Lean Bodies - Ali Swanson

Well, here I go! I dropped freaking 5.5 pounds of water this week. LOL Due to lots of things, probably, but isn’t it amazing how that stuff works? I find it fascinating. Not so fun to watch when you are at the top of it, though, and wondering why you are so darn FAT! haha

You know what else is funny? A very lean tummy…all bloated with water. It looks so ODD. I look like a preganant person by the end of the day. My waist is about 2 feet thick. By morning, it all goes away, though…after my 17th trip to the bathroom over night.

I’m not sure what the plan is for eating tonight…or tomorrow AM. Erik is waiting to make a judgement call after he sees my AM pictures…which I just sent him. Whatever it is, I’m ready.

I’m feeling pretty decent about the package I’m bringing this time. You never know about placings, but I feel like this was the right thing to do for this show…after much prodding from all the people in my life. LOL

So, I’m all ready to take off. Well, mostly ready. The kids are at grandma and grandpa’s. I’m mostly packed…just need to do some last minute stuff, shower, and then we’re out of here!

Shwew! I’m feeling a little better this morning. I’ve dropped some more water, so I feel better about my legs. Glug-Glug-Glug. That’s what I’m doing for today and tomorrow. Drinking, drinking, and more drinking. I have to take the kiddos down to my mom’s, so I’ll be on the road for 4 hours! Have to plan the stops. Then travel again tomorrow. haha! The things we do! The plan is coming together, though.

Wow, I’m 3 days out from another show. I really can’t believe I’m doing another one this year. It hasn’t really been in my heart to prep for this. Only hit it for 4 1/2 weeks or something like that. As a result, I’m coming in bigger. Something that is probably good for me to test, but that I don’t feel completely comfortable with. I am sacrificing some conditioning in my lower body, for some upper body size and fullness. It’s probably a 5-6 pound difference.

On the plus side, I have gotten some positive feedback from some people that matter, so I’m going to give it a go. I am also feeling good about being on stage…and THAT has taken some work. It might be a different story once I get there, but at the moment, I’m feeling good.

So, my hair and nails got done today. That’s a check, check off the list. I looooooove my hair color, so that’s a good thing. Tomorrow I take the kidlets to my mom’s, then I can finish packing when I get home, and then head out on Friday! Here goes nothing…

I know, I know, I know….it doesn’t matter.  Here’s the thing.  I’m the same weight.  Well, when I told Erik what we were doing, I was 111, then jumped up to 112.5, and now I’m back to 111.  I look better.  So same weight and look better = good news.  I know that in my head.  But I’m also thinking…I weighed around 105 for other contests, soooooooooooo  there’s no way I’m going to make it. What can I lose?  2 more pounds…maybe 3.  That will put me at 108-109.  Hmmm.  I guess that sounds good.  I guess I just want to see it NOW. 

I’m also gettine frustrated with where I should go with this…and if I should do it at all, anymore.  It seems like I am dipping into our summer plans too much, taking away from the kids, etc.  I don’t know if it’s worth it. 

 Ok, it’s a down day for me, I guess I should quit writing in here.  I’m off to eat my eggs…and then work out.  COMPLEXES…ergh.  But they are not half as bad as the bodyweight stuff I have to do.  LOL

Well….I did it! I stepped on a national stage. That was my goal, and I followed through.. I learned a lot of things this weekend. Sometimes you have to experience things first hand to really get a feel for what is going on. I have some very valuable knowledge and experience, now, about how national competitions work and what you have to do and what you have to look like to become successful. I am not sure what path I will take at the moment. That is going to take some serious thought and discussion, but I feel like I have much more information to base my decision on, now.

One thing I know for sure is that I’m taking a break. Time to give a little time back to my family and not stress about shows for a while.

For those that have supported me through all of this. Thank you so much. I would not & could not have done it without you. Your kind words and encouragement mean the world to me.

Thank you, Erik for getting me there.

Just a quick update…

Weight…holding at 103.

I have been not feeling that great.  Not sure what that’s about, but it’s nothing serious.

Tons of things to do today…laundry, pack, shop, bake, suits, AND all of the other stuff I normally do.  Ergh. 

Don’t quit drinking coffee cold turkey.  I had a tremendous headache.  I had so much water yesterday that I didn’t get any coffee in.  I felt awful!!  Had to take a nap.

 Weight 103.   I haven’t seen that number since before my March show (the qualifier), but I haven’t really tried to get ripped for the others, either.

 Last night I sat in the tub for about an hour…trying to get the rest of my tan OFF, so I can start putting it back on.  I think I about rubbed my skin raw. 

On tap for today…house stuff, grocery shopping, and put more stones on my suit.  Oh, and pose. 

 See ya. 

Weight this AM 104. 

Water high.  I feel like crap, again.  I think it might be caffeine withdrawal….lots of water/no caffeine.  It feels almost like last Friday.  Ugh.

 I napped…and I am drinking a Diet Coke.  Ergh.    I need to do stuff, but I just can’t….

This is for my JN girls….Noel, Kelley, Neely, Patricia, Laura…

I’m in possibly the best shape of my life.  I’ve trained since last November for this show.  These 2 days, June 15-16.  Now is the time.  I’m on.  I’m ready to go. I’m almost as lean as I’m going to get, I’ve worked my ass off, I’ve practiced, & I’ve worried….

 It doesn’t matter what happens with the placings…we all know how that can go.  Now is the time to get up there and show eveyone the hard work that we have done.  That’s why I’m going there, and I’m going to be happy about it.  So there.  :p

Let’s bring it on in, girls. 

Love you guys,

And thank you Erik…for putting up with me for this long, and your support through all my ups and downs.

XO,

Ali