has a way of gently soothing this Leo lion's snarl! Despite being bitchy, whingy and quite rude to my husband within the space of about 10 minutes - he gave me a hug, told me i was beautiful, and then told me the chicken i was cooking smelt amazing! Do we all have special people like this in our lives or did i just get a little bit lucky?
Anyway, yesterday i felt on top of the world - today not so much and tomorrow is a new day.
Alright so I recieved my new program from Corina yesterday and today was the first day of implementing it. Actually i was stoked with it! I get to keep half a banana, my oats AND my protein shakes YAA! I had been expecting a horrible turn of events and had imagined up the worst case scenario so i was pleasantly surprised. Some of the nutrient timing has changed and my portions are smaller again but other than that i really cant complain. It will change again and get stricter still, but for now, im happy.
I seem to have injured the top of my bicep and possibly my rotator cuff. Best case scenario is that i have strained my bicep - RC injuries take a lot longer to heal, so fingers crossed. Im sticking to my old weights program until next week just to see how it goes. My cardio has now increased to nearly 2 hrs a day, which doesn't seem like much - UNTIL YOUR ACTUALLY DOING IT!!!!! Its just finding the time to fit it all in, but cardio is so important for stripping fat so its non negotiable.
So all in all, things are good and once i get over my shitty day, it will be great!
Measure, photos and weigh this sunday, hopefully things are still progressing, although it hasn't felt like it this week, despite eating and training being 100%. I know things will start to slow but i really need to get off a little more fat before im happy for things to slowdown!
Ok, off to bed i go...maybe a good sleep will remove the funk...
xxoo

The last hooray!

Just a quickie to post some pics of me and hubby heading out for our date night. My very last cheat meal for 3 months, and actually i feel ready now to tackle the next 12 weeks.
Food will always be there but you only get one body.
So, new diet and new training schedule on tuesday - lets start seeing some changes!
Have a great weekend everyone!
xxoo

"Optimism is essential to achievement...

...and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress" (Nicholas Murray Butler). I love this quote, it is exactly where i am sitting with my mindset at present. I have to be optimistic in order to move forward with this journey...and therefore i have decided to post some 'progress pics'.
Ok , now bear with me. This is me at 14.6% body fat and unable to do any elegant poses (as well as nooooo tan)!



So i need alot of work - but things are heading in the right direction.
12 weeks lean down starts on tuesday so hopefully some of the muscle i have been building will start to come through.
Ok so there you have it - that was nerve wracking but i know you are all here to support me soooooo bring on JULY!!
Best of luck to all the girls competing on saturday in melbourne at the INBA. Mick and I are going for a sticky beak and im quite excited to see what the whole deal is.
Oh and did i mention i get a couple of treat meals this weekend? SHWEEEET!

xxoo

A pat on the back

So yesterday i gave my coaches corina and glenn a progress report. I have to tell u, these are some of the nicest people i have had the pleasure of knowing. After giving them a run down of my weight loss and bodyfat percentage (oh and a little almost kinda whinge about whether or not my legs are going to come in on time...), I got the nicest reply. I was told that i was doing an amazing job and that they are already so proud of me and that they can see just how committed i am to this process (oh and that to stop worrying about my legs - it will happen!). Im not sure if its all the training leaving me quite tired and the lack of carbs but i found myself getting quite emotional...ahhh yes Lauren getting emotional...those of yoou that know me will be laughing right about now, those of you that don't, well im a sook. Self confessed, there you have it.
Oh but then i get another message through saying relax my meals for fri, sat AND sun and enjoy my weekend cos the next 12 weeks are going to be full on....ummm cheer or cry people? Hmmm so as i approach my 12 week lean down, a new eating plan and new training program, i find myself, well, how to put this politely? Shitting myself. Im new to this world of figure and find myself wondering just what kind of torture im in for the next 12 weeks? Well after pulling myself up off the floor, all i can say is 'bring it'!! Im ready to do this!
So my next thought goes veeeerrrryyy quickly to my 'free' weekend. But alas im not going to indulge like i have been given permission to. I have decided on a cheat meal for saturday night and sunday night only. I know, very boring, but why undo all my hard work and feel like crap on monday? Better to enjoy 2 planned meals and ease into mondays madness.
Michael and i are going to have a sticky beak at the INBA event this saturday (goodluck to all the girls competing BTW!)and then head down chapel st to find some yummy food. Im looking forward to it, my poor husband is being deprived a little at present so he deserves this night out. Oh and speaking of my hubby, last night after telling him about my feedback from corina and glenn, he brought me home flowers to say just how proud of me he is...awww he really is my heart and soul. Michael is doing an amazing job of training me and pushing me through mentally and physically, without him, this would not be achievable.
Ok well im off to cook up some sweet potatoe mash but before i do i just want to give a shout out to kate my bestie from canberra who will be travelling to see me in july to do my hair and makeup for the all females. kate is a superstar when it comes to all things beauty and sparkle! We did makeup artistry waaayy back in the day and i would not trust anyone but her to touch this mug! Not only is she coming to do my makeup but she is also coming for moral support. Thanks KT your fabulous (see you in a few weeks!).
Ok need to go relax now but i hope everyone is training hard and watching what they eat.
xxoo

Bikinirama!

Well its been a little too long between posts - but its not my fault - the computer ate one of my blogs, so here i go again!
Training has been going awesome, im lifting heavier each day which is great, and although sore im happy cos this means things are a movin! My food is spot on, it has to be if im going to lean down in time, and im actually enjoying it now and not just going through the motions.
Had measurements today and im really pleased with my progress. Im under 60kgs now so i have around 6kgs to lose over the next 12 weeks. I really want to come in around 54kgs or lower to at least be a little competitive. The good news too is that all my girths are dropping and my body fat over 7 sites has come in at 14.5% as of today.
So leaning down is going great but i just have to try and get some more muscle going because im afraid im going to come in too small. My shoulders are looking ok and abs are starting to come out, but legs ooohhhhh they need some work! So I have been hitting the stairs at the studio twice a week for 30 mins just to try and get my glutes and quads to come to the figure comp party!
Ok so as the title of this blog states - i have ordered my bikini!! Its so exciting and soooo nerve wracking! Let me tellu, there is nothing like a tiny tiny bikini to get your arse motivated! The lovely helen was great help and knows her stuff so gave me an idea of colours and designs. Im going to keep my bikini a surprise until stage though...ooohhh the suspense! She is very honest too as she sees a lot of figure girls and she told me i look like im on track,i have a very petite frame and that (surprise suprise) i need my thighs to come in *sigh*. Hahha! She said that its unfair but its the last place all the girls tend to lose their fat. oh well, seems as im not alone in this.
Ok so bikini ordered, now to get my stripper heels woo hoo!
Alright well thats it for now, off to have a bit of a relax but good luck to alll our clients doing trail walker this coming weekend.
xxoo

The countdown...

Happy Easter Everyone! Hope you have all had fun and relaxing breaks and enjoyed a few choccies along the way.
I am now exactly 24 hours from finishing my trial water load and deplete. Oohh thank goodness because this my friends was one tough test. It has been extremelly satisfying to know that i have the strength and determination to not even want to cheat on such a restrictive plan, but hey I'm allowed to say I'm glad it will be over soon am i not?!
Michael took photos and measurments yesterday and the difference in just 2 weeks of comp preperation is extrodinary to say the least. I knew the changes would be quick, well they have to be, but i was also shocked that i could see the changes as i am usually so hard on myself. My girth measurements have come down, my weight is down another 1kg so that is nearly 3kgs in 2 weeks so far, BUT the best bit was the callipers. Now at Unique we use a body composition machine to measure body fat percentage. It is accurate but not in the bodybuilding world. Bodybuilders will only ever take calliper measurements because it gives a really good indication of where fat is placed on the body.
So Michael took measurements from 7 sites (7 places on my body) and my body fat percentage has come in at...(drum roll please)...15.5% !!!! yaaaa! This means i am only 5.5% away from being stage ready. Corina is stoked with this aswell and so this has inspired me to keep pluggin away at my training and diet.
It was a bit daunting to hve to get to 10% bodyfat for the stage but little did i know i was already nearly there! Now don't get me wrong, the next 12 weeks of prep are going to be greulling but at least i know i am now in with a shot of getting on stage.
This week will see me order my competition suit with all da bling! According to my colourings i should aim for a deep purple, dark blue or black bikini for stage, so i am working towards something like this. I also have to order my stripper heels (!!!) this week so i can start practising walking in them and i guess i will have to start learning posing routines soon too... hmmm much to do such little time.
Oh and i must give a shout out to Amanda and Stu on the birth of baby Georgia May! Well done guys she is just beautiful - and that hair, wow! Michael and I went to visit the happy couple in the hospital on saturday and this little girl is just gorgeous with wads of black hair! We left with baby Georgia snuggled into dad and sound asleep...awww! Too sweet.
Ok well that's it for me for now, im off to have a coffee - black of course!
xxoo