You're doing what??!!! Are you crazy???

Yes, it's true . . .I've decided to compete in my first figure competition. I thought the title of my first post in this blog dedicated to documenting my journey to the stage was appropriate since many people think I have completely lost my marbles for a) competing in ANY figure competition b) choosing Emerald Cup as my first show (rumor has it that it's quite an intimidating show for a first time competitor) and c) it just so happens that EC 2012 is the 30th anniversary which means more competition. You know what I say to those people who think I'm insane? Go big or go home!!

So I bet y'all are wondering why I am competing. I'm doing it for ME! I've thought about for years and have always admired anyone who had the willpower and dedication to make it through the preparation process. So why haven't I done this sooner? I honestly don't think I had the drive to do it before. It's kind of funny that my ex-husband was a personal trainer but at that time I didn't WANT to workout because I felt like I had to. He also ate more crap than anyone else I think I've ever known. Kind of hard to stick to a strict diet when your significant other encourages binge drinking and late night stops at Taco Bell!

So what changed that made me think I can do this now? I suddenly discovered this magical thing called willpower. Okay, maybe it's not really that magical but after sticking to the Paleo diet for 3 months earlier this year and losing 24 pounds and 5.8% body fat, I realized that I can stick to something if I really put my mind to it.

Yesterday was exactly 22 weeks from EC 2012 and after 10 weeks of dieting and a structured workout plan I'm feeling pretty darn good! I managed to go 8 weeks without a cheat meal and didn't even gnaw off a hand in the process! I'm now having one cheat meal a week (instead of an entire cheat weekend like I used to do!) and I actually really like doing cardio first thing in the morning. And you know what the best part of my hard work so far? I can actually see changes when I look in the mirror! My significant other commented how he could see my six-pack the other day . . .if only I could see it :) I know I'm getting there but I sure wouldn't call it a six-pack by any means! Maybe in a few more weeks . . . .

Time to go put the final seasonings in tonight's yummy cheat meal - homemade chili!