Goal Point 4 Paying it Forward

Hey yall,

So still staying on track with trying to meet my goals and remind myself of what I am driving towards....

In my goal point 4 paying it forward, I look to inspire and be inspired...I have this picture the day of the show with all these lovely ladies who took out their own time to come and encourage me. They saw me from my start to the end and feel inspired to drive in their own lives not just fitness but other things because they have seen it first hand...

The thing is while they feel an effect from me, I am feeling large affects from them in a positive way. All these women are beautiful strong in their own way.

All serve beside me in the Air Force,

one is a single mother serving her time away from her daughter while her
parents help to raise her

one is almost reaching her retirement , also my supervisor and mentor, I hope to step into her shoes as the great leader she is ...

one is a best friend of mine, career driven, knows the keys to success and paying it forward...she puts 110% into everything she does...

one is lead officer, always helping me develop career wise, what the next step is...survival... etc..

This is the effect I want to have on people not by force but just living my life everyday, working hard with drive and determination and pushing others that need it...

this is what I hope to obtain ...

thank yall for listening...

Goal Point 7 Fitness Test

Last year Dec 2011-

Abdominal- 29"

Pushups 43

Situps: 44

Run Time- 12:54

Score- 93.9

This morning on practice test:

Abdominal Circumference (waist measurement)- 27"    Goal-29" or less

Pushups- 44 out of 43 required     Goal- 43 pushups

Situps 46 out of 54     Goal- 54 Situps

Run Time- 12:04        Goal- 10:23 or less

Score 96.7


Situps and Run are my items of interest.... plan to train hard for this goal...

Dec 2012 is my actual date to test...

I will keep yall posted on progress...

Goals for Moving Forward....

Hey yall,

been a few days, only time i get to write is in the morning before I get to cardio but I dont want to stray away too long. This morning weighed at 129, which is not putting me over my 134 mark....

Anyway last post I talked about goals, establishing some ground here...transitioning to become an athlete type person, think like one..look like one etc...of course with being myself....which is why this journal is important for me for accountabililty.

Zoa and I will still communicate of course and I still train 2 days with Anne this month after this month she moves to another gym full time since she is pregnant, unfortunately work is a distance or at least more of a distance then I am allowed so it will be our last hoorah unless special occassion comes... In the meantime I am working to gain my independence so to speak....so by doing so I am managing to set my own goals...after competing I felt like that more can be achieved and when you hold yourself to certain lengths you want to meet them just for your own self gratification and to work towards other things....

So my list is endless however I have top 10 things I want to hold myself accountable to ....some are long term some are short term but they are in my sights and I want to constantly remind myself that this is the focus and just hang in there... so here it goes...


1. Maintain more Positive Thinking/Energy Spiritually and Mentally (Chi, Zen whatever)
2. Marriage (only can get better, married 3 years together for 1..work in progress)
3. Develop an independence as a woman/athlete (train harder, better for off season/next year)
4. Pay it forward (Inspire others how others inspired me, I have many role models not just in athletic capacity but women in particular etc...)
5. Stay the course as much as possible ( with the positive thinking hope to be less of this, but I know me...so I want to keep moving forward and if i do set back then I just pick it up and let it roll off)
6. Improve Leadership Capabilites (more in my job, i move up the ranks, i want to continue to be a better leader as more folks rely on me to do my job)
7. Score 100 on my fitness test... ( what feels impossible to most ...and based on my appearance some assume it cant be done because I dont "appear to be a runner" and of course more the challenge for me)
8. Bachelors Degree (work in progress)
9. Community Service( sort of like paying it forward but more paying it forward to any and everyone, I have done it in the past but want to get out more)
10. Take a vacation. ( Planned one for Australia and just let go...feel free)


So there you go....gotta do a practice fitness test this morning so that is the first step of working towards #7....talk too yall later

Road to Off Season...

Well back in the gym, and trying to find my footing... lots of things going on at work keeping me busy on top of maintaining what i have built...I established goal of keeping my weight at 134 in off season so I have to watch closely...

not to mention i still find tanner on parts of me that i didnt scrub hard enough ewww....hope to get my color back this week...it feels awkward wearing shorts and have the dark part of my leg and the regular color...

For the workouts we did interval sprints on the treadmill with pushups and shoulder press in between, repeating 3x

7 min stepper
Bicep Curls
Tricep Kickbacks

Interval Sprints
Side Lunges
Squats

Last AB workouts...

One thing i will express about AB workouts, I learned that it definitely has taken some workout to get them there...hard work and no wonder some people just say they want and they want...and dont necessarily go into it right away....it feels like your insides are burning when you hit the correct muscles....which I was guilty of just "crunching" 100 reps....I didnt understand about how to get the progress I wanted..I thought the more I did, the more abs I would get, still eating all the fats and carbs I wanted not realizing the sabatoge on my own progress...

always learning new things that i can improve on...

anyway, talk to yall next time... i got some goals and accomplishments I want to establish in this journal next go to hold myself accountable and meet...

I feel like sky's the limit at this point....only way to go is up!

Slowly getting back into it...

So today, been getting myself back into it...wow a break feels like forever and you have to constantly remind yourself to try to "stay away" for your own sanity but I craved going to the gym when I was off...my sanctuary..but I took the time chilled and indulged a bit... funny thing is people wanted to get me sweets as congrats and I am like whooaa...yall trying to get me back where I started...nice thought but maybe a hug or handshake next time right..??? All intentions were good...word spread about the show and people really had positive feed back....always good ju ju.... I didnt want to fall over too far the edge and beat myself up for having some treats....but i also didnt want to get out of control which i found myself doing a bit the past few days...didnt weigh myself, i am scared to see the result however I know what it takes to get it back off, but I still am not ready to see what "damage" has been done... I went back in the gym today, worked a bit on my back..not too much

Wide Grip Pulldown
One Arm Rows
Reverse Grip BB Rows
Rear Delt Flys
Machine Pullovers

Gave myself a little pump but wanting to ease my way back...a few days feels like a few weeks, but you will definitely know when you aint seen the gym in awhile....

In other news, I am transitioning to natural hair and I am so excited just because it is not as expensive as going to a stylist or getting constant relaxers and with the workouts and humidity , they barley last 2 days! lol...so I am researching all these things to get educated, I cant wait to see what it looks like after the relaxer grows out..Not chopping all my hair off but I am triming the relaxer off..will post pics when its not in that awkward phase

Plan on doing my legs tommorow... so I will let yall know how that goes!

Competion Recap!

First thing I wanna say is ...I MADE IT! From beginning to end many trials and tribulations to get this point and NO REGRETS thus far...probably not for a while...

Anyway show day felt like the Super Bowl, the World Series..Stanley Cup..yall get the point..small as it may have been I felt very excited about the experience...

Woke up early had my food and then went to get airbrush makeup from my favorite nail place, the owner opened it on Sunday even though they were closed to hook me up...cuz the tanner didnt react too well on my face so she definitely got me better and the makeup outstanding..lasted all day...

After went to do prejudging...backstage so awesome, all the girls helpful and sweet, even the mens just having a good time...a great atmosphere! it felt like I belonged and it felt so natural...


Prejudging was a rush...I had nerves but I thought of all the training practicing and I went and just posed like I needed to...smooth, slow but as accurate as I could get... it could only get better once I put my own style on it... I was in the heavyweight class which was 3 ladies....all first time in the division for BB ..they were wonderful...just having fun the whole time beginning to end pushing each other...fabulous women I met...they definitely helped to keep the atmosphere calm....not to mention the typhoon storm kept the audience small... so no biggie.. I had nerves but I was calm and all I heard was Zoa ,DJ and Hubby yelling at me which helped me push through it ....

All in all I did my best and remebered to bring the poses I could and not freeze up....

I went home to nap which happened quickly and woke up to do evening..it was raining hard so tried not to melt my tanner away...man that stuff is messy! like it gets everywhere if you aint careful....but it looks gorgeous...

We went in about 4,and got ready for evening....alot of supporters came to see me...my extended military family... they are awesome...they definitely got to see me up close and from my ups and downs..before I started to do this..so exciting to see final product....

So evening show was just having fun, though nerves were there...got my routine in and then comparisions, posedown so fun! I have never been photographed so much in my life....it was crazy...glad i looked on point...and then they gave trophies and I got 2nd place in heavy weight class! .... I didnt think so much of placing but I definitely was happy about and the other ladies just had the greatest attitude...

All in all....a rush, i want to do this again! It is my area and so glad that I didnt quit...they are doing a tv segment on the sport and all the competiors so that should be awesome...even the reporter said she felt inspired...

A great night, my husband was there smiling ear to ear.... family friends...stll aint came down from the excitment....got some professional pics taken for decent price when i get those I will post them....

afterwards had a sugar rush...2 bites of brownies literally they was so sweet at this point..felt like a diabetic coma! Some mcdonalds french fries and a burger...definitely water..never taking it for granted! It felt like my body was so dry.....and watched another one of the competiors so nice... he won overall his class...and he was a ball of nerves too but it only showed how dedicated he was...

All in things went so well....I already look forward to next year when I prepare for the show with already established muscle not starting from scratch...

i follwed my coach Zoa from beginning to end and she never strayed, I really am grateful to her...She does so much to make alot of ladies dreams come true and whether she will take credit or not, I am so gratefull to have met her and that she kept me on track...so many times I felt like I wasnt going to make it...

Having a coach enhances the experience....if you can pay that is.... I made the investment and TOTALLY WORTH IT...always the one person who understands you...knows what you are going through...is for you and getting you to your best.....Zoa truly loves this sport for what is down to her soul and can see it so clear, she looked like proud mama from down below and I could see she was truly emotional with all the girls.......

My personal trainer Anne,...such positive energy made me push myself beyond what I thought I could do....what felt impossible...she took it one step further....I love her much...such a great relationship we have created.... I appreciate her making me feel like the priority was me...treating her clients with respect but letting them know when the line is crossed and to get their shit together and handle buisness...never strayed ...Anne Peguero is who you need in your life period....

My hubby of course, putting up with my moods and eating and saying "no I cant have that"....the love of my life who continues to show me why I fall in love with him despite his "evil ways" lol.... but he was gone when i started this and learned quickly how to support me in great ways.... cooking the chicken...forcing the cardio when I wanted to cry...definitely a win for both....


Where do I go from here...well off season..so excited to say...I am going to pursue this further...continue to work with Zoa and Anne and bring the better package 2nd go as well as work on my body to make it better....


At this Point..the only way to go is up.....I am in for the long haul as long as the military allows me....U definitely havent heard or seen the last of Andrea Conn....I am in pursuit of becoming a pro in this sport as long as the road is there and I have great coaches behind me....I love this sport!

A Bit of Reflection.....

Well its about 3 days post show, still feeling that high but I wanted to just speak my mind a bit as far as my emotions with this show.... I couldnt really cry the day of because I didnt have the water but had I been hydrated and had the energy I probably would have been emotional. The trials of any type of goal you meet never are easy and truly feel like you been to "hell and back" which is pretty close equivalent to this experience. I never imagined being at this point of considering the sport or even taking myself through the work and dedication it entails to be your best or even fall in line for consideration...but regardless I put my best foot forward. I continue to ask myself is this really me...did i really do this??? those muscles have to be photoshopped...and not because of self doubt but just because I took something constructive and made it into a stepping stone.... This journey pretty much began from a co workers comment that I took to heart about my appearing to be overweight and my clothes not becoming for a person of my size (height and weight) which at the time I was happy with my appearance... but deep down I did feel insecure...either way I see myself now 4 months later, stronger than ever, wiser...just boost in self confidence and I honestly told that person thank you...not for the feedback but for whatever was meant to happen to give me that push.....because when I got on stage it felt awesome, felt like naturally I was meant to be there..and thats all that matters... such significance because since growing up as a child and constantly being told of what I wasnt capable of doing, i continue to prove it wrong time and time again.... and now its not even about proving that anymore, it is finding what I was born to do, my purpose..destiny whatever cheesy thing you want to say.... I felt like this pair of shoes definitely fits me very well.. at this point I want to inspire, want to just help ppl find themselves in whatever it is they want to do...and see the success.. because I feel like I been walking that walk and continue to improve better and better... so I believe at this point changing my title to

"Reflecting on the Past, Embracing the Present, Becoming a Better Me; Mentally Physically and Spiritually...."

I feel the desire and need to move forward with my life to include BB as well as grow inside and out geniunely and at his point the only way to go is up...I am excited for off-season but more excited to watch my mindset improve and develop more as a person.

Just looking at the pictures....the old me...still here but stronger than ever...I still am in disbelief

thank yall for listening...

Prejudging....

 DJ and I

Team Ebony Ivory (Hubs and I)

2 days......

Ok, 5am peeps, Saturday morning...slept really awkward last night and woke up massively hungry...which is why i am here .. ... and hubby gets up to golf at O dark 30....turning lights on.... *shrugs*....

Got my fingers and toes done yesterday.... french manicure with green tips...on my fingers is the shellac which gives that shiny look and I didnt have to pay a trillion dollars for it versus acrylic which I bite my fingers too much for that...I had them before and would bite the actual fake nail....terrible habit I know....

Been practicing past 2 nights posing with my friend DJ....and couldnt feel more ready....and of course there is a potential typhoon coming here...but it looks like it is going to be here monday or tuesday ....probably not at all..but who knows with this island.... but I am moving forward typhoon or no typhoon....I am ready to just get this done...do my thang...

Tonight is athletes meeting and some practice tweaks which honestly...i may not even need at this point but you can never do it too much...and I feel much closer to having some goodies.... we shall see...my mind wants to eat these things but hell.... I dont even care for milk anymore...and I am huge cereal fan...ahh well...

Taking today to chill, get my water in and food and prepare for tommorow.....just get the tanning done tonight and get rid of these lines on my legs......so far so good...

3 days.....

Hey yall,

so fun is beginning, last night my friend and I tried two wigs with makeup, I like the both but I am leaning towards the one with bangs...either way...I will look really awesome and the green makes my eyes pop...and I was cheesing because it was my last cardio and weight day....

That morning Anne and I did circuit

Chest Press
2 arm rows (Back)
Shoulder Front and Lat Raises
Bicep Curls..

5x!

woooo...burn burn burn....

She is awesome, and this last training session was free....so not too shabby...

Going to get my feet and hands done this morning...off work today and taking time to relax a bit...and pose some throughout the day...and tonight with DJ...

Sitting at 126 lbs right now....and drinking water so we are on track...we will see if I drop enough by weigh in for lightweight but it looks to be a small class anyway...we shall see...

I am excited .....now just need to make sure I do 2 things when I am practicing...

BREATHE!...yea easy to forget

and if I forget where I am at move through it...

easier said than done but the only person that will know is me most likely....

we shall see..

anyway some pics of the wigs...maybe yall got consensus...but looks like the one with bangs may win this