Big Plate

I have a lot on my plate right now. Prepping for a show is enough for most people, but I guess I'm not most people because I continue to pick up additional projects despite how little extra time I have to put toward them. I have been contemplating expanding my current gym several months, but now is the time I have decided to move forward with these plans. Plans for expansion include writing a new business plan, creating an investor package to present to investors (Let me know if you want to invest in my new gym.), and a trip to Las Vegas to check out Tuff Stuff equipment in early July which is right between my 2 shows. Yeah, this is going to take a lot of time. Also, several months ago, I attempted to contact the Derby City Roller Girls, our newly established local Roller derby league. About one month ago, I finally picked up some reception, and now I'm their strength and conditioning coach. Their first bout is next weekend and their season extends past my season. It's going to be a big time investment, but well worth it. I usually find a way to fit everything in, so I'm sure it will work out fine.

For the last 4 weeks I've been using an amino acid supplement line from Biochemical Sports Performance. I feel good and not too run down. I'm staying focused and regimented with my diet, but I don't have much time left before Junior Nationals is here. I think the amino acids are working for me, but they can't do much to help my perspective. At 6 weeks out from my first of two shows, the scale says I'm on track, but my eyes say that I'm not there yet. I think I'm harder on myself every time I diet. I expect more from myself every time I compete and when I only see slightly better, I'm disappointed. I'm usually a confidant person and I feel that competing instills confidence further; however, right now I need reassurance from those who understand what I'm doing in order to stay positive.

I took progress pictures today. Often, when you look at pictures, you see something different than you thought you saw when you were there in person. Sometimes you think you looked better at the time the pictures were taken, and sometimes you think you look better when you see them after the fact. Today, I saw the same thing in the mirror as I did in the picture on the computer screen. Although I have lost weight, I don't feel like I have improved significantly in the last couple weeks. The fact is that I have been sick 3 times since I started dieting 10 weeks ago. It's been the same thing every time: sore throat, lost voice, nasal congestion, crap in my lungs, exhaustion...etc, and the third time was the week before last. As a result, I haven't been able to do as much cardio as I had planned, so my concern is that I've lost more muscle still and not enough fat. I'll see in a couple more weeks when I get another body fat test. In the meantime, although I ask my husband, Adam, daily, I will send my pictures to some other people for their opinions. Carla, my trainer, hasn't see pictures in 4 weeks. She'll be helping me with my final week before the show and in the meantime, giving me some guidance as needed. I also showed Lana of www.Lanaseggwhites.com my pictures 4 weeks ago, and she is always helpful because she has worked with so many competitors. She'll shoot straight about where she thinks I stand, and that's what I need.