So Close!

I am in a serious state of disbelief now that I’ve hit the less-than-two week mark until the main event. As I approach the final countdown to the NPC Brooklyn Grand Prix, my emotions range from sheer excitement to sheer exhaustion. Before I know it, I’ll be up on stage wearing my sparkly bikini and platform heels, doing my thing for the judges. The reality is both exhilarating… and scary as hell.

Yesterday, I traveled to New Jersey for my second-to-last bikini fitting with seamstress extraordinaire, Sheri Frazier. (I can’t wait to pick up the final masterpiece next week!) Like many of the other commuters, my body felt the same tired, bleh effects associated with a typical Monday morning. Then I realized how close I am to show time and the adrenaline kicked in. It gave me just the amount of energy I needed to make my final selections with Sheri, make the trip back to New York City, get my 70 minutes of cardio in and get my food prep done.

As I climbed away on the stair master at the gym, I realized working toward this goal has given me a more laser sharp focus in general during these past 14 weeks. No matter what your goal may be, I say go after it. Making a game plan and setting it into motion can surprise you in the best of ways. Not only will you draw strength from places you never knew existed deep within your spirit, but hopefully you’ll have a similar experience to mine and be blown away by the amount of people there to rally around you. While you should find that support from your spouse or partner, family and lifelong friends, you may also find it in places you lease expect: classmates from grammar school; an old flame or even a childhood pen pal.  As I come to the end of this journey, I am so thankful for all the unexpected moments that came amidst a rigid schedule of training and meal times.

I regard this week as the calm before the storm, as Sunday will mark the beginning of peak week. Based on what I’ve learned from my coach Jen and other veteran competitors, it’ll be more challenging than anything I’ve experienced in the process so far. However, Jen also gave me a positive way to look at what’s around the corner. She says there will be a couple of days where I feel my absolute worst before I look my absolute best. Jen also reminded me now’s the time to acknowledge the hard work I’ve put in, the sacrifices I’ve made and feel good about what’s to come. Last but certainly not least, this is the time I need to listen to my body more carefully than ever. This is definitely not the time to get injured or sick.

Please Help Me Advance to the Top 15!

Thank you again for all the amazing support not only on this journey, but with another unexpected happening during this contest prep process. I know I’ve been bombarding many of you with texts, emails and social media messages to keep those votes coming in the Maxim Magazine Cover Girl Contest. Well, here’s another request for your daily vote. Please click here to help me make the cut for round three.

Here’s to another week of crushing our goals in the never-ending journey to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!