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So it's my first time writing a blog....I'm very excited!! This should be a great experience.  THANK YOU Elaine for inviting me to write about my "Road to the Ironman 2009" on your website!!  I really appreciate the invite and I'm very excited for the next several months of sharing my progress.  For those of you who don't know me, I'll be competing in the new Bikini Division.  I have two Bikini shows under my belt and I'm excited to be in better shape for my third show.

Today I woke up very excited to go after my day.  My alarm went off at 3:55am and I was happy to get up and head to the gym.  Cardio was great this morning.  Although it is sometimes VERY difficult to get out of bed at 4:00am to get in my cardio, I always feel SO great when I get it done.  Right now I'm at 30min of cardio every morning.  Depending on how I'm looking closer to the show, my trainer Pete will adjust the time accordingly.

One thing that has really helped me with my training is an idea that Bryan Clay shared with my Church a couple weekends back.  For those of you who don't know Bryan Clay, he won the Gold Medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing in the Decathlon event.  He came to my Church to speak on Father's Day and gave an inspiring message.  Not only was he named "The World's Greatest Athlete", but he is also a strong and faithful man of God.  One thing that he mentioned, in regards to his preparation for the Olympics, was his "Theme Song".  Every morning heading into the weight room, he would listen to his theme song.  He said it helped him stay focused on what he was going to accomplish.  So after that, I decided to pick my theme song.  My theme song is "My Deliverer" by Mandisa.  This is one of those songs that really hits home for me and keeps me motivated.  Every morning I listen to this song right as I get to the gym.  It reminds me WHY I am training.  It gets me focused on my goals for the day and reminds me that I do it all for the glory of God.  I will listen to this song everytime I step into the gym in prep for the Ironman.  If you don't have a theme song, maybe think about picking one out.  Pick a song that really pushes you to work hard and reminds you why you do what you do.

My day will be a busy one, but I think that motivates me to work harder to get everything done.  I'll be working a full day, then off to the gym I go.  Today will be Chest and Biceps. Gotta build that muscle ;)

 Most likely I'll always end with a great quote or bible verse I've found...It's just something I do.

"You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction." -- George Horace Lorimer

I believe we all have to focus on our goals all day long.  What a better way to start your morning then to review your goals and get started.

If we can start each day with drive and determination and go to bed statisfied with our efforts that day, WE WILL REACH OUR GOALS.

Stay Strong and Focused.  Let the Lord's Light Shine!

 Diane

Tags: Bikini | Washington Ironman | Bodybuilding | Ironman | Determination | Goals