Become your own motivation

I started thinking about something that would motivate me for a workout and I was surprised when I started thinking of myself. There is something so amazing about accomplishing something that you can always have and no one can take away from you. I can't believe my abs looked like this. Ready to have them ripped again. 

 I received my critique from my last show and I am adjusting my training this week based on the results. Ultimately it means I will be running a whole lot more these next few weeks.

1) my legs are too defined/big. Bikini looks for a softer toned appearance and they do not want to see separation in the legs
2) my suit didn't fit me right, the bottoms needed to be pulled up more and the top adjusted so it lay in a more flattering fashion
So I am back in the gym working on my glutes and not my thighs. I hope I can bring a tighter back end but lean out my legs with increased running and incline treadmill work. If I can get great results this week, and bring my weight down another 2 pounds, then I will register for the Ronnie Coleman on Saturday.

I was very proud of myself for behaving well this weekend. I forgot to take pictures of everything and I'll do better this week, but I brought my lunch pail with me to Fort Worth and stuck to my plan. Minus a small glass of white wine Saturday night, I am pretty proud of myself. I did not partake in any delicious BBQ/cake at the event.

I have been reading these books and I am enjoying it immensely. It makes me feel more powerful about making my food choices because I understand the 'why' behind it. It is not just someone telling me "you shouldn't eat that" but I can think of the implications to my body/training in a scientific way that allow me to better control my cravings. I have been very interested in the implications of insulin resistance and the glycemic load and it's role in food cravings. Pick up these books if you are ever interested in the idea of Paleo and understanding why you crave the things you crave. Good reads! They helped me gain a mental perspective on my training that makes me feel more connected to my choices.

Here are some pictures I came across from a different photographer at the event. I am excited about adjusting my posing routine and having a new training challenge to decrease my leg size. I prefer not to buy a new suit until after I meet with Team Bombshell in April. I'd like to save a penny or two and wear this one for the Ronnie and the Shredder. Maybe bringing a tighter package will help with how the suit lays.

I was completely entranced by the Arnold festival that occurred this past weekend. I have decided it will be my CRAZY goal to be there next year. Dream big or go home! :) I want to wrap arms with these lovely ladies.

Here are this years top finishers. I was honestly surprised with the results and wish I could see the judges critiques to better understand what they are looking for. 

6th place went to Juliana Daniell

5th place went to Nathalia Melo. I honestly thought she would take 1st.

4th place went to my favorite little lady Jamie Baird.

Everyone was shocked to find the 3rd place awarded to Nicole Nigrani

2nd place was taken by India Paulino

and 1st place was awarded to Sonia Gonzalez

all images taken from bodybuilding.com

What do you think about the results?

I am really focusing on cutting back my carbs this week so we will see how my mood is. I'll have pics for you tomorrow. :) 

- Whittney C.