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"Change can happen at any time, but transition comes along when one chapter of your life is over and another is waiting in the wings to make its entrance." --William Bridges

Change can be exciting. Change can be scary. Change can be uncomfortable. Change can be pleasant.

We can all agree that as we journey through life we encounter every type of change - The good and the bad.

We can also all agree that even though it can be uncomfortable at times, change leads to growth and a strength that makes it all worth it in the end. Often it has been those transitions in life that have launched me into my most memorable times.

This last year has been a year of great change and transition for me.

I started competing in 2008 and instantly fell in love with it. There was something about the grueling workouts, the sweat, the sacrifice, the discipline and the beauty of the show that I absolutely loved. While the journey was exhausting and plain HARD at times, it became one of my greatest passions. Not only did I spend every day and night dedicated to the workouts and the diet, but I daydreamed of eventually gracing the national and pro stages!

Over the course of the next couple years I competed in 7 shows and became an Optimum Nutrition and ABB Sponsored Athlete. I landed a page in Optimum Nutrition's swimsuit calendar (October to be exact!) and was able to work at the Arnold and the Olympia. I loved every minute of it and I am still very grateful that God opened up so many doors of opportunity for me. He has truly blessed me in more ways than I ever thought possible!

Then fast forward to June 2010. I graduated from the University of Washington with my Bachelors in Business Administration and from Optimum Nutrition offered me a full-time position as their Washington and Oregon Field Sales Representative. And as many of you know, I happily accepted the offer. Additionally, not too long after starting my new job, I also became more involved in my church and began dating my incredible boyfriend, Zach Hamilton (I'm just so darn blessed!). All of this sparked an incredible transition in my life. While I didn't see it at that very moment, I was stepping out of one incredible chapter into another.

At times I found myself confused in the midst of this transition. I struggled with losing my focus on competing, yet also found myself celebrating all of the joy and growth that I found stepping into the new season of a career and ministry. I guess you could call it some sort of identity crisis. Am I a competitor? Am I not a competitor? Am I the sponsored athlete? Am I the full-time sales rep? Part of me longed to hold on to my identity as a competitor, but God clearly revealed the need for me to lay that down and surrender to being Diane Rudholm: Daughter of the God Most High. He clearly revealed that I must be willing to be whatever HE wants me to be...To fill the role that He desires for His glory, not my own.

So despite the uncomfortable and confusing middle ground I encountered between "Point A" and "Point B" in this beautiful journey of life, I am happy to have finally arrived at "Point B". I have clearly stepped into my next season of life: A season filled with ministry and working for Optimum Nutrition. I am excited to learn and grow in my position with Optimum and I am excited to serve and help at all the local bodybuilding shows as much as I possibly can. While this may not be a season of my life to step on stage and win that tiara, it is still a season to train hard, build up my body and support all of YOU as you step on stage!

So as I move forward in this new chapter, I will also transition my writing. After a couple years of writing about my life as a Competitor, I will begin to write from the perspective of a Jesus-loving Sports Supplement Rep who seeks to balance LIFE with a disciplined gym routine and clean eating.

So I welcome change. It is actually quite beautiful. Each change brings growth...I grow stronger with each change and each transition. So I fully embrace it and I am excited to share this next chapter with all of you! So here we go!

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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So first off - For those of you who do not know yet...I am officially competing in the 2011 WA Ironman! I'm starting my prep slightly later than I am used to, but I am so excited to be stepping on stage after taking a whole year off from competing!

It has been an incredible first couple weeks of prep as God has continued to stir in me a PURPOSE and PASSION for this show prep. I had a tough time getting back into the groove of prep after taking time off, but thankfully I am becoming more and more stirred up with each day that passes!

Without purpose, we lack passion. You simply cannot have passion without a focused purpose in life...This applies to every area in life and to life in general. And as you all know, with as difficult as show prep can be, we NEED passion to get through it. We need that focused drive to succeed. We need that strength in our hearts to push us when our minds and bodies are exhausted.

It is amazing how we can cry out to God and ask Him for passion, ask Him for purpose, ask Him for diligence, ask Him for focus...and He always comes through and provides. When we ask for anything according to His will with faith that He will answer, He will always comes through and I can guarantee you that God desires you to be passionate, driven, focused, diligent and powerful! He wants you to succeed so that you can bring glory to His name! So when you are lacking in these areas, boldly ask God to strengthen you in these areas and He will provide a LASTING passion for what is ahead of you!

So overall, I've been crying out to God...asking for HIS strength to be made perfect in my weakness...and guess what! His strength is continuing to pour into me more and more every day. He's put a freshness into my training and my prep and has revealed that really it isn't even about how I look when I step on stage, but it is about the people He wants to reach, lift up and encourage through my life as I embark on the journey TO the stage. So that's where I'm at...In surrender to how He wants to direct this prep for the WA Ironman. In surrender to His strength and power...and living with a BIGGER purpose than just simply my placing at the show!

I'll continue to keep you posted on my progress and I encourage you all to find the GREATER purpose behind your show prep or your training...There's a bigger and more important reason why God has you right where you are and I pray that your eyes would be OPEN to the ways in which He is using you and transforming you through your current daily routine!

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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Today was Day 1 of morning cardio and boy do I feel good!

After the USAs last July, I stopped doing morning cardio. I figured I didn't have a show for awhile and I could simply get in some post-lifting cardio each evening! While this worked out for a while, but eventually my evenings were getting so filled up with other activities that I was beginning to cut the cardio short. Then eventually I just stopped doing it all together. Yes, I was still in the gym lifting  - So I wasn't avoiding the gym altogether - But I was definitely missing the amount of cardio that I need to not only stay in good shape, but also to FEEL good and energized!

SO finally I decided a couple weeks back to start morning cardio. I knew it was what I needed to get back into my training groove AND make me energized! But let me tell you...I attempted for literally 2 weeks to get up and do it and I failed. I hit snooze or turned my alarm off altogether. I would go to bed motivated to do cardio in the AM, but by the time the 5:00am rolled around..I was like "uhh not so much! I'm sleeping for a couple more hours"....So finally I got on my knees and said "Lord...I need strength to be disciplined...to have diligence. I need YOUR strength to shine through my weakness. I need a pure heart that is committed to building a strong and healthy temple, even when I don't FEEL like it. So God have your way and strengthen my will, my heart, my body and my determination!"...Soon after while in the Word I came across scripture on suffering and it hit me...

I realized I'm going to suffer regardless. I'm either going to suffer through getting up early to press through cardio or I'm going to suffer through lack of energy and feeling uncomfortable with the extra pounds. Either way I'll suffer. I'll either suffer through grueling workouts and fighting off cravings or I'll suffer through the feelings of insecurity and all the other feelings that occur when I am out of shape. The difference is that the suffering that occurs through grueling workouts and clean eating produces great character and a strong and healthy body. At least something good comes out of that kind of suffering ;) So I choose to suffer through that which produces FRUIT!...I choose to suffer through training and dieting that leads to a strong and healthy lifestyle in the end!

So bring on the pain and thank You Jesus for Your strength!

So that's that. Morning cardio has been officially checked off my To-Do List and I feel good!

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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To Shine:

1. To reflect light

2. To distinguish oneself in a field or activity

3. To be immediately apparent

4. To cast a beam of light

5. To experience a feeling of well-being and happiness; to radiate joy

When I think of the Emerald Cup and any bit of encouragement I could offer to all the women competing, it would be to SHINE.

I love the word SHINE because shine refers to casting out and emitting a light from the inside. It is not a light that comes simply from outward appearance, but it has to manifest itself and grow from the inside. It has to grow from the heart...from the very core of your being.

With an industry and competition so focused on outward appearance, the phrase/word "SHINE" infers that a competitor cannot truly shine unless the beauty, the grace, the strength and the elegance comes from inside...It infers that yes, I do look beautiful...But I AM beautiful to the very core of my heart.

It means being proud of your round shoulders, your strong arms, your wide back and your shapely quads, but also means being even more proud of the disciplined and strong character that it took you to achieve your physique. It means standing firm in the Truth that regardless of how you place at the show, you are still the same powerful, graceful and radiant beauty that God purposefully and carefully created in His image!

So get out there and SHINE!

Radiate your inner strength and your glowing joy as you accomplish yet another goal in your journey of LIFE.

Let your character, your brilliant smile and your overflowing joy be what people notice first... For these are what truly count the most.

Think about it...

**Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. --Marianne Williamson**

I will see all of you Friday!

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!!

Diane

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"We must say 'no' not only to things which are wrong and sinful, but to things pleasant, profitable and good which would hinder and clog our grand duties and our chief work" -- A.C. Stoddard

I spent the last couple months really questioning my preparation for the Emerald Cup. I was struggling with the fact that I was missing my undivided and relentless drive for competition prep that normally consumes me. My body was struggling to pull it together through on-going sickness and the normal flow and momentum of prep just wasn't happening. At. All.

Part of me felt discouraged.

Was I being lazy?

Had my strength - both inner and physical - disappeared?

Why couldn't I pull my prep together as normal?

Am I now a quitter? A slacker?

Am I unworthy of the stage?

After struggle with discouragement and confusion and all these questions, God's Truth came forth loud and clear.

The desires of my heart are simply being changed for this season of my life.

Whether or not I step on stage, I am still the same woman created me to be.

I am strong. I am committed. I am driven. I am hardworking. I am healthy. I am relentlessly passionate.

Overall, I found myself spending more time in fellowship and seeking the Lord than I ever have before. The desires of my heart were beginning to shift over the past several months... I found myself investing more and more time in the Word, at Bible studies, helping other women reach their goals and with my family, my friends and my blessed man, Zach.

So I had to make a choice: Surrender to God's change of direction for this season of my life or cling to what I felt I needed to do to prove myself hardworking, dedicated and involved.

Through prayers for God's guidance and an open heart to God's still and small voice, I made the choice to surrender to God's change in direction. I made a choice to humble myself and let go of the "pleasant, good and profitable" in order to fully immerse myself into the "grand duties and chief work" that God is calling me to in this season.

So in conclusion, I will not be stepping on stage at the Emerald Cup. I feel at peace with this decision and it has really humbled me as I step out of the spotlight of the stage (for now) and step into the 'behind-the-scenes' aspects of the industry where God is calling me to love, serve and simply help in anyway that I can!

So although I will not be on stage at the Emerald Cup, I will be there to cheer all of you competitors on and I will be there to help and serve all of YOU in any way that I possibly can.

And this does not mean I have quit competing because I do plan on stepping on stage in the future. I will still be working with John and Roxana Kreklo to keep my body strong and healthy, so don't think you've gotten rid of me yet ;)

So that's that. I'm making a committment right here and now to be more consistent with my blogging. While I don't have a show date marked down yet or crazy prep in progress, I will be sharing my journey as I continue to build a strong and healthy 'temple' all for the glory of Christ! I'll continue to share my ups and downs of training and living the clean and healthy lifestyle!

I encourage all of you who are competing at Vancouver and Emerald Cup to really push through these last several weeks. I encourage you to stop and mentally 'rest'. Take a moment to reflect over all the things you have accomplished over the past several months. All those training sessions have made you stronger than you know. Each session has strengthened your discipline. Each session has inspired others around you to live strong and healthy lives. Each session has strengthened your character and your drive. Your focus has been refined. Your patience has been tested and strengthened. Each day, you've endured a diet and training than many people couldn't even THINK of doing and now you're even one day closer to shining bright on that stage. Enjoy this. Soak it up. It's an incredible journey that you are all so blessed to be part of.

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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Busy. Busy. Busy.

It's amazing because I thought that once I graduated from college I'd have a lot more free time to get things done...But not so much. As you can all tell, I used to blog on here almost every day! Now...Not so much! But that's okay! I've thoroughly enjoyed reading all the other blogs on here and to be honest sometimes get so caught up in everyone's wonderful blogs that I lose sight of the fact that I need to be writing as well! I'm so thankful that Elaine has added so many wonderful writers to the website...All of you have been so encouraging to me each time I pull up the website! So keep shining and keep writing. We each have something so incredibly special to bring to the table...something that only YOU can offer that is different from that something that only I can offer! So it is wonderful to see each of your gifts shine through your writing in a way that helps all of us reading on the other end!

As far as my training, it has been going amazing. I'm still getting over being sick, which is unfortunate because I feel like my body is slightly stressed because it hasn't had a chance to 100% heal, BUT a girl needs to do what a girl needs to do...so I persevere, keep pushing and continue to train! With the Arnold only a couple weeks away, I don't have much grace time to fully recover, so pushing through is my only option right now!

My training is definitely challenging and is different from what I'm used to doing...A lot of cardio mixed into the lifting and while I hate it at the moment, it feels so good to walk out of the gym drenched in sweat and feeling as if every ounce of energy has been used up and left in the weight room and on the cardio equipment. Plus it is definitely helping me lean out and drop that body fat! So no complaints :)

My diet has been great too! I'm at a place where I have learned to look to God in times of stress, anxiety of moodiness instead of food. I would often look to food to ease my stress in the past and with God as my only true fulfillment, it has made my dieting a lot easier. As I begin to see dieting as obedience to the blessing the Lord has put in my life, I do all that I can to honor Him by sticking to my diet. What I mean is that God has opened up so many doors for me in this industry...He has blessed me with this amazing opportunity to compete and work for Optimum Nutrition as both an employee and a Sponsored Athlete....So in response to His blessing and guidance in my life within this industry, I seek to honor Him and be obedient to Him through my diet! So overall, dieting has become 'easier and easier' as I have drawn closer and closer to the Lord!

So that is about it for now. For all you Emerald Cup competitors...61 days until we step on stage! Oh Yeahhh! I am so incredibly excited and feel so honored to be part of such a great show! Do all that you can TODAY to be ready for that stage. Be obedient and disciplined in all that you need to do to succeed. You've got one shot to bring your best package to the 2011 WA Emerald Cup Stage...So make the most of it. Challenge yourself. Stretch yourself and above all else...love yourself and respect yourself for this journey that you have decided to take! It's not easy...It's tough...but worth every bit of blood, sweat and tears!

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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I am almost seven days into the worst flu of my life.

It all started Saturday when I woke up with a very scratchy throat and a headache...But I still jumped earnestly out of bed for my AM cardio.

From then on it was all downhill. By Saturday night my throat was raw and my temperature was rising! Then Sunday things got really bad.... Let's just say that my temperature of 102.9 didn't even want to drop after extra Ibuprofen and ice cold rags on my forehead. It refused to drop below 102 for a few days. Now here I am on evening 6 sitting in bed with a raw throat, an annoying and painful cough - but thankfully no fever!!

Overall this week has been awful. I've only left my house to go to Urgent Care and I'm sooooo ready for this to be done.

But I am incredibly thankful for two things:

-This has reminded me to be thankful for my health. I rarely get sick, so often I forget to appreciate the fact that I can train hard week in and week out. I often forget what it feels like to have my body not cooperate...to have my body not even want to walk. I've thought a couple times how nice it would be to bottle up that feeling of pure miserable sickness so that I can open it up and feel it for just 5 minutes every time I feel unmotivated to train hard or prep for an upcoming show. Don't get me wrong...I never want to feel that sick again, but it sure does make me grateful and excited to get back into the gym in prep for the ECUP.

-This has reminded me why the BIGGER picture is sooo incredibly important. I am exactly 40 days away from working the Optimum and ABB booth at the Arnold and I was hoping to be lean and 'mean' by this date since most likely I'll be sporting short shorts and a sports bra - So it would be easy to get discouraged knowing that now I am at least 1 whole week behind...I haven't been to the gym in a week and most likely won't be able to start until next week...That leaves very little time to prep for the Arnold. BUT since I have the BIGGER picture for my life in mind, I don't let things like this discourage me. My life isn't defined by how I look at the 2011 Arnold. Yes I want to look as fit as possible. Yes I want to represent Optimum with a strong and healthy body - But I'm not going to tear myself up about being behind in prep because of a sickness I couldn't control. I will just continue to roll with the punches and do what I can with the time that I do have left. This makes the journey towards the BIGGER picture so much more gratifying and enjoyable.

So be thankful for your body. It is literally a temple. Treat it as one. Appreciate it as one.

And stay true to YOU and God's BIGGER plan for your life. Bumps in the road will come up. Plans rarely play out as planned. But that doesn't define where you are headed and those circumstances and little troubles sure as heck can't define YOU. Let your character and your unshakable joy define you. When big waves roll in...turn that joy meter up a notch and get ready to rock and roll with a relentless focus on the BIGGER picture of your life - For me that is bringing God glory in all that I do and serving Him in all that I do!

Now I'm off to bed...Hope this blog made sense bc I have quite a bit of medicine and very little sleep in me.

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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Every morning I wake up to find my "Daily Hope" devotional by Rick Warren in my Hotmail Inbox. I am always excited to log into my email and find out what my devotionals holds for the day. Sometimes the scripture and commentary is VERY applicable to the very thing I'm dealing with at that very moment and others contain wisdom that I store in my heart and mind for the time in the future when I will need it.

Well the last couple weeks, my "Daily Hope" has been focused on goal-setting. This is very applicable as I step into my journey to the 2011 WA Emerald Cup. I have been in the midst of setting goals and determining exactly what I want to achieve by April 16 and how exactly I am going to get there.

Then it got me thinking about how my goals have changed over the past couple years. For example, I went through a time when selfish goals consumed my time and energy. Don't get me wrong - It is okay to want to achieve something for YOU - but they were goals that really ONLY affected me. They were limited to MY success and a better destination FOR ME. As I pursued my goals and interests over the past couple years, I began questioning how my desires fit(or didn't fit) into God's plan and God's purpose for my life. Now I am at a place where God has intertwined MY goals and MY desires with His plan and His desires for me. I'm no longer here to just change me and to set goals for MY growth...But now I position myself to let God change me and to allow Him to use me in ways to help others change as well.

So yes - Goal are crucial. You need goals to propel you forward into God's will for your life. Without direction and purpose and a way to determine your progress, it is easy to get lost as circumstances arise and challenges try and slow your momentum. So I'm not saying goals are bad - but what I AM trying to say is take a look at the context and side-effects of your goal. Examine how your goal will change those around you. Will your goal hurt or help those people who God has placed in your life? Does your goal draw you closer to God? Does your goal stretch you and grow you into a leader? Does your goal give you an opportunity to serve? Really take a step back and look at this...and if needed - Adjust your goal accordingly so that the accomplishment of your goal will not only bring YOU the great sense of success you are thirsty for, but that it would also lift others who are struggling into an atmosphere of accomplishment and success alongside of you. And ultimately - I will adjust my goal and my plan to achieve it in a way that brings glory to God!

With this said...My goal for the WA Emerald Cup is to come in my with tightest physique yet. As you all know, I tend to have a softer look and part of this is genetics and part of it is my lack of 100% focus at times... So I have committed myself to a whole NEW mindset, whole NEW prep, whole NEW focus and whole NEW physique as I step on stage. But more than that, my goal is to strengthen the friendships that I have with fellow competitors along the way..I want my new mindset and focus to also spill over into the beautiful friendships that I have made in this industry. I want my journey to the stage to be a monumental moment in regards to my physical transformation, but also a monumental movement of God among the women who are also preparing for this show. I don't want to be the only one stepping on stage feeling accomplished, beautiful, strong, loved and confident as a woman of God, but I want the competitor on my left and the competitor on my right to feel the same overwhelming love from the Lord that reminds us all that we have been so specially and so delicately created by Him to SHINE in that very moment on that very stage.

Let this journey to the Emerald Cup be one that stretches and molds who you are from the INSIDE out...Let it transform your inner beauty and your confidence as a woman of God. Let each day bring out new radiance from your heart and new feelings of purpose for your life. Let this journey to the stage stir up a passion in you that can't be denied. Let it nurture and bring out the beautiful woman in you who will step off that stage feeling overwhelmed with joy, love, beauty and peace - Not because you won - but because you took the time to notice the beautiful steps of faith and trust that were taken each day to get you to this very point of accomplishment!

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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Alright folks! It has officially been FOREVER since I have been on here...

After a couple months of feeling like I have had nothing to write about, here I am!

So first off - Emerald Cup here I come. I have already begun my prep for the 2011 Emerald Cup and everything has been completely on point. So far this has been the 'easiest' prep (mentally) - Mind you...I'm only three weeks in! I know tough days are ahead as the diet gets more strict and energy levels are low, but that's just it...It's all mental. You either make yourself enjoy the process or you make yourself miserable. You have to choose. We ALL have the choice...It's not up to anyone else but ourselves to determine how much we will enjoy our prep. Yes...It is nice to eat dessert with the rest of the family. Yes it is nice to enjoy popcorn at the movies, but as soon as you step into the journey of prep for a show, you have to also make the deliberate choice to ENJOY the journey that YOU have chosen to endure. You have decided to compete. You have decided to push your limits and sculpt yourself into the strongest, healthiest and fittest you yet...So remind yourself of this brave and strong commitment you have made and rejoice in the fact that you DO have the will power and the drive to make it to the end.

I figure if I am doing this thing, I better enjoy it. Why would I commit myself to a difficult journey and not enjoy the fact that it is stretching me, molding me, and shaping me into a stronger and more admirable person?!

So on that note - I am excited as can be about this prep. There is always so much that God teaches me as I press into weeks of training and dieting. Yes I sculpt my physique and improve my strength and health - But God sure does work on my heart and my character in the process. He demonstrates His faithfulness and His love with each day that passes in prep as I constantly lean into Him for strength. He teaches me patience and trust in Him...He teaches me that complete surrender to Him through my training and dieting reveals His glory and His power working in my life. Overall I'm excited to grow and mature as a person as I prepare for that stage.

As far as training goes..It has been wonderful! I left LA Fitness last night literally soaked in sweat and it felt so good. I feel accomplished when my shirt is soaked completely through...It's a good sign that I worked hard! I'm still not doing too much cardio - only one session a day - but we all know that will probably be changing very soon!

And that's about it. It is currently 6:00AM and I'm at the airport heading to New York for work! It will be a short trip as I fly back on Thursday night...And I ALREADY found a LA Fitness right by my hotel AND I packed all my food. I have purpose. I have drive. I'm determined. Success is my only option. Thus - Traveling will not get in the way of my prep!

I hope that you are all ENJOYING your prep...now...1 month down the road and even right before we hit the stage. I challenge you to stretch your thinking...enlarge your joy and appreciation for this amazing process. I know some people who would LOVE the opportunity to compete...So remind yourself how blessed you are and that life is too short to complain and get grumpy over food or a cardio session. Life is good. God is great and we have EVERY reason to rejoice!

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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It is easy to get caught up in the world's idea of BEAUTY.
As I've put on 15lbs over the past several months, it is easy to feel discouraged. It is easy to feel like all beauty has been lost as I've transitioned from a lean and tight body into a 'softer' version of myself. I catch myself looking in the mirror at the gym thinking "Man! I lost it"....

That's when I see the shiny cross around my neck. That is when I have to remind myself that I'm thinking from a worldly perspective. I'm not thinking as my Father wants me to think. The Lord looks at me and sees a unique and special beauty no matter my weight or body fat %. He sees the woman of God that He specially created.

As the Lord said to Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1: 5..."Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as prophet to the nations".

I have to camp out in that Truth. I have to remind myself that God carefully and with unfathomable love created me JUST as I am and set me apart. God may not have appointed me as a prophet, but He set me apart to fulfill a specific plan before I was even born. How dare I see His creation as something unworthy of beauty?

Understand that you were specially created by the King of Kings. The same God that gave every star and mountain its brilliance created YOU for an even GREATER purpose.

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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Alright people...The 2010 WA Ironman was an AMAZING experience. I want to first thank Brad and Elaine Craig for allowing me to help out backstage, MC the Bikini Show with Elaine and hand out trophies at the night show! Initially, I was sad to not be competing, but they made me feel so welcome and allowed me to participate in their awesome show - So thank you both SOOO much.

So the Ironman...AWESOME show with some amazing and inspiring athletes. As always, the atmosphere backstage was amazing. The girls were all so happy, encouraging and helpful and I had so much fun helping them out with whatever they needed. There were several moments where I simply stepped back and watched the scene...I watched girls help each other with make-up, watched them glue each other in, watched them taking pictures etc...the entire scene is a blessing and an inspiration and I'm so thankful the opportunity to be there with everyone. Not only that but all YOU competitors kicked my motivation up a notch and you each inspired me in a very unique way and that is what I love about all of you. God is SO good.

Not only that but I cried THREE freakin' times at the show! Thanks so Bren. After witnessing her journey and all her struggles and victories as she prepared to step on stage, I literally cried three times as I watched her finally reach her destination. I remember walking backstage with Elaine and looking up to the stage to watch Bren rock it...I stood there in awe and reflected on all the posing sessions and conversations we had as she pushed through days and days of hard work and prep....Then to see her 100lbs lighter and SHINING a confident light for all to see...WOW. That's all I have to say.

So overall, I had an amazing time. Our prayer meeting rocked the house...or should I say that the LORD rocked the house. Having His presence at the show is such a blessing and I'm so thankful that the Northwest community opens the doors to His amazing light at the show. I always pray that God will use me in each and every moment and I saw Him using MANY people at this show and that is always such a blessing to witness. There were some strong brothers and sisters in Christ at the Ironman this year and THAT truly fills me with joy!

So that is my SHORT wrap up...All I know if that the show ROCKED the Northwest and once again the Craigs ran an amazing show!

Now I am off to bed...I'm actually in Atlanta right now. I've been here all week for a Convenience Food and Beverage Convention and this is unlike anything I have ever experienced. Makes the Olympia look TINY - That's for sure. But we're talking a whole different crowd. Basically anything you can think of that would be sold in a convenience store is here....Hersheys, Monster, BSN, Budweiser, OPTIMUM NUTRTION AND ABB, Pastry Companies, Pizza Companies, Gum Companies, Candy Companies...Everything. Crazy, but so much fun ...AND it feels good to represent a healthy company at an expo full of junk food and candy ;)

So that's it for now. I got my new training/nutrition program that I'm going to start Saturday and I cannot wait...April will be here before we know it ;)

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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Good Morning everyone!

I am currently sitting at Sea-Tac airport waiting to board my flight to VEGAS! Woot Woot!

I'm off to work the Optimum Nutrition and ABB booth at the Olympia and I am so freakin' excited! I feel so blessed with the opportunity to work the booth and I cannot wait to network and meet so many amazing and inspiring people! Shows/Expos/Fitness Events are always filled with inspiring people and I always get so excited thinking about the opportunity to get to know new people!

It is crazy because my first show was the 2008 WA Ironman...I came into my first show with NO knowledge of the industry and I didn't know anyone. I was literally backstage at the 2009 Ironman and only knew 1 person - Jackie (Owner of Snap Fitness). I didn't know much about presentation. I didn't know how the judging worked. I didn't know Bikini Bite even existed. I knew very little about spray tanning and competition prep. But I DID know that my life would be forever changed and I KNEW this was something that I wanted to do. I wanted to DIVE into the NPC and network like crazy..learn all I could and compete with my whole heart.

Now...two years later, I have seven shows under my belt, I'm an ON/ABB Sponsored Athlete and I'm off to the Olympia to work our booth all weekend. CRAZY!

It is amazing how much can change in two years and how much can be accomplished when you put your whole heart into something. You can truly make BIG changes and become and whole new person if you truly have the dedication and commitment to do so! And even crazier...those two years FLY by! Makes me excited and anxious as I prepare for my upcoming year and get my game plan together to achieve all of my goals for 2011!

So that's it for now...

Spending Thursday-Sunday in Vegas and then heading straight to Chicago until Thursday!

I have to love all the traveling and I am thankful that I am learning HOW to travel without getting chubby ;)

I've packed good food and plan on working out!

See you all at the WA Ironman!! It will be a GREAT show. And for all you competitors - Stay zoned in...Stay focused. It is almost YOUR time to shine. All the hours of hard work, training, prepping food etc...and NOW it's almost SHOWTIME! Woot Woot! Get excited...Get energized (Mentally) and I can't wait to watch you all rock the house!

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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CHANGE:

According to you average dictionary, it means...

-To become different

-To become transformed

-To become modified

But we all know that change is SO much more than that.

I think of change as exciting, challenging, stressful, irritating, thrilling, frustrating...It can be a blessing, a curse, a miracle or a disaster. Whether it is good or bad, it always brings some stress and adjustment.

I bring this up because the reason why I have been MIA from my blog is because of CHANGE.

As I mentioned in my last blog (which was FOREVER ago), I was offered a full-time position with Optimum Nutrition and ABB and I accept :) It has been an absolute blessing. ON/ABB is an amazing and respectable company that not only manufactures high quality and trusted sports supplements and RTDs, but they are so great to their employees and it is definitely a great company to work for. So after USAs, I finished up my last week at Emerald City Smoothie and then I ventured on to a new chapter in life. I began an amazing journey that has required a lot of change.

In summary, I spent one week in Chicago at our Corporate Offices and spent several days soaking up all the information that I could about the company. Plus I was able to walk through ON's manufacturing plant for powders and see how they make all their powders and protein bars. That was fun AND reassuring to know that everything is clean, organized and 100% about quality! Plus all the employees are amazing...seriously..The PEOPLE behind the brand truly ROCK and care so much about the brand and its products. Downside of my week training in Chicago -- I only worked out twice and I ate like crap. With restaurant food for every meal and no training, I definitely put some chub on and that was definitely a learning experience.

Then I spent the following week in South Carolina and Florida doing additional training at our other offices and manufacturing plant. South Carolina rocked -- That's where the ABB drinks are made and let me tell you...That's an awesome process. I walked in and all I could smell was fruit punch and the technology used to bottle and package all the Speed Stack, Speed Shots etc blows me away. And again...the employees were AWESOME and I feel so blessed to be working with such great people. Then I spent time in Florida where our second Corporate Offices are located and where all caps and tabs are made. Again, an amazing experience and I learned so much about the company and the products. Downside once again -- Definitely didn't work out. Boo. BUT I learned my lesson and ate a lot better this time around.

Overall, I was on 9 different planes in two weeks and as amazing as it was for building relationships and learning, it wasn't so amazing for my body!

Since then I have been getting settled into my position in WA and OR. It's been a blast to be working with many of the gyms and supplement stores in WA/OR. Everyone is so great and it is awesome to work in an environment that is focused around health, fitness and strength. In addition, I have been busy as HECK getting adjusted to the position. That transition period can be sticky (although a blast) and that explains why I have not been on here. Let's just say I've been barely squeezing in workouts ;)

SO change. It's great and we need it. Most people fear it. Most people hate it - Even if they won't admit it. BUT IT IS NECESSARY and it forces us to grow and stretch. If you guys know anything about me, it is that I love to grow and stretch as a person because that is the only way we can reach true excellence in this life. We must feel uncomfortable because it is in those moments that we learn the most. It's when we learn about ourselves and when we learn about others - It can be stressful, but eventually you'll adjust and then it will be so worth the CHANGE.

SO I have been stressed and I have to admit that it negatively impacted my spirit, BUT as I said YOU WILL ADJUST AND IT WILL BE WORTH IT. I'm finally adjusting and my spirits are high, my workouts are great and I'm loving loving loving my job.

If you're reading this and you own a gym or supplement shop, I'm sure you'll be hearing from me soon ;) I'm about to bring ABB back full force to the Northwest and I'm enjoying every second of it.

**Change means movement. Movement means friction. Only in the frictionless vacuum of a nonexistent abstract world can movement or change occur without that abrasive friction of conflict.** --Saul Alinsky

So that's it for now.

As far as future plans for competing. Definitely the WA Emerald Cup. I'm about to make some serious progress this "off season" - Although I hate calling it that because I tend to work harder in the "off" season to put on muscle that it seems to be more work than the competition season. Then I will do another national show after that. Regardless - I WILL be competing this Spring and I cannot wait :)

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

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As you all know, this has been a tremendous time of emotional growth, stretching and pushing the 'limits' in my life. All I know is that I have never been so pressed and stretched by God in my entire life and it has been a remarkable journey. My journey to the USAs started out as my journey to my first national show - Hard work and dedication would be involved of course - But I simply wanted to step on stage in Vegas in my best shape yet. Little did I know, God had His own plan and it involved a journey between me and Him that sculpted my life and brought it to a whole new level. So this is how the weeks leading up to and the week of USAs began and ended...although I may have to make this a two or three part series ;) But this is me..my journey..raw and exactly how it was.

During my prep:

As I decided to do the USAs it started out as just another show. Yes...It would be my first national show and yes it would be a whole different level of competition, but it would be just another journey of dieting and training hard to build UP and sculpt my body as I prepared to hit the stage. Then God rocked my world. I was called to do something He wanted me to do and something that I did not want to do. As I stepped out in faith to follow His will for my life, I experienced heartache like no other, yet have also experienced blessings that I never thought were possible.

Training became my therapy. I hit it hard..I lifted hard and heavy. I knocked out awesome cardio and I loved it. It was something that I had control over and was able to dive right in exactly how I wanted. So I spent my entire prep for USAs hitting the gym hard and boy was I fierce. So that's a plus and it was a remarkable learning experience. I was able to channel my emotions into my training and push past what I thought were barriers to my training efforts.

Dieting...That is a whole different story. As I hit the gym hard every single day...Diving into supersets, dropsets and simple heavy lifting, I was also diving into muffins, candy, burgers and fries. I would release my emotional stress in the gym and then for some reason felt the need to release it some more with tasty food. As you all know, no matter how hard I was kicking my own butt in the gym, I was not making the progress I needed to make to hit the stage looking lean and mean. I felt so discouraged after being so in control of my eating habits for the past couple years...I would think to myself "Wow...why are you eating this...why are you drowning your emotions in food - this is NOT you!"...But thankfully with encouragement from John and Roxana Kreklo, with support from my amazing friends and after many prayers to God - I finally got my act together and I can honestly say that although it was tough and I experienced emotional eating at its worst - God was right there stretching me the entire time and He used this time to help me learn and grow and eventually overcome the emotional eating. At about 5 weeks out, I finally got my act together and began to eat clean food in order to build myself up!

Friends and Support: WOWZERS...this is one way God worked in my life that I never could have possibly imagined. He showed His faithfulness and love through all of my dear friends and I'm forever thankful. As soon I stepped out into the unknown and began my journey of faith - He threw AMAZING people into my life. I would get texts/emails/messages of encouragement JUST when I needed it most. My dear friend, Jessica Watson, in Florida would offer the PERFECT words of wisdom or Bible verses JUST when I felt too weak...God literally placed her in my life for such a time as this and wow.... Rose would offer that endless encouragement JUST when I thought USAs were not a good idea. Erin White...this girl would text me basically EVERY single morning as the show approached with the kindest, most inspiring words so that I could kick off my day right. Elaine Craig offered her words of wisdom about following God's will JUST when I thought His way would be too hard...Tanji did her thing and reminded me WHY all of this pain is worth it...why following God's plan is so worth it..Hillary Jones would send encouraging quotes every day.. The list goes on and on. THAT is what amazes me...This prepped was filled with so many flourishing, loving and grace-filled relationships that I would literally have to write all night to share them with you. That is why this prep has stood out above any other experience in my life..Through my pain and healing God worked His miracle and created this awesome and inspiring support system for the perfect time when I needed it most.

So that wraps up the months leading up to USAs. It was painful, blessed, amazing, testing...above all else: A miracle.

The week leading up to the USAs - Talk about peace. I was completely at peace about competing in Vegas. There was something in me that was just so thrilled and excited to be heading to the sunny state of Nevada to step on stage with some of the most beautiful and inspiring women in the country. To be honest, I was really not that nervous. I was joyful, thankful and simply PUMPED to be experiencing USAs for the first time. I carefully packed my bags - I wanted to make sure I had EVERYTHING I needed - and I prepped all my food for the trip. It's so different to compete in a show out of state because you have to remember and plan EVERYTHING...I had to make list and check it several times over just to make sure I had everything. I packed my cooler, my Bible, my clothes, my make up, my suit, my heels..Then off I went.

I had been praying the entire week before the show that God would use me in Vegas. That I would be sooo incredibly focused on Him that I would not be concerned with the competition. Yes I was prepared to compete, but God and His plan was what got me really pumped to be down there. I knew that if I kept my eyes entirely on Him the entire time I was there - He would guide me and keep me joyful through all circumstances. So I spent my plane ride listening to Casting Crowns, Third Day and other Christian artists and also read Crazy Love. If you have not read that book, I would definitely recommend it. It hit it hard and reaffirmed me of the true reason why I was going to Vegas. It's about the Lord and not me. It's about Him using me in any way that He needs to and me being open to that - It's about truly loving Jesus Christ and serving Him entirely. So that's what I did and the book was the perfect reminder as I landed in Vegas.

I headed to the host hotel and got myself all checked in. I could feel the energy from all the competitors in the hotel and it was such a great feeling. To look around and see so many people who had worked their butts off to get to Vegas really inspired me and reminded me of the bigger picture. It is about pushing yourself as hard as you can...reaching that peak physique..one that you possibly doubted was even possible. Its about dedication and discipline that is beyond what the average person can possibly comprehend. THAT is the energy I'm talking about and boy was it amazing. It filled me up and by the time check-in came around, I was ready to rock and roll with a huge smile on my face.

I met many amazing people at check-in including fellow ON/ABB Athletes and Pastor Mike and Fred from Stronghold Ministries. All I have to say is that THEY ROCK. They prayed with me, encouraged me, offered to grab anything I needed etc...They were there to truly serve all of us competitors and I'm forever thankful for all that they did for myself and everyone else around me to bring such a LIGHT to the show. They SHINED God's light brighter than many people I know and to see that in such a vain and self-focused environment was so inspiring.

After check-in, I headed up to my room and waited for Pastor Mike and some others to come up for a prayer meeting. As we all gathered in my room, Pastor Mike spoke an amazing Word that inspired each of us to stay focused on Serving God during USAs weekend and boy was that ANOTHER reminder from God about my true purpose for being down at USAs. God must have been trying to tell me something ;) We prayed and it was a great time to connect with competitors, Pro and Amateur, who love Jesus AND love bodybuilding!

After our prayer meeting, Alicia Harris stayed behind and helped me with my color. I ended up doing all my own color for the show and I'm SOOOO thankful that Rose was able to supply Jantana and that Alicia was able to paint me like a pro. Overall, things went SOOO incredibly smooth on Thursday and I was feeling so at peace with how the weekend was beginning. I had a chance to meet with GREAT and inspiring people AND my color turned out awesome. Let's just say I was floating...Floating in pure joy and that is a very rare experience the night before a show :)

So that's it for now. I'll check back in tomorrow and share my experience of Friday/Sat of the show.

Overall, what I learned is that if I truly surrender myself to God and His will for my life - He gives me more than I ever thought I'd EVER need. He fills me entirely and gives me the strength and joy to literally be BEAMING a big smile at check-in when I would normally be feeling tired, nervous, anxious and hungry! There's something about staying focused on the BIGGER picture that makes every day a miracle in itself.

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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Alright guys...I have NOT forgotten about writing on here - Although it does seem like I have!

I had such an amazing time at USAs...Then came home to attend an amazing church conference: TC2010 at Champions Centre...

And now I'm enjoying my last day at Emerald City Smoothie and getting ready to start my new job next week!

I will be starting with Optimum Nutrition as their Washington Sales Merchandiser!

Anyways...So I have TONS to write about and TONS to share (I guess that is what I get for taking so long to write!)...far too much for me to write right now, but I wanted to stop by and let everyone know that I WILL be sharing my USAs experience with you ASAP :)

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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I have experienced such a peace with this prep and words cannot explain the feeling. Yes...I have my doubts. I sometimes wonder 'Will I be ready?", but there has been something truly amazing about this entire experience as I have prepared for USAs. God has placed so many people in my life JUST at the right time and He has used everyone around me to feed me bits and bits of encouragement just when I need it most. That support system is what makes the entire journey something so beautiful. It makes the journey itself SHINE when I look and see all of the God moments...all of the moments that God has used the people around me to keep me striving for my goal.

I have experienced a HUGE life change over the past two months. It was a change that needed to be taken, but let me tell you...It was TOUGH. I cannot explain how many days I busted butt in the gym and dreaded leaving just because it was back to the reality of my situation. BUT through all the tests, trials and struggles - Something absolutely beautiful is ALWAYS formed. I know that it sounds incredibly cliche..but each struggle sculpts, molds and shapes you into something more beautiful and strong than you ever thought possible. It gives you a chance to push your limits, build mental/emotional strength and literally rise ABOVE what you thought was possible.

So as I have endured this show prep I experienced heartbreak at its worst -- Yet I have also experienced God's love in a way that I have never experienced before. It's been a bittersweet experience and it gives this show prep for USAs a "zest" that has truly made me ALIVE in the experience. It goes to show that when you are following His will, things just feel SO right and He will provide you with all that you need and for me that has been the amazing support system that the Northwest has to offer for competitors. All of my fellow competitors up here in the Northwest have been so support, inspiring and encouraging and I am forever thankful for that! You have all said JUST what I needed to hear at the right time and I give God MAJOR props for pulling this all together ;) I also have to mentioned that I was connected with Pastor Mike Wenger from Stronghold Ministries - If you have never heard of his ministry for the bodybuilding industry, check out his website! He sets up booths, networks, builds relationships and prays with competitors all around the United States! - and he has connected me with two amazing girls, Jessica and Andrea, in FL who compete and have also supported me through this entire process. All I can say is WOW - Life is great, God is GREAT and the people that He puts in my life are such true blessings. So that's my tid bit for today...It's that support system that you NEED as a competitor. When you really open your arms to the people around you and build TRUE heart-filled relationships with other competitors, something truly beautiful happens and I'm so thrilled that through all this struggle I have had the opportunity to do so!

As far as my training and prep...Whew!! I am exactly one week out from stepping on stage and I'm feeling great! As I mentioned, I have my moments of doubts about being ready, but I do my best to shut those thoughts out and have faith in the process - Faith that it will all come together in the end as I continue to work hard!

I'm currently doing anywhere from 90 - 100 min of cardio/day and my lifting has been high volume as well. I'm keeping my lifting as heavy as possible, but also focusing on those high reps, drop sets and supersets! I'm doing what it takes to make me sweaty and get my heart thumping! In addition, I've been drinking tons of water and eating fairly low carbs! Overall, I'm feeling pretty darn good and excited to really push through the next week with everything in me! I can't wait to see what I look like at the end of next week! Woot Woot!

I'm also going to spend this weekend packing my bag for Vegas so that I do not have to worry about it during the week. I want everything to be organized and ready so that I am not stressing out as I prepare to fly out Thursday AM!

So that's it for now...I'll keep checking in to keep everyone posted! 1 week out and I'm ready to rock and roll! Woot Woot!

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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I am officially three weeks out from USAs! I have pre-judging on Friday July 30th...Three weeks from now I will be stepping on stage at my first national show and I am filled with so many emotions. I'm so excited, pumped, happy, nervous, anxious - Everything rolled into one!

Training has been going great! I've been in the gym all the time it feels like...I honestly feel like I live there. But it has been good bc it has been my "ME" time and I've  been enjoying every minute of it! There's nothing like my gym time as a mental/emotional release! My training is still high volume with a lot of dropsets and supersets...This definitely gets me sweating and keeps my heart rate up while I'm lifting! Cardio has been great as well! We haven't increased my cardio yet, but we'll see how I'm looking through next week and we'll adjust it accordingly. Since John and Roxana are doing my diet, they also give me an outline for cardio to ensure that my diet is matched up with the amount of cardio I'm doing! So to be honest, I don't know what next week holds for me, but I know it will be good!

Diet..Now that has been amazing as well. I have a brand new obsession: Angel Hair Shredded Cabbage.

It's funny because I go through phases in diet prep where I'm completely obsessed with some sort of food/meal and right now it is my cabbage all the way!

I buy the bags of shredded angel hair cabbage and I put it in a pan and "stir fry" it (although you all know that I'm not using oils!) with natural rice vinegar, which has zero sodium, and TONS of Mrs. Dash - Southwest Chipotle. YUMM...Just thinking of it right now makes me want a bowl of it SOOO bad! I mean...I'm literally obsessed. I broke down last night and made an entire bag of it, poured it in a huge bowl and savored every bite of it! I'm flying through several bags of it a day :) The great thing is that is tastes good to me, it is low in carbs/calories AND it keeps me full! So that's my new obession!

I also started making a certain drink mix that I carry with me everywhere. My fellow ON/ABB athlete, Tim Rice, recommended a gallon of water mixed with 15 grams of ON's BCAAs, 10 grams of ON's Glutamine, 2 servings of Beta Alanine (I use ON's Threshold in Fruit Fusion flavor) and then 1 pack of Orange Crystal Light. I make this and sip on it all day - in addition to another gallon of water. The Fruit Fusion Threshold and the Orange Crystal Light taste delicious together and I also get a good amount of amino acids and the beta alanine to keep me going strong all day! So that's another new obsession of mine as well!

Overall things are going amazing and this has been such a great journey. This will be a show prep that I will remember forever because I've never been more challenged before and that is why I have grown so much as a person through out the last several weeks. I've been knocked down, shoved down, tested to the extremes, yet the Lord's amazing strength and grace have been there for me every step along the way and I feel so blessed to have grown and 'stretched' so much...It is so true when people say that your darkest moments will bring the greatest LIGHT and victory! AMEN!

Well I'm off to eat my second meal of the day! Woot Woot!

‎"Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion...You must set yourself on fire!" --Arnold Gaslow

This is so true. To be a successful competitor, you must really SET YOURSELF ON FIRE...You must keep that fire burning SOOOO strong if you're going to make it to the end. It is that burning fire in you that will keep you pushing through another meal of chicken and veggies and through another hour of cardio.

No Fire = No Success.

So get fired up. Do whatever it takes to light yourself on fire. That passion in your heart is there for a reason and you need to do everything in you to keep it ALIVE and burning strong.

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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I'm 22 years old. I just graduated from college.

It is also Friday night on a holiday weekend and I'm laying in bed about to go to sleep.

Yes... It is 9 o'clock PM on a Friday night and I'm getting ready to go to bed. And to be honest, all that I can think about is how much progress I want to make this weekend. I can't get my mind of cardio and lifting. I want to spend time practicing my posing and enjoying some delicious food. When I say delicious, I'm referring to the meal plans that John and Roxana have prepared for me. Chicken..Ground Turkey...Shredded Cabbage. All the goods :) Overall I'm finally feeling like my heart is so focused on my prep that it is all that I can think about.

My point is that I never thought I'd be 22 years old spending my days training hard, going to bed early and eating clean. NEVER would I have dreamed of this. I grew up loving my tasty food and loving the late nights with friends. BUT when that passion..that tug at your heart for something occurs, you don't care how far it is from what you "imagined" or "thought" you'd be doing, all you want to do is get at it..make it happen. Do whatever it takes to fulfill that passion. And that's exactly where I'm at.

This prep for USAs has been truly unexplainable. Each show prep is its own journey. Each show prep has it's own "feel" and "flow"...My prep for USAs is COMPLETELY different from anything I have experienced before. I am truly focusing on myself and taking time to really discover WHO I AM and WHAT I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH. Yet it has also been one of the most unselfish preps as well as I have spent way more time reaching out to other women and helping in anyway that I can. It's been a complete journey between me and God...I'm beginning to walk closer and closer to Him and it has been a remarkable last four weeks. It's HIS love that keeps me pushing and I'm telling you...there's nothing like it.

So that's that! As far as my training and diet...

My diet is going great. I've been keeping 100% clean and on plan. Although I do have to admit that I had a slight breakdown last night as our internet was not working and I desperately needed to get online..So what did I do..I ate a few strawberries. Okay. So not SO bad, BUT it was still not on plan. SO I have to admit that I did get slightly off track. Other than that, I've been rockin' it out and staying focused on getting lean and mean! Training has been going fabulous as well! I'm doing the stepmill almost every morning and then either treadmill or stepmill after weights. I've also incorporated some sauna time and that feels sooo good! Overall I am watching my body change...watching it tighten up...and THAT feels GREAT because I sure have been working my buns off these last couple weeks!

So that's all I've got right now. I'm about 4 weeks out from USAs and my registration is in...my suit is ready...hotel is booked..flight is scheduled. Woot Woot!

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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**I work like it is all up to me and pray like it is all up to Him**

I heard these words in a country song this morning and they really spoke to me. It applies so strongly to all areas of my life and especially to my prep as I get ready to step on stage at the USAs. As a Christian competitor who is focused 100% on the Lord, those words represent how I see my competition journey: I will train my butt off to win a national show as if it is all up to me, but at the same time I pray that GOD's WILL and plan within the industry, not my own, will be fulfilled.

I want to win my pro card....Really bad. I will work my butt off every single day as if it is all up to me to win a national show. I will give every ounce of strength in the gym to train hard and fierce...to sculpt a strong, beautiful and healthy body. Yet every single night I will get on my knees and pray that God's will and purpose for my life will be revealed and that He will give me the strength and courage to follow HIS way - No matter what that is. If He has a very special place for me somewhere that does not involve a pro card and competing within this industry, then I will follow His plan with a happy and grateful heart. BUT in the meantime I will continue to work my butt off to rock the stage for every single show that I have the opportunity to compete in!

So that's my thought for the day :) I think it's so important for us to work hard to succeed, yet also keep God's will and plan our top priority!

My training has been going great! I've been in the gym every single day and thankfully my diet, sleep and supplements are giving the strength/recovery to hit it hard each day of the week. I'm trying out a new split and it seems to be working great right now!

I have arms later today, followed up with the sauna and cardio. I'm keeping high volume training a priority. Going as heavy as possible with a lot of sets! It's bringing me the results that I need/want to see, so I'm excited to see the changes that my body makes this week!

As far as my diet goes...I've been doing AMAZING!! I've actually been staying right on plan and it's nice to know that I'm giving this prep all that I have from here on out..I will step on that stage knowing that I gave every ounce of strength and focus into USAs and that is truly a remarkable feeling.

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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We have our highs and lows during contest prep. I have my days where my energy levels are soaring and I'm feeling 100% determined to work my butt off for the stage. Yet I also have those days where my body is literally dragging...You know, the days when 20 min of cardio is brutal no matter what song you are listening to, no matter how much you try and pump yourself up. That's just the way it is. You will have good days and bad days, yet your relentless focus on your end goal is what will keep you pushing through the tough days so that you can enjoy the moment you get to step on stage and shine.

I'm writing about this as a reminder to myself because all week I have been killin' my workouts. I mean killin' it! I've been training hard and fierce and feeling great. My nutrition has been 100%...Completely on plan. THAT feels amazing. I literally followed everything I was supposed to follow all week long and it wasn't even that difficult.

Today...Now that is a different story. I only had to do 30 min on the stepmill this morning and I was dying. It's kind of funny because yesterday AM I did 60 min on step mill at level 12-14 and felt AMAZING...But today I could barely do level 8 for 30 min. That's the tough part about prep..Those days of low energy come more and more often as show time approaches and it is so important that I stay focused on my goal. It's important that I make the best of my high energy days and do everything possible to push through those tough training days. Yes I am tired. My legs are feeling worn down, but I CAN do this and I need to stay focused on what I can do.

If I can push through these tough days, I'll break through and experience another smooth and energized day and trust me...I can't wait for that :) Contest prep is about pushing yourself...through the highs and lows to achieve more than you thought possible.

So that's that. I'm feeling super darn weak today and definitely need a nap sometime this afternoon. Then it is back to the gym to hit quads! Ohhwwwee that is going to be tough. Quads are tough enough on my high energy days, so I really have to muster up all the mental strength that I can to kick major butt later today!

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

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