I'm sooooo happy you're going to be with me on this year's journey to the NANBF Southern States Classic figure show. This whole blog process is still very new to me so please be patient while I iron out the kinks. As a lot of you already know, I'm not the most technically savvy person but you gotta love me for trying right? :) So my life in figure competitions and training....where do I even begin?! Before mentioning the present, I think it would only be wise to tell you where my journey started and how it's led me to be where I am today.
In August 2007, after moving back to KC from living in San Francisco for about seven months, I was honestly a little lost in life. Grieving a break up and trying to once again find my niche in KC took it's toll on me not only emotionally but very much physically. I craved stability and was itching to find something that would ressurect focus in my life. In walked Allison.
Before I had moved away, my friend Allison who I play volleyball with, had told me about her process of training for a figure competiton. I didn't know exactly what a figure show was but from the moment I saw her competition photos, I knew it was something I wanted to do. I told her I wanted to train for the next show with her. Never mind I was at my heavist weight and worst shape in my life. I'm sure you're thinking I was crazy (trust me, I got A LOT of are-you-out-of-your-mind looks when telling people) about setting a challenge so unrealistic. Maybe I was since I was so naive to the actual process, but my new goal brought back excitement and drive within me.
Allison trained with a small studio called Twin Fitness (http://www.twinfitness.com/) in Overland Park, KS. Owned by identical twin sisters (duh, hence the name) that train people from all walks of life but specialize in training girls for figure/fitness competitions. Both were nationally ranked competitors but have since retired and now have trained hundreds of girls for shows. They have brought home more than 25 first place trophies and more than 75 top five finishes. On average, Twin Fitness places over 85% of their competitors, at every show....clearly they know what they're doing!
My first meeting was on Dec. 5th, 2007 with Kristie Harbaugh, one of the the twins. We discussed my goals and she took my measurements. She was honest and said it was going to be a long road but she could get me there. I had total faith in her....and so it started. With a very strict nutrition plan and working out six days a week for sometimes three hours a day, I finally got there on April 18th, 2008. I won't go into my whole transformation but I dropped a total of 42 lbs. and 21% bodyfat. At show time, I weighed in at 120 lbs with 4.3% body fat and took 3rd place in the beginners and novice tall class. It was easily one of my proudest accomplishments thus far. I'll post some photos below as soon as I figure out HOW. ;)
So here we are today...clearly a completely different person from just a year ago. I've learned so many different things that I can't wait to share and discuss with you!! I've continued to work out just as hard in the off season and have gained more muscle mass. I'm hoping it will help me appear more proportional this time around on stage. I know that my physical changes wont be that drastic this time around but that doesn't mean I haven't set my goals any lower. New year and show only calls for another great goal: To place first at show!! :D And so it begins....
always love,
LM
Twin Fitness girls
My trainer Kristie
Keisa, one of my work out buddies
With my trophies
Twin Fitness stole the show
Woo-hoo! First comment. Good luck in this year's show. I look forward to hearing all about your process/progress, even the disgusting bits.
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