Photo Shoot with Jeff Evans

I had such a fun time shooting with Jeff in November! He is very talented and I love the pictures we got. Although most of these photos are unedited- they turned out great. Thanks Jeff!

Jeff Evans Photography (JS Photography 87):
614-309-2941
jsphoto1987@hotmail.com
*Also find Jeff on Facebook!

2013 Arnold Classic: Columbus, Ohio

I attended the Arnold Classic for the first time last year as a spectator when I had just begun my fitness journey, so taking the stage as a bikini competitor this year was an honor. The competition was as large as nationals- in terms of the number of bikini competitors- except this was an INTERNATIONAL competition. I competed against women from Russia, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, South Africa, Phillipines, Italy, Singapore, Iceland, Serbia, Dominican Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Canada, UK, and Australia to name a few! (It's so crazy how vast the sport of bodybuilding is.) Competition was extremely stiff. So many beautiful women and amazing physiques. There were 47 women in my height class- and 6 height classes total. I had NO expectations going into it, especially after only 6 weeks of dieting. This was an experiment for me- I wanted to find more balance in my diet (which was still pretty strict, just added fruit mainly). Although I didn't place (which means top 10), I'm glad I went for it- and my 6 weeks of prep was not wasted. I compete again in 2 weeks, at another huge show in Cincinnati, and then I am taking some much needed time off. I have identified some areas to improve and need to build a bit more muscle. It's hard to know objectively what the judges are looking for- but I am noticing a trend with the women who are winning: they are usually bigger/more muscular than me. This is certainly a process.... And I'm not stopping. I definitely enjoy lifting weights and eating....so this should be a good off season :)
*I only have a few pics from this show- prejudging pics have not been posted online and I'm not sure that any will be.

1 Year Mark!

Wow, I can't believe it. February marks the 1 year anniversary since I began my journey to fitness. As I reminisce over the past year a few things come to mind. First, it flew by! I'm so glad I started when I did. No better time than the present. Second, I have many more years to go! Fitness is a lifelong journey/ challenge. I'm never going to give up and go back to where I started. You don't just 'arrive' and then stop the effort. Third, my journey has been so much more than just fitness. I'm really thankful for how far I've come and the collateral effects my fitness journey has had on me. It's so empowering to reach goals and to find the inner strength and discipline that lies within all of us. And last, I have a long way to go! (Atleast to win a pro card). I naively thought I would just start competing and boom, win a major show and get my pro card. Haha:) Atleast I have a positive outlook.... And honestly, if I knew how hard it would be, or how long it would take- it might have discouraged me. In reality, I am glad it's not easy. I am glad I have to push myself and work on my weaknesses and improve. Ill get there.... But it takes time. Meanwhile, I am enjoying each step of the way and learning as I go.

One year ago, I decided to jump head first into fitness and competing. I did a 180 with my workouts and diet. I started getting ready for my first competition. I started this blog. I didn't want to be someone who kept saying that I wanted to get fit or lose weight. I didn't want to keep complaining about where I was at. I didn't want to keep saying I was going to do something.... And never do it. You gotta start somewhere- but mainly, you gotta start! And don't give up- nothing worth having comes easy. I love this poster.

Happy 1 year anniversary and thank you to everyone who has been an encouragement, cheerleader, coach, and friend. Peace and love :)

'Lucky Ones'

I had a spiritual experience at the gym tonight. I recently downloaded Lacrae's new album 'Gravity'- I ran across it in ITunes when I was searching for the song 'gravity' by Sara Bareilles- truth be told. It was clearly a God thing and I have been obsessed with this album ever since. As I was running on the treadmill tonight about to give up and lower my speed, this song came on: Lucky Ones. It is so beautiful; it filled my heart. A mixture of sweat and tears. I was so inspired that I kept running and I finished my workout strong. If you like rap/ hip hop and deep, truthful lyrics- I would highly recommend getting this album. http://www.gravityalbum.com/

Peace and love :)

Checking In

Hello friends! 

Ok, I have been so LAZY the past month with my blog. I really have a lot to share about Nationals (it was such a great experience), my photoshoot with Jeff Evans, and the post competition depression that I have been experiencing. There is so much build up, excitement and hard work that leads up to competition time.....and then when it's over.... I kind of experience a mini depression or slump. I'm not sure how many other competitors experience this, but I definitely do. I also struggle big time with my off season routine. I struggle to maintain a certain weight, to be in the gym 5 days a week, and I struggle with my diet. I eat so clean and repetitively for 3 months, that I go a little crazy with my 'freedom'. I made such a major change in my habits  (almost a year ago) when I decided to get fit and start competing that I still struggle to maintain consistency, balance, and the principle of a lifestyle- rather than spurts of discipline.

Anyways, just a few thoughts..... I promise to do some blogging during my time off around Christmas! I hope you all have a safe and beautiful Christmas. Appreciate your many blessings, your family, your health, and your time off! Most importantly, don't forget the miracle of Christmas- the birth of our Saviour, Jesus. 

Much love!

~Lindsay

Over the Hump

2 days after my whiny blog post, this happened:)

FINALLY got over the hump and lost those 3 darn pounds! Still hoping to drop 2 more by stage time...but hoping the water cut will help that. Also, the morning after I wrote my last blog post, ironically, I got my period. So, atleast I now know the reason for my mental and emotional rollercoaster of a week and insatiable appetite. Guys have it so easy...
Water cut starts tomorrow- by upping my water. I also go to distilled water. Distilled water has been stripped of all minerals, etc. so the water cut works better for me (minerals, vitamins, sodium, and other things hold/retain water).
I've thought a lot the past few days about my journey to fitness. The ups and downs, the fun, the struggles, my advancements and set backs. I can't believe Nationals marks 9 months. I've lost 20 pounds and 14% body fat, won a few trophies, then gained 13 lbs back, then lost it again, put on muscle, and ultimately changed my shape. If you have been following my progress and are wanting a change.... start now! The time flies. It's never easy...but it is so WORTH it! I read a quote the other day that said 'if you're tired of starting over...then quit giving up'. Once nationals is done, there are a few people I'd like to feature on my blog. They have great stories and have made major changes! Lots of people have inspired me along the way....
5 more workouts, and then a plane ride! Getting excited now....and bring on the butterflies!

10 Days Out...and counting the seconds.

Sooo, I'm supposed to be at the gym right now...and I'm sitting on the couch writing this instead. It was a rough past week. I'm stuck in a mind rut. Every day I had to talk myself into going. I would even be 2 minutes from the gym and trying to think a way out of going. I skipped Monday, but somehow went Tues- Sat. 2 of those workouts were nothing to write home about....they were actually quite pathetic by competitor standards. But atleast I went and did something. I was recently told that I was a 'do-er'. Apparently, there are 3 kinds of people: starters, doers, and finishers. For some weird reason.... I do really well with my diet and workouts and focus for the main part of the training period (around 9-10 weeks). But oddly enough, as I get closer...I start to lose focus and motivation. I'm not sure if the rigorous workout schedule starts wearing on me, or if it's that I'm SO OVER this diet, or if it's another self-doubt phase- OR maybe all three. But the closer I get, the more I just look forward to it being over.(did I mention I'm so over this diet?!) You'd think I'd be more motivated and excited than ever! Last week, I sat on my computer and looked through pics of the top 15 women from last years Nationals. It was discouraging to say the least. ALL of them looked amazing....and even worse, there were so many women that didn't make the top 10 or 5 and really should have over others. You can't predict what the judges will look for, or what caliber of competitors will show up. I tend to be pretty hard on myself, and I'm extremely competitive....and the thought of going through ALL this hard work and sacrafice and then making the trip to Atlanta....and then not placing, just really bothers me. I start to think, 'well, there's not much more I can change or do in the next 10 days... so it is what it is.' I know, this is NOT where my head should be...but it's what I struggle with. My friend Erin seems to be a finisher. She has been more motivated than ever and is doing great! I wish I was there. I am so close to the culmination of all this effort and planning....NOW is not the time to SLACK!
I can definitely tell that I'm carb free. I have no desire to burn calories at the gym...and no energy to do so. Working out feels so much better when you have energy to burn! It's also much more enjoyable when you don't feel obligated. I have also been struggling big time to overcome my weight plateau. I competed a few weeks ago at 118- and I really need to hit 114 or less for Nationals. I have never been more strict, or worked harder than I have this past month...and the scale WILL.NOT.MOVE. It's extremely frustrating. I'm sure many of you can relate. I have 'up-ed' my cardio to 1 hour a day, and never drink less than 1 gallon of water per day. This may be TMI, but I am wondering if I'll skip my period in November. It's always the very beginning of the month...and my last competition season I skipped it for 2 months (because I got so lean). I know it seems crazy... but if I get it in the next few days, it means I'm not lean enough. I have a feeling I won't get it- but I did have it in October. Maybe I'm hormonal and that's the reason for all my emotional wacky-ness and intense cravings this past week. Whatever it is....I hope this funk is coming to an end so I can finish these last 10 days STRONG. I have worked too hard and want to win so bad! (or place well).
Both Erin and I have no idea what to expect. We could both do well, one of us do well, or neither of us do well. I think the only expectation we should have is to have fun and rock the stage! My friend gave me a good pep-talkin yesterday and reminded me that I have only been at this for 8 months. I have made huge changes and am really just beginning. It may be a little aggressive of a goal to expect to win a pro card this fast. But hey- shoot for the moon...and if you don't quite make it, atleast you'll be amongst the stars...
Whatever happens.... we are already winners and neither one of us are going to let anything get in the way of our positive momentum. So- that's the update. I'm about to hit the gym for cardio (at 9 pm). No excuses.

LOVING my new kicks!

Happy Halloween! One up-side to being really fit is that all Halloween outfits look good on:) But then you go to the parties and can't eat any of the food or drink any of the drinks....

Doing ANYTHING I possibly can to break the monotony of my diet.