There is so much going on in my fitness bubble lately! And right now, it all has to do with the Arnold Fitness Expo!!!

Ever since I came across this event in my Oxygen magazine several years ago, it has been a goal of mine to attend… and it is finally happening!! I can’t wait to be square in the middle of thousands of like minded people and brushing elbows with some of the best in the fitness industry! It’s going to be a rush walking in and finally making myself a part of such a massive event! Sure, I’m on websites, read books, magazines, get emails, snail mail etc to keep up with the fitness scene… but making the trek down to Columbus and seeing these professionals eye to eye will add a whole new dimension and depth to this huge part of my world. I’m sure I will be humbled, and maybe lose my voice if I actually get the chance to meet some of my role models!! *!!!Whew!!!*

I already have lists going of things I need to do to prepare~ what to wear, hair makeup, nails, a list of what to take, electronics to charge, etc! And of course, it almost goes without saying I’ve been very much focused on my training and eating “clean”. It’s helping me be more tuned in than usual, because I’d like to look as great as possible when I walk in.. feel like I earned it, you know? (Plus it helps me work out all my excitement!)

I can’t wait to see what the 700+ vendors will be bringing that’s new to the market, and just let myself wander the booths and see what it’s all about! It’s going to be fun to collect as many free samples and shirts as possible! I’m hoping to discover a few things there that are perfect for me, my training style and goals, find a few new websites and supplements, as well as leave there awash with renewed motivation, a great sense of belonging and confidence. (^__^)

Anyway, tonight is arms and cardio, plus getting my hair trimmed for the Expo! Gotta look crisp! Happy training!~>

It’s a new month, and I couldn’t be more excited! Another 31 days to see how well I can do, work on my stats, refocus on goals and surprise myself on how well I can really do. Last month was absolutely a disappointment in the numbers game, so I’m very happy to put it behind me!
Unfortunately, today is not my best day to be recommitting to all these things. I haven’t been able to sleep for the passed 3nights, and it is taking its toll. Perfect example the times you really have to dig deep, and fight against the feeling of solid lead permeating your body and slowing your mind. I know I will feel better about it in the long run, so it will be some uncomfortable now for that great feeling later. Hopefully, looking over all the things I want for myself and my body will give me the boost I need, they are often inspiration in and of themselves.

In the passed couple days, I’ve found myself really feeling a renewed passion for my training. I am always passionate.. but lately I’ve had this feeling of intensity that you just don’t feel every day no matter how much you respect something. It is very much like the feeling of falling in love~it takes over your thoughts, you see beautiful details, you have butterflies and even a little fear of how much it deserves your best. Nothing else makes me feel like this. I am constantly researching, thinking about what I researched, reading about or just daydreaming about all things fitness. I watched one of the youtube videos of the WBFF World Championships the other day~ maybe most people might have thought it was cool, but to me it made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I just can’t even imagine the sense of accomplishment those men and women had, standing on that stage! Even if you didn’t win or even place, you made it to something so big… were part of it because of your determination, discipline, dieting, hours of training, the tedious details, micromanaging every hour and calorie and form execution. What struck me was… that CONFIDENCE. It made my skin goose bump! Wow. These people are my role models. I can’t even imagine how I’ll feel when I (finally!) make it to The Arnold and can actually attend some of these events! Even if I don’t know how all that works, it inspires me none the less. Now back to research

I’m feeling great after today’s workout!
It’s my third day in after some serious vaykay! Sure it’s fun to loaf, sight see, eat a little unhealthily here & there and booze it up with friends… but to be honest, by the last evening I was ready to get back to my goals. I used my last day of recovery to get myself back into the headspace that keeps health, nutrition and training at the forefront of my thinking. So cleaning up the gym and making it comfy and sparkling was a good step towards motivation. Getting my latest issue of Oxygen helps quite a bit too!
Once I suited up and got back in my gum, It felt like I had been gone forever! I felt a little weakness and some real hurt on my endurance, but refreshing nonetheless. I’m coming to the decision to step out of my comfort zone and try a program that has been collecting dust for a couple months on my shelf.. more on that in later posts. I do feel kind of silly using it, but like I said, it’s out of my comfort zone, and really, what’s the harm!
Glad to report my husband Jamie is back to riding his bike in the mornings! getting up at 5am isn’t fun at all! Especially to bike before a full day of work and appointments! So hats off to you my love!!! <3
In the mean time, I’m still detoxing from my travels, and feeling good about it! No sugar, crap food or alcohol till Tuesday at the earliest, and of course whole foods, raw foods, fruits, veggies, protein and h2o!! So back to the norm really
Ahhhh!

And a BIG shout out to my husband, who designed the pretty image of my name up there.. it’s so Anj! He also made the entire site here, and built the home gym right along side me, and financed its creation.
I love you so much Jamie, you have always supported me in this! Even I don’t know where this could go…