Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Problem Solved! No more snooze.

Beep, beep, beep – its 5:30 am and my alarm is reminding me that its time to get up and get my butt to the gym. It took my until my second alarm at 5:35 for my feet to hit the ground. In those five minutes I went back and forth contemplating the fact that I was getting up at the crack of dawn so that I could get in a solid workout before I had to get to the show. My eyes kept closing and I kept running different scenarios through my head that I could always do my weights later, or do cardio today and weights tomorrow, that I could skip going to World Gym and modify my workout for the little gym in my in my hotel. All these thoughts and finally my feet hit the ground and I started making my protein shake and getting dressed.
A little behind schedule, I arrived at the gym with my iPod, water bottle but no training program. I had left my printed copy at home but luckily I had my iPhone which had my workout program in an email from Leigh. I warmed up and decided I wanted to start with a set of deadlifts and then I would continue with my actual program. I haven’t lifted anything super heavy in awhile and it felt amazing! As the sun started coming up I made my way through my program and as I was cooling down started feeling really good. I was pumped! After struggling with getting out of bed, driving to the gym and contemplating training, I did it! I think I just broke my training slump and I’m back into my groove. AMEN!
As I was driving back to the hotel, the sun was shining, I had the tunes blaring and this huge high. Its amazing how good I felt at that moment and I need to remember that feel when I feel like I'm straying off track. I felt a sense of accomplishment and defeat against myself and the doubt that I couldn’t or didn’t want to get out of my super comfy king size bed to train. In the end, it was exactly was I needed. Yes, I could have slept in but I would have been thinking about not going the whole day and probably would have gotten frustrated if I hadn’t gone.
I think everyone can relate with me on this one. We’d rather sleep in and hit snooze, watch TV or go out with friends than workout sometime. The truth is there are more than enough hours in a day to get up early to go for a run, use lunch time to get out and walk or skip your favorite show during dinner and go to the gym. You have the time, its just how you decide to use it that counts.
For example, a friend of mine is leaving for Vegas and I put a small training and food program together for her to help her look her best. From my perspective it has nothing to do with the actual appearance but how you feel about committing to something and following through and how you feel on the inside. Once you get that feeling on the inside it will definitely reflect in the mirror.
She struggles with time because of a busy schedule and one night when I was leaving her place I asked if she was training the next day and she said she didn't have time at lunch because she was getting her hair done. I looked at her and said do you want to look great for Vegas? She responded with a nod and I said well get up early take your work clothes to the gym, workout and get ready there. She called me the next day and said she’d gone to the gym and was so happy I’d pushed her to do it and was pumped.
Think about how you feel and what you can accomplish and what you have time for. It can be something as simple as walking for 30 minutes at lunch 3 times a week.  I promise you that even though you might not have results the next day in the mirror, you will have an big smile on your face with the satisfaction of knowing how much you can do when you put your mind to something.
Let the training begin because now that I got up at the crack of dawn, I’m not putting anything in my body that shouldn’t be. It would be a waste and I’m not the only one getting up at 5:30 am to train because I’m not the only one who wants it. There are other people, other athletes, other competitors that want it just as much as I do so I have to prove it to myself that today, I want it just as bad as they do.
It’s workout Wednesday people. What are you training?! Have a great day.
Eat. Train. Sleep. Repeat.
Nic Out! xoxo

WANTED: Training groove back.

This weekend was a very busy weekend with an event and the Vancouver Shoe Show but I did manage to sneak in a little downtime with friends and family. I am currently on my way to the Midwest Buy Mart in Saskatoon. I will be there until Saturday and then I’ll be home in Vancouver for a few days before I leave on Tuesday for the Edmonton Show.
Last night I was up until midnight prepping and packing. Something that I’ve become very good at over the last few months but sticking to my plan can be the problem.  Life happens and things get in the way of our success but that’s when your dedication and desire kick in and you have to ask yourself, how bad do I want this? If I ask myself this about my upcoming competition I would say yes, I want this. I’m a week into training and I know I haven’t given it 100% and I have to let that go and move forward and start giving it 100%
Yesterday was a rest day but with all the packing and unpacking we had to do after the show, I definitely got in another arm workout. Those boxes were HEAVY! I told my trainer that I would most likely get my weights in the evenings after the show ends and asked if she could set up my meal plan accordingly and she did. Today is my chest and back day and I plan on hitting the gym before dinner tonight depending on setup, but either way I will get it done. I have a rental car so there are no excuses.
I'd been feeling down lately about my food because I kept comparing my previous prep to this one so I called my old trainer and had a really long talk with him. I told him I was having trouble find my groove. about my prep and how I can’t find my groove. I think I need to stop comparing the preps and treat this as a completely new journey. This is true for a few reasons one being my starting point. My starting point now is way different than last time because I have a more solid foundation when it comes to knowledge and muscle. I know how hard I can push myself in the gym compared to when I started way back in January.
Competing in November is something I really want because I enjoy training and having a goal for myself. I just find myself straying from the plan. David said that since I know that I can train hard and eat well that there is no real challenge and that I need to set a new goal for myself to make it harder. That was a really great point and maybe I do need to make this more challenging for myself by setting a new goal for myself like lifting a certain weight by the end of my training. For example, I’d like to be able to squat 180 and dead lift 225 before my training starts to wind down. I’m going to spend some time thinking about this over the next few days.
Another thing that stood out to me was that when I finished the competition in May, I felt really lost because I had completed my goal and all the sudden I was unprepared and didn’t have a goal. My journey had ended and I felt empty and lost because up to that point I knew what I was going to eat for every meal and what I was going to train at the gym. It was all planned from the time I got up, until the time I went to bed and then all the sudden it was unplanned and I could do anything I wanted. I could sleep in, eat French fries, go out with my friends, the possibilities were endless but as I started to stop working out and eating what I wanted, my body started changing again and I felt like I didn’t look as good as I did when I competed. This I’ve learned and accepted isn’t realistic to maintain and I am happy that I took some downtime because it gave me the time to mentally get ready and excited about my next competition and right now I need to turn that excitement into drive and get it done.
I’ve got 11 weeks and need to get into that groove ASAP! For this trip, I have done everything in my power to set myself up for success and have no excuses for failure. I’ve spent time prepping food, researching gyms to train at, organized my meals accordingly and have my weights program. I have all the tools I need and now I need to execute the plan.
For my first competition, I was very disciplined when it came to what I eat and for the first 3 months I only eat what I was allowed until my old coach, now friend Nat, told me I could have a weekly cheat meal. My meal plan includes a cheat meal once a week with a dessert so why can’t I stick to my plan the rest of the week when I get a reward at the end! I know I like to control things and I need to get more in control of my food because we all know that how we look is 80% diet. If we eat sugary sweet doughnuts we are going to reflect that in the form of a squishy exterior.  
I know I feel better when I stick to my plan mentally and physically. Mentally when I stray from my plan, I fall off the wagon and the whole week turns into excuses about starting fresh tomorrow and in the end I feel disappointed and down at myself and find it hard to get back on track. I have lots of time right now, but cant take that for granted if I want to place top 3. Its groove time people! No more excuses.
Eat. Train. Sleep. Repeat.

Nic xox

Friday, August 26, 2011

I'm definitely not perfect, but I'm SERIOUS!

Today I wanted to lay it all on the table about my struggle with food. I think everyone has a little bit of an inner battle with food or it might just be me. If only grocery stores could make life easy and only carry things that are good for us like fruits and veggies, meats and poultry (for those of us that aren't vegetarians) grocery shopping would be an easy task. People wouldn't have to read books about "avoiding the middle isles" and the bakery department. They wouldn't have candy and chocolate near the check out next to the trashy magazines that tempt us as we stand in line. It would be an easy decision to reach for the healthy options and there wouldn't be 45 different types of cereal that claim to be gluten free, sugar free, fat free...you get my point.

Food for me has been a constant battle and many of you might not believe me but I struggle quite a bit with food. I am a little bit of a closet eater, which it very embarrassing for me to admit especially since I try to lead by example and help others make better choices when it comes to what we put in our bodies. My biggest weakness is peanut butter. I don't even know why but I could sit down and eat an entire tub of peanut butter. I know that I shouldn't eat more than a 1tbsp, which is what my meal plan allows for as a snack but it comes down to control. Yes, I am in control of what I put in my body and I know that I will get back into my routine but these first few days have had there moments where I've found myself hungry so I eat something. I'm not saying that I won't feed myself if I find myself hungry but what I've been grazing on might now always be the best option.

My training program has been going really well but my meal plan is whats been hurting. The first two days were awesome but then I threw myself under the bus. At the end of the day I am the only one responsible or the decisions I felt like talking about my struggles would help me and show that I am definitely not perfect, I have flaws and weaknesses too. We all have weaknesses and that is what makes us all human and gives us the chance to improve and make ourselves better.

Last night I went for a little drive to clear my head and sat outside for a little while and contemplated my latest competition and whether I was serious. The answer was OF COURSE I'M SERIOUS! I love prepping and eating healthy and training and writing my blog and hopefully inspiring others. It's all a process and I just feel a little all over the map right now with all the travelling I'm doing but I know I can find the balance and persevere. As I mentioned yesterday, training definitely keeps me grounded and I just need to find my groove and everything will be good.

Things are just a little crazy right now, but that helps keep things interesting and soon enough I'll get some down time. I am going to take it one day at a time and get my meal plan on track because 80% is about the food and training for me is easy, well its hard but easy for me to go to the gym.

Today I'm at the Vancouver Shoe Show and tomorrow is the FEMSPORT event downtown so if your around come check it out.

I'll be off to Saskatoon on Monday morning for I'll fill you all in when I get there and let you know how things are going with my meal plan. I promised myself that I would make more of an effort to stick to my plan because I am committed.

Do you have a plan that your committed to? Having a goal is the first step.

Eat. Train. Sleep. Repeat.

Nic xoxox

Thursday, August 25, 2011

CrossFit makes me hungry.

After spending the last little while on the road, getting back to the gym has really helped me feel at home. Being there and having a plan really helps me feel grounded. Everyone deserves to find that something that makes you feel comfortable and grounded. This is my first week back in training and so far things are okay. After my last two weight sessions, I've been sore which is a good thing. The next 3 weeks are going to be a great challenge and I'm up for it.

Last night Nat and I went for sushi but no rolls for us. We ordered a wack of sashimi, green salads and miso soup. It was the perfect amount of food, delicious and not too pricy. I love sushi and could probably eat it everyday. I was super hungry yesterday and I think that it was from the CrossFit workout I did on Tuesday. CrossFit really gets your heart rate up and I was still burning calories the next day and I think that was the reason I was so hungry all day yesterday.

CrossFit is a really cool workout and it's unlike anything I've done before. Everyday there is a WOD (Workout of the Day) posted on crossfit.com and it definitely takes a few years of practice to get really good at CrossFit but that is the great thing about it is that you are constantly challenging yourself and pushing yourself to a point of fitness that you never dreamed of. I can't do all the exercises yet but it's something I am going to continue to learn and train so one day I can adapt some of those workouts into my own training style.  There are tonnes of CrossFit spots in the city so take a friend and check one out.

This weekend is a super busy weekend for me. Skechers has the Vancouver Shoe Shoe and then on Saturday is the Femsport event. If you are around downtown on Saturday near Georgia and Hamilton outside the CBC building swing by and say hi!

Today was a long day so I am off to bed! Rest is equally important when training as eating well.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Nic xoxo

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Got Food? Get the Eat-Clean Diet (For Men)!

Food, as we all know, is 80% of what it takes to get healthier and leaner. I've talked about his before but I think that really shows the importance of it. Eating enough of the right foods at the right time and the right quantity can be very daunting and all of us are different and have different goals that it seems easier to keep our old habits. I can empathize how frustrating it can be to want to workout and eat the right things but give in because frustration takes over when you don't have a plan and loose that initial motivation. 
[This book, The Eat-Clean Diet for Men is an awesome book with some really good recipes. Check out the entire line of books at http://www.eatcleandiet.com/about_the_diet/the_books.aspx]

If you have the desire and motivation to take steps to change your life whether it be trying out the gym for the first time or want to learn how to eat a more balanced meal plan, ask someone for help or do a little research. Having a plan when you go to the gym or start eating differently its crucial to your success and I would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have to help build your plan and keep you on your way to changing you life.

For my training right now the focus is to getting my metabolism going again as I had taken some time off over the last few weeks and wasn't eating my 6 meals a day. The way my meal plan is organized is based on an early morning work out. My meal plan wouldn't necessarily be good for someone that works in an office, but there was a great article in Oxygen Magazine last month on a great meal plan for someone that does work in an office environment. Since I train in the mornings, I have a pre-workout shake and then fast digesting carbs and protein after my workout within an hour of my training ending. For the rest of the day I have 2 smaller meals and 2 "bigger" meals. All my meals are balanced with F.C.P. Fat, carbs and protein.

If you want to make small changes to eating clean check out any of Tosca Reno's cookbook's. They are easy to follow and you might even have everything already in your fridge! Change isn't something that happens overnight but after months of dedicating yourself to a plan, but the changes can happen everyday when you wake up in the morning. As my dad always says, when you wake up in the morning you are the only person who can take control of your feelings and whether your going to be in a good mood or a bad mood. This can be applied to fitness. You are the only person who can decided when you get up in the morning if you are going to make the right choices to help yourself reach or not reach your goal. So skip the cereal, walk at lunch, ask for your salad dressing on the side, say no to the afternoon coffee and donuts, pack an afternoon treat and enjoy 1, one glass of wine after dinner instead of two.

Little changes can have a big impact in how you look, but more importantly how you feel. By making constant decisions about your health puts you and you only in control of your success. Find a friend and do it together or message me for suggestions or if you have a question. I'd be more than happy to be a part of your journey as you have all become a part of mine!

Have a great Wednesday everyone.

Eat. Train. Sleep. Repeat!

Nic xoxo

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

My first video! How to make eggwhite and oatmeal pancakes.

Check out the follow link to YouTube for my first video on how to make my eggwhite/oatmeal pancake recipe. I hope you enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWreyq_nDb0

E.T.S.R

Nic Out!

Day 1 down - 89 to go.

Yesterday was day 1 of my new training and nutrition program and on Sunday night I went to Costco with my friend and dropped 2 bills on all my food for the next couple of weeks. Not all the food in the picture is mine as we had to pay for it together. FYI.

Anyways, I feel like I'm off to a good start, even though I know it's only day one, I feel organized and prepared. I went to the Oval yesterday and did a good shoulder/chest/back and glute workout and today was a cardio day. My training program this time includes more High Intensity Training and less cardio overall. I am going with the flow this time and plan on sticking to one plan and ask for help when I need it. This will help keep me level headed and eliminate any stress because I know what to expect this time which is what I found had during my last prep as I am a planner and didn't know how my body was going to change.

The main goal set by my trainer for the entire group over the next 8 weeks is to burn fat. That will come from high intensity type training and changes to my meal plan. The last time I was prepping, my meal plan included a lot more fats but now I'm incorporating more carbs. No, I don't mean bread carbs I mean unprocessed carbs like veggies. One of my main goals for this round of competitions is to put on more muscle.

Muscle is another great way to burn calories. Women (and men) who want to "loose" weight and be "skinny" tend to become cardio junkies because its the only way they think they know how to achieve this. Killing yourself for hours on a cardio machine in conjunction with not eating the proper amount of foods won't help you obtain such a goal. In fact, it might do the opposite and cause to you hold more weight but by lifting more weights and training your larger muscles groups will help you burn more calories and increase your metabolism. Weights just have a bad rap because people assume your going to get bulky by lifting weights which isn't true. So try balancing your time at the gym between the weight rack and the conveyor belt and eat a little more. You might be surprised at the results.

Over the last few weeks my parents have been on this huge health kick which is turning into a lifestyle which I am so happy about. Yesterday, my dad and I were talking about how he was feeling about everything. I even caught him on the elliptical first thing yesterday morning when I got home from the gym and he was doing two cardio sessions because my mom and him also had spin class night. He is turning in to an addict. The reason he is doing so much cardio is because he had been a little discouraged that the numbers on the scale weren't dropping as much as he'd like but I asked him how his clothes were fitting. He looked at me and said they were getting looser which I could tell got him to thinking that maybe he was making progress.

I use to be obsessed with weighing myself so I can understand where he is coming from but when you spend all that time weighing yourself or constantly talking about being fat or overweight it takes away from the success or progress you are making. If your clothes are getting bigger that's a sign that you are getting smaller so celebrate the little things and not the numbers. Mark my words that my dad will most likely take up marathons next year. I can see he and my whole house is becoming passionate about fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Which makes me one happy camper.

What are you training Tuesday? Have a great day.

E.T.S.R.

Nic out!

Monday, August 22, 2011

I met Tosca Reno, Heather Roberston and Partick House = great weekend!

The past few days had been some of the most exciting days I’ve had all summer. After flying from Regina, where we just opened a new Skechers store at the Cornwall Centre, I was off to Toronto for the Canfitpro Conference and Expo. The conference was for trainers from all over to come and recertify their credentials. The bonus was that I am doing my personal training certification with this organization so I was beyond excited to talk to people at the expo.
Even though I had a great weekend and we sold a lot of shoes, 52 pair, over the 2 days we were at the show, I find myself sitting at the airport exhausted. I can’t wait to get home and sleep in my bed and get back into my work/training routine. My program starts on Monday and my first stop when I get home is the grocery store to buy food for the week. I plan on hitting Costco hard. The show was awesome for so many reasons including my experience meeting Tosca Reno and her lovely family, Patrick House from Season 10 of the Biggest Loser and talking to people who are passionate about fitness and loved our product.

I got to meet two of my idols this weekend, Tosca Reno and Heather Robertson. Tosca and her family were at the show and they are the most genuine, down to earth amazing people (period). She came by the booth and was so thankful for the shoes we had given her and even wore them on stage. I was lucky enough to see her speak and she is a fascinating motivational speaker. Heather Roberston, who I also got to meet, is a fitness model and has graced the cover and inside of many fitness magazines. She is an absolute sweetheart and was just the nicest girl who I got to talk to for awhile. Patrick, from season 10 of the Biggest Loser was walking around so I approached him and asked him to come try on some shoes. He loved our new runners and wore them on stage as well. He is such an inspiration and has really changed his life and stopped by our booth a few times to say thank you or tell us about the shoes and how comfy they are. He is a perfect example of how eating healthy and taking charge of your life and incorporating fitness can change the biggest sceptical.
Meeting those people was probably the icing on the cake of a very successful show for us. I was in heaven all weekend. If you aren’t super passionate on fitness, I recommend going and walking around one of these shows. Everyone at the booths to the consumers are so nice and will answer any question if they can. The show had a great vibe and it was a good opportunity to meet some industry people and magazine publishers including Inside Fitness Magazine. I met gear guy Torey and the owner Terry and again they are super down to earth and really interesting to talk to.
Other than that, I went to the gym a few times and managed to eat very clean and very healthy. My hotel room at the Cosmopolitan was a 1 bedroom suite which made it feel like I was at home. I went to the grocery store the first night and bought a bunch of stuff for breakfast and for snacks at the show which was a great call because they didn’t have the best food at the show. It was quite ironic and I would say that was the only big flaw.
Life can be very indecisive and very challenging when it comes to finding that thing or person that you love and wake up everyday but being passionate about what you’re doing in life is very important. Ever since I finished high school I’ve realized that as much as I struggled at school because of my learning disability, got bullied but girls in elementary or searching for a great job (which I have), it all made me a stronger person and I know that fitness is my niche and I am going to do everything in my power to share my passion with others. That’s a promise and don't be shy to ask for help. I know it can be tough to ask for help but the outcome always over comes your initial fears. I've also learned you can never force anyone to do anything they don’t want to do or have an interest in and that is why you are the only one responsible to take that step forward to leading a healthier lifestyle. That lifestyle could start in the simplest form such as drinking more water and going for a walk once a week because you’ll never know where it will take you but remember to have a goal and a date to make yourself accountable.
I feel like this weekend lit a huge fire under my butt and I am more focused than ever on what I want and where I want to go. I know that life happens but I am going to work daily at being better and that’s all I can do. If you ever have any questions send them to me as a comment, email or Facebook message and I would be more than happy to answer them for you. Baby steps...remember.
Where ever your journey is taking, I wish you luck J
E.T.S.R (Eat. Train. Sleep. Repeat),
Nic

Friday, August 19, 2011

I've died and gone to fitness heaven

I'm currently in Toronto after spending the day training staff at our new Skechers store in Regina at the Canfitpro show. We have a booth at the expo which is amazing. Everything you would need or want to workout is at this show. Trainers from all over come for seminars and speeches by some of the leading people in the fitness industry. My booth is also right behind Tosca Reno and the Oxygen Magazine booth. Basically I'm a happy camper. Yesterday we setup the booth and it looks awesome! I'll post some pictures on Monday with a full review of the show.
Canfit is also the same governing body that o am taking y personal training certification with so if I have any questions about anything I definitely have lots of people to ask. I'm staying at the cosomopolitan on colbourne street and it feels like being at home. I have a one bedroom suite which looks like a condo that you'd see in yaletown. I went to the grocery store last night and got some eggies, rice cakes and fat free turkey breast. Grocery shopping at a fitness expose was probably unnecessary but you can only drink so many shakes...I do love a good vanilla protein, almond milk and banana shake though.
Tomorrow I am going to get to meet Tosca and maybe Heather Roberston some of my idols to name a few. I am literally in fitness heaven! Anyways, it's time to head over to the convention centre. Have a great weekend eveyone.

Eat. Train. Sleep. Repeat - it's coming back put of hibernation as my meal plan and training starts tomorrow!

Nic out!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

On the road again..zoom zoom

Today I got up early and did a quick workout on the elliptical and packed to be at the airport for 730. My flight lands in Calgary and then Regina where I will be heading directly to the Regina Skechers Store where I will be doing store training for the whole day. I'll be staying in Regina and then heading to Toronto on Thursday morning.
Yesterday was a busy day but good. I managed to make it to the gym early for a workout and did a small whole body circuit and a few laps around the track because I had to take my silly iPhone to the iDoctor. My meal plan hasn't started quite yet, neither has my actual training. I am still waiting for my program to be competed and in the mean time I am just focusing on eating clean. I worked, did laundry and followed up on some emails to get in a good nights sleep.
Last night I also went for a walk with my friend Cassidy and saw her new place and its awesome. Cassidy, her boyfriend Cam and I all talked business and there is lots of exciting things in the work so stay tuned. her house is just down the street from me so I can just ride my bike down and back which is really handy. We even did some recon work on a boot camp that she use to attend and it looked intense. I'd love to do something like that.
Anyways, today is going to be a good day and i'll fill you all in later. Have a great Wednesady everyone.

Yours in health and fitness,

Nicole

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Season 2 - Journey to Sandra 2011

Well, it's Season 2 of my journey which is slowly turning into a lifestyle. I have a little bit of an a competitive personality and I like to challenge myself and I really enjoying training and eating clean. The most important thing almost my journey is challenging and motivating others. I have received so many amazing letters about people that have read my blog and decided to take a boot camp or walk at lunch or even pack snacks instead of hitting the vending machine. For all of you who have made changes and decided to lead a healthier lifestyle I applaud you.

I'd really like to take the opportunity to say how proud I am of my parents. I use to bug my parents, especially my dad, about being healthier and not eating certain things but when work got busy and I wasn't home as much I eventually realized that I had no control over their actions. My nagging also started to put a little tension on our relationship as I would get so frustrated in their unhealthy ways but realized that I could shake my finger at them all I wanted but in the end they would be the ones who would have to make the change.

Since January, my parents have joined the gym and attend boot camp and spin classes 4 times a week. In addition, they go to nutritional seminars and bought an elliptical. There is no junk food in the house and my dad is even ready books on nutrition! I am so proud of them and I realized that it all started when I left them alone. This just goes to show that if people are willing and have the determination they will make strides to their own goals in their own time. They have both started to loose weight and its great to see them more active! Way to go P-Units!

Yesterday I had a BBQ at my house and it was so nice to spend some QT (quality time) with my gf's. When I only have a few days back it's very important that I slip in some girl time amongst the million things I have on my to-do list. I realized how fast my friends and I are growing up and that we are seriously adults. Age has never been something I paid attention to or put my life on a timeline, but I can't help but think about meeting a nice boy and maybe going out...With all the travelling I do, it makes it hard to date never mind meeting people. I know that everything happens for a reason but sometimes I do think about it even though I want a lot of other things as well which require a lot of my time and effort but its about priority and time management and when it's meant to be, I don't think I'll have any excuses.

In addition to a great BBQ, I met my trainer Leigh today and she is super nice! I can't wait to start training and meal plan for my upcoming competitions. I'm feeling really good about everything and know what I need to do. I also went on a cleaning spree today and vacuumed my car and apartment which was long overdue. The aphids are gone Ali-M, just in case you were wondering. I got a lot accomplished yesterday but I hardly put a dent in my to-do list. Today is going to be a long day so I packed it in at 10 last night so I could be well rested and up early to tackle the rest of my to do list which includes work orders, expenses, food prep, packing, laundry...yada yada yada *(Senfield reference) I'm also going to be starting a video blog on my own YouTube channel so stay tuned for that and lots of other exciting things in the next few months!

 Here's to a productive Tuesday before I'm back on the road Jack!

What are you TT (Training Tuesday)?

Yours in health and fitness,

Nic xoxo

Sunday, August 14, 2011

It feels like the first day of school...

I have weird butteries in my stomach about tomorrow. It seriously feels like the first day of school. Tomorrow I’m meeting Leigh and Dean, my new trainers, for the first time. They are going to be my trainers for my upcoming competitions in November. I’d say 50% are excited nerves and 50% are nervous nerves. I don’t know why I’m so nervous but a part of me feels that I’ve put on a little too much weight and they’ll see me as too much work. It sounds even worst writing my thoughts sometimes because it makes me sounds like I have less confidence in myself but the truth of the matter is, I’m not perfect and I have doubts but I know once I meet them and have a plan, I’ll be find. I’m not perfect and I think it’s natural that I’m a little nervous. I still can’t believe what I’ve accomplished this year. Getting on stage, training as hard as I did and eating clean took a lot so at least I know that anything’s possible.
This is my second season this year and I will be competing in the Sandra Wickham Fall Classic here in New Westminster and Fitness Universe in Las Vegas. I’ll be honest with you, I was supposed to maintain a weight of 130 but I’ve gone a little above that. Even though I’m not starting at point A like I was in January, I am starting at a new point A as I have maintained quite a bit of the muscle I developed.  I have twelve weeks to get my butt into gear and I know myself well enough to know that when I put my mind to something I am very determined to work as hard as I need to in order to reach my goal. It’s GO TIME baby!
Since January, I’ve learned a few things about myself as an aspiring fitness model. The most important thing for me because I’m a little type A is that I need to have a solid game plan or I feel lost and when that happens I get very discouraged and can easy get thrown off course. It is also very important to be committed to your goal because if you aren’t, you’ll never get there. Bruce Jenner spoke at one of my sales conferences in LA with Skechers back in January, a week before I was about to start my training for the WBFF competition and he talked about the importance of asking yourself and being honest with yourself if you are committed to achieving the goal you have set out for yourself.  He said you have to ask yourself, do you want to do this, do you have the time to do this, are your prepared to make sacrifices and challenge yourself to obtain whatever it is that you desire. It was probably one of the most inspiring speeches I have ever seen and I have it on DVD and watch it when I need a little inspiration.
So am I determined and committed and ready for the next set of competitions. Heck ya! Tomorrow is a big day so I plan on going to bed early so I can get ready and be 100% prepared. It’s also nice to be home. I got home yesterday and I got to hang out with my family tonight and watch a movie and have a home cooked meal. It was such a great night especially after spending my whole day in a first aid class. Everything happens for a reason though and some things have definitely started to fall into place so I’m going to stay positive and keep rolling with the punches because we have to take things one day at a time.
I hope everyone had a great weekend! Yours in health and fitness,
Nic xox

Friday, August 12, 2011

Don't be so shy!

Today I got up early and went to the gym in my hotel to do a quick cardio session before I hit the road to Lethbridge. It’s around a 2 and a half hour drive and I don’t know what to expect the hotel gym to look like there so I figure I should just get r’ done. I also felt like getting up and doing cardio.
Anyways, my point was that when I got to the gym there was another person on the other treadmill but there was no acknowledgment by either of us that the other was present. For the first five minutes I thought about why we act this way instead of just making eye contact and saying “hello.” I tried to make eye contact but I kept thinking about what would happen when I did and all I wanted to get out of the conversation was a good morning to be returned. Gym etiquette is very different for people because some are in the zone and some don’t mind socializing but I don’t think a simple hello is really going to throw you off your workout.  But saying a basic hello to someone is life etiquette.
I don’t know why people are so hesitant to walk down the street with their head up instead of pretending to memorize every crack and rock on the sidewalk. The same thing goes with elevators. No one talks; everyone just stares everywhere but at the other person so they won’t have to talk to them and it fascinates me. I will admit that at first it took me a lot to start saying hit to people but after a while it becomes second nature. Now that I travel so much for work I’ve really enjoyed making conversation with people because it can get lonely on the road. I do find that some places are friendlier than others. The ones that top my list are Victoria, Red Deer and Kelowna. I didn’t want to sound completely bias by listing Vancouver but I find it to be a fairly friendly city. The next time you are in the gym or walking down the street, make eye contact with them and say hello. I promise it won’t kill you and it might make someone’s day.
Last night I went for a walk after dinner, which I picked up from Safeway, from my hotel to the Tim Hortons. When I arrived, I tugged on the door but it was locked. I peered inside and a guy looked at me and pointed to the drive-thru window. I proceeded to walk through the drive-thru to the window where he was standing. He opened the window and welcomed me to Tim Hortons. I hunched down and asked why the door was locked and he said that the area was a little “sketchy.” I quickly ordered my tea and decided I better walk quickly back to my hotel before it got dark or “sketchy.” I was actually really enjoying my walk up until my experience at the walk-thru. No phone, no wallet, just me and the pavement and my head held high in case I made eye contact with anyone I could say hello.
I was so tired last night that I opted to go to Safeway instead of going out to eat. After the summit yesterday, I needed to find a UPS store and ship a bunch of samples to the Montreal Show Room and what should have taken me 10 minutes according to my GPS took me 35 minutes due to being in the wrong lane or missing an exit. I saw a lot of Calgary yesterday and managed to make it to UPS at 5:55. Five minutes before they close and the owner gave me a talk about he was done his cash out for the day and because of me would have to redo the entire thing. What the heck! I am just as tired as you buddy.
At Safeway I knew I wanted one of the oven cooked chickens and a salad and I could hardy wait to get back to my hotel and get into my pyjamas and eat dinner. Of course I put clothes on to go for my walk. I wouldn’t dare ware my Barbie pink pyjamas in public except when I was forced out of a hotel in Red Deer at 2 am in the morning because of a false fire alarm. I wasn’t too concerned about my pyjamas due to my fabulous hair that looked like I had woken up and had Kevin Paves (Jessica Simpsons stylist) had styled it which I’m convinced is the reason I was getting lots of look and had nothing to do with my pink PJ bottoms.... My second concern was that me and 3 other guests were taking the elevator to the lobby, with the fire alarm going. I was thinking of saying that we should take the stairs, but they were 3 burly truck drivers and wasn’t about to try and tell them what to do. My last concern was that it was below forty outside not including wind chill so we were all hanging out in the lobby with the fire alarm going.  I called my dad and his response is that it was a good lesson to know where the fire exits were and to always have a jacket and shoes prepared in case of an emergency. With my dad being retired, he’s definitely my go to guy.
Anyways, today has been a productive start to the day. I got up went to the gym and did a little cardio session and having a little breakfast before hitting the road in my sweet ass Challenger! It’s suppose to take 2 and a half hours to get there but I have a feeling i’ll be arriving a little early. Sorry dad...
Have a great day and weekend everyone!
Yours in health and fitness,
Nic

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Save the Date - November 12th 2011

It was just a month ago that I was in Calgary for the Stampede and now I’m back for a few days to do some training with the Bay and next week ill be in Saskatchewan and Toronto. Over the past few weeks I’ve travelled just about everywhere on the west coast for work and can’t wait for October to come so that I can have some well deserved down time. Life on the road is a little tiring but I am meeting a lot of great people and trying to stay positive.
The next few weeks are going to be challenging as I will begin training for my next competition along with being on the road. There have been a few changes over the last month which involves me no longer training with David. David was a big part of my life and it’s going to be weird doing this next competition without him but I have joined a team, Body By Brandt. Body By Brandt is lead by Leigh and Dean Brandt who are heavily involved in the BB industry and will be the ones designing my weight and nutrition programs, leading posing practice and be a great form of support. The best part is that it’s a team of girls training together and I am really looking forward to it. My friend Natalie is a great person for support and a great friend to have as well.
The thing I am looking forward to the most is getting back into a routine. I couldn’t have said that a few weeks ago as I needed the break from my meal plan and training. I love the lifestyle but it’s important to take a break and I’ve done that and taken the time that I needed and can actually get excited and ready to compete again. My next competition is 12 weeks from now in New Westminster on November 12th so mark it on your calendar peeps. In addition to the Sandra Wickham I will be flying to Vegas November 18th for the Fitness Universe competition.
On Monday, I will be meeting Leigh for the first time and I have nervous butterflies in my stomach because it’s all new. The butterflies are a good exciting kind and I’m just anxious to start my program. I’m also a little nervous in a bad way because with all the time I’ve spent on the road it’s been hard to find time to be in the gym when I am spending so much of the time driving in the car. I was supposed to be maintaining a weight of 130 and I’m a little over that right now which just means I’ll really have to be on my A game over the next 12 weeks which I know I can do. I’m not worried because I know what I need to do to get my body to where I want it to be.  I definitely trust my coaches and I know that they will get me ready for competition.
Next week I’ll be flying to Regina to open a new Skechers store and then to Toronto for the weekend for the Canfitpro Show which is really exciting because that is the organization that I am doing my personal training certification with and I’m going to get to meet Tosca Reno! Amazing!!! I can hardly wait and you can expect a long blog about that. She is so inspiring and that will definitely be a great kick off to my fall season of training. I’m going to take a picture with her and post it on my new motivational wall that I will be working on. My last wall included photos of people I look up to like Jennifer Andrews, Heather Robertson, Natalie Waples, Tosca Reno and motivational quotes. It really helped keep me on track for my last competition along with my count down board. Just talking about it is pumping me up!
Even though being on the road is a little tough after a few weeks, I am really happy doing what i’m doing and couldn’t picture myself being anywhere else or doing anything else at this point in my life. I truly believe that even in the darkest times, everything happens for a reason.
I am excited to be making it home for my sisters 24th birthday on Saturday and I’ll be in a first aid class all day on Sunday which puts me one step closer to reaching my goal of becoming a personal trainer in addition to my current role with Skechers. My goal was to have everything wrapped up by the end of July but life happens sometimes and things change. This doesn’t mean I’ve stopped working at it, I’ve just had to adjust my GP (game plan) a little bit. I’m hopefully going to be doing small group sessions starting at the end of September and if you think you’d like towards a goal and want my help, send me an email miss.nicole.wilson@gmail .com or a Facebook message. If you have a goal or a question, I’d love to help you achieve it!
Also, I promise to get back to writing at least 5 times a week. Now you have it in writing. Even if it’s only a few paragraphs...I’ll make sure to blog something.
That’s all for now! Yours in health and fitness,

Nic