atherjen

Todays a NEW day. Im going to focus on living life to the fullest. 100% Enjoyment and Happiness!!. No boundaries. Just living each day as it is given to me, carefree of what others think. I have goals in life and Im not letting anything stand in my way. If I decide Im going to pack up and go to Egypt for the weekend, then so be it, Im going.
I just want to be able to be successful to MY standards, not living up to anyone else expectations but mine. If life decides to throw me lemons, Ill make lemonade (with sugar and enjoy it!)

" To dream anything you want to dream: That is the beauty of the human mind. To do anything you want to do: That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits: that is the courage to succeed."

NPC Southern Classic, June 3rd
NPC Cajun Classic, June 10th
NPC Mississippi State July 22nd

M.J.H.

Good luck Jen! I agree, focus on being happy and enjoying yourself, no more precontest dieting! Looking forward to seeing some new PR's set here.

Stats!
23 years old, 5'11.5", 206 lbs., ~8% bodyfat

380/455/655 bench/squat/deadlift (current)
405/495/675 bench/squat/deadlift (goals)

The M.J.H. Chronicles

Jill

Are you still gonna compete hon?

atherjen

thanks Mike!!
you betcha I wanna start to hit some PR's!

JIll - no
http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/sh...650#post543650

" To dream anything you want to dream: That is the beauty of the human mind. To do anything you want to do: That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits: that is the courage to succeed."

NPC Southern Classic, June 3rd
NPC Cajun Classic, June 10th
NPC Mississippi State July 22nd

Jill

Oops, just read your other journal. I support you 100%, as you ahev done for me. Keep up the hard work hunny!

Jenny

Jen, this is great news I was a bit worried about you there for a while, you didn't seem too happy It's all about balance and competing is not for everyone. I don't think it's a thing for me either. If you decide to do it later on that's great, if not that's great too You are an amazing person and you deserve the world
PM me if you want to talk honey

atherjen

Thanks ladies!!
you know Jenny.... others noticed I wasnt happy either. and thats important to me in life. I dont think I ever want to compete.. not worth it to me IMO.. for my life anyways. and If I ever even THINK of competiing again somone kick my butt and remind me of how I felt.. although I highly doubt it will cross my mind again! too much more to life I want!

" To dream anything you want to dream: That is the beauty of the human mind. To do anything you want to do: That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits: that is the courage to succeed."

NPC Southern Classic, June 3rd
NPC Cajun Classic, June 10th
NPC Mississippi State July 22nd

Stacey

Hey honey! I just posted in your other journal-- I think you took the words out of my mouth in your other journal last post.
I totally understand! You are a wonderful person who is going to be very successful in life!!
I don't think competing is for me either!!!!!

I support you all the way

Jill

What type of diet do you plan to follow now AJ?

LazyByNature

It feels really good once you've made the decision, doesn't it? All the stress and pressure goes away.

Do what makes you feel good, but remember that "moderation" is the key to happiness and health.

Good Luck and make yourself happy!!!

jstar

Hey AJ!

You have a great attitude & that will guarantee your success in any situation you face in your life! I can definitely relate to some of the things you've addressed. When I originally wanted to compete a few yrs ago there was no such thing as Figure so I had to go with BB (can't do Fitness-no gymnastics background & very inflexible). Anyways preparing was a total shock and I had no one to advise me. I did go to a BB camp/training thingy to learn from the experts but still felt lost and alone. I ended up dropping out to resume a normal life. Then I got the urge to compete the following year in the same show. I got all fired up, prepared, even paid for an online trainer but still dropped out. At that point I felt dismayed and that I shouldn't even attempt doing this anymore. All the dieting and training does take a toll and the worst part is that no one around you GETS IT and most think it's some sort of bimbo bikini contest or a freaky bb show - neither is true of course. I felt a lot like you do now - like why should I care about getting a stupid trophy and impressing people around me? I am certainly not torturing myself like this for anyone other than myself...so I resolved to forget competing totally. Then 2 things happened - first they starting having "Figure" comps where you don't have to perform a grueling posing routine or fitness routine. 2 - I realized I was not alone. There is a great lady in my area that has a choreography practice & designs routines for all the fitness girls in my area (and some who are far away too!) she also works with a nutritionist (former natty bb/fitness chick) and they have formed quite a great group for all girls who compete - fitness, figure and bb. Can I PM you about it? The thing is that with all the girls I've met now and all the great friends I've made through this group of girls, it is more like a party atmosphere at our comps. We have a blast! One other thing to keep in mind is that dieting for bb is way harder than dieting for Figure - in bb you have to get as lean and as many striations and veins as you can, whereas in Figure that look is penalized. In Fitness America in particular most girls are softer than you are now!

sorry, I do respect your decision not to compete totally. I just wanted to give you another point of view. I will be here for ya no matter what tho! GL!!!

david

This is something I can most certainly relate to!

Jen, whatever in life you decide on whether it's having the best damn body in the world to going to Egypt or deciding on having a spectacular evening doing whatever with whomever!

I think Bon Jovi said it best!! "It's My Life... I'm gonna live forever!"

I'm with ya 120 %!

Hammerlynn

I had to log on from work to comment about this AJ! You are an impressive young woman! You are such a cheerleader...I know you hate that but you inspire so many people on this board. I am so proud of you for realizing what you really want to do and going for it! I see so many people get caught up in dieting and focusing on this diet and that diet (I am a huge offender of this myself.) I am back to a plan that works for me and I am happy. I can eat whatever I want (that often includes a piece of chocolate each night) as long as I stick within my allotted guidelines. I run my training schedule and lift when I supposed to. I've also been giving Pilates a try. I am happy

You have inspired me today with your decision and I commend you as well as wish you every piece of happiness (or natty PB) that your heart desires. There is so much more that I'd love to ramble on with but the IS boys might get after me!

Hugs to you sweetie

Completed:
Indianapolis Mini Marathon 2004 and 2005
Valparaiso Mini Marathon 2006
Chicago Marathon 2004 and 2006

www.myspace.com/fitness_runner

naturaltan

You do what makes you happy ... I just hope you don't throw away all the work you've done to achieve your current bod! Keep lifting sweetie!

just kick'in it in the ole Charger

Sapphire

Jen ... congrats on deciding to be HAPPY!! THAT is what is important, doing what is right for you!!! I am there for you Babe!! If ya need to talk, PM me!

Sapphire
"Thank goodness that perfection is something I will never reach, which will keep me striving till the day I die" ...... GOPRO
http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/at...chmentid=17570
http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/at...chmentid=17638http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/at...chmentid=17567http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/at...chmentid=17622

atherjen

I think that I love you all! ... no I take that back. I KNOW I do!

Jill- no specific diet plan. I dont want to get wrapped up in the fine guidelines or specfics of something that I HAVE to follow. Ive dieted before, both for myself and now precom, Ive ate to build muscle, and Ive ate to be healthy... and that is what Im going to do. Be healthy and not get fat. I do have a possible photo shoot for fitness appearal catalogue here in a couple weeks so I have to stay together for a while. hehe.
I just want to maintain... Im not looking to add more muscle anymore. I just want to lift heavy!

LBN- I feel a million times better. I feel as though a ton of stress has just vanished. no more constant worrying!

Jstar- Im glad that there is someone that can relate to how I felt. I really dont think Ill ever want to compete again. I know figures an option.. heck Im too lean for that now at 10%bf..and I have too much muscle anyways. I just think that for now in my life I want to enjoy it and not push myself to a competitive level..live life for me. ya know. but you can most certainly PM me if you'd like girl! thanks!

David- OMG!! funny story. In my grade 12 health class we had to pick a song that best described ourselves and play it to the class and then tell why it was us. anyways I picked "Its my Life" by Bon Jovi!!! thats SOO ironic that you shoud bring that up! lol
the song is veryyyy true tho!
I really appreciate your understanding!

Heather- could you pass me some tissues girl? aww that was so touching, really. I dont know how anyone could call me an inspriation, gosh.. I told a few ppl today that I wasnt going to compete and they said that I just didnt have the disipline to get to stage.. unless they actaully put themselves through the hellish diet I think they should shut their traps.
I always was a big believer in moderation and enjoying life.. although I do tend to me hard on myself a lot I hate seeing others get down on themselves for one slip up. life isnt a day long, its many years.. and it takes time for us to reach our goals. and enjoying every part of it as we attempt to get there is what counts eh!
basically to sum it up I just want to live a joyful and satisfied life and not let bb consume me and become an obsession where it goes to extremes. thanks for the support girl! husg backatcha!

NT- thanks! dont you worry... NONE of my hard work is going down the drain. I will continue to work heard and lift.. its my passion. but competing is not!

thanks Cyndi!! can always count on everyones supprt!

" To dream anything you want to dream: That is the beauty of the human mind. To do anything you want to do: That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits: that is the courage to succeed."

NPC Southern Classic, June 3rd
NPC Cajun Classic, June 10th
NPC Mississippi State July 22nd

ncgirl21

Good decision sweetie!! You've got my support no matter what you do!! You've already got a "competition body" in my opinion so why mess with perfection

greekblondechic

****BIG HUGS****

I'm so glad you're going to do what makes you happy, that is much more important.

No more sad Jen only happyyyyy

Stacey

Have a wonderful weekend Jen!!!

atherjen

aww ncgirl! thats too nice of you! thanks girl!

you got it Greek! *hugs* back! no more sad! only happy!!!

thanks Stace! hope you have a great weekend too!

" To dream anything you want to dream: That is the beauty of the human mind. To do anything you want to do: That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits: that is the courage to succeed."

NPC Southern Classic, June 3rd
NPC Cajun Classic, June 10th
NPC Mississippi State July 22nd

atherjen

Feb 6th

meal 1-
oats(=35g carbs)
10 egg whites
1 yolk

meal 2-
1can tuna
mush/lettuce
coffee w/1T half/half

~train

meal 3-
oats(=35g carbs)
whey protein-isolate(27g)

meal 4-
150g chicken
peppers/broc/mushrooms
coffee w/1T. half/half

meal 5-
125g chicken
2 egg whites
1T. pb
broc.peppers.mush

meal 6-
whey protein-casein/egg (30g)

training = back/bi's
-bent over bb rows
70/10(warmupset) 90/12, 100/10, 110/6.5, 110/6
-t bar rows
90/11, 90/11, 110/8
-isolateral row
90/12, 110/10, 110/9
-nautilus pullovers
100/10, 100/10, 110/8
-standing bb curls
50/12, 60/10, 60/9
-lying incl alt db curls
20/9, 20/8 drop 15/9, 20/8 drop 15/10
-straight bar cable curls
40/9, 40/9 drop 20/12, 40/8 drop 20/11*

*that is a VERY weird cable machine.. those weights are seriously off. I swear. I used to curl wauyyyy more at the cable machine back home.. the weight numbers just dont seem right to me. ah well. thats what I got according to the machine. lol

" To dream anything you want to dream: That is the beauty of the human mind. To do anything you want to do: That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits: that is the courage to succeed."

NPC Southern Classic, June 3rd
NPC Cajun Classic, June 10th
NPC Mississippi State July 22nd

Jill

Crazy workout girl!!! You are so strong! Got the 1/2 n 1/2 under control, ya for me! Have a super weekend sunhine, Im stuck at work alllll weekend! Atleast I can play on IM!!

atherjen

thanks Jill! (although I disagree with my strengtth) I plan on working to build it up more!all this weak sillyness is out the window!
ughh work all weekend? I work tomarrow and thats it. where do you work?

" To dream anything you want to dream: That is the beauty of the human mind. To do anything you want to do: That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits: that is the courage to succeed."

NPC Southern Classic, June 3rd
NPC Cajun Classic, June 10th
NPC Mississippi State July 22nd

PreMier

Well, I guess I can drop in and say hi. Even though your not competing.

P-side Inc.

"the post-workout high is more profound than any drug-induced rush imaginable." -Dante B.

atherjen

for sure PreMier! dont be a stranger!

" To dream anything you want to dream: That is the beauty of the human mind. To do anything you want to do: That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits: that is the courage to succeed."

NPC Southern Classic, June 3rd
NPC Cajun Classic, June 10th
NPC Mississippi State July 22nd

david

I sense a ray of light followed by warmthness and heat. I detect it's coming from Halifax, Canada! Hey Jen! Have a great weekend sweetie if I don't get to talk to ya online, Cutie!

Jill

AJ, I work for Telus Mobility-the phone company.