It's my 25th Birthday today, and I am off to compete at the Arnold! That's a pretty awesome way to spend a birthday, I think! Anyways, I am taking off in an hour or so here and just wanted to thank everyone for their support and encouragement through this rather difficult and 'eventful' contest prep. There is nothing more I can do now but step on stage and give it my all. I assure everyone I will do that. I will be back to update everyone on Sunday night - could be late! Thanks again!

Isn't it amazing when you can receive incredible inspiration in a time of need from an unlikely source?

 

I coach a wonderful girl who is not emotional by any means; she's a genuine hard worker but very physically limited in terms of flexibility. No matter how hard we work on it, it has only gotten minimally better.

 

There is a skill that she needs that quite frankly - she shouldn't be able to physically do. That doesn't matter though, she does hundreds of repetitions every day with the hopes to make even the slightest improvement. We are going to compete it this weekend, and tonight I watched her physically and emotionally exhaust herself for this skill. As a coach, I don't like my girls to limit themselves - usually it's just a psychological limitation. This time, it's definitely physical.

 

To see someone want something so bad, and show their desire through actions and not words is incredible to watch. To repeat something to an extent that I have to say 'stop' is extreme to say the least - if you know anything about me.  I rarely stop an athlete.

 

But how many of us give up on things before we know how far we can push a limit? How many times have you or I said enough is enough when something seems so difficult and unattainable? It's one thing to say you want something and to 'try it out', it's quite another to persist through extreme mental stress and physical pain (she literally hit her face on the beam) to do something you really want to do.

 

Unbelievable.

 

This kid has a fire most of us would like to pretend that we have. When push comes to shove though, few of us really have it. It's a quality I admire greatly. I was deeply inspired tonight - by an eleven year old.

Oddly enough, I am not at work right now. I have been very sick since early Saturday morning during a competition weekend in Red Deer and am not getting significantly better. I have huge guilt issues with not going into work, but I went in yesterday and actually had 6 cancellations - there is definitely something going around AND the roads are terrible  So at the very least I figure I am saving a few people a couple of unnecessary car trips today and tomorrow.

 

I know I shouldn't feel so guilty - like Heather said to me today 'I'm pretty sure you're not the President' and I agree that if you're sick and work it's worse for those around you. But you know that for that one person who is legitimately sick - there are ten more who stayed out late or are hungover and are calling in sick! Maybe that is from too many years of working in the restaurants, but honestly people, I need to be home right now... unless someone can follow me around with a garbage can while I train clients.

 

I know that's a very sexy image!

 

Oh, and my girls did awesome in their Red Deer meet this weekend, at all levels! We're definitely moving in the right direction. Vancouver in two weeks, should be a good one! I realize my camera hasn't been out in a while! Have to get back on that!

 

And I love Lindsay.

 

Lindsay, you are the best girl ever - thank-you so much for all of your help - I will definitely make it up to you. And not with a 'flavor-free, non-fat, no-taste hot drink'... (I was trying to get you a healthy beverage!... for your hot bod!)

Alas, sad news!!! With his work, Taso was invited for a VIP trip for two for one week in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico. I said I could only swing going if the dates were in April - after the gymnastic season was done. He had heard that yes, it was in April, so we gave it the go ahead.

 

I had the information sent to me today - we would have came back April 1st. So this would be the week leading up to and including Alberta Gymnastics Provincial Championships!!! I CANNOT miss that for any reason - including Mexico!!! It's the biggest and most important meet of the year for my girls and there is no way I could relax away from it!!! Darn it! It just had to be that same week!!! That's life though - we better get first dibs for next year!

 

Oh well - I hear Grande Prairie is nice...

Four Weeks until the Arnold... I don't have time for anything eventful to occur that would make for good blogging! Sorry!

 

Just want to make two special mentions though... Special thanks to Gina Lengyel, a fantastic girl from gym who is sponsoring me for this upcoming show. She is a physiotherapist master - so make sure you visit her if you have something that needs tending to. She works out of Horizon Physiotherapy and Sports Rehabilitation is South Trail Crossing Calgary. And she's a blast!!!

 

My second mention is to a very special client of mine who met his weight loss 'goal' at the end of January. Jason came to me in June 2006 looking to lose weight and manage his diabetes. He weighed almost 250 lbs at the time and with genuine hard work and persistence he is now under 200 lbs - he looks phenomenal, and radiates positive energy!!! I know it wasn't an easy journey for him all the time (it never is), but it was definitely worthwhile as he is now fitter, happier, and healthier. Stay tuned for a testimonial that he's promised me for my web site!!!   

 

What else??? My weight loss group programs at World Health are super fun and we are having some awesome results. EVERYONE has lost weight!!! That is AWESOME - and the group settings give that extra 'competitive' push that I am a HUGE fan of!

 

Oh - and how's this for cliche... it's my wedding anniversary tomorrow - on Superbowl Sunday! Funny!