Kelowna Western Canadians 2012-Results!!!!

Wow what a weekend!!! Full of excitment, anxiousness and craziness....

Me and Andrew after the morning show.

I didn’t place Top 5. based on placing the judges were looking for a softer look.
I did get into 1st call outs in the pre-judging but didnt make it into Top 5 in the evening.

I feel I definitely brought my best to stage after 6 months of hard training and over 40lbs weight loss since August 2011. With that being said am I disappointed I didn’t place TOP 5? Of course to a certain degree I am but not discouraged that I won’t compete again.

I am in the Masters Class therefore I am less than 6 weeks out from my next show! I am hooked….I totally loved being on stage and can’t wait to get feedback from the judges so far I have been told I came in too lean for Bikini Class but I will work hard and try to tweak my look for the 2012 BC Championships held on June 30^th. I don't think much can be done in less than 6 weeks and its highly unlikely will I present a softer look.

I committed to train hard to look lean all year round so not sure if my abs will appear less visible on stage at the next show but I will try to work on making improvments based on feedback! I was at the gym the day after and that’s all you can do….carb up, refuel your body and get back to the gym to use it all up and the workout was amazing!!!! To say the least…I am still sore today!

Our dinner reward meal on Sunday after our workout

My husband Andrew placed 3rd in the show. I am so proud of him. We have worked so hard!

Left side 2nd Place....Middle 1st...my hubby on the Right 3rd

We came home last night and prepped food did cardio this morning and it felt good to get back to the gym.

and here we go again less than 6 weeks....

Anyhow here are some pictures from the show....All of my show pictures are by ProShotPhoto.com as I did a photoshoot with Gus Mctavish so he captured some great shots of me on stage.



And here are some before, along the way and 12 progress pictures prior to the show...

July 2011- Started working out a bit on my own.

September 24th, 2011 after training with Leigh for just over a month

12 weeks out

11 weeks out

9 weeks out (missed 10 weeks)

8 week out-Front

8 week out-Back

7 week out-Front

7 weeks out-Back

6 weeks out-Front

 

 

6 weeks out-Back

 

5 weeks out-Back

5 weeks out-Front 

4 weeks out- Front

4 weeks out- Back

3 weeks out- Front

3 weeks out- Back

2 weeks out-Front

2 weeks out-Back

2 weeks out-Back flexed

Counting Down the hours-Kelowna Western Canadians 2012

Here we are..... Just hours away from my first show!
I am super excited to step on stage and show off my hard work, dedication and willpower to change my life not only phisically but mentally as well. There has to be balance in both to achieve the ultimate results and although everyday is work in progress it keeps me focused on my goals.
Quote for the week: "Willpower is like a muscle, The harder you train it The stronger it Becomes"

This really stuck with me this week as the process of contest preparation is not easy by any means and defiantly not for everyone. There have been ups and downs but overall more ups which makes it worth the extra effort and push the last couple of weeks.

Andrew and I have a full day scheduled with photoshoot, family time and athletes meeting tonight which will keep our nerves in check and focused for tomorrow and we are cutting water today so that should be interesting.... I am glad we came up last night but our drive was horrible....horrible accident, rain, snow!!! It was a crazy ride but we made it safe and sound and slept very well. Short and sweet today!

Athletes Meeting- Over 90 Bikini Competitors

Full update as soon as I get back.

Thank you for reading Grace xo

Last Countdown! Kelowna Western Canadians 2012

Last countdown

This is when excitement kicks in….which doesn’t come without a few road blocks on an hourly basis lol and a bit of drama! I am European after all and have been told I thrive on drama!

Just had an amazing chat with my best friend who always knows the right things to say….when to say them...and how to say them that makes me realize the sky is really not falling! Thank you Marie!

Keep On….Push On…Stay Calm!!!

She gets me….and not many others do other  than my husband of course!

It has been busy 12-15 weeks for us. 14-20 hrs. in the gym every week really takes a lot of strategic thinking ,planning and organization.

Training and meal planning have been the easiest part of the journey and one of our successes as we are both so committed to achieving our goals not only to bring our best to stage and make our trainers proud but to really see how far we have come along in this journey and what to look forward to next.

Yes a little down time first but further down the road ….like a week after the show…New training program….New meal plan….New set of Goals and next level of intensity in terms of gains, changes and further progress.

This is what makes me excited …the show is so close now!!! The only way to stay focused and on track afterwards is to really have the next goal.

Once thing that has been a challenge is really finding time for family time and time for each other!!! Tough one! This will be one of the areas where we will put a lot more emphasis on when we compete again to ensure more balance is achieved in quality of life in terms of balancing family, work, training and all the other distractions that present them selves. We have not lost focus on this and are aware of the shortfalls and will have to get better….That’s All.

I am taking tomorrow off…to take care of the household for the week after we come back from Kelowna. We leave Thursday afternoon and are back Monday afternoon….Tomorrow will be busy as I want to accomplish as much as possible before I have to start cutting water…Prep meals for the trip and after….Pack for the trip... then hair and nails followed by last minute laundry and at my house there is always laundry. Thursday….Cardio Only! I will miss weight training for sure as cardio isn't my fav...but with everything going on it won't even phase me that I didn't get to do round two. I need the rest so the plan is to sleep until I have to get into the car for our road trip! SHOWTIME will no longer be the light at the end of the tunnel! It will be reality full of excitement…photo shoot, tanning, makeup, hair, stage time followed by a great meal with friends and family!!!!

Can't get any better than that!

Thank you for reading and I look forward to sharing all the show pictures with you!

Grace xo

COUNTING THE DAYS-Kelowna Western Canadians 2012

Now onto Counting The Days…..!!!!

This weekend was one of the best in the last 12 weeks of my contest prep…..I started at 14 weeks out at least mentally!

Family…..Friends….Family!!!!! Everyone is on board and totally supportive and excited that the show is just around the corner!!!!!

Saturday… was a great kick off to 2 weeks until Show Time!!! Training with Leigh Brandt followed by posing class, weigh-ins and BF% testing….Food….Nap….Friends…Gym #2…Food….Friends….R&R with honey….Ahhh!!!

Sunday…Leg Day!!!! And was it ever a Leg day…followed by Custom Contest Prep Dinner at Moxie's and a Movie …No #2 gym session which would have been Cardio!!!! I needed the rest. We have not taken a rest day so taking a cardio break felt so good!

Monday…. Shopping in the USA for chicken, fish and More Family Time!!!! Oh and I got totally spoiled for Mother’s Day early….Nice surprise! I took a 3 day weekend…I will have to make it up but I needed it!

Definitely getting more comfortable in posing and walking in plastic shoes….and this week it was very evident I really need to take my suit in….Its just too big…lol

Weight down 5lbs and BF% down full 1%....It looks like I will most likely step on stage below 10% BF and under 105lbs….I have been between 105-108lbs every morning depending how I spread out my water and nutrition the day before and that’s without cutting any water for the show which I won’t need to do until right before as I am already lean in the upper body and the bottom…yes the blessed bottom is coming in nicely!!!

Finally getting Tight!!!

Leigh added some fats to my meal plan which has really improved my mood!!! Yay!!!….Low carb I can do….Low carb/Low fat….that’s another story…Full on Diet Brain!!! My last yam dinner was Saturday night!!! I really enjoyed it after my #2 date at the gym with green tea!

Thank goodness it’s only for a few weeks as this is not my regular meal plan I can do it and stay focused on training.  Yes there have been a few ups and downs but not as bad as I thought it would be….ha ha…Not sure Andrew Bukowsky agrees with this as I have a hot temper to begin with and have lost my cool a couple of times…This is when you really know someone is totally in love with you…when they say “I love you but go get a rice cake” you’re loosing it!!!! Bahahaha!

It’s those precious moments that make me smile after and pushing harder!!!!

Today marks 11 days until Show Time and with everything going on before we are finally driving to Kelowna it will be the busiest 11 days of my life….so it seems!!! Yes I am being dramatic and with

my crazy work schedule, family life gum always saves the day!!! The flavour lasts mere seconds but it takes my mind off counting the minutes till my next meal. Two and a half hours never felt so long.

This Thursday will start with my Hair appointment followed by nails few days after and final suit adjustment and Monday next week Dentist!!!….Yes…I am crazy I have a dentist appointment scheduled in the middle of all this madness!!!! Food Prep…Daily posing…Oh Ya and Double workouts!!! For 10 out of the 11 days!

SUPERWOMAN!!! At least I think so!!!

Keep On! Push On! Results will Follow!

Thank you for reading!!!!

xo Grace

Tired!!!!

Feeling a little tired the last few days. Well that’s an understatement….not sure why….my diet has been the same for the last few weeks and still has not changed to the ultimate lows that will most likely happen at the end of this week….I am cutting back on sweeteners as I am pretty sure they will have to go…at the very end so I rather just get it done!!!! Maybe because I am pushing myself and reaching new highs but sure feeling it today!!!! Just can’t keep my eyes open or focus on work or anything for that matter. I have tried to rest as much as I can on the weekend taking a few naps here and there….and then a busy Monday comes and it all seemed wasted….well maybe not but it sure feels that way.

Push on….Keep on…No pain no gain…!!!! I am determined and competitive with myself and that part feels revived and I continue to be excited about this experience!

Every bit of my body is aching in a good way…yes it’s uncomfortable but manageable! I always feel energized after my workout even if it’s just for a little bit…then dinner and some egg whites before bed and I am out with my doggie by my feet…he keeps me warm and my honey next to me. Happy girl!!!

Anyhow here's....my little rant for today.


Grace

3 WEEKS OUT- Kelowna Western Canadians

Here we go….the last stretch!!!! 3 weeks out! It's actually days now...but let's keep it at 3 weeks :)

I must say past week was amazing in terms of muscle development and reaching personal and surpassing my best thus far….Diet ….What diet? Food tasted amazing this week! Andrew and I created some incredible competition recipes. Having a husband that works in the restaurant industry has kept me motivated to come up with some crazy flavour profiles…culinary term! I just wish there was a little more of it! Not really hungry just craving some flexibility I guess.

Our focus past week has been purely on training hard…getting our posing done nightly which based on progress pics looks better and better. We are mastering how to hit those poses just in time for show time!

I am leaning out big time…veins are popping out…bring on the carb up!!!! I can’t wait!!! My suit needs to be adjusted smaller almost an inch on each side. It was tight when I got it! I can’t believe that.

I weighed in at 105.8 lbs. this morning. Crazy!!! I haven’t even cut any water…. I don’t weigh myself daily as I did in the first few weeks so I do it every Saturday and Monday…It’s the weekend that I always worry about….he he

Everything ….I mean everything is too big on me…Except my gym stuff…I did pick up a few cute things for the gym that’s where I spend 15-20hrs a week after all…I have to feel good about myself. It’s a small investment and a much deserved reward for all the hard work!

Work has been getting busier and busier with the spring/summer golf and boating season approaching its peak time I have a tough time focusing on the details and find myself double and sometimes triple checking things and yes I am irate and have lost my cool a little…Thank god for an amazing team that helps me push through those crazy moments…they do pass but not without effort on my part.

They know it’s almost show time and want me to do well. So this is a huge thank you to them for putting up with me and my drama!!!!! Especially Jenny, Chrissy and Maggie who hear it all….the good, the bad and yes sometime the ugly!!! Thanks girls!

Let’s not forget my hubby he has been amazing through this ….he seems to be so grounded with everything and other than seeing him a little tired…more than usual he has been handling me very well…

And lastly my BFF Marie…she has been calling me “chicken little”…Because there are moments in my day that feel like the sky is falling and she’s there to always save the day. Love you like a sister!!! I mean that!!!

Anyways these are the Thank You’s for this week…There are a lot more people that deserve a huge Thank You…I will mention them as I post my pictures after the show since there has been a small army supporting my progress.

I don't care much about the lack of flexibility in food...yes I am aware of the limitations but what I miss the most is my friends and a social life more than anything in this experience as this is my first prep I am not sure how strong my will to resist that glass of wine is and that little piece of fruit or a cracker and cheese combo…so to be honest I have just distanced myself a little from the world…and are really focusing on training and achieving my best and bringing my best to stage!

I miss Friday evening date nights with my husband…We have been married for 16 years this year and we have always had Friday evening dates to reflect on the week catch up and just enjoy each other’s company. It’s been over 2 months since we had a date night….hence the term of a double date at the gym and the cute gym gear he he…We get excited to see each other after work and spend a little time working out and sharing some fish and rice cakes on the way to the tanning place after…lol

I can’t wait to spend time with friends and family after the show…enjoy a few cheats and just relax with a plan in hand to get back on track Tuesday morning after we get back from Kelowna. I can't wait.....

That’s it for this week. Stay tuned for progress pictures of the last 12 week in my prep and yes the before 40+ lbs. image from last year…Full bikini shot….Yes saving the best for last lol

Till next week. Thank you for reading my weekly rumbles.

Xo Grace

4 WEEKS OUT- Kelowna Western Canadians

Wow! 4 weeks has crept up and passed now i am into 3 weeks…Sounds so surreal that this Saturday will be 3 weeks!!! I am so excited….and nervous of course but that’s to be expected….It’s my first show after all.

It was a great week ….I was a little more irate than usual but coping with it and trying to catch myself.

Panic buttons went off with my BFF last week… thank goodness she gets me and knows it’s my nerves, anxiety and not some bizarre condition.

I am a bit carb depleted and can’t wait to get home every afternoon to indulge in a tiny dose of pre-workout carbs….Crazy I know but it’s the highlight of my day…..

Had an amazing workout with my hubby on Sunday….went heavy and exceeded my best and with that being said I do feel a bit more fatigued and could have lounged on the couch with my doggy all day long sipping tea!!!!

Not that lucky but it could be worst. I do run a marina/golf course facility among many companies so it’s not too shabby to look at beautiful boats and a lush golf course.

 

For the first time in this experience of prepping for a fitness show I was excited to go to my posing class strut my stuff or at least get better at it. Our Kelowna team looks amazing "Tight n' Tiny". We had weight-ins as well as BF% measurment progress taken. I was curious of my progress from my trainer’s perspective and wanted to know what’s next. Came down a pound and BF% is steady. I did measure smaller almost an inch in my thighs and waist. No Change in meal plan!!!! I am happy!!! Progress is good!

Everything is officially too big on me….even my shoes…lol. I am living in my tights for the next few weeks and loving it!

My suit is all ready....so beautiful and it looks good on too!!!! I can’t wait to step on stage and show off my hard work….oh man is it ever hard some days are harder than others!

I am starting to think about my post competition and how things will go….will I become depressed and get the blues, rebound, gain weight?…I know I will make a plan...I always have one. Next on my mind...How I will place in the show? All the hard work and then its over what will be my next set of goals?….and the topics to write about to keep everyone visiting my blog until I start prepping for my next show ha ha...ok...now let's back up and get through this one first….lol

Some of the questions and topics that I have been asked to write about so far through E-mails, Facebook and Twitter are:

More info on food: This is by far the biggest request

·            What I’ve learned about nutrition throughout my journey to a healthy and fit life

·            What I eat now that’s different from before-grocery list

·            Cooking challenges and more... more recipes

·            Cooking with teenager/kids in the house

·            My views on clean healthy eating

Friend & Family:

·            Challenges with support from friends/family

·            Was the experience what I thought it would be?

Self Improvement:

·            Shopping and how my body & style have changed with my weight loss and yes that includes progress pics.... :)

·            What continues to inspire me and keeps me driven

·            How I deal with plateaus

How to set up goals:

·            How to start on goal

·            Setting Short term goals vs. Long term

If you have any feedback or would like info on something specific…Let me know and I will try to share my experience.

Thank you for reading

Till next week

Grace xo