First Posing practice - Accomplished!

Let me just say, I am glad to get that first practice in and under my belt.  I am so glad that I went, even though I was close to having an anxiety attack over it!

When I pulled in the parking lot, I noticed a LOT of cars.  I didn't think much about it because I knew there were a lot of girls competing this spring.  Only, when I walked in the door, there were a ton of people in the gym training.  Not just normal people...  Huge muscly guys!  Probably bodybuilding prep guys, I would assume.  I thought "Ah hell" and then remembered a comment that Shawna had told me before about practicing in front of others and getting used to people looking at your body.  Then her tag line...  "Welcome to Prep!".


I took a seat in the front area, because I was a little early and there were some other girls there as well.  We were all very much fully clothed (partly because we were freezing) and I realized later that we were all nervous as hell to expose ourselves!  We all kind of looked around at each other and I finally spoke up.  "Hi.  I am totally new to this, never competed, never posed and sure not ready to show off my soft belly".  I wasn't alone!  It was the first practice ever for almost everyone there and I think we all took a bit of a sigh of relief.  Then Shawna walks in, says "Strip down, let's do this!" and again we all kind of looked at each other with hesitation.  Shawna was great with having everyone introduce themselves, whether they were competing bikini or figure (or un-decided for some girls) and really encourage us to use each other for support, etc.

Then, we jumped right into things.  I was a bit wobbly in the heels.  Especially in trying to turn/pivot in them.  The bottom of the shoes are rubber and so is the gym floor, so that added to the fun of it!  We learned front pose, transition to back and back pose.  We alternated with the figure girls in working with Shawna and working a bit on our own.  My friend, who has competed before was there and helped us when we were working on our own and gave us some pointers.  Since I am interested in figure at a later point, I watched some of that posing too.  I even tried spreading my lats when I got home and was quite suprised!

The end of practice came and my calves and lower back were so tired and sore!  Even today (2 days later), I still feel like I have a cramp in my left calf, it is so tight.  I imaging posing practice in those 5" heels several times a week will do wonders for your calves!

I have to say now, I regret not wearing my swimsuit.  I was so self concious, that I opted for the shorts and sports bra option.  All the girls were pretty close to the same as far as what we need to do to be stage ready.  There were a few girls that looked awesome, but in talking to them, I think that they were just as self concious.  I am looking forward to getting to know these girls and sharing this process with them.  Many of them are doing a show as early as March 30th so it will fun to watch them progress and get ready for that.  Others are competing April 20th, but my show isn't until May 11th and for some, that will be their 2nd show.

I got a new meal plan this week, which I am starting today.  When I initially pulled it up, here were my reactions to some of the items:
Dave's Killer Bread - YES!
Strawberries with my protein shake - YES!
Red potaoes - YES!
Oatmeal in the afternoon - Dave's Bread AND oatmeal in the same day???  YES!
Tilapia - Ah crap...  not a fan of fish :(
2 Tbs of PB - DOUBLE YES!!!
Realizing that there is no chicken in the entire plan - WOO HOO!  I like chicken, but I have been eating it for so long, it is nice to get the break!

I have never been a fan of fish...  can't even stand the smell of it!  But, I didn't like beans either and since starting on this journey, I learned to like them and incorporate them into my meals, so I am sure I can make this work.  I knew it was coming at some point, I just thought I had a little more time...  My husband has plans for cooking it for me (with approved seasonings, etc) and swears up and down that it won't taste like fish, so I am ready to give it a go.  I train today with Shawna, so I will be so hungry and ready to eat when I get home, I am hoping it goes right down!  I will just think about the 2 tbs of peanut butter I get to have right before bed to get me through it!

I haven't weighed since Thursday.  I am steering clear of the scale.  Jon indicated to me that he would request my weight randomely and will let me know the night before, if he wants me to weigh in.  I am doing well with this.  I can see the differences in how I look and I love it.  My jeans are getting a bit looser, and so that is a great sign.  I am learning that this isn't something to stress over, but to enjoy the process and and have some fun!  After meeting a lot of the other girls, I can see how this can really be a fun experience if I let it and not stress over it!  I am good at sticking to my meal plan and knowing that, I know that I can't fail, so let's have some fun!

I have even enjoyed my cardio.  This week, I am up to 25 min 5x a week.  I am getting so much reading done, I am loving it!  I finished one book and just started another.  I rarely have time to read, so I am taking this opportunity.  Also, it really helps pass the time.  Cardio is usually over before I want it to be, because it never fails that I get to a really good part of the book!  :)  I saw the previews for the movie Safe Haven and thought what a great chick flick that would be.  I don't get to the movies much so thought I would read the book (which is always better anyway).

So here's to the coming week!  Eating my good food, working hard in the gym (which I love!), relaxing when I can and enjoy the process.  I will work on my posing a couple of times during the week and try to get better at those transitions, but that is fun too! 

Have a great week all, and as Jon told me...  ENJOY THE PROCESS!  It is what you will remember most, no matter what journey/goal you are on.