Revitalized!

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Has anyone had the chance to see Generation Iron?? When the film opened September 21, it wasn't being shown in Tucson. Tom & I were pissed! I even took to Twitter to complain about the fact that my crappy ass city wasn't showing the film (side note - Phil Heath retweeted one my tweets - eekk!!!). After pouting about the possibility of having to drive to Phoenix to see the movie, it was posted on Twitter that additional cities would be showing the film. No joke, I jumped up and down when I saw that Tucson was on the list!

It's a documentary on bodybuilding...the posed picture was necessary :)

We weren't able to see the movie when it opened here because of work schedules and other stuff so, we decided we would have a late date night on  the Wednesday night after it opened and see the last showing. We loved it!! It was amazing to get a "behind-the-scenes" look at the lives of some of the world's greatest bodybuilders. It was also fun for us to watch the Olympia coverage in the film because Tom & I were at the show & expo! Side note: I thought Phil Heath was delicious before I saw the film and after seeing it, I'm pretty sure that I might want to have his babies. *I apologize to his wife for lusting after her husband :)

I have been enjoying my time away from the stage and have been using this time, not only to rest, but re-evaluate my goals. I had made some tentative plans about what shows I would do next year and what I would do during the next few months to be ready for those shows. But the truth is, I've also thought about hangin' up my heels. Not because I no longer love the sport or have the desire to compete but because I have been thinking "Can I really be a force to be reckoned with? Can I be competitive at the national level?". To me, if the answer to those questions is no, then it's time to walk away from competing.

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In my AZ Open recap post, I mentioned a trainer that I have seen backstage at shows who I have briefly chatted with. After the show, I found his gym BYB Fitness on Facebook and sent him a message thanking him for always being so kind to me and mentioning that I would love to work out with him if we could make it work with our schedules. After several exchanges, Randy and I were able to set up a date & time for me to head to Phoenix and work out with him. Last Thursday, I made the drive north and proceeded to get my ass handed to me!

Before walking into BYB!

I'm pretty sure you guys know that I take my workshops very seriously. Very rarely do I walk out of the gym knowing that I didn't give 100%. I knew that Randy was going to put me through a hard workout but I had no idea that it was going to be such a physical and mental battle for me. There were moments of klutziness (I couldn't clear some of the jumps he had set up during my squat jumps), moments of gasping for air (I can still hear Randy yelling "Don't you dare do that, T" when I would lean over and suck wind), declarations of "I can't" (I got reprimanded for saying that!), and even tears! The workout ended and I laid in the doorway, trying not throw up. I was a broken woman.

Meet Randy!

Randy and I sat down to talk after the workout and it was an awesome conversation. He said some things to me that I needed to hear, asked me questions that are still making me think, and essentially added fuel to my fire that I realized was slowing dying. One thing he said to me that has been running through my head is that I shouldn't consider hanging up my heels until I've stepped on stage in GREAT shape (because up to this point, I've only been in GOOD shape) and see where I place. I can't walk away if I haven't really been on point and given it everything I have.

I have lots of decisions to make in the next few weeks but what I can tell you is there are some changes that will be taking place. Changes that I'm excited and nervous about. Changes that I think may shake this whole thing up. I promise to share with you soon and hope you'll join me on the next part of this journey!

The Obsession Continues!

I want boulder shoulders. I want them so bad I can taste it. My shoulders want to look like Candice's when they grow up! #realtalk

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If you think my obsession with growing my shoulders is something that just started, you would be wrong. Check out my Build, Build, Build and I Wanna Be Like Dwight posts, one is from earlier this year and the other is from last year. I'm tellin' you....the obsession is here and it's here to stay!

Shoulders post-workout!

I am hitting shoulders twice a week, one workout is "heavy" and the other I call my "burnout" workout and even though it's been a short amount of time, I'm pretty sure my shoulders are growing (or is that the photo editing filter I'm using?!?!).

I thought I would share with you the shoulder workout I did Wednesday morning and it's a good one! I'm still having difficulty lifting my arms to fasten my bra, put my mascara on, and comb my hair :)

Military press

20 x 8  25x 8  30 x 8  35 x 7  40 x 5

lateral raises

15 x 10/10   20 x 10/10   25 x 10/10   30 x 8/8   35 x 6/6

quarter lateral raises

40/40 x 8 (2)    45/45 x 8 (2)   50/50 x 8

bent over lateral raises (using bench) 

15/15 x 10 (2)    20/20 x 10 (2)   25/25 x 8

cable upright row

80 x 10  90 x 10   100 x 10   110 x 10    120 x 10

Has anyone else had a kick ass workout they want to share?? I'm always on the lookout for new ones to try! Please share them in the comments section!!!

Put It In Your Ear!

I discovered two songs this weekend that I want to share with you today!!

The first song is from Katy Perry. Now....umm...I haven't really been a fan of her music in the past. She definitely has made a few catchy songs that make you want to wiggle a little bit but I've never been like "OMG! Katy Perry's coming out with a new cd!"

I'm not going to be rushing out to buy her new cd when it comes out but I did purchase this single from itunes! The beat is sick and I'm not kidding, I attempt to twerk it and drop it like it's hot when the song is on!

This second song is from a British band called Rudimental. I was watching Black Ink Crew on VH1 and they were playing one of their songs during one of the scenes. When the show went to commercial, I hopped on Youtube to see what other songs I could "discover". The album version of this song features Emeli Sande (who is sheer perfection) so listen to both versions - I'm serious - you can thank me later!

I Heart Food!

Epic salad!

I love food. Plain & simple.

Food and I have a mad, passionate love affair going on and you know what, I don't care who knows it!

Protein pancakes...yes please!!

I joke that each time I start prep, my inner fat girl dies. She dies because she can no longer have Little Debbie Swiss Rolls, carne asada fries, apple fritters, pancakes, candy corn, should I go on??

What I have come to realize over time is that I am an emotional eater. I eat when I'm sad. I eat when I'm mad. I eat when I'm stressed. I eat when I'm bored. I eat...well....you get the idea. (I touched on this a little bit in my Face to Face With the Old Me post)

This improvement season, I am doing my best to step away from the mindless eating and eat with a purpose. I am working on feeling and dealing with my emotions versus numbing them with fried food and sweet treats. I am making a conscious effort to eat as healthy as possible and not turn to the foods that are "off-limits" during prep just because it's my "off-season" and technically I can have them. Some days, I do a really great job of this and other days, I fall flat on my face!!

Luckily, Kammie from Sensual Appeal has created a cookbook that just might help me fight the good fight. Sometimes, for one reason or another, I just need to cook for myself and I haven't quite mastered the art of cooking for one or cooking for one with just enough leftovers that will get eaten and not go to waste! :)

Kammie has recently created a delicious and healthy "Single Servings Recipe" eCookBook! I had the opportunity to preview this eCookbook and I have to tell you, there are some amazing recipes in this thing! I am excited about making the Chocolate Chip Pan-Cookie, Reese Overnight Oats, Raspberry Mint Yogurt Bites, and the S'Mores Mug Cake just to name a few!

The eCookBook is only $7.99 but Kammie has graciously offered you, my lovely readers, a discount code worth 25% off!! The code is BLOG25! Head over to her blog and order your copy today. Once you order the book and have tried a couple of the recipes, come back and share with rest of us your thoughts!

Oh...and since we're on the topic of food and eating, check out Charlotte's post from Wild Things Run Free entitled "Food Is Joyous - Treat It As So". I really like what she has to say about food and us viewing it as the enemy!

Disclaimer:

I received this product free of charge and was given no compensation for this review.

All opinions expressed are my own.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

Time to blow the dust off this o' thing and post an update, don't you think?? :)

Hi everyone! How are things?? I hope you all are doing well!! I haven't had a chance to sit down and blog because a major change took place a couple of weeks ago!

I was transferred from one of our public library branches to another! I have gone from Reference Librarian to YA (Teen Librarian) in the blink of an eye!

I feel like the new kid who transfers to the school in the middle of the school year! My new co-workers are really great and have been really helpful during this transition. I miss working Reference at the Main Library but I think I'm going to love it here at Quincie :)



Acro Yoga!

During  my first week at the branch, I got to observe an Acro Yoga workshop taught by Tucson Flight School Acrobatics! Acro Yoga blends yoga, acrobatics, and performance into one. During this workshop, I (yes, me!) was able to not only be a base (person who has the most points of contact with the ground) and a flyer (person who is elevated off of the floor by the base). I was extremely nervous when it was my turn to be a flyer (I'm not a tiny, light woman) but the instructor, who served as my base, was so strong and just supported me through the whole thing. I had so much fun and I'm thinking about taking some classes when I can get away from work. It was a fun, challenging workout!

Other changes in my life include me stepping out of my comfort zone and trying out new styles/accessories when it comes to my hair! Instagram has inspired me to start wearing headwraps outside the house! I have worn them to work a couple of times and even out shopping. I'm still learning how to tie them in different ways so cross your fingers for me :)

Remember how I told you guys that my 5 inch clear heels were going to be hung up for the next 7-8 months? Well.....I lied! Not on purpose, mind you, but I lied. It turns out I will be stepping on stage about a month earlier than I originally anticipated! There will be a new NPC show in Arizona next year - it is being called the NPC Dennis James Classic. Since it's being held in Phoenix and it will be cheaper for me to compete in this particular show versus the show in California I was planning on, it's on the schedule!

Just a quick update on a few things that are going on with me. I hope you all are doing well and I will try to do a better job of posting now that I am a bit more settled!

New Release Tuesday

I'm going to admit something to you guys and 

I want you to remember this blog is

a judgment-free zone! :)

In high school, one of my favorite bands was

The Backstreet Boys! 

Yep, I'm putting it out and I have no shame in saying it.

My favorite member of the band was AJ - 

I love a boy with tattoos, what can I say?? :)

Well, guess what?? THEY'RE BACK!!!

"Backstreet's back...alright!"

*if you're a fan, you'll recognize that :)

Here's their newest single and I have to say

with the exception of seeing Nick dry humping the air,

I like it!

#SupplementSwag

As you can tell from my tweet, I love going to the gym. Over time training has become one of my favorite things to do. I love lifting hard and I love lifting heavy. To help me do both of those things, especially when prepping for shows, I will look to supplements to help me handle my business in the gym. This is where Jacked in a Box from Muscle and Fitness comes in.

*cue the choir*

I've talked about the monthly supplement sample boxes I've received in the past (see my "Muscle and Fitness Goodies Giveaway" & "It Does My Body Good" posts) and my experience with the program has been nothing but positive. I can't always use the samples right when I receive them but trust me, they do get used! I thought I would highlight some of the samples I've received over the past few months.

I was beyond excited when I opened one of my sample boxes and it contained a sample of Jack3d  in it. I have been wanting to try this particular supplement for a very long time. There had some issues in the past with this particular supplement and the end result was USP Labs changing the formula. Tom is of the opinion that the new formula is not a powerful as the original. I never tried the original formula so I can't give an opinion on it but I can say the new formula was just "meh" to me. I didn't do cartwheels over it but it gave me a slight boost of energy before my workout. I'm not eager to buy a full-size container of this stuff but if I was given another free sample, I would definitely use it.

If you're concerned that all you'll get each month is samples of pre-workout supplements and protein powders, there...there...stop worrying :) In the box pictured above, I did receive pre-workout supplements but I also received two protein bars, one of which was a Questbar. Now, if you have been living under a rock for the past year or so, Questbars are the current craze in protein bars. I know lots of competitors love them, especially after warming them up for a few seconds in the microwave. When we were in Chicago, Genie was stocking up on the free full-size samples they were giving out at Junior Nationals.

The sample I received from Muscle & Fitness was the first time I had ever tried the bar. I am not a huge fan of protein bars. They all taste artificial and chalky to me and I'm sorry to say, this one was no exception. As I sat there chewing each bite, I thought to myself "I don't get it". I'm not even sure the added step of microwaving the bar would have changed my mind. I'm just not a fan.

Now, you're probably thinking "if the sample box is so awesome, why have you only talked about what you didn't like?" Be patient...I'm gettin' to the good stuff! :)

Apparently, I expect a lot from my pre-workout supplements. Tom's theory is that I have a high tolerance for pretty much everything so something that might have a normal person bouncing off of the walls (like Jack3d) just gives me a teeny tiny boost. When I find something that gives me the physical and mental effects I'm looking for, I snatch it up. Nano Vapor from MuscleTech is on my "Get Your Grubby Hands On It" list. From the Muscletech website:

"NANO VAPOR® helps ignite the energy you need to train with extreme intensity and prime your body for rapid and massive muscle pumps, which is a key component of a true musclebuilding workout."

This stuff does exactly what it claims to do! I feel insanely focused and strong when I'm in the gym after taking Nano Vapor. I don't feel hyper or jittery but I definitely have a heightened level of energy. The taste and smell are amazing (because you guys know how I feel about taking things that smell or taste funny!). The first time I used the supplement, I had to force myself to stop my workout. I had put myself through a brutal shoulder workout and 75 minutes in, I still felt like I could keep going.

I know have a full container of Nano Vapor in my supplement cabinet and I use it on my heavy back & shoulders days (gotta grow baby!). It really helps me push myself to lift heavier and harder. I've started telling everyone that it's my #SheHulkSmash weapon :)

Before!

After!

Have any of you used Beast Sports Nutrition products? This company has some really great stuff out that you should try.  I have "discovered" many of their products through Jacked in a Box and I'm really starting to fall in love with them! Products that I have tried, liked, and have ordered include Amphetalean, Beast Mode, and Aminolytes. I like that this company creates products that they call "multi-purpose" - they want to create products that fulfill the multiple needs of the person taking them in order to save them from having to order a ridiculous amount of different products.

Other samples that I have received and have given two thumbs up to are:

MHP Iso Fast (whey isolate protein) 

BSN Hyper FX

BSN AminoX

Gaspari Superdrive

Gaspari Aminolast

I really enjoy receiving these monthly boxes because it helps satisfy my curiosity about products while helping me save money (imagine if I had purchased a full-size container of Jack3d or a box of Questbars?!?). Plus, who doesn't like getting boxes in the mail when it's not your birthday or Christmas?? :)

Disclaimer:

I received these products free of charge and was given no compensation for this review.

All opinions expressed are my own.