Happy New Year

Happy new year everyone - hope 2009 is a fantastic year!

Spin following my run today......

This morning following my run I had a leisurely breakfast at home with my two boys before heading to the gym for a spin class.

I really pushed myself hard today - average heart rate of 75 - 85%. I rode next to a good friend so we pushed each other throughout the class.

Knee was really good - started to hurt a little in the last working track but nothing too bad - no swelling now so that is a good sign.

I am really enjoying training again at a good intensity - the endorphin rush I get from exercising is awesome.

The freedom of running

Prior to competition prep and before my knee started giving me trouble I really loved the freedom of hitting the pavement for a road run.

Well I had been thinking maybe i would get back out there and give it a go - I was feeling a little reluctant because i really wondered what the knee might do!!!

Last night I organised my gear so when i woke this morning all i would need to do was get dressed and go.........

I have just returned from a very successful 3 km run without any stops....... I am rather impressed with my self. My knee felt great on the run and still feels good now. 

I will now aim to run the same distance in less time and then add distance as my fitness increases.

I am returning.....

Hi All, 

It feels like ages since I got on here to blog...... and when I look at the date of my last post it has been ages. 

I will be back with pictures and a longer blog to tell you what I have been up to in the next day or so. I have just got on now and attempted to load pics but without success..... very frustrating but never mind - will have another go tomorrow when I have a little more time.

I hope everyone is really great and enjoying the festive season. xxx

Still #1......

.... what an odd post name I can hear you saying, but if you read my last post you will understand and this is just more self praise for still been in this great position.

I am:

• loving training - planned and spontaneous like walking while Tucker rides his bike, and regular swims at the pool.
• lifting some great weights at the moment - strength as increased HEAPS
• feeling much healthier on the outside and especially on the inside (head and body)
• noticing the difference since I have started taking my new vitamins and minerals
• proud of the fact that I have not missed a single dose of my supplements - remembering to take things was never really a strong point of mine
• remembering things even without constantly writing notes to myself
• loving the extra time Mike and I are having together, and the time we are having together as a family
• feeling so much more relaxed....... no more running around like a lunatic
• sleeping so much better and am actually waking up feeling like i have had a sleep rather than waking up feeling like I had run a marathon every night
• enjoying been swelling and pain free in my knee
• sticking to my eating plan,
• loving work and the colleagues I work with are great!!!
• excited to be going to visit my mum and dad in January 
• LOVING LIFE IN GENERAL

So as you can see all is great in my world at the moment. I will keep you posted as things continue to progress on the right road....... It might have taken me a while but I think I have finally got to the Y in the road and taken the right lane....... the lane of choice where I feel really good. 

Until next time........ xxx

PS will aim to post some pics from my Dallas Olsen photo shoot real soon. 

The best day......

I am winning............ YEAH!!!!! You may ask what am I winning. Well I am winning the post comp head battles because today I took control instead of the never never in my head taking the lead. I had to run really fast to catch the never never but i saw a break or a lapse in concentration on her part and I got past - I even knocked her out on the way past. I really sent her flying so lets hope she lost her wings which means she will not be flying any time soon - or should I say ever!!!!!!

It all started this morning when I was working on the treadmill at home - my knee was killing me and I was really struggling. I had already done 45 minutes - however was supposed to go for an hour. I LISTENED TO MY BODY and more importantly LISTENED TO MY KNEE and hit the STOP button. I hooked up the dogs on their lead, Tucker got on his bike and we walked / rode to the park. It was so relaxing.

Tucker normally starts at Family Day Care on a Friday at 9 - well we had a go slow morning and I dropped him off at 10!!!! Really nice to not run around when you don't have to. 

Earlier in the week I made arrangements to have lunch with a friend today. We met at 12 - talked for ages, had a champagne together, and caught up on so much lost time. She talked to me about how much of an inspiration I am - I had never thought of that for too long but wow after today i really realise what she meant.

After lunch I went to the gym - no not for a workout but to see Naomi Gillespie. She is visiting from the Gold Coast and she is one amazing lady - she is a Naturopath, Accupuncturist, a specialist massage therapist, ligament therapist, and  remedial massage therapist. I had the lot and I feel fantastic. I feel calm, relaxed, my knee is not so sore, and I do not feel like i have a huge weight resting on my shoulders anymore. 

For the first time since my competition I feel like I have goals to work towards, direction to follow and treatment for a few ongoing issues my body is giving me at the moment. She answered so many underlying questions I had. Hind sight is an amazing thing - imagine what might have happened had she been here 12 months ago. I am not looking back but simply forward because that's what i can alter. 

Stay tuned for my journey to a healthy Maryanne on the inside and the outside. I'm excited. 

Physiotherapy visit today......

Yes I have been back at physio today - and no i do not have a new injury,  it is my knee that I had surgery on 14 weeks out from comp. 

I went in to the gym to train legs on Monday night and 15 minutes into my workout I came to a very quick standstill with pain in the said knee. Normally I would have kept going, but I listened to my body and stopped straight away. Came home iced it elevated it etc. the pain went with pin killers and the swelling did not get out of control.

This morning knee was swollen again and when Angie started to treat me she hit all the right (wrong / painful) spots. My medial ligaments are very tender, i have joint pain, and my knee cap is tracking VERY poorly. My medial strength is almost zilch!!!

So the verdict is - rehab exercises only for legs, no lunges, no squats, no weight work, and for the next 6 weeks every morning i will be applying tap to my knee and then taking it off at night. 

It could be a lot worse but for someone who LOVES to train legs this is not really what I wanted. I will need to make sure i get the good endorphins from my other workouts instead of my leg workouts. I see her again in a week so will keep you posted. 

Until next time xxx

Another pic........

Decided to post another pic from last weekend. This one was taken during my routine - which I performed to  "Fragile" by Sting. Its hard to believe a week has already passed since my competition. 

I have dedicated lots if time to Tucker over the weekend - he was well and truly over due for some mummy time. We have built train tracks, made cup cakes and anzac biscuits, gone to the pool ( it has really warmed up here now averaging 35-40 each day), and while it might not sound fun we tidied his room - he had so much fun!!!!

Speaking of my little man he is going to be "4" on Tuesday. Every year to date Tucker has had a birthday party however this year we decided to have a special family party with Mummy, Daddy and Tucker. Tucker and I are then going to bake and decorate a cake that he can take to gym creche on Tuesday morning. 

We have 2 Siberian Husky's - they are the best of friends and do not cope at all well when they are separated. One has to go to the vet tomorrow - she has a severe ear infection and she has to go under anaesthetic to have it cleared. So tomorrow I am going to be house bound so we do not have a day filled with a lonely husky howling the neighourhood down. 

A visit to physio is going to be on the cards this week - my knee is giving me trouble again, including pain radiating down my calf. Lets hope nothing too severe. 

WA INBA State Titles

Well here I am - the much awaited photograph from the weekend - initially I felt a little reluctant to post it but am trying to move forward so here it is.  Right now I am trying to focus on the post comp head space - quite a challenge I must say. I thought the training prior to comp was hard, but that's nothing compared to what goes on in your mind after it is over. Initially I was a little reluctant to post a picture

Will I do it again - YES I WILL!!!! I loved the journey, and even though I was nervous I enjoyed the time on stage. I have many thoughts going through my mind about what I would do differently next time around, and over time I will share some of these with you. Considering 14 weeks out from competition I could not walk after knee surgery, and along the way I suffered from 2 chest and throat infections and gastro - I still kept my eye on the prize and followed through with my goal to get up there and give it my best shot. 

I placed 4th in Figure Intermediate for INBA and equal 4th in Figure Novice IFBB. Congratulations goes out to all the fellow competitors who competed and placed on the weekend. There were some great physiques out there and the standard was very high.

A  big thank you goes to Jen Hendershott and the team at getphatonline.com, Cindy Kempton and the staff and members of Life and Soul Health and Fitness Club Karratha, Jo Rogers from Style on Stage,  Angie Rata from Karratha Physiotherapy, Lia Halsall, Lindy Olsen,  and most importantly my beautiful husband Mike and my son Tucker for their patience and support. 

I will try and post some more pics soon. 

Good luck to all those competitors competing in the INBA National Titles on the Gold Coast this weekend. I will be thinking of you and cheering from WA. xxx

1 Sleep to go......

....a really quick post otherwise I will be here all day - these claws I have on make this whole typing thing a real challenge.

Feel good - am happy with how I look, and am ready to step up and show everyone what a counry girl can do.

Will post again after comp as soon as I can. xxx

Good luck to everyone else competing this weekend.

My time In Queensland.............

.... Did I type something along the line of saying how much time I would have when I got to Queensland..... well what I predicted was very "WRONG" ...... oops.

I thought I would post alot while I was here but I forgot to take into consideration that I was what not in my own environment and that unlike Karratha it takes longer than 5 minutes to get places here.....

I have been running around like a chook with her head chopped off... LOL. Cardio sessions, eating, weights sessions, cooking, eating, sleeping, driving in the car, posing sessions with Jo, shopping, and sleeping - GO FIGURE!!!!!!!

I also made a trip to South Eastern Brisbane to see my eldest brother Andrew and his wife Eileen. I have two Siberian Husky's and my brother has the son of one of my dogs so it was great to see the four legged friends too.

Training is great, diet is going well and I am seeing really marked improvements in my posing and routine. While I was with Jo yesterday I looked at some bikini styles and have combined a few different aspects of bikinis into my design. I can not wait to see it when it is done.

Today I trained cardio at 6 am and then I took Tucker to Dreamworld - he had such a great time. I will post some pics once I get back to Karratha in the middle of October. Followed this up with another cardio session tonight - HAD to puty my ipod on the block out the grunting noise from the man trying to run on the treadmill next to me..... very distracting.

EXCITING NEWS: today i received the email link for the first of my photos from my photo shoot the other day........ OMG - it was one of those moments when you look twice to see if that really is you.

I had better go - I am planning an early night, I need to add some zzzz tonight. Maryanne tired = Maryanne with a short fuse - not pretty. LOL

Good night. xxx

I have arrived....

Last night I arrived into Brisbane after spending around 7 hours on an aeroplane with a three year old while dieting - quite a challenge.

This morning i headed off for my first Queensland workout - had a good session, and found everything okay in the gym I have joined here. I headed in again tonight for my second cardio. I think I might have been night time entertainment - people seemed to be constantly walking past me. LOL

What else did i get up to today in the sunshine state:

I went shopping and bought a couple of outfits from Lorna Jane. The girls were so helpful. I then was so excited when Liz responded to my message and came across and met me in Lorna Jane - Liz - it was great to see you - looking forward to her smashing me in RPM High Performance on saturday morning.

Next i was pampered at the Napoleon Perdis stand and had my face done for my photo shoot.......yes a photo shoot with the most amazing "Dallas Olsen" I arrived there so NERVOUS but that soon disappeared when i saw the first few pics he had taken. We spent two and a half hours together. Lindy joined us too - it was great to have some photos with her as well. It really made my day - I could not believe it was me on the view finder!!!! Later in the day tears came to my eyes as it felt so surreal. Thankyou to Dallas and Lindy for an awesoem time.

You might now be thinking that that was enough for day one - NO WAY!!!!

My next stop was to go and see "Jo Rogers" - we spent around an hour and a half on my posing - Jo will be dreaming "relax your traps" tonight. By the time I left my first session with her I really think we had made a good start.

In between all of that I ate, remembered to breathe, spent some time with the people I am staying with and had some beautiful cuddles with my gorgeous Tucker.

Its 9.30 pm so time for me to log off and get some sleep. My body clock is still on WA time - but it is slowly adjusting.

Good night and sweet dreams. xxx

My journey to the stage....

... a very quick post tonight. It is 9.40pm and this is past my bed time.

Tonight I did my last training session at Life and Soul Health and Fitness Club, so this means one part of my journey to the stage is complete.

Tomorrow I fly to QLD to spend time with Jo Rogers on posing, to have a photo shoot with Dallas Olsen, go to the Qld ANB show, and do some retail therapy.

Will write a longer post once I have some free time in sunny Qld. 

Train hard, be true to yourself and remember there are no easy roads to places worth visiting. xxx

Choc Mint Protein Pancake

..... who said competition prep food needed to be boring....... I am sitting here LOVING a choc mint flavoured protein pancake........ YUMMY!!!!! - sorry was too hungry to take a photo before I ate it....... 

PHAT CAMP SCHEDULE FOR 2009

The schedule for PHAT camps in Australia has been announced - now I just have to decide if I go to Melbourne, Sydney or Queensland............ mmmm decisions.

A relaxing day at home.....

It is 2.45 pm in the afternoon and Tucker and I have been at home nearly all day today and I am loving it!

I headed in to the gym for cardio at 6am while Mike used the treadmill at home and Tucker slept. I then headed back down there again to train shoulders at 9, and when I finished i did posing practice and we came home. 

I did most of the house work yesterday, so I only had a couple of loads of washing to peg on the line, and today's meals to prepare, and the rest of the time I have spent relaxing. Tucker and I did some drawing, played on his trampoline, and read LOTS of books. 

I lost him about an hour ago - I found him sound asleep in bed........ I have just got out of the bath - yes a bath in the middle of the day - with Epsom salts - I have a sore set of legs from training yesterday.

I am going to go now and do a few other things for "ME" before Tucker wakes. 

PS I am now counting sleeps to Queensland - 8 to go!!!!!

Woo Hoo - I'm excited......

What shall I wear today - I ask myself. Mmmmm maybe I will just try this very old size 8 denim mini on.......... on it goes, button done up - I have no idea how many years it has been since I wore this. I never tossed it just in case I got to be a .......... "HOT MOMMA".....lol

A productive day.....

A blank blog - must be having a fuzzy head moment. LOL

I feel like I have achieved so much in such a short time this morning - its only 11.20 and I have:

Spent 1 hour on he treadmill for cardio

Ate meal 1

Read Tucker three books

Cooked my meals for the day

Taken Tucker to occasional care

Trained legs for 1 hour

Ate meal 2

Had a physiotherapy appointment

Filled the car with fuel

Cruised the internet

Vacuumed the house

Ate meal 3

For the rest of the day I plan to:

Collect Tucker from occasional care, and put him to bed for a sleep. Then I am going to hit the couch and watch a movie, with ice on my sore knee (it is playing up again - but only a tad). When Tucker gets up, we will head to the park, followed by supermarket shopping, then more cardio, few more meals thrown in there, then dinner, read, another meal and then head to bed.

Since my performance on Saturday I have had so many people stop me in the gym, and tell me how much they enjoyed it, and how good I look. No my head is not too big LOL. People who do not have any idea are just in awe of what we do and how dedicated we are.

Currently I am reading Craig Harpers book "Fattitude" - its an awesome read and really gets my mind thinking. I actually have to have another book to read once I hit the pillow otherwise I get busy brain and can not sleep. 

I am starting to get really excited about my trip to QLD. I am really hoping to be able to meet so many people from blogger world at the ANB titles. 

Time to hit the shower and then to collect Tucker. Remember to keep smiling. :-) xxx

It was time to shine......

This morning i presented my posing routine at our clubs group fitness launch, and 

I ROCKED

I was nervous but Mike said it did not show. I had such a blast. I remembered to smile, I held each pose, and most importantly I felt proud! It was such a good opportunity to see where i need to focus on the day.

One of the staff members took some great photos. I am really pleased with how everything is coming together. As soon as i get the pics I will post some up for you all to see. 

Then when I finished there was lots of applauding and cheering - and it was all for me!!!! I am finally realising that all my hard work and dedication is showing through. 

I need to eat - enjoy your day. xxx

.......and now I feel even better

yes, I listened to my body - its amazing how good it feels when you actually listen and do as it is telling you.

I went to bed and slept for 90 minutes - it was bliss. Took a bit to wake up, but now I am awake I feel fantastic. Now i will not look like death warmed up for my presentation tomorrow.

Yes presentation - I am presenting my routine at the GF launch - and I'm excited. Had a dark spray tan today and all i can say is wow!!!!! Tan does awesome things. Will post some pics tomorrow.

Right now I am heading to collect my gorgeous boy from Family Day Care and taking him to the shops to buy him a couple of new T shirts - he is having another growth spurt. I think I am in the breeding program for tall America basketball players.......... he is only three but wearing size 5 so he does not have a bare midriff!!!!!!

Enjoy the rest of the day. xxx 

A good solid workout can work wonders

.... just finished training, yes I am still feeling a bit tired, and will still be taking a sleep at lunch time, but it is surprising how good you feel after a solid workout with your head space where it needs to be. 

Helps too when you hear more positive comments about how you are looking. xxx

Its all about honesty around here.....

I am glad its FRIDAY - I am really tired today. I am going to try soon to drag this body out of the chair and down to the gym for chest and arms workout............ the dark horse is right in my line of sight today.

Phone is going off the hook at lunch time for a big catch up sleep.

Have a good day everyone. xxx

4 weeks and 2 days to go........ I'm excited

I can't believe a week and a half has passed since I posted last...... what have I been up to......

Training

Eating

Cardio

Sleep (mind you not so well)

Working

Routine practice

Posing practice........

I am sure you all know the feeling. All of the above take up plenty of time - but i love every single moment of it.

I am now 4 weeks and 2 days out from competition - I am really pleased with how I am looking and the changes I am seeing are a great motivator.

I have been getting some great feedback from people i know in the gym as well as complete strangers. LOL.

Mike was away for work at the start of the week for work - but i had my very trusted baby sitter on hand to look after Tucker so training was not affected.

Knee has been giving me a bit of grief - when I am at home I have been sitting with it up with ice on. This morning I had another appointment with the physio - felt better after she treated it.

On the 24th September my journey towards the comp starts. I am flying to QLD for 10 days - including a visit to see the ANB show, and time with Jo Rogers, then on the 4th October to Perth, where I will stay until after my show. 

We have our group fitness launch at the gym on the weekend. Grand Final theme - every Grand final has entertainment - you guessed it - that's me - I am going o present my 60 sec routine. Good chance to tan up and see how I am looking.......... feel a bit nervous doing the routine in front of people I work with and know - bit silly really.

Its time for the knee to go up in the air with some more ice, and nearly time for another meal. Hope everyone is feeling great with spring sunshine brightening your day. xxx

Good Head Space

When I took the journey towards the stage and competed for the first time in 2006, I can confidently say I was not in a good head space, and it had a HUGE impact on the journey, the end result and the after effects.

This time around I am reaping the benefits of focusing on the mental training as well as the physical training. It is the mental side which no one sees, but they do see, if that makes sense. No it has not been easy, and yes I have had days where I really wondered where I was and what i was doing........ anyone else feel familiar with this???

For a long time, I spent a lot of wasted time on nervous and anxious energy, and seemed to lose days and not really know what I had done with my time. I have been making a real effort to ensure I work on some of the non- training and dieting goals. Some of these include:

# making time to sit and relax every day - this is a whole new thing for me. I would run around doing things all day every day, and then wonder why I was exhausted.

# make sure I get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep every night

# prioritise tasks in a day - if not important and it did not get done it does not matter

# make sure I gave myself time during the day, so then I could give time to my family at the end of the day

I am seeing many benefits of doing what may seem like really small changes, but doing these things and remembering to do these things is really hard work. 

The time I am giving to myself is meaning I am not getting exhausted like I used to, and  I am finding new levels of self control which I did not even know existed in my world. I feel much more stable as a take this exciting journey towards my next competition. 

This morning I trained shoulders. I think I can say they are a reasonably strong body part of mine. I really liked what I saw - it is a huge motivating factor to keep doing what i am doing right now - because I have changed and the road I am now is leading me to a new place, rather than staying on the road I was on and still thinking I would end up in a different location. 

If we were speaking in Craig Harper words today - i can confidently say I have left my block sided pigeon hole. See Craig's post today and you will know what I mean. Its not scary to leave a pigeon hole, but it is scary thinking about it. Your the only one who can exit that square box - try it the benefits are amazing. xxx

6 weeks to go.......

Having a bit of a fit of the panics this afternoon.... will I be lean enough, will I pick my routine up quickly, ........ will I.... will I.......... 

Really should not be doing this to myself, but the harder I try not to think about it the more I do. I need to go and do something that occupies my mind so I don't let it wander.

Had a free meal today - enjoyed some cruskits with jam and 2 Anzac biscuits - Yum. Ready for what I call normal eating again now - oats for breakfast and then protein and vegetables. 

My husband has just left for Perth again for the weekend, and the nanny is also away so I am flying solo with my three year old - I sure hope he is on his best behaviour. Mike gets back on Sunday and then goes again next Sunday for another 4 days. Its a good thing I have my treadmill at home so my cardio is not compromised. 

Have to decide which tan I am going to use and book a hair appointment for colour and new foils before comp. Most other things are sorted now.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Maryanne xxx

Email from Adela Garcia

Today I received this email from Adela Garcia:

Hi Maryanne

thank you so much for the e mail and sorry for the delay in emailing you back. I had my surgery two weeks ago and things were a bit hard at the beginning and finally I am feeling better. I did not think it was going to be so bad :( but thank god I am doing so well having my boyfriend and mother helping so much. Please stay in touch and God Bless. 

Have to say i was pretty excited, and yes will be staying in touch. xxx

6 weeks and 5 days to go.........

........ and counting. Feeling pretty good - would have to say a bit tired, and at times not the nicest person to be around! I am writing everything down because memory at times is like a bucket with holes in the bottom, in the top and straight out the bottom!!!!!!!

Training is going really well - had plyo's in my leg training today - knee was great! Mind you took it pretty steady as it is not the time to be hurting myself again. Doing two cardio sessions a day now 6 days a week - don't mind the cardio as long as I have my ipod on listening to my music. 

Eating is good too - am really into the swing of it now....... avoid using the word diet as I feel it implies a short term fix...... never again will I weigh 95 kg!!!!!!! have had a little hurdel to get over though as our cooking gas suddenly ran out last night. Cooking today has taken on a whole new meaning.

My whole life at the moment revolves around sleep, eating, training, cardio and rest. So if Tucker is invited for a play date at a friends house it is planned around these things. My friends are been really supportive of this which is great...... thank you. 

Visited Craig Harpers site today - very bog light bulb moment. The biggest thing that really hit home was 

"we know what to do, but we don't do what we know"

This really got me thinking......... maybe it will get you thinking too. xxx

My return to weight training........

Today was D day - or should I say w day - return to weights day! I have been suffering for a week with a chest and throat infection and tonsillitis. Woke up feeling like I was back to normal so in I went.

I had an awesome workout. It was worth waiting for. I trained arms and legs together as I have a three day split for my training this week - normally do 5 day split but just needed to give my body a little rest. 

By the time I had finished my legs were on fire. I think DOMS is really going to come out to play!!!!!! Arms too for that matter. My workout was full of triple sets - so no time for rest..... by the time I was finished my clothes were drenched - a good indicator that I had worked really hard. 

Feel quite happy with were I am at 7 weeks and 2 days out from competition. Just need to keep this intensity up and I am sure I will do just fine.

Maryanne xxx

Time for me......

I am here sitting in my study on the computer and suddenly thought "oh no it's 2 pm and what have I done today". When I actually thought about it I realised I had done many things, and most of them were for me........ 

Treadmill workout at 6.30 am

Cooked meals for the day

Watched some of the Olympic coverage

Had a sleep

Flipped through a magazine

Time cruising around the internet

Spent time with Tucker

This is a little unusual for me - I am usually rushing through all my own things so I have enough time for everyone else. Well I have just realised at nearly 2 o'clock that I have not done that today. 

I actually feel really good. Must try this approach more often. 

Maryanne xxx

New tank is here

Postman has just been and my new Tank from the Fitness Factory has arrived. Guess what I will be wearing to the gym tonight. 

My head says......

This morning my head was saying I am sure you could return to the gym and train weights but my body said no way!!!! My chest and throat are still pretty sore, and am still coughing heaps.

I am doing my best at listening to my body, but boy oh boy it is really frustrating. I find it really hard when I can not get in there and have a really good workout.

Went for a power walk at 7 am this morning. I am really fortunate that my nearly 4 year old will still sit in a pram. It allows me to sleep till 6.30 am and then go once my husband has gone to work. I am not sure what I would do if my little TJ was not so compliant. We actually have a great time together - singing songs, playing I spy, and generally looking about - there is so much construction going on here at the moment there is never a shortage of things for him to look at.

Posted my competition entry forms yesterday - so it really is happening now. Sent a selection of different music to Jo Rogers for my routine. I really love the one she has chosen. 

The new trampoline is proving to be very popular. He plays out there on it for hours at a time. I am sure his legs must be feeling it. 

Have a great day 

Maryanne xxx

Listening to my body.........

Thank you to the wonderful advice from Lia Halsall  for the first time in a long time I am actually listening to my body....... and it is working wonders.

I got up and did cardio this morning, Treadmill intervals for 50 minutes, and managed fine - coughed a bit but not too bad. As i am listening to my body, I did not want to overdo it and try and go in and do a weight session too, so instead came home after dropping Tucker to occasional care and fell asleep - I could not believe it when I woke that I had slept for 2 hours. Obviously my body needed it. 

On Saturday my new program came through with new meal plan. It has the most delicious snack I wait for that meal to come around every day.

Here it is:

1 TBS almond spread (like peanut butter but made with almonds only)

1 scoop low fat/low Carb protein powder

1 small apple grated

Combine all three items with a small amount of water and either chill or heat...... YUM!

I have a three day split workout this week so plan on doing day one tomorrow - if I don't feel like i can give 100% i will wait a couple more days. In the past I would have stressed if I had not got in to do weights every day (5 days per wk), but am trying really hard to not live with my mind in a highly strung position. This is hard work for me - one to own up to it but 2 to actually acknowledge it and do something about it. 

In my bid to get better as soon as I can I am going to do more body listening and hit the couch with a book - the washing, folding, ironing and house work can just wait today.

Maryanne xxx

On the mend

Rest, Rest and more rest is what I have had this weekend. Knew if i did not stop and listen to my body, things were going to continue on a out of control downward spiral. Obviously I listened well because it is late Sunday afternoon and I am feeling much better. 

I have not trained all weekend which I have really missed - and I mean really missed, but from the rest I have had I am going to resume training tomorrow, but in a careful manner.

Mike and I bought Tucker a trampoline - he has had so much fun on it in just 2 days - well worth the investment. I even had a jump today - brings back childhood memories.

Mike arrived home from Japan on Friday - he had a great trip - covered lots of ground in a just a few days, but got everything done that he needed to. He bought back the most beautiful hand painted ornamental fan, some perfume, a T-shirt and wall hanging for Tucker. We missed him a lot, so we are loving having him home. 

It's meal time again for me and I have a rather tired three year old (all that jumping has worn him out) wanting my attention.

Maryanne xxx

"high expectations are the key to everything" Sam Walton

Black cat or broken mirror...........

Just a quick post........

Thought my knee surgery and gastro was enough to deal with.............. Now I am wondering when I broke the mirror or ran over a black cat............

I have a Chest infection, throat infection and tonsillitis............. antibiotics, and a little bit of rest and I should be up and running in no time......... Feel pretty rotten, but don't like to complain too much because in the scheme of things this is nothing compared to what other people have to deal with. 

This comp. prep. chick is hoping this is the last hurdle......... 

Maryanne xxx (or should i sign out as..... "the frustrated one"). xx

Feeling much better...

I am feeling much better now I have got over my bout of gastro. It really took the stuffing out of me.... almost literally. Muscles looked flat, and energy levels were pretty low.... not helped by the fact my husband is on a business trip overseas this week.

Anyway, Tucker has been really good for me - like most kids he does try and turn it on when dad is away. I can only assume Mike's trip is going okay, he called on Monday night from Tokyo. He felt such a long way away.

My boss who has not seen me for 5 weeks could not get over the changes that I had made to my physique in that time...... great feedback. I was pretty excited. I am about to head in to the gym - she is going to help me train back. 

Will blog again later and let you know how it went.

Maryanne xxx

Had a great workout - ended up training on my own, but all was good. Put my ipod on, head down butt up so to speak and hit my back hard. Then finished with 30 minutes on the step mill. Since Monday when I added weights to legs and increased levels in cardio my butt has been burning bad baby - love it though because it can only mean good things. Am off to bed for an early night. xxx

Not in the plan #2...............

Think someone is working hard to challenge me in this competition preparation...... had a dose of gastro for 12 hours from yesterday afternoon. Like my knee .... not really in the plan!

Felt bit flat, but still went in and trained legs this morning (see below), and did cardio at 7 am. Muscles looked bit flat, but since mid morning have had two good protein meals that have stayed in, and already look a bit better...... was a bit concerned there for a couple of hours this morning.

Mike called from Singapore last night at around 9 pm. he had had a good flight and was waiting for his connecting flight to Tokyo. Normally when he is away he talks to me every day, but on this trip because they are squeezing so much into a short period of time, he is not sure when we will be able to chat - I miss him heaps. 

This morning when I trained legs I added weight - just light. I could feel my knee working and by the time i had done the 4 sets, it was fatigued but not painful. Ran for 15 minutes on the treadmill in cardio at 7 am at 10 km/h - felt great.

Tucker has been at occasional care this morning for 4 hours - he always has such a great time. Today he did the most beautiful painting. I think we might have it framed and put it up on the wall.

House work is done, ironing at the ironing ladies, meals prepared...... I think this means I can go and sit down and relax.

Maryanne xxx

My week ahead......

Have just dropped my husband at the airport - he is on his way to Japan for a business trip. he arrives home on Friday 15th August - so just a quick trip!

Yesterday once my program for the week arrived I e-mailed my nanny and have booked her for all my training. She will come in the mornings at 6.45 am, and then again in the evenings so I can go back in for second session. It is great that everywhere in Karratha is only 5 - 10 minutes away otherwise she may as well live here. She is so flexible it's fantastic. She has a full time day job and then just works for me when I need her. Some weeks we see Tamarra every day - other weeks only once or twice. It is also a bit dependent if Mike is her or away! I am not sure what I would do without her.

I am taking Tucker to the motor cross track today - he adores motor bikes - he does not race but loves to watch. He is quite excited by the fact that dad might bring a Nintendo DS home! Mum will be monitoring usage... there is no way my child will become a overweight, couch clad kid!

Went out last night to a great lounge bar for dinner - so much on the menu to choose from and what did I have ....... chicken....... I eat it all day every day and still pick it when I have a free meal.

Got up and walked early this morning - now rest for the rest of the day, ready to hit training super hard for the next 9 weeks. 

Tried a couple of standing attacks in spin yesterday morning - was a bit apprehensive but knee felt great - will check with physio by phone this week if I can be adding this now. 

To the motor cross track we head...........

Maryanne x

Knee progress..........

The 080808 is a day of good luck for the Chinese and it is a day of good luck for me too.

Had another visit to my physiotherapist today and she has given me the go ahead to start to add weight to my leg training sessions, I can start to do Plyo work cautiously, and there are only very minimal restrictions to my cardio plan. Swelling and pain are my two biggest indicators if i am doing too much when I add this extra work in - but if this week is anything to go by it should be just fine! 

This is great news considering I am coming into the business end of the deal to be ready and be "the best that I can be for the IFBB and INBA state titles" in 9 weeks time.

Am off to the "Style on Stage" web site now to choose the colour of my suit. Have been walking around the house today in my shoes - everything has a whole new perspective at that height including dreaded DUST! But must say the walking at that height is getting easier!

The owner of Life and Soul in both Karratha and Broome, Cindy Kempton,  is coming down to Karratha next week, she has offered to train me according to my program from www.getphatonline.com while she is here - I have taken her up on the offer, so looking forward to it..... we all know the difference it makes when someone is there to assist.

Maryanne x

The art of creativity!

As most of you realise I am preparing for the WA  INBA and IFBB state titles, however 15 weeks out, after many physiotherapy sessions, my physio and I realised that surgery was going to be the only answer for my knee. So 14 1/2 weeks out from competition I took the chance that the competitions were still going to be in arms reach and had the key hole surgery. I resumed upper body weight sessions 3 days after surgery and returned to the bike 7 days post op. I am now 5 weeks post op. and can walk, run, ride, cross train, all with a reasonable degree of speed/ resistance. 

I am now operating at around 98% of my max. speeds and levels, but I wanted to make sure that even though I was not quite up to 100% speed / level on the cardio, that I was burning as much as I could so I invested in a X-VEST to add an indirect level of resistance to my training sessions. At the time when I made the order I wondered if it might be a waste of money but was willing to give it a go.

What's an X-VEST you may ask......... 

Its a padded vest that has 16 pockets which each take a 1/2 kilogram plate. The vest comes with 8 1/2 kilo plates and these are currently all in my vest. the vest itself weighs 1 kg so all together when I put it on I have an additional 5 kg. 

On Tuesday night I had a little test run - walked for 10 minutes on the treadmill - legs really felt it - I thought wow - 10 minutes is good what is a whole workout going to be like. By the way - knee was cool with the extra weight!

Yesterday morning I wore it for my entire 50 minute cardio session - I'm glad I just wore a crop underneath because by the time I was finished I was drenched. While I have it on I don't really seem to feel the weight as such but I do really notice that I am working at a much higher intensity. 

I really feel like this has enabled me to progress my training intensity while not over stressing a knee which was only operated on 5 weeks ago.

5 weeks ago I really thought my chances of stepping on stage were over for 2008! But look out I am firing on all cylinders and am ready to blast away the last 9 weeks before competition. Thanks to my sheer determination, a positive never say die attitude,  and a bit of creative thinking about my training sessions I am ready to bring out the best and show people just what MA is made of!!!!!! 

Big thanks go to Latisha Wilder, Jen Hendershott, Lishia Dean and all the gang at www.getphatonline.com

Better go - got to cook food, organise Tucker, feed dogs, have shower and be at work ready to smash my PT clients in 1 hour!!!! PS hope their ready for big workouts tonight!!!!

Maryanne xxx

Knee after leg training - read on it's all good news!!!!

After returning to leg training yesterday morning, my knee was a little sore in the afternoon - little been the key word - no swelling, just aching a bit. Initially it concerned me that I might have over done it....... but then after some reasoning I realised that if I had over cooked it - it would be swollen, really aching (like in need of pain killer aching) and my range of motion would be restricted. 

Well none of these things happened and I woke this morning to a fantastic feeling knee, but sore butt, quads, hamstrings, and calves from the training!!!!

Most "normal" people would have not enjoyed this pain but as a serious trainer / athlete I was excited. It meant that what I did yesterday, even though it felt like only a light workout, must have worked in all the right places.

Cardio this morning was the cross trainer - 5 minutes forward 5 minutes backwards - made the time pass really quickly. Normally when I get in from the gym in the mornings my husband is usually waiting and runs out to go to work as i run in, but this morning he had a later start so we were able to spend some quality time all together - it was really nice and enjoyed by all including Tucker!

I have not made a big deal about the fact that I am competing at the gym where I train - but I think people are starting to put 2 and 2 together. Some guys in the gym this morning made comment about how I was looking (one said it in front of his girlfriend - not sure how impressed she was). Not that i like to gloat but nice to know people are seeing changes!!!!!

Maryanne x

PS thanks to all for your support surrounding my return to leg training - it means the world to me.

LEG TRAINING

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!

I have just got home from training legs - it was the best feeling! My knee felt fantastic and I had really good control. 

It is really hard for me to believe what I have just done considering less than 5 weeks ago I had surgery on my knee and thought my competition hopes were over.

I feel on top of the world right now.

Maryanne. xxx

Training legs tomorrow..........

You would think I was getting ready for a $10,000.00 shopping trip with the amount of preparing I have done for tomorrow. I have my favourite shoes, training pants and top out, I have written all my exercises in my training diary ready to record reps and weights, I have packed my gym bag (even though that's the only place I have to go tomorrow) and I am about to have an early night ready to:

TRAIN LEGS 

(YES, I WILL BE CAREFUL)

Will blog again after training and let you know how it goes.

Maryanne x

"it is by tiny steps that we ascend to the stars" jack leedstrom

(tomorrow I am taking tiny careful steps)

A day at the beach

Tucker and I have just got in from a couple of hours at the Beach. I don't want you to be all jealous but it is a beautiful 31 degrees here today - made the most of it and spent some time working on my tan.

Last summer Tucker was not too keen on the beach and told everyone he did not want to be there...... this summer coming I think we might be spending lots of time there. Today I could not get him out of the water - he had the best time. I wish I had taken the camera - next time.

Off to do my weeks grocery shopping now.

Maryanne x

My Little man......

Today was what we call Fenacl in Karratha (the letters are the chemical symbols for iron ore, salt and gas - all the things mined and shipped from this town in WA). It is equal to the Royal show - just on small town scale.

Tucker is a little reserved when it comes to rides - even the children's ones so a trip to the show is often and cheap outing at the moment (not that i would mind if he did want to have a ride on something). Added to the no expense of rides, he is not keen on doughnuts, hot chips, dagwood dogs, fairy floss or any of the other high calorie, fat and sugar laden snacks sold at places like that. he must be following in mums foot steps with the food and the rides - I hated them when I was little too (not even keen on them now). 

He had the most enjoyment from sitting on the little motor bikes, and quad bikes - I can see down the track that one of these might be parked in our garage with his name on it! I love the expressions on his face. 

Looking at these pictures I can not believe my baby will be 4 in October. Both my husband and I are tall but wow - Tucker seems to be having some huge growth spurts at the moment - The flip flops he has on in the picture are size 13 - 1 - yes he has rather big feet and long legs because size 4 jeans are nearly too short! 

He is the joy of both my husbands and my life! We love you lots and lots Tucker.

Maryanne X

Physio on Thursday........

Had physiotherapy appointment again on Thursday........ well i walked into my appointment and danced out!!!!! Why did I dance out ......... because............

I can train legs

In case you did  not realise this is a favourite body part and due to knee surgery four weeks ago (15 weeks out from competition) I have had to lay off the leg training. After the physiotherapist looked at my knee and looked at my flexion and extension she said there is no reason why I can not start to add in light resistance leg exercises. I cant wait for Monday to come around now so I can do a leg session - of course i am going to need to cautious and not go gun hoe into the workout and then damage something. Plyo moves need to wait a few more weeks but as for the rest - look out here i come. 

I did a spin class on Friday morning and in 5 out of the 7 tracks i reached 84% max heart rate - it goes to show that even with limited dial but good speed with control that you can still work really hard. The spinning has really helped my knee. I am going to continue to try and do one class a week.

Clothes are starting to feel a little baggy - especially around my bum - bring it on. Some things have had to be put away as they just look far too big.

Diet (in my opinion the most important bit) is coming together really well. Water intake is up around the 5 litre a day mark so yes lots of toilet stops, but it does mean I don't feel empty or hungry. 

Entry forms for the comp. arrived this week - I was planning on only doing IFBB, but have now decided I will be there and ready I might as well do the INBA show in the morning as well. I am actually starting to feel really excited about the whole thing approaching. 

From the 1o th August for 5 days may be my most challenging period coming up. Mike my husband has to travel to Japan for work for 5 days - so no ability to go to the gym for am cardio - Treadmill at home will get a good workout that week. I am going to do lots of preparation so I avoid the.......

If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail

I better go and peg some more washing on the line - it is a shame daily tasks don't take care of themselves when you are preparing for comp. - wish we had the house like on the RAC insurance add where everything gets done on its own....... no magic fairies in my house unfortunately. The magic fairy is ME!

Maryanne x

Best Training session since surgery

Today it is exactly 4 weeks post op. - I am truly amazed and really think listening to the people who know best and maintaining a positive attitude with a never say die attitude has really helped the recovery.

This morning for pre breakfast cardio I -

• Ran on the treadmill at 8 km/h for 15 minutes
• Jumped on the cross trainer for 15 minutes at level 4 maintaining 70-80 rpm
• Rode the bike for 15 minutes at level 3 maintaining 85-95 rpm

Knee felt strong, stable and felt like it was tracking really straight. No swelling and no pain at all. Trained triceps and biceps today - which included mountain climbers. Before i started i did a bit of pep talking to myself and said if it hurts I must stop, but try and see what happens. Well it did not hurt, but my abs and butt did!!!!

This afternoon for my second session of cardio i got back on the treadmill with the plan to do 15 minutes of running at 8 km/h again - but got carried away with my music and realised i had run for 30 minutes instead. I must have really been in another world.

Tucker (my three year) old and I have started riding to the park in the afternoons for a run around together - he is only just fitting in the baby seat on the back of my bike ( so not only do I have gears for resistance but also a 19 kg dead weight in the seat). It is a really special time we have together - he loves it, I love it and it is also good for my knee to be doing the cycling. 

Low carb. fuzzy brain syndrome is setting in - went to the post office on Monday to post a posing dvd to Jo Rogers and realised when I got there with the dvd and had written her name on the envelope that I did not have her mailing address - phone call later and a re visit back later got the dvd off on the way to her. 

Have a hair appointment on Friday - have reasonably short hair, but am thinking of getting extensions for the comp. - bit undecided right now, but have 10 weeks to think about it. 

Am trying to spend minimum of 10 minutes each day in my posing shoes - I live in runners and flat shoes for 99.9% of the time so need to put in the work. Certainly do not want to have the tottery look on stage. 

It is 9.17 pm - yes close to my bed time. Got one last meal to have so off I go and put some more fuel in the tank for overnight.

Thanks for the vibes and positive comments.

Maryanne xx

.... and today was even better

Today I had my third visit to the physiotherapist and yes it is all good news. I have been a little concerned about my left leg not been able to lock out or straighten completely. Well today at Physio, I managed to get it the straightest it has been. 

We have now added 1/4 squats on the fitball against the wall, and 1/4 stationary lunges. When i went in to do cardio tonight I gave both of them a go ...... like everything else so far i managed to perform these without any difficulty or pain. 

Compared to two days ago I can really start to see a difference in the muscularity of my VMO. It had really been in a deep sleep since way before surgery, and it is starting to re-emerge from its hiding hole.

When you use the power of a strong mind it is amazing what you can achieve. Only a few days ago I had a flat moment where I was really frustrated and felt like i was not progressing with the rehab. Once i busted through this black cloud i realised that things were actually great. I have a repaired knee, and I am really grateful for all my opportunities in life, there are many people out there with far worse conditions than myself, which a simple operation will not cure.

I still have 11 strong weeks before my competition, my knee is functioning very very well considering this time 3 weeks ago I was hobbling around in severe pain. If i have come this far in 3 weeks, imagine what progress will have happened in another three weeks.

Am really tired tonight. Having an early early night.

Maryanne x

..... an excellent day.......

Well yesterday I said now I can..... well tonight i can say well now i have........

completed a 30 minute interval workout on the treadmill:

• 1 minute at 6 km/h
• 1 minute at 8.0 km/h
• 1 minute at 9.0 km/h

..... and I completed a 45 minute spin class. I stayed in the saddle the whole time and kept the resistance low, however did reach 82% max. heart rate through controlled speed. I also had a really great chest and abdominal workout. My knee has not swollen, and I have had no pain all day..... all good signs I would suggest. Its interesting how suddenly everyone becomes a specialist...... should you be doing that, isn't that too soon....... rather than, "wow its great to see your rehab progressing so well" 

Considering I am three weeks post op. on my knee this is truly a dream come true and way beyond what I expected. More physiotherapy tomorrow, cant wait. 

Its 9.42pm, I am usually in bed at this time so good night.

Maryanne x 

Knee Update

What a happy camper!!!!!

Had my second physiotherapy appointment today - exactly three weeks post op. I am now at a point were i can:

Run on the treadmill at up to 9.0 km/h

Use the cross trainer for up to 30 minutes at a level that keeps my knee tracking correctly

Ride the bike for as long as i like as long as my knee tracks correctly.

I am off to the gym tonight to train back but to also give the run a go on the treadmill. Feel a little apprehensive but am not going to know what it feels like if i do not try.

I need to continue with my knee rehab exercises - I can not quite get the left leg straight yet, but with time this will be fine.

With the increased cardio ability my goal of coming in under 10% body fat for October competition is clearly in my sight.

"to accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan but also believe" Anatole France

Motivation..........

October 2004. I had just arrived home from hospital after having my little boy. I have this photo as well as photos of when i competed in 2006, and photos of people who i aspire to like Jen Hendershott attached to my training diary. If i am struggling through my sets or am feeling a little unmotivated while i am training - a quick look through my photos of how i want to look and how i don't want to look (like above) ever again is a huge motivating factor for me. 

Yes that is nearly 4 years ago and I did not loose my baby weight as quickly as a superstar, but i can proudly say i am really proud of where i have come in this journey. Right now there is no end in the round. I just want to keep working really hard and see where this journey takes me.

Maryanne xxx

....... 12 weeks until WA IFBB State Titles

well here are my pics 12 weeks out from the IFBB WA State Titles. had to send the photos off the Jo Rogers at Styleonstage.com.au so she knew what changes to make to my new costume for the comp in October. "New Year New costume" - competing IFBB so will need to change from g string to Brazilian bottom. Thought it was a good opportunity to post them here as well so you can all see what i look like. All feedback greatly accepted.

As you can see in the photos my left knee is looking pretty good or 2 1/2 week post surgery. Still a little swelling to go but not too bad. I started rehab for my knee on Friday. I have a series of 10 exercises that I need to do at least twice a day - some as often during the day as i can. reps were initially really low due to fatigue and pain, however over the course of 4 days i have managed to increase to 2 sets of 10 reps for each exercise. 

My physiotherapist suggested i try level 2 on the bike and ride for 10 minutes and see if it had any impact on pain, fatigue, swelling etc. Success - no pain, no swelling and no fatigue. My cardio sessions are now consisting of:

• 30 minutes walking at 7 km/h varying incline between 0% and 6%
• 15 minutes cycling on stationary bike at level 2. Rpm 85-100
• 15 minutes of rehab exercises.
• On other days i include push ups, sit ups crunches etc. off the treadmill every 2 minutes

I have been continuing my upper body workouts - thank goodness i can still do these. I don't think I would be very easy to live with without any weight training. Because at the moment I can not fully train legs, my trainers at getphatonline.com  have decided I will train shoulders twice a week - once at the start the other at the end of the week. Jen Hendershott and her staff are amazingly supportive and even though they are thousands of miles away, i feel like they are right by my side. 

Dieting is going really well - really feel in control of what i am eating. I have a "Free" meal once a week but interestingly still find myself eating chicken, i just usually add noodles, and a sauce which i do not have during the week.

Its time to eat another meal so better go and eat!!!! (the story of a competitors life)

" People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of." Beth Bingham

 

.... and I can now ride the bike

...... Yeah!!!!!! I have visited my physiotherapist this morning and she has said i can start to ride the bike, little to no resistance, but at least i can do it.

The only swelling around my knee now seems to be the scar tissue....... it looks so much better than before surgery..... how I ever thought i might be able to compete when it looked like it did!

My husband has gone away to Perth for work for the rest of the week today so now i play a juggling game with my three year old Tucker. I have a fantastic part time Nanny who will come and look after Tucker at any time so i think she will be here quite a bit this week, and the weeks to come up until the comp. 

Have made more contact with Jo Rogers from Style on Stage regarding my routine, poses, bikini shoes etc. so i am sure she will be in touch soon..... poor lady she is so busy with all of us figure and fitness girls. 

Better go. I am going to hit the kitchen and prepare all my food for the week - i am not sure about others but i find it so much easier when meals only need heating rather than preparing from scratch during the week.

Maryanne x

Knee Progress....... + bits and bobs.

I am really pleased with the way my knee recovery is progressing. Swelling is reducing each day, movement is increasing, and pain is down to just about nothing. the fact that i am restricted in what i can do is VERY frustrating, but at the same time i do not want to inhibit my recovery. Prior to surgery VMO on Left leg had basically fallen asleep........ well today i saw some signs of it re waking up............ YEAH!

I am allowed to walk..... that's all for the lower body at the moment. Initially i was walking at 5.5 km/h. I have now been able to increase this to 6.5 km/h......... good progress in 3 days. I see my physiotherapist next Friday....... really hoping i will be able to add in some lower body rehab exercises. 

My upper body workouts are continuing as normal. I have even been able to do full Chest and Triceps push ups.... I just hook my bad leg on top of the other one and off I go. 

I have recently started seeing Jan Purser (Naturopath) at Food Body and Health in Mt Lawley. She is an amazing lady. It appears that my gut does not digest food as it should and my hormone levels are all over the place. As a result i am now taking 5 different herbs and vitamins, morning and night. Initially I kept forgetting to take them...... yes i know they are not going to do too much for me sitting in the bottle. Now that i have been consistently taking them I really feel like things are starting to change. Some of the symptoms i suffered from were sugar cravings, poor energy levels, fatigue, aches and pains, drowsiness, sleep problems, (yes i know most of these sound like the life of a fitness/figure competitor, but were evident even before this became a hobby),decreased ability to handle stress, and water retention. I feel like some of these have already started to reduce . I am really excited about how i am going to feel once they really kick in and get started.

I would highly recommend a visit for anyone to see a Natural Therapist........ its amazing what can be unearthed. Before seeing Jan, i thought this was just my make up and that i had to accept that this was how I would be............ now that there are reasons and the reasons are been treated..... WOW. 

Wore a pair of size 10 cargo pants i had only bought last week in Perth today.......... and they felt more roomy on me........ BRING IT ON!!!!!!!! Love this feeling... I am sure you can all agree.

Until next time, train hard but more importantly eat well.

Maryanne x

October 06 and June 2008

Thought i would add a picture of conditioning from my first competition and a picture taken at the end of last month. Competition tan does amazing things........ I think i am not that far off right now. My main aims of this competition is to:

1. Come in much leaner than before

2. Have spent plenty of time practising the poses.... to iron out as many faults/ flaws as possible

3. Know the right feel for the poses

4. maintain as much lean muscle mass as possible

5. have a polished routine, that i know like the back of my hand

6. enjoy the journey.... it is an amazing ride and i am loving it.

7. stay in good positive head space and listen to my body 

8. ...... probably the second most important....... to be confident and own that stage!!!! (yeah bold statement i know)

9. ..... the most important (for me anyway) is to compare myself to me myself and I only........ I am not going to compare myself to anyone else..... its my journey i am looking at.

Maryanne x

My Handsome "3" year old

This is a recent picture of my little rascal...... 3 year old ( going on 13) "Tucker Jackson Bailey". It only seems like yesterday that he was born. He certainly keeps me on my toes. He challenges most things.... as does any three year old, however at the same time he is very affectionate and is a real Mummy's boy. Loves motorbikes and anything that can make him move at a faster pace. Loves to tell people that mum has a a baby in her tummy and that he is going to have a sister in 10 weeks....... makes most people look at me with a very strange look!!!!!!

"Not in the plan"

well....... the latest news is that a week ago i had key hole knee surgery in Perth. I was in a no win situation... not have surgery and have a leg and knee that looked very abnormal, or have the surgery and hope that the recovery is quick and continue along my path to October.

I got home from Perth two days ago and so far so good. Of course lower body work is limited to walking for 20 minutes morning and night on the treadmill, however i can still smash my upper body.

Diet has really been scaled back because of my change in physical activity. Yes I am hungry, but hey, that's my choice and i am okay with that........ for now anyway.   

I see my Physiotherapist next week and hopefully the cardio will be able to expand to include the bike. 

I could have taken the easy road and said oh well this has happened i had better give October a miss but........ the fighting spirit came out and i decided i would give it my best shot. According to clothes i am already smaller than when i competed in October 2006....... so am staying positive and focusing on all the good things.

Will try and post some pics soon.

Maryanne 

..... "there is no easy way to any place worth going to"

MA's Blog

"First Post"

Hi all,

well here I am ... I have finally done something I have wanted to do for ages. Amazing what you can get done when you have a spare 5 minutes and a son who is preoccupied watching cartoons. 

I am still trying to navigate my way around this place ........ as soon as i know a bit more i will add more.

Maryanne