Tomorrow is the big day...

Well the day I've been waiting for is almost here! I'm so excited and feeling great about all my hard work! I have a great feeling about this show.... I've learned so much in this contest prep. I set some goals and have reached them,what an incredible feeling to accomplish the goals I  set out to accomplish! I strongly suggest that everyone set a goal for themselves both small & big! It truly is the most amazing feeling...not to worry I'm already planning on setting new ones.

I'm so excited to catch up with old friends and to get all glamed up too! This is my celebration!  I will be posting lots of pictures of my weekend when I return home on Sunday. My food is packed and I feel like a bronze goddess... Lol! I'm on top of the world !!! Wish me luck...

8 days to "Shine"!

There's 8 days left before my show and I'm ready as I'll ever be. The topic above is worth it's weight for about 50% of all your hard earned work.(when it comes to competing, anyway...) Without believing in yourself you won't reach those goals you've set out for yourself. You could have the best body on stage, yet still fall short in the judges eyes. You've got to show them, how confident you really are! I personally will be thinking of all the sweat, tears, traffic jams, obstacles and everything else that tried to knock me down. I will be proud of myself for simply not letting those things get to me! I've learned a lot during this particular contest prep... one thing in particular is that I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different. You've got to trust in your heart and realize that, that's ok!!! We all have different opinions, different goals, different bodies, different circumstances. Yet, if we remain true to ourselves, and follow our hearts we will reach those goals we set out to reach! You never know, maybe someday that person that saw things so differently, may begin seeing the same thing? Long after we've reached that goal we will feel confident, happy and content because we listened to ourselves. We will set new goals and get back on that roller coaster yet again. It's hard to be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you into something else...Pay attention to how you feel when living a healthy lifestyle. Stay true to yourself, live what you love, and always remain strong, you never know who you are inspiring!

In this last week before I head up to my competition, I still have a few more days of heavy training & sweating. It's time to get organized, pack my bag & check it twice. Then onto all the other little details, shaving, waxing, tanning, hair coloring, & nails....I also have to make sure the kids are set for their weekend with their Aunt Julie...She's my life saver. I can't thank her enough...I will feel at ease just knowing she's watching my kids. One less thing to worry about!

I will be taking lots of pictures next weekend and I can't wait to fill you in with all the details! Wish me luck...

Another note...my next workshop is scheduled for Sunday May 19th, 2013 from 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. Mark your calendars. Also check out Sonia Ryan Fitness on Facebook for more details....It's still under construction...lol

2 weeks out...

It's the final stretch...Monday, I was back at the gym and BOY did that feel good! I was back on track , just being home and knowing exactly what I needed to do to get myself stage ready. My motivation was at an all time high! I was looking forward to the week ahead. Upon arrival at my first day back at the gym, I walked into the ladies room to find that the sauna was working again!!! This just added to my excitement- as it had been broken for quite sometime. The long cold, nasty winter had me longing for that thing to function. Everyday I checked to see if was working.  So, needless to say, now I was completely overjoyed...yes, finally, everything was positive and working in my favor. At the end of my kick ass workout, I stepped into that sauna and there I met an amazing woman. In the past I was always been in it alone, sweating and doing crunches while sweating. Yup, you guessed it...I love to sweat!!! Anyhow, my point is we started talking while we were both enjoying the fact that it was working again and she shared her life history with me. She spoke of how she came to this country from Mexico, without speaking any English. She explained her struggles, she shared with me how she found success and ultimately finding something she loved and that was her job. She started working in a hospital as a cleaning lady at night because she was a Mom.  She managed to work her way up in the hospital, from cleaning lady to nursing, to then end up working alongside the Surgeons, handing them their necessary tools as they performed surgery's. She was passionate about it and wanted to learn everything she could.  I found her story fascinating! At the end of the day, she truly loved what she did and it had paid off! She is retired now,but was able to put her boys both through College, and now she's making time for herself. Ultimately, she was able to get that far because people believed in her, they noticed how much she cared, they noticed how hard she worked and in the end -she has had a very happy, and successful life thus far.  My reason for sharing this story with you, is that I'm realizing that when you love what you do and you continue to work hard it-It will all pay off ! Soon enough, people will slowly start to realize that about me. They will notice that my hopes and dreams are in helping others achieve a fit and healthy lifestyle. I'm not just in this for myself. This journey for me started out as being a role model to my kids and then really I took it more seriously when I attended my Uncle's Funeral, He was just 51 years old when he passed of cancer. Things really hit home for me as I watched his son cry ( who happens to be the same age as my son..)! Those are the things that began this journey and the desire for living a healthy lifestyle.

It's funny how things work out. I needed to have this conversation with her, because I was about to host my very first workshop this weekend. Of course, I was a little nervous and excited at the same time. Yet after having that conversation with her, everything seemed to be put into perspective for me. I just needed to trust that things would work out.  I wasn't sure what to expect? How many people would come? All I could do was put my heart and soul into it and just hope for the best. I didn't want to stress and freak out. Stressing, just isn't good for your body, anyhow! That would only hinder my progress in getting show ready.

The rest of the week, I just took  in stride. I took each day as it was and gave it my all! I'm finally at that point now, where I've realized that I can only do so much. I used to stress if I couldn't get my workout in and that would lead to diet mishaps, which would lead to further frustration. It was like a vicious cycle. One of my goals at the beginning of this journey was to figure out how to maintain after my show and not to fall into that now what Rut. I'm 2 weeks away from getting on that stage and I've realized this week that I've reached that goal I set out in the beginning of the year.  I finally have a better understanding on what to do after my show. Afterall, this is my lifestyle. The less I stress, the better. It's about doing what you love and doing what you can.

With that being said...My workshop didn't have the biggest turnout but it felt amazing to share my knowledge and I just know in my heart it will grow. I will have bigger turnouts in the future.I have to believe in that. Everyone has to start somewhere. Every Pro was once an amateur, every expert was once a beginner. So Dream big and start now.. My next workshop is scheduled for Sunday May 19th, 2013 from 1p.m.-3p.m. at Edge Lifestyle Gym in Oakland, NJ. Hope you can make it.

Now, It's time for me to dive into Chicken and Asparagus! Remember, STAY STRONG, STAY FOCUSED, EAT CLEAN, TRAIN HARD and take it day by day...

3 months in and 3 weeks to go....

Well, I'm back from vacation and feeling stressed because I have so much- yet still to do. My first and main full-time job as a Mom, has me doing overtime, just trying to get back on schedule...Laundry, laundry, laundry, and more laundry...and then, there's the food shopping along with prepping for the week ahead. I'm feeling overwhelmed and anxious, as not only am I getting ready for my show in three weeks, I'm also getting ready for my very first workshop this coming Sunday afternoon. I'm super excited and ultimately want to give these women every reason to want to keep coming and get others to come as well. I want to show them that although we are all faced with struggles, it is possible to live a healthy and fit lifestyle. I'm putting my heart and soul into this workshop. 

Speaking of struggles... It can be hard for others to fully understand my mind set during these last few weeks. I've always been a planner and super organized and at the end of the day I give myself anxiety for minimal reasons. It's who I am....I don't think I could take this on if I wasn't this way? In my head, I always have a constant list of to do's to get me to my goals and even just to get me through my day. I get stressed when I worry that I won't get to finish that list. I wish I didn't stress- buy hey, like I've said before, this is like a roller coaster ride! I've also heard- why would you do this if it stresses you out? Good question right? The way I see it, is Life in general is a roller coaster ride, would I get off that ride?NO!!!!Besides, I love every aspect of this, I continue to learn so much about myself and others.  I've also recently came across a quote on Pinterest that read "Women are not moody... We simply have days when we are less inclined to put up with your shit" ...That brings a chuckle inside me verytime I read it.  I'm sure many of you can relate, heck, I'm sure everyone has had days like that from one time to another. Anyway what drives me the most  is to share with women my own struggles and reason's for not giving up- in hope, that they too, won't give up, no matter how freaking crazy that roller coaster ride is! Nothing in life is perfect, it's how we learn ,grow, and improve. I utimately want to create an environment for like minded women to have someone to help them stay on track and find support in a new fit friend. We all need someone like that, I really believe that. You get what you give...

In the next few days I will be working on all the details of my workshop, I will be hitting the gym super hard along with extra sweaty cardio sessions twice a day until I cross that finish line. I've finished crystalizing my suit and will double check the crystals again to make sure they are glued correctly. I will also start using my body scrubs to wash away all that dry winter skin and maybe even do a trial with my tanning products. I have 3 different kinds so I want to see what works best. I have Bronze Angel by Dream Tan, (not my fav) Jan Tana and Pro Tan. I will let you know what works best after my trial. You can find these online. Do your research as some websites sell them for cheaper than others. I've found that www.allstarhealth.com sells them at lowest price. I've also purchased my costume jewelry for the show as well as registered. There's just 3 weeks left and as stressed as I am, I'm confident that I'll get it all done. I have to remain positive and maybe just take a few more breathers each day as it gets closer and closer...  I just have to learn how to channel that stress in a more postitive way. Stay focused, stay calm...you'll get there when you get there!

Here's my finished suit...

Week 11...& 4 weeks to go

 Well, I'm a little delayed in this post -as I am currently on vacation with my family. So, I'm really closer to 3 weeks away at this point... YIKES!!! Honestly, what was I thinking? Going on vacation while training for a show that's 4 weeks away.... I planned so hard ,every last detail on how I would make it through this vacation and stay on point. Yet, like all the other obstacles in the past 11 weeks, this would be, yet another challenging course. My goal is, of course that I would do my absolute best and just get thru the week. After all, this is life, right? I've realized that this is my lifestyle and in life there are many ups and downs, but as long as you stay true to what you believe in, it will all work out in the end. I keep telling myself that each day anyway...stay positive. The 11 hour (2day) car ride went really well, as I had my six pack bag filled with each meal I would need for half of the ride. The next day, I packed my cooler again for the last 5 hours on the road. This bag is one of the best gifts my husband has gotten me. Check them out at www.sixpackbags.com. As far as training would go I had planned on running each day and various outdoor workouts, assuming the weather would cooperate and being that I didn't have access to a gym....guess I should have thought outside the box. Nonetheless, I managed to do what I could. After all, I've been training for a long time and just because this week hasn't really gone as I had planned  I'm even more ready and determined to kick some serious ass when I return home!!!!!

While on vacation, I kept busy with the kids, swimming in the indoor pool, walking for miles, having sprint races and doing walking lunges with my boys in the campground parking lot. When the weather wasn't at its best, I got busy gluing crystals on my suit. I took each day and made it the best I could. It certainly wasn't easy and it certainly didn't run as smooth as I had planned. By mid week  I was lucky enough  to be introduced to an amazing fitness enthused woman and was able to take her H.I.I.T Class. She teaches these classes for free at the Rodanthe Community Center. Her energy was amazing and her class was exactly what I needed. So thank you Chandra! I'm always in awe, when I meet someone who's interested in living a healthy lifestyle. It really makes my day. This town is so lucky to have her teaching these classes! I'm taking her class again tomorrow morning and I'm super excited as  I need a good heart pumping sweaty workout in before I sit in the car for 11 hours again.

Boy do I ever...

Once I'm back home, this is when I will start to get into all those little details before I'm show ready like whitening my teeth, continuing to work on my stage presence, finishing the last details on my suit, tighten up my diet and sweating,  sweating and sweating some more. As much as I've enjoyed the beautiful sunsets and just being by the ocean, (I'm a true ocean girl at heart) I'm ready as heck, to get back into my routine. No more excuses, no more crazy challenging obstacles! It's a race to the finish line!