Changing things up

Wow, it has been quite a while since I have posted! My life has been crazy busy with so many changes that have taken place. I moved from Chicago to Austin in July and have since been getting myself in my brand new life of a new job, new friends and church community, and new training.

Back in October, I started veering away from the massive amounts of cardio I has been doing and started to become interested in strength training. I has done some strength training back in Chicago, but nothing too heavy and most of it had been confined to whatever I had done in group fitness classes. I really had no idea what I was doing, but I also knew I needed to start somewhere. The first time I decided to tackle the squat rack, I was terrified. I had never used anything other than the smith machine, and I was scared I was going to look stupid and like a total newbie....and, I did. But I learned that it was ok. We all need to start somewhere! Thankfully the few other crazies that I see every morning (4am!) had been very helpful and supportive when I asked for help and advice on form.

Before I knew it, not only had I made some new friends, but I had made some significant gains. I was hooked. I loved the feeling of hitting a new PR, I loved the feeling of achy muscles, and I loved seeing the transformation in my body. I started turning away from wanting the "skinny" physique and had a desire to be muscular and defined. I wanted to look how I felt.....strong and powerful!

Shortly after I had started focusing on lifting, a friend of mine told me about how a mutual friend from church had done a bikini figure competition earlier that year. So, the next time I saw her I asked her all about it. Because I don't do anything half a** and I love a good challenge, I decided to compete. I found myself an amazing coach and officially started my training at the beginning of January.

The first month of training was amazing. I was getting definition in muscles I never knew I had. My nutrition was on point, and because of the amazing fuel I was giving my body, I felt amazing. But then a few weeks ago, I fell while training and broke my wrist. I was devastated. But, while I knew my injury would slow me down, I refused to let it stop me. I was back in the gym two days later determined to train as hard, and as responsibly as I could. My coach changed up my plan to accommodate for the injury as well.

I cant wait to get up on that stage and prove to myself that I am stronger than I thought, and accomplish this goal no matter what. I am excited to track my progress and hope I can inspire others to be their strongest self!