Rolling In The Deep... 3 Weeks and Counting...

Good morning lovelies! 

I am about 3 weeks out from show time and what can I say? This has been quite an interesting 6 months of prep.. As it comes to an end soon, I want to thank those who have reached out, above and beyond to check on me, wish me well, and provide support. I've been VERY transparent through this journey and I've gotten quite a bit of flak for it. I’ve been SO transparent and have shared damn near everything with you all because I WANT you to know how it feels. The good, the great, the bad, the disappointments, the ugly, the pain... This is a beautiful sport, bodybuilding… Beautiful, yet painful. I’m doing something most people will NEVER do in their lifetime and I’m forever grateful to have the chance to work with an AMAZING coach (Shelby Starnes), to have a supportive BF and family network, an awesome and understanding sponsor (Top Secret Nutrition), and to have met so many other athletes, fans, friends, associates… 

Some people who compete don’t share what they go thru. They make it seem like its all unicorn poop and butterfly kisses. No. No. No. It is not. I will and have always kept it real with you guys. While I love it, It is painful. It’s mentally tough. It can be demoralizing at times. It is not for the faint of heart. It’s for the strong. Only the strong survive prep. There are days you don’t want to get out of bed because you’re tired, or the pain is bad, or you just don’t want to do it any longer.  I’ve had days like that… I have a lot more now, the closer I get to show date. I wake up sore sometimes. My body aches randomly. Bruises. I've had to rest in the middle of a meal because my energy is low... Man...  Lol.. sometimes all I can do is laugh. 

However, as I share these things, some  people don't care for it. They say I'm complaining or being negative. But... This is MY prep experience. Mine and mine alone.  You can't tell someone how to be in their own mind and body. As I like to say, you don't know my life or my struggle". This prep, MY prep, in particular was especially long because I have issues getting and staying lean, and also because I spent my entire life being overweight, I needed a long diet period to allow my skin to snap back like it should.  It’s never going to be PERFECT, but it is mine and I embrace it. This prep, MY prep, was difficult because I faced a number of obstacles. Early on, I was diagnosed with a shoulder impingement that affected my chest and shoulder training. But I rehabbed a bit, and found ways to work around it. Then the other shoulder started to ache. Then, most recently, My old quad/back injuries (I’ve been in two car accidents and been hit by a car) began to act up again. Not to be undone, I kept going. Then I got sick. Bronchitis. Bronchitis, combined with asthma--- antibiotics. Forced Rest. Missing 4 days of training (but I stayed on diet like a BOSS!). Now, I can’t do ‘balls to the wall” cardio because I can have a heart attack, asthma attack or develop pneumonia. Yeah… But I’ve kept going, because I’m too close to stop now. Put in the work and reap the rewards. Through it all, those who have mattered most have had my back --- My coach, my fam, y’all know who y’all are…

So, do I complain? Hell yeah. Do I bitch about aches and pains? Of course I do. But I love this. I wouldn’t spend the enormous amount of money, time and effort on this if I didn’t. I don’t force you to read anything I post or watch any videos I air. I am ME. Transparent, irritable, achy, honest me. My virtue of you liking my page, befriending me on FB, following me on Twitter/IG/YouTube, you've agreed to follow me on this journey. This journey thru the heaven and hell that is contest prep. As I wind down towards the show, I may not post as much, I may have an attitude or I may say things I probably shouldn't. I’m sorry (ahead of time). I’m trying my best to keep level, keep sane. I’ve found out a few things during this prep that I would like to share with you.

1.   You can’t rationalize with yourself at 5 am. It’s not happening. Just get up and do the cardio.
2. When people say “if you need anything, let me know”. It really means “I’m just being nice, and I may or may not help you, so don’t depend on me.” Always have a plan B-Z. 
3. The best meals are post workout.
4. Mustard tastes good with EVERYTHING.
5. Vegetables = Lifesavers
6. Always carry some form of simple sugar. Never know when the blood sugar will drop and you pass out. (I’ve learned this the hard way)
7. Take pride in what you do, and whatever it is do it well.
8. Humility goes a long way.
9. Listen to those who have walked the path before you, but don’t try to follow their path step by step. You’re unique; Find your own way. (Conversations with Kai Greene after AM cardio… man is amazingly insightful and such a great person--- he’s helped more than you or he knows)
10. Remember… No one has to live this life but YOU. This isn’t a rehearsal; it is live TV baby… The whole world’s a stage and everyone is watching. Be your best, but don’t be afraid to be YOU. 

Thank you for all your love and support. I couldn’t and wouldn’t be here without YOU.

x0x0

Lynette