THE FINAL PICS

WELL DONE LIZ!

Congratulations and well done Liz! This pic of you is simply stunning! I'm sorry we didn't meet :( Thanks for your countless support.

CONGRATULATIONS DEB!

Congratulations Deb on second place! You looked amazing. Sorry our first meeting was brief. I can't wait to catch up with you again. Good luck at the Nationals!

MORE PICS 2

MORE PICS

I HAD A BALL!

Gidday everyone! Sadly, I didn't place ... but wow, did I have an absolute ball! The standard of competitor's was exceptional. Here's a few pics ...

DEDICATION

I dedicate my show tomorrow to my Mum, Dad and Parani

xxx

FINAL POSTING

Good morning and welcome to my final posting, before comp day. I am feeling incredibly excited and relieved this day has come. I can't believe the countdown is in hours. How unreal is that? I anticipate my debut to be thrilling and surreal. I plan to savour every moment.

I officially finished my gym training on Wednesday. I've been practicing my poses everyday and still I am forever changing my stance to show my best look to the judges on Saturday. And on the eleventh hour I've even changed my dance routine!

I am leaving for Brisbane with Penny this afternoon to register. Later we'll meet Lorraine and the girls at the accommodation and take it easy. I've been instructed to rest, rest, rest! With our makeup and hair done the next morning we'll leave for the venue early. Once there I will meet Gerard who is responsible for my tanning and prep. I am looking forward to Gerard preparing me for stage. I expect my entire upper body is going to receive a hammering under his guidance. Awesome ... bring it on!

Good luck to all the lovely girls competing tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for their best wishes.

See you after the comp!

FOOD EXPERIENCE

I am told by friends and work colleagues that it's not too long now, and once it is all over I'll be able to eat whatever I like. True and not true. What I am most looking forward to is getting back to my diet regime, much like the one I had with Sue (Ideal Bodies Online). Of course I'll look forward to my special treat (one meal) after comp. I plan to have a nice brekky on the beach with Perry and my sister.

What is not true is that I can't eat whatever I like. Not immediately and though the temptation might be there to stuff a dozen loaves of raisin bread or boston buns, I can't. Not after. Due to me being on a strict or hard clean diet for so long my system won't cope foods that are high in salt, sugars and fats. It'll make me ill. I would spend ages explaining this to people that soon their faces go blank. I guess I don't really blame them, but it was so frustrating. Now I don't say anything except ... yeah, I can't wait to eat what I like ... it's much easier.

BOUNCING BACK

It's a gorgeous day and there's a spring in my walk. I'm feeling buzzed and the brain's functioning well. So far so good.

My friend Dave is back from China and I'm really glad. He was full of questions about my training and wellbeing and he's never short of compliments and best wishes. Thanks a lot Dude! See you in the gym.

It was a good session at the gym last night. I hammered my bi's 'til they burst and I felt an awesome squeeze on my shoulders. I love the look of my shoulders (thanks Matt). I finished the night with a half hour on the treddy and then the stairmaster. I think I napped a couple of times on the stairs. God I was sssooo tired.

This morning I had a good run from the gym, up Grandview Drive then back to the gym. I sssoo love the morning weather and the views from Grandview are spectacular. It's legs tonight then the bike, then dinner then SLEEP! I gotta get some SLEEP!

That's pretty much all folks. Have a good night.

Oh, thanks Aldeen for the DVD. Awesome stuff!

SOME STUFF

So, I can't sleep (see below) and now I have knots in my stomach. My mental state is warped and my energy level's are low. I woke up with a headache and thought of every reason under the sun not to get out and run. Instead I dragged Perry to come walk with me on the beach. We high tailed it for 35 minutes. We only walked 3.5 kms, guess it was better than nothing. Oh and it rained and rained! Great! (sarcastic).

My cycles begun and I'm bloated! I feel spongy, uurrgggh! My bosses are away today so I'm wearing my daggy (drab) track pants to work. They're comfortable and it hides my stomach bulge. Perry thinks my pants are four sizes too big and it sags in the behind. He keeps quiet when I put them on. I think that's wise. Best not to say too much to me, not during my cycle. Remember? ... Mental state? ... Twisted!

So my headaches gone, cool! God, I just looked in the mirror ... cripes I'm wearing clown pants! I'm so lucky there's not many people here. I'll sneak out after everyone has gone.

Hope all is good with everyone else!

SLEEP DEPRIVATION

It's hard to sleep. Damn hard. It's hard to imagine a sleep in on the weekends. No more Sunday am runs! Hooray, I can't wait!

Ok, things done so far:

• Friday PT with Matt. My bi's were GI-normous! Think I saw some good stuff on my tri's. I believe this is the first session I've ever felt nauseous. I can't remember when exactly but I do remember thinking if we don't stop I'm gonna pass out. That would be my first time!
• Nails, makeup, eyelashes, colour, lights! Wooohoo, Anita and I went makeup shopping. Awesome colours. I'm gonna be oh so sparkley!
• Finalised accommodation in Brisbane. My sister Parani will be arriving Friday night and bunking in with me, Lorraine and the comp girls.
• Second to last dress rehearsal yesterday. We are looking mighty fine! Lorraine did a gorgeous job on my bikini. Bewdiful. Lorraine says I'm coming down, that made me feel good. Guess I can only do the best I can.

Things to do:

• Book hair colour.
• Book hair removal. Ouch!
• Book spray tan.
• Pose practice, practice, practice.
• Cardio, cardio, cardio.

Have a good week everyone.

POSITIVE THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

DRESS REHEARSAL

Sometimes I look like this after my last meal!









It's dress rehearsal at pose class and everyone is looking damn fine! Is it me, but do the bikinis make you feel like you're wearing nothing at all? I find it alittle unusual. Guess I'll get use to it, just like the shoes. And speaking of shoes ... how well are we strutting? Bloody fantastic! I think we should be posing on ice! Ah ... naah, just kidding.

There's less than three weeks to comp and I'm feeling excited, tired, exhausted, brain dead and all that. To get me through the final weeks Lorraine's put together a dance DVD to spice up my cardio. I'm looking forward to it. It makes a change from running the backstreets and hills of Coolum. I get the DVD this afternoon.

A person who is looking exceptionally stunning these days is my friend and co-competitor Penny. With a naturally awesome lean physique I've been priviledged to see her build materialize from great to outstanding. Combined with a massive improvement to her posing and flow-like dance, she has the package worthy of a State or National placing. I can't wait 'til comp day! Her friends and family are going to be mighty surprised!

Happy training everyone!

LOW CARBS

If the truth be known I'm not a huge fan of chocolate. I'd re-write this to say:

If Only Men Were As Satisfying As

Hot Raisin Toast with Butter!

(or a Boston Bun or a Fresh Crusty French bread)

Can you tell I'm incredibly low on carbs?

Here's a typical low carb day ...

• Walked into my gym yesterday and anounced "good morning!" It was 5pm!
• Locking a bunch of students out of the office when I had walked in and accidently locked the door behind me.
• Tried unsuccessfully to flush the toilet at the gym. Realised I was pressing the light switch. Daahh!

NOVICE DIVISION

Good morning. I received an email from Chris and so far 11 competitors in the figure novice have entered, therefore the group will be split into height. I believe the maximum is 9 competitors as Chris says judging is difficult if there's more than 9. Hope this info helps everyone.
___

The attendance at Lorraine's pose class was small yesterday. Just myself, Penny and Cheryl turned up. Usually there's at least six to eight girls. Practising with a small group is often better than a large class. We get quality tutoring from Lorraine, almost like a one and one session for the price of a group.

I was disppointed to see I hadn't leaned down further from the week before :( These last weeks I have to up the antes beginning with 55 mins cardio this morning and every morning as well as 35 min cardio every night. I have only 1 portion of carb a day (1/2 cup of oats) and my calorie intake has decreased as well. I was recommended thermogen intensifiers a long time ago but they made me queezy and I felt very unwell. I stopped taking the stuff immediately.

Has anyone out there increased the intake of coffee or diet coke? Not that I am but I know of others who regularly take 6 or more cups of coffee to curb hunger pains between meals or to keep going through the day and when they're training. I'm not a huge consumer of coffee but I could if I wanted to. I figure I felt ill with the intensifiers because of the high quantity of caffine in the tablets. Any comments anyone?
___

Oh by the way, I've decided not to compete in the ANB. The prep for INBA is just so damn hard. Check on me at the end of the week ... I will probably change my mind, again!
___

And finally, I stole this from Michelle's blog. I love it ...

Courage is not about the strength to go on

It's going on when you don't have the strength

God give me strength!!

WRAP UP FOR ANOTHER WEEK

It's the end of another week. Yippee! Here's the highlights:

Lorraine's pose class on Sunday. New venue. Bigger space. Another competitor. More guests. Lots of hard work.

• Chests and back session with Matt. My "wings" are huge! Feeling DOMS. Matt now calls me Bat Girl!

Now swimming two mornings a week. Monday great. Incorporated 500m sprints. Felt good, slept like a rock. Swam this morning, 80 laps - 2 kms! 50 minutes. Great stuff. Tonight I'll sleep like a rock.

Watching the Qld ANB 2005 DVD. Picked up a lot of good moves and practicing my dance.

Things coming up:

• Legs and cardio tonight
• 50 min cardio tomorrow morning
• Visit Di and replan diet
• Bi's/tri's and shoulders tomorrow afternoon
• 30 min cardio tomorrow night
• Pose practice Sunday. Discuss our group accommodation and finalise makeup and hair plans

Stay strong everyone! Have a great weekend.

TIMES ARE BUSIER

I'm reading Deb's latest post (Tuesday 5 September, 2006) and how right she is! We are all extremely busy! I've never been consumed by a huge project as this. Where do the hours go? Well for me, it's like this:

• 5.30am alarm, rise at 5.40am
• gulp L-Glutamine and L-Carnitine
• drink water
• 50 minute cardio
• 10 minute abs
• cook and eat breakfast
• gulp multivitamin, calcium, iron, antioxidant tablets
• pack my 5 meals for the day
• shower and change
• go to work
• end work
• gulp L-Glutamine and L-Carnitine
• go to gym and do 1 hour weight train
• 30 min cardio
• 7pm get home
• gulp L-Glutamine and Amino acid
• prep meal for next day
• cook and eat dinner
• watch tv
• sleep

And did mention the 30 or so visits to the toilet?

To keep track of my diet I decided to stay away from social events til after comp. I'm not normally anti-social but it's best to avoid temptation. And another thing, my energy levels go up and down that sometimes I don't want to talk to people, including Perry. I think it's best to live like a hermit for the next few weeks.

I've not heard anyone talk about this (I wonder if Penny and I are the only persons who discuss it) but this sport is hugely expensive! Why? Well there's my personal training sessions, pose consultations and weekly pose classes, Di's nutritional consultation, endless powders (protein, amino, l-glutamine, l-carnitine etc), gym fees, contest bikini, shoes, jewellery, federation registrations, competition entry fees, accommodation (at the venue), time off work (final week of comp), transportation, makeup artist fees, hairdresser fees, and finally food! I make no bones about it, at times it's been a worry for Perry and me.

Nevertheless I am soldiering on! Only four weeks and 3 days? Excellent!!

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BODY BUILDING

It's official, I've decided to compete in the ANB Qld Championships on Saturday 14 October, 2006. After realising there is only one week difference in the major comps I was convinced not to miss the opportunity. Plus, if I made the INBA Nationals (that's a big IF everyone) I couldn't make it because I'm in Thailand in November. I only have October to do all the comps. Make sense?



I am tracking well. I've experienced no bad episodes.

Big thanks to Di and her massive support and guidance towards my final weeks. With her wedding in less than a week and her work with myself, Penny and the other girls, as well as her personal training, I don't know how she does it! Di, I am feeling very strong, hard and confident. Thanks a million! Thanks Deb for your concerns. I am looking forward to meeting you in October. You're a gem.

Happy training everyone.

EMOTIONS

Gidday everyone! I am back!! Well, I never really went away. I think it's been two weeks since my last post? God, I am really going to have a hard time recalling what's happened ... ok, here we go ... the news in brief:

After visiting my Sports Practitioner two weeks ago it was recommended that I take a blood test to determine the cause of my dizziness or bad spells. My result would show an extreme low count of white blood cells. A normal low count would be 4 and a high count would be 11. My count is 3.3. In my practitioner's words "you're body is under severe stress!" No S#&T. I'm also low on calcium and iron. Since then I've included calcium and iron supplements in my diet as well as an antioxidant for my white blood cells. Obviously it's imperative I stay away from anyone with the flu. My consumption of red meat have now increased to a portion a day.

So how have I been feeling? To be honest I've been experiencing a lot of low days than good. My energy levels are not as up as they use to be. I'd have a fantastic session of posing one day then a week later I'd feel completely flat, exhausted and frumpy. These past couple of days have been the worse! My cycle's begun and my emotions are completely twisted and fragile. On Tuesday I turned up at work with a migraine like headache. It was god awful. Then I felt an overwhelming rush of depression that I cried in my office. Then cried later in the toilet. So now I've cried twice! And just when I thought things couldn't get worse, it's the late afternoon and I can feel a rush of aches through my body. I now have the chills! The weather's twenty something degrees, i'ts mild folks. I'm now wearing a jumper and fleece jacket sitting over a heater. My boss, Mike looks at me and says ... Girl! You look like crap! Thanks Mike! That makes me feel better. I later leave for home, no gym, straight home for tea and honey. I am zonked!

Yesterday I arrive at the gym. It's legs, my favourite. I warm up with 30 reps of squats with the bar only. I finish and my legs are nice and warm. Suddenly I get the chills ... god damn it ... not now! I look around the gym, I want to find an instructor but nobody is free. I look back at my weights. I think to myself ... I've only started with a bar?! No weights? I'm cold! This is really, really depressing. I cry myself silly again! Nobody can see me. It's awhile till I'm composed. I think ... shall I pack up and go home or should I push on? I pushed on! I reckon that was the hardest (mentally) session I had ever done. I was relieved.

I am ok now. How I'll be tomorrow and the next day? I'll wait for it to come and I'll do my damn best. I'm scheduled for another blood test next week. I hope things will improve. Til then I'm off to cardio now. Take care!

2006 QLD TITLES

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

My family L to R, Quizzie and her brother Flash


Hi All. Over the past week I've been consumed with keeping my diet on track, my training in top form, watching my energy levels and general well being.

About a fortnight ago I came home one morning after a 45 min jog/walk. After showering I noticed aches in my arms and I found it incredibly hard to change into my clothes. A little later I needed to drive to the shops. When I got in the car I began to feel light headed. A little while later Perry came downstairs to investigate why he hadn't heard me leave, he panicked to find me slumped forward with my head in my hands. I think I said I was feeling a little dizzy so he ushered me upstairs which by this time I began to feel aches in my legs. Walking upstairs was difficult. God what was happening?

I laid on the bed for a while feeling completely drained. By this point Perry phoned Penny to tell her I wouldn't make our pose class that afternoon. I felt really bad about not practicing. I thought if I tried to eat some lunch I would perk up, but I truly didn't have the appetite. And just when I thought nothing could get worse ... I began to feel pins and needles in my hands! Oh god ... just kill me now!

I am feeling good now. The bad experience has prompted me to see a sports medicine practitioner tomorrow afternoon to assess how I am going and perhaps answer why I felt so bad that day. Did I over run that morning? Was my blood pressure much lower than normal? Did I have low blood sugar? I will see what he has to say.
___

I made it to Lorraine's pose class last Sunday, yippee! It was awesomely hard work but I love it.

After a warm up, Lorraine quickly puts us through our paces. For the first hour we practice all the poses (both INBA and ANB format). My arms and back are screaming pain! Excellent!

Later we split into three groups. Now each group are summoned to perform their compulsory poses, then dance and then pose off. Di is guest judge. You have to ham it up for her. If you can make her smile that's good!

Now it's time for the 60 second free pose (dance). The girls who are watching are excited. They begin to cheer, clap and scream the girls on. It's amazing how better you perform with an excited crowd! Now it's a walk off, a quick put on with the shoes, a walk on and now a pose down! Whhoooo, hooo! Pose it baby! Seriously it's hard work but heaps and heaps of fun!
____

I'm going Lorraine's house tonight with Penny. We're going to watch the DVD of the INBA comp show held in July. Excellent can't wait. I'm looking forward to seeing Lorraine, Neme, Sue, Rae and Kimmy perform. If I've forgotten anyone I'm sorry :(

Oooops it's late, I gotta get to work. Happy training everyone!

ALL ON TRACK

"Over the next day I'm like the Michelin Man"

It has been a journey of baby steps towards my goal to lose fat aka lean down aka getting cut. During my check up with Di, I was pleasantly surprised to see centimetres come off everywhere. And my delts and back are looking damn fine! I'm not happy about losing centimetres from my boobs! Please tell me ... why am I doing this? Ha, ha, no drama ... the result was very pleasing.

At this point Di recommends I take a free meal. What? A free meal? Whooo hooo! I'm excited.

Perry and I head out to Coolum for a meal. I think it's been months since we've both dined on the same foods. What did I order? A fettucine with red onions and panchetta. Mmm, scrumptus and very spicy (I would later regret the spice). For dessert a bowl of ice cream. No alcohol. That's ok, I haven't drunk since my New Zealand holiday. I don't miss it. We had a fabulous night.

We get home when I begin to feel queezy. I'm now on the sofa and I lie it out for 10 minutes. The queeze stops and now I'm cold. So cold, I shove my cat from the heater and huddle over the heat, almost sitting on top of it. God, give me strength. I'm so tired now, I head off to bed.

Me think the pasta was a tad too spicy. I think for my next free meal I'll have eggs on toast.
___

Awesome, awesome session with Matt on Tuesday (bis/tris and shoulders). The reps are faster and the rests are shorter. Great cardio. DOMS good, not severe like other times. Over the next day I'm like the Michelin Man! I believe my shoulders and arms deflated last night. Good one Matt!
___

I posted my entry for the October comp the other day. Urrgggh! There's no turning back eh?

Comp day is Saturday, 7 October 2006. General Admission tickets are $40 with VIP seating (sitting 5 rows from the front) selling at $50. Contact Bounce Nutrition for tickets on 07-3393-3822 or you can buy the tickets at the door. The venue is ...

Christian Outreach College - Theatre
Wecker Road
Mansfield
Brisbane

Start time: 10am!

DIET HARD!

My first school photo at age 5. I'm sitting, fifth from the left

Things done Wednesday
45 min cardio interval and abs 6am to 7am
Chests and back 5.30pm to 7pm

Things done yesterday
45 min Powerwalk hills 11am to 12pm

Things done today
30 min interval training 6am to 6.30am
Legs

I'm a good girl because I've been clean eating for 5 days ... it's a humongus achievement. My track record is 3 days. By day 4 I think "yeah, I've done well. A bit of jam and toast tonight will be alright" or "a tub of yoghurt" or "a handful of sultanas (my favourite) ". EEEnnnnkk! Nup! And then I start again the next day then I slip then another. In short, my meal plan for comp is rough and tough, and I'd better get use to it soon 'cause I'm gonna be eating less. Give me strength!

It was day 4 yesterday and I entered this into my food diary:

It's 4m. I finished M5 - 5 egg whites omlette. I've got tummy aches. It came on before the omlette and I've still got it now. Drinking lots of water but it doesn't relieve. I'm waiting it out but it's incredibly tough (it's now 4.30pm). My thoughts: this is for comp; hang in 'cause you can eat what you want after comp day; next meal is in about 2-3 hours; looking forward to porridge tom am!; stay clean! I get a free meal next week; Maraina you're doing stuff a lot of people can't do; get a coffee. If it doesn't get better go for a walk; do not give in to TEMPTATION; I can have those foods later! It's 5-5.30pm. I'm drinking coffee; will read a book; obstacles - I'm getting over them; smile it's a walk in the park.

I didn't give in.
___

It's 6am and I pull up at the surf club. Di is there. It's interval training.

It's semi light and the air's cool. I'm dressed in shorts, a beanie and gloves. With no time to waste, it's a fast walk up the boardwalk. Soon we break into a jog, we're travelling up and down slopes. It's really nice. The up and down track appears and Di preps my breathing. I'm going to charge as fast as I can up the next hill. Di orders, GO! GO! GO! ... To the pole Maraina! ...To the pole! And so I go, go go! It's tough! My system is shocked! Excellent, I make the pole. I ease the pace and now we're walking, and now we're jogging, then GO! GO! GO! This continues for 15 minutes.

Now I'm looking forward to my final hill! Before I finish thinking about it's ... GO! GO! GO! ... Come on Maraina! ... Come on! God, I make it ... relief!

It's a beautiful jog back to the boardwalk. The sunrise is gorgeous. I'm thinking ... porridge! I must have porridge! Excellent work. Thanks Di.
___

A great leg session tonight. Thanks to new spotter Dave (another Dave). I also want to thank Jerome for his input tonight. Your advice is very good. I will take it onboard. Awesome work on the calves too. I will definitely feel it tomorrow.

Day 5 diet almost finished. Bring on Day 6! Happy dieting everyone! Goodnight.

PRE COMP PLAN

It's actually been a good day and not one of those days to evaluate my pre comp plan. God, I've got so much going on in my head I've got to write it down now. Here goes:

Cardio x5 a week

• x1 50 min flat road jog
• x2 50 min powerwalk hills
• x2 30 min interval

Weight maintenance x4 a week

Dietry

• L-glutamine
• Multivitamin
• M1 porridge/cottage cheese/splenda
• M2 protein powder/apple or pear
• M3 chicken/vege or salad/rice or sweet potato
• M4 protein powder/almonds
• M5 chicken/rice (train days) or fish (non-train days)
• M6 meat or chicken or fish w veg or salad
• Post workout protein powder and dextrose and L-glutamine
• Stop with creatin
• 3+ litres of water
• 1 free meal if nutrition has been 100%

I'm interval training on Friday am with Di. I can't wait. I did interval and abs this morning and boy was I tired. After eating my porridge I was feeling a lot better. I love porridge. Ooops ... gotta run and grab M5. Catch everyone soon!

HAPPY NEW MONTH!

Things done yesterday
40 min run and abs 6am to 7am
Legs 5.30pm to 7.00pm

Things done today
40 min powerwalk (hills) 6am to 6.45am



After my session of legs on Tuesday, I believe it was Saturday when I could comfortably walk! It's the same day that I needed to give them another workout, but I backed out, in fear of the legs crumbling beneath me (I know, I'm a sook). So now it's Monday and I wanted to work just as hard on my legs as I did last week. And I did! Me very happy and exhausted!

Thanks to Aldeen for spotting me on the squats. Thanks to new spotter Shane, who took time from his busy schedule to load and off load my bar during my lunges. Excellent work. I can feel the squeeze on my legs this morning.

As always it's great to catch up and laugh with Dave. I'm forever excited to show him a flex ... "look at this Dave", "see my legs Dave?", "check this out"... and so on and on. He's never short of compliments and support. I feel very special to know him. Everyone should have a Dave at their gym!
___

I loved my powerwalk this morning. The hills around Coolum are fantastic. I'm looking forward to my bi's, tri's and shoulders tonight then it's off to Di's place for an assessment. Have a good night everyone.

PS. Pinch and a punch! Yeehaa it's the first of the month!

RUNNING TOWN

Things done yesterday
Cardio interval training on stairmaster and abs 6am to 7am
Biceps/Triceps and Shoulders 5.30pm to 7pm

Things done today
5km jog 6.15am to 6.50am

I know I've said it before but the lights at my gym are amazing. When I'm resting between sets you'll find me under the lights practicing my chest and bicep poses. If I could rehearse my routine I would, but it's impossible to find the space. So last night I'm staring at my delts. Wow, they're popping tonight ... me like! My chest ain't too bad either (though I wasn't training them). Can't wait to see the whole package, starting with abs! I'd kill to get have abs like Penny's.
___

It's morning and I've got major DOMS of the legs. It came on last night (great, the night before my run). Trips to the little girl's room last night didn't help. Was I wearing a suit of armour instead of pyjamas? Agony!

6am! Get up, get out. Yoooowwww! ... my calves! Did I grow a pair of bowling balls last night? Ooooooouuch, easy, easy ... keep walking Maraina. We're gotta run remember?!

I can't tell you how nice it was to jog this morning. The sky's clear, road's misty, the air brisk, the street's tranquil. You know, there's a lot of tradesmen who sit on the road (waiting for their rides) this morning. Bet I gave them something to look at ;-) then again, may be not :-(

Yeah, it was perfect morning. Excellent run! Back home now and can feel the legs again. That's ok, it's all good. Me happy!

GET BACK TO BUSINESS

It's been tough to find some quality time to write about the busy events that have happened over the last week. If I'm not working, training, at pose classes, cooking or updating my goal book (see story about Di below) I'm waiting my turn to jump on the pc after Perry.

So! What's been happening in the World of Maraina? Hey, I like the sound of that? Mental note ... make that the new title of next blog. Cool.

After my temporary melt down last week (thanks to all who posted, called and even text their concerns, I am good now) I've been consumed with the next phase of my competition prep. That being my new diet and my quest to lose at least 6 kilos by comp day. Yes! 6 kilos (perhaps more pending on our how quickly I shape up). To put it plainly ... I must reduce my body fat without losing muscle (the muscle I've trained so hard to build over the past few months, though it's known that some muscle loss will occur).

Am I anxious? You bet! What am I worried about? Deprivation of tasty foods, anticipated mood swings, hunger pains, fear of looking flat, lack of energy and the inability to train well. Most of all the fear of failing. That's the warts and all tale of it! That's the honest truth.

Sounds like hard work? Absolutely. So what am I doing about it? I had to seek professional help and do it quickly. So my new mentor and diet expert is Di Carr.

Now Di and I have met three times this past week. Already she's constructed my first week diet (I have 6 meals a day as opposed to 5). She purchased my own log book where I'm to write daily goals, diarise my foods for the day and write how I've been feeling (good, bad or indifferent). I have a list of inspirational books to read, starting with Lance Armstrong's It's not about the bike which I began reading this morning. I've got a Kosta Tszyu book ordered at the library on the way too. She revised my training, increased my supplements and came last Sunday to pose class to assess how well I am doing in posing. Every time we meet our discussions are always positive and encouraging. I don't know where she finds the energy. What a trooper!

Uno momento people - I'm off to the gym ... will be back shortly.

Wow, I think today was one of the best leg sessions I've ever had with Matt. Legs are my favourite or to be more precise, squats. I love 'em. So I'm on a high when I successfully complete my heaviest set ever ... 70kgs. Oooohhhh yeah ... nnniccccee! Now it's drop down to 40kgs and superset. Whooah, it's burning! Excellent. I move onto an awesome set of deadlifts, then after that single leg deadlifts, and leg curls (on ball), then 3 set of barbell walking lunges finishing with calf raises. Me happy :) PS. The sprinkler was a riot!
___

Before I forget, a big thanks to Lorraine and her excellent pose class last Sunday. I don't believe my back and arms ached so much and so quickly at class. Lorraine was on the hunt for perfect posers and I believe we delivered. Still there's so much for us to practice! I take my hat off to all competitors, you make it look so easy!

By the way, Lorraine and Neme placed fourth in their division in Melbourne. Congratulations and well done girls!

GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS

Hello! I'm bbbaaaacccckkk! Where have I been? Nowhere really, just incredibly pre-occupied.

My week has pretty much been as the title says. Same old stuff ... eat, sleep, train, eat, sleep, train and so on and so on. I'm now complacent and training on empty (mind). I'm losing sight of the big picture fast. What a bloody awful time to do that?!

Financial and work issues have arisen. Sort of a mini-crisis. My comp prep has taken backstage, I'm now overwhelmed with other matters.

I don't know it but I'm losing the plot. It came to a head when I got home from training this morning. I'm ready to shower but I don't quite make it. I step back from the bathroom, sink my body on the bed and weep uncontrollably. This has Perry concerned and flustered. I feel incredibly hopeless. Wiping tears from face I could feel a bunch of spots (acne) come up on my face. Boy, I'm a right mess now.

I'm at work and for most of the day I get by. I feel defeated and deflated. And no, it's not that time of the month.

Desperate to stay on track I arranged a meeting with Di for tomrrow night. We met quickly this evening, and our get-together was extremely positive and motivational. She's a great communicator.
___

Onto other things ... congratulations to all who competed in Melbourne last weekend. Big congratulations to Sue. Well done! You look amazing.

I haven't read my favourite blogs for awhile so I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone over the next day or so.

I hope to feel better tomorrow, of course I will. Stay happy everyone. Goodnight.

GET OFF THE FLOOR

Things done Sunday
Cardio jog/run around Coolum 12pm to 1pm

Things done yesterday
Biceps/Triceps and Chests 5.40am to 7.15am
Pose and dance 5.45pm to 6.30pm

Things done today
Cardio stairmaster/bike and abs 6am to 7am
Pose and dance 5.30pm to 6.30pm

Thanks for the interest about Neme's health. I don't know her condition and probably won't know 'til I see Lorraine this Friday. I hope her health improves.
__

I've begun posing and dancing for an hour everyday now. After work I'd come home, feed the cats, change into my battle gear (bikinis and shoes) and warm up (with the help of my 6 dollar resistance band)!

I begin my entrance ... boobs to the sky! Thanks Michelle, I'm never going to forget that! Walky, walky Maraina, think ... glide, smile, glide, smile, glide ... aaannnnddddd ... rest (rest pose). Whew, I'm looking good, looking strong ... yeah everything's good! Ok here we go ...

• front pose ... good
• front double bicep ... good
• quarter turn right ... good
• side chest pose ... good
• tricep ... wobbly, need work
• quarter turn to the back ... good
• back double bicep with calf ... good
• quarter turn right ... good
• side chest pose ... great (right hand side my favourite)
• tricep ... still wobbly, need work
• quarter turn to the front ... good
• abdominal and frong leg ... ok, need more work

Exit strong and by all means ... don't forget to smile!

I'm posing for a half hour. I switch my poses from in front of the mirror to no mirror, then in front of the mirror, to no mirror and so on and so on. It's by far more difficult to pose without a mirror but you try, try, try your best.

I finish the last half hour rehearsing my dance. It's coming along really well and tonight ... success! I can get down and back up from the floor! Yippee! I'm glad. It's slowly coming together.

It's time to hit the sack folks, I've got legs early tomorrow ... oh yeah ... I love it! Goodnight everyone.

UNDER THREE MONTHS AND COUNTING!

Me training today ... ha, ha ... just kidding! I wish!

Things done yesterday
45 min cardio on stairmaster and abs 5.15pm to 6.15pm

Things done today
Chests and back 8.30am to 10.30am

Dum, dee, dum, dum ... ddddaaahhh! That's the sound of suspense folks. It's how I'm feeling at the moment ... tense, nervous, anxious, bothered, edgy and so on and so on.

It's less than 3 months to comp day. To be more precise ... 2 months, 4 weeks and 1 day ... but whose counting? Me! Urggh! God the knots in my stomach are aching. I'll get over it, yeah? Maraina, stay focussed ... it'll all be worth it.
___

Today Lorraine dropped in to say gidday. God she's so lean. Her muscles are rippling and her legs ... fantastic. She's going to pop into my work this Friday before flying to Melbourne for the comp next weekend. I can't wait to see her.

She had disastrous news about Neme (see my post Tuesday 4 July 2006). She injured her neck in an accident this week (less than a week before the Comp)! She's absolutely distraught. She can't move her upper body (the lower body is ok) . Lorraine has confidence Neme can still make the comp. Lorraine, a professional masseuse, will begin treatment on her, working on the problem right up to comp day. Wow Lorraine, I don't know how you do it. What a trooper!

___

Hope tomorrow is another gorgeous day like today. Beautiful and warm (I think 23 degrees? ... ooooh, nice!) I'm walking around Coolum tomorrow. I love walking. I'll check the beach and surfers. Yeah, that'll be nice. Walk on the beach! I'll hit the sack now.

Goodnight everyone. Sweet dreams.

THE WEEK'S OVER

Things done on Tuesday
Pose training 5.15pm to 6.30pm

Things done on Wednesday
Biceps/Tris and Shoulders 5.30pm to 7.15pm

Things done yesterday
Legs 5.15pm to 6.35pm

Wow, where's the week gone? A lot of it to training. That's ok, I love it. So, what did I do? In brief:

• Practiced posing Tues night. Sub-standard. Can't balance when flexing. Need more work on calf stances and tricep poses (stepping forward then shifting weight to the back). Will practice on the weekend.
• Dance routine ok. Need to tidy up middle section. Question? How does one gracefully get down on one knee? It's hard on my poor knee (aawwhh) ... any suggestions?
• Keep a log of my foods (actually started 13 days ago)
• Spotters of the Week - Len, Dave and Greg. Thanks guys and great work.

Weekends here, terrific! I'm on the stairmaster tonight. Big session of chests and back tomorrow. Can't wait. Have a good weekend!

RESISTANCE BANDS

I went shopping a couple of weeks ago and found my Priceline Store selling resistance bands for $6! Bargin!

I put my band to the test the other night and it's quite effective. To increase intensity simply lenghten your stance when standing on the band or tie a knot at one of the ends.

These bands may not be as durable as the bands from Rebel Sports. Their bands are priced around $24 but for competition day I think they're ideal. Plus! If you lose your band or someone accidently picks them up, you've lost 6 bucks.

Check it out!

BODY CHANGES

Fellow competitior Neme from pose class. Competing in Melbourne in two weeks. Good luck!

Things done yesterday
45 min cardio and abs 6am to 7am
Chests and back 5.45pm to 7.35pm

Last night I got a few nice compliments about my upper body. My shoulders are definitely broader, I can't really say by how much but the changes are happening. I'm happy to patiently wait 'til my body shape clicks in. When? Next week, next month, September or on comp day! Who knows? I just gotta stick to the plan.

A person who is noticeably bulking is Penny! Her shape is simply fabulous. She's incredibly cut (lean) that her programme consists of weights only. No cardio, not at this stage. And her diet? She'll start 6 weeks out.

Penny and I have plans to train (pose) at our gym on Sat pms or at her house. We both need to get serious about it. I can't wait.

I'M RELIEVED

Friends and fellow competitors.
LtoR Cheryl (Novice Masters Figure) and Kylie (Intermediate Physique}.

Things done today
3 hour competition nutritional prep seminar 9.45am to 12.30pm
1 1/2 pose training 1.30pm to 3pm

Since my return from New Zealand I've been somewhat anxious about how I would appear at Lorraine's training session. I hadn't pose trained for 5 weeks and for awhile I've conjured negative thoughts about my appearance. I was adamant I was going to look like last year's Christmas Pudding in the line up. It's so ridiculous I can't explain. Perhaps someone out there knows? Anyway, after today I realised all is good. I'm good. The girls are good. We're all good!
___

It's an early start this morning and Lorraine's arranged a nutritionist and body building winner and competitor, Jason Clark from Brisbane to speak about nutrition and how to best prepare a diet for competition. I was taken back at seeing men attend the seminar. Yes, even male competitors need nutritional guidance!

The informative presentation lasted a couple of hours with another hour for questions. I was happy Jason bought handouts for everyone as there was so much information to absorb, especially his guide to the final week preparation (guide only) ...

• 6 days out - consume 6 litres of water, carb depletion, sodium chloride (salt) load etc
• 5 days out - consume 7 litres of water, carb depletion, salt load etc
• 4 days out - consume 8 litres of water, carb depletion, salt load etc
• 3 days out - consume 9 litres of water, salt depletion etc
• 2 days out - consume 10 litres of water, salt depletion, carb load, no cardio or resistance training from now on etc
• 1 day out - consume enough water up to 30 hours prior to competition then stop water, slightly reduce carb, continue salt depletion etc
• Comp Day - no water, no salt, meal 1 is 100g steak and 1 Tbsp natural unsalted peanut butter etc.
• 45 minutes before contest consume a handful of raw almonds and 1 Tbsp honey or Glucodin tablet

Thanks Lorraine for organising the seminar (you're so good to us!) and thanks to Jason for your expert help and advice. The girls and I look forward to travelling to Brisbane for a consultation with you soon.

___

It's time for pose class and though my poses are satisfactory (I wish they were great), I'm still wobbling in my shoes. Why? Because I haven't practiced! Lorraine picks up on it straight away ... "There's no excuses girls ... from here now on you must practice, practice, practice. I wanna see everyone glide in 3 weeeks!" Yikes!

It was an awesome class today. I will re-read the notes on dieting and practice my glides!

Good night everyone I'm stuffed. Have a great week.

FUN PICS NO 2

Gerard and I side chest posing

I'm incredibly humble to receive enormous support, from all the girls who contribute to this blog, my family, friends, trainers and the guys and gals from the gym.

Special thanks to Gerard who, whenever we meet, takes the time to offer me warm words of encouragement and advice. Thanks Gerard, you're tops!

Good luck with your wedding. I hope your prep for October goes well too. See you in the gym!

FUN PICS NO 1

Gerard and I double bicep posing (awesome!)

A NEW MONTH!

Things done today
Legs 8.40am to 10.30am

It's Sat am and the weather's mild and the skies blue. Wow, it's a beautiful day.

I rocked up at the gym late this morning, much to the surprise of some people ... hey you're late! Yeah I am and it's great.

The gym is a buzz with the usual regulars. After my customary greeting ... hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, I quickly begin. This morning ... legs!

Thanks to Aldeen for spotting me maximum on the squats. And big thanks to Greg for warning me if I needed to throw up now I should do it outstide! You crack me up! I hope I never have to throw up on the carpet! Excellent workout. My legs are looking rreeaallllyyy good!
___

I am off to Maroochydore this afternoon because my card reader's kaput! And I have a fantastic pic of me and Gerard (Di's fiance) taken after our workout. Hope the Camera House people can fix my reader or I'll be fixing them! Gotta run, lunch is on. Have a good weekend everyone!

PS. 3 months, 6 days til comp! But whose counting?

PUMP IT, PUMP IT!

Arnie in "Pumping Iron"

Things done today
Biceps/triceps and shoulders 5.30am to 6.40am

Wakey ... wakey. Rise and shine ... it's 5am! Get up!

I don't recall ever pumping my muscles so quick and so hard as I did this morning. Oops, I lie, Monday morning ... legs ... did I mention my legs and buttocks are still sore! Anyway, those bi's, shoulder and tri exercises were awesome Matt! The DOMS are set to kick in ... now the pain will be evenly distributed.

Is it persistance, persistance, persistance or pain, pain, pain? Either one, I love it.

I FEEL GOOD!

My baby Quizzie, doing serious cat business in her litter tray! Don't ask why I shot the pic.

Things done today
40 min cardio on stairmaster and abs 5.15pm to 6pm

Today I was work stressed. Does that sound right? Anyway, the thought of travelling to the gym tonight seems like a monumental task. I'm pooped! So now I'm driving my car conjuring up excuses not to go. Always at this point it's dangerous ... why? Because my house is two minutes from the gym. It's sssooo easy to turn off and head home.

So did I still go? Yeah I did! Big pat on the back Maraina. And after that? I feel good (naa naa naa naa naa naa naa)!

____

Ok folks, I've got the brain working overtime now (surprise, surprise eh Dave?) Let me get it out of my head and written down. Right, here we go ...

• Get to bed early tonight! Tomorrow I meet Matt at 5.30am! Biceps/triceps and shoulders. Set alarm for 5am. Done.
• Register membership to INBA. New registrations from 1 July 2006!
• Posture, posture, posture! Doing now.
• Work on limiting time on blogs. I take absolutely forever to write stuff!
• Go Hard, Stay Strong ... but above all, enjoy the journey! Doing now.

Goodnight everyone. It's dinner time!

STILL ON TRACK

Penny demonstrating lateral pulldown. Awesome!




Things done yesterday
Chests and back 5pm to 6.35pm

Things done today
40 min cardio on bike 6.30am to 7.10am

It's the third day after my leg session and I'm still experiencing DOMS. You've exceeded yourself again Matt ... job well done!

It was chests and back last night ... and voila! ... eccentric chins, my favourite. Haaaaah, not! I'm sorry everyone but I suck at them. So after speaking to Matt the other morning he suggested I use the lat pulldown and set the weight on about 80% of my body weight. Then my spotter would pull the bars down and I'd squeeze and release the bar to the top, sslllooowwwllyy! It's in reverse. Was it hard? ... Whhooaahh yeah! Niccceee! Thanks to Brett for being my spotter. Oh and Len? I still think my chests are better looking than yours! Ha, ha :)

Have a great day everyone!

GO HARD, GO STRONG!

Things done so far ...
Wed to Sat? For the life of me I can't remember what I've done! That'll teach me not to update my diary! Ok, I know I did some cardio and legs. God that's not much eh? Geez I hate that! Ok, move on ...

Things done yesterday
2.2km jog and 4km powerwalk then abs 11.20am to 12.30pm

Things done today
Legs with Matt 7.30am to 8.30am

I hadn't jogged in ages, so it was really nice to pound the pavements of Coolum yesterday. I know I've been told not to run but it was okay, I was only jogging, just a couple of kms then I'd walk. To be sure I checked if it was okay with Matt this morning. To my relief he said it was alright. Wheeeww ... I'm off the hook.

I really enjoy my sessions with Matt. Not ever am I thinking "oh god, what is he going to give me now?" I'm always excited to do what ever he thinks I'm capable of doing, even if sometimes I think I can't.

It was legs this morning and I suspected Matt was going to up the antes. I was right! After squats and then single leg deadlifts (romanian style with free weights) I was exhausted! Only a third of our session finished and I was pooped! God yeah, I'm going to feel it tomorrow!
___

I quickly glimpsed at my favourite blogs and there's a lot of good stuff to read. I'm gonna make some time tonight to read and post some comments. Thanks to all the girls for their comments to me. Come on guys! Where are you? (exception of Dave and Fraz). Don't be shy!

Well, I gotta run, my fish is done. Have a nice evening everybody.

I'M EXHAUSTED!

Lorraine at INBA States Comp
Bewdiful arms and lats!



Things done Monday
Chests and back (the killer stuff) 5.45am to 7.15am

Things yesterday
30 min cardio on stairmaster and abs

Thought I'd update events that happened over these past few days.

I know I go on and on and on about pain but it's Saturday and my legs are screaming it! A week off of no leg exercises and whammo ... welcome back Maraina! I was glad to be doing bi's, tri's and shoulders ... so the pain gets evenly distributed!

It's Sunday and I'm exhausted ... big time! I' can't move, I can't stay awake! Is it lack of sleep? Nupp. Am I sore? Not really. Thinking about or making food is a chore. I'm now skipping meals ... naughty! So why am I miserable, de-motivated, tired, restless and dejected? Don't know. It's time to pull it together! It's 7pm and I drag my arse to the phone. Call Lorraine! She'll give me a good boot up the backside! We arrange to meet on Tuesday. I'm relieved.

It's Monday, 5.30am ... I'm awake! It's that murderous chests and back exercise. My eccentric chins are pathetic! I last no more than 2 secs. Keep going Maraina ... don't give it up. I keep going. It's now 7.15am and I'm feeling sore. I can't wait to shower .... aahh, nice.

It's Tuesday, 5.30am ... I'm awake! Cardio. Yeah, it was good. I'm bored quickly so I switch from the stairmaster to the bike. Nice workout. (I wish we had spin classes again. I love spinning).

It's 6.30pm and I arrive at Lorraine's. It's pouring with rain and it's cold ... I'm in no mood to pose, it's too cold to change in my bikinis! Yippee ... she wants to talk diet and training, I'm happy with that.

We discuss my next step of dieting for competition. I need to eat more salads for lunch, stick to the veges at night; half my carb intake where possible; eat more natural proteins; decrease the protein shakes and bars; add more flavours like tikka masala paste (very little) to stir fries; boost up salads with this low fat creamy mayo (check the sodium content); add a small amount of curry powder to egg white omeletes; and so on and so on. Lorraine gives me a tour of her fridge, freezer and pantry. My oh my ... she's got just the essentials! Her freezer/fridge is nicely stacked with veges, chicken, turkey, fish and salads portioned for the next 7 days. I usually prep two days. Her pantry is minimal ... no temptations there. Wow Lorraine, you're so organised! Thanks for your advice on training too.

MY BODY STATS

Things done today
Biceps/Triceps and Shoulders 8.15am to 9.30am

Thanks to Simon for spotting me on the shoulder presses this morning ... awesome, I will definitely feel it tonight, tomorrow and then after! Good work.
___

So I began posting my body stats yesterday and I only gave you half the info. I decided to scrap it and post again. As you know, I finished my 12 Week Body Challenge with Ideal Bodies Online on 29 May 2006. Thanks again to Sue and the team. Here are my latest stats taken at the end of Week 12.

Height 160cm or 5' 3"

Start weight 59kgs
Finish weight 53kgs
Loss of 6kgs

Start shoulders 46.5cm
Finish shoulders 43cm
Loss of 3.5cm

Start arms (bicep) 25.5cm
Finish arms (bicep) 27cm
Gain of 1.5cm

Start waist 73cm
Finish waist 64.5cm
Loss of 8.5cm

Start thighs 53.5cm
Finish thighs 51cm
Loss of 2.5cm

Start calf 36cm
Finish calf 34cm
Loss of 2cm

Start hips 85.5cm
New hips 80.5cm
Loss of 5cm

SPRING CLEAN

Things done today
Legs and abs 1pm to 2.30pm

I am back in Coolum and what a gorgeous day it's been! I could feel the humidity in the air last night after Perry and I flew into Brisbane. Strange thing ... humidity. My sister said the same thing last week when I called to find out what she'd been doing ... "oh I was swimming at the beach ..." I said ... SWIMMING? She said "yeah, it's humid today". I think living in Queensland, especially on the coast, you'd notice a little humidity, but in winter? Not usually but I definitely noticed it last night. Off with the scarves! Off with the beanies! Trash the jacket! AAaaah ... bliss!

If you were out in Coolum today you'd swear it felt like Spring! And speaking of spring ... I sprung straight to the gym this afternoon ... legs! Whooaah yeah ... nnniiicccceee!

On the subject of Spring, I had better do some spring cleanup and update the past couple of weeks. Ok thinky thinky ... oohh yeah ... he we go ....

PAIN, PAIN GO AWAY
The first five days of my holiday I am in dire PAIN ... major DOMS to be exact. I believe it was day six when I could dress myself? By then I knew the pain wasn't permanent.

So what's with the pain? If you recall, I had a murderous session with Matt (Friday 2 June 2006) eccentric chins and so on. I knew that before we'd began I would endure a lot of discomfort (thanks for the warning Penny). What she neglected to tell me was the extent ... frickn' heaps! And so the consequence of this pain? Awesome upper body definition! I can't stop staring at my chests (not breasts ... chests)! And my back ... Wow! I like very much. Hey Lia, you were right - if there's No Pain you ain't seeing No Gain! Me happy.