Well - I have an exercise bike! I pick her up on Saturday and we will be good friends. Went to fitness concepts in Adelaide and they were the best price I could find with heaps to choose from. I tried them all - I was like goldie locks. (Can I count that as cardio??).
Had a great walk this morning - I have got alot faster (due to a very embarrassing moment when an old man over took me). Im not competitive at all..
Spent most of the day studying for my exam and feel pretty happy with it. Also got an assignment back today which I was worried about and I got a P1 - not brilliant but it was a relief to not fail (it was a pretty poor attempt).

Went shopping at lunch and walked about a thousand miles.. well maybe not. Im going to a baby shower on the weekend so it was a great excuse to buy baby clothes.. I got 2 of the cutest (in a tough guy kind of way) little outfits for the baby boy. Getting very clucky lately which is a concern but there are enough babies to keep me occupied (and out of trouble!). As my friend kindly pointed out 'Cheryl ya got ta have a fella to have a baby". Thanks Janelle for pointing that out.

Training last night went well. Bi's and Tri's are a real challange for me. Bi's are just non existant and they mock me while training. Need to really work on these before the comp early next year. Got in 30 min extra on the bike last night - Bonus.
That leaves Legs tonight - leave the best till last. Going to really push myself tonight followed by sushi for dinner (before grocery shopping).

The WNBF comp i am entering is actually is the 15th March - I think I wrote it was a different day. I meet a girl who will be competing for the first time in March - this girl is ripped already. Here is hoping for good weather on the day (its an outdoor event).

Back to study for me!

So Im going to pretend that it has not been 5 weeks since I last posted. And just carry on.
The past 5 weeks has seen a drop of 4kg which I am very happy about but I cant see the 4 so it is hard to accept. I have a challange from the coach that while he is away in New York (World championship) I need to drop 5 kg before seeing him. That gives me 3 weeks - and Im hoping it is a visible change. 5kg seems like a very large number but I am going to do my very best to make it happen. I am 3 days into it so far. Just trying to think 1 day at a time. Could be challanging with my birthday falling in the last week of the challange H gave me. There will be no drinking for my this year. Not a big loss really but my friends dont really get it so they tend to make it alittle harder. How many times can you say no thanks before you cave? Which wont happen (I have invited H to my birthday - that way there will be no way I will get caught with a drink in my hand).

Training has been going great guns. Have increased the amount I am lifting for 2 weeks now. I had the pleasure of training with Vivienne (Ms WNBF Australian Champ) last week and loved every second of it. I forgot how much fun it is to train with someone. It was great being pushed and when such an amazing ladies tells you '3 more' you do 3 more!

Cardio has been pleasant. The great weather has been making my morning walks all the better. H thinks I might need to be using a bike soon just to burn that little bit more so I am frantically saving $$ for a birthday present for myself. I have also been adding in 30 min on the bike after weights at night. I wasnt told to but thought that I need the extra work.

Dieting is getting easier. I am not thinking about it (or fighting it) as much as I had been previously. Still trying to work on getting more salad and veg in but not doing too badly. And while I can still have a free meal on Sundays I am happy to 'miss out' on the cakes at work all week.

Days are going like this:
6am - Walk 1 hour
7.20 - 4 x eggwhites 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 banana and berries
10.30 - Tuna and blanched (love that word) brocolli and cauli
1 - 150g chicken (with Chilli flakes - yumm) 1 cup rice and green beens
4 - Chicken (minced) with cabbage, carrot and bean sprouts (like a spring roll without the roll)
7- Shake post workout
8 - Steak and veg
I have been having 4 egg whites with 2 strawberries on top before bed if I really need to.
In emergencies when I have no food or those nights when I just can not be stuffed cooking (this happens generally once a week) I have been having Salmon Shashimi and sushi.

So things are going well I am crazy busy with work, training and study (exams in 2 weeks) but I love busy.

Well done to everyone who has competed this year. It is a hard slog and I admire all that have made the decision to compete. Have a lovely time enjoying the balance of life now AC(After Comp).

X

Well just a quick post to say all things are looking great. I had a few very down weeks which I didnt care to write about.. I didnt want a written reminder of my down mood cause that is just not me. After hitting the bottom with a thud I was sent an invite to a seminar by my ol' training buddy T. I had no idea what it was about and am the first to admit I am not into too many deep and mysterious things, so the idea of a Think Slim seminar didnt really jump out at me but thought why not?

It ended up being just what I needed. Mark Stephens is a hynotherapist and deals with the reason why people cant loose weight when they know what foods to eat and that they need to be active.. the one thing stopping us is our mind. This could not have come at a better time. They say that when the student is ready the teacher will appear. He talked about Time Line Therapy and the power of positive self-talk. I had no idea why I have often thought that I am not good enough and through the day the first time I ever felt this way came back to me.. I now know why I feel like this and can let it go.. We did a few hypnosis sessions and I really enjoyed it.. and more to the point..

I have been Supper happy, Supper energetic, Trained Hard, 1 hour Cardio every morning and eaten 110% for the week.

I spoke to Hayzer on Monday saying I am ready to diet now. I think he was a little stunned. But im ready and that is alot better then being told you have to start dieting now. Bring on March 11th!

Also a big congrats to everyone who competed in the WNBF South Australian Titles on Sunday. It was a great day and the show was a huge success. I think the venue was great for both the competitors and the watchers. Great job Kerry on your 2nd.

I have been a little slack on the blogging front of late but I can assure you I have not been slacking off any where else. I have been a busy little bee with work, uni and training.
Spent the weekend in Mildura watching the WNBF Regional Country Classics. It was a great weekend. What made it all the better was that knowing so many of the competitors and what they have done to be on that stage was inpirational. Well done to Kerry who looked stunning on stage and to Kate who took out overall in her first comp. This girl has a 8 pack to die for. Just between us I think me teaching Kate how to make pretty fingers during her posing definately was the kincher.. LOL. I will ask permission on posting pics.
Also I wanted to mention another man, we will call F who entered over 50's. This man was in such great condition winning his division and not only did he look great on stage but is son in the audience had a face lit up like a Christmas tree. The pride in his sons face kept dragging my eyes to him watching his dad - it was a touching moment to witness.
Another highlight was watching the Coach get up and do his guest pose. He was jaw dropping amazing (and a bit of a show off LOL). Not a bad routine either considering he made it up 2 hours before the show.

I think this weekend is just what I need to get me into gear again. Although I was away for the weekend I have got in all training and cardio sessions (well walking sessions). I am really enjoying my weights and walking early in the morning in peace and quite. Since getting back eating is going well. I have cleaned it up alot and increased my protein and veg. I am no longer going hungry. I have the date of the comp which i will be entering and I will give it my all.

So comp season has finally kicked off with the Mildura show. Next up is the 13 Sept NABBA show. I will be working the Max's stand if anyone is going - so you better come and say hi! Followed by WNBF on the 21st Sept.. another brilliant show not to be missed followed by INBA in Oct. This is like Christmas for me and I cant think of a better way to stage the comp prep surrounded by inspiration!

Keep up all the good work and stay positive

So I have had a rough week. I have been fighting myself in my head all week and Im exhausted. Had Monday and Tuesday off sick (not sick persay but very tired). Slept 12 hours both days.. still trained of course. Actually did an ass kicking legs session on Monday followed by a relaxing steam. When I thought I couldnt do another rep I squeezed out another 3. And im still sore today. Recovery is still taking alot longer then 'normal'. The only thing I can think of that is different is that I am not taking any sups except Protein Powder. Might need to work back in the Glutamine and Xtend. And you know what is worse - I have these sups at home, Ive just been to lazy to use them.

Had a few comments lately that have really thrown me for 6. Both came at work actually.
'Cheryl - are you using steriods again? your shoulders are looking huge'.
Now my first reaction was wow, thats great.. big shoulders=growth=good little Body Builder.
But the girl in me says HUGE?? is that a good thing.
The next week a girl says 'Cheryl is it a compliment if I tell you that you have the biggest thighs I have ever seen?'..
My first reaction was .. Yes thats I compliment.. followed by 'oh god.. thunder thighs??'

I am at odds with myself. I guess the Bodybuilder in me is happy about my muscular (and too high a fat percentage) size. But there is still the girl in me who doesnt want to be the biggest girl in the room. Does that make sense?

Food wise I think my diet has been so much better then when I was dieting with my food choices. I am eating more but Im chosing the better options. Food is no longer in my every thought and am happy with how that size is going.. Then insecure Cheryl pips in with "You really shouldnt eat all that - you need to loose weight".
These few months are proving to be a roller coaster of thoughts. I guess when you take away the goal of getting on stage I now have more 'thought' time to drive myself made. I feel that I dont actually have a goal.. Am I trying to put on my muscle or am I trying to drop weight??

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend full of smiles and laughter. I will cause I choose to.

Friday sweet Friday

So I have reach another Friday. This week went super fast and I feel like I haven't stopped all week. All in all this has not been the greatest for eating well. And it just comes down to slackness. My days I have eaten all my meals - all healthy and nutrishous.. but at night I have been unorganised. Too busy running around to prepare a healthy dinner. A protein shake and toast is not dinner. So my new focus this week will be to take time to cook dinner before I run off again.

The weekend plan... finally I have a night off work for a friends birthday tonight. So heading out straight from work. Having dinner and drinks out at a Restaurant/Bar in Adelaide. I group from work are going and they are a great funny bunch so looking forward to it. But 3 drink Maximum will be in effect tonight. Training with H tomorrow morning and it will not do to be under 100%.

You will be pleased to know that I have been doing walks this week. Even in the pouring rain Wednesday. Does anyone else do the Corporate Cup. Well - work has a team entered and we do a 4.5km course. Your team gets points for the biggest improvement. Well first day of the even we are expecting Thunderstorms and hail. Yep there is me with a monster golf umbrella walking around this track. I was covered in mud and my shoes and socks were soaked. I thought it was funny for about 5 minutes of the 45min walk. On the plus side at least I will improve my time next week - it is very hard to walk at a decent pace with an umbrella.

I hope eveyone has a great weekend - to the girls (and boys) going to Mildura - train hard and focus.. not long now
XXX

Howdy all,

Well the weekend is over and Im back sitting at my desk. The weekend was pretty un eventful. Got up very early Sat morning after working till late to help my parents out with their Garage sale. I hate garage sales. Really dont like strangers going through my parents belongings and bartering over 50 cents for a crystal vase. I decided alot of the better stuff we should try and sell on ebay rather then sell it for $1. Woops i think I volunteered myself for that job.

I got saved from the sale by training with H. We spoke earlier that morning and after I confessed my weight he surprised me with his response. Now this man does not mince his words (although he is working on his tact). He has left me stung many times with his critic on my 'progress' while training for comps. So I say "H I weight 75kg". He says "You wear it well - You carry it well. Not sure where your hiding the extra kg". I nearly dropped the phone. We have come along way from "Hot body but to fat to compete". I was so pleased with his response I was amped to get in and train hard. It has made me think.. yes I have along way to go. But do I look terrible and should I feel horrible - NO. I look strong, I am strong. Now lets get down to work.
Had a killer session and ended it with some nasty walking lunges (secretly love them - dont tell). I have problems with my lower back - generally due to tight hips and a weak back so normally have issues squating alot but I was vry pleased with my effort and no pain.. Until today but i think it might be due to sitting on a bar stall for 3 1/2 hours yesterday. But that is for latter.

Worked Sat night and had a great convo about training with a security gaurd I work with. very interesting listening to others opinions about competing.

Sunday went to the farmers market but I think I got there too late. All the Chicken was sold (the man said they just flew out this morning - I said that I wanted dead chooks anyway and not ones that can fly - we giggled). Did pick up some free range Steak and eggs though - yumm.
I spent the afternoon with a guy I was friends with 6 years ago. He looked me up on face book and I thought - why not. Well - 3 1/2 hours later I had said my good byes and peeling myself of the stool. Siding without a back to my chair for that long has left me in alot of pain today. Trying to organise a massage - always helps.

Food went well on the weekend. Got all my veg in (Good girl Cheryl). Got rid of the dairy again - I am lactose intolerant but just keep persisting in trying to eat cheese (not a very good idea). Still having natural yoghurt which i make myself I am less bloated for it. All in all - im ready for a good week.