Well, I had a maintenance week. Meaning, I had no scale loss to speak of. It is sort of ironic considering last week I received many compliments regarding my physique and the noticeable changes, already. I have been diligently focusing on my transformation for just over four weeks now, and I have lost a total of 5.4 pounds. I'll take it, because apparently it is enough of a fat loss for others to notice as well.

Well into May and I get to reach one of my goals. The Spartan sprint is happening NEXT WEEKEND! I am so pumped. The weather has been nice as well, so I'm hopeful it won't be cold during the race. I will need to make sure I am properly hydrated and carbed up, for sure. I learned a lesson this past weekend.

After a day of rest on Friday and a low carb diet all week, I began Saturday with my AM workout, and then played beach volleyball all day in the warm sun. Needless to say I woke up extremely dehydrated and it took a couple days to recoup (I'm guessing the few drinks I had in there did not help at all), especially with not taking a break from my workouts Sunday and Monday. Staying hydrated is VERY IMPORTANT, and worth abstaining from elements like coffee, pop and alcohol, which can add to dehydration.

The "down" time ended up being good. I spent some time in prayer and journaling, and came to the conclusion that I will not be competing in July. As much as I admire the figure and bikini competition world, it really isn't something I personally can do. My convictions around modesty and who should and should not see various parts of my body, do not align with the sport and what is required to compete. That said, I am still going to work towards various dates and the physique I envision for myself. My judges and spectators will be my coach and husband, the two people who will fully appreciate the results and the challenges I overcame to get there, because they know the most about my story.

Along with that change comes another. I began sharing on social media with the intent to connect with like minded people, treat competing as a "job" not to be ignored, and document my challenges and triumphs publicly in an effort to hold myself accountable. While I HAVE made new connections, I receive MORE inquiries around buying things or selling things, which can be stressful. Now that I'm not competing, I don't need to look at it as a job, but a continual lifestyle transition that is going to receive my attention because it matters to me. Accountability is still key, so I will keep my blog, but will not update via social media as frequently as I had.

I am still going to continue devotions and post as I'm led to. I am still going to keep doing what I need to do for my family. I am still going to do the Spartans with my hubby. I am still going to eat clean everyday and post recipes from time to time. I am still going to workout hard and maybe post in my online journal. I am still going to update at least once a week. I am still going to play sand volleyball. I still going to keep challenging myself. I am still going...

Off to an OK start this morning. Note to self, do not stay up for Sunday Night Football with the hope of getting up for a 5 am workout the next morning. I rescheduled my workout to later in the day, and nearly talked myself out of weighing and measuring. Yes, I suffer from that disease where one throws in the towel for one little misstep. Anyone else familiar? I did it though. I took the measurements, hopped on the scale and took pictures. I then waffled back and forth as to whether or not I should post the info, or keep it to myself.
Heads up, clicking the "Read More" link will take you to the full blog where I have posted my before photos, showing my belly, in my sports bra, for baseline and progress purposes only.