I get on the scale this morning and my weight is up 2lbs., but I think I look smaller. What is going on? I am not quite sure. I did have some Mexican food this week ( I only ate half of what was on my plate), so could I be retaining fluid or putting on muscle? Both could be a possibility. The only way to really know is to do my body fat. Knowing my history, fluid retention is the culprit and I need to drink more water to get it off. My workouts this week were very intense and I plan on doing similiar workouts this week. If my weight does not go down or continues to go up, then I will be forced to rethink my workout. My body plateaus quickly when it thinks I am doing too much cardio. Sounds weird, I know. This will be a great topic to blog about. Cardio vs. Weight training. This is always a great debate topic between trainers and one I will enjoy writing about. Check back for this one.

The Financial Cost of Competing

It’s about that time again. Time to plan for the show. The biggest part of this is budgeting for the contest. I thought I would share this with my readers just in case any of you were curious. Here is a list of estimates for one show. I consider training to be for 12 weeks for these estimates.

1.  NPC card (required every year)                                           $90

2.  Registration (I compete in open and masters)                     $160 (shows differ)

3.  Spray tan ($120 at the show, I have my own machine)         $120

4.  Hotel (usually a two night stay at average $80/night)          $160 + taxes

5.  Training (I have someone check my body fat)                     $60     

6.  Suit (can vary, my goal is to stay below this)                      $150

7.  Hair (highlights etc.)                                                        $120

8.  Hair (if you were to pay someone to do it day of show)       $60

9.  Makeup (I do my own, but do purchase stage colors)          $50

10.Gas to get there (don’t forget this)(my show 880miles)      $135

11. Protein Powder (this is an average for me for 12 weeks)   $125

12. Food (eating healthy costs more)

13. Manicure/Pedicure (This is important)                              $60

14. High Heel shoes (I already have them)

15. Accessories (Earrings and bracelets)                                 $50

16. Admission for my spouse                                                 $50

17. Food for spouse and me after show                                  $75

18. Clothes (few new outfits…much smaller size)                  already have

As you can see, the cost is close to $1400 a show. I just asked myself, why am I doing this? This first show I have decided to get sponsors or raise the money. I plan on selling

 t-shirts like of friend of mine did. She was pretty successful taking this approach. I also have a couple of things in the works to help offset the cost.

So what now? Well, I am going to finalize the design of my suit and start working on the t-shirts I want to sell. As my show date gets closer, I will see about getting some sponsors. I will continue to train and sculpt my body the best I can.

It's been a while since my last blog. Illness and bad weather around here has really impeded my progress. I feel as if I have not been consistent at all the last couple of weeks. I did have a birthday, #37, and did celebrate. I haven't given up my meal plan, just not been perfect on it. My goal was to lose 6lbs in 6 weeks. Not surprisingly, I am off by a week and a half. I will push thru another week, then take pictures and do my body fat. I think I am at a good starting point for dieting for a show, if I can stay here.