Time to Reflect and Reset

Soooooo, Roatan is awesome! I had such a great trip and can’t wait to go back (tentative plans are already set for early next year).

The trip started with us fitness gals getting into the cab at the airport and the cabby asking us, “Are you here for Spring Break??” “Uh, no.” Apparently, the week before Easter is a holiday in Honduras so the beaches were packed (packed!) with people and parties. Such a cool scene, but not the most conducive for photo and video shoots. Also a challenge? The sun. It was hot!! But, it was awesome! We all definitely got some great shots in, were able to get done what we needed to do, and then spent the rest of the time resting and relaxing.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we got up to:

http://vimeo.com/94862352

I also got to shoot a beach workout spread for STRONG magazine. It took some good timing and a little patience (we had to wait out a couple boats and a few tour groups), but Paul scoped out an awesome location for the shots. From the quick preview I saw, the pictures turned out amazing! It was such a surreal experience- a vision I pinned on my board last year coming true. I can’t wait to see it all in print.

And, while the first half of the trip was all photo and video shoots (which meant early mornings, no drinking and limited buffet options), after everyone done and everything was wrapped up, it was game on! Pina coladas and banana donuts all around!! It was great to be able to relax a little, have a few (read: many) treats, and really have the opportunity to get to know my teammates and coach a little better.

 

 

Getting our smile ready for the shoot...
and getting caught taking a selfie.

 

Honduras at 6:30 am

 

Paradise at sunset :)

 

Stormy skies and some pretty awesome ladies

 

Some of the ladies

 

Leaving Honduras... but I will be back.

 

Sleep deprived and happy to be home.

Up next?? It’s show time! And not just any show, but the WBFF Vancouver!! I have wanted to compete in a WBFF show since watching the Worlds show in Las Vegas last year. It was over-the-top spectacular! So much glitz and glamour (there’s even an evening gown round). While that’s not the spotlight I usually seek, sitting in the audience made me want to be a part of it, and here’s my chance! This is something that will really push me out of my comfort zone J

The WBFF means business!! Look at all those fabulous ladies!

 

The best of the best!

As of today, I am 62 days out (not that I am counting). That means 372 more meals and 54 more workouts to give it my all - day in and day out. With competing, there is no off time. You have to be on. All. Of. The. Time. This is when every meal, every workout, and every day really does count. And, if I don't do it, nobody will do it for me.

While I thought it would be easy to flip from photoshoot prep mode to competition prep mode after Honduras, I have struggled a bit. Too many treats (all very yummy and worth it of course!), too many distractions and just too much going on in general. It has taken a few weeks to really ‘reset’ and get ready to devote my all to this prep, but I’m on board now. I’ve got a new meal plan, an awesome training plan for the month, and finally a clear and focused mindset. Nine weeks out! Let’s see what we can do!



TBB Does Vegas!!

Last week I went on a trip of a lifetime! Yes, I’ve been to Vegas many times before (for my stagette, with the hubby, with my sister, etc), but this time was different. This I went with my coach and over 20 other beautiful TBB ladies! We came from everywhere! BC, Alberta, Ontario, Rhode Island, and Florida! Some came to compete at the WBFF Worlds show, some came for photo shoots and we all came to support each other. What an amazing team J I may have come home with one less pair of pants (I lost them somewhere out in the desert), one less curling iron, and a couple more pounds, but what a fun/ exciting/ nerve-wracking/ tiring/ once-in-a-lifetime trip! Here’s the breakdown...

 

Tuesday: Travel day

 

A week in Vegas requires a lot of prep. In the weeks leading up to the trip, I spent quite a bit of time not only planning out all my outfits (a couple for going out, some for photo shoots, something to wear (and sleep in) post-spray tan, workout gear, bathing suits, etc), but also putting together a meal plan that I could easily prep, execute and transport around Vegas. This meant figuring out what I could (and couldn’t pack) and what I would need to buy there. This also meant figuring out how to get everything into one suitcase. The verdict? Two suitcases. In any case, after paying more ridiculous “extra fees” on top of my “cheap” Allegiant flight, we were off!! I travelled down with two of my lovely teammate, Brandi and Ami J Once we got to Vegas and settled into the hotel room, we took a cab over to Whole Foods, which, conveniently, is just past the end of the strip, and picked up some fresh produce and protein for the week. Back in the room, we all did some food prep, went to the gym to get our cardio in, and then all passed out by 10. I know, crazy night in Vegas.

Tuesday: Travel day! Food is always the top priority!

Wednesday: Settling in

I pretty much had Wednesday to myself since, unlike many of the other ladies, I wasn’t doing any shoots that day. It was nice to sleep in a bit, hit the gym for some weights and cardio, prep more food, and then spend some time down at the pool. It gave me a chance just to slow down, rest up and prepare for a busy Thursday.

 

Wednesday- Settling in. Gym, food and sun-- everything I need in life :)

 

Thursday: What this has all been about

This was it! This is what I had been working toward. This was the ultimate goal! A shoot with Paul Buceta. Paul. Buceta. Open any issue of Oxygen magazine and you’ll see his name and pictures on every page. He is, without a doubt, one of the best fitness photographers in the world… and I got to shoot with him J

Thursday was a crazy day though! First, it was over to the Aria to get hair and makeup done by the fabulous ladies of 2 Chicks and Some Lipstick. Lori and Valeria were so much fun! It was such a pleasure just to meet them both, let alone get my hair and makeup done by them.

Then, it was out to the desert for a group shoot. Despite being to Vegas countless times, I realized I had never even been too far off the strip before. This was such a great opportunity to really get out there and see the desert. It was stunning. And, with storm clouds and lightening in the background (luckily we didn’t get rained on), the landscape was breath taking. After getting in a few different shots, it was time to load up and get back to the hotel for the shoot with Paul.

I didn’t know what to expect, but it all unfolded nicely J First off, he’s awesome. It was really easy to feel comfortable in front of the camera with him behind it. The time went by fast and I got some really great shots. I also definitely had the, Is this seriously my life right now?? Never in my wildest dream would I have thought I would have had this opportunity to shoot with Paul. It has inspired and motivated me to keep pushing, to keep at it, and to keep dreaming. I will shoot with him again, and next time I will come back bigger and better. I told him so.

Thursday: Photo shoot shots!

After the shoot, Ami and I celebrated by going out for a couple delectable little treats- champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, and chocolate covered pretzels. Damn you, Jean Philippe Patisserie, you will be the end of me. I also celebrated with a protein pancake covered in an unmeasured amount of Nuttzo and bananas. Cray cray!!

Then, that night, all the ladies (who weren’t competing the next day) went out for a night out on the town! Whoo hoo hoo!

 

Thursday: Post-photo shoot treats :)

 

 

Friday:  Rest and recovery

With all the scheduled shoots out of the way, Friday was a bit of a rest and recovery day for me. Again, I spent it sleeping in, hitting the gym and then laying by the pool. In essence, the perfect vacation day for me.

 

Friday: Rest and recovery

 

Friday was also awesome because the hubby was coming down to join me J J Yay! I was so happy to see him. He support me so much and we have both been so crazy and busy with just everything that has been going on this summer that it was nice to have a little time out and spend some time together. Obviously this time together involved a couple of treats. Upon his arrival we had crab cakes, pizza, wine and, for be, a nice big bowl of frozen yogurt and candy J Hahaha, some things never change.

 

Saturday: Show day!

One of the original reasons behind the trip in the first place was the WBFF Worlds show. This is one of the biggest shows of its kind with competitors from all around the world! I was excited to not only cheer on my teammates competing, but also to see all of the other fitness models that I have been following in the magazines and online over the years. I watched the show in amazement. The guys (omg, the guys!) and the girls!! Wow. Just the dedication and hard work represented on that stage was inspiring. And this isn’t just any old show, this is one of the biggest and the best. There’s the glitziest of the glitzy bikinis, sparkly evening gowns and even theme wear. Wow! Everything over the top and spectacular. Watching the show made me start thinking about my own competition plans… Hmmm…

 

Saturday: Show day! Pics from the WBFF Worlds

I also got to meet Andreia Brazier. She has been one of my biggest fit-spirations over the year. And, there she was. She also placed first :)

 

 

 

Sunday: Pool party!

Sunday was spent poolside (and in the pool) at Wet Republic. After months of prepping, and food plans and training, it was time party it up VIP style! The afternoon was filled with a little drinking, some dancing and a lot of fun. I love these ladies!!

 

Sunday: Funday!! Me with the hubby, my coach, a big bottle of vodka and some teammates

 

More Sunday Funday! Me with Paul Buceta, and teammates Heather and Ami. I heart these ladies!!

After a nap and cleaning ourselves up a little, the hubby and I went out for a very nice dinner at Gordon Ramsay’s Steakhouse. That Gordon Ramsay, I’ll tell ya, he knows a thing or two about running a nice restaurant. He should think about getting his own show (or four). Seriously, I cannot say enough great things about the amazing experience we had at the restaurant. Every detail, every morsel of food, everything, was just divine! I even ordered off menu (I’m not a meat person), and had a “vegetarian wellington.” It was superb!

Sunday Dinner: Sooooo good!



 

Monday: Leaving Las Vegas

After stocking up on a couple more off-plan treats (in the form of candy) for the plane ride, Monday was spent traveling home. We ended the vacation with one more dinner out, sushi, and then got right back at it.

 

Up next!

Tuesday I fell right back into my routine, prepped all my meals and got back to the gym. Vegas was fun, but I am happy to be back at it.

Competition wise, I am still figuring it out. I’m probably, probably, done for this year. When I compete again, I was to come with something different. I want to come back with something bigger and better. I’m learning that this takes time. Time I’ve got. I am committed to keep at it and see where I end up.

Training and diet wise, I’m keeping up with that too. Some people have asked me if I’m “taking a break” or “easing up a bit.” Breaking from what? I love what I am doing and how it makes me feel. Yep, it can be a lot of work planning and preparing and sometimes it’s nice to have a break from all of that, but a break from training and eating clean?? No way! My body and my mind are craving it. Putting in this time and effort to properly fuel and condition my body is treating it. I want to keep at it. I need to keep at it.

Other plans? This summer has just been so busy. From moving, to Napa, to Chicago and then Vegas, the past couple of months have been a whirlwind! Moving into the fall things should start to calm down a bit more and I really want to focus on building a bigger and better me. What does that mean? Well, a couple different things, but nothing that I am ready to reveal yet. Something has started, and this is only the beginning. I can’t wait to see what’s up next! If anyone had told me what this past year was going to be like 12 months ago, I wouldn’t have believed it. That makes me excited to see what will happen next!!

XOXO

Jen

Flipping Pancakes and Packing Up

Hey-oh! It’s the weekend! Time for some rest and relaxation, the gym, and pancakes of course! For me, however, this weekend, I only get two out of those three things.

Next weekend I’m moving out of my condo, so this weekend has been spent making arrangements and packing. Ugh. Feels like a never ending process. In the span of a week, we went from spending our Saturday night living (and eating) the high life in the city to shopping at Walmart in Surrey. Ha. How things got real- fast. Oh moving, I hate you so much.
 
Despite all the packing, the organizing, the cleaning and doing everything else that goes into moving, I’m still making it to the gym, and even started a brand new training program this today (which, as a side note, was insane! During my leg work out I was seriously sweating through my eyeballs and am pretty sure I will not be able to walk tomorrow… or even tonight.  I can already feel the soreness/ stiffness coming on- which I love. I know I did something right). Whoot whoot! #makingithappen Operation Bigger, Better, Stronger is now into full effect. The countdown is on. I have 65 days (9 weeks) until Vegas and I will be using each and every one of those days, hours, and minutes building my body so I can bring my best.

Every second, minute, hour, bigger, better, stronger, power! #thatpower



 

Repping it out at (well, resting between sets when I took the picture)

on the Smith machine

Yes, I am now following the creed of Will.I.Am and Justin Bieber... not sure if that’s better or worse that Enrique. You tell me.

As of last night (after a final trip to Menchies), I am back into competition prep mode. No, I’m not training for a show, but am preparing for a photo shoot and the look I want to create will take my complete focus and dedication over the next two months. But that’s okay, I do well in crunch times. I will confess, I will be taking two breaks or ‘off times’ during this prep. The first break will be when I go to Napa at the end of month for my dear friend Katherine’s stagette. While I can keep up with my training and eat (fairly) clean while away, I simply cannot go to Napa and not do a wine tour, right? I am pretty sure I’d be banned from ever returning if I didn’t drink at least some wine while there J And then the second break will be when the hubs and I hit Chicago in the middle of July (one month out from Vegas). Again, I can’t go to Chicago and not eat pizza. I’d be run out of the town for sure!! Plus, we have already bought tickets for a pizza and cocktails tour which will undoubtedly be amazing!! I heart Chicago. It’s really one of the best cities. Here’s a pic from our last trip there.

Our reflection in the Bean

 

 

Other than that though, no excuses. I’ve already scoped out post-move gym options in the new ‘hood, I’ll be prepping all of my meals for the weekend of the move, and I will do what it takes to keep up with my training schedule. I’m making it happen.

Somehow within all the chaos going on because of the move, I created and tried out a new pancake recipe yesterday morning. After being phased out of my competition prep food plan in March, bananas are (temporarily) back on the menu. And, in homage to the Chunky Monkey cupcake I inhaled/ ate last weekend, I wanted to try to make a banana pancake. It turned out yummy. Here’s the recipe:

Chunky Monkey Banana Pancakes

Ingredients (for 1 serving)
 
Pancake:

• 1/3 cup/ 30g oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 17g vanilla protein powder (I used a whey based powder, but you can use whatever you like. Be aware, however, each powder and brand had different absorption so you may need to adjust the amount)
• 50g/ half a banana
• ¼ egg whites

Vanilla Icing:

• 2 TBSP non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 TBSP/ 7g vanilla casein

Directions

1. Mix the three dry pancake ingredients today until well blended.
2. Mush the banana into the egg whites (you can keep the banana chunky or puree it right in- your preference).
3. Stir the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients.
4. Pour batter into a pre-heated sprayed pan.
5. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side. Flip. Cook 2-3 minutes on the other side.
6. While the pancake in cooking, make the icing by mixing the yogurt and casein together.
7. Once the pancake is cooked through, top with the icing while still warm.

 

I also added some chunky peanut butter (which I just rediscovered- OMG, amazing!) on the top of mine with the icing. While it was a little dry (next time I might add a couple of tablespoons of milk to the batter), it was still really yummy with the peanut butter and bananas- one of my favorite combos.

I also want to try it with a little chocolate next time. I thought about it for this recipe (and seriously spent way too long debating whether or not to add it in), but in the end wanted the vanilla flavoring more. If I were to add in the chocolate, I would either add a tablespoon of cocoa to the batter or make chocolate icing instead of the vanilla. Or, if your diet permits it, you could also add in a couple chocolate chips, or make a chocolate sauce. The possibilities are endless. See, I told you I thought about it for a long time).

 

Okay, enough about pancakes and back to the packing. Ugh. Seriously, how do I have so much junk??

XOXO

Jen

Which Way is Up??

Which way is up? Do you ever feel that way? I do, and I am right now.

A stormy reflection on the way into work this morning: Which way is up?




First, let me start by saying I loooove what I do and I choose what I do. That doesn’t mean that it’s always easy though. Right now, as I get closer to my first photoshoot (9 more days!) and my first competition of the season (17 more days!), I am starting to get overwhelmed. The funny thing is, for the most part, it’s not ‘bad’ things stressing me out, it’s good, positive things- just so many of them! Again, I am excited about what I am doing and can’t wait for these experiences, but right now, there are just so many things going on and such little time. Lately, I have been feeling like all I am doing is planning and prepping for the next thing, and never actually ‘experiencing’ the thing. Hahaha. I know this is what it gets like closer to the show. Training-wise and food plan-wise, I can keep up. I expect that and I love that. Beast mode on! On the mental state-wise front, things can start to get overwhelming.

While I knew that this process would be a test of mental strength (commitment and willpower being the two big ones), I didn’t realize just how important the mental aspect of training and competing would be. When I start getting overwhelmed, I know I start getting grumpy and withdraw (my poor husband!) and then I start questioning what I’m even doing, which eventually leads to the, “Why am I even doing this in the first place??” Which then makes me pause and reflect. Why am I doing this?

As I shared on my What’s This All About page, I don’t do this to win. I do this to learn, to grow and to become a better me. Experiencing all of these feelings and emotions, whether they are positive or exhausting, is all a part of that process. Every challenge is an opportunity to do my best and become better. Taking this time to step back and reframe how I experience what’s coming at me gives me that strength and determination to push through and bring my best. Nobody said this was going to be easy, but it will be worth it. Let's do this!

XOXO

J

Four (4!!) Weeks Out! The Countdown is On! Beast Mode ON!!

Time flies! I officially started prepping for this upcoming show February with the intention of starting this blog at the same time and now I am four (4!!) weeks out and only got all this together last week. Where did the past 8 weeks go?

Four weeks out. This is when it gets real. Every day it is something new. My measurements aren’t changing drastically, but I can see and feel my body getting stronger and tighter. As of last week, I am also officially registered and confirmed for the NPAA BC Classic on Sunday, May 5. #forrealsies

 

My original goal was to compete in Fitness (for the first time), but I have really been struggling to gain muscle mass. After talking it through with my coach, I decided to also compete in the Bikini category to see where I fit better. Two for the price of one :)... well actually, not really. It costs extra to crossover.

Here’s a quick recap of how last week went:

Training: I’m loving my program right now. I’m lifting heavy (which I like!), with low reps and little cardio. I have 4 days weight, 3 days abs and 3 days cardio.  Cycling through these workouts has worked well in my schedule and it has been easy to balance and fit it all in. I’ve got one more week on this program before it gets switched up again. I am so excited to see what the final few weeks of training before the show will look like!

Food Plan: As I posted earlier, I revamped my food plan last week and everything worked out well. I was able to get in all the calories, fats, carbs, and protein and it all tasted great! No cravings, no cheats (even when confronted with two Easter dinners (complete with all the assorted Easter treats) and what looked to be a delicious potluck at work).

Challenges: Two of my goals last week were (1) to cut out all the extra cups of coffee I drink throughout the day (one in the morning and a decaf at night is enough) and (2) to consume all my food by 8pm. I faltered failed on both of these. Friday morning was… well, I wrote about Friday morning in my previous post and wanted that extra cup of coffee and a couple nights throughout the week I was eating my last meal of the day post-8pm. I tried my best and will be sticking to both resolutions this coming week.

Goals for this Week: In addition to keeping up with my other goals, I am adding in more posing practice! To do well in the show, I need to know how to pose my body and hold that pose in the most flattering and "natural" way. Hahaha. It's not as easy as it sounds. Especially for someone like me who usually tends to shy away from the spotlight. There will be no shying on May 5.

 

Okay, 28 days to go. Let’s do this! No doubts, no distractions, just pure dedication.

XOXO

J