Up up and away

Run Forrest Run!

Wow what a weekend! I had sprints with Emma on Saturday at Lee Valley Fitness centre, which nearly killed me.. oh and she also got me running round the track. I hadn't been round an athletics track since high school so it was a little daunting at first but i got into it eventually. I think it helped having other people there on the sidelines and on the track. Somehow it helped me focus. I had had a mentally tough week before seeing Emma, which was more than likely due to me being tired and my diet. So Saturday I had to conquer a few mental walls. I even had a go at parachute sprints, which I have to admit was really fun. I was a little nervous at first thinking I wouldn't be able to do them but they certainly woke my muscles up and i thought i was going to fly away.

Will i blow away with this on???

So as i was running on the track on Saturday I couldn't play hockey for Tring, which Im always gutted about. On to Sunday and I have to say i decided to go on a little adventure. The alarm went off early(ish) as i made sure i went to bed early the night before. I haven't been giving myself much recovery which i know is bad as the body needs to rest in order to progress. So this is what my Saturday night consisted off, sleep and more sleep. Then Sunday I decided to go on a little adventure and ventured to the fitness first in harrow. After driving round the shopping centre about 20 times I finally realised that I needed to drive into the multi-storey car park! Duh blonde springs to mind..

The fitness first was nice and it was busy when I got there at 9am. Yes some of you may think I'm mad but it had to be done. But now I know I can go to that gym at weekends if I need to, so theres a silver lining to some things.. I smashed an abs workout and then came home quickly to have breakfast before my boyfriend came over to see me. Since Musclemania he's been even more patient with me (which i didnt know was possible) and the training ive had to do and the diet. I think he's looking forward to a break just as much as i am! lol 

Just before take off!!

So onto this week; Ive made a decision that i work best when i train after work so Im going to try and do that more this week, hopefully I wont feel so tired. Training twice today; this bubble butt is going to be worked hard then Wednesday is hockey training. Its supposed to rain but i'm praying that it misses us by then. Theres nothing worse than training in the rain. Also I can't keep missing training so i've got to incorporate it into my current training regime, as I soooo want to stay in the 1's this season. Then Saturday is match against west Herts, Watford. I'm up for that game so we shall how that goes - gum shield at the ready. It was a little bit of dirty game at the end of last season so lets hope its not going to be a deja vu moment on saturday...

Its' time to really lean up now for comp, so Emma has changed my diet slightly again. There's still lots to do for my costume and organising stuff for the day but I'm feeling on top of it all, which is shocking. I thought id be stressing right now.. However if you dont hear much from me over the next 2 weeks, this will be why, I'll be getting in my last few bits of training, posing practise and sorting stuff for the big day! Wish me luck.

Till next time;

Little Miss Fitness 

What a week!!

Mental Strength can make or break you;

I'm sorry to anyone who usually reads my blogs; I've not posted in a while but I'm sure you can guess by the title of this blog post that it been a manic, headless chicken type week. I'm not going to lie its been horrible, not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well. Early morning starts (I'm not a morning person) and pushing my body further, even though it's exhausted and wants to rest. However there is no rest for the wicked. I feel sorry for my mum and boyfriend who've had to suffer in silence will I cry and moan about anything and everything - sorry! They must want to put a muzzle on me by now. I've also been up to Manchester for work too, which is always a long journey and if at the start of the week, just makes the week seem that bit longer.

However every cloud must have its silver lining and now we are at the 3 week mark. Training this week I have worked my glutes (yes I'm aiming for a bubble butt), arms, ran through my fitness tests and abs. I have, amazingly achieved some milestones that a month ago I couldn't even do or thought I'd never be able to do. You know the saying that practise makes perfect; well, whoever said that must have been doing something like Miss Galaxy! Pull-ups are coming and every time I get 1 more in the gym I do a little celebratory dance and sigh with relief. I know I must look rather odd doing a dance in the gym but I think pull-ups were the last of my mental barriers and weaknesses I needed to conquer. Now I can take on the world!mwhahaha only kidding

My diet this week has been ok, I'm slowly but surely falling in love with my veggie omelette; adding smoked paprika, garlic and chives just adds that bit of magic. Adding chicken would just be icing on the cake. Protein pancakes and banana have also made a welcomed return into my life for breakie...if you haven't tried them then do so, they will fill you up till lunchtime (well almost for me!lol).

hello old friend...i'm glad to see you again!

I had a staging session with Emma last night which went really well. We've now chosen my evening wear and started putting bits and pieces together for my routine. I have even brought my prop for the show - I can't give anything away about my routine or costume though for those eager beavers. Those of you who are coming to watch the show, you'll see in 3 weeks time.. For those of you who can't make it, there'll be pictures up soon after the show. I'm excited about this costume, it's different and a little eccentric, I'm enjoying it though.

So the weekend is continuing with training - tomorrow is track day with Emma and then yoga on Sunday. I need to rest my mind and strength and yoga is perfect for that. It's not hot yoga, I probably wouldn't come out alive with that kind of heat! Lol So again no hockey for me which is saddening. Id love to be able to do both, but I think that's me being greedy and trying to do everything. Then Monday is rest day.

I think id need an ambulance if i tried this pose...

Wish me luck with Emma tomorrow, I think there's a parachute involved? I've already done a skydive so unless me has a plane and can fly I doubt the parachute is going to be used for that.

Till next time;

Little Miss Fitness 

Xx

4 week countdown...

So its started, the 4 week countdown, it may sound a long way off, but trust me when I say it will go by in a flash. I'm training 6 times this week (yep no rest for the wicked). Emma has come up with a cleverly devised programme for the next 4 weeks for training and diet! But by Sunday 2nd November the journey will be over. I'm not going to think about it, as I'll still have hockey and I will still use my blog to keep you all up to date with how things are going with that. You can't get rid of me that easily!lol 

Anyway to start off the week, I've had to write down my plan and schedule again, the days I'm training and what I'm going to train. If I don't then I'm bound to forget something and after the weekends cock up of being an hour late for our hockey match (12pm push back not meet) I have to start writing things down! My memory is worse than my 80 year old nana at the moment. One day I'll probably forget to get dressed and rock up to the office in my pj's still. Now that would be a site.

I'm sure it will be surreal once miss galaxy is over. It's been the main competition that I've trained for the last 4 months, training after work, fitness tests, eating clean etc. But I've got my holiday to Barbados to look forward to with mum and Emma Miles. I haven't been on holiday with Emma before so this is going to be a first for me. I can't wait for the sun, sea, sand..oh wait and rum punch!

Sorry back to reality and training, yesterday was the start of this weeks programme and I bashed out my upper body workout - bench press, pull ups, lat pull downs and tricep dips. My arms were like pop-eyes afterwards!!lol They are even still a little sore today. I'm still pretending to be a monkey with pull ups and hanging off anything. Today is a rest day though as I had to get up early for a 2 hour train trip up to Manchester to visit our head office. So today is going to be a long day as it's a 2 hour trip back. Fun fun! 

Lifting does not make you big...it makes you lean!

The rest of the week will be in the gym and then Saturday session with Emma on the track. I'm nervous (actually crapping myself) but yet slightly curios/excited about what we are going to do. I haven't been on an athletics track since high school - if brings back flashbacks. Oh well we'll see how I get on. 

Oh before I go - does anyone know of good yoga classes to go in and around Central London (oxford circus way)? Tweet me or Facebook me if you do please. 

Till next time

Little miss fitness 

Xx

Another dawn another gym session

Time to do it all over again!

It's early right now and I'm on my way to the gym for an early session before work. It's just under 6 weeks till Miss Galaxy and I know that time is going to go by in a flash.

I feel a little more at ease now I've done Musclemania but I'm still nervous about Miss Galaxy and getting up on stage. I don't want to have my legs shake whilst being judged. Perhaps I should take it as a positive thing though? I am definitely going to go out and enjoy myself, from what I've heard its going to be a spectucular show! I need to start doing some serious research though on themed bikinis and evening wear.

This week has gone well; the highlight of it has to be achieving my biggest weakest in the fitness tests. Yes people I managed to do pull-ups!! Wohoo.. Is it weird/ sad that I'm elated by that? 2 weeks ago I hadn't been able to do any and what seems from out of nowhere i am able to do them. It's definitely given me a boost mentally and physically. Some of the other fitness tests that Em and I ran through this week didn't change from the last time i did them, so i know that i need to work harder to increase these PB's by 1 or 2 every time. It wont be easy but theres not long left of this challenge, i've just got to keep my mind on track and focused. The support i'm still getting from everyone is unbelievable - I think i may need to buy everyone a drink after the competitions are done. Although I think I will be flat broke if I did this! 

Saturday is my first Galaxy bootcamp and I'm so excited about it. It's only down the road from me, which is great. I don't know whats going to happen during the day, but i've got a checklist of what to take (which includes stage shoes). Ah i guess Ill have to get those bad boys out again! My feet are going to love me! Not...I'm really looking forward to meeting some of the other girls who are competing in the show. We've chatted on Facebook but it will be really nice to meet everyone. I felt so much more relaxed after meeting some of the girls and guys at the Musclemania bootcamps; I didn't feel as nervous, because you knew other competitors were feeling the same.

Going to have to get these bad boys back out.

So unfortunately no hockey for me this weekend but I'm back to it next weekend. I wish the Tring ladies 1's good luck, I know they'll smash it and have another win for the club. I'm gutted I'm going to miss it but I guess you can't be in 2 places at once...or can you? Anyone got a time machine?? I had so many bruises from last weekend's match that I think playing hockey in the last week before I may have careful of. I can't be getting injured now, we've got enough injuries just in the office, and I can't jinx it!

Anyway have a fabulous weekend everyone. Till next time;

Little miss fitness

Xx

We're now in single digits

It's officially countdown time!

So we have 8 days to go until I have to register, dress and walk onto the stage infront of possibly hundreds of people.. I am going through mixed emotions right now. Excitement..nerves..adrenaline all in one. I think this next week is just going to go by in a blur!

Its the final countdown!!

My posing session with Emma on Wednesday went really well-I just have to practise practise practise till it becomes 2nd nature. I think I'll be dreaming about my routine soon.lol 

But TGI Friday!! I had a good session in the gym this morning even though I felt hungry and tired from training last night too. But I managed to bench press (on my own) 15 reps at half my body weight (aka: 30KG) and then managed 2 full reps at 40kg! A small victory but so satisfactory. One weird thing that happened in the gym this morning is that some people don't really recognise me now. They say I have lost quite a bit of weight, and am looking good...but I guess when you look at yourself every day you don't see the same changes that other people do!

Skipping to my agenda this weekend; it's going to be a busy one. I just pray I'm not awake at stupid o'clock again with things ticking over in my head. I've been keeping a to do list, which is the only way I can keep sane right now! Hockey trials are tomorrow, which i cannot wait for. It's been so long since I picked up a stick. I hope I haven't forgotten how to play?!! I can't wait to see the girls at Tring and catch up. Then training starts properly next week..

Sunday is the final bootcamp of Musclemania and we are going to be doing a mock run through of the show! Emma, Ty and Simon (ELB's nutrition coach) are going to be the judges. Yikes..I've got my theme wear and bikini done now, so all that's left is to practise my posing and walking (doesn't sound much but oh boy does practise makes perfect!)

Then in-between all of this I have to grab a last few bits and pieces for competition day. I still can't get over how much stuff I'm going to need to take with me. Oh well I best get cracking, got to make sure I sleep and get plenty of rest for the weekend ahead.

Just an little inspirational quote to leave you with; "the only limitations we have are the ones we put on ourselves".

Till next time - let's do this!!

Little Miss Fitness

Xx

Low energy is a new one!

2 weeks and counting....

So as you know my diet has changed this week; its the last 2 weeks before Musclemania Britain and it's about shredding shredding shredding. Emma has taken my carbs down in my diet and the energy levels have felt if!! Oh boy have they felt it.. I think moody and irritable come to mind - not to mention ridiculously tired. Mum has given me so many cuddles and pep talks that I've lost count. My boyfriend and the girls at work must think im on permanent PMS! Oh the joys of being a woman and hormonal....

The change in diet has made it difficult to push hard on training this week, not going to lie. But I did hit a PB on Thursday night in the gym - when I managed to get a couple of reps on bench press at 40kg! This was good - I felt progress being made. It's amazing what the body will do..however I did feel absolutely shattered walking to the station and at home. It's getting an effort to even walk around the office!! The next 2 weeks are going to be all about mental strength and attitude. Ive realised i need to stop worrying about how many times I workout in the week - just as long as each session i push hard and work my body.

This was my nemesis on Thursday night..

So in store for me today was a gruelling ELB session with Em, followed by walking and posing practise. Stupidly I was awake at 7am this morning with my head buzzing of all the jobs i needed to do today and over the weekend. I still have to buy my fake tan, my bikini bite (aka: hairspray for my bikini bottoms), bling up my bikini, buy fake eyelashes and most importantly sort out a playlist for competition day to get my psyched up! The list goes and my hands are furiously trying to type this out; i even think theres steam starting to appear....

Friday's lunch...Salmon is quickly becoming my favourite fish of all time

Emma's session with me today was really good; I loaded up with porridge for breakfast as i had a sneaky suspicion that I would either be doing a lot of conditioning work or running. However she didn't do the usual run through of fitness tests with me - we did circuits of multiple exercises, which definitely worked on my glutes, legs and shoulders. Oh and not to forget the Tabata session right at the end... thanks Em!!

I think i spent most of the session today low to the ground today, crawling like a crab in one exercise in order to open up my hip flexers but then Em got me jogging outside with 2 x 8kg kettle-bells and trying to catch me. This is all good prep for the hockey season as well Musclemania. I have my hockey trials coming up next weekend (6th Sept) so hopefully I wont feel too low on energy to smash it and get into the team for this year.

T-minus days till the big showdown!! Wohoo

Till next time - "Theres no change without pain!!"

Little Miss Fitness
Xx

Turn your weaknesses into strengths

Things to work on:

Following on from my fitness test run through on Saturday, this weeks motivation and discipline is to work on my weaknesses. It's not something that we are adverse to as humans, admitting we have weaknesses; but once you do accept it - it can open your eyes. You'll soon surprise yourself what you can do once you learn and work on your weaknesses. I know I've surprised myself over the last 2 months. Wow has it really been 2 months? Time is flying...

I know my weaknesses that I need to work on are; Sit-ups, Triceps, Pull-ups and Bench press. So let's get cracking and push hard at every gym session. 

Starting with sit-ups last night. Not going to lie I pushed my abs to the limits. The grunting and gritting of teeth were out again. But I seemed to find something deep down to push through and really go for it. Don't know if it's coz I know we only have 17 days left but I had determination on my face and in my body.

First exercise was starting with lowering my legs on a bench - working on lowering my legs slowly; it'scalled  working on the negative. The burning sensation is a good thing it means it's working!lol Then after this was a mixture of more lower abs; scissor kicks, crunches with a sandbag..the list could go on so I won't bore you!

Tonight? I have triceps a go... I must have been slightly deluded before starting training, because as time has gone on, I've noticed that my triceps weren't strong at all. They are a difficult part to train but the exercises that Emma has given me are helping grow and strengthen mine. 

I started with overhead triceps - working with a 6kg dumbbell then moving up to 8kg. Working with a heavier weight should help develop the muscle. In between sets I jumped on a box step and did tricep dips to fatigue. I need to work on endurance as well as strength so the dips, with legs out straight helps with my endurance during the fitness tests.

Ready, steady, cook!! Chicken stir fry..mmmm

So far so good this week - but I've still got a way to go. Things are going to get tough in the next week or 2 as its crunch time in shredding and prepping for Musclemania Britain on Saturday 13th September. Not much time to go and still a fair few bits to do.

Motto to ponder for this week - make your strengths stronger and your weaknesses even stronger! That way you know you can tackle anything life throws at you.

Till next time;

Little Miss Fitness

Xx

Overcoming Nerves to Smash it!

Mental Strength is a powerful thing! 

I have to start off and apologise for the lack of articles this week; its been rather hectic in the office, at home and if i'm completely honest i've started to get really nervous about the competitions. Musclemania is only 3 weeks away and I don't feel prepared in terms of costume or grooming (aka; tanning!)

This week has been a low week - Ive had doubts about whether i'm going to look good on stage. So yes, as silly as it sounds, i've had to give myself another good talking to! I don't know whether its appropriate to admit this within a blog, as you never know who could be reading it, but i have missed my mum over the last 2 weeks - whilst she's been jet setting in Canada. She is my rock and the voice in my head telling me to push and gives me that boost of confidence when i need it the most. She's flying home next week so I cant wait to see her - unfortunately she wont be here to see me compete in Musclemania. Although I do seem to have a small gathering of people who want to come and support me; my boyfriend, friends from back home and people from the gym. I think i'm more nervous about walking on stage in front of them than I am the judges!

Me and My Mummy at Royal Ascot last year

Training was tough this week. Emma set me some targets last Saturday and me, being me wanted to smash them. I don't know whether its the sheer stubbornness in me not wanting to fail, as to why I push myself as hard as I do.

On Tuesday night, I am afraid to admit I nearly reached tipping point... that is i mean, I nearly cried in the gym. Shocked, some of you might be but don't worry i didn't burst into tears! I was doing squat thrusts to fatigue and after finishing 3 sets I was gasping on the gym floor. It was at this moment, my mental strength dipped and I came close to crying. Its not easy pushing your body to the extreme and dieting - but i have come so far! So I got up and moved onto the next exercise.....

Fitness Tests - Part Deux!

Where to begin!

Oh my goodness so much has happened this week that i've had to split this blog into 2 - 1 for the madness of the later part of the week and Saturdays training and then 1 just on the Musclemania bootcamp i took part in!

But where did we leave off? Ah yes i had just bought that gorgeous tasting protein powder (i know you must be sick of hearing about it by now - but its just so good!) and id bought my comp shoes; which after breaking them in, are extremely comfortable!

So the later part of the week and before you guys ask, no I haven't managed to find a bikini yet. In fairness i haven't had much time to look - it was going to be my job this weekend, however i don't know how much time i will get to do it. And the comps are looming so i know i need to get my butt (pardon the pun) into gear. I do have to admit something to you all before we go on, which some of you may just roll your eyes at - I've felt guilty this week as i've had 2 rest days from the gym (wednesday & thursday). I have felt really tired the last few days and i'm not 100% sure why? I know it sounds silly but i am the type of person that if i set myself a goal i will want to achieve it with 150% effort in and having 1 rest day in the week seemed fair, but not 2. Call me crazy if you want...

Anyway, on a side note (not gym or competition related) the girls and guys at work managed to finishing packing up the office yesterday ready for the movers to come and take it to the new offices down the road. We even had time for a lunch break - however mine was spot the odd one out. The girls (rightly deserved) went and got pizza or fish & chips for their lunch, whilst i ate a chicken salad! Everyone worked so hard packing stuff up for the move, and it was friday after all.

My lunch, whilst everyone else ate chips/ pizza!

If you don't set goals, you can't ever challenge yourself!

My 2 week challenge:

So it's Saturday and yep it's time to meet my hard-task master; miss elb! During the week she told me to bring my fitness scores as we would be focusing on my strengths and weaknesses for the next couple of weekends. I will admit I was a little curious as to what she had installed for me!! So after faffing around this morning with my car (dont ask, you dont want to know) I got to studio elb and we got cracking - there's no time wasting with Emma which I love.

My new motto!! Dream..Believe..Achieve

New diet/ new outlook!

What happens next?

This week has started off quite calm in comparison to others. I think I'm starting to adjust to the dieting and exercise (although both still remain ridiculously tough). Although I'm getting used to knowing when I'm actually hungry as to when I think I'm hungry. I've shocked myself at how bad I was before starting this diet. Before if my tummy so much as started to rumble I would eat. Now most of you may scream "but that's because your hungry-you should eat something"! Well try this, have a tea or coffee of even drink half a glass of water and believe me you'll know soon after if you are truly hungry or just finding an excuse. 

Its been about 4/5 weeks now of Emma's first diet phase (yep really...time flies!) so it's time to move onto phase 2! This mix up of diet is amazing-I can finally use my blender to make a smoothie for breakfast! I could have kissed Emma when I saw this on her email...and I get poached eggs on toast-things are looking up! It's salmon and roasted vegetables for lunch today, that should make me work harder in the gym!

Best post-workout lunch! Salmon and roasted veggie's

Dont let the small things get you down!

It's all mental:

So I haven't written on here for a whole week, whether you guys are missing me i don't know - its been such a long time! So here's a little update on what I've been up to this week.

Monday and Tuesday were tough; the diet was beating me mentally. I was trying to find anything that I could eat and stuff into my face to feel full. Its been tough and Im not proud to say it, but i know i've got to stick to my diet and I did! Emma must have thought 'oh god what is this girl doing' but she has been amazing and told me that's it's natural to feel like this. One of the great things with training is that I have Emma's best friend, Christine working in the office - so she watches my every move! She's been a great support; asking me how I'm getting on and helping me to push throught it.

Tuesday was D-day and I had my first killer session with Emma at her studio. I was buzzing and really looking forward to it - oh dear, little did I know how tough it would be! I was certainly put through my paces.

So to start with Emma got me to warm up on the rower - not for long just a couple of minutes. Then the real test began. She got me to do sprints up a hill, pick up 2 6kg weights and jog back down the hill, then power walk back up to meet her. My only recovery was slowly jogging back down to start all of it again! Emma got me to do this 6 times!! 

The best thing (if there is such a thing with this exercise) was that Emma was timing me. Who knew I could sprint 100m in 16.3 seconds! Get in - that definitely gave me a lift for the rest of the session.

Then it was onto more conditioning work; Emma got me to do burpee press-ups, immediately followed by 20 box jumps! I hate to admit it but I was afraid id make a mess on Emma's new floor! My tuna salad and wholemeal bread for dinner never looked so good! It was thoroughly enjoyed on the train home.

God this never looked so good! Get in my belly...

Wednesday I went to the gym (how i managed it god only knows!) and did the monkey bars again. This time I managed to get to the end and then turn around - result! It's amazing what your body can remember to do and then push that little bit further. It's all mental - nothing is impossible!

Thursday was tough; my body was still feeling the affects of my killer session with Emma on Tuesday. My body felt like lead...it was almost like having an outer body experience! It didn't feel great to be honest and even water and copious amounts of coffee couldn't help. It certainly tested my mental strength to the extreme. 

Friday was an amazing day; I was at my cousins wedding in Chester at Peckforton castle. The bride looked stunning in a gorgeous fitted dress with feathers on the bustier. The whole day was breath-taking and it was lovely to share such a wonderful occasion with my family.

Thought i'd died and gone to heaven!

So there was no training for me, but I was back on it this weekend. There are only 6 weeks to go until Musclemania and exactly 90 days to go until miss galaxy - yikes! Tomorrow the guys at studio elb are starting the first workshop for Musclemania so good luck guys I will see you all on 17th August - I cant wait!

Ty-OG and Emma looking good!

In all a tough week, but with plenty of rest, I'll be pumped for another hardcore week. It's going to need determination, focus and pure grit! It's not easy but if you want to change yourself and challenge yourself in life then you'll find it somewhere deep inside and push through.

Till next time- stay fit!

Little miss fitness
xx

Trial Run! Take 2..

Grin and Bear it! There's 1 minute rest.

So today is D day and in a matter of hours I will have my first full run through of fitness tests with Emma. She has promised to do it under pressure, as if it was the real deal at Miss Galaxy. I would like to admit now that I am rather terrified of what could happen later. I don't like letting people down, so I really REALLY want to hit those goals she set me 2 weeks ago. I can just imagine Emma standing next to me tonight, with the stopwatch screaming "Faster, Go Go, Push Push" (or something like that!)