tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47639369213777979762024-02-18T22:13:24.131-08:00Sheryl's Blog :)sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-5445827814152440062014-05-27T19:17:00.001-07:002014-05-27T19:17:53.925-07:00Finding a passion and creating yourself :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The BEST Quote Ever!</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well it's been a LONG time since I last blogged. I haven't had a ton to say to be honest. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I've been off doing fun things and living in and quite enjoying :</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Recently I submitted my story to Inside fitness and to Bodybuilding.com...lucky for me they decided to print and feature my story :) It was one of the best feelings to see myself in print...and over the top to have my boys see Mom in a magazine. The topper being that Ian's friends at school saw me in Inside Fitness, filling him with Extra mommy pride! All of these features have brought out lots of supporters that I am very very thankful for...I truly appreciate all the kind words, the shares, the likes and the hugs! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week was bodybuilding.com week, My feature was published on the largest body building website in the WORLD. Ya kinda crazy eh!...like YIIIPPEEE crazy ;) Along with this came a ton...and I mean a TON of emails, FB messages IG messages...The response has been overwhelming. I believe my feature had over 110 shares ...Thus leading to lots of attention.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A lot of the messages were from Mom's. Because I am a Mom...lol and its a big...no likely the #1 reason I started this,. I thought I would address some concerns from them encase there were others with the same issues. There were a few trends in the messages that I started to notice. There was a constant sense of guilt for wanting to find time for themselves, there was a desperation that I totally understood, There was a general feeling of it never happening for them and what can you tell someone starting out. So I thought I would try and be as open as I can be about these topics.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1.Mom Guilt</b>. By far the most crippling of all guilt. It happens the instant you give birth. The feeling of fierce protection, the devotion, The commitment to this little life in your arms. You vow to do everything you can to give this little person EVERYTHING...to be EVERYTHING!! That's the killer word...you vow to give him or her EVERYTHING your EVERYTHING. That's when guilt can take over your life. Mom's have a hard time giving themselves anytime because they feel they should come last, that the family, the dishes, the laundry etc comes before them. Think about it for 2 seconds...The laundry is more important than you being able to do something for you!?! Do the kids realllly need to be in 5 activities a week.?! That's not anything you would teach your children, so why show them that you deserve to treat yourself as second to housework or that your desires and activities are less important than theirs?!?. If you don't value you...will they grow up to value themselves?!?</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnUZ-BTaZw2_yDMO9HGsuaOFRzohntlJE57gi3HV90pYfabdqhjJDpW5nmeVlzwGOb8qbOaDta2l7kXxJ7YqH84A4zSFSs0_gN5_7dZO50cjJBzMJ1d_6cZdh8tndYyzNP5fHqoni-8g/s1600/youhappy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnUZ-BTaZw2_yDMO9HGsuaOFRzohntlJE57gi3HV90pYfabdqhjJDpW5nmeVlzwGOb8qbOaDta2l7kXxJ7YqH84A4zSFSs0_gN5_7dZO50cjJBzMJ1d_6cZdh8tndYyzNP5fHqoni-8g/s1600/youhappy.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've said this before but I will again for the new readers and as a good reminder. One of the best things is having my boys watch me go after something. They watched me commit to something, and finish. I had a life long dream of being athletic, fit and healthy. I needed to create myself...and I feel super blessed that I waited until I had children to go after ME. This leads me perfectly into the next trend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2. Desperation to find yourself </b>I heard a lot of mom's and wives say they feel lost, like they don't know who they are anymore. This one really hit me the most...it's something I hadn't thought about for a while. Being a Mom is busy...lol. It really is. Throw in being a wife and employed and most day's just blur together. You are the master of all things. You wear a million hats all day long...it's an amazing job but at times you stop and think...Man is my only role my only purpose to do stuff for other people?! What the heck did I used to do before all this awesome craziness started?! This can make you feel lost...or just spinning your wheels. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Things are so different for Men and Women. I was raised to be a strong independent woman. When a woman gets married she usually takes on her husbands name, I struggled long and hard with this choice but eventually I did decide to take my husbands name. I then remember feeling like I was now Allen's Wife. It's not a bad thing...but I know a lot of women will understand where I'm coming from on this one. I'm no longer Sheryl Gesinghaus...I'm Allen's wife...Sheryl Gatzke. Then we had 2 amazing boys...and I then became Ian and Eric's Mom...that is married to Allen. See the trend here ?!?!... Where did Sheryl go?!?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I remember telling Craig in one of our very early training sessions at World Gym that I started this to find myself, create the person I always wanted to be, and most importantly to not lose myself being someone else... I knew I had to do it now, find this person, I was running out of time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong...again, being a wife and a mother are two awesome parts of my life, but I needed and always wanted more...I wanted to be ME, I wanted to have my own stuff, my dreams my time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think this is the MOST important thing.... Let your children watch you be passionate...let them see you be fierce, let them learn from your actions...teach them that you are never to old to follow your dreams!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0kIpp8hl6AdarSUDyWvoedxvxcWpOn4zAuJcJkfs5r3DRUApfYJhNMZnlRZzD6s5u8wQs3ZxZ-Jm6Ygj9oXjnLiviAnMKqb5P-63NtjcDkEF1fPjPw7O7Mir7hnplLZ5ZK9HNr29ZMo/s1600/454371dcba17298807ff38354919162a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0kIpp8hl6AdarSUDyWvoedxvxcWpOn4zAuJcJkfs5r3DRUApfYJhNMZnlRZzD6s5u8wQs3ZxZ-Jm6Ygj9oXjnLiviAnMKqb5P-63NtjcDkEF1fPjPw7O7Mir7hnplLZ5ZK9HNr29ZMo/s1600/454371dcba17298807ff38354919162a.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For me I wasn't ever athletic, I wasn't this person before I had children. I had this person in my head for years...most of my life. I just wasn't brave enough to start the process until later in my life. Again It was a blessing to do this when I did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So for you...I advise you to do what you want! If your dream is to be a great dancer, then DO IT. If you want to go back to school DO IT!...Take the same advise you give your children. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"You can be whatever you want to be"</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <b style="text-align: center;">"Regardless of the time it will take to get to your goals, go after them, the time will pass anyway"</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>3.What I can tell you about starting out</b>. Again any of my past reader may know most of this already..but I thought I should say somethings again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before I started I looked at my life...as I said in my article on BB.com I knew I wasn't going to be able to eat bags of chips and pizza. I had to admit that I had an addiction to food and that I needed to change. I looked at weight loss as rehab. I wanted to be a different person, so I took it as a learning experience, My creating ME course ;) A few other things I listed in my bb.com article that are very important. </span><br />
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SUGGESTIONS FOR ASPIRING TRANSFORMERS</h3>
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"IF YOU WANT IT BAD ENOUGH, IT WILL HAPPEN. IF YOU DON'T, YOU WILL FAIL."</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 16px; list-style: square outside none; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Consistency is the key.</b></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 16px; list-style: square outside none; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Take progress photos.</b></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 16px; list-style: square outside none; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Accept that people will judge your body, lifestyle, and training.</b></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 16px; list-style: square outside none; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Take time to think about why you want to change.</b></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 16px; list-style: square outside none; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Transformations take time and a complete lifestyle overhaul.</b></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 16px; list-style: square outside none; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>You may look worse before you look better.</b></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 16px; list-style: square outside none; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Seek out help, find a good trainer, research training, and learn about dieting.</b></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 16px; list-style: square outside none; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>If you want it bad enough, it will happen. If you don't, you will fail.</b></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In closing what I did was was MY GOAL. I have now become the person I wanted to be. I get to do what I LOVE every day. I've found my passion and I give it...I give ME...everything I deserve. I have a balance that works for me, I have gown and built my career according to my way of life. It wasn't luck, it was hard work, commitment, consistency striving to hit a clear goal and dedication to making my dreams my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So if you have a dream...go after it. :):)</span><br />
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sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-20624638110547489542014-01-17T07:54:00.001-08:002014-01-17T07:54:52.078-08:00Sophrosyne....Perfect!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was posted on Word Porn a while ago...yes WORD PORN...lol. I read it a dozen times and thought...YA "Sophrosyne"...That's what I'm after :)<br />
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I've been spending a TON...and I mean a TON of time thinking...Reflecting...Analyzing, and trying to understand what I'm all about....what and who am I?!?. I'll be 37 tomorrow...and sometimes I feel as lost as I did when I was 18.<br />
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This journey of weight loss and life change has truly been that for me...a total life and self change. It's been a road full of ups and downs, confusion, desperation, learning, hurting, failing, celebrations and growing. I think...I may have some things figured out....I think my journey has finally ended so to speak.<br />
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I've been thinking a ton about why I started,...I started to feel better about myself...to be healthy and to be happy. When I think about those reasons and then think about how I currently feel, I wasn't feeling any of those things.<br />
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I wasn't feeling better about myself...I was always trying to BE better. Don't get me wrong, there is NOTHING wrong with wanting to be better, do better....I am still and always will try to be better at everything I do. But self improvement can be a fine line...a fine line between self improvement and self destruction. I've come to realize that I was in this cycle of self hating.....I stopped enjoying training and started to think of it as ...I have to impress someone, the masses, I have to get that perfect physique...I have to be better, be more tight with my diet, I have to lift more... I have to fit in.<br />
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I've realized more and more lately what I have accomplished...and wonder why I wanted so much more!? I've lost almost 100lbs...it's been off for almost 5 years...I am awesome at maintaining my weight loss... I'm strong for ME, I've got this macro "diet" understood and mastered ...My measurements are 36/26/35...WHAT THE HELL am I trying to achieve?!?...Why can't I just be happy?!?<br />
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After my contest with Popeye's I was constantly and almost instantly asked...So what's your next goal?!?. I wanted to punch people in the face for asking me that....I felt like, are you kidding me?...I just busted my ass for 12 weeks and I need to do more?...AGAIN, I need to do MORE?!?<br />
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I achieved what I felt was an awesome physique for that contest...not winning...not placing, really made me see that chasing that dream of someone else Ideals is futile...and for me... was totally self destructive. I realized after that contest that I just needed to train for me...and I remembered why I loved it. I love it because I like feeling strong, I like it because it's for ME...I like it because it makes me healthy....and it makes me happy!! :) I Don't have the perfect physique, I may not be strong in everyone eyes, but I try hard...and I've done and given my life change my everything. For the first time in a really long time... I'm happy with how I look...with how I'm training and how I'm eating.<br />
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I'm really enjoying LEARNING about training these day's. I'm super lucky to get to train where I do and around the people I train with. I find myself really interested in learning more about training and I'm excited to start training people soon myself. I'm almost done my ISSA training program. I am excited and in the right state of mind to help others enjoy training...to enjoy feeling strong and healthy....I'm pumped about my new career as a trainer and a supporter.<br />
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I'm really lucky to have snagged a job at The Bent Elbow...I think this job came along at just the right time for me. I have met the MOST amazing welcoming people. I love who I work with and who I work for. They embrace my lifestyle but they have also reminded me what FUN is...yes what FUN is. I'm a fun person...I enjoy a good laugh, I like being silly!!!. I feel I had lost that in all my constant never ending focus on fitness and diet. Harold and Lisa from the Elbow have reminded me that you need to live a little...you can to have a few beers...eat a few fries...and enjoy a GREAT ab work out from LAUGHING!!!....I'm blessed to have these people in my life...they came at just the right time. :)<br />
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So it all comes back to the above word..."Sophrosyne". I have decided to enjoy all things in moderation with self control...I am self aware and I feel I have a much more healthy state of mind.<br />
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I will continue to train and eat healthy....but what I am changing is how I think and feel about training and diet. I will train because I love it, I love seeing my lifts improve and my physique change...I will celebrate training mile stones that are important to ME. I will eat well because I like to...and I will enjoy some treats because I can... I want to...and that is living a normal, well balanced life.<br />
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I've decided close the book of "the journey" and enjoy the destination. I'm excited to see what happens next...I'm starting a new book. :)<br />
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I hope this blog helped someone...I feel better getting all that out...so Thank you :)<br />
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Off to Train...it's Leg Day Baby ;)<br />
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<br />sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-91357117623971138992013-11-26T20:06:00.000-08:002013-11-26T20:06:18.684-08:00What a WILD 11 weeks....Wowzers!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">11 Wild Weeks Filled with...</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Fear, Doubt, Bullies, Demons, Humblers, Lessons, Growth, Forgiveness</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Crazy Journey I'm glad I had!</span></b></div>
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Well I'm done!...LOL. It's been one heck of a Journey...Truly it has! This was so much more than just a contest for me. I always look for ways to make bad situations good, it helps me recover,...This contest came along at the right time and helped me work through a number of things.</div>
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The last few weeks I've been very reflective, it was getting close to the end and I had to think back and remember all the reasons I started this. Its a fault of mine to dwell on things, Self punishment I call it. I do it to hopefully prevent further wrongs, but I realise it actually just causes the problem to never leave me. I feel hard and I hurt hard if that makes sense....when I'm up and way up...and the same goes with my downs. </div>
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After looking back I recognize the lessons and growth. That really means the most. </div>
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I understand I can stop being afraid. I don't need to be scared anymore of going back to a person I no long am. I've changed my lifestyle so I don't need to fear my old one anymore. That means I don't have to fear food. Alyssa showed me that I can EAT...I can eat a ton of food because I train hard. I've said it before, I'm going to say it again and I will continue to say it. Lifting weights, building muscle is the key...the KEY to sustainable weight loss and overall health!! Even if your diet fluctuates a little, you can count on your energy burning muscles to help you! </div>
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Alyssa kept me on a 1700 calorie diet for almost the entire 11 weeks. I had Carbs in my shake the night before the photos! There was no exception to the post work out carb...if I trained, I had to have a carb:)</div>
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Something I shared with Alyssa today was that I see how I've changed. If for some reason I didn't have a meal ready for the gym...I...Sheryl...would stop at Tim Hortons and get.... A BAGEL!!...yep, mid competition I would eat a bagel. Why...because it was soooo important to me to try as hard as I could to see gains in 11 weeks, I didn't risk not feeding my muscles what they needed!!....YAY ME!! I'm proud of that!</div>
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Another amazing thing is that I no longer care what the scale says... just typing that makes me tear up!. I truly don't give a shit!!. I started this challenge at a Soft 120lbs...And ended a lean, strong 116!! I can say strong because I have gained some precious muscle!! Craig made me hard programs!! At the start I really thought he was just being a bit o fa jerk with that much of a work load (sorry Craig). One thing about Craig is that he only asks you to do things he knows you can do. You may suck at them at the start, but he knows you can hit what he asks... My work outs were heavy and long but they provided the growth I needed. I hit personal best squatting through this ENTIRE prep!...my best squats to date 145lbs 5 sets 5 reps...I was 118lb when I did that!! I know I had growth and strength gains in my upper body and I'm excited to keep that going!</div>
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Lastly I understand I'm a pretty strong person! I've dealt with my own self doubt, un warranted attacks, old demons and finished strong. I kept going because I needed this...I needed to learn the lessons, grow as a person and move on. I fought off voices telling me to take control back....It will help me learn to let go. I accept people will love you, and they will hate you....and that's just life!! I understand you need to accept the entire picture in order to change it....so keep it real!</div>
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On That REAL Note...here are my pictures from today! -:) </div>
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When you look at the before pictures remember that in NO way do I think I'm FAT!!. The way I felt, my lack of athletic ability is what upset me to tears. </div>
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<b>The lighting isn't my Favourite, takes my definition away a little...The stock room at Popeye's...LOL!!</b></div>
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<b>I'm VERY proud that I only lost 4lbs! I have the best shoulders and back I've ever had. My Abs were solid and my lower V popped out!! My Legs...what can I say...I get emotional about them...they have come so far!! </b></div>
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I am happy with that we did in 11 weeks...I had a great team helping, explaining and teaching me more than I ever expected. I'm beyond thankful for Alyssa's amazing diet and nutritional skills, and I still and forever will say Craig is the best trainer on the planet!</div>
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Thank you for sharing this journey with me... :)</div>
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Two Fun ones...Because I'm all about FUN!!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juan and I We work and Train together</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mini...Mini Alyssa pose...haha!!</td></tr>
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sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-85760812302442943342013-10-30T12:56:00.002-07:002013-10-30T12:56:14.001-07:00Wowzers...What a crazy process so far...I've been Humbled!!!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I've learned a Ton...This hasn't been what I expected!!!</span></b></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><b>First..thank you to everyone for all the awesome support and encouragement...every like, every message has been VERY much appreciated!!</b></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I'm now in the last FOUR weeks of this Challenge ...it's been an amazing learning experience and not at all what I expected.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><u>How I have been Humbled....</u></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Honestly I think the hardest part was coming to terms with how I actually look...that may sound weird to many but I have never actually taken a true progress picture. It's never been required so I never did it. I had no idea how to even have a progress picture taken!. </span></div>
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TRUE progress pictures are just you...standing there... not flexed...that's all...Just you!! I had a really had time with what I was seeing in these pictures. I often post pictures on Instagram or even on Facebook of various parts of my body...by Abs, my Arms...the parts I like....why would I post the stuff I don't like...right?!? ...Seeing everything together was hard on me. I have VERY high expectations of myself...and the progress pictures were rather challenging!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ab Shot for Flex Friday on IG...yes my abs look good, but remember to look at the entire package!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PUMP!!...Again another part I like...but not showing the entire package. Nothing wrong with being proud...but keep it REAL!</td></tr>
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Soooo seeing myself just plain, and having the entire package in one shot was kinda devastating... every Sunday!! The first set of pictures were shocking!..I had no idea actually looked how I did, Yes I had fluffed...but it was still shocking, where were my muscles :(... I then realized I entered this contest looking this way...meaning...Sh!t...I'm in this...and this is how I look?!?. I felt like one of those bad singers on American Idol!!</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I would spend most of the day Sunday nervous and feeling sick waiting for the reaction of my coaches and judges, I would analyze the pictures to DEATH...I even a crying festival in front of Alyssa one Sunday because my anxiety had just become to much to deal with!!...Poor girl!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">What I've realized, is that it is VERY important to look at yourself as an entire package when you are truly wanting to make changes...AND...it's the best way to measure change because change happens soooooooo slowly!...So progress pictures, as painful as they are...really are the best way to measure changes in your physique!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I've also learned that it takes a TON of time to grow!!...Each week I would work super hard in the gym...be bang on with my macro's hoping to see huge changed next Sunday. The Worst part is that I had a vision in my head of what I would look like in 11 weeks...HAHAHAH!!...I laugh now...realizing that wasn't going to happen was yet another hard and devastating blow to my emotional self!! It scared the crap out of me to not know what I was going to look like at the end...and that EVERYONE was going to see what I looked like in my before shots and in what could be my not so impressive after shots!...very hard pill to swallow!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I had no idea how small I really am!.. I thought I had more size (muscle) than I actually do. What I have is the ability to stay lean, and that makes me look muscular. If you put me on stage beside other athletes I would fade away into the stage! My 11 week goals have now become 11 month goals...and that is more realistic! Craig always tells me this <b>"Don't waiver on your goals little lady...just change the time frame"</b> I never really got that until now. It's not that I can't have amazing legs..(my dream)...I just will not have them in 11 weeks...11 months perhaps...but NOT in 11 weeks ;)</span></div>
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The last Humbler in this was the HIIT cardio....Pushing the prowler sled for 20 seconds FULL out...rest for 20 seconds and go again, for 15 minutes. Most people know that I have done loads of running...loads and loads. So when Alyssa asked me to add in HITT...pushing the prowler sled, I thought...OK...I'm not sure what to expect, but I'll give this a go. Thank the good Lord I only have to do HITT 2x's a week...it is honestly the HARDEST thing I have Every done!. Craig calls the After..."The Prowler Flu"...that is totally what it is... You feel like you just got the worst flu EVER!!..The way your body feels in not even describable...you need to do it to understand how hard it is!!. It has made major improvements in my lower half...so as I push the sled, I say in my head..." I don't want a jiggly butt...I don't want a jiggly butt"...ha ha!...True story!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love...Hate...HITT Cardio...Prowler Flu!!</td></tr>
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So in saying all of that....What I can say is that I am VERY proud of how far I managed to come in the time I've had. I've made some solid changes in my upper half...we are looking to create a better V shape and I see that coming...my legs have leaned out a TON...they have never ever been this lean and I still weigh 117lbs! I'm also hitting all kinds of max lifts at the Gym. What used to be my MAX single squat 135lbs...is now the weight I use for 5 sets of 5 :)....Realizing that is what made me cry at the gym a few weeks back!..It was a long time goal of mine to squat well with a 45lb plate on each side!..Yay ME! :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Better "V" Shape is coming!</td></tr>
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I'm MOST MOST MOST proud of how I've dealt with the Diet. On many occasions I was very tempted to just not eat. When I wasn't seeing changes it was hard for me to no just go back to what I did before. I would think to myself...if I just stop eating, I'll be skinny...and that is better than this!. I made a promise to myself and to my coaches to follow though...to trust the process...to better myself with this contest. If I let myself fall back into old ways, I would have failed completely. I see how this process works...I'm no longer afraid to eat...I welcome the food as fuel...and I am MOST proud of that change.!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm proud I stayed committed!! </td></tr>
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<b>Thanks for taking the time to read this Blog...my main points and things I've learned are:</b></div>
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1. Don't fool yourself with fake progress pictures and filters...AND Don't BE fooled by IG and filters!!</div>
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2. Look at the Entire Package if you want to change the Entire Package</div>
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3.It takes a TON of time and eating to grow</div>
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4.Trust in the process and work HARD</div>
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I'm beyond thankful to Alyssa and Craig. Everyone knows the "Body by Bongelli" The Big Man got me started, I'll be forever thankful!!...I'm super excited to present the <b>"HOLY CRAP by Coppolino"</b> in 4 short weeks :). The diet has really been the game changer in this for me...Alyssa has been an amazing coach!!...Craig has always trained me well, but now that this little lady has fuel, I kill his programs! ;)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you see her Train... see her Grow...you WANT to work with her!!...100% Dedication to Training herself and her Clients! </td></tr>
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sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-4197248528820258162013-10-01T15:41:00.000-07:002013-10-01T15:41:01.011-07:00I'm 36 and Being BULLIED....Yep...Bullied!!.....By Grown Women...Pathetic!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">So I thought I would share a little something with those that enjoy my bogs and posts....Bullies...They never change!!</span></b></div>
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I wanted to share with those that read and enjoy my blogs that I've got some Bullies...I have been attacked on several occasions by some grown up MEAN GIRLS!! I honestly can't believe that these MOTHERS would treat another person the way I have been treated.</div>
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This Picture was sent to a person I know...she said she does not know the sender, and the phone # in the picture is not from the sender. This text has been placed in another text to look like it came from this random # and then sent off. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Yep A Grown Woman sent this around!...a Grown woman with Kids!</span></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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So the above picture was taken OFF my Facebook by a "friend" They choose to add that caption...and send it around. I've taken this to the police and we know it was sent by a Woman...One she attacked me as a mother...and Two she attacked my sexuality. All it takes is a suspects phone # and the receivers # to confirm who did this...but I'm choosing to be the bigger person and not press charges...nor tell who it is. I just hope they read this blog and understand how pathetic they are!</div>
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YES I fully understand that when you post on ANY social media site you are open to critics...I'm not oblivious to that fact!!. But what is pathetic is that I'm being bullied by grown women...that in my opinion are jealous. They are upset that I have managed to keep my weight off...I have struggled...I've been honest...and I'm trying to get better, Yet I STILL get attacked by Grown women with children!!</div>
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<b>The point of my post is to tell you that no matter what you are doing in life people will find inspiration...OR...they will find a reason to Hate on you!!!..So just keep Swimming!!</b></div>
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These games played by immature girls does nothing but push me harder!...So thank you for being bitches!! I have an amazing support system behind me...helping me get Healthy. </div>
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I'm not looking for oh I'm sorry you are dealing with this Sheryl...or any thing like that. I want anyone that reads this to know that I fight HARD...I fight every day to be healthy...and I'm not letting anyone stop me! I've had a TON of people tell me they have dealt with the same issues I am dealing with, and knowing I am helping at least ONE person...make all this other stuff laughable!</div>
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So to the Mean Girls...I know who you are...and I think you are Pathetic, I've helped <b>you</b> in the past with weight issues and been nothing but supportive of you!...You are Mothers!. Imagine if your child was being treated like you are treating me?...how would you react?.. Likely not as well as I am reacting!! NO one is forced to read my blogs...like my posts...this contest...or my photos. So if you are not interested...that is A-OK...but Please look at what you are doing, how you are behaving and make yourself better!!</div>
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I will continue to blog,post pictures and kick ASS...This journey is for ME...for my Health.</div>
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sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-3566463224030329752013-09-29T19:15:00.000-07:002013-09-29T19:15:37.695-07:00Macro's??...So what's all this Talk about Macro's.....<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">MACRO CITY!!!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what's all this chatter about Macro's?...every time I look on FB or IG everyone is chatting about Macro's...and that is awesome!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I haven't been this excited about a way of eating since Weight Watcher. WW had great flexibility, you got to structure your day based on Points. Well Macro's work in much the same way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With either system you can choose how to spend or use your Macro's. You can choose to spend all your WW points on cereal and milk if you so wish, the same with Macro's. Even using your macro's in a poor way, you should still loose or maintain weight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm so excited about Macro's because this time around I know more, have different goals and I have a Diet coach teaching me so much, my brain hurts at times!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How my love of Macro's Began....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I first heard about Macro's from my Friend Katie. Katie is an Athlete and she also uses Macro's as a way of life. Katie mentioned it to me and I thought...humm sounds interesting, but it seemed like work and at that point in my life more work wasn't appealing....so I left it at...Hummmmm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over the Summer I was over having a play day with my Friend Carrie. Carrie is also an Athlete and she is a busy working Mom of 3 young girls. Carrie started talking to me about Macro's too...again I thought, hummm...again more Macro talk...but being in a bad place I didn't really want to listen to much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Soon after that play day Alyssa talked to me about Macro's...This was after I had spoken to Craig about my eating issues...and we were taking steps to correct it. I was really humbled that Alyssa was offering to step in and help me. So because I respected that so much I decided to listen and really learn </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> how Macro's work. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So how they work in a very short description :) Alyssa did an analysis of my systems for me..she knows my training. With all that info she gives me a break down of daily Goals for food. Those goals are Protein, Carb, Fat and Fiber. I need to intake all the Macro's she instructs me to eat...it really doesn't matter how I get it in...but I have to get it in!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's likely the best "diet" I have ever learned about. The super cool thing is that it works for starters, and it works for athletes...even elite athletes!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I first started with Macro's I played around a TON...so many days I would miss hitting all my macro's and have to figure out a way to hit them the next day. So I made a ton of Bowls!!...Bowls rule...take lots of yummy stuff and mix it together...yeah, that's Macro's!! :)</span></div>
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Example: Cabbage, Spinach, Avocado, Tuna, red peppers, Cucumbers Mayo mixed with mustard as dressing. :) Amazing!!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">** Notice I always make 2...it just makes life easy!!**</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I enter all the ingredients into My fitness pal and I know where I am at for the day...that's why making 2 is really a helpful thing for a busy Mom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bowls are good for every day...but the amazing thing is, I'm now in a competition...my Macro numbers started out the same....but I changed from everyday eating to Athlete eating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I call it Athlete eating because it's all about timing macro's around your training. I make sure I have lots of carbs around my training...load up on fats in the morning, and eat small meals often.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So now I split my carbs to focus on my training schedule. I need to ensure my body is well fed and grows. Alyssa has monitored my Macro's since day one of this challenge. She started me off close to where I was before the bulk...about 1300 calories broken up how she felt best suited me...she needed to see how I responded. Well I lost weight way to fast...working out burned to much so she upped me to 1500, mostly upping my carbs and Fat...sure enough I still lost. So finally we have settled in well at 1700 calories per day...DOUBLE ...DOUBLE what I was eating before I spoke with Craig!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What's also awesome is that I'm only 2lbs lighter then when I weighed in for this competition...but I'm fairly lean!...So having a great macro balance and eating my Macro's timed properly is really working amazing!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It does take lots of prep to eat like this...but the results are worth it. I eat out of containers a lot-lol...but it's all very routine for me now. I think I have a good pattern and I'm seeing lots of positive changes!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You get to be creative with Macro's...it gets you excited about food again. You have total control on how you use Macro's and tracking with My fitness Pal keeps you accountable and aware of what goes in your mouth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you choose to try Macro's see someone that can set you up with the correct numbers. If you try an on line calculator it doesn't know you!!...I tried it and the numbers were way far off from what Alyssa gave me...and what she has given me is working!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next week I will be posting about the progress...and YES I will bite the HUGE bullet and post some pictures...the before are going to be tough to post!! But... I'm excited about the changes I've made in 3 weeks...so I'll share what 4 weeks of IIFYM with Alyssa and Training with Craig has done :)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">If you fail to plan, you plan to fail</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Doing something for me, makes me better for others</span></b></td></tr>
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sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-91045623208159761432013-09-08T19:06:00.001-07:002013-09-08T19:06:42.004-07:00It's been an interesting experience thus far...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well it's go time for this contest. Thanks to everyone for the kind words and encouragement. I thought it would be a good idea to get my thoughts down on "paper" so I can look back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm having my picture, measurements and weight taken tomorrow. I'm more than a little freaked out about it!!!. I'm feeling the most uncomfortable I have in years...I'm soft from not training...I'm really struggling with the idea of jumping this far out of my comfort zone! I knew this would come, and I wondered how I would react...I guess now I know.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Commitment to change to improve and to be healthy</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not sure why this is so hard for me to do, why I'm so anxious about being seen not at my best, just out of bed so to speak. I know full well I will be back in good shape in a couple of weeks...but knowing I need to expose my worst is hard! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've learned a lot though this and I'll have to just take a breath tomorrow and know I did this for a greater purpose, to learn and to have a healthier lifestyle...and better self image.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have to say I feel much better about my relationship with food. I can honestly honestly say that I did not enjoy very much of the crappy eating. I really paid attention to how I felt eating poorly, and for the most part I really just didn't want to be eating it. I'd say the novelty wore off pretty fast for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That taught me that I really do have a grip on this...I really don't have to worry about going back to how I was before. That lesson alone is worth this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've decided to promise myself I will trust this process. I will trust Craig and Alyssa with my diet and my training. Me giving up control is beyond hard...I feel a little sick typing it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am smart enough to realize that what I was doing was NOT working...so in order to learn something new, that should work...I need to do everything they say. I have to resist the urge to eat less because I think I should, I need to not do more cardio because I think I should. I need to trust in this process...that will be a huge challenge for me. I'll have to pay close attention to that aspect of this challenge</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So that's how it's gone so far...I've had ups and positive lessons...and some downs because of fears and insecurity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've really understood that it's ME against ME...just like when I changed the first time. </span></div>
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sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-17358047185863023022013-09-06T10:05:00.000-07:002013-09-06T10:05:48.204-07:00This is Not a Weight Loss Blog..... <div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">This is NOT a weight loss blog....This is an Empowerment Blog!</span></b></div>
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For those of you wondering what the point is to my new Blogs, I would like to clear that up for you...Apparently I have ruffled a few feathers with my choices.</div>
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This is not a Blog about weight Loss...This is an Empowerment blog...and it's for ME :) I would like to refer back to blog #1 in my new blogs. In that blog I admitted I had an issue with food and I asked that the pressure of being looked at as a weight loss motivator, to ease off. The pressure was feeding my unhealthy choices. I have new goals I want to hit, I want to do new things, and I want to get healthy and strong. I feel I am heading towards REAL balance...not swings in my weight...where someone does the binge and purge thing, but instead a healthy relationship with food through learning and understanding how MY body works. </div>
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Before this Challenge with Popeye's I was in a bad cycle. Craig has a great was of explaining things...I call them "Craigisms"...Anyone that trains with him knows about his little "isms". Craig explained that I was just the body of a car...in that car was only a Gas peddle. So all I was able to do with myself was Gas on weight loss, I was only able to go in one direction. I was so focused on loosing, so afraid of gaining, feeling so much pressure that I gassed on to a very unhealthy 107lbs.</div>
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After Craig sat down with me and made me talk about my issues and seek help from Alyssa I gained a Gear box for my car :)...I can now Gas on weight Gain...Gas on Weight Loss...or just sit in Neutral. Choosing to Go through this gaining process for this contest, I have now gotten the last part I need for my car. I have a steering wheel!!...YAY!. So now I can Gas on...Break...Shift and Steer my little muscle car in ANY direction I want...I have total control of my Car...It's a very empowering feeling. </div>
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I'm very excited to start on a healthy diet with Alyssa...to learn to love food again. I'm so excited to see my body change the way I want it to...I'm ready to do new things...I'm ready to walk away from loosing weight...and finally become what I want, with true balance and no pressure.</div>
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This contest prep has taught me soo sooo much. I am going to be able to better help our main two customer groups...The ones that wish to Gain. I have struggled sooo much with gaining...I will explain why in a moment. And I will be able to help the other part of our customer base, the ones wishing to loose.</div>
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Ok...Onto Metabolism...I'm sticking with the Car "ism" for this Blog...Zoom Zoom!!</div>
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We were given 4 weeks to prepare for this contest...the contest is called..."Can you walk the walk??" So we could choose how we wanted to come in to this opportunity. We could Bulk and loose...we could loose and bulk or we could just go in and see what happens. Craig, Alyssa and myself felt the Bulk to loose would be best for me because it would give me control...it gave me the parts of my car I needed to have control.</div>
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We tried to bulk me in a lean healthy way...NONE of us had any idea how my body was actually working....so we had to resort to trying junk food to gain a few lbs and to help me learn to loosen up the reins on my food issues. Well after 2 weeks of GAS on crappy eating....I've yet to hit 120lbs. I've stopped training...I'm a little soft...but no movement in the scale. I was baffled by this...I was feeling gross, and upset. So Craig once again hooked me up with a "Craigism"</div>
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He explained that when I was a runner I was this little car....cute eh ;)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cute pre lifting Sheryl :)</b></td></tr>
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There is nothing wrong with this little car...it is efficient, it gets you where you need to go...but the one thing it does not do, is burn very much fuel. As a runner I was what we call in the fitness industry "Skinny Fat" I was small but I didn't have any muscle on my body. When I ran, I ran to eat!...I knew if I wanted a burger, or an ice cream I needed to run to earn it. Remember me saying a million times..."earn it to eat it"?! So if I was still this cute little car I would have bulked in a week...I would have gained my 10lbs with ease. I've still been thinking of my body as this little car...so I ate that way.<div>
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I've been training HARD with Craig for about a year. When we lift, it's HEAVY...Lucky girl eh! And now my metabolism runs like this Bad Ass Muscle Car...Yippee!! :)<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Me as a Bad Ass Car...Zoom...Fast Metabolism baby...Finally!!</b></td></tr>
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Craig explained that the more muscle you have on your body the more fuel you need to operate. So what that means is that for far to long I have been afraid to use the engine that is my metabolism. He has built me a Metabolism by introducing me to heavy lifting. Something I truly truly love. I can't describe in words how it feels to hit a personal best in the Gym. To squat like a boss...or dead lift like a strongman!! Now more than ever I am HUNGRY for personal bests...I'm hungry to be strong and build the body I want...and not care what the scale says! My goals are more than weight loss. <b>"It's not about what you have done, it's about what you are doing". </b></div>
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If you learn one thing from this Blog post please understand this...Lifting heavy will do way more for your metabolism, and more for your over all physique than endless hours of cardio EVER will... PERIOD!</div>
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So far I feel really positive about where I am going and what I have learned. I have learned that gaining is HARD when you train hard. I have leaned that I have total control over my body. I have all the parts of my car...So Look out...I'm going to drive it to an awesome level of Bad Ass!! </div>
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Fully fed body by Alyssa....Training like a Beast thanks to Craig! I'm excited to see what happens after weigh in on Monday...I may not win this contest...but I have won back my body, and beaten the scale!! :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>YEP...Best years to come! :)</b></td></tr>
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I will be posting blogs through this contest, progress pictures and all-Yikes, be brave Sheryl!!...I want to teach women about lifting heavy and eating within your Macro's. It's a livable way of eating that I think will work for many people. </div>
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Lifting heavy will not make a woman bulky...it makes you solid, strong and kick ass ;)<br /><br />
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sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-48547409152970200002013-08-26T09:20:00.000-07:002013-08-26T09:20:15.307-07:00Products to Gain...Products to Loose...all the same ones...Crazy eh!! :)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gains or losses....it's all about ABSORPTION!!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted to give some awesome information about some products that I use ALL The time!...they are essential in my diet and aid in body function.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are trying to gain weight or loose weight the key is absorption. If you are not absorbing the food you are eating, your body will not gain the weight you are looking to gain. Same goes for losses, when loosing weight it's very important to absorb everything, so your body doesn't think you are starving!!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQY8DfF9YACQuM5Gc0zm9fmxQpiG-VnERaAqLqziV5OtzJpUhkXcLcTvKTJjrf8rlJ-WNOQ3wA6NQWdi6jQ73tKWHYYhAduaK0OeCK8Mtt5q-OggTNfo4w5UjwWT8oSpzTEd42sdtoxE/s1600/products.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQY8DfF9YACQuM5Gc0zm9fmxQpiG-VnERaAqLqziV5OtzJpUhkXcLcTvKTJjrf8rlJ-WNOQ3wA6NQWdi6jQ73tKWHYYhAduaK0OeCK8Mtt5q-OggTNfo4w5UjwWT8oSpzTEd42sdtoxE/s320/products.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My FAVORITE Products :)<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Above is a picture of me gathering all my Favorite products at Popeye's. I'll give a brief explanation about each product, what they do and why I love them!! :)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37tGx4cbNQKzsxa5gk5lxj38PXAWCuLUsE7_BZLaTG-PpAwz1LRTpWIBgo2cjfsu_czQD8tv4JycEvqccMcR7VdkpbYJDf6W6ZUldqiMdqpsRTY4ziT7iCbhsR1WF08Kux3E6uTvYKdA/s1600/quattro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37tGx4cbNQKzsxa5gk5lxj38PXAWCuLUsE7_BZLaTG-PpAwz1LRTpWIBgo2cjfsu_czQD8tv4JycEvqccMcR7VdkpbYJDf6W6ZUldqiMdqpsRTY4ziT7iCbhsR1WF08Kux3E6uTvYKdA/s200/quattro.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Favorite Protein EVER!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Why do I love Magnum Quattro Protein soooo Much?!? It is Pharmaceutical grade through and through!!...what does that mean?...Super high quality Product superior<b> </b>Absorb-ability!! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Quattro offers the following: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*2 Isolates for post training gratification</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Pharmaceutical grade CLA, Flax Seed, Casein, Egg Protein, and Cane Sugar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*30g of Protein per serving</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*It tastes UNREAL</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Made in Canada (very important to me)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*lactose Free</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quattro is my choice of protein because it satisfies so many of my needs. Post work out...breakfast because of the combo of proteins...and bed time for the same reasons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's an awesome product that will aid in quality gains, and feed my muscles when it's time to lean out.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtlH5u-ZPtb4Mz_PkW5DRIvE3Rjkdpbr8fYTSH0QUJkq7wYkfvdsonuysvoUBQCKXY3I9tx_2-zXGppjKmpC6LwEPxV8W_8-OZ86UWjMxCPy9xuebjKZmOdPc65uwhq9cAhwMc9zTNVI/s1600/biotocs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtlH5u-ZPtb4Mz_PkW5DRIvE3Rjkdpbr8fYTSH0QUJkq7wYkfvdsonuysvoUBQCKXY3I9tx_2-zXGppjKmpC6LwEPxV8W_8-OZ86UWjMxCPy9xuebjKZmOdPc65uwhq9cAhwMc9zTNVI/s200/biotocs.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing product!<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Progressive HCP-70 is an awesome product for EVERYONE!!...It is sooo important to have good flora in your digestive track. Absorption happens most in the intestines, and good intestinal health is key or absorption</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"> doesn't happen...no absorption</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">, go gains, no losses!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Here are some of the benefits of this product!</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Supports immune function</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Increases absorption of vitamins and minerals</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Healthier skin through the reduction of acne, eczema and psoriasis</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prevention and treatment of vaginal and urinary tract infections</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reduced symptoms of Dysbiosis (imbalance between good and bad bacteria)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reduced fatigue</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reduced Distention, bloating and flatulence</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reduced constipation and diarrhea</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Improved digestion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reduced Hypoglycemia</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reduced food allergies</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reduced lactose intolerance</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reduced Leaky Gut Syndrome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TO-pEn_eI3QGmgM5Dm4aN4odWkI25ttvXj54CKhpJFTVqbZo3Z6W2Nivk3v0xViMaE6eXgb5TIvVc-rNnmrBh4bmZJXPT4_JzQkx9ObBoSKnKLEaEnwL0jdsmWqRnyGsDgm_zYsoO2w/s1600/greens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TO-pEn_eI3QGmgM5Dm4aN4odWkI25ttvXj54CKhpJFTVqbZo3Z6W2Nivk3v0xViMaE6eXgb5TIvVc-rNnmrBh4bmZJXPT4_JzQkx9ObBoSKnKLEaEnwL0jdsmWqRnyGsDgm_zYsoO2w/s200/greens.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much Energy!!<br /><br />Progressive Veggie Greens is one of favorite products!. I start my day with this in my morning shake!. Veggies green's does several things for the body. It has most the nutritional benefits of 5-7 servings of veggies (minus the fiber) Most important thing about this product **PH Balance** Most of us are Acidic...an Acidic body is an unhappy body. Progressive uses a unique combination of veggies that help to Alkalize the body. Again, this aids with Absorption!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Here are some of the things this product offer!</b></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Restores a healthy pH</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Supports liver function</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Detoxifies the body</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cleanses the colon</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Increases energy and renews mental clarity</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stimulates and enhances brain function</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Strengthens immune system</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Supports cardiovascular health</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Balances blood sugar</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boosts metabolism</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Improves digestive function</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Promotes clear, healthy skin</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Acts as an anti-inflammatory</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Helps to relieve allergies</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tastes great!</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Progressive Fish Oil is an awesome product...my vanity product so to speak ;) Fish oils do for your insides, what they do for your outsides :) Progressive fish oils is my choice of oils because of the taste, the quality and the DHA (550mg) and EPA (1000mg) levels. fish oils help to lubricate your joints, your arteries and help keep things moving! they are the vanity products because it also helps keep your skin, hair, nails healthy and strong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Here are some of the benefits of this awesome product!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><ul class="feature-lists">
<li>Supports cardiovascular health</li>
<li>Improves focus, concentration and mental acuity</li>
<li>Assists with healthy mood balance</li>
<li>Strengthens immune function</li>
<li>May reduce occurrence of asthma and allergies</li>
<li>Reduces inflammation</li>
<li>Promotes healthy skin and hair</li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's all for this blog post...I hope you learned a little!!. Remember that if you want to loose weight...or gain weight you need to make sure your digestion and absorption are working! :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want to know if your digestion and systems are in working order, Alyssa can help you figure out what's up!!. When she did my body analysis my digestion was GOOD :)...why??...because I use high quality products that allow me to absorb what I'm eating!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have any questions about these products, head on into any of the local Popeye's location...we are Non Commission so anyone is happy to help you!. We have a store in Kitchener, Waterloo and a new one in Cambridge:)</span></div>
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sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-31735699880302998752013-08-19T08:51:00.001-07:002013-08-19T08:51:57.789-07:00When Opportunity Knocks....<div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Opportunity is Knocking....and I'm going to Answer it! :)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I believe that things, people and opportunities happen for a reason. I often look back and think...OHHH that's why this happened when it did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well I have an opportunity and I feel it's been presented to me for a reason, a lesson and a great learning experience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most of you know I work at Popeye's Supplements in Kitchener. I really enjoy working at Popeye's, My fellow employees and employer are awesome, it's a great environment. We are constantly encouraged to grow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Upon arriving to work I was greeted by my boss Terry...he said...Oh Man do we have a contest for You Sheryl!...of course I was very interested to read the details of what was on the table. Here are the contest and prize details!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As staff we all enjoy a healthy lifestyle and we are encouraged to make changes and push yourself in ways that will aid our customers. So This is a competition between 11 stores.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Popeye's is having a HUGE HUGE Competition...up for grabs is a total of almost $15 000 in Prize Money...YEAH...it's an amazing contest!! :)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Contest Starts September 5th!!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Fist Place for Best Female Transformation in 11 Weeks $2500.00 (there are 2nd and 3rd prizes too)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*First Place for Best over all Female Physique in 11 Weeks is $1000.00 (there are 2nd and 3rd prizes too) </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">**Grand total up for grabs for the First place winner of the Female category is $3500.00</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course this contest was right up my alley...I thought....Yeah I could win over all physique, that would be great!...so I went and spoke with Craig and Alyssa :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both of them said...forget the $1000.00....Lets go for the $3500.00!!...I was a little confused at how they thought I could win best over all change in 11 weeks....so here is the plan, and the rationale behind the plan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As everyone read in my last blog I have Food issues...I have major issues with the Scale and the numbers on it. I've been working with Alyssa for a good 3-4 weeks and as I mentioned I feel AMAZING...my weight is headed in a positive direction and my energy is back, I'm killing my big lifts at the gym! What all this means is I trust in the process and have started to let go of the scale...YAY!! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So Craig and Alyssa are proposing that I put on some "Fluff" before the weigh in and measurements...well a good amount of Fluff. YIKES was my initial reaction-haha. They both feel this contest is an amazing opportunity for the following reasons...and after taking the weekend to think about it...I totally AGREE!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Doing a good, quick gain will help me realize I do NOT need to fear the scale, My weight...is totally MY control. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Dieting PROPERLY over 11 weeks is something I would love to know how to do...how to cut down, keep the muscle and my energy up will be an awesome much needed experience!!.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*MOST IMPORTANT POINT-Coming OFF the diet...Seeing myself shredded down is something I have wanted to do without having to get on a stage. I haven't done it for lots of reasons, #1 being the rebound post show.This is where Alyssa and Craig will be there for me the most!...They will not let me Stay in "stage shape" nor will they let me blow up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do I feel about this??...well I kinda feel like Craig, Alyssa and I just got on a roller coaster...I wasn't able to get my seat belt done up in time...so the only thing holding me on this ride....is Alyssa and Craig!!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgISGqVHueY5nz9j45-_idoYHj7LkvyEMkCfJCAjo-isDy9-Ay7c2QJmJ8gOXpzaPEZPOwX7XgEKN5z5FpL47oE8BaBaCvPGGAXj3Fk4GmLfAa-KeOeBUJ8KDXUOeSrSRkGrvuA77CU8/s1600/coastergirl_slideshow_main_prod_affiliate_80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgISGqVHueY5nz9j45-_idoYHj7LkvyEMkCfJCAjo-isDy9-Ay7c2QJmJ8gOXpzaPEZPOwX7XgEKN5z5FpL47oE8BaBaCvPGGAXj3Fk4GmLfAa-KeOeBUJ8KDXUOeSrSRkGrvuA77CU8/s320/coastergirl_slideshow_main_prod_affiliate_80.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is ME :)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So that's what's next for this Girl...Alyssa has changed my diet for a quick GAIN...YIKES!...but she is so amazing and sensitive to my mental issues. She has asked me to up everything I am doing...and add in 2-3 cheats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Example of stuff I'm upping....I now Add coconut oil to ALL my shakes, I have 2 HUGE shakes per day instead of just one...I eat way more fruit...and I have the fatty Almond milk. I'm also supposed to eat one crappy meal or snack per day...yikes!</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm also trying to eat as often as possible...but with my body used to NOT eating it's been a real challenge for me...but I get a text now and again from my Diet coach and Trainer reminding me to eat...I've got a sick team behind me!! Craig has also made me a new program to make me..."Work out Wasted"...haha!...I love that saying...it's a steal from Alyssa...you will see me post that often! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why am I posting this for the public??...After all the pressure I felt after my last change???....Simple...I received an <b>INSANE</b> response to my last blog post. So may people are struggling with what to do post weight loss...how to find a happy place...unsure how to deal with weight coming back on, or for those that did what I did..."live" in deprivation....for the competitors that can't find a happy place post show.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope this next part of my Journey is helpful to Everyone. There are people out there that can help like Craig and Alyssa....diets like IIFYM that allow you to LIVE and enjoy your amazing new health! I hope this shows that weight gain and proper diet can be amazing...that a beautiful muscular physique is just that ....BEAUTIFUL...no matter that the scale tells you!! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok....I gotta go EAT...Then Train....I have a contest to WIN!! :)</span></div>
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sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-80010487685562015822013-08-15T08:59:00.002-07:002013-08-15T08:59:18.800-07:00What have I been up to??...New Goals...New Diet...New Start :)<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"It's not about what you've done, it's about what you're doing"</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well it's been a long long time since I blogged...I have never been very good at this. I have some things that need to be shared...this is a VERY honest blog. I hope you get something from it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyone that knows me knows my story. My weight loss and my new love of training and all things fitness. I love to train...lift heavy and see changes in my physique. But sometimes...more than sometimes I stumble. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I struggle with the scale. I've been fighting numbers on a scale for my entire life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I put my journey out in the public for accountability and to hopefully inspire others to make good changes. Doing that has accomplished both of the above, but it also put a TON of pressure on me to stay looking super lean. I have been living very lean for a good year an a half, staying on what is like a contest prep diet...but the contest never came...so the diet never ended. I apologize publicly for living a lie. I pretended to be healthy when I was really hurting myself with an ugly cycle....really a sickness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started to see great lifting progress with Craig, about 5 months ago... he had me eating more and I was hitting all kinds of max's. The Max lifts felt great...but the scale started to look a little high....and I kinda freaked out-Huge! :(</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I stopped eating the way Craig had asked me to eat...I started to see the scale go back down and I looked great!. He had put some muscle on my body and it really showed when I stopped eating to perform, and started eating next to nothing!... Extreme Diet is really all I knew...high protein, next to no carbs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally this caught up to me, I was moody...distracted, lifting poorly. Craig would ask me what was up, why were my lifts were sucking and I would just blame lack of sleep, or the kids are keeping me busy. Craig is no fool and he could see me loosing more and more weight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Soon Craig sat me down and made me tell him what I was eating...I felt sick as soon as the conversation started. After we calculated my daily intake of pretty much a breakfast shake...chicken and cucumbers it was clear to both of us I was hurting myself. Living on 700-800 Calories per day for about 2-3 months and training 6 day's a week was destroying my mind and body. I hit an all time low on the scale of 107lbs. That was NOT a healthy number!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So after seeing the disappointment in his face, and knowing in my heart I needed to STOP this crazy cycle and dependence on the scale I thought long and hard about what I wanted, and I knew I wanted to change for real this time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was out shopping and an Usher song gave me My AAAAHAAA Moment. The lyrics were <i>"It's not about what you've done, it's about what you're doing"</i> That hit me like a TON of bricks!. I stopped dead in my tracks and thought.. Everyone knows you have lost weight, it's an old story...so the question is...What are you doing NOW?...The answer was living in the past and not creating the Athlete I wanted to be, I wasn't living, or growing, I was regressing!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I swallowed my HUGE pride and asked for help! I'm not one to trust...Anyone...EVER! To trust someone with my Diet is a HUGE leap of Faith...and I mean HUGE! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone knows who Craig is...but not to many know who Alyssa is. She is a great Friend to me and happens to be Craig's girlfriend and someone I look up to as a strong, beautiful woman. Alyssa has a degree in kinesiology</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, She has numerous</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> nutrition courses under her belt and she has struggled with her diet and growth for years! She understand the battles of weight loss and gains. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alyssa sat down with me and asked if she could be the one to help me...I got a little nervous at the idea of letting her take over my diet. I have control issues and giving her control was VERY hard...but it really was the BEST BEST thing I've done for ME in a LONG time!! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alyssa gave me what seemed to be a mountain of paperwork to fill out...this information was going to allow her to analyse my entire system. When she met with me to discuss her findings, I knew right then and there that this new Journey with her was going to Kick ASS!! I finally felt I had a livable solution!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alyssa noticed that a few of my systems were lagging, She was able to give me food lists and suggestions to boost those systems and help me get my body working again. She then suggested I try something called "If it fits your Macro's" ...she explained it was like weight watchers points but a much more in depth version. My ears perked up...WW points?!...I rocked that system!!...I got more excited than ever!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alyssa calculated my exact maco needs for lean growth...she set me up with My fitness Pal for easy tracking...YES tracking!!...I do love to track!! :) It was all to good to be true.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been working with Alyssa and on IIFYM for 2-3 weeks, Alyssa has access to my account and she monitors my eating, makes suggestions and texts me to eat if she notices I've been lagging!. I have to say in Caps...I FEEL AMAZING! I have energy...my muscles are Full and look GREAT, I can concentrate and my mood swings have stopped. I feel like a person again!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What Alyssa has done is give me confidence in food again!, she has allowed me to grow but kept me lean, a healthy level of lean!!...I honestly haven't felt this good in a very very long time! I'm starting to grow and the scale isn't an issue for me anymore because I TRUST THE PROCESS! ***HOORAY!!!**</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alyssa, Craig and I are about to start a great journey together, I feel totally blessed to have them in my life!.<b>**Stay TUNED for all the exciting things we are going to be cooking up :)**</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If YOU are looking for something NEW, something livable, something CUSTOM designed for just you, A PERSONAL Diet Coach!... I encourage you to contact Alyssa. She truly is a life saver!!...She knows her stuff, she understands the struggle and she has all the tools to help you hit goals and stay healthy!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope this blog was helpful to someone, I hope you can appreciate the good and the bad of weight loss...The constant struggle with the drug called FOOD. I've been struggling for far to long...scared for far to long. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm excited for the choices I've made!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6iSSKb-eUwAcLemAOZBy2AhAbZEVL1aNS5pqLCV-jyDDnu9YHHQ9ZUINabKl6bCVdeb_-IOo2_Z5mtosBC3RVk9-c7R9_CrjTeJKoTf_uJf8jlfUDE1m_tohZ9lgNBjtEKkkkbbsCfo/s1600/newme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6iSSKb-eUwAcLemAOZBy2AhAbZEVL1aNS5pqLCV-jyDDnu9YHHQ9ZUINabKl6bCVdeb_-IOo2_Z5mtosBC3RVk9-c7R9_CrjTeJKoTf_uJf8jlfUDE1m_tohZ9lgNBjtEKkkkbbsCfo/s400/newme.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For more information on how to start an AMAZING journey of your own...contact Alyssa Coppolino at</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><a class="c_nobdr t_prs" href="mailto:alyssacoppolino@gmail.com">alyssacoppolino@gmail.com</a> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>OR connect with her on Facebook :) </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>https://www.facebook.com/alyssa.coppolino?fref=ts</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-21069658688563977032012-12-06T07:41:00.001-08:002012-12-06T07:41:13.049-08:00Hitting little goals makes you closer to your larger goals!!<strong></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I woke up this morning to the most flattering facebook inbox ever!...it inspired me to get back on the blog train. I'm not a natural blogger so I avoid doing this like the plague. When I get feedback and messages that my blogs actually effect people, it motivates me to get on it...so thank you to that special someone for my awesome morning message :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The message this morning was from a friend that was finding it hard to get out of bed and do her work out before work. She said I popped into her head and she got up and went. That put a HUGE smile on my face!!...I was so honoured and a little sheepish about being someones morning motivation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I've blogged before about Anchors...My black pinkies that keep me on track...they remind me that I have hit goals, and I need to keep moving my A$$ to hit new goals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I love setting little goals for myself and I encourage you to do the same! It's hard to conquer large goals and stay focused on them... constantly thinking, man I need to loose 50lbs!...or how will I ever run 30km. Instead of looking at the big picture focus on little goals....that will aid you in hitting your main large goal. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">For example, Pick an up coming event in your life. Like a Christmas party, Wedding, Family vacation, Girls night. It doesn't have to be an enormous event...just something to tie a small goal to and to help keep you focused and moving towards your BIG goal!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We all have events at this time of year. I also believe in the<em><u> "Earn it before you eat it rule".</u></em> Setting goals before events will help you to feel amazing at the event, and allow you to indulge a little more at the event as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In order to help you hit small goals I suggest another type of Anchor. I see so many body building athletes do this and it can and should be used by everyone!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My black pinkies help me every day to remind me of where I have come from and what my main goals are. If you have a short term goal I encourage you to try this. Put the days left until your goal is due on your hand in marker. It will remind you that you only have that many days to hit your goal. This is a constant reminder that you have promised yourself something and a small goal will be hit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So for example, if there is 10 days until your work Christmas party, start by putting a 10 on your hand today...tomorrow it's a 9...etc. This will help keep you focused on the current goal, and aid you in hitting all your goals!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I hope to see lots of #'s on peoples hands...and lots of people rocking out little goals!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-60039987184110749432012-10-07T05:33:00.000-07:002012-10-07T05:33:05.106-07:004 week off Training?...EEEK!<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Another Challenge...</span></strong><br />
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I've spoken before about the good the bad and the ugly of weight loss to many people. The good is the obvious, the bad is you often go through an "ugly ducking" stage before things get better. The ugly is the stuff you can't out train, or out diet...it's the loose skin. I was very very lucky that I held my weight fairly evenly, I had huge boobs, and I had a huge "Thass"...I call my Thass the area on the side of your thigh that can't decide what it wants to be...so it just hangs off the side...not a Thigh...not an Ass....thus it is a "Thass". I can train off my thass and fill the loose skin that it leaves behind...but unfortunately I can't build enough chest muscles to fill out my boobs.<br />
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I recently made the decision to have some plastic surgery done, I wanted to fix my ugly. I like curves, when was bigger I had curves...I now felt very pear shaped and I wasn't a super fan. I felt less feminine, and I enjoy being a girly girl!!<br />
This decision forced me to take four weeks off from the gym...no training...no running...no anything!..Yes, I did almost go crazy!<br />
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The thought of being off for 4 weeks scared the crap out of me. I was really concerned about how I was going to manage. I worried about my recovery, my health, my weight. I really stressed about starting again, how weak would I be??...how much muscle would I loose in 4 weeks?...My brain was spinning!!<br />
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I decided to tackle this like I would any other challenge or obstacle.... PLAN...I stand by this quote...one of my most favourite!<br />
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I knew my battle would be with my diet. I always enjoy a pretty clean diet, but I knew going from active to recovery mode required a few tweaks in my diet. I had a big cook off with my friend Lori and prepared with pre made healthy food. I felt good knowing I had plenty of pre cooked meals ready for me and no excuses not to eat them.<br />
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With my diet in place I had to make sure I was held accountable to start back again. I approached Craig and asked him if he would help me with training when I was recovered. I knew he would hold me accountable and keep me from getting injured.<br />
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So that was my planning....diet and accountability. Personally I had to think of this month off as a challenge...like a game. <strong>I believe it's as important to train your mental strength as it is to train your physical strength.</strong> <br />
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I'm happy to report that planning worked!...I came out of my month off from training 2lbs lighter than when I went into it. I just started back at True North Barbell :)... I'm testing things out with Craig's assistance. I'm totally confident that I'll be back to where I was in little time....Yippee!! <br />
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I'm super excited to see what Craig and I can create this time around!<br />
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<br />sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-33189772894869701682012-08-19T19:33:00.000-07:002012-08-19T19:33:31.739-07:008 Weeks to Vegas...Game On!!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I'm a huge fan of setting little goals and challenging myself now and again. Sometimes it's with running, other times it's a new max with weights and this time it was about diet!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband and I booked a group trip to Vegas. When we booked it was 9 weeks until we left. After the first week I thought, I could do a good 8 week diet until Vegas and see what happens!!...CHALLENGE!! I wanted to see what 8 weeks of really clean eating, discipline and training could do to my physique.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I started I was sitting at 115lbs and about 14% body fat according to the Tanita scale at the gym. I wasn't unhappy with how I looked pre diet, again I like to set little goals for myself because it reminds me that I'm in total control of my body. After being so out of control or so many years, it's awesome to know that I run this body now!!...ROAR..lol.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For me a true measure of my fitness and nutrition is my abs...I admire abs so much on women because they are really hard to get!. Abs are totally made in the kitchen, you can't eat shit and have abs!! Clean eating...loads of water ...eating many times a day, and treating your diet like a full time job is how you get abs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In order to have a good 8 week diet I decided to just eat really clean, prep all my meals...aim for 3 solid meals per day, with 2 snacks. I also upped my protein by 60g per day in order to hold onto more muscle. I limited my carbs after lunch and kept up with my regular lifting schedule. I also drank about 5-6L of water per day. Nutrition is a full time job!!...TRUTH!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found the diet to be ok to manage, my biggest issue with my diet day to day is remembering to eat. With this challenge it was really important for me to not loose any of the gains I had made over the last few months. In order to hold on to gains you need to eat more regimented. I think I managed to do that well this time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So in the end I managed to loose 5lbs and 5% body fat in 8 weeks...Whoop Whoop!...It was awesome to get those results...I felt like a million bucks in Vegas, I earned all the crap I ate and drank...lol. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Setting little goals for yourself is so rewarding!!-I encourage everyone to think of little goals you can set to remind yourself that you can do anything you set your mind to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wonder what my next Challenge will be?!?...SOOO exciting!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasvxZpyCeyWO0FdY0siah6kIPouZ-pqBUncEsPKUsDzUcTPyXZKsUxgFJ7h_3NJiMXS-sqiEsAuPQ7zk88pQ3g9TOE-9I4e9ZmM4qogemqqh2wUrSsruTaYoLN5zVCzwZF_GEarP9n1w/s1600/before+abs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasvxZpyCeyWO0FdY0siah6kIPouZ-pqBUncEsPKUsDzUcTPyXZKsUxgFJ7h_3NJiMXS-sqiEsAuPQ7zk88pQ3g9TOE-9I4e9ZmM4qogemqqh2wUrSsruTaYoLN5zVCzwZF_GEarP9n1w/s200/before+abs.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Abs before the diet</strong>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgUtg5k2p5sIfF5SOw3Qu9GqZvva-0SiXJe_vNCWWnR0qE6MtjGrXFYHStyUvtnHQMWXUZkcBveUmxjm4jFJHom6-x3caHEua22YiX8qVXTTdPq1Y096UCHAb5_wN6BgVVCl0DNCEV7w/s1600/after+abs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgUtg5k2p5sIfF5SOw3Qu9GqZvva-0SiXJe_vNCWWnR0qE6MtjGrXFYHStyUvtnHQMWXUZkcBveUmxjm4jFJHom6-x3caHEua22YiX8qVXTTdPq1Y096UCHAb5_wN6BgVVCl0DNCEV7w/s200/after+abs.jpeg" width="173" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>After 8 week Diet.</strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong> I felt THIS amazing in Vegas ;)</strong></td></tr>
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sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-4094481808818994972012-05-15T17:55:00.000-07:002012-05-15T18:09:36.094-07:00"Anchors"...Little things that keep you focused!!I thought it would be a good idea to blog about what I like to call "Anchors".<br />
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Since my last blog I have been really trying to stay focused...eat clean...work out hard...and go for that summertime body ;)...I'll be honest... It's hard! <br />
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Nothing about training 5 days a week and eating clean is easy...but for me it's a lifestyle choice. I take the good with the bad. I feel good when I live this way...so even though at times it's hard...its very worth it. <br />
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In order to keep myself on track when I was loosing the majority of my weight I often used things I called Anchors. <br />
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If I was going to a party or an event I would use Anchors. ...What's an Anchor you ask?..lol. Well its something to keep me focused...to help me resist temptation. What I often used were coloured stones or beads in my pocket. I would put one for every 10lbs I had lost into my pocket to remind me how far I had come. Also...stones in your pocket do 2 things...they are uncomfortable at times...and they kinda screw up your outfit...the same things that happen when your overweight and out of shape. ;)... So it was a good reminder for me to not have that extra drink...or that cake, or another temptation that was looking me in the face.<br />
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Currently I am painting my pinkie finger nails black. I use black because when I was getting ready for the Around the Bay Race with my Friend Leanne, she suggested that we paint out nails black and be "Hard Core"...I loved the idea!...We were totally hard core..LOL. Anytime I wanted to give up during that run I looked at my nails and thought...NO WAY...you have black nail polish on...you are Hard Core...keep going! The tradition stuck and I've had black nails for every race after that.<br />
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My black pinkie nail that everyone keeps asking me about it my Anchor...it's there to remind me ...I'm Focused...Bad Ass, Hard Core...I'm an After!! ..Summer time Ice Cream has nothing on me...WHY?...Because I have black nail polish on. ;)<br />
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Get creative...find an Anchor...it's a good way to stay focused...and a great way to share your love of fitness with everyone that asks..."Hey...what is that one black nail for?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKVWfxcItXOTAHSbhT7AgU2jHTHqboN3PsjjrZrQE_M5h9JKvRnvIM3zdptbN8lYJeQhiOmuGfI6SWQpZoxWSJy7DeloDyy75n4uh_Y8tGRQAJl9mqndNVPj-EBk8B4xY2nqKetuXB58/s1600/IMG_20120515_195933" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKVWfxcItXOTAHSbhT7AgU2jHTHqboN3PsjjrZrQE_M5h9JKvRnvIM3zdptbN8lYJeQhiOmuGfI6SWQpZoxWSJy7DeloDyy75n4uh_Y8tGRQAJl9mqndNVPj-EBk8B4xY2nqKetuXB58/s320/IMG_20120515_195933" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-55376060711115817492012-05-04T12:43:00.001-07:002012-05-04T12:43:38.069-07:00Hitting Goals and Finding Inspiration and FocusI'm so excited to share this blog...I ran my first race of the season and feel AMAZING! <br />
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I Killed it...LOL...yep I'm bragging a little ;)...I set a goal of under an hour and I finished my 10k in 53mins. The last 10k I ran I finished in 1.10mins...so I was able to cut 17 minutes off my time...I was sooo happy with my results. I'm even more excited to see what I can do with my Half Marathon time in October!!...my goal for that is 2hrs or less...my last time was 2:15... it's an aggressive goal but that's how I role ;)<br />
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Having my family watch me finish this race was awesome...I had my kids and my husband cheering me on at the home stretch...and I had my extended family and my at work family...and of course my beautyfit family cheering for me from home...it's awesome to have so much support!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting my Strong on before the Run :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MBfu0d3r8jyV2qpFP6RjAwOqnGqMh5jJZzALyWI99MfHZV-a7OOSpbr6x8fTtLYP2SNBElJK4mlzptl5ZSr_3yh0KNbYoryuja4WYyi-0Jye8us5rNM0lPgPrtkFUwJHY1oQbJKRyqk/s1600/IMG_20120422_102259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MBfu0d3r8jyV2qpFP6RjAwOqnGqMh5jJZzALyWI99MfHZV-a7OOSpbr6x8fTtLYP2SNBElJK4mlzptl5ZSr_3yh0KNbYoryuja4WYyi-0Jye8us5rNM0lPgPrtkFUwJHY1oQbJKRyqk/s200/IMG_20120422_102259.jpg" width="163" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BOOM...Got it DONE :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">READY TO ROCK!</td></tr>
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So again post race I felt awesome...I hit my goal...I proved to myself that I am still good at running and actually faster and stronger than ever. I was feeling pretty good.:) Soon after I came off my high I once again felt unfocused and unsure what to do...I know I will own that half marathon in October...but what should I do until then??...There is no need to start training for it in April...I will be burnt out!<br />
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Again I got talking to Crystal Cox...My amazing sole sister and fellow beautyfit girl...I like to think we are bombshells... ;)...in talking with her I found myself scanning her body...yes that sounds creepy and weird but that's what I was doing...something was very different...Crystal always looks good, and is always dedicated...but during this particular conversation I wasn't able to stop checking her out ;)...I told her she looked smoking, and I needed to know what changed. Crystal told me that with the help of Sandra she changed her diet...she was working out more...she was "dilled" in...and boy oh boy it was showing...if you have not followed Crystal in beauty fit I encourage you to take some time and learn from her...she truly is amazing.<br />
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Beautyfit is so much more that products...it's a family, a source of support and understanding... Crystal is my sister...she once again inspired me and lead me back to where I want to be <u>right now</u>... right now I want to eat clean, be strong...lean...and ready for summer. I'm the closest I've ever been to having a "summer time body", and thanks to her I'm HUNGRY for it...ROAR!....she reminded me that I can do anything I want to do. <br />
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So thanks to my beautyfit family I have achieved goals...and continue to set new ones...I am one lucky girl (bombshell) ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNl3uUEaPEHM-_437pKU0IZwBFyQQ-fp5cc8d6WF3Qn2roqwOxyE2mDFZakI2QnwzZ41xDL3wQc1PFRawpjqD27qQseJiL_wlCQXkWowPjlj2wKGNv5mqgLbbusuulZvdRDM4C7OQKjIM/s1600/beautyfitfam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNl3uUEaPEHM-_437pKU0IZwBFyQQ-fp5cc8d6WF3Qn2roqwOxyE2mDFZakI2QnwzZ41xDL3wQc1PFRawpjqD27qQseJiL_wlCQXkWowPjlj2wKGNv5mqgLbbusuulZvdRDM4C7OQKjIM/s320/beautyfitfam.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my Beautyfit Family...Coach Compton...Kayla...and Crystal :)</td></tr>
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</div>sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-80783879670957877802012-04-18T08:02:00.002-07:002012-04-18T08:11:12.576-07:00Train your entire body...it all works together!!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I decided that I was going to start to train again for races I wondered how I was going to do it all. I really didn't want to give up any of my weight training day's in order to run. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I had lots of people ask...so what's going to give??...I gave it some thought and I decided...NOTHING!...I want to be able to do both....Run and Weight Train.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Craig taught me that the entire body works together...and when one part is weak it effects the strong parts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Starting out with my running I immediately noticed that I was so much stronger than last year...Craig had given me the well rounded body that I needed to preform at my peak.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">After my first longer run I sent Craig a THANK YOU!!...I was still standing upright at the end of a 10k...that may sound silly but I had always ended my runs looking like an 80yr old woman...hunched over. My cardio was stellar but my back and core were weak!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I've been training my core, upper body and back for months and it's helped me so much with my running...my back is so much stronger than it was last season, allowing me to stand up tall, and keep my form. My arms allow me to push up hills and through winds that would have caused me to stop last year....and my strong core keeps everything in line.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">What I have experienced first hand<span style="background-color: white;"> is</span> that you really do need to train your entire body in order for it to work its best!!...Runners don't need to just worry about times and distance...but we need to think about the parts of our body that allow us to achieve great distance and fast times....it all works together!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strong Back = Strong Runs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-89092276772555696152012-03-25T14:43:00.000-07:002012-03-25T14:43:19.838-07:00The Next Step...Where do I go from here???....<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Where do I go from here?...What is my next step??</span></strong></div><br />
It wasn't even 12 hours after my photo shoot with Fab Fem and the Body by Bongelli that I had people asking me..."So what are your next goals"...I was thinkin in my head...My current goal is to eat a large hamburger...and perhaps even some french fries-lol... I was still just basking in the glow of my amazing whirlwind day, and enjoying the feeling of being finished a goal that was sooo hard to achieve!!<br />
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As the weeks went on I started to think....Man...what DO I do next?...GRR back to that feeling of limbo...my workouts didn't have a real purpose anymore....The end had come. I do enjoy goals and I felt very "goalless"<br />
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In my first blog I spoke about running, and how it made me feel...how it was something I did JUST for ME...it was my time...ME against ME. I started to think about running the same half marathon that I had run before I started training with Craig...but the thoughts of failure crept into my head....what if I'm not good at running anymore??...how will all this added muscle effect my running??...how can I do both?...run and weight train?....I didn't want to give up or loose any of the gains I had made.<br />
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I posted on Facebook that I was thinkin of running again....I actually love the input from others...I like to hear from other people in fitness, other walks of life...those close to me...and those that really are just FB friends. In the end all decisions are mine...I find that I often get responses that make me think...and I value that.<br />
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I heard from two people who's opinions and advice truly matter...Sandra and Alyssa...they both said...Of course you should run!!...it's where you started...and it's what you should do again!!...Running is who you are. I got goose bumps when I read there responses...and I also felt sick to my stomach at the thought of failure. Anyone that <strong>really</strong> knows me knows...I don't do Failure OR Embarrassment.<br />
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I went into work that night and Chris a trainer sent a client down to talk to me about weight loss and keeping it off...she happened to be a runner. I had goosebumps as I spoke with her...we connected and I knew she was my sign...my kick in the butt to just swallow any fears and try to kill my previous running times...to jump back in and fall in love with the sport all over again.<br />
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She told me about an awesome 10k in Toronto....she said the metal is so juicy and beautiful...runners run for the metals and the t-shirts ;)...she had me at the thought of another beautiful metal. The Toronto 10k is my starting point for this season...April 22nd is my day to jump back in!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Temptation ;)<br />
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</tbody></table>So at the end...I'm in...I've chosen to swallow my fears of failure...and hit the pavement with the same dedication I gave to my training with Craig. I feel it's the perfect challenge for me...a battle between me and my mind...I know I have the body to run...Craig gave me loads of strength...now its all about training my mind to deal with long runs again. The battle for runners is the fight your brain has with your body...one wants to go...the other wants to stop...it's sick that we love it...but I KNOW it makes me stronger...every time I keep going...I totally WIN ;)<br />
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Some times you just need a sign...you have to be willing to see the sign...and to have the guts to jump.<br />
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So...I'm Jumping-Gulp...GOAL is to finishing the Niagara Half Marathon in under 2hrs...BOOM!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wvQvdixMm6-3dcTBn_5TiD7M9omcew7MP7nKpA36Q99PuaosW3wmDQvi3t7dHf7udJjt8okbxPHDC64TNvNIXHTkCaKW-LChP5N581yeW5WE5l0pZ6iIRiNvIX7anjLGNqxNDCUQYDc/s1600/feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wvQvdixMm6-3dcTBn_5TiD7M9omcew7MP7nKpA36Q99PuaosW3wmDQvi3t7dHf7udJjt8okbxPHDC64TNvNIXHTkCaKW-LChP5N581yeW5WE5l0pZ6iIRiNvIX7anjLGNqxNDCUQYDc/s320/feet.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-60443936088922357922012-03-09T07:10:00.001-08:002012-03-09T17:45:38.458-08:00A Perfect "Ending".....How it all came together! :) :)In a previous Blog I mentioned that I had a vision in my head of what I wanted to look like at the "end" of my journey. I talked about spending endless hours in front of the mirror moving fat around trying to see the person I wanted to be.<br />
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When I hit my goal weight with Weight Watchers I had never been that small (140 lbs)...and I truly thought I would look fit when I hit that weigh. I had been running and expected to look like what I had envisioned in my head when I hit my goal. I had never been that size before and I was in shock at what 140lbs looked like on me...I was happy...but still didn't feel like I was at the end. I remember Sandra Compton talking about that when she finished her time with Weight Watchers.<br />
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I started to train with Craig not long after I started at World Gym... I put my faith in him that weight lifting would not make me FAT...but in fact it would make me look the way I envisioned myself ...it would help me be that person I moved fat around trying to find!!. I told Sandra at the start of my journey...I don't want to be thin...I want to be really fit.<br />
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Months and months went by and Craig and I celebrated each victory...drop in weight...drop in body fat...pushing more and more weights...it was so exciting for me to see my body transform...I was slowly becoming the person I always wanted to be...a fit...healthy woman.<br />
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One day I sent Craig and email...I said....Hey Craig I think it's time for a new Ab routine...I keep doing so much ab work and I'm not seeing much change. I really wanted nice defined abs, to me that was fitness...His response was not the one I was hoping for!!<br />
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He said..."Well Little lady...tell me what your eating...Abs are made in the kitchen and not the Gym"...so I gave him my food journal... he didn't know what half the things were that I was eating...I was still counting "points" after all this time. Craig told me to stop eating weight watchers and start eating like an athlete...my heart stopped!!!...Change the only thing I knew for sure!?!...Was he crazy?!!??...I took many deep breaths...asked an annoying amount of questions...Finally understood the meal plan from Craig and dove in....he had taken me this far...so why not trust him to take me to the end...he hadn't failed me yet.<br />
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Soon after starting Craig's new "diet" I noticed changes...I started to see all the beautiful muscles that we spent endless hours creating appear...it was by far the most exciting and challenging time of my life...loosing that last 15 lbs was harder than loosing the first 80 lbs.<br />
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One night I was talking with Sandra Compton and my dear soul mate Crystal Cox (another beauty fit girl) I was telling them I still didn't see what everyone else was seeing...l still felt lost...I felt like I would never be happy, I was looking for an end that never seemed to come...my emotions were all over the map...I'm not sure how my at home family or my at work family dealt with me for those few weeks...crying one day...happy the next.<br />
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I got an email one day that changed my life...Sandra...Crystal and Nancy Barbosa offered me a photo shoot...something called a FAB FEM...Nancy is the photographer and Crystal is the make up artist for Fab Fems, they celebrate women of all shapes and sizes. They show woman that they are beautiful, sexy, strong and powerful...I had seen Nancy and Crystals work and it was a DREAM come true to have the opportunity to work with them....and to top it off...Nancy wanted to use me for Promo Work!...The pressure was on.<br />
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I had 12 days to "cut" for this photo shoot...I wanted all my hard work to show-Cutting is an extreme diet to shred fat allowing your muscles to show. To add more pressure to the day...we were also going to take the photo for the "Body by Bongelli" promo at World Gym...Craig and I are kinda known at the Gym....Big and Little...it's funny to see us train together...I struggle to lift a weight that he can effortlessly lift with one hand...haha!...We thought we should promo the changes we made to our members...in hopes of inspiring them to change.<br />
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The Big day came...I was sooo excited and nervous...being photographed in my bra and undies...WOW...ME...WHAT?!!?...The day was amazing...really one of the best days of my life...being pampered by Crystal, she did my make up for the shoots...I felt like a movie star...having Nancy direct me during the shoot...the lighting...the props...it was everything I had ever dreamed about...I LOVE fashion...I LOVE modelling...and this was truly truly a DREAM come true!!<br />
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One of the best parts of the day was when I came back in the evening to do the other shoot with Craig...I went into the office and noticed this awesome picture on a large screen...I said...Oh wow that is a really nice....OH MY GOD!!...THAT IS ME!!...I was almost in tears...I didn't recognise myself!!...I honestly didn't know it was me at first...THAT was my moment!!-I FINALLY saw what others saw...I finally saw the person behind the FAT...That moment is what everyone should get to experience...Total shock at how glamorous you can look...at any size!!...it was the perfect perfect ending for me...I finally felt finished and was able to smile at my accomplishments.<br />
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I will be forever thankful to Sandra Compton, she started me off, Inspired me, pushed me and helped me finish...Crystal Cox and Nancy Barbaso for that amazing day in my life...the day that left me able to smile at myself and realise just how far I had come. And of course I'm forever thankful to Craig...he pretty much picked me up off the treadmill....taught me to trust...to accept change... He was my Teacher and my Rock through the last part of my transformation.<br />
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I am very lucky and thankful for all the help from my at work family....and beyond thankful for the endless support from my at home family....I have Three amazing boys at home and I am so thankful for them!!<br />
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Here are a few shots from my amazing Fab Fem day...<br />
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Everyone should do a fun photo shoot, or get your makeup done by Crystal...it's truly amazing...you are worth it!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAiiuYiafFWw9mErW7Oek9crgmIX3QcEF0GsoBmLsq03GECZNHHXDGMpp1FcLHr3D_OhfokbPGAVxm0g0bqQsrpUj3zaQurHS8xV3IhbI44kWIZn9GXvpJRuy4tVxJ56NskI3xK5cthQ/s1600/meandcraiggoodone.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAiiuYiafFWw9mErW7Oek9crgmIX3QcEF0GsoBmLsq03GECZNHHXDGMpp1FcLHr3D_OhfokbPGAVxm0g0bqQsrpUj3zaQurHS8xV3IhbI44kWIZn9GXvpJRuy4tVxJ56NskI3xK5cthQ/s200/meandcraiggoodone.png" width="177" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Body by Bongelli</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC5u3sd-9AHX0BlhYKlEU00T24vb_qLJQdPlBgsRa2jOdwuSj_51rCoEVfwahU9eumKfOnCwJEi80kSscNRkrXlCIeOPqrQmyAFUpY4X_umwnkxYKa95zJx4kQ2dRhVrZtq3XF3yfSIU/s1600/mecrawl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC5u3sd-9AHX0BlhYKlEU00T24vb_qLJQdPlBgsRa2jOdwuSj_51rCoEVfwahU9eumKfOnCwJEi80kSscNRkrXlCIeOPqrQmyAFUpY4X_umwnkxYKa95zJx4kQ2dRhVrZtq3XF3yfSIU/s200/mecrawl.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The photo that shocked me</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWEGuIYwjKvp_1g8hn1yWQqbv9oSS-jNEfUZwYMyEvfYkoL4JrQ29uGRySKE1IxT5m8EBPV2qCVQeeO8wJwhHiDzor2_fzutA07t0eK6ZELAhgcJy4wCTESdG_4W97ZIyh9VQcNAAwMs/s1600/mescarf.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWEGuIYwjKvp_1g8hn1yWQqbv9oSS-jNEfUZwYMyEvfYkoL4JrQ29uGRySKE1IxT5m8EBPV2qCVQeeO8wJwhHiDzor2_fzutA07t0eK6ZELAhgcJy4wCTESdG_4W97ZIyh9VQcNAAwMs/s200/mescarf.png" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love scarves ;)</td></tr>
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</div>sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-8264472312679611232012-02-03T18:24:00.000-08:002012-02-03T18:24:37.359-08:00Three years later...the good, the bad and the ugly.I have been meaning to do this blog for weeks now but the thoughts and feelings were not coming to me...I've been very up and very down these days and I didn't feel I had to much to say....I felt in Limbo.<br />
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One of my very best friends Amy Greer reminded me today that it's been THREE years since I made the decision to start Weight Watcher...I was blown away...THREE years?!?...My youngest son is 3 yrs old...I have been on this roller coaster for almost as long as he has been alive!...perspective eh!!<br />
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It has been one amazing ride....full of ups...downs...disappointments...growing...doubt...worry... trying to self accept....and self praise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8fNnll70tx1PKos-8_Uk3SIwWgDYKr3hJvQidP7wF7uWPcrpldGxhpg7g4eYif5YVb3JdpENieU5XwFB8qRj3_ziGR7s6j88aIx2ot41hcNedfw2yUTh59vFBJqq9jZlepiUObyPj7A/s1600/amazing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8fNnll70tx1PKos-8_Uk3SIwWgDYKr3hJvQidP7wF7uWPcrpldGxhpg7g4eYif5YVb3JdpENieU5XwFB8qRj3_ziGR7s6j88aIx2ot41hcNedfw2yUTh59vFBJqq9jZlepiUObyPj7A/s200/amazing.jpg" width="133" /></a>The last 2 points have been the hardest for me. I have had a hard time accepting how I look, there has been lots of changes...good and bad. I seem to focus on the bad and I have a hard time taking a compliment. Craig my trainer will tell me..."WOW little lady your arms are looking amazing"... I will follow that with, "well if I could only get my legs to follow suit"...he then looks at me with his "Duh" face and says..."I wasn't talking about your legs skinny"...I really hate him sometimes!!!...How can a 22yr old kid be so smart?? He knows me too well. Unfortunately that's how I am with most people, totally unable to take a compliment. Craig has been encouraging me to take compliments and not follow a compliment by pointing out a "flaw"...it's been very hard...but he holds me accountable....and I am punished on leg day for any slip ups ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMd4P0z3YIeSJkfi5NZ0Eog91fs6vH65WZKN8l9HXv4LSQTxt_Z3vTbMsCSG1XSWEKs1FRY3Im9bQ1bAl93maOenWFB3KUn-rgXTNWI7cNI3vAXyuG6msY4XfXyz_cZQChb9TMaCpl_80/s1600/inspirational-quotes-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMd4P0z3YIeSJkfi5NZ0Eog91fs6vH65WZKN8l9HXv4LSQTxt_Z3vTbMsCSG1XSWEKs1FRY3Im9bQ1bAl93maOenWFB3KUn-rgXTNWI7cNI3vAXyuG6msY4XfXyz_cZQChb9TMaCpl_80/s200/inspirational-quotes-16.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Self Praise has been hard...I believe in holding yourself accountable...I am held accountable by Craig, my Family and by Facebook. Today I took a BIG breath and posted a picture of my abs...I've been working very hard for MONTHS on a "Body by Bongelli" A Promo for the Personal Training Department at World Gym...we are doing the photo's for the Gym Promo on the 10th of February. I did this today because I am trying to work on being OK with self praise...I'm trying really hard to be proud of my efforts...and to not look at my pride as gloating, or perhaps bragging...it's been something I've really struggled with...the ability to have pride in my accomplishments....and most importantly to not get upset if I don't get the reaction or praise I expect from others that are close to me....I have to remind myself daily that I am doing this for ME... The Dr. Seuss saying has been very helpful to me...reminding me that those that understand matter, and those that don't....well...don't.<br />
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So I guess after 3 years I can finally say that I am starting to see the vision I had in my head of what I wanted to look like and most importantly FEEL like ...I am still working on body image, acceptance and learning to love the new me....all things in time. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxESgFoANi17hu4ZxIrhYbHCzJVPEIJBwT3Ym_BJS8HlzRuWJdMfZyyy0fDqcYWhelxzrhXpZOsLN6YPDeAtFMyuP7ANxoG4o0pgCOYWsIJtfW6DMQf7z2yS_Afz98sEfe8rtn_QE8xI/s1600/life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxESgFoANi17hu4ZxIrhYbHCzJVPEIJBwT3Ym_BJS8HlzRuWJdMfZyyy0fDqcYWhelxzrhXpZOsLN6YPDeAtFMyuP7ANxoG4o0pgCOYWsIJtfW6DMQf7z2yS_Afz98sEfe8rtn_QE8xI/s200/life.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-12770308737798210212012-01-16T06:24:00.000-08:002012-01-16T20:26:58.420-08:00World Gym and The Big Man Craig Bongelli...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I often get asked...How did you go from 15years in Dental to World Gym??...Well once again...Sandra Compton!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have worked in Dentistry for 15years...I worked as a Dental Consultant and I loved what I was doing. What I didn't love was the time away from my Children. I have always been torn between family and career... I very much enjoy working...I know that sounds silly but I have lots of idea's and thoughts all the time and being at home full time would drive me bonkers!!...I need an outlet for my idea's and energy.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHeJZyZHgSIzch3MAGzAEq5xZAn56Yjcf42uHdcvC75up7pnzLu64f3CSGRpsVAh1s5DwXeiQRW-lCXH-BNgKzTlUmXHMiHpG_w5bmIoM4ml-SbGEg_sCsCNsOvvRO0Tt1ucckBkEaSo/s1600/bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHeJZyZHgSIzch3MAGzAEq5xZAn56Yjcf42uHdcvC75up7pnzLu64f3CSGRpsVAh1s5DwXeiQRW-lCXH-BNgKzTlUmXHMiHpG_w5bmIoM4ml-SbGEg_sCsCNsOvvRO0Tt1ucckBkEaSo/s200/bag.jpg" width="154" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was looking on Kijiji one night and I noticed an add for customer service reps at World Gym...They are open 24hrs so I thought I would have a good choice for hours and could work in the evenings and stay home with the kids during the day...My weight loss and new love of fitness made it seem like a good choice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Knowing Sandra trained at World Gym I emailed her and she encouraged me to apply and directed me to Nelly. My Husband and I were sceptical about me working at the Gym. After meeting Nelly, I was excited about the idea-She was professional, gave good customer service, I was impressed... I went home and said to my husband..."I loved it!!...They weren't idiots"....ha ha ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I got the interview and obviously got the Job. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It was a real learning curve for me and I wasn't sure I would ever get the hang of all the things I had to do...being a perfectionist and an expert in my previous field of dentistry It felt very foreign to be the student and not the teacher.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I finally managed to get a hold of the front desk role....I very much love working the desk. I love the vibe, the members and the staff. Nelly encourages me to bring any skills I have from my consulting years to the table. Wes is always receptive to my never ending idea's, questions, thoughts and ramblings. I truly enjoy my job at World Gym...It was a great move for me.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGnXzuppzvijMz7VpudPAFqFk93UnZHqCe1eHCSyUwdUEnU15VCkgca1mcebpMX_C_NAdQ9UG468Ctu3dPtGePH-tVumHt6QG49a5Eqe9K7GXQ1qFvuVVgvRkCiel3PSAtNFuHkkANRI/s1600/craigblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGnXzuppzvijMz7VpudPAFqFk93UnZHqCe1eHCSyUwdUEnU15VCkgca1mcebpMX_C_NAdQ9UG468Ctu3dPtGePH-tVumHt6QG49a5Eqe9K7GXQ1qFvuVVgvRkCiel3PSAtNFuHkkANRI/s200/craigblog.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craig Bongelli (pulling a city garbage truck)</td></tr>
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</div><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Along Came Craig....Again I often get asked...how did you and Craig meet?...I had to think for a while to remember how it all started. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I met Craig for the first time about a year ago at a staff function. I actually won a large TV at this function and Craig came up to me after the win and said "Hey there little lady, if you need a hand with that TV I can help you take it to your car...lifting heavy things is what I do" According to Craig I looked at him like, Get away from me and stop trying to take my TV....haha! I did end up letting him Carry it to the car...lol.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">One day after the staff function I was up on the weight floor. I could tell Craig was watching me and I was getting a little ticked off...He made his way over to me after his client, He sat on a ball watching me work out. I stopped abruptly and said... What??...What Now Craig??...What am I doing wrong this time??...He said..."Little Lady...let me make you a programme"...I rudely answered...Why?..I only have so much time to work out, I have kids you know!! He smiled and said don't worry I'll get one together that will work for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I thought ooohh man I don't want to train with this kid...I bet he forgets all about the program and I'll be off the hook...I was wrong!...Craig whipped up a program for me ASAP....it was go time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Day 1 of training with Craig arrived...I was so nervous I wanted to Barf...I had ZERO desire to do what I was about to do...I didn't know Craig that well at the time. I was 130lbs when we started together and I still I felt like the Fat Girl being watched by a Boy...it was HORRIBLE!... We went through day 1 together. I was amazed at my lack of fitness ability...I could run... I had lost weight...but I was weak!!... I was totally embarrassed about it. After my first session with Craig I went into the staff bathroom and..I cried and cried...I felt so many things....mostly embarrassment...but also determination!!- I wasn't going to let this beat me!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I had to finish up 2 more sessions with Craig and I felt sick about it...as we worked through it together we got to know each other fairly well...I soon realised that Craig is Extremely Smart, Dedicated, Passionate, Funny and He Truly Enjoys what he does. I need details about what I'm doing...logic behind the exercise and Craig is a master Teacher. After doing his program for 3 weeks I dropped my body fat by 3%...it was amazing!! <strong>**Personal Training makes all the</strong> <strong>difference**</strong>...I spoke about being <u>accountable</u> during weight loss. It's important to have someone to be accountable to...Craig has totally transformed me and taken my fitness to a new level ... I will be forever thankful for him :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Craig and I continue to train together. My weight is now down to 115lbs and my body fat is at 13%. He continues to embarrass me with every new program....he believes in me at all times...he doesn't let me make any excuses... he is the perfect Trainer for Me. Having a Pro Strong man as your Trainer is pretty cool. I brag about him at any opportunity :).. I refer clients to him with confidence. Great things are deservedly happening for Craig. The best Trainer can Train themselves and Craig Trains himself as hard as he does his clients. I couldn't be prouder to be his friend and to have the privilege to train with him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I truly believe things and people enter your life for a reason...I know I was meant to meet Sandra Compton and Jimmy Mentis...I was meant to work at World Gym and I was meant to meet Craig...these people and decisions have changed my life in soooo many positive ways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The point of this Blog is...Don't be afraid to Leap, Take opportunity's as they present themselves, Fear nothing...great things can happen :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thanks :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Sheryl</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"If you always do what you've always done...you will always get what you always got"</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763936921377797976.post-16755062989348975392012-01-09T08:03:00.000-08:002012-01-12T13:24:10.256-08:00How it all Began....Well I guess it's time to get ME on paper...Sandra Compton and Jimmy Mentis have asked me to start a Blog. It's been on my mind for a while, but I really have no idea what to say...and I'm not all that sure I have anything super interesting to say...or that anyone will really care.<br />
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When Sam approached me to do this I said where do I start??...this has been such a long journey and the start seems so long ago...in Sam fashion she said..."The start is where you start...go back and think about how you got to where you are".<br />
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The Start...it started years ago....it started with diet after diet that failed...it started when I heard over and over again...wow it's a good thing you have a pretty face...it started when I got beat up in grade 6 for being fat...like I said...it's been a LONG journey!<br />
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For years I felt like I didn't belong in the body I had...I would spend endless amount of time looking in the mirror moving fat around trying to see the body I wanted to have.<br />
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In 2008 After I had my 2nd child Eric I hit an all time high of about 200lbs...sitting at 5"2 it was far from and Ideal weight for me....as I mentioned I had tried diet after diet and nothing really worked. My Friend Leanne started Weight Watchers and was doing amazing. I also started on Facebook and reconnected with my good friend Sandra Compton...she was prepping for a fitness competition and I was amazed at her transformation...she looked like the person I wanted to be!!...We started to talk on FB...she encouraged me and I set a date...a start date with Weight Watchers..I said after my Birthday I am going to start.<br />
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I didn't want to jump right into weight watchers...I set a date a month out. I wanted to spend some time thinking about what I was about to do...how I was going to be success full...and how my life was about to change...I guess I needed to pump myself up...and go in ready.<br />
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With the help of Leanne and Sandra I started Weight Watchers when I said I was going to...the first day or two was hard...I called Leanne 4-5 times a day...almost in tears at times and she encouraged me the entire time...Sandra was constant with her check ins on Facebook and wanted updates on my status.<br />
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The first week on Weight Watchers I lost 3.5lbs...I called Leanne from the parking lot I was sooo excited...I was full on after that. I bought a scale...I enjoyed cooking...and I felt like I could do anything!!...Every week I sent and email to my core group...a group that was encouraging, supportive and dear to my heart. Every week I let them know how I did...what my loss was...and how I was feeling... I needed to be accountable!<br />
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Week after week I lost 2lbs...it never stopped!! I started at a Gym not to far into my weight loss...I would do cardio 2 times a week and became more and more interested in fitness and how it could help me with my journey.<br />
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Part way through my Weight Watchers journey I went to the cottage for the week...I was totally prepared with my food...but I had NO gym!!...what was I going to do???...Determined NOT to throw my week I thought...OK...I can run!!...NEVER running a day in my life I said...every other day for the week, run down the road to the BIG hill and back...no stopping!...I think back and It was only about 1km...it was soooo hard!...like I mean DYING hard...but I did it!...and you know what...I LOVED it!...and to top it off...I lost 4lbs ON VACATION!!...Running was my NEW Best Friend!!<br />
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When I got home I told my runner sisters about what I had done....they were amazed and so proud of me...Christa and Rhonda both encouraged me to do a 5k...I thought...you guys are on Drugs!!...but after some talking and goal setting...Leanne, Christa, Rhonda and I set out to do our first 5k run.<br />
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The run day came and I felt like I was going to barf...I was sooo nervous. I finished in great time with Leanne by my side...it was the best feeling...it was an "ahh haa" moment for me.<br />
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We then decided to do a 10k....and then I decided I wanted to run a HALF MARATHON...the idea seemed ridiculous!!...but I wanted to do it....I HAD to do it!<br />
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During my training I was talking with Sandra...I was having a hard time getting past my 16k marker...she started to talk to me about Beauty fuel...so I gave it a try!...I fell in LOVE!...it took 10mins off my 16k time...and helped me get up to 18k and 20k with ease...It made me feel amazing and sooo strong!!<br />
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October came and it was time for my half marathon...with my supportive husband by my side we made it to the start line...I had a goal of 2:15 to finish the 22.5k...and I DID IT!!...in the exact time I set out to do...being alone with my thoughts for 2hrs was sooo hard...but I know I am mentally stronger now than I ever was because of that run.<br />
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With the help of Weight Watchers...Beauty fit...and amazing friends and family I have lost over 80lbs...weight watchers and running helped me loose 65 of those pounds...My amazing New Friend and Trainer Craig Bongelli helped me transform into the person I am today...I will talk about World Gym and Craig Bongelli in my next blog...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjeru5jF0QxBBs1MtZG3Nndf5BTEVHaZb2DRF_TLMl8TlRUm8Jup71TMR9zqu8xMvuHcnYBXstJO3mf2Dc21feMbu7F4IA_IhNOU1qqRW5Y76afeKWAZbCBCU-zRgt11xLX_2LnDTT9I/s1600/me1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjeru5jF0QxBBs1MtZG3Nndf5BTEVHaZb2DRF_TLMl8TlRUm8Jup71TMR9zqu8xMvuHcnYBXstJO3mf2Dc21feMbu7F4IA_IhNOU1qqRW5Y76afeKWAZbCBCU-zRgt11xLX_2LnDTT9I/s200/me1.jpg" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The REAL ME 115lbs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68pYA537yM0IlgEJ754VuD9fRsHcQmmSKqVZWvMTBb0WTP7-Nht_cu9y9CaaO4Q03SeijwCrPFlDgStj0istB8OyArFux913TQCPwnRwesFScTcxpJEaJAb_rMIJ5jnrOQbFVfsVttgQ/s1600/biggersheryl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68pYA537yM0IlgEJ754VuD9fRsHcQmmSKqVZWvMTBb0WTP7-Nht_cu9y9CaaO4Q03SeijwCrPFlDgStj0istB8OyArFux913TQCPwnRwesFScTcxpJEaJAb_rMIJ5jnrOQbFVfsVttgQ/s200/biggersheryl.jpg" width="135" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old me @ 200lbs</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>sherylghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510779348103889051noreply@blogger.com5