Nutrition: Kept my calories the same just cleaned up my macros portions with better food. Still I am happy and satisfied with my food choices and so far much more lenient then any of my past preps. I’m considering doing some carb rotations but going to eat foods I already have prepped and measured in my fridge.

Workout: Same workout split. Cardio just increased a lot the beginning of August due to my fear that I won’t be ready in time. Apparently my husband reminded me that I always go through this phase around this time. So I plan to stick with my increased cardio and back off if/when I feel I’m in a better place.

Mindset: As of now I am 4 weeks out. I am tired – not gonna lie. But life is good. I’ve seriously dedicated many hours to strengthening my mind. Not sure if this is an accomplishment or scary but I’ve read 10 books so far this year. I’ll listen to motivating podcasts, take time to meditate (although not like hard core meditators – I’m still too adhd and busy to sit for that long) and I still continue to journal. Without a doubt, I believe these have helped me to get to this point and I have faith that anyone would benefit immensely from adopting some of these habits. Again, not saying life is perfect, or I still don’t have mind battles some moments – but I can definitely pull myself up a lot quicker and am able to monitor and refocus my thoughts.

I wasn’t going to post pictures – but here you are anyway….It is amazing of the progress you can achieve when you are dedicated….so although I’m being tough on myself and not 100% satisfied– I hope this can inspire you in some way.

Did I mention that I was tired? Going through cardio wondering if I have enough to make it till the end. Walk from the employee parking to my office is dreadful (well mind you it is a 5 minute walk). Had to take breaks between flights of stairs. And then….after a full day of work I get to do another hour of cardio. Did I mention in one of my past blogs that I enjoy this and this is my passion??!!!?? I gotta say that this is the rough time during competition….crunch time….but as I’m writing this I have 27 more days to go. Looking at it that way….it’s in no time. Putting in the work, trying not to be a drag since I’m so tired, still working on my mental battles, and trying to staying positive.

Registered for the show, just need my NPC card. Then everything is ready! Just have to continue to put in the work and have fun.

……Stay tuned for Part 8 – going into peak week

Journey to the Stage....Part 7