NPC Figure Competition 5 weeks out

Well, it has definitely been a CRAZY week and a half!!! As I get closer to show day, I know I needed to expect a lot of struggles, cravings, feeling tired, or more like exhausted, but getting sick on top of that is NOT cool!!! 
So I went away to my leadership retreat in Scottsdale, AZ last week for Beachbody and had a fabulous time!! I stayed a lot stronger than I thought I ever could! I pre cooked all my meals and put them in my carry on and called it a day!! I worked out EVERY day while away, 2 times a day, and sometimes 3 times a day! 

On a bad note, ever since I was either on the airplane or got a million misquito bites, I started going down hill... Last Sunday, I came back home and developed severe migraine, low grade fever, lightheadedness, double vision, nausea, a rash, and muscle aches EVERYWHERE! It was terrible and probably one of the worst things I ever felt before... Of course I was stubborn (I swear all nurses are lol) and wanted to hold off because I knew it would take away time training for my show. 


After a night of not sleeping and feeling like my head was going to pop off, I gave in and let my husband take me to the ER to get checked out..


I had blood work done, 5 total bags of IV fluids, tons of medications that helped, but made me feel like hell, and had a CT scan and ended up getting a Lumbar puncture done to test for viral meningitis and West Nile.  

I was so afraid of having this darn Lumbar Puncture, but it actually wasn't that bad.. I had it done under radiology and the doctor was great!! 

I had to lay flat for 6 hours after and that was a little tough... I was starving, so of course I continued staying on track and had my man cakes (Oatmeal, egg whites, cinnamon, and vanilla), chicken, and of course my Shakeology.  

Then I even had some surprise visitors and my husband brought my two boys to see me!  I totally needed that to brighten up my day!!

I ended up being discharged the next evening and felt ok.  Most of my symptoms subsided and my only issue was my headache and some nausea, and a little tingling in my legs.  But I went on about my day and training and I was told I can work out the next day as long as I get rest that night... So 12 hours later, I went back to training, but definitely less intense than what I am use to so I can work my way back into it and not hurt myself.  

I did my sneak peak at INSANITY MAX 30 by Shaun T, which is our brand new workout that will be released December 2nd!  I am so excited about it and its a lot of cardio and calisthenics which is exactly what I needed, so I did that workout in the morning and felt pretty good... I modified all the exercises, but about an hour later, my legs became a lot more numb and tingly... My headache got severe again, so I took it easy the rest of the day and took my anti inflammatory medication that was given to me.   

I only did 1 workout that day and went back to 2 workouts the next, doing a little P90 with Tony Horton, which is our newest release!! I loved this program because again, I was able to modify, but also incorporated some weights into my routine, which I really needed since I went 3 days without any weight training! 

Although it looks like I felt great, afterwards, my legs were still bothering me and my headache again.... not any better.  I think you can tell what goes on... I continue being stubborn and trying to workout and I ended up going to the gym on Thursday for a little chest and tris, and a little legs too...

So with all the not so good news, I did have exciting news too!! I got my suit in and boy did that make me NERVOUS!! This thing is like not covering ANYTHING!!! HAHA... Literally, I am use to wearing skimpy clothes, but this is to the next level!! I knew it was going to be very showy, but I guess putting it on was a reminder of what I was getting myself into!! I think knowing that it will show ANY tiny little bit of fat I have makes me more nervous!  So the fat needs to go, but its hard to go when Im struggling to even workout! Hopefully it 100% true when I always tell people nutrition is 80% because right now I need it to be 100% lol!! 

So anyways, I am continuing about my figure journey and had a little fun for flex Friday!! Usually on Fridays, I do my fun moves and flips, but unfortunately I was not up for that, so I gave my best Flex Friday Face haha!! My legs are definitely what needs the most the work, but I know they are also last to come in for show day, so I am trying to be patient!! 

I did a quick meal prep for the weekend and went home for my Beachbody Super Saturday event I had in Pittsburgh and make the 2.5 drive to stay at my moms.  The drive was ok, but my head felt it was getting worse and worse as time went on.  Friday night was a killer, but Saturday I knew I was going to have to get checked out again.. I think I held off so many times just praying the migraine would go away, but Saturday morning I went to the gym at 5 am, and when I realized my head would instantly feel better when I would lay down to do hamstring curls and the second I get up, my head is pounding within 5 seconds of sitting back up, NO exaggeration... it was pretty pathetic actually and made me mad.  I had a feeling what was needed and it would probably be more IV fluids and medication, but possible a blood patch to cover the open area from having the spinal tap done Monday that was causing the headache.  When they say worst headache you ever had, they are NOT kidding!!

The Pittsburgh leadership council and the part of the Pittsburgh Beachbody crew!!

Caleb and I--- the King of making hilarious Youtube Videos, but so inspirational at the same time!!!

2 of my favorite people in the world-- #1 coach in Beachbody Melanie (and my cuz), and Katy Ursta (my success partner)!!

Forever Fit girls at Super Saturday!

Love our team Forever FIT!!! So blessed to have this team!

So what did I do?? Of course, tried to suck it up and took my 3 coaches with me to Super Saturday in Pittsburgh... As 3 hours went by, I knew I shouldn't be there and they were such good sports that they left with me and took me to the ER for some IV fluids and medications... Thank goodness, the medication that made me feel like I was crawling out of my own body, also took away my headache so I did not need the blood patch! YAY!!!  

I realized its officially time to SLOW down! I was so mad at myself because if I would've went 2 days after my spinal tap and got the blood patch and just rested, I would not be having these set backs at this time in the game... So now with officially 4 weeks to go as of yesterday, I am not allowed to workout until at least tomorrow.. And as I am typing this, my head is starting to hurt again, so if it hurts tomorrow too, I WILL be getting the blood patch done and sucking it up!!! Its not half as severe as it was, so lets cross our fingers and toes that it continues going away!! :) 

Today, I took away a few more things from my diet... ok I thought I was removing them last week, but it starts now haha!! Only down to 1 SHAKEOLOGY a day, which is giving me all my super foods and dense nutrition, I cut out the PB2 FOR GOOD!! HAHA No more whipped cream (not even 1 bite), no more braggs aminos sauce, and cutting back the hot sauce a little.  The only time I need it is with my hard boiled eggs, so its not that bad.  I am hardly eating any chicken and I am eating all fresh salmon, cod, and talapia.  
Oh, and my favorite seasoning is now salt free cajun seasoning by Mrs. Dash!!! YUMMO!!!
My weight has changed as its lowest in the morning at 128, and now this evening it is 127!! YAY!! Progress is progress!! Im thinking my weight should be around 120 for show day.. Still not sure how that is going to turn out because I have never been that weight EVER.. like not even in high school! 
So I guess time will tell, but first lets get this migraine under control so in 4 weeks, I can kick some butt up on that stage!!!! 
I need my cramping to stop and need to keep practicing that posing because I cramp and haven't even cut my water yet!! YIKES!!!!! Time for some extra potassium, magnesium and more water!!!! 
HERE's TO WEEK 4!!!! :)