An eternal optimist, always wearing a smile. Must haves: sunshine, fitness (jogging, weight training, & CrossFit), reading, good food, writing, music, and fun with family and friends.
25 pounds on sled 20 yard shuttle (10 up/10 back)
Rest as needed between each shuttle.
OMG!! I actually did T2B (toes to bar) today!! I was so darn excited that I actually did them that I lost count.
One second I’m gripping and dangling from the bar. The next second, I look up and my toes are touching the bar! Holy cow!
Whoop! Whoop! Hey! Hey! Hey! At that very moment, I felt like doing a happy dance, but you don’t stop in the middle of a WOD to celebrate. Progress is a beautiful thing.
T2B require core strength, something I lacked before hitting the gym. Thanks to seven months of intense training, I whipped my feet up with no problem… not without pausing in between, but gone are the days of knees to chest and elbows are gone. Yippie!
The 75 lb. back squats were too light. Surprise! Surprise! I stepped away from the bar with the weight on my back expecting a challenge. Nope! I knocked out 4 sets of 10’s with no problems. Next time, I need to try at least 95 and go from there.
The most challenging part of the WOD was the prowler push. I didn’t mind the bright sun outside, but by hamstrings were on fire!! By the time I was into the second 20 yards, I realized I would have to dig deep to complete the 10.
It is great to be back. Don’t get me wrong, I know that I’m going to be sore tomorrow, but I got such a high from today’s WOD!! Endorphins, I love you!
I’m taking off tomorrow, but plan to do back in the gym on Thursday and will figure out the rest of the week as I go along.
1. If you want something bad enough, you won’t make excuses. Instead you will make the sacrifices & commit to go after it.”
It is one thing to set a goal and to say that you are going to do something. But it’s a totally different ball game to take action and to follow through day after day after day.
Standing in the kitchen cooking for five or more hours prepping food for myself and for my family, when I desperately wanted to blanket my tired behind over the sofa is commitment. For seven months, I did it.
Chugging down whey protein like a 560-horse power racecar sucks up gallons of gas and spending over $50 often on a 5 gallon jug for the sake of building muscle is commitment. I’d much rather have spent the dollars on clothes or home décor, but my priorities shifted.
I have racked my brain to recall past experiences that required this level of commitment.
Only one period in my life compares. And that was my junior and senior year of college as an adult commuter student. I commuted 45 minutes to an hour to and from school. Some days I attended class twice a day; a morning class at 8 O’clock. Left school an hour and fifteen minutes later to attend work and then after work, at 5 p.m., I returned to school for a 3 hour class that ended at 9 p.m.
After class, I’d drive home, unpack, repack, and either read, write, or study until my 1 a.m. bedtime and repeat the cycle the next day.
When I look back on that time period, I wonder in amazement how I did it. Determination, faith, prayer and encouragement from family and close friends got me through it.
2. Proper weight training can reshape and sculpt the body.
Long distance running and eating healthy has kept me lean well into my 40’s. Before I started training for the competition, I was pretty much satisfied with my figure. Were there “hot spots” that I wanted to tweak? Of course! What woman is 100% satisfied with her body.
It took a good three to four months to develop strength. Gaining strength enabled me to lift heavier weight.
The heavier weight, weekly variation of exercise, and eating clean consistently, was the shock that my body needed to carve and develop muscle mass.
Not until colleagues, associates and friends being questioning and commenting about my body, that I realized changes were occurring.
“What are you doing? Your body looks different! You look amazing!”
My clothes closet has turned into a huge stationary rack filled with jeans, dresses, jackets and more that no longer fit.
In seven months, we literally carved a new body. Weight, fat, and muscles are totally redistributed. My weight has slightly decreased, but I’ve dropped two clothing sizes.
3. You will do things in the future that you never imagined.
Lying bottomless on my side, holding a butt cheek while a technician methodically waxes the crack of my ass was NEVER on my to-do list. Seriously! What public eye, let alone intimate partner care about what is back there?
I’ll tell you who? The world of bodybuilding! When you are on stage in that little thing called a swimsuit flexing and twisting, NOBODY wants to see pubic hairs peeking out!
Did I really have to go there with the wax? Probably not, but… she was already down there and up close and personal in my Va-Jay-Jay (as Oprah calls it), so why get embarrassed now. Besides, I thought she was finished, when she said, “turn over hon-ee.” What? Lawed!! Did she want me to go on all fours?
She must have seen the terror in my eyes and said, “On yah side hon-ee! Yah side!” Obediently I turn, not realizing what was next. She grabs my hand, slaps it on my butt cheek, “Hol tight right here!” Umm… like a meek child… Okay. Whoa there!! Warm wax on the crack of the behind! WTH!! Surely I didn’t sign up for this. LOL!!
The result? Amazing!!
Do I recommend it? Yes.
Why? Swimsuit season is here and waxing last longer than shaving. The results are smoother and better. Gone are the worries of stuff slipping out from under the swimsuit.
4. Spray tanning is for ALL people.
I’m of medium/dark complexion and love my natural color. Walking into a spray tan salon felt weird. A guy and a girl, both white, were seated on the sofa. I walk in. They look at each other, and then look at me. Could that have been imagination? Maybe. I don’t know.
I’m eager to explain why I’m there.
“Hi, I have an appointment. I’m competing in a bodybuilding competition…. blah…blah…blah.”
Okay. Once I got that out, I felt better. Why should I have cared? I shouldn’t have, but it just felt weird. You know; one of those awkward moments.
Do you want a guy or a girl? Ha!! Is she serious? I’m comfy with my body and all, but I don’t need some young kid, my daughter’s age, all up in my stuff and critiquing my aging ta-ta’s.
Honestly, if they sat up like they use to, then I wouldn’t care, but that ain’t the case, so… give me a gal. Besides she’ll know what her boobs will look after kids and 20 or so years. She’d better enjoy them while they’re standing, because you cannot defy the laws of physics. Ha-ha! My mom says “aging is a bi***!” Lol!!
Anyways, once again I find myself naked in front of yet another stranger. This time, I’m standing, legs and arms spread out. To achieve a complete and even tone, every nook and cranny has to get sprayed. Who the heck knew? Never in my life did I think “I” would be doing this.
The spraying was kind of cool. The licensed technician used high-tech airbrush equipment to apply the tanning solution. She methodically sprayed my body from feet to face. The cool air that touched my body felt good, but did not stop sweat from rolling down my armpits and inner thighs.
After the spray, I was led up and into an enclosed booth where I’d “baked” under ultra violet lights for four minutes. The booth is not for the claustrophobic. I’m not claustrophobic but closed my eyes and told myself to breath and relax. Only about a foot stood between me and lights. Tight quarters.
The result was gorgeous!! I was beautifully and evenly bronzed from head to toe. And I didn’t even have to buy a plane ticket. Pretty cool. Will this become a habit? No, but I would do it again, if I were going to a nice affair during the winter, and wanted to wear my back out. It was ignorance on my part to not realize that people of color spray tan. Smh!
5. To achieve maximum fitness, you have to constantly “mix it up!”
All of the running in the world will not duplicate the muscle, definition, and tone that I have now.
Throughout the seven months of training, my body was in a constant state of shock. No two workouts were identical but every workout was a test of my will.
I grew accustom to waking every morning with stiff and sore muscles. It’s par for the course.
Creativity and variety is essential to weight training. For each muscle to develop, every aspect of the muscle has to be worked.
My hour and half running sessions were reduced to 20-30 minutes of cardio, limited to a few days a week.
The change in my workout routine took some getting used to, but slowly I saw changes in my body and began to understand the process.
My thoughts of working out are forever changed. My new regimen will include weight training, crossFit, some jogging and yoga! I know better so I will do better.
6. Even the most confident person can become insecure.
Family, friends, and colleagues who know me, would never say that I lack in confidence. Though confident I am never over-confident, arrogant, or cocky about anything.
Weight Training definitely highlighted my insecurities. Walking on to a gym floor and seeing, what appears to be, fit and knowledgeable members can be overwhelming and intimidating.
As a result of my friend and trainer’s pre-planned vacation, I had to work out for one week alone. I was scared. Afraid of what? I was fearful of people looking at me thinking I didn’t know what the heck I was doing. Normally I don’t care what people think, but the new experience launched a bunch of new unexplored emotions. Would I lift the weights properly? Would someone be off in the corner laughing at me?
The answer to those questions and others are irrelevant because it really doesn’t matter! Unfortunately our society dictates the daily judging of others. Sadly, the current craze of trash reality TV is a good indicator.
For a week, I went to the gym alone, listening to music, glancing at my notes and doing my thing. No one paid me any attention, if they did, I didn’t notice because my focus was on my workout.
Walking on stage in five-inch stilettos and a tiny two piece in front of a couple of hundred people can rattle the most confident person.
As the Training Employee & Development Manager of a gaming hall, years ago, I instructed new hires to “fake it til you make it!” The “it” being the friendly and outgoing personality that all employers were expected to display while on “stage” meaning in front of customers.
I’d like to think that when prompted by my song, “Talk Dirty” by Two Chains started playing; I walked across the stage like I’d done it before. I think I did okay because I placed 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in three different categories.
7. Goals may change quicker than expected.
You know just as well as I that, goals change. However, I was very confident that I would compete in just one competition.
“One and done!” I said.
Even hubby wasn’t feeling a second show. It took less than a week for me to resolve that I needed to compete again. I kept the thought to myself and didn’t say anything until a text exchange with my friend (trainer).
One day out of the clear, hubby says,
“If you compete again I’ll buy your next suit!”
Whiplash! That’s how fast I turned to look at him. Wow!! He’s been bit by the same darn bug!
The astonishment of what we accomplished in 7 months, has piqued my curiosity. Even my friend pondered, “Imagine what you’d look like with a year of training!” Hmm…
So yes, I will compete again, but have not decided on which show. For now, I’ll continue to weight train, catch up on some CrossFit, get some spin in, and squeeze in a weekly yoga class. Remember, all things are possible.
One week ago today, I was getting ready for my first figure competition. This morning I am playing the role of cheerleader on the sidelines at
B’Dazzle’s track meet.
Although the competition is over, my training routine is still in effect. Last night I packed meals to make sure that I don’t succumb to the concession stand craze.
Honestly I have no desire to eat another hot dog for the rest of my life. I’m not saying that I won’t eat one, but the desire is gone. If I am jammed up without food, then I may go there. However, my plan is to be well prepared so I don’t have to go there. It’s going to be another long day. We’re in South Jersey and teams from Pennsylvania, NY, and other neighboring towns are representing.
So. I packed oatmeal, hard-boiled eggs, brown rice, green beans, center cut pork loins, a ginormous salad, protein shakes, and an apple. Lol! I should be covered.
Why am I still eating like I am competing ?
It’s a lifestyle, not a destination
Okay. I’m blogging from my cell phone and it’s killing my battery. But before I end this post, I just had to share one of my many blessings!
Last night a cherished friend delivered a congratulatory bouquet of flowers for my performance last week. How awesome is that! I really do have the best girlfriends. Honest, sincere, loyal, and sweet. I am thankful.
Make it a great day and thanks for stopping by. Happy Saturday!
Two days post competition turned out to be a perfect and my last day of “cheating.” Lol!
A personal day off from work gave me time to enjoy a spa day. I took my son to school and immediately drove to the spa for a day of pampering with a girlfriend.
The Hot Rock Massage was exactly what my body needed and then some. Just heavenly! Massage…jacuzzi…sauna…steam room…pool…DRINKS! Lol! Oh yeah!
The activities that take place behind the scenes are just as, if not more interesting, than what occurs on stage. Lots of muscle pumping, tanning, and prepping. I respect fellow competitors privacy, so I won’t include any of their shots. The vibe in the prep room is all good and I felt welcomed.
I received many well wishes lots of smiling faces. I even received advice from the more experienced competitors, which I thought was cool.
Speaking of behind the scenes, I must give props to my seamstress, Decked In Diamonds, who did a phenomenal job on my suit! Heeey! We never met in person and all the measurements and fittings were done through the internet or snail mail. And… she nailed it!
The game face
Yes! Push ups off the bench! Lol!
Practicing my pose!
Getting help from a special supporter!
Oh yeah!! Waking up the triceps!
The workout never ends
Final touches
My Trainer giving me final instructions. “Big back!”
There is something magical about the many “firsts” that we experience in life, which cannot be duplicated.
The jubilation a mother experiences after hearing the first cry of her newborn, the jittery feeling of starting a new job, the joy of buying the first car or home, your child’s graduation from kindergarten or college, or in my case debuting as a figure competitor at 48 years old are feelings that can never be replicated.
The raw and unexpected ball of emotions that evolve from the onset of something new is remarkable!
Calm… anxious… proud… hype… disbelief… happy… tearful… overwhelmed… and more!
It took nearly two years of me pondering and to man up to the challenge of competing. The seven-month flight took me along a road of expected twists and turns. Today I’m scratching my head and earnestly wondering,
“Why the heck did I wait so long?”
I can’t help but to reflect on one of my favorite Langston Hughes poems:
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore–
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over–
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
Thankfully, my desire to compete didn’t dissipate into a distant memory . However, my desired lingered and festered like a sore. Like a relentless kid in a candy store pulling on mom’s shirt tail, the want to compete, tugged and nagged at me until I couldn’t take it anymore and succumbed to the challenge.
I am happy I did, for I would have surely missed out on an incredible experience.
Ohm-gosh! There is so much to say, I’ll have to break it down into segments of several posts.
I’ll start with the question of, How did I measured up?
Women’s Figure Debut – 2nd Place
Women’s Figure Debut is for first time competitors. To place second behind a woman who has previous “stage” experience is pretty cool. I’ll take it.
Women’s Figure Masters 40+ – 3rd Place
Women’s Figure Masters 40+ is just that, women over 40 years old. I went up against a few seasoned unofficial pros. To place 3rd is a major accomplishment!
Women’s Figure Open B ~ 4th Place
In Women’s Figure Open, I competed against women’s entire figure division, young and old, so I am pleased with my results.
The most inspirational and moving moment was the ANBF’s first wheel chair body builder competitor.
Amongst spectators, I sat and then stood screaming and applauding in amazement at his performance. This guy was remarkable! It was his front chest pose that stunned the audience evoking tears from many, including me. His muscles were well-defined and his composure and finesse was outstanding.
People come up with endless excuses for why they can’t or (chose) not to exercise. Yet a man, suffering from a brain tumor, with every valid excuse not to work out, obviously takes on the challenge and title of bodybuilder. Come on now; really there is NO excuse.
I credit my success in this competition to my wonderful friend and trainer.
My inspirational friend and BEST Trainer around!
She’s an awesome woman, who helped me to develop not only the body, but also the confidence and ump to successfully compete!
Her dedication to a healthy lifestyle and her commitment and work ethic is impeccable. Regardless of how many hours she worked before we hit the gym, she brought her A game and kicked my butt daily! Most mornings, I started my day feeling very sore (some days like I had been hit by a truck), but it was always after a fun, challenging, and very creative workout.
Thank you AR; you ROCK!!
My family and friends made me feel special on stage. They sported their blue, “Team Tanya” t-shirts and make their presence known. The competition had a large number of competitors, yet my crew sat for the entire show (over 6 hours) and waited for the presentation of the awards. Thanks guys! I am so blessed!
Some of the loyal “Team Tanya” supporters.
The guy in the front with the black t-shirt is from “Team Karen” who shared in the enthusiasm of my team. Lol!
The extra sparkle and edge on stage surely came from my “Glam Squad!” Hair stylist and owner of KinHairitage Salon, Victoria Shelton and the fabulous make up artist Miss Takiyah did their thang!! I wanted to represent the Natural Chicas in a Big way and they came through big time!! I loved the hair!!
There are more pictures to share with you, I have to get them off of my daughter’s camera, so I will post them in a day or so. For now, here are a few more photos.
Loyal “Team Tanya” supporters.
B’Dazzle showing mom some love.
4th Place Open (All ages all elves)
3rd Place Masters (over 40)
Pumping up the muscles before the competition
Center stage
Front Pose
2nd Place Debut (First time competitors)
Taking a break outside…
Getting made up before show time.
Representing the Natural Chicas!
This journey has been a blast and I am truly thankful for everyone’s support.
What’s next?
I’ve been bit by the bug…. Let’s just say, I’ll be back!!! Lol!!
It’s only Tuesday and I ran out of chicken! Darn! This is not cool on a weekday. Clearly I underestimated and miscalculated my intake of protein for this final week. Math lesson learned. :0)
Was up at 4:30 a.m. this morning.
It is now just past 9 o’clock at night.
About 12 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast is baking in the oven. Two pounds of collard greens mixed with one pound of kale sit cooling on the kitchen counter.
The chicken is only seasoned with granulated garlic powder, black pepper, olive oil, and crushed red peppers. No salt or “extra” spices.
Kale/collard green blend with chicken.
You’d think I would be exhausted after leaving work and going straight to the gym for more posing practice and a so, called “light” total body training at the gym. Haaahaaa! My trainer kicked my butt!
From crawling backward starting from a push ups position and dragging (backward) a 25 pound weight across the floor to arms curls and about 90 minutes of other “stuff” plus 20 minutes of cardio, I worked up a good sweat.
Wednesday I will be ready for the “light” workout. Lol!! I am not complaining because I actually enjoyed every minute of it.
Friends, family, and co-workers always ask, How do you do it? Where do you get the energy from?
The answer? Eating healthy, which for me, means eating cleaning, getting enough sleep, staying motivated and, keeping my head on straight (I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore) works well. I want to say more, but I really have to go.
Health & Wellness by Lexa's Journal 
