7 Weeks Out

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My debut feels like it's right around the corner! So crazy. I'm nervous, scared, and so UNPREPARED! Since starting with my new coach 1.5 weeks ago, I can definitely feel a difference in lean-ness, but my weight is not dropping :/ He cut my cardio in half, added more calories and his workouts are absolutely KILLER. I love it. He will probably adjust a few things this weekend such as nutrition/macros. I know I have at LEAST 12lbs of body fat I need to drop prior to show. I definitely feel happier, stronger, and so much less stressed out than I was. Still worried/stressed about the show, but I am happy with my new coach! It makes a big big difference :)

1: 9mo post partum (136lbs)

2/3: 10.5mo post partum (130lbs)

6 week difference 

It's always pretty nice when I compare like this. I always see that I AM making progress. But, I need to make more, faster. Competing kind of gets to your head because you make soooo many changes, yet you can always do better. I guess it's a good thing- you're always striving to be a better you and challenge yourself. If it's something you enjoy that is. I may not do the best at my first competition, but there are plenty to come- they aren't going anywhere. All I can do is continuing to better my package to bring and keep pushing, keep trying, and doing my absolute best. 4 years ago when I got into fitness, I would dream of getting my Pro Card, helping others achieve their goals, being on the cover of fitness magazines and being a fit icon ;P That was even before I had even competed and lived in Okinawa, Japan. I stalked my fitness idols on fb, did their workouts and did so much research haha. I dreamt BIG. I still will. I'm far from my dreams, but I won't give them up. 

Things I need to do:
1. Register for an NPC card
2. Register for my show 
(Not sure if I'll just do Open A or Novice as well)
3. Buy suit(s) 
(I'm still losing so I've been putting it off)
4. Decide on spray tan or getting lotion to have hubby apply
5. Posing practice - I am terrible!
6. Book hotel for night before
(We are 2 hours away, but I'd rather not rush and have a place to do everything)
7. Buy foundation
(Cousin in-law will be doing my hair & make-up, thank goodness :) But I still need to buy the dark color to match the competition tan.)
8. Silicon inserts
(Need some 'oomph!' and cleavage!)
9. Get simple pedicure/manicure 
10. Buy earrings and bracelet

I think that's it?? It's definitely an expensive sport. At least for a first time competitor. You can always use most of these things such as suit/jewelry/shoes/makeup/inserts for as many times after, if you choose to. Which I definitely would… Ha. I cannot wait to buy my suit(s)! I won a raffle from Ravish Sands for $125.00 back in Nov/Dec on IG and will be using that towards them! Yes, I'm purchasing 2, not only to have a spare "just in case" but if I do more comps,  I have a choice as well. I have the colors and connectors chosen, just waiting to see what my measurements and weight may be… It's hard to tell right now. Oh, I haven't decided on 'micro' or 'brazillian' as far as the booty cut goes… I'm scared of both! They are so freakin teeny weeny… Your ass just sticks out and that's that… Guess that's why the bikini division is so big on glutes! Mine is coming along though, so in 7 weeks I will be able to put on that teeny weeny bikini and flaunt my hard work LOL ;) 

One of the things that helps most to stay on track is BEING PREPARED! If you work all day long and are one of those people that waits until their starving then grabs the first thing they can get, then you definitely need to change some habits! These isobags come with so many cute or badass designs and they have 3 ~ 6 meal bags. All YOU have to do is prepare your meals, pack and go! They stay fresh and you will stay on track all day- I guarantee it. Failing to plan is planning to fail! Use code CORAL10 for 10% off entire purchase :) 

YOU are in charge of your now and future. If you're unhappy about whatever it is in your life- relationship, body, job, major, color of your room, etc- DO SOMETHING. You have the power to change anything you want! It may not be easy, it may be a slow process, but taking small steps into making those changes will make a big difference in the end. Just do it! Even if it scares the shit out of you, do it! I know it seems like all I care about is fitness- but it's not true. I enjoy getting out of the house, the little things in life (my son's smile), traveling, learning, photography, and cars!! There is SO much I want to do. Right now my main focus is this, but eventually I will start adding more goals and things I want to accomplish. Nothing feels better than accomplishing hard goals you set for yourself! The ups and downs make it that much more sweet! 

xoxo

Follow me on IG: loveliftdrift 

12 Weeks Out

Today I am #12WEEKSOUT from the Jay Cutler Classic in Boston, MA! 

I was hoping my first show would be the Montanari Bros Powerhouse classic, April 5th, in New Haven, CT, but I won't be ready (which I'm okay with). Unless I magically lean out and look amazingly stage ready in 5 weeks :P No use beating myself up over it. All I can do is bring my best lean-mean-tan-package to that first show, May 24! Which will be a big one! I received my new meal and training plans from my coach on Monday, and I'm really excited! I've been muscle building for a while now and it's nice to have my usual routine changed up. It's harder and more rigorous, I love it! More sets, drop sets and different cardio regimen has been incorporated :) 

One thing I've come to realize, especially reading some other competitors' posts on IG, is the importance of balance. I've read posts of girls doing lots of fasted cardio super early in the morning, going back later for  hours of weights, not having anytime to themselves, and not having that BALANCE. Which is super important when doing anything. You can't lose yourself in the process. You have to have personal relationships, ENJOY LIFE, and know that you are doing what's best for you and what makes you happy. I don't necessarily mean go bar hopping and getting drunk off your ass and binging on crap, especially during contest prep, but you know what I mean. I remember in the beginning, my coach was very awesome while I continued to breastfeed Sylas. He didn't tell me when I had to stop, he gave me the appropriate nutrition to start this journey but to also have enough calories to keep breastfeeding. I told him when I decided to stop. Even after stopping, he was understanding of all my hormonal changes, that my body wasn't balanced yet and still adjusting, and would eventually even out. When I was 12 weeks out from the show I was hoping to do, the April 5th one, I told him "I'll go do cardio twice a day, I'll do whatever you want me to do to make that show." and he said that I shouldn't have to kill myself in the gym and hours of cardio, that he wouldn't starve me, and it shouldn't be that hard of a process. Honestly, at first I was like UGHHH,  because I was willing to do whatever it took to make that show. Now, I realize how dumb that was. When you do that, you really fuck your body up. Not just your body (metabolism), but you become mentally tired and lose yourself and the love of the process. My advice for anyone new competing or future competitors, if you have a GOOD coach that knows what their doing, TRUST in them and most importantly, TRUST in the process. That way you will LOVE the process. What fun would it be if you're dreading every day of it?

I wanted to do this little info post. To shed a little bit of light for those not familiar with bodybuilding competitions. Yes, I'm doing a bodybuilding competition, but I'm not doing the 'bodybuilding' category. For women, there are 5 categories: bodybuilding, physique, fitness, figure and bikini. Actually, I'm not even sure if they still do the bodybuilding category because I think it changed to "physique". But anyways, save the "ew she looks gross" "too manly" and ignorant hateful comments. ALL of these categories take so much dedication, self-discipline and commitment that most people do NOT have.

^ This is what people generally think of when they hear "bodybuilding competition". This is the bodybuilding category. Bodybuilders, as you can see, are the most muscular out of all the categories. They perform their routine to music, barefoot, showing off all their big muscles.

  

^ These are the rest of the categories. I'm going to go from right to left; more muscular to less muscular. All beautiful, bad ass women right here.

PHYSIQUE: (LOVE DANA!!) This is the second most muscular category with very low body fat %. They perform in groups, doing different poses, showing off their hard-earned definition.
FITNESS: One thing that sets this division apart from the others is that there is a fitness routine to music where competitors show off their flexibility, gymnastics, strength, and physical fitness. They are athletic and fit.
FIGURE: (LOVE NICOLE WILKINS!!) Judges look for the same type of physics as the above, fitness competitors, but they do not perform to a routine. These competitors are judged from all angles and the goal is to have an athletic appearance- wide shoulders, slim hips, and thighs. More condition and defined than the next category, bikini.
BIKINI: Competitors are very lean in this category. Judges look for a softer look than all other categories. Bikini girls are judged on balance, poise, physical appearance, front/right/back angles. Tight and toned. This category has gotten very popular over the last few years.

Remember, they don't look this ripped and lean all year long. This is the competition look. They are much fuller during off season.

So there you have it! My ideal physical look that I love and want to achieve is between bikini and figure. I love both of those categories and maybe one day I will move from bikini to figure. But, for now, I want to start with bikini and see how it goes.

I started getting into fitness around 2009/2010. I saw my first bodybuilding competition in Okinawa, JP at the gym I used to work at (GUNNERS!!) and from then on I was hooked. I've always done research since then. I've been wanting to compete for a while now, but with lots of moving the past few years, some ups and downs, and with being pregnant it has been put on hold. Now, I get to chase my dreams :)

PROGRESS PICS!

9m preggo: 188lbs
1: 2w pp 164lbs
2: 3m pp 154lbs
3: 6m pp 148lbs
4: today, 9.5m pp, 133lbs

-55lbs!!! wooooooooooo

When you want something, you put your heart into it! I don't just want to lose weight, I want to have confidence, I want to love my body, I want to compete, eventually earn my PRO CARD, I want to help others achieve the "unachievable" and strive for progression every day.
This is my passion. This is what I love to do.

I don't starve myself, I don't spend countless hours doing cardio, I don't even spend over 2 hours in the gym total a day, I take my rest days, and I ENJOY this process. I cannot wait to see more changes as I begin my cut!

Follow my IG for more: loveliftdrift

xoxo

9 Months PP Progress

9 months of pregnancy & 9 months post partum = 18 months of crazy ups and downs… and not just with weight. Damn, time flies! I have learned so much and have loved every minute, good and bad <3 I love being his mommy. If you're a parent, you know the feeling. The feeling of true love, joy, amazement and happiness that comes from just looking and thinking about your baby. Gah, I love it. It's indescribable. I am so blessed to have such a healthy and happy babyboy! 

Above is the little note I've been keeping track of on my phone. I wish I had my accurate body fat % for every month as well because that is way more important than numbers on the scale! 

Well it took me 9 months to put on almost 60lbs, and it's taken me 9 months to almost lose it all. I got pregnant about 5lbs above my normal weight and I'm a couple lbs from pre-pregnancy weight, which is awesome, but my body composition is still different… As in, body fat %, hip width, etc. Some things I will never be able to change back to the way they were, and I'm ok with that.

Progress photos time!

It's nice to see Betty-Back-Fat disappear :) 

1: 1 week PP / weight unsure 

2: 3 months PP / 154lbs

3: 11.11.2013 almost 6 months PP / 150.8 / 27%BF

(started with coach)

4. 9 months PP / 135.8

It has also been 14 weeks down with my coach!

The human body is amazing. It is capable of doing the unthinkable. It is stronger than you think. Your mind will give up before your body will. With the right motivation, dedication, consistency, foods, fuel and training, you can transform into anything you set your mind to. You just have to decide to do it. You have to want it enough to make it a lifestyle.

How bad do you want it?

I feel a bit more confident now. I feel less obsessed about losing the weight. I wish I didn't stress as much as I did in the begining  because if you want to lose it the healthy way, it all takes time. Every body responds differently. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bitter about the women that got their sexy tummy back in a few months' time, or the women getting to step on stage  so quick to compete, the women living my dreams while I've taken steps backwards with this weight gain… but then again, I know I am doing my best, giving it my all, and I'm doing it all the healthy way. My turn will come, and I'm going to chase the hell out of my dreams and reach them.

I get questions about what foods to eat, cardio, weightlifting, supplements, etc etc, and for my next blog I'd like to answer questions YOU have. 

Send them to my email: 

suarezcoral@hotmail.com 

or write in comments below!

Don't forget to follow my IG: coral.suarez

xoxo

11.5 Weeks Progress

I was going to wait until 12 weeks down to post, but close enough. I promised myself I would share my blog once I made 6 posts- so here it is. The oldest post is on the bottom, from November 2013 to the newest right here, on top.  I've been learning a little something about self-doubt and what not… Even when I've been in the best shape, it was always never "good enough". I've always dealt with a lack of self-esteem and confidence issues since I can remember, but I'm trying to learn to love my body, no matter what form. To not be ashamed of where I am at. I've always been jealous of women with great confidence and that not giving a shit what people think of them attitude. I hope to get there one day. Self esteem issues can really hurt more than your relationship with yourself. 

I'm going to continue to post helpful things, and if I can help or inspire even one other person, I will be happy :)

I try to post the good stuff, and I just want to keep it real now. It's not always easy for me if that's the idea you have of my journey. If it were easy, I wouldn't of gained 60lbs during my pregnancy, or I would have lost it the first 3 months. I may not post the struggles, but that doesn't mean I don't go through them. I just like to keep it positive as much as possible because that's what's motivating.

So here is my progress so far:

1st photo: 1 week post partum

2nd photo: 5 months & 3 weeks PP 

(first photos I sent to my coach)

3rd photo: today, 8months & 2 weeks PP

(11.5 weeks down with my coach)

-50.6lbs 

I am #9weeksout and a half ;) Last post I said I would be "throwing in the towel" if I had to push my first show back to June, but I've honestly realized that it's OKAY if I have to, I'm not a failure if I have to, and I am damn proud of my hard work.

I have tons more work to put in, but slow and steady wins the race! And I'm here to win ;)

To be honest, finding motivation for the gym isn't hard for me. I love lifting, I love sweating, I love cardio and I love the burn and pump! It's my addiction. At least it's a healthy one :) Where I seem to struggle is the diet. I'll make a whole separate post on "clean eating" and "macros" some other time.

For more of my journey follow my IG: coralsuarez

xoxo

Discouraged

9 weeks down… and with a combination of my first competition moving up and me miscounting the weeks like an idiot, I am #12weeksout (two days ago). It feels like it's right around the corner. I met with my coach one week ago and we talked diet/nutrition, supplements, training and checked out to see where my body was. I send in progress photos 2x a week and weigh in 3x a week, but you always get a better look in person. In the last week I have stopped breastfeeding and have started taking supplements and vitamins. Basically, my body's hormones are imbalanced… and it sucks. 

I took these last week. I was actually feeling quite confident that I would be able to make my first show in 12 weeks. Now, I'm not so sure. I haven't taken a bite off of my diet, I work my ass off in the gym, I have followed his plan and I feel like my body has come to a halt this past week by me stopping breastfeeding, starting supplements, and now I got my period for the first time in over a year and a half. I just really hope my hormones sort themselves out soon. I haven't thrown in the towel yet, as in pushing my first show back to June (instead of April). 

I've also checked out fellow competitors and they have already started posing practices, leaning out and I'm here, still fluffy, waiting for my 'in season' plan to hit my inbox.

Just had to vent a little.

Follow my IG for more daily posts: coralsuarez

Hopefully my next post will be a more positive one.

""All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity. But the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible."

xoxo

7 Week Progress

7 weeks down!

1st photo: 11.11.2013
2nd photo: 4 weeks down
3rd photo: 7 weeks down 12.28.2013. 

Excuse me looking rough, I usually take them early morning or after a long day.

#19weeksout

1: 150.8 lbs

2: 145.0 lbs

3: 141.4 lbs 

I see most of my changes in my mid-section and booty/thighs. I wish I saw more of a difference in those side photos, but now I know my extra stubborn spots. I feel stronger, and my muscles are growing! Loving this. Soon I'll be finishing my off season and then the fun part starts ;) 

The workouts that used to kill me are now enjoyable. I'm loving these changes and I LOVE the burn every day.

The holidays were difficult. I allowed myself some cheating on Thanksgiving & Christmas. I actually didn't eat as much as I thought I would, but I have a really bad sweet tooth!! I got chocolate wasted, enjoyed some cheesecake, ice cream and a few cookies… oops.

Training: I still do a 6 day split, 5 weight training days and a day of ploys every other week. 

Cardio: I follow my weight training workouts with 26-30 minutes of 3x/week HIIT workouts and 2x/week steady state cardio. 

Both not concerned with the number of calories burned, but burning FAT!

Nutrition: I meal prep about once a week. My meals have changed and I have started to carb cycle, meaning I do days of low, medium and high carb days and repeat. It tricks your body. 

Supplements: I am still breast feeding, so no supplements except Whey protein shakes with water.

xoxo