Throwback Thursday

I've been debating actually showing these pics to "the world" because I don't feel like I've reached the pinnacle of my training. But, the more I thought about it, the more I realized... I will NEVER reach that pinnacle. I will always be striving for the best, and I need to reflect on the positives that have gotten me to where I am today; those same positives that drive me to tomorrow.

What do I see when I compare the pics below? Here are just a few things:

• I went from a bikini competitor to a figure competitor in less than two years
• I went from being skinny fat, to having more lean muscle mass than ever before
• I really like the muscle starting to form on the side of my quad
• I can see triceps!!
• More definition in my abs
• Although the shoulder muscle is long, it's becoming more prominent
• My smile in 2012 is much more genuine

I'm now 20 weeks out from my next show - Natural Nationals in August. And the road ahead is a daunting one. I've put on a fair bit of body fat over the past year and a half of off-season splurging. But I have to have faith that my hard work at the gym up to now and to come will pay off with more muscle mass as well. These next 20 weeks will be devoted to staying on track, eating right, and killing it at the gym. When these 20 weeks are behind me, I hope to post a new pic for 2014... this time with a shiny piece of hardware in my hands.

My inspiration? A few things...

Mostly my friends and family helping me along the way. My coach. And also, Ava Cowan, who most recently placed an amazing third after overcoming so many personal obstacles. You can read all about her Journey Back to Strength here:
http://www.fitnessrxwomen.com/life-health/ava-cowans-journey-back-to-strength/