Five Weeks to Competiton

So I am starting this blog to follow my quest to compete in a National level figure competition. I competed in my first show 6 months ago after training for 26 weeks. I placed 1st in the first-time competitors division and placed third for my height class in the novice division. My next competition will be on May 16, just under 5 weeks from today.

I thought that starting this blog would be helpful because there are so many ups and downs when it comes to training and competing. And while I never tire of the subject, I know that my friends, family, and co-workers don't quite feel the same. So this blog will give me an opportunity to express some of the things that I am feeling along my journey.......so here goes.

While I did all my own training, diet, posing, and prep for my first show, I have decided to get some help this time around. I am currently using an on-line trainer who has been great. It's not always easy to follow someone else's plan though when you see things a little different. Having always been head-strong, I have a tendency to want to do things my way. However, because I have "hired" someone to guide me, I am committed to following his plan. as I stated to him, I can't keep doing the same things and expect different results. So I have really been learning to trust his judgement.

The biggest change that has come with using a trainer is that my entire training routine has been altered. There are many things that I like to do that he has nixed. Also, because apparently I was "overtraining" in the past, he has re-structured the reps, sets, and types of exercises that I do. Having gotten used to my 3 hour daily sessions in the gym, it has been strange to end a session in less than 2 hours, including my cardio. I always feel a little guilty leaving the gym so soon as though I am cheating. I must admit though that it is nice to get in, do my routine, and get out. And my knees have finally stopped hurting (used to do 10 sets of heavy barbell walking lunges), so I am not complaining.

Well, anyway, I plan to keep this blog updated on a regular basis with my diet, training, prep an dverything else. Will also try to put regular update photos, including pics from my show.

Happy Training to you!

Shyrlena