I'M BAAAAAACK!!!!!!!

Hi Friends,

I know, I know…it’s been awhile!!  Things have been a bit of a whirlwind it seems like lately and the extra time I have had I spend attempting to take naps to rest!  The countdown is on and I have 11 days left till the big day and I hit the stage for the first time! My friends always ask, are you more excited to eat or actually compete?  Well duh, I think about food non-stop, so much so that I even have dreams about Valentino's buffet and cupcakes, but I’ve worked SO incredibly hard and seeing my body change from all that hard work is such an amazing feeling of accomplishment that no meal could ever give!  A lot of you that know me know how crazy my life has been outside of the competition lately.  But as crazy as it sounds, with everything else going on in my life, this is the one thing that I have for ME and that time in the gym is my “Maddy” time that everything thing else gets left at the door and I can focus on this!  From family splitting up, family members lost,  jobs/new big girl job, and breaking up from a boyfriend, training for this contest has giving just as much mental strength to me as it has physical!  I am such a stronger woman inside and out from the discipline this has taken to stay focused, with no matter what is going on, you have to just push through and do it! NO EXCUSES, NO QUITTING! 

Plus no wine or chocolate to turn to when the shit hits the fan…I used to be a big time stress eater/wine drinker! Haha!  But on a positive note…with the bad comes all the good and I’ve met SO many amazing people here in town, at the gym and other amazing and inspirational women who compete I’ve met networking through Facebook and from other friends.  You learn quick who really cares about you and is really on your team and wanting you to do your absolute best versus those who are just waiting for you to give up and fall on your face!  And not to brag, but I have THEE best support group anyone could ever have or ask for! My gym (which is like my home) is my family and I’ve met my best friends there that I know will be there for me at any time of day even when I leave Lincoln!  I email back and forth with women that I have never even met or know and they offer nothing but helpful advice, tips, and are always asking how you are!  Saying how thankful I am for all these amazing people in life is not even close to enough, words can’t describe it and not that my mind could form the right things to say right now anyway based on the lack of carbs, I’m thankful if this even makes sense! Lol! : )

Ok, off my soap box and onto other things. With less than two weeks away, it’s crazy how much your body changes just these last couple weeks!  People come up to me all the time, “OH MY GOSH…YOUR SO SKINNY!!” Funny thing is I’ve only lost about 5lbs the whole 14-15 weeks! And by the way…lean would be a better word to say than skinny, lol or you can just say a jacked, shredded machine, whatever works because skinny isn’t really the look I’m going for BUT I appreciate the compliment! : )  But other changes like in my body fat and measurements have been big!  Hell, I could tell that when I’m drivin around with my heater on when its 80 degrees out or walkin around the house with layers on cause I’m so cold all the time! It’s exciting to see what the little changes in your diet from week to week can do along with always giving your workouts everything you have!  For posing, I have been meeting with a woman in Omaha for help and I can honestly say, it was the best thing I could have ever done!  As much as you Google, YouTube, etc. and think you got it right when you practice at home…you put yourself in front of others and are like “hmm, wow…well that doesn't look right!”  This woman who has been helping me has been competing at the pro level in women’s figure since 2005 and has been nothing but a blessing! From the day I met her she was a straight shooter just like me and took me in like I was her own!  We finally have my T-Walk down and every week my quarter turns get better and better!  It is SO much harder than I ever thought, it’s no joke when I make comments about “suck it in, stick it out, crank your body this way, flex annnnnd smile!!” lol, amazing but the smiling is tough for me cause I’m saying all those things to myself in my head at the same time trying to focus!  Pretty entertaining to watch actually, but it’s awesome to see it all come together! : )

 

 As the days are winding down (in number) and my “To-Do” list is becoming shorter I am starting to get pretty nervous!  I saw a quote the other day that described it pretty well;  “Competing in Figure for many means so much more than the "figure" you see on the stage.”  It’s completely true, every person up there has a goal, a reason, a story.  Some are naturally athletic and wanted this as their “try something new” Others have lost 50, 60+ pounds and still want to lose more but they are up there, and they are ROCKIN that bikini girl!  But every single person has put in the time, getting up at 5am or 6am for cardio, spending hours at the gym at night, and then going home to make all your meals on top of other responsibilities they might have.  My hats off to the women who have kids, families, and full-time jobs on top of everything else and are doing it!  I am a student and working two part time jobs and complaining in the beginning like, “wow…how am I going to do this?” (I'm also the 24 year old who is cranky if I'm not in bed by like 9pm!)  You can’t sit there and judge someone who is doing this when you haven’t walked an inch in their shoes or put in the work that they have!  It shows who they are, and how strong and confident they have become in themselves to get up there and show off their hard work, even if they don’t win first place or you’re not the fittest one up there!  You had the balls (so to speak) to put yourself out there and do it!  Of course everyone wants to win, but no matter what happens, gotta give those women props cause it’s not easy!  

On the plus side, I love when people tell me how inspired they have been by me and choosing to do this.  I am only 24 and I have had women who are twice my age tell me how they feel motivated by me and what I am doing.  Women who inspire ME, and who I look up to as role models tell me these few blogs and talking to me about this have inspired them to train for something, not necessarily a figure competition, but SOMETHING for them to set a goal to accomplish!  It puts the biggest smile on my face and I feel so honored to think that I could do that for someone and it makes everything worth it!  As cheesy as it sounds, I know but I love it!

And this blog has turned into a novel now, I apologize! It’s been awhile since I’ve written anything so I had a lot to talk about!  I’ll keep you guys better updated as the last couple weeks get crazy!  Love you all!

<3 Maddy

 

Strong Mind...Buff Bod!!

Hi friends!!! Well, 58 days down, 54 more to go!!! As crazy as it sounds, the past 8 weeks actually have seemed to go by fast!! I'm goin to be honest and say that I'm really excited but really scared for the next 8 because it's my first time and I hear it gets pretty intense!  This past week was kinda weird and I noticed a few things but for those of you who read this and have been through contest prep before, I'm sure you're like "yup...that's part of it!"  This past week I was telling my friends at the gym I don't know what it is, but sometimes I just feel like I'm not all there. (and yes...more than  normal, lol)  It's like sometimes I will go to talk and I'll stutter or it takes me a min to say what I'm really trying to say and I just feel like a total space case or that I can't think straight!  That and all I seem to wanna do is nap, but yet I never really sleep! Just kinda lay there and think! People that I've talked to about it say it's all part of the diet/training because your mind is fueled by carbs, and it's not that I'm not eating any carbs, I think it's just my body adjusting to it and the fact that I have never done anything like this before.  That and carbs were a HUGE part of my diet before, so some days it makes it frustrating but I still wouldn't trade my decision to do this for ANYTHING!!

 Everything is a learning experience and for every doubt you ever have, you need to remind yourself why you are doing the things you are doing...I always tell myself, "anyone can go out, drink, smash cookies/cake/sweets or have a giant hawaiian pizza, (can you tell what I miss?) but not everyone can do the things you are doing."  I remind myself that I'm doing this for ME!  Of course when you start doing something positive it brings out the haters, but everyone's opinion of what is "cool" or what is "attractive" is different!  Some people think that women with muscles look manly and gross, others think it's strong and sexy!  I've been called fat and too skinny in the same week!  If you spend your time worrying and listening to what everyone else thinks or trying to please everyone you will drive yourself CRAZY!

I'm gonna take a second to preach real quick, if there was one thing I could change about the women I know personally or have met at the gym, it'd be for them to stop bashing their bodies and what they look like so much and appreciate what they have goin for them now!  I'm not saying that I don't have the those moments that I vent to my girlfriends too, but that constant thinking and feeling negatively affects every area in your life as well like your attitude and the way you interact with others!  It's like the Debby Downer thing, people aren't going to wanna be around you cause your so gloom and doom! This is going to sound so cheesy but it has seriously worked for me, in order to make your life better and make changes you gotta change the way you think.  

Your body is NOT like everyone elses so first off, STOP comparing yourself to others cause we all know the grass is always greener on the other side.  Secondly, take a good look at yourself as you stand in front of the mirror and don't think about eliminating your flaws; ask yourself "what about me and my body is BANGIN?"  Personally my biggest challenge has always been my stomach (like most women) it's where we store a lot of our fat!  But I have a good solid collar bone, some looooong legs and I'm pretty damn funny....admit it! : ) And lastly, think about a time when you were really involved with something, you were happy, and just lovin life...you were probably doin something you are really good at!  Whether it be something having to do with health and fitness or just listening to a friend and giving your advice!  Emphasizing your strengths and what you're good at helps you exude more confidence and builds your self esteem!  

And there you have it....God is love, Rev Maddy! LOL.  Seriously though, try it!  You might be shocked at how practicing these simple little things can make you feel so much more strong and powerful! <3

Making a Lifestyle Change!

HELLLLO Friends!! I have had so many thoughts this week but have been so busy with school, work, training, I'm happy I am finally getting to sit down to share with all of you! This week is DEFINITELY better then last and on Monday annnnnd I will be in the single digits for weeks to go till my competition! WOOP WOOP! : )

As a bootcamp/group fitness instructor, and a girl who's always at the gym even if I'm not teaching, I get asked a lot of questions about how to change this or that.  A lot of the same questions... "How can I lose my belly?" "How do I get better at running?" "How can I get rid of these thighs?" And trust me, I used to be that girl asking those saaaame questions looking for that magic pill or the easiest most quick way to get the flat stomach I've always wanted!  As if you guys don't know already, I'm here to tell you that pill does not exist, and even if you double/triple class it AND run on the treadmill after, it's not going to happen in a week because you didn't get to where you are today in a week!  I don't talk about it a lot but majority of you know I used to be about 50 lbs heavier than what I am now at one point.  Granted I am 6"1' so it's not as obvious but at one point I weighed in at 213lbs and was about a size 16.  Yup, that's right! About 5 years later I am now about 162lbs and depending on how much I can suck it in that day, I am around a size 6 or 8!  Awhile ago I would never put my weight out there, but I want people to know that I really DO know where you're coming from and just as hard as it is for you, it's not easy for me either!  There are no quick fixes, and it's so much more than just changing what you eat, it's a total LIFESTYLE CHANGE! 

My decision to make a lifestyle change and to compete has not only improved my health, it's taught me to be patient, disciplined, focused, to be responsible and accountable for myself and has totally improved my physical and mental strength in the gym and in my everyday life! You have to be patient in knowing that what you're trying to achieve isn't going to happen overnight.  So if you don't see the scale drop, or your pant size drop in a week, DON'T  I am almost 7 weeks in and I can finally see my body changing!  Seeing my progress pictures from week 16 to this week has totally motivated me on days when I just feel like, "Maddy, who are you kidding...what the hell are you tryin to do??" You have to be disciplined mentally and physically to push yourself, set little goals along the way and cross those baby's off! Focus on what you're doing, why you're doing it, and make sure you're doing it for YOU because you're the only one who can make the changes in your life you want to make.  Be responsible and say what you mean and do what you say.  If you said you are going to the gym that night, no matter what kind of crap your day brings, STICK to it and be accountable for yourself! And last but definitely not least, once you start believing in yourself and doing some of those things above, you will be so much stronger in so many other aspects of your life and I can promise you, you WILL see results! get discouraged!

Trust me, I've said it before and I'll keep saying it...if I can do THIS, the girl who had to have something sweet after every meal, who started out barely being able to do 3 pushups on my toes, and chocolate was a main food group for me around "that time of the month"....you all can do anything you set your mind to!  Nothing is a more awesome, satisfying feeling then seeing your body change and mold into what you have been working so hard for and crushing your insecurities by feeling SO strong and tough!!! Whenever you guys need that little boost of confidence or someone to tell you, YES, you CAN do this,  I hope you read this and become inspired and know you're not the only one out there who has struggled with one thing or another.  As my crazy/amazing/super duper friend Liza always tells me when I need a pep talk, "GET TOUGH" cause you can do soooooooooooooooooo much more than you think you can friends!

<3 Maddy

Taking the Good With the Bad

Hi friends!!  Half way done with my 6th week of training and as much as time seems to be dragging, it also seems to be goin by fast!!  Being new to this I'm trying to learn the ropes and I've met and talked to SOOO many amazing figure girls along the way that have been so helpful with every annoying question I have had, I am so thankful and appreciative for them!  Everyone has different ideas, helpful hints, and suggestions on everything from suits, to diet ideas, to the super sweet shoes for posing that I ordered today (YAY) that keep me motivated to achieve my goal!

On a side note, I promised you guys I would always keep it real and I wanted to share my week!  As annoyingly positive as I usually always am, this week has had it's ups and downs for me.  My emotions have definitely been getting the best of me this week and things that usually I just shake off or make a sarcastic remark about just irritate me and I let it get to me.  Last night was the perfect example, rocked my deadlifts, hit my max weight that I did the week before plus some on majority of my lifts, then towards the end, I couldnt do as much on a couple lifts as I had done the week before.  And if you guys know me, I HATE the feeling that I can't do something! If you tell me I can't, I'm going to try my damn-dist to prove you wrong!   Soooo I got super frustrated with it, and I let my emotions get the best of me and had a bit of a breakdown! I don't know if it's part of being a girl mixed with the diet and tough training but some days it seems I can cry at the drop of a hat...and I won't even know what I'm upset about! Lol, but after I had my little pity party, I thought about how far I have come already, and I need to realize that ya...sometimes you're going to have an off day, or a day that even though you're giving it all you got, but you might have been able to do more a week before!  I never really thought to much into having a bad lifting day or an off day before training but I've been told it's ok and it happens! So I tried to focus on the good things that have already came out of this in the last 5 weeks; 

I am finally starting to feel like I am leaning out a bit, even though I have a LONG way to go, my pictures have shown progress and people seem to be noticing as well cause this week I have had so much encouragement and positive comments from my friends and people at the gym.  I was measured today and in the past two weeks I have finally started to see my weight drop a bit (4lbs) my body fat is down, my chest has decreased 1 inch (flatter than flat now...) and 1/2inch on my stomach, and my thighs and biceps have increased! I am definitely not a patient person and everybody I know wants instant results, shoot, I do it every time I get on the scale! I'm like "ok...haven't had a candy bar in 5 weeks...why is my weight not down cause when I DO eat one it seems to go RIGHT up!" Haha, and there are those conversations again, but slowly and surely, I am starting to see the fruits of my hard ass labor!

Ya seeing the actual physical changes encourage me, but it's also my determination to do this for ME, win or lose! I've noticed it not only changes your body, but your mind set on different aspects in your every day life as well!  Of course I have days where I am tired and don't want to go to the gym and just lay in my bed all day, say screw this and eat that giant stack of girl scout cookies in my cupboard, I'm normal!! But I CAN'T and I WON'T, I have come farther than I EVER thought I would! So on those days when the hardest part is just driving to the gym, you gotta suck it up, quit bitchin and DO WORK cause I refuse to quit!!  

Set your mind to accomplishing your goals and live by it friends!!! You can do sooooo much more than you think you can do!!! : )

<3 Maddy

Food = FUEL

Hi Friends!! FINALLY getting back on schedule from getting home from my awesome Dallas trip and getting to post again!! I have been getting a TON of questions about dieting and my diet etc. so I wanted to just give everyone an idea of what my training diet looks like! Some people get freaked out with the word "DIET" shoot, I used to be one of em! I tell my friends at the gym this all the time, your diet is what you eat, weather your diet is McDonald's and Burger King drive-thru, or your diet is whatever your family is eating, whatever your eating is what YOUR diet is, so STOP letting the word freak you out! Mind over matter, it's allllll mental baby!  There are sooooo many different diets that people do for many different reasons, and I want to point out that there is no "cookie cutter" plan that works for everyone.  The diet that I had made for me is different than other girls training do, and what might work for one person might not work for another! At the same time, it's pretty simple...calories in versus calories out and YES...YOU HAVE TO EAT TO LOSE WEIGHT!!!!! (amazing I know, right?)

Ok, so 12 weeks out, this is what my diet looks like:

• 7am: Protein pancake
• 9-9:30am: Protein Shake, 1 tbsp natural pb
• 11:30-12:30pm: 4oz Chicken, 1 tbsp pb
• Pre-workout: 46g Cheerios, 130-132g banana, 4oz Chicken (obviously my favorite meal cause it's the most carbs!!)
• During workout: Protein Shake
• Post workout: 3oz sirloin, 1 serving brown rice, 1 nutrigrain bar
• 9pm-10pm: 114g 1% cottage cheese, protein shake

And you guys act like I don't eat....PAAALEASE!! What I have learned so far, is the easier the better, make foods that your going to get the most bang for your buck and can make in bulk once a week so you don't have to worry about "hmm, well what am I gonna eat tonight??" That was the time I would snack the most, WHILE making dinner cause I was so hungry!! I never thought I'd be able to eat the same things most days of the week but each week I have one thing in there that I really look forward to eating, and learn that I'm no longer eating for pleasure like I used to or cause I'm bored, I'm eating for FUEL!! Then once every 8 days I get a "re-feed" day which are my FAVORITE!! My carbs go way up while protein and fat for the day decrease.  And there ya have it....simple right??  : )

Even though many of you aren't training, what's wrong with still setting a goal! It doesn't even have to be about "Ok, I'm not gonna eat ANY candy this week" Be realistic with yourself and make a goal that is reasonable but still pushes you, write it down so you can see what you want to do, and OWN IT!!! Sounds cheesy I know, but it's a pretty damn good feeling when you stick to it and after can be like BOOM, DONE....what's next???  Doing little things like that might take you out of your comfort zone for a minute but it sure does make you appreciate it a lot more and you will feel so much more confident in yourself EVERY time!! 


Thanks to everyone's positive feedback from this! Ya'll know I LOVE to talk so I'm super excited about this and LOVE to help in any way I can!! : )


Till next time <3

HEY HEY HEY!!!!

Hi, hey, hey, hi!!! I never thought I'd be blogging, but I never thought I'd be doing a lot of things that I'm doing now in my life either, so I thought...WHY NOT!!! I wanted to start this because I am 12 weeks away from competing in my first figure competition and I've been getting so many questions about it, so I thought this could be a way for my friends and family to be apart of this new journey for me as well!  I wanted to start off with some answers to a lot of common questions I have been getting...

• NO, I'm not trying to be anorexic 
• NO, I don't just eat chicken and broccoli
• NO, I'm not trying to look like a dude
• NO, I can't have just ONE piece of cake, or just ONE drink
• and YES, it's been really tough but I'm LOVING it!!!! : ) 

I love all the interest people have in what I am doing, but I know a lot of people don't understand it.  For me, it's not about losing weight, being skinny, etc.  It's about setting a goal, putting in the work, staying motivated to be in control of your body and seeing what you are able to do!   I tell my family and friends this all the time when they ask how I'm doing and it's never easy! I say, "if only you could hear the conversations I have with myself and EVERY meal...oh you can have one cookie, you look great..Maddy don't be stupid, no you can't!" And I know I complain about it a lot but I wouldn't change my decision for anything! I feel better then ever, and even if my body hasn't changed a significant amount yet, being able to push myself more each week, adding that 5lbs more than you did last week, making it through yet another day of eating clean, and staying positive with all my amazing friends and family supporting me 110% makes it all worth it!  


I hope with this blog if anything it just shows people that if you put your mind to something and set that goal, write it down, and stay disciplined you can do ANYTHING! I never thought I would last a week without chocolate or that occasional glass of wine after a long day.  But it's such a powerful feeling when you realize a month has gone by and you've DONE IT!!!! 


Excited for this!! Until next time ; )