13 Weeks Out

"It always seems impossible until it's done" - Nelson Mandela

13 Weeks Out and my first official prep plan starts today.  The reality of that left me with some unexpected emotions.  Just when I think I am mentally prepared I realize my confidence still has a long way to go.  I'm getting there, but it is certainly a slow process.  I think a lot of people assume that competing is about proving something to others, and sometimes, it can be.  But in my case, it’s far more about proving something to myself.  I realized quite a while ago that the emotional highs and lows are an inevitable part of the process.  Facing each one makes me stronger and more confident.  It also reminds me that I have an amazing support system.

I have noticed through my workplace and social media that many people who compete are often the target of negativity and criticism.  It can be very scary to put yourself out there and to pursue a goal and engage in a lifestyle that many people consider to be pointless.  I often avoid the subject because I don't want to be hurt or judged.  Since I understand how important support is, I make every effort to be that support for others who are following their dreams or pursuing a goal, regardless of whether it has anything to do with fitness or not.  So many people are discouraged and scared away from greatness because of critics.

I know the prep is going to be tough.  This is the first time since being with my team that my calories are going to be reduced instead of increased.  It is also the first time ever that I will be doing cardio doubles.  I'm thankful that my Wednesday's are still single cardio sessions. Even though my calories have been reduced I'm still going to be eating slightly over 1,400 calories with a 50% Protein, 30% Carb, 20% Fat macro-nutrient breakdown.  It seems like so much protein, but I know it is necessary in order to persevere my lean muscle mass.  I am still hoping to cut about 3 to 4% body fat.  I have finally moved past the scale and am more focused on body fat.  Body fat can tell you so much more than the scale.  It can be inaccurate, but I use it as a guide every other week to tell how much lean mass I've put on and how much body fat I've lost.  I'm still concerned that I didn't put on enough lean mass during the off season.  When I signed with the team I was 115 pounds and eating 1,200 calories.  As we gradually worked on restoring my metabolism my body adapted so well, and even at 1,800 calories I was still dropping weight.  Truth be told that with December and January's holidays I have not done much for gaining or losing.  I've simply maintained.  My stats going into this 12 week prep are 108 pounds and 15.3% body fat.

Posing is still proving to be my biggest issue.  Mid February I will be meeting with a fellow teammate that will help me with my posing routine.  I am hoping to also meet with her once in March, and then in April right before my competition I will be flying to Daytona Beach for a one on one with my coach.  My goal is to be fairly confident in my routine at the time I meet with my coach.  She can give me a few pointers and tweak things and then send me on my way to be my best self!