Winter or Spring?

Well, considering the weather these days I'm not sure what time of year it is......but I do know that usually come spring time I start buckling down for precontest prep. So if its winter as mother nature seems to tell us then I'm in the clear for a few more weeks and sanity. However, I am looking forward to the warmer weather and even welcome my diet and early morning cardio. It refocuses me and gets me back on track. So soon the journey begins for this years Nationals and for that top spot once again. I have been trying to put a bit more size on my shoulders and arms and training heavy all off season. I'll be striving for that pro card but so will 44 other girls.............who will it be this year? I am also planning on heading down to Cleveland 2 weeks after nationals to experience an american stage and judging as well as compete for the only other pro card Canadians can qualify for. So stayed tuned as I will update you on my contest prep.......................HUGS!

Almost Christmas!

okay.......................I'm sure I'm not the only one who loses track of time, right? It's funny how time flies by before we realize there are many things that need catching up! So where shall I start. Firstly, thank-you to those of you that have reminded me to do an update. Lets' go back to August the month of Nationals! Most of you have already seen the results..............I was very excited with my 5th place finish. For my first showing at Nationals I was quite impressed that I was comparable with girls who have been on the stage at least 2-3 times already! I know that I did not come in looking my best and this was due to changing a few key components before the show, BAD IDEA. You learn pretty quick not to mess with what works. So going into Nationals next year I will be leaner in my lower half and not holding water! ARGH! I'll be ready to battle it out for the top spot now that I have had a taste of what to expect. I will definitely prepare for the North Americans now knowing what the states is looking for, assuming I do not receive my Pro card at Nationals.

So other than taking some time off to recover and rest I have been in full swing of finishing up my B.Ed and teaching certificate. It has been a very long and busy road, I guess I did not realize the amount of work involved in prepping to teach. However, the business is very much worth the rewards! I have enjoyed working with my students over the past 3 months and will be sad to go in the next 2 weeks but I will be ready to the next step and hope that in my subbing ventures I will come across them again!

I can't believe Christmas is almost upon us! I haven't even begun to start my shopping and I don't want to think about battling the malls for good presents and deals! I am looking forward to this season more than ever, just some time to relax with family, friends and enjoy the holiday feasts, with in reason ;) I like the time to reflect on the year and what I have accomplished and how I can strive in the New Year to exceed my previous goals and set new ones. These goals keep me in check, focused and driven. What are your goals for the new year. Set them, write them down and you will achieve them!

Remember I am always here to motivate you and inspire you, send me an email anytime you need focus, advice or someone to listen.

Your friend and motivator,
Michelle

Way Too Long!

Well, who knew 9 months could come and go so quickly. Does anyone really ever read these things? WHEW!

Well, it is now only 5 weeks away from Canadian Nationals. I'm training hard, well as hard as I can with my diet and cardio draining me most days. But overall, I'm happy with my progress. This on-season has been a much better ride than last year! I only have about 10 lbs to go which will give me planty of time to load properly for Nationals. I want my physique to be even better than BC's to hopefully again take the top spot..................dreaming of my first pro show.................................so keep your fingers crossed.

I have been crazy busy trying to juggle family, personal training clients, 5am & 7pm cardio and my Bachelor of Education, to teach Physics and PE at the secondary level. Hence, my delay in writing this blog. Sometimes I wonder where I find all the time to fit everything in. It's funny how you manage to just work everything out, I have to be prepared going into each new day. Meals prepped and placed in my rather large cooler, extra clothes and school books packed. My load is quite heavy and I get many stares walking into the classroom with my cooler in hand. I just laugh as I whip out my chicken and rice as the teacher lectures. Let's just say that I tend to get many questions about the cooler.

Back in May I had the opportunity to go to Kelowna to cheer on some friends at the Westerns. Both of them did very well and I was excited to sit out in the audience and cheer them on. They did amazing and I am so proud of them! Tracey(blonde hair) competed in both the Figure Masters and Figure Tall and Laurie competed in Figure Tall, she placed 3rd and will be prepping for the 2009 BC's, so look out!

As I retire for the evening I apologize for the extended delay and hope to keep you updated as Nationals nears.

Goodnight & Sweet Dreams ;)

Michelle

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope you all got to enjoy this weekend with family and indulge in some turkey dinner. My brother had come out for a quick visit last weekend, 4 days, way too short, but nevertheless we made the most of his time here. Enjoyed a friends surprise birthday bash with an 80s theme, man was my brothers friend surprised to see him it was such a blast!

It sure is nice to be able to enjoy the occasional treat and bevie off season, it makes you seem real again not having to worry what your putting in your mouth. I'm usual good about eating clean during the week while I train hard and heavy but once the weekend is upon me I tend to enjoy a treat here and there!

Pic: Enjoying some dessert post competition!

My offseason training is now in full swing as I prep for Nationals, a little nervous as I'll be going up against the big girls now. However, seeing the results of the Olympia this year you can definitely see the difference in the physiques from those competing in the USA and Canada. It seems that Canada is pulling some tight & lean ladies while the USA tends to favor a bit more of a softer look as it was Jenny Lynn, lookin fab that won the Figure Olympia this year. So at times my training tends to worry me, am I gonna have to back track once I turn pro? It seems that figure is difficult to judge as it all depends on what the judges like, soft or hard lines, smaller or bigger in size and then where is the line that crosses over into bodybuilding? Nevertheless, I love training and competing so for now I will give it my all and see where this takes me!

My personal training has definietly picked up as it seems the fall comes and everyone is ready to get back into shape. I love training & giving my clients motivation, I do miss my Survivor Bootcamp business as it was awesome to see everyone push and encourage each other and then have awesome results after 4 weeks! My focus has turned to more of a one-on-one approach, which makes my clients a bit more accountable to me! Currently I am training a few girls for some up and coming figure shows and I am so excited to see them up on stage. Whether it is a one time event or ongoing sport for them I will be so proud of them to stand up on the stage and be rewarded for their hard work and dedication!

Feel free to email me if you have any questions and I always love reading your emails and will try to respond as quickly as I can. Always remember to Train Hard, Stay Fit, Healthy& Strong!

luv,

Michelle

Too Long!

Well I'm sorry that it has been awhile since my last post and some of you have been wondering where I have been. After the competition I took some time off from the gym to let my body rest and took some holidays in August. My husband & I went to Las Vegas for a friends wedding and had a blast! The weather was gorgeous and scorching hot! We worked out at Golds Gym, HUGE facility, equipment was a bit older but nevertheless tons of metal in the place and more than 1 of everything! You never had to wait for a piece of equipment. Post workout we enjoyed a chocolate peanut butter protein shake which I must say was one of the BEST protein shakes I have ever had, YUM! It was a good thing we got in a few workouts because the rest of the time was spent eating and drinking, even all you can eat sushi! I have never been so stuff............oh wait yes the night of my show, right, forgot about that!

We returned from Vegas for 2 days and headed out to Nova Scotia to visit some family. It was nice to kick back & sit by the lake and catch a few rays. August really was a great month but now it's back to reality and reset my goals. All of which are focused for Nationals 2008. I'm back at the gym 5 days a week. Which is a nice change from the 7 precontest! My other time is spent training clients, teaching group exercise and spending time with my family which has been neglected for the past 4 months of on season training. I'm doing a little extra cardio to burn off those much enjoyed treats over the summer so I can sit at a good weight off-season. As I approach on-season I'd like it to be a little easier to be contest ready!

Thankyou for all your support and encouragement and I enjoy reading all your emails!
TTFN! Michelle

Results Are In!

WOW! What a weekend! Still on a winning high, well maybe a food high as well............! I placed 1st in my Tall division at the 2007 BC Provincial Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Championships and then took the Figure Overall title as well! Can't believe it! Those last few weeks of training were grueling...........almost didn't think I was gonna make it. But I pulled through with some awesome support from friends and family and great direction from my coaches! WHEW! I definitely enjoyed some post shows goodies, well maybe a little overboard as I'm finding it difficult to shed this extra water weight, argh! I had a huge cheering section at the show which gave me extra confidence on the stage. Thank-you to all of you who came out to support me!

I had a blast backstage meeting and chatting with the other girls. You gain such respect for everyone as they have all been through the same precontest regime. Everyone looked fabulous which I'm sure made it difficult for the judges.

So as for my future endeavours I had told myself prior to the competition that depending on the results I would decide post show where I was going to go from there. So my decision is in! Even though I now have an official lifetime qualification to Nationals I am going with my momentum and will be competing at the 2008 Canadian Figure Nationals in Edmonton. With the help of my coaches my goal is to improve on my physique & bring it in even better to place within the top 5! SO I will enjoy this weeks break from training, dieting etc. to hit it hard again next month. Only 7 months until precontest!

May 23, 2007

Well, as most of you know I am in full swing with my pre-contest prep! 8 weeks to go.............! The prep for this show has been a much different experience than my last show. Let's just say that I enjoyed the off-season a little too much! I am definitely paying for that now. I guess you have to learn for yourself, even though my coaches gave me full warning. But really who doesn't LOVE food, especially around Christmas. So I have learnt my lesson and will be prepared post competition this time! Right now I'm training about 3 hours/day. 1.5 hours Cardio and 1.5 weights, at the gym 3 times a day. Yes, it's a little crazy..........I pretty much live there and will do so for the next 8 weeks. July 21st is the BIG day, Provincials..............my coaches (Lara and Darren Toma) have been workin' hard to reshape me back to stage ready! My focus is improving my physique from my first show as we all know there is always room for improvement. As along as I train hard I know I will have no regrets! I appreciate all of your support as this sport can be VERY demanding from eating, training, sleeping and trying to find family time. It's all about balance and being prepared! THANK-YOU..............stay fit, healthy and strong!