my journey to the stage

2012 I'm coming to get you!

2012-01-27T09:54:00.003-05:00

I've had experiences in my past where people would tell me what I am, people would tell me what I'm not, people would tell me what I should be. Well I'll let 2012 speak for itself...

Here are a few PR's I'd like to boast about

30 lb DB curls
50 lb DB chest press
90 lb leg extension

Rita's story... I'm in!

2011-12-22T08:35:00.000-05:00

ah the big meat traps I seem to grow! I thought it was cool lighting for sure.
I start strict prep January 16th for spring. While I am not the weight I want to be right now if I work hard I can achieve the two springs show I am debating. One or the other that is... But if I work hard give it my all and still now how I want to look, I'll wait for summer. At this point I want to look the part, the show isn't as important as my comeback...

50's...

2011-12-15T09:25:00.000-05:00

Big step today... quite pleased!

tomorrow's hair color!

2011-11-17T10:32:00.000-05:00

Current Stats...

2011-11-08T10:36:00.001-05:00

BF 23%
neck 12
bicep flexed 12.5
forearm 9.25
chest 38
waist 28
bellybutton 31
hips 37.5
thigh 19
calf 15

2011-11-07T15:13:00.000-05:00

New PR 35 LB dumbbell shoulder press today... Two sets of 5

Training...

2011-11-02T10:34:00.001-04:00

I had my Bodyfat tested and currently around 23%. It's better than I thought for sure. Here are a few pics that were taken this past week.

40's

2011-10-27T11:04:00.000-04:00

Happy to announce I did 40lb DB chest press today. My first set my right elbow gave out but I wanted to try again. 8 reps the second time. PR for sure.

Yorton Cup

2011-10-26T09:17:00.000-04:00

This is the place to be Saturday! I wait for this show all year. I'll be there watching the Pros in the AM.

Salted Caramel Butter Bars

2011-10-24T15:34:00.000-04:00

Salted Caramel Butter Bars

While not on my diet, they are certainly pretty!

food

2011-10-21T15:46:00.000-04:00

Here's next weeks plan for food. Eat daily, rinse and repeat to achieve greatness!

Training
Cardio only today

Well that sucks...

2011-10-20T15:30:00.004-04:00

By closing my old gmail account I lost a lot of photos from this blog. Plus it's too late to recover, old well nothing I can do but move forward. I have a show goal AGAIN and am dieting now for a winter vacation soon after in April will be the show. I plan to bring it this year!

Taking measurements and BF this weekend, not looking forward to that at all but it must be done.

Today I hit a PR 130 lbs Hammer Strength Incline Chest Press.

Off-season

2011-09-02T12:27:00.006-04:00

Had a lot going on this year so obviously no shows, but I am going to start a pretty strict off season soon. I took almost 8 weeks off from training and up a few pounds but nothing major. Here are some current pictures of my starting point. I'll post real shots soon.

hole in my mouth?

2011-06-27T12:30:00.003-04:00

Tried drinking some pre-workout supplement out of a glass measuring cup... FAIL!

End of Season

2011-06-24T14:17:00.006-04:00

I planned on doing shows this year but a few glitches in the Matrix stopped me. Not upset, I know next season I will come back even better. I'm taking some time off from the gym. Most of July so my tendonitis in my arm ( see pic to the left ) can heal and just to have some fun. I've been dieting on and off a very long time.

Plan is to maintain and/or add a little size then cut and hit the stage. My trainer Joe Franco suggests that I weigh no more than 135 in the off season which is where I am now. But will hopefully add more size and not that much fluff. I am wondering what my magic number on stage will be I keep thinking it may be around 117? I hold a decent amount of muscle. Here is a back shot to end the season too. I plan to update more though.

Also I have a new PR with dumbbell chest press 45 lbs I think I did 4 reps. not too shabby...

2011-05-23T08:42:00.001-04:00

ok starting this up again...

Snow day

2011-01-27T11:39:00.006-05:00

Stupid stupid STUPID snow day. I'm home and working from home for day #2. Going stir crazy! Missed chest day, will have to make up for it tomorrow AM.

Still dieting and working hard for May show, only time will tell though if that will be my big day. August may be a better choice but we shall see.

Here are some progress shots.
Still need to shave about 20 - 25 lbs off what you see below. I've been dieting since the New Year though with no cheats.

2011-01-10T19:18:00.003-05:00

Finally doing it... This week I'm down about 4/5 lbs and I'm thinking May is still in my sights.

I want to really look like a contender this time...

Just started using my fitness pal. Really like it! I have both the iphone app and using the online app.

xbox kinect

2011-01-06T19:23:00.002-05:00

Joe Christiano: Planet Fitness a "judgement free zone"....I THINK ...

2011-01-06T13:02:00.000-05:00

Joe Christiano: Planet Fitness a "judgement free zone"....I THINK ...: " Planet Fitness says they're a “Judgment free zone”. Yet it appears they are ruthless in their judgments of bodybu..."

Going to The Arnold!

2010-12-28T19:29:00.005-05:00

So I'm going to The Arnold this year, I've wanted to go for years so I'm pretty excited. I planned to go last year but had a pretty bad relapse with numbness and back issues which knocked me right out.
Going with a few of the Center Stage Figure Girls (see image to the left).

Now I need a good outfit!

4 months 20 or so pounds

2010-12-26T18:18:00.003-05:00

ahhh happy the holidays are pretty much over. At least the excuse to eat is. I wont dwell but I really should have started dieting a month ago. But no looking back. I've held my weight for a year now. I have 4 months to get down around 20 lbs and really bring a good package to the stage. Then Yorton at the end of October. I want to return to Yorton with a whole new physique.

Although snowing out I'm hoping I can make it to the gym tomorrow. ERRR

Sorry so long...

2010-12-22T09:56:00.006-05:00

The holidays kept me away from here.. not the gym though but partially away from my diet. I'm maintaining though. I told Joe Franco that I'm holding on for dear life until next Monday then full steam ahead.

Photo time-line
No cheats
Will do spring shows, not an option not to.

Yes, the cakeballs sidetracked me. One thing I've learned, you can not bake constantly and realistically diet at the same time. Impossible... So it likely knocked me out of April 9th but I can't allow stupid set backs that include frosting to not let me compete this year.

I'll start posting PR's, workouts and diet soon.. Stay tuned!

21 weeks out

2010-11-18T08:41:00.002-05:00

1.5 lbs behind where I wanted to be today but I think on Sunday I will be able to hit that goal... Stepmill is back 4 days a week too.

PR
35 DB Chest press 2 sets x 6 then 5

Cake Balls

2010-11-02T19:09:00.002-04:00

Slightly obsessed...I can't stop making them. I didn't eat any though!

I'm back and decisive

2010-11-01T17:38:00.005-04:00

Once again floundering on what shows I want to do. But I made a final decision on one show. Yes, it's likely I'll do more but zoning in on April 9th Eastern Regionals. I'll be dieting through the holidays but that's a good thing.

Got my first container of All in ONE by Beyond Nutrition
Pre workout supplement. I only tried it once and took too much so I had a supercharged niacin rush! I'll try again tomorrow with a shake in my stomach and the correct serving.

Halloween I went to the Adams Morgan Drag Queen Pagent. Now that was interesting! LOL Here are a few pics.

The biggest loser was my favorite costume! We also went to a hookah bar. And you can see my trying to smoke. LOL

2010-10-12T19:16:00.001-04:00

2010-10-11T17:49:00.001-04:00

Charm City Classic 2010

2010-10-10T18:23:00.008-04:00

2010-10-04T19:07:00.004-04:00

Shoulders today, nothing crazy... taking it easy this week.

Macros on today and goal is all week including the required cardio. I really want to shed about 5 lbs although Joe said he isn't so focused on the scale right now. I am ....

No PR today.

28 weeks out

2010-10-03T17:01:00.005-04:00

Looks like this video is pretty poor form so I'm not going to push it again like this for a while. I don't want to reinjure myself. That would be devistating... I think my ego is getting in the way.

102 lb one arm row...

Scale didn't move and I ate several things off plan today. However I created an awesome spread sheet and am very motivated to keep things 100% this week.

Last week I didn't do all the cardio, ate over the carbs I was suppose to eat.

EDIT - I take it back form isn't that bad. Just the few jerky moves in the end.

frustrated

2010-09-30T18:34:00.002-04:00

Not gonna lie, I'm very frustrated. The scale is not moving and I am almost on the diet for two weeks. I would say I'm on the diet 90% the 10% is just a little more carbs. I guess I need to be exact and drink more water. I am lagging there.

Weight Training
2 x 4 x 35 lb flat bench press PR

2010-09-27T19:31:00.002-04:00

Real Show Goals

OCB April 9th Eastern Regional
INBF May 7th
OCB May 21 Beyond Nutritional

Now depending on how I look and if I can take it, one or two more shows late summer or fall.

Workout today
Delts
2 x 6 x 30 db Shoulder Press PR

Back Day

2010-09-26T12:06:00.003-04:00

Well the scale didn't really move this week but being truthful I didn't really start until Monday so that gave me 5 full days. Yesterday I was a little off plan but not terrible.

Weight Training
100 lb single arm row today. 1x 8 PR

Nails

2010-09-24T11:54:00.002-04:00

My review for the only decent salon near me... Not the BEST but way better than others. I need to get them down now, I went elsewhere and they are jacked.

Training today was abs/cardio and biceps, nothing interesting to report however.. untill tomorrow when I weigh in and take photos.

I eat this...

2010-09-23T08:20:00.004-04:00

So day 4 and so far so good. Currently at -70.6 from my all time heaviest weight. With about 25 to go, I think. It's so hard to judge I have to just look at photos and trust Joe Franco when it gets close.

While I'm planning on doing August shows, I really want to do one spring one so my Nana can see me compete. Eastern Regionals is near her house too. As you can see that is why I have the ticker up...

Weight Training
3 x 6 x 30 lb dbs chest press PR

Day 2 dieting and the butterfly

2010-09-21T18:55:00.004-04:00

So now I'm famous my tattoo is featured on Tattooed Heart's website.

Diet Day 2
Hit all Macros today! I think I finally found my mojo, it only took a year. Hey considering I'm thrilled...Just cardio today. Tomorrow is leg day, plan on lunging till I cry.

DAY 1

2010-09-20T16:22:00.003-04:00

Diet Day 1... looks to be a success. Once I'm on I'm on, there is nothing that can make me stray. I just need to make it past the first few weeks and see the scale move.

I plan to weigh and take some photos this Saturday...

Delts today
30 lb DB press PR 2 x 6

I rule

Cake Balls

2010-09-19T18:30:00.006-04:00

yeah, I ate cakeballs today...

Not the ones pictured but I made a version that looked similar for IFPA Pro Teresa Anthony.
(see image below) I'm lucky to have met her and she trains at my gym. So this is her post show treat. Image is copyright Issac Hinds.

I ate two of them but I'm done now. Eating cakeballs will not get me to my goal. However training hard and eating clean will.

As a member of TEAM FRANCO now I am accountable for weekly updates and photos on Saturdays. I even have to report my weight so there is no cheating allowed.

Today Workout
Heavy Back Day
I did 65 lb one arm row PR
80 lb lat pulldown PR

Tomorrow Delts, an area that needs a lot of improvement.

TEAM FRANCO

2010-09-18T19:40:00.007-04:00

I'm back... Long overdue right?

I am not officially a member of Team Franco. We've talked and discussed my goals and while it's a long time away time certainly goes quickly when you are dieting and prepping for a show. 2011 will be my big comeback.

I have my plan and I'm ready to start on Monday... getting all my ducks in a row now. I have 25lbs to lose this time. Little different than 80... and I'm still only about 13 up from my show which I'm told is a miracle in itself. Most people gain 20 or more.

I'll post progress pictures and will be more active now...promise ;)

Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg: Obituaries

2010-08-24T11:50:00.000-04:00

Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg: Obituaries

Officially - Off Season

2010-08-18T11:33:00.002-04:00

After a set back this past winter, fractured foot in May and a few other obstacles I feel 2010 should not be the year for me to 'bring it' on stage. I'll use this time to improve and get to a more manageable weight so that I only need to diet for about 12 weeks for any show. Currently about 25 lbs up from being competitive. Of course an estimate but I believe a good guess.

I've shocked myself with some good gains this year. And clearly shocked others because I've been accused of juicing. HA... Funny how people allow their poor genetics, lack of willpower and other shortcomings come out in funny ways, like starting rumors about me. Men jealous of me? I laugh in your general direction.

so my journey to spring begins...

photo was only 6 months!

13/17 weeks out

2010-07-25T19:05:00.005-04:00

Still maintaining. I haven't been weighing myself but I am going to on Saturday ( next week ). Going to diet hard this week and weigh in Saturday and go from there. I'll start weighing on a daily basis after that. Going on Friday to have a follow up x-ray, that will be 3 weeks in the cast. I'm wearing it 80% of the time so I hope she says it's healing.

Weekly Goals
No bitching about cast
Focus on upper body and NOT overtraining traps
Weigh in Saturday no matter what

Pity Party

2010-07-18T18:58:00.003-04:00

I can't seem to shake off the pity party thoughts. I really have no excuse to not keep the diet clean and do as much upper body as possible. Yet I still sulk...I must pull it together.

Weekly Goals
100% on Contest Prep
Log all food
20/30 minutes on the bike daily

tattoo finale

2010-07-11T18:01:00.003-04:00

tattoo is done! Yet covered by my cast!!

Broken Foot

2010-07-11T17:43:00.002-04:00

Well this changes things...

Come to find out I've been walking and working out on a broken foot for several months now. This really puts a glitch in my matrix! I have to rethink goals and shows now.

I can't do any leg training, cardio is a little bit of bike for 20 minutes and then it starts to hurt. I just can't believe it. I'm glad I went to the doctor but I'm also kinda mad/sad... ignorance was bliss!

Updated Goals
OCB Yorton October 23rd 15 weeks out
USBF November 20th 19 weeks out

14/16 weeks out -- JULY 4th 2010

2010-07-05T16:40:00.002-04:00

demon eyes..

My mother and I are so photogenic...

CONTEST PREP
14/16 weeks out
goal to lose 20-22 lbs

Current Phase - cutting fat

Show Goals
Charm City Classic
Yorton

Today at the gym:
Delts - lots of reps lower weights today
40 minute on the eliptical.

Attached is my sample menu for high carb days. I didn't include any vegetable eaten.

15/17 weeks out

2010-06-28T18:54:00.005-04:00

Using Daily Burn to track all my meals. Tomorrow I'll post a pdf so you can see my exact macros.

Going to start to use this more as my fitness journal including weight loss and photos like I keep saying I'm going to do. Let's see if I can keep my promise this time. Here are a few photos from this weekend with Jayda.

Tattoo Removal/CoverUp

2010-06-18T19:06:00.007-04:00

I'm in the middle of a tattoo coverup. Pretty pleased so far. I started with a jailhouse version of "the scream", now it's a band of lotus flowers and very colorful. I'm 50% there.

2010-06-18T09:18:00.004-04:00

Wow 16/18 weeks out... time is really moving along fast so I need to hustle! Two shows this year is the plan but I must start dropping weight ASAP to make them.

Forgiven?

2010-05-30T20:10:00.004-04:00

Talk about a lack of updates!

I've decided Presidential is out this year, Aiming for CCC and Yorton in October. 19/22 weeks out and I am aiming for 23 lbs. 1.2 a week.

Uploading some recent pics...

first of the season...posing

2010-05-07T09:29:00.003-04:00

First public posing photos of the season. Goal is 20 lbs less than photos above... 15 weeks out!

2010-05-01T19:04:00.005-04:00

Just bought that top in red and thinking about wearing it to Nicole's show in two weeks. Still on the fence with that one though.

Now the second one with me in purple is a very proud moment... I did 30 minutes level 9 on the stepmill and was thrilled! that was NO joke.

I'm 16 weeks out from Presidential - I think I may be sidelined from this show if I don't get moving on the scale soon. UGH! I really wanted that show.

2010-04-22T20:35:00.002-04:00

still planning on doing presidential... we'll see how I look at 12 weeks out and decide 100% by then.

Here is a photo of me in motion

slacker

2010-04-11T18:27:00.003-04:00

18 weeks out from presidential. 10 lb goal for May 21st too.

Eastern Regionals was this weekend. Here is a pic of me and Jaclyn - helped her backstage.

2010-03-16T13:56:00.001-04:00

This is what 21 weeks out and 26% BF looks like. Not for long though. Goal is 12%

2010-03-15T08:54:00.001-04:00

Updated Goal

For my first show I am now looking at losing 26.8 lbs. Not sure of the next two. I'll reevaluate as it gets closer.

I did a Bod Pod test. My RMR is 1298 and currently around 26% BF. Goal is to be around 12% this year so I have quite a journey ahead of me for August.

2010-03-11T09:51:00.000-05:00

Numbness is really healing nicely - again I notice a difference in the thoracic area today. Hands and legs seem to be slowly improving. I did some back training today - nothing heavy 10 lb db and 30 lb lat pull downs. I haven't worked lower body in quite a while because my legs are still problematic. Depending on how I feel tomorrow I may give it a shot.

Oh and I met Erika Mott! She spent the night last week, she was flying out of BWI and I live close. We took a photo together but I look hideous! LMAO so it's staying under wraps.

22 weeks out

2010-03-10T12:42:00.003-05:00

Lesson learned, false start alert over and over again. After I compete this year I won't follow with months of eating whatever I want.

I would say my numbness is about 30% better now. Hands are still pretty bad but dealing. Some days I can't tell if I'm getting better or I'm just getting use to it.

Goals
- Presidential Cup - 1st show goal - 28 lbs
- Charm City Classic - 2nd show goal ( not sure of weight)
- Yorton - final show of the year ( again not sure of weight)
- lose 1.3 lbs a week even though I can't really train hard now
- eat the exact diet Nicole Weeks gave me. NO SUBSTITUTIONS
- weigh myself daily but just as reference
- start to take and post progress photos

2010-03-08T08:38:00.000-05:00

Happy to report, I feel a break in the numbness today. My hands are now the worst and although I realize I could have the numb hands for months to come I can deal with that since my legs/thoracic are less numb. I just can't wait to really start training.

slacker

2010-03-03T15:27:00.001-05:00

I've been a total slacker here...

Went to see my surgeon and he confirmed my fusion is fine but I still have a lot of numbness in the hands/thoracic and lower body so training is still out. Struggling with the diet too. One day on the next off. I'm SO all or nothing and it's hard for me.

I'm 13 lbs up from Yorton which isn't terrible but I need to lose 30 by Presidential so I better get going.

2010-02-25T18:36:00.001-05:00

yeah well hands are totally numb, legs, etc... pissed and depressed. Hoping this will end sooner than later. I want to prep!

2010-02-16T16:13:00.000-05:00

Very upset I don't know the exact reason but I few ideas. I'm going numb again... From the ribcage down and my hands. I'm doing my best to not completely freak out. I had my doctor prescribe a prednisone pack today and I am putting a lot of faith in that. Please work!

Day 1 2010 prep

2010-02-15T18:36:00.002-05:00

Made it through day 1. Almost perfect to my macros... I did end the day with some whipped cream in a little bowl. I ate about 20 more grams of carbs than I was suppose to.

I started the day with a light back workout. I'm having some back issues so I didn't push it at all.

Goal is -30 lbs for show day.

2010-02-14T19:59:00.002-05:00

Ok, this is really it! I kept putting it off but prep starts tomorrow. Snow or no snow, the diet begins! Stay tuned... just getting started.

2010-02-11T19:01:00.004-05:00

No I haven't started the diet yet. I hang my head in shame... I just looked at my ticker and I have 6 months and 3 days until my first show. I have all this time to lose about 30 lbs and I'e been putting it off. But I'm going to The Arnold this year and I bought a snazzy top I want to wear and not look like a piglet in it! See image above for snazzy top!

SNOW

2010-02-09T20:13:00.002-05:00

Trapped in the snow - looks like all week. NO gym is making me nuts.

I'm working with NicoleWeeks.com this season. She asked for photos of me every two weeks as progress shots. I guess I'll start with the first picture this Sunday.

3 days NO CANDY

2010-02-05T18:59:00.002-05:00

Yea I've been a slacker... I didn't have anything new to report. I did start weighing myself again and I'll start posting results tomorrow. Also I am 3 days without candy! I've been eating it since Yorton eve! So the fact that I am only 10 lbs up from yorton is freaking amazing.

The snow is really messing with my training. I'm trapped all damn weekend in this house like a lot of you. I hate it. The gym is my time and I find it very relaxing...

I'll start photo updates soon, Stay Tuned

27 weeks out

2010-02-01T18:25:00.002-05:00

I didn't weigh myself today although I'm officially dieting and tracking food at this point. I am assuming what I weigh... so my weight goal is -31.5 lbs. I don't know for sure but I think that is what I'll need to be competitive this year. Still up 10 from comp day although it may as well be 40 since I feel ICK!

Anyway I am back to training again and today was shoulders! woo-hoo.

2010 PREP BEGINS -- 28 weeks out

2010-01-24T18:31:00.003-05:00

ok tomorrow is it! meals planned, and back to the gym at 5:00 AM! This is my year to be competitive!

Presidential is the first show I am planning on doing which is August 14 which makes me officially 28 weeks out.

2010-01-17T20:33:00.005-05:00

2010-01-10T11:03:00.002-05:00

new dress.

Still on the fence with this one. It's um sorta revealing!

2010-01-10T07:01:00.002-05:00

almost 2010 prep time!

01/17 will be the week I pull it together. By the grace of G-d I've maintained through many candy bars, jelly beans and countless pieces of pizza. Plus I've taken time off from the gym. So someone was watching out for me!

Next week is just sticking to macros and no candy. It's time to hang that up until next fall. It's ok though I'm at peace with it! LOL

2010-01-03T18:20:00.001-05:00

I've been getting emails asking where I am. So sorry! I am sidelined for a few more weeks so I have nothing... empty plate here folks. Once I start training again I'll be back. I am going on vacation next weekend so lots of posts and pics to follow.

2009-12-25T23:15:00.001-05:00

Too much food... I'm done. Although I am still maintaining a few lbs from comp weight I look way puffier and I'm not happy. I want to lose 15 and hold that for a while. Starting tomorrow!

MIA

2009-12-23T19:21:00.000-05:00

I'll be back... working on my 2010 plans...

off for a few weeks

2009-12-13T19:54:00.001-05:00

Taking some time away from the gym for a few weeks. Tuesday will be my last day. I think my body needs a break.. Just have to keep the diet tight! I'll likely still post here so stay tuned!

OCB 2010 shows... so far

2009-12-09T14:25:00.000-05:00

'10 OCB Amateur Events

March 20 - Brattleboro, VT
OCB Green Mountain Thaw

March 27 - Plattsburg, NY
OCB "The Uprising"

March 27 - Salisbury, MD
OCB Compete For A Cure: The McJilton Classic

April TBA - Baltimore, MD
OCB Eastern Regional

April TBA - Orlando, FL
OCB Southeast States

April/May TBA - Carver, MA
OCB Spirit of America (IFPA Open & Masters Pro Qualifier)

April 17 - West Nyack, NY
OCB Tri-Cities Championships

April 24 - Burlington, NJ
OCB Eastern Physique Open

April 24 - Utica, NY
OCB Clash of the Champions

May 15 - Richmond, VA
OCB Pride of the Atlantic (IFPA Open & Masters Pro Qualifier)

May 22 - Indianapolis, IN
OCB Circle City Championships

June TBA - Wilmington, DE
OCB Central Eastern Seaboard States

June 19 - Carver, MA
OCB Judgment Day

July 17 - Albuquerque, NM
OCB Natural Southwest Classic (IFPA Open & Masters Pro Qualifier)

July 24 - Newburyport, MA
OCB Natural Yankee Classic (IFPA Open & Masters Pro Qualifier)

August TBA - Wash., DC
OCB Presidential Cup (IFPA Open & Masters Pro Qualifier)

August 14 - Las Vegas, NV
OCB Las Vegas Championships

August 28 - Burlington, NJ
OCB Mid-Atlantic Battle for the Belt (IFPA Open & Masters Pro Qualifier)

August 28 - Mesa, AZ
OCB Arizona Natural (IFPA Open & Masters Pro Qualifier)

Sept. 11 - Los Alamos, NM
OCB Southern Rockies Natural

Sept. 25 - Scarborough, ME
OCB Maine Event

October 2 - Dover, DE
OCB Tri-State Fall Classic

October TBA - Baltimore, MD
OCB Charm City Classic

Fall TBA - Norfolk, VA
OCB Tidewater Natural

October 23 - Washington, DC
OCB Yorton Cup Amateur International Championships (IFPA Open & Masters Pro Qualifier)

www.theOCBwebsite.com for more details about OCB events.

For a list of NANBF (OCB affiliate) amateur events visit www.NANBF.org

2010 IFPA Pro Events

Over $100,000 in Cash Prizes Being Awarded in 2010

April 10 - Binghamton, NY ($3,500 in Cash Prizes)
IFPA Men's Pro Bowl

April 17 - West Nyack, NY ($1,750 in Cash Prizes)
IFPA Figure Pro Bowl

April 23 - Liberty, MO

($4,000 in Cash Prizes)
IFPA Liberty Belle Pro Figure

May 22 - Bloomington, MN ($3,500 in Cash Prizes)
IFPA Pro North American (Men's Pro Bodybuilding, Women's Pro Bodybuilding)

June 19 - Carver, MA ($1,750 in Cash Prizes)
IFPA Eastern U.S. Men's Pro Masters (40+)

June 26 - Cayman Islands (Over $15,000 in Cash Prizes)
IFPA Pro Universe Muscle Classic (Men's Pro Bodybuilding, Women's Pro Bodybuilding, Pro Figure)

Summer TBA - Northampton, MA ($1,750 in Cash Prizes)
IFPA Women's Bodybuilding Pro Bowl

July 10 - St. Louis, MO ($3,500 in Cash Prizes)
IFPA Pro Show Me Championships (Men's Pro Bodybuilding, Pro Figure)

July 17 - Sacramento, CA (Over $10,000 in Cash Prizes)
IFPA Pro USA (Men's Pro Bodybuilding, Women's Pro Bodybuilding, Pro Figure)

Sept. TBA - Kansas City, KS (Over $10,000 in Cash Prizes)
IFPA Pro International (Men's Pro Bodybuilding, Women's Pro Bodybuilding, Pro Figure)

Sept. TBA - Council Bluffs, IA

(Over $5,000 in Cash Prizes)
IFPA Masters Pro Cup (Men's Pro Masters Bodybuilding (40+), Women's Pro Masters Bodybuilding (35+), Pro Figure Masters (35+))

October 9 - West Barnstable, MA (Over $12,000 in Cash Prizes)
IFPA Gaspari Nutrition Pro Classic (Men's Pro Bodybuilding, Women's Pro Bodybuilding, Pro Figure)

Oct.ober 23 - Washington, DC

(Over $30,000 in Cash Prizes)
USPLabs IFPA Yorton Cup Pro World Championships (Men's Pro Bodybuilding, Women's Pro Bodybuilding, Pro Figure)

www.IFPApro.com for more details on IFPA Pro events.

Colorado

2009-12-09T09:15:00.004-05:00

Went to Colorado for a Christmas party, above are a few shots... I am hopefully going to get a few better ones soon.

I've still holding at or around 8 lbs above comp day. Which isn't bad but I really want to lose about 25 more for the summer so the more I lose now the less stressful it will be. I've decided to wait and do summer showws. Late summer at that. I want to be competitive so that is my best chance this year!

iPhone users

2009-11-28T11:35:00.003-05:00

Loseit.com is now live. Very cool for those of you who haven't tried this free app it's pretty great. Now it even has forums so you can become friends with people and download your data to excel. Shoot me an email if you want to become friends and we can track each others food diaries!

loseit

I weighed myself this am. Even after the sloth of thanksgiving I'm the same weight! shocking...

Diet

2009-11-27T16:54:00.001-05:00

I started dieting today, although not as strict as a contest diet. I've decided I need to get down to my off season weight. Hold it for a while and see what that is like then diet for shows. I have no idea what I really weigh now because I start to diet then stop and so on... But now that Thanksgiving is over I'm done until Christmas day. I am thinking I need to lose about 13 lbs to get to my goal off season weight but i don't know for sure. I'll do an official weigh in next friday to see the real damage

Ill

2009-11-26T19:07:00.002-05:00

I'm literally sick from eating tonight. It's DISGUSTING. I'm really finished with this now. Even photos of me are showing obvious weight changes.

2009-11-26T11:48:00.002-05:00

I'm cranky. I realized as much as I thought I hated dieting.. I'm only happy when I am. This week was much better in that department but today isn't going to be. I feel HUGE. I realize it's relative but I really think I look huge. It's only 7/8 lbs up from comp but it's really upsetting. I hate constantly bitching about this. Tomorrow I am ready with diet food.

I've decided I like this suit better.

Almost Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T16:01:00.003-05:00

I'm having family over tomorrow and doing most of the cooking... Pics will follow end of day tomorrow. I weighed in today and I am only up 7 lbs from Yorton. Still haven't really started eating clean yet so this is a good sign. Plan is to eat tomorrow and Friday I go super strict for a week. I plan to zig zag my calories. The tools on that site are really fantastic. I'm going to do it for a week then I go to Colorado for a few days and when I return I plan to diet hard until Christmas. Take that day off then diet until the cruise in January. I need to maintain or lose weigh up until the cruise so that I can do spring shows. I was hoping to do South East States. But it may not be possible. I don't want to do a show unless I'm competitive this time.

In other news, I was looking at this suit. I think it's pretty cute. I'm not quite ready to wear a two piece at this point. But I want to wear something like the above I may not be down with the print but I like the style. You can find it here

2009-11-24T08:28:00.002-05:00

I did it... I weighed in.

up 8 lbs. I feel SO much better that I actually had the nerve to see the number. I haven't even been cutting calories that much yet, although I'm eating cleaner. So I would venture to guess half is real half is water. Now I will do my daily weigh ins and I can set up some realistic goals.

2009-11-23T19:58:00.002-05:00

Debating if I have the nerve to do the weigh in. I haven't really dieted a full day yet... calories are less but not low as they should be. But not knowing is pretty hard....

2009-11-22T18:18:00.001-05:00

Today was much better than yesterday. I drank a lot more water and ate a lot less. I did cook for the remainder of the week too. Thanksgiving aside...

I have to get this bloat gone and pronto. I am going to Colorado for a party soon and I want to wear a specific dress that won't work with ANY chub.

Post Contest Bloat

2009-11-21T07:11:00.003-05:00

Now officially a week post contest and I am up around 10 lbs. I feel and look bloated and swollen. It's pretty awful. My first instinct was to panic and want to hide in my house. But then I remembered if there is one thing I do know how to do is lose weight. So I made a list and planned all my meals for next week. Tonight I am eating out with some college friends but after that I am DONE. I'm not even interested in eating candy or pizza anymore. I just want to start back up on the diet.

I wake up full, go to bed full. It's really a disgusting feeling. I'll weigh myself next Sunday to see what the real damage is and move on.

Post Contest Confusion

2009-11-19T09:57:00.000-05:00

I was warned post contest is a confusing time but now that I am living it I really understand it. The scale says up 10 lbs, I'm swollen all over and feel horrible. I started cleaning up my diet yesterday and this weekend I'll go shopping for 90% clean food. Now that I can eat I don't want to. I ordered a lifetime supply of protein bars I don't have any interest in. At least I know better for next time.

Goal is to get this water weight off as soon as I can and see what the damage is.

2009-11-17T15:17:00.002-05:00

2009-11-16T17:51:00.003-05:00

As you can see, I'm still holding weight here but plan is to build and then lean out a lot more for 2010 season.

Post Yorton - Final thoughts

2009-11-15T19:13:00.004-05:00

ok everyone! Finally home from a great weekend. I did see some pics and I'm not going to let them get me down. I'll use them as a baseline for improvement. I am 20 lbs more than I should be up there.

Special thanks to Nicole and Veronica. They went above and beyond to help me this weekend. Nicole sponsored me and designed my suit for me, she also spent the weekend applied several coats of protan so that I was dark enough on stage. Veronica helped me backstage, helped my pump up and kept me from getting too nervous. She put me before her and didn't even have enough pump up time for herself. I couldn't have done this without them ... XOXO

On that note I am absolutely hooked. While I spent the weekend overeating. I can say with confidence I am DONE. Back to the gym and basics tomorrow am. I have my sights on some 2010 shows already and plan to bring a competitive package this time.

Here are a few pics to share with you.

one year

2009-11-11T10:09:00.002-05:00

my final thoughts to my OCB family before yorton 3 days out...

2009-11-11T09:16:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I am going to be joining all of you to compete in the biggest show of the year! Last year sporting a size 16, healing from a cervical fusion and lower back surgery, I must say this has certainly come full circle for me. I'm so proud to say 83 total lbs lost and 69 lbs just this year. (hoping to say –70, show day) Considering my obstacles and weight loss I look pretty good so I'm going to just be happy to be up there.

There are so many of you to thank and acknowledge, to name a few, Reemo, Veronica, Nicole, Sully, Zack, Tina P, Lady Y, Blythe, Jen Z, Theresa, Michelle, Mel, Dunya and Big Ike (please forgive me if I missed anyone). But I couldn't have done it without you! You guys took me in and allowed me to be a part of a family when I was clearly not physically close to competing. When other people doubted me, no one here did.. Or at least to my face.. LOL! Everyone encouraged me and made me feel welcome. So I'm doing this show for all of you too, without you it wouldn't be possible.

I am truly honored to have this opportunity to be on stage with some of you. It's a day I'll never forget.

2009-11-10T13:06:00.001-05:00

Tired today, Did a decent workout this am so I'm not doing double cardio tonight... I have other things I have to do. Wednesday I will do double for sure.

- 81 lbs
- 67 since last yorton

5 days out

2009-11-08T17:19:00.003-05:00

Still no keys... some ahole took them for sure. Here are a few from posing today. Yes I still have weight in my middle but I'm just going to improve for spring.

6 days out

2009-11-07T17:34:00.003-05:00

shitty day... key issues, not even going to get into it. Didn't drink all the water or eat all my food. Tomorrow must be precise!

7 days - PEAK WEEK

2009-11-06T16:56:00.002-05:00

my first official peak week! I have to follow everything exactly as it's written and today was a little different with food timing and portions. Slightly different, nothing drastic. I'll prep everything perfectly for the remaining week though. I want it to be dead on.

8 days out

2009-11-05T18:41:00.003-05:00

a rare occasion indeed me in white.

Just got my pedicure for the show. I can't miss the gym tomorrow night so I went tonight. Night is hard for me. I'm hungry and angry but I'm doing my best to keep it together. In 8 short days I'll be competing it's really crazy

9 days....

2009-11-04T13:16:00.002-05:00

I'm doing pretty good today. Not freaking at all. I do need to cut down on the gum still but besides that feeling ok. I did eat some extra fruit yesterday but as far as sins go it could be worse.

I have the remaining workout and most of my new diet. I can't belive all this work and it's almost here. I've already set my sights on post contest and maintanance until January. Looking forward to protein bars and powders again.