CRAIG PRODUCTIONS LLC

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

Tags: