So I haven't updated for awhile as I have been very busy. My contest prep was pretty intense and just managing it all while working full time is very challenging.
My diet was grueling and one of the hardest diets I have ever done. I had to do more cardio than I have ever done for a competition. I was very happy with my conditioning and this was the leanest I have ever been for a competition.
The Europa show of Champions on April 17 & 18th was amazing! It was such a fantastic experience and I can say I have another pro show under my belt. The promoters Ed and Betty Pariso did a wonderful job and are such nice people. It was a huge event with a classic car show and other events going on at the same time. There was a fitness expo with booths and some of the events were arm wrestling, power lifting, martial arts, wrestling and dance competitions all at the same place. The Orlando Convention Center is unbelievable! Such a huge, huge place. I definitely would do another Europa show as it was a good experience and well organized event. Ed and Betty told me that they are looking at putting a show on in Denver Colorado in 2010. They are wanting to do 3 Europa shows a year. I definitely will look into that one for sure.
The line up was tough as there were some big names and 28 of us pro figure women. Of course my idol, Monica Brant was there and others that I look up to. It is not every day that you get to compete along side Monica Brant. I am just so happy to be at that level. You get treated so good at the pro level and it is so motivating to meet other pros from all over the world. I didn't make top 15, but hey it is only my 2nd show and you have to start somewhere.
I just have to keep competing the judges said and I have to bring up my shoulders. Other than that, they said my shape is good and I was a little too lean for this show. Oh well, I was happy with the way I looked and at least I came in shape this time! It is time to bring it on and train hard and work on my weak points. I am going to be blasting out my shoulders big time and hit my legs hard.
I have to give a big shout out to my wonderful friends, Alicia, Erika, Marie and Tracy and also Miriam for all coming down to Orlando to cheer me on! You are all such special friends and I couldn't ask for better friends than all of you! Thank you for your support and your love! Thanks to all my friends and fans in Saskatchewan for your love and support. I couldn't do this without all of you behind me. My husband Chad is my biggest fan and was wonderful in helping me with my training and prepping for my show. Thank you babe for being such a terrific husband and friend!
I also want to say thank you to CJ for making such wonderful and beautiful suits. It was awesome to see you again CJ and thanks for everything. Thank you to J for making my make up look so damn HOT!! Also a big thank you to Dave Palumbo for being such a great coach. Looking forward to working with you for the Kentucky.
Chad and I had a wonderful vacation after in Orlando and had so much fun! The weather was perfect every day and warm. It was great! I am so addicted to roller coasters, wow, they are friggin unreal. I highly recommend the Hulk roller coaster at Universal Studios. Also the Dueling Dragons was totally cool! My favorite ride was The Mummy ride. I was so pumped after that ride I wanted to go again. It is a roller coaster in the dark and just when you think it is done you do it all over again backwards! Frickin AWESOME ride!!!
I loved the outlet malls and we all shopped til we dropped! Sea World was awesome. The food was amazing and I sure stuffed my face after the show. Universal City Walk was so cool. A lot of clubs to go dancing, eating places and shops. We had a blast at The Red Coconut. The music was awesome and it was great to get out and dance. There is so much to see and do in Orlando and it seems you have such little time to do it all. This was my 2nd time going to Orlando and I definitely will go back again.
It is now Chad's turn to compete on August 22 in Vancouver. He is competing in Canadian Nationals. I am excited to see him on stage again. It will be good to go to Vancouver to visit my friends and family. We are looking forward to it as we both love BC.
My plans for my next show is to compete in the Kentucky Pro Figure on November 14. That gives me some time to put some size on and bring up some of my weak points.
On another note, I just want to clarify that "The Arnold" is for IFBB Pros. Amateurs do not compete in "The Arnold". Amateurs compete in the "Arnold Amateur". A lot of people around here are asking me what is the difference and asking questions so I say go on the magazine web sites and find out as they do not lie and you can see all the results on line. The web sites people can check out for contest information is www.bodybuilding.com and www.flexonline.com and www.musculardevelopment.com. These magazines are always at the shows doing contest coverage for the IFBB Pros and also the NPC amateurs.
I will be posting pictures soon!
Cea Anna