CRAIG PRODUCTIONS LLC

After working for hours trying to figure out how to embed a YouTube video into the blog here I have realized I cannot figure it out...or maybe my patience has just worn out!  So here is a link to a YouTube video I did explaining a bit about where I'm at and where I am heading.  Its a history of my journey thus far and a precursor of so much to come!  Please check it out HERE. But be aware, I am a goofball and have a very dry sense of humor...hahaa ;)

Tags: Figure | Fitness | adrenal fatigue | isagenix | Emerald Cup | Craig Productions | fitness routines | competitors | mind | strengthFigure | Ironman | training legs | setbacks | energy | vision | discipline | focus | training partner | disciplined | focused | night show | persistence | commitment | choice | challenge | personal training

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I sit here tonight, ecstatic over the opportunity to be blogging with www.craigproductions.com.  Today has been something a bit surreal for me.  Small accomplishments in the big picture though steps I have put off for fear of rejection.  I sit here tonight ecstatic, yet unsure.  I want this to be big, I want this to be real.  For me, Jen, to be blogging on the website for Emerald Cup and Washington Ironman feels as if my dreams have come true.  To some of you this may be cheesy, well even to me it sounds a bit silly.  We are not to idolize, but  I am obsessed!  The fitness industry has intrigued me for over 11 years now.  Sitting on the couch after midnight flipping through cable when I stumbled on a fitness show on ESPN.  A former cheerleader, wanna be dancer, and in athletics my whole life I was hooked.  These woman were on national television, they had to be of some weird and famous breed.  I set them on a pedestal, something unattainable by an average girl like me.  At that time I was 17, young and naive.  Though our thoughts lead to our actions and our actions lead to our destination.  Eleven years later I'm still in the audience, dreaming of standing center of that stage, head high, shoulders back, to close my eyes for a moment and feel the feat of accomplishment.  Though the road has not put me on stage yet, I will not be defeated, I will not quit fighting until I am on stage.

So I guess this is where it gets a bit personal.  I've been a gym rat since high school, loving the smell so stuffy and stinky.  Cold hard floors, cardio machines buzzing, weights clinking...paradise.  It is not difficult to get me to the gym, its not difficult to get me to push myself.  This is where the issue comes in.  I might be a bit hard on myself...well ok...I said I was going to be honest, I am very hard on myself.  I will take myself to the gym, roll myself up like a back alley cat fight and love every second while I'm there.  I am very good at over training, if it was a good technique I would be famous!  Several years of this, committing to this show or that show, working with this trainer or that trainer, I always got the same result.  I was on cloud 9, pumped and ready to go.  Two weeks in I would get sick, I would start having anxiety attacks, weakness, and foggy brain.  Yup...aren't those right out of the training manual for OVER TRAINING!  Well I never caught on to this, I fizzed out, felt defeated, tore myself apart emotionally and became angry.  I tend to live life in black or white, so if I couldn't do it overnight with intense training then I would not ever reach this goal.  5 years or so of off and on choosing shows, starting to train, my body freaking out and me giving up I have thrown my endocrine system into a fit!  Now dealing with much more sensitive issues such as major hormone imbalances, adrenal fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, 20lbs weight gain, on and on.  Turning from doctor to doctor looking for the magic pill.  I haven't found it yet but I am starting to realize my body is different, I can't jump into a competition training regiment overnight, cardio has to be done at a lower intensity, sleep is not negotiable, and nutrition is HUGE!  So...maybe I'm not that different.

I'm rambling on, wondering where to take this blog venture.  I am going to take you on my journey through adrenal fatigue, hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, and more and right onto to center stage where I promise win or lose I am going to take a moment to stand still, eyes closed, and breathe in the drive, motivation, blood, sweat, and tears of many years fighting my way.  Right now my doctor has me laying low, I'm listening for once, trying to be patient.  Its hard to look in the mirror and not recognize the body that encompasses such a fit and strong soul.  With time and patience, and the grace of God I will be an inspiration to men and women alike.  Those that believe that they couldn't do something like that, or that are dealing with physical ailments interfering with their training.  It is possible, even for a regular girl like me! :)

Jen

Tags: Ironman | Craig Productions | Emerald Cup | Washington Ironman | determined | WA State Show | setbacks | Goals | Determination | Weakness | persistence | goal-setting | illness

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First of all, I am deeply honored to have been invited to blog on the Craig Productions Site! A sincere thanks to the Craig family for such a wonderful opportunity. I'm looking forward to sharing my very unique journey back to the Ironman stage as I finally make my long-awaited transition from figure to fitness.

The Ironman holds a special place in my heart as some of you may already know. In 2006, while preparing for my very first competition, I became sick with a life-threatening paralysis and collapse of my Digestive Tract. In retrospect it seemed as though I went directly from the gym to the operating table for an emergency operation to remove part of my colon and my gallbladder. I also had my small intestine reinforced with wire mesh, and the remainder of my colon 'tied' to my backbone to prevent another collapse. "We need to do this quickly," my surgeon said "Because this is going to kill you otherwise"

Unfortunately the procedures "awakened" a dormant blood clotting disorder found in patients with Lupus that I unknowingly had, and blood clots formed in my liver in a condition known as portal vein thrombosis. I went on a potent dosage of a dangerous blood thinner called coumadin, which soon therafter landed me in the hospital with internal bleeding. Meanwhile, I was officially diagnosed with Gastroparesis and Chronic-Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction.

These diseases are extremely complex and treatment is mostly ineffective. It was a very grave time in my life, as I was expected to require a feeding tube implanted into my small intestine as well as an ileostomy to survive. I was warned of the high mortality rate that my condition carried, and that life as I knew it would be forever altered.

I was broken-hearted. Competition was no longer a viable option in the immediate future, but what I didn't know was that I had been prepping for far more than a figure competition: I had been prepping to save my life.

To my surgeon's amazement, I healed astonishingly fast. I begged him to let me start running five weeks after my discharge from the surgical unit. He looked baffled, and said "Your diet and exercise regiment has literally made you a medical miracle. I would never have expected to see you sitting here in such remarkable condition considering the kind of shape you were in when we met."Despite this, my doctors said that I would never be able to become a figure competitor.

These words, which will forever ring in my ears, were exactly what I needed to ignite my passion to prove them wrong! And in 2008 I did exactly that as I stood on stage at the Ironman: happy tears trailing down my cheeks as I stood clutching my trophy while a tiara was placed upon my head. It was one of the happiest moments of my life, as I had proven to the world and to myself that you can achieve the impossible if you have the heart to do so.

Now here we are, already through the first half of 2010 and I find myself in a similar situation as I did back then. After spending part of February, March and April in the hospital (I had another surgery and ended up suffering several complications from it), I am tired of being forced into a sedentary lifestyle and am ready to bring all I have to the Ironman stage! So here begins my blog: a chronicle of what it is to be both chronically ill and a fitness athlete. Two very distinct lives intertwined in one girl who owes this sport her life.

It is a debt I don't intend to take lightly.

Tags: Fitness | Ironman | illness | Dedication

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Well Well Well....3 Days to go!! I cannot believe how quickly time has gone by!! I'm ready to rock and roll :)

I have everything organized and done for the show. I had my last hair appointment yesterday. My nails are done. My tanning is scheduled with the Kreklo's. My make up is all scheduled with Jen Turnbull.  I've been whitening my teeth at night. I've been tapering down my water and eating EXACLTY what I need to eat. Cardio has been good. I've done everything that I've needed to do. Feels good to know that I've put 100% into this. Now I just have to go with the flow. I'm worrying a lot less this time around. When it gets close to a show, I normally stress out about how I will look and how I will place. This time I'm not stressing. I know that no matter where I place, I'm bringing in my best physique YET.  Of course there is always room for improvement, but I'm definitely going to step on stage in the best shape I've ever been in. Feels darn good! That's what it is all about people. Yes, winning is great, but it is even more amazing to look back at the past several months and see all the progress that you have made. All the sweat. All the tears. All the water. All the perfectly timed meals....When I reflect back on everything I've done to get where I am right now...Now THAT is a good feeling. There's nothing better. From here on out, it's the adrenaline and fun times with competitors that I look forward to. The hardwork is pretty much done...Now it's just time to rock it. So that's what I'm going to do!

I had my last lifting session this morning with Pete and Adrienne. Pete squeezed EVERY little bit of juice out of us and it felt so good. I started out feeling strong, but by the end of the session I was toast. My arms, legs, back, chest...everything was toast. So that is good. That just means that I'll be able to soak up the carbs wonderfully :) We stuck to really heavy weight today...only doing about 6-8 reps...But we kept moving...There was no time for rest between exercises. We just pushed and pushed through. The rest of my day will be cardio and then rehearsal with Tanji tonight. It will be nice to get in my suit and practice with her and the other gals. She always helps us to put those final touches on our posing and stage presence. Then I'll head home and go to bed!!

I start school tomorrow. Talk about GREAT timing!! I'll have one day of school before the show...works out great!! When training/prepping for the Vancouver Show and Emerald Cup this last Spring I was going to UW Bothell full-time, working full-time and prepping. So the ease up on my schedule during this summer for the Ironman has been very nice for my prep. I'll just have to make sure that I have all my food prepped and organized tonight since I'll be sitting through 8 hours of class tomorrow. Whew!! Then it'll be Friday before I know it...One day closer to the show. So Pumped.

So that's where I'm at. Organized...Excited...Anxious...Confident...Hungry...And everything else that I could possible feel. I'm pressing into the Lord more than ever. HE is the reason why I compete...I want ALL glory to go to HIM and no one/nothing else. So I'll keep pressing into Him...Plus it keeps my nerves at ease. Prayer works wonders!!

We have three days to go...Do EVERYTHING you need to. It's almost your time to shine...So enjoy!!! I've been working my butt off for the last four months, so I'm going to enjoy EVERY SINGLE minute of the next few days! Yes...You will have some stress leading up to a show, but don't let it eat you up.

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

Diane

Tags: Ironman | Posing | cardio | onstageimage@yahoo.com

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A big and juicy burger.

That's all I could think about on my drive to work this morning. That just means that my cravings are starting to kick in. I drove past a billboard near my house that has a picture of a big burger. Although the billboard has been up there for probably a month now, today is the first day that I REALLY noticed it. Every single morning, I've driven by this and simply looked at it...Just a glance. But this morning was different. This morning I looked at it and really wanted it. It's funny how the mind works. Realistically, my body doesn't need the burger at all (or even want it), yet my mind seems to think otherwise :) So this just means that my cravings are starting up and I'm going to need to stay focused. I need to stay in the zone. I'll keep my mind focused on clean food and intense workouts. That's all there is to it. Sticking to clean eating and intense workouts every day until the show will make that burger so much more satisfying AFTER I have reached my goal at the Ironman.

The last couple of days have been great. I've added on another 45min of cardio each day and it's really starting to show. I'm starting to lean out even more. Right now I'm at three cardio sessions a day. Each one is different. Elliptical in the AM, treadmill in the afternoon and then stepmill or running outside at night. So far it is working great for me! Even though I'm doing the same amount of cardio as I have in the past, I'm splitting it up differently through-out the day...Three shorter sessions is working a lot better than two longer sessions. So I'll just roll with it ;)

I also went to Tanji's posing class last night. She is so inspiring!! She's getting ready for the big O and I know that she is going to rock it! She looks great!! Not only does she look great, but she seems to be full of energy and spunk! It is always great to work with people like her and Shannon Gill. Both are so inspiring and so full of knowledge. Always surround yourself with people more knowledgeable than yourself. The key is to ALWAYS learn. To learn, you MUST surround yourself with the best. Overall, the class was great and I'm excited to practice my walk and posing over the next month. Us gals from Snap are going to get together once a week to really get everything down 100%. As I've said before, it is all the little things that count! Every step and every pose counts. So practice!!

Make sure that you gals are getting all your minor details planned.

Have you booked a hair appointment?

Have you booked your tanning?

Registration? NPC card?

Nails? Suit? Heels? Make-up?

All of these things are so important...Get everything organized now so that you can enjoy your last couple weeks of your journey!!

I better get to work. I need to finish my protein shake and oatmeal. Delicious. Much more delicious than any hamburger I could ever want ;)

Stay focused on your goal. We've got 29 days to make the most of prep before the Ironman. 29 days!!! That's incredible. So let's go. Get that cardio done...Lift hard...Drink your water...Eat your food...Visualize yourself on stage...There's no time to waste.

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

Diane

Tags: Ironman | Bikini | posingfocused | registration | Visualization

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I woke up this morning still a little head stuffy from my flu.  I'm telling you...I've learned to be patient and do the best I can with the given situation.  What I thought was going to last 1-2 days, has lasted 5 days! I am happy to say that I got back into the gym yesterday and had a great cardio session.  I'm sticking to just cardio until Monday...By Monday I will be fully healthy to start lifting.
Anyways, I prepped some food and out the door I went for the WA State Bodybuilding pre-judging. I was VERY excited to watch the show.  There's nothing like watching a show to give you that little bit of motivation to keep you training hard for your own show!  Seeing all the gals up on stage proud to show off their hardwork reminded me to stay focused so that I can step on the Ironman stage with complete confidence that all my hardwork and persistence has paid off! The bikini gals looked great! I met two of the gals who did bikini for their first time and they looked amazing!! They really did a great job.  A first show can always be nerve-racking.  I remember the 2008 Ironman, my first show.  Boy was I shaking!! My lips were quivering so bad that I couldn't even smile! Although I was a terrible nervous wreck, the first show is always a great experience.  It's one of those moments that I'll remember forever.
I left very excited to get into the gym and also very excited for the Ironman! It made me "crave" that stage experience!! It's so much fun competing.  Just the whole scene is so awesome and it reminded me how much I love competing.  Overall, the WA State pre-judging pumped me up and I'm ready for anything!
So I went into Snap and did my cardio, then ate an amazing salad! It was actually quite simple.  Just some spinach, hardboiled eggs, broccoli, bell peppers and celery, but it sure did taste great.  I've tricked myself into loving that sort of food :) I'm telling you....it's all mental!
Once I got home from the gym I took one of my dogs for a walk.  That in itself is a workout.  My dog Zeke is a BIG Bullmastiff, so taking him on a walk (especially when he's exciting) keeps my pace quick and my blood pumping.
Now I'm off to clean my house!! Let's just say that since I work full-time and train during the week, our house tends to get a little messy by the weekend.  Luckily I'm out of school for summer break, so I have a little more time to get things done and relax!

Enjoy the sunshine...We're so blessed here in WA to have such amazing summers.
Get out there and enjoy!

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

Diane
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Tags: WA State Show | Ironman | Washington Ironman | Bikini

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I know that I've already discussed how I got into competing in my bio, but I figured I'd go into a little more detail. 

Growing up I never really played any competitive sports.  I did casual dance classes and horseback riding, but nothing that required me to train.  Through high school I would casually workout, but I spent more time focusing on work and school.  Once I graduated from Newport High School and began working full-time, I started gaining a lot of weight.  Within about 5 months I had put on 40 lbs; I went from 120lbs to 160lbs.  I remember the day that I went to the doctor because I was constantly feeling sick and exhausted.  The doctor looked at me and said "Well Diane, you have put on a good amount of weight.  Maybe that's why you're feeling this way".  Even though it upset me at first, I was happy that he said this.  It made me realize that even though my weight gain was small compared to some American’s, it was still destroying my health. So on New Years 2008, I took "Before" pictures and decided to make a change. I started eating completely healthy on Jan. 1st.  I kept my diet very healthy from Jan-May without any exercise.  That all changed when my mom got a family membership for all of us down at the Eastgate Snap Fitness.

I decided to head in there a couple times a week between classes at BCC. I would go in there and do 30 min of light cardio and then wander through the weights.  After seeing me in there a few times, Pete (The Fitness Director) introduced himself to me.  That's the thing that I LOVE about Snap Fitness...It's a small 24 hour gym and it's very personal.  Since it is so small, the staff gets to know all of the members very well. But don't underestimate the small size; it's small, but it has EVERYTHING you need to train hard. So anyways, he would talk to me whenever I came in and he set me up with Brent, one of the trainers, for a complimentary training session.  After that, I started going in there more and more. Then the day came when Pete approached me about doing a show.  I clearly remember being on the Elliptical and he stood in front of it and asked me, "Are you athletic?" I said "kinda....why?" Then he asked what I thought about competing in a fitness show.  He gave me some of the details and then I let him know I'd think about it.  After talking to my family, I made the decision to do it.  I figured that I had nothing to lose.  Boy am I thankful that I accepted his offer! After that I met both him and Brent every single day from May-October in order to train for the 2008 WA Ironman.  They both put a lot of effort into training me and I'm forever thankful.  After the Ironman, I was officially hooked and started training for the Vancouver show.  Now, a year later, I'm training for the 2009 Ironman.  It's been an AMAZING journey and I cannot begin to describe how much my life has changed for the better since I started this.

It makes me realize how God can make one little change in your life and it can completely turn everything around for the best.  All it took was my mom joining a gym and my life was forever changed.  If I would have never made it to Snap Fitness to start working out, I would not be where I am today! Snap will always be my favorite gym.  The whole team, at both Redmond and Eastgate, work so hard to improve the lives of their members and I'm just so thankful that Pete, Brent and the owners of Snap were so selfless in helping me prep for a show.  It motivates me to be successful in the industry so that I can do what they did and help others with weight lifting and training.  More specifically, my goal is to work with teenage and young women to help them overcome self-esteem issues.  I'm passionate about this because I used to have many self-esteem issues and through weight training I feel strong and confident.  Plus I think it's great that this industry demonstrates strength and muscles as sexy.  Many teenage girls are raised looking up to skinny runway models and Figure/Fitness/Bodybuilding/Bikini competitors serve as excellent role models that challenge that unhealthy social norm.

So overall, that's where I'm at.  I had to truly be overweight to appreciate this sport.  Although it was probably the worst time in my life, I'm so thankful that I experienced being overweight. Without knowing how it feels to be overweight and self-conscious, I would not be able to understand the hard work it takes to get back into shape.

My best piece of advice for new competitors is to see training as a journey.  It's easy to get caught up in the end result of being in great shape up on stage, but this can also be discouraging when you have a long ways to go.  Look at each day as an opportunity to improve your health, your strength and your overall physical capabilities.  Take it day by day. Remember that each day you workout and eat clean will move you closer and closer to optimum health. Stick to it.  As I've said before, you've got one shot down here.  Make the most of it.

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

Diane

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Tags: Vancouver | Ironman | Determination | Goals

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I’ve heard many people say “Ugh…I have to go workout”.  I don’t really understand this.  Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my days where I really didn’t want to head into the gym, but ever since I changed my mind set, this hardly ever happens anymore.  I started realizing how blessed I am to be able to physically push my body.  We were all created with so much opportunity for strength, health and endurance.  It seems ridiculous that some people don’t take advantage of that.  Especially considering there are people out there who are disabled or severely injured who would LOVE the opportunity to do cardio or lift weights.  Every so often I lift at LA Fitness in Mill Creek and I usually see a younger guy in a wheel chair.  He’s in there doing the best that he can, yet it is a struggle for him to even get up for each weight machine.  When I see this, it astounds me that there are injury free and 100% able people who complain and whine because they have to do 30 min of cardio. I mean really?  Overall, the majority of competitors, the new and the experienced, really have it so easy.  I’m not saying it’s easy to bust butt in the gym every day, BUT at least we can easily get from machine to machine, we can easily get on the cardio machines and work it out…You know….It’s not a struggle like it is for some people.  For this reason, I see the gym as an excellent opportunity to improve and strengthen my body.  I’ve got one shot down here on Earth, and one body to accomplish everything I need to accomplish.  It just seems silly to look at each workout as something that I need to get done and check off my list with a feeling of dread.  Honestly, I get pumped knowing that each day I have the opportunity to push myself mentally and physically.  There’s no complaining. Just do it…and please do it with a smile and a thankful heart.

That being said, I’ve been working my butt off in the gym.

Yesterday we did Back and Triceps! We did supersets and made sure to keep our heart rates up!  We did five different exercises for both back and triceps.  We did these back to back…at a quick pace.  There’s no point in lifting if you don’t go into each rep with mental focus and intensity, so we made sure to do this.  My trainer Pete is great about making sure we go into each and every set with intensity and focus.  He doesn’t get too happy if we don’t J  Thank goodness for him keeping us focused sometimes. With five girls training together at one time several days out of the week, it’s easy for us gals to chat away and the gym is no place for chatting!!

So after lifting, my sister and I jogged to a hill close by Snap Fitness in Bellevue and did sprints.  I’m having a great time working on speed, plus I can feel it lifting my booty already ;)   I did my cardio this morning.  It’s nice to get my sweat on so early in the morning.  There’s something refreshing and energizing about it.  After work today, I’ll head to Snap and get my lifting and more cardio done.  Today will most likely be a full-body pump.  Regardless of what we do, it’s going to be a great workout today!

I’m going to go finish my shake and get to work!

“Remember, happiness doesn’t depend on who you are or what you have done; it depends solely on what you think" Dale Carnegie

Approach the gym with a thankful and focused mind.  Once you begin to think of the gym as an amazing opportunity…it will become one.

Stay Strong. Stay Focused.  Let the Lord’s Light Shine!!!

 Diane

Tags: Goals | Determination | Ironman | Bikini

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Well, it was another successful day.  As I mentioned earlier, I woke up determined to reach my goals and I'm confident that I'll be going to bed very satisfied with my day.  I met my trainer and several ladies who are training for the Ironman and we all kicked butt.  Chest and Biceps....Excellent! We did a total of eight different exercises, super-setting a chest workout with a bicep workout.  By the end of the hour, I could barely do push ups on my knees. I finished up on the treadmill.  After my workout I walk on the treadmill for 30min at the highest incline possible.  I used to run without an incline after my weights, but I've noticed walking at a very high incline is really shaping my buns.  Feels good to push myself to the limit.  There's something about that burn, that sweat and that feeling of your muscles about to explode that is unbelievable.

As I've mentioned, there are several girls training for the Ironman at my gym.  For all of them, it will be their first show.  Let me just say, it is SOOO inspiring to workout with such motivated gals.  They are all in the same position I was in a year ago.  They are new to training and are all soaking up all the knowledge they can.  They really demonstrate that new hunger for the sport.  It is truly inspiring.  Seeing their new excitement for training keeps me excited.  I think no matter how many years we have been training, whether it's one year or ten, we should surround ourselves with motvated and 'hungry' people who are new to the sport.  There's something about that new passion for lifting that can really remind all of the experienced competitors why they do what they do.

Well I'm off to bed!! I ate exactly what I needed to eat today, I drank all my water and I worked my booty off at the gym...Amazing day.

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

 Diane

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

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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

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I just finished talking with our webmasterdan and I have so much to tell you about!! As you can see, our site has a facelift! And we will be adding more and more new things to it!

Starting this Thursday Posing Guru Dave Patterson will be blogging his contest preparations for the upcoming Ironman. You will be able to access him directly from our Ironman page or from the blog page. Dave is going to write about his training, dieting and posing from now up until he steps on stage. You will have an insight into his prep diary.

For all of you Facebook fans, we will be having our own Northwest Physique Facebook. You will be able to post all of your contest prep and thoughts online from this catagory. I am so excited about this! I think it will connect all of us that are into competition with each other. I’ll keep you posted on the progress and let you know when it is live.

And….coming soon to our site will be a weekly podcast on what is going on in our Northwest/Westcoast physique community. We haven’t decided on the format yet so send us an email on what you would like us to focus on. We’re open to ideas.

Plus we will be adding a page where Washington Ironman and Emeraldcup competitors past and present can post their pictures (then/now) with information about themselves. This will let the audience know a bit more about you than the info that the MC gives. Those of you making a transformation can post your progress pictures.

How fun is this all going to be??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited about the new changes with our site and our fantastic webmasterdan!!!!!!!!

At this point we are focusing on the Northwest/Westcoast community but everyone is invited to put their input in. Don’t forget to read the Ironman blog (I just posted info) for up to the minute details on the upcoming Washington Ironman and checkback this Thursday to start following Dave Pattersons story!

Tags: Ironman | Dave Patterson | Bodybuilding | website

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This is the first day of my writing for the Washington Ironman 2009. I know I have been quiet for sometime on the blog and that was because I just had to start somewhere. So this is like day 1 of a diet and training regimen.

I am so excited because we are in our new venue, The Snoqualmie Casino in beautiful Snoqualmie Washington. It’s just 15 minutes East of Bellevue and absolutely gorgeous! It sits right in the mountains and when you are outside the view is breathtaking! The events center is only 2 years old so it is state of the art!! We are so excited to be able to put a show on here. The lighting system is the all new “intelligent” lighting and the music system is like listening to your ipod!

You can enter online right on our site or just email or call us and we can send you out an entry. New division ~ over 50 womens bodybuilding ~ you’ve earned it ladies!

The Wa. Ironman is a 2 year drug tested event. Evergreen Polygraph Service is the official testing company that we use. They are the chosen service for WA law enforcement and for criminal testing. We have worked with them with the Ironman for the past 10 years and stand behind their professionalism. What good is it to enter a “tested” event if you don’t know the reputation of the show, promoter and testing source/company? These are things you must consider when you as a competitor are spending your time and money to compete in a show! Ask questions!! Find out what form of testing and who it is! Make sure the promoter provides you with a phone # of the company and an address so you can check all of this out! I am writing this because there are alot of so called “tested” events out there but then you compete and they say someone is tested but there is no proof of anything. Make these promoters accountable! Okay that’s my rant, I need to get back on the subject at hand ~ info about the Ironman, this October 3.

Yes, October 3rd. It’s coming up quick! Put that date on your calendar. Better yet, get your tickets right now. I have the up front, center seat section that is totally awesome seating!!! I have them right now, today as I write, only $35.00~ no hidden fees ~ not even postage & handling! ~ if you call me so you don’t have the Ticketmaster service charge. Which is totally cheap for right up front for a live stage show with the best natural Physiques in the Northwest! If you can only go to one show the rest of this year, you will want to make it to the Ironman! There are also $30.00 and $25.00 seats but right now you have the chance to be in the up front center seats. How cool is that? If you think about it, that rarely ever happens. I have gone to the 5th Ave with my girlfriends for 7 years now and we are season ticket holders for 4 musicals a year and the closest we have ever been is in row w! Think about how many weeks a musical runs. A physique show is for one day only once a year!!! Movies you can experience on DVD if you can’t make it to the theatre but a physique show is best experienced live. So do it right now, pick up the phone and call me so that you know you have your tickets and you will be all set and ready to go! 425-949-7320.

Check back regularly as I will continue to post information on the Ironman as it unfolds!

~Elaine Craig~

Tags: Ironman | Snoqualmie Casino | Bodybuilding | Figure | Fitness | Bikini

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