14 DaYs/35 dAyS!!!

So here I sit, two weeks away from the IDFA show, with so much going through my head.  Tomorrow my diet will change for the next week, followed by another change one week out.  This is usually the point in the game where so many questions (aka insecurities) arise.  However this time I will not let them cloud my focus! How will my body respond to the new diet (*perfectly*), am I lean enough (*yes*), am I big enough (*yes*), will the judges notice the changes i have made over the past couple of months since the last show (*yes*).  It is always such a mind game as the big day arrives, and this time I am taking charge and not letting any of this stress me out!! I know i have worked my butt off (literally) to get to this point, I am much leaner two weeks out than i was last time, I have managed to maintain much more size at two weeks out than last time, and the changes i have made in my physique since July 17 are quite noticeable.  When I walked into the gym today I saw a member that I haven't seen since before my show in the summer, and when he saw me, not even knowing that i had another show coming up, he looked at me and said "WOW!! The show must be close, you look awesome!" Sometimes that's all it takes. Someone to reaffirm what you already know.  Now don't get me wrong, i'm not there looking for compliments, but it's nice to hear from someone who doesn't see you everyday that the changes that you see in the mirror are obvious to others as well. 
Workouts have been incredible, although the exhaustion that has been following has been hard to muster through, especially when throwing 1.5 hours of cardio and a full time job on top of it.  I know that for the next two weeks it will only increase, as my carbs decrease, but it's all about finding balance. Resting when i have an extra 20 minutes, and taking it easy during the day, spending time with my family and fitting the cardio in at night.  The hardest part comes after tonight, when i bid farewell to my beloved protein shake for the next few weeks.  A drink not only of convenience, but one that I look forward to everyday. 
Well there you have it, please stick with me over the next few weeks, which tend to be an emotional rollercoaster once depletion hits.  When sweet Presley wakes up she is in charge of taking pics to send off to coach, which will dictate exactly what changes will be made in my nutrition plan.  Fingers crossed!!
And good luck to all of those competing this weekend at UFE Halloween Mayhem!!! 

***Champions aren't made in the gym. Champions are made from something they have deep inside of them, a desire, a dream, a vision***