That's right... I said it :( and I can tell you right now it tasted horrible coming out of my mouth!!!
"I can't" doesn't have a place in my vocabulary anymore.
So what happened, you may ask? Well... all in all it was a pretty amazing day with some fellow BeautyFit beauties helping out at our local Habitat for Humanity build site.
So our build day was insanely hot, 43*F with a humidex but so rewarding!!! We were tasked with building framing for the ROOF and nailing the ROOF sheeting.... notice the common denominator being the ROOF!!!
Little known fact... I don't like heights *insert short joke* but I figured I'd get over it. I got buckled into my harness... did my safety training... climbed up the ladder and through the framing like a monkey (which was crazy enough!!!) then got to where I needed to climb out and onto the roof. I got one leg out and attempted the other... the spins came and I said it... I can't do this... :(
Everyone there was super supportive and understanding. I took up my new assignment of building the roof frames safely on the ground and the day was awesome and super productive.
But... those words left a bitter taste in my mouth! Seriously!
Sooooo.... I have added to my "happy list" I need to get over my heights thing!
My first though goes right to skydiving... but before that....
I'm going to learn how to rock climb!!! :D
That's a bonus deal of conquering a fear AND getting in a stellar workout!!!
I'll keep you posted as to when this is all going down lol I'm sure there will be some fantastic photos to accompany that blog! :P
If you are a regular follower of my blog a) thank you, and b) you'll notice I have been M.I.A.
As the title of my blog suggests, this is a tough one to write.
The reason for my absence is unfortunately a sad one.
On Sunday May 27th my Father passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack at the age of 59.
*WHEW* this is as difficult to type as it is to say out loud.
Ok... deep breath!
My Dad... Walter John Harvey
I'm not writing this to re live the events of his passing... God knows those memories from the hospital will be forever engrained in my head.
I'm writing this for many reasons... therapy, tribute and to thank all those that have been so supportive (including my BeautyFit family).
For those who have experienced a loss, I know you "get it"... to be honest, I'm just wrapping my brain around everything. I've not had anyone really close to me pass away, both of my Dads parents are still living. Telling my Poppy (Grandpa) that his son had passed was heart wrenching to say the least.
I had no idea of the overwhelming amount of support that was to come...
Sitting at the hospital sending texts to a few close friends asking for a prayer for my Dad while we waited for information...
Texts filled with encouraging words, phone calls to come out front for a quick hug outside the hospital, and then when Dad passed... Sandra (Sam)"Coach" finding me and my family at the hospital to help any way she could... she knew I needed her.
Once word spread, messages started to flood in from all directions as they usually do. People in disbelief, offering kind words and prayers... all of these things so greatly appreciated.
Dad teaching Sidney how to play the guitar he and Mom bought her
(*Side note...Those who know me will not be surprised that in times of heartache or difficulty I turn to humour. It's my way of coping... just FYI lol).
Like all Dads, mine was big on teaching me about the regular stuff like honesty, work ethic, etc. etc.... but then there was the stuff he loved... the GOOD stuff ; ) lol For instance...
* hockey (he was a Leafs fan lol) Wendel Clark could walk on water and every year the Leafs were winning the cup! lol
I think I broke his heart a little when I decided in grade 6 to become a RedWings fan... since I'm a total Daddy's girl... he still bought me a wings jersey that Christmas!
* Janis Joplin... enough said :P
* boxing and Rocky movies! Apparently in his feisty years Dad dabbled in boxing. He had 4 fights that all resulted in knock outs... he was on the receiving end of all of them. lol
Still... Dad and I would sit on the couch together and watch Rocky movies whenever possible, his fave being Rocky 4 with "Ivan Drago" :P Immediately after, Dad would give me a lesson in self defence which included how to properly punch someone in the throat in a life or death situation!!! hahaha
I think it amused him to no end when I started Boot Camp and he saw me with my hand wraps on! He'd start jabbing at me seeing if I could actually block a punch... he was impressed that Coach taught me well!
My Dad never got to meet Sam though they were friends on Facebook lol In fact, my Dad waited til Sam added him so that he didn't look like a "dirty old man" adding such a "hottie" to his friends list! lol
Dad cringed every time Sam would comment on something (on Facebook) and call him Mr.Harvey... so she did it more! And when Sam cam into the room to pay respects to my Dad after he passed, she introduced herself and said "nice to finally meet you Mr.Harvey". True to form, she had my back.
The day after Dad passed I got a bbm form Sam... "Grab your training gear and come over when you can xoxo"
That night, with "Coach" and Momma bootcamp (Sams Mom), I ran my first 5k outside.
I broke down in the first K... my head filling with memories and eyes filling with tears.
Bent over trying to breathe I felt headphones go around my neck and Sam pulling me upright... "You've got this, leave it all on the pavement" and she (and Dad I'm sure) pushed me forward.
In the last K I ran through the sprinklers in front of McDonalds and was a dripping mess by the end... but my head was clear for at least a little while.
We all have our outlets in times of stress.... 2 years ago I would have eaten my way through this entire ordeal, no doubt in my mind.
Instead, I have a constant reminder of where I am NOW... seeing my boot camp and gym friends among the crowd at Dads visitation and funeral just solidified how much of a family we have really become and how far I've come.
Dads passing is still a very fresh wound... I don't think its really hit me that he's physically gone, I know when it does sink in it's not going to be easy.
I take comfort in the fact that I'm not alone in this and that if I need to at anytime I have training and cardio buddies that I can call on a whim. And for the days when I really miss him, I know I've always got Dad pushing me on the pavement.
So, in honour of my Dad.... here's a little Janis for you all!
For those who have seen me going to, at or after the gym... I do not prescribe to the idea of getting "dolled up" to train. Sure, if I am heading there after work or happen to have a full face of makeup on I'm not going to wash it off*
*side note: training in a full face of makeup is the best kind of research for me :P Tell me your eye primer will make shadow last 12hrs.... we'll see about THAT!!! ;)
Anyhoo! Back to fashion... like I said, I don't need to look pretty to train BUT what I have found as of late is that I really am seeing the value to proper, high quality training clothes!
You don't have to have lost 100+ lbs to see (or feel) the difference in training gear. I'm writing about how it helps me... take from it what you will :)
Coming from such a big weight loss, there are certain "things" that one can't control. One of those things for me is loose skin.
If you've been following my blogs, you'll know that this has always been one of my biggest fears.
I wasn't ready in the beginning to acknowledge that a large weight loss would result in loose skin... truthfully, it would've scared me off.
Instead my Coach had me focus on the things I could control... diet, exercise, water intake and taking care of my skin by moisturizing twice a day and using products like Beauty Bum to help break down cellulite.
To be honest with you, I truly believe that had my weight loss just come from diet alone, I would have a lot more skin to deal with.
So in dealing with the "skin issue" I have noticed that high impact training i.e.. running, jumping, etc can result in what I like to refer to as... reverb! lol It's my silly name for the little aftershocks that my body does during impact movements! (go ahead and laugh... its ok!!! lol) For women, think about running with no bra on..... picture it.... :s yep! pretty much the same feeling I get if I'm training in lack lustre gear!
HEY... my blog is ALL about honesty! lol
Sooooo... what's a girl to do?! FIND BETTER GEAR!!! ;)
On a recent sunny day road trip with Coach Compton I found myself finally investing in something I should have gotten a LONG time ago!...
Not only do they have circle mesh in all the "right" places to keep sweaty stinky-ness at bay... they are also made of their Power Luxtreme fabric which I find helps keep me compressed in to avoid bounce but still super comfy!!!
This was actually something Coach had seen and hauled me in to try it on! lol
Instant LOVE... so lightweight to wear under other tanks and tee's but holy cow!!! the amount of "suck it in ability" is AH-MAZE-ING!!! :D
I have already worn it a couple of time awhile running and am happy to report that in combination with my new Lulu crops.... I am virtually "Reverb" free! ;) hahaha
So what is the whole point here?
Just like in high fashion, the right "under garments" make the outfit... the gym is no different!
The right gear for me means less "reverb" which means less stress on my joints and to be truthful... my skin itself doesn't ache as much after training.
In the end... it's not about looking "good" at the gym (or wherever you train) it's about feeling secure in the gear you wear.... though having some style never hurt anyone ;)
I hope this finds you all doing well and enjoying the transition into spring! :)
It has been an interesting couple of weeks for me! The last while has been filled with routine changes, personal challenges and a TON of life lessons! lol
As we all know, life is always changing. If it didn't.. well that would be pretty boring!
I've come to look at the "ups and downs" and "changes" in life as lessons needing to be learned to help me grow.
The first big change (though only temporary) is helping out my family with their business while my sis-in-law recovers from a c-section... I have a beautiful new niece :)
Many can relate to pitching in when family needs help... this situation is no different.
The difficult thing for me is juggling a new routine, my own family, my business and... gym time!
There are some things you just can't and don't let slide... and I have the insane need to keep juggling everything without dropping the ball ever... YIKES!!! lol No PRESSURE... Really?!?! :P
Funny enough, the one thing that I hear from some is... "don't worry about the gym, you've got enough on your plate". Well the gym is the ONE thing that is FOR ME!!! And there is no one else that gets that more than my coach.
So what does my Coach (Compton) do when she sees me stressing, being unsure of myself and how I'm going to handle all these things on my plate?! She hands me this...
Well not ALL this! Lol
My "allotted" food was neatly packed in one grocery bag... (side note! WHO DOES THIS?!?! lol How many trainers go grocery shopping for their clients?! Seriously, I have the best trainer on the PLANET!!!)
Along with my little bag o' food were 2 sheets of paper. One with my new meal plan and the other with my new training schedule. No nonsense, no excuses, no BS... and these words were spoken... "You've got a full plate... and I've just added more" *insert sweet yet evil Sam smile*. What I got from that smile was.... (and excuse my language lol) SINK OR SWIM B!#@H! hahahaha
I've been doing a great job of maintaining my weight. Losing a pound here and there but mainly hovering around the 140 mark. I'm still not at my "goal" weight but I was ok with taking things slower ... again, in the words of my Coach... "let your body recover".
Well it seems my body has recovered, had its "coasting" time and now its time to get back into the game!
Why now though? Why add a new diet and training onto this new crazy schedule? Well it took me about 48hours to figure it out.....
I'm the type of person that is fully invested in what I do. I'm uber social and my business revolves around me being available, flexible and "out there"... I feel out of the loop when I can't be in the mix at all times lol.
So like I said, it took me very little time to figure out why it was so important to start this new program now... ROUTINE and ME TIME!
It is super easy to disregard anything for ourselves when life and schedules get tough. Think about it... after a long day, needing to run errands and do all the things required on a daily basis.... you know you should get to the gym and eat clean, you want to! BUT... it's easier to grab something to eat while out and skip the gym in exchange for laundry. That is exactly why it was the perfect time for my new program!!!
So this is a pic of my new 6 pack fitness lunch box :D Coolest thing EVER!!!
It has tons of compartments for food, ice packs, water, utensils, supplements etc. I pre pack everything at night and grab n' go in the morning. So no matter where I go I have everything with me....
Even when I'm stuck in traffic!!! Lol
Now as for the gym... I'm there at 5am for cardio and split up my training either on a break or later in the evening. Why? Cause it's when I can get there and I need that time to refocus and centre myself. lol
Just do what you've got to do ;)
When things get crazy its important to take even just a little time for yourself and I didn't work this hard the last 18months to let myself slide back into bad habits just because things get crazy.
Everyone has their own story and set of circumstances, it's your choice to give in or put your game face on!
Some call it a bucket list... but in my world it's a Happy List! lol And nothing feels better than checking off something on that list!
Well... that's not entirely true! Checking off TWO things in the span of 4 days feels pretty FANTASTIC!!! :D
So what did I do? Well....
First and so mind blowing-ly (is that a word?!... it is now!) unbelievable is that I got to see.... wait for it.... PITBULL IN CONCERT!!!!!!!!!!
Holy Guacamole!!! (My spanish is limited so cut me some slack! :P)
If you are unaware of my absolute LOVE for Pitbull, just rest assured that it is a HUGE love and borders on sickness! lol Seriously, I go numb from the waist down when his music comes on! (Don't judge! lol).
Here are Dani, Nancy and I waiting for the show to start... I had to scam their photos since I was too excited to remember to take some of my own! Jeeze!!! hahaha
And here he is!!! Mr.305/Mr.Worldwide himself!!! GRrrrrr! ;)
And another cause... well who needs a reason for more Pitbull?! lol
I promise to update this blog with more photos and possibly a video, once I get hold of them... cause I know they exist ;) lol
But let me assure you... I shook my money maker the whole time, couldn't stop smiling AND and giggled every time he said Dalee!!! Yep I did! *sigh* lol
Ok... on to the second thing I checked off!
Another one of my happy list "to do's" was to have my picture taken with a BIG bodybuilder man!!!
If you think this is weird, just know that I am a) 4'11" and b) have an affection for big and or tall people... can't explain it... I just do! lol
So just four short days later I found myself being introduced (by Coach Compton) to the one and only... 4x Mr.Olympia himself... Jay Cutler!!! Oh Yaaa!!! And what a total hottie he is!!! (if by any stretch of the imagination he actually reads this... I will be SOooooo embarrassed!!! :P)
And here we are! :)
hehehe.... so cute!!! Thanks Jay for helping a girl with her "Happy List" ;)
In hindsight, I am now wondering why I don't have a pic of just myself and Mr.Jimmy Mentis?! Seriously?! OK! The great thing about these lists is that you are always adding new things... at least you should be!!!
I have just decided to add the following.... have a photo taken with Jimmy in full "gun show" pose hahahaha AND to see Pitbull again... in MIAMI!!! ;)
Yep! They are formally added to the list!
I hope if you're reading this that it has inspired you to either create a list OR add to one you've already started!
I know that even as recent as two years ago, I would've been too self conscious to do half the things I'm doing now. But I am now realizing the following...
Life is worth living... in the words of good ole Abe himself...
Here it is... the rest of my recap from the Arnolds!
Friday Day 2 was our day to check out the expo. I was so excited to see everything and everyone!
I knew it was going to be busy there but… WOW!!! Now I'm a people watcher and one of those crazies that enjoys crowded Christmas shopping etc. so this was just plain FUN!
I was completely blown away at how diverse the crowd was! I was a little intimidated when preparing to go to the Arnolds... was I going to "fit in" or look like I don't belong there at all?! I know, it sounds crazy but those were the things that ran through my head leading up to the weekend. Needless to say, I was so excited to see so many different people from hard core body builder types to those that looked more like runners and yoga buffs :) Then there were people that looked like I used to... men and women that were overweight and much "softer". These people inspired me! Why? Because I know how terrified I was to go into a gym for the first time... let alone one of the biggest sport/fitness shows in the world!
Speaking of diversity, the booths were just as different as the crowds!!! Obviously there were amazing clothing booths and supplements but also vegan/vegetarian lines, products to organize food etc. gym bags and gear the list goes on and on! There was even a guy selling roofing supplies?! lol
If the crowd and booths weren't enough to keep me entertained I actually got to catch the pre judging for Ms.International Fitness and Figure! WOWZA!!! These women looked incredible...It was pretty cool to see!
I even got to have my photo taken with the beautiful Ava Cowan! :D
Wow... I need a tan! lol
Day 2 of the Arnolds ended with a trip to a local club... nothing more needs to be said about that... except I had a ton of fun dancing! ;)
From L: Me :), Nancy Barbosa Alaimo(finally in front of the camera lol) and Lauren Fazio
just before the dancing started!!!
Day 3
I was so excited to start day 3 bright and early! It began with a trip to the host hotel to get Sandra "Coach Compton" ready for her day with BeautyFit Inc. at the LoneStar Nutrition booth!
Once again, video genius Derek was in tow, ready to capture all the action and possibly blackmail material! :P lol
After getting Sam ready, we all headed down for breakfast with the BeautyFit team... Mr. BeautyFit himself Jimmy Mentis, Sam "Coach", John and Sophia. I honestly can't tell you enough how much I ADORE my BeautyFit family just straight up good people!
So after changing... and missing Mr.Arnold himself :( Derek and I headed back to the expo to see the BeautyFit booth and get some video footage... at least that's what was supposed to happen! lol
We get to the the LoneStar distribution booth where BeautyFit is stationed and its a MAD HOUSE!!! Mr. BeautyFit (Jimmy Mentis) gets us behind the booth to save us from the crowd, I finally get to meet fellow "BeautyFit blogger" IFBB Pro Stephanie Billings, give Sam a hug... and then it happens... I feel at "home"!!! I feel like I actually belong here... as part of the BeautyFit Family. It's so busy that I start handing out samples and catalogues and talking to people about the great products... talking to people that reminded me of "me" less than 2 yrs ago. Women were flocking to the booth to see what we were about... what made us different? I found myself telling my story about training with "Coach Compton" doing what she told me, the BeautyFit Values and showing my before and after photo. I was blown away by the response! Jimmy stopped me at one point and asked what I was doing lol I thought I was in "trouble"... I said "helping" and he just laughed and told me to keep doing what I was doing :P
In the meantime... Derek and his video camera are in prime location to get kick a$$ footage for him to work his magic with!
Me, IFBB Pro Stephanie Billings, Sandra "Coach Compton"
Derek "video genius", Sam (Sandra) and Me!
We finished up at Lone Star... got some much deserved coffee and sat down to chill with the crew! The rest of the day was spent pretty low key... chilling at the hotel, getting Sam ready for her evening meetings, having dinner and great conversation and getting ready for the next day at the booth!!!
Day 4
The last day of the Arnolds : ( Our day started out much the same... get Sam ready (hey, I'm a MUA... it's what I love to do!) lol Meet the BF family for breaky and get to the expo! But this time I was prepared to represent! :)
Steph and I in BeautyFit RED!!! :)
And the weekend wouldn't be complete without...
a pic with my Coach ; )
Once again the booth was buzzing with amazing women wanting to know all about BeautyFit!
Unfortunately, like all good things, this too had to come to an end.
HOWEVER!!!
When you travel with your own movie man (i.e. Derek) you get the killer bonus of a kick a$$ video recap!!!
So... here it is! ENJOY!!!
Until Arnolds 2013... I'll be back hugs (in Arnolds voice) ;)
I am so excited to tell you all about my amazing time at the Arnolds Sports Festival weekend!
There are so many reasons this trip was special to me, that I am finding it hard to focus for just one blog lol (doesn't sound like me at all huh?!)
Soooo… having said that, be prepared for this to "Be Continued".
Just some insight on myself, I love road trips! When the chance came up to go to the Arnolds with some of my favourite people… I was NOT about to say no!
Our road trip crew consisted of Sandra "Coach" Compton, Derek "video genius" Montalbetti, myself and a whole lot of Pitbull CD's (much to Derek's dismay lol). How could this NOT be a total BLAST?!?! : ) Well, let me tell you… we had SO much fun driving to Columbus that I completely forgot to take any photos!!! :(
Good thing we had our favourite video guy with us to document our weekend and antics! : P
Can't wait to post those for you all!
In the meantime...
I had been wanting to go the Arnolds for a couple years now, to see what it was all about. When you start hitting the gym, training and being surrounded by "fitness people" you can't help but be curious about the one of the biggest shows in the industry!
Being part of the BeautyFit family has been such a blessing in so many ways. Not only has it given me the BEST coach/friend a girl could ask for but it has allowed me to meet amazing women (and men) from so many walks of life. From figure and bikini competitors to "everyday" women like myself that struggle with weight and health issues. This trip to the Arnolds was going to give me the chance to meet some of these women that, until recently, were a name and photo on Facebook, Twitter or a blog.
Now add the fact that I'm a MUA and work with fitness competitors/models and this trip has just become that much cooler!!!.
I now have the opportunity to see and meet so many of the same female athletes that grace the covers of so many magazines, up close and ready to go onstage!
Soooo stoked!!!
So here is the first pic of me in Ohio! lol
(Arnolds crew #2 lol at Smokey Bones BBQ in Grove City OH... From left Tony Alaimo, Lauren Fazio, ME lol and Derek Montalbetti... behind the camera as usual... Nancy Barbosa Alaimo!)
My first night in Ohio was spent eating with great company (above) and having 2 drinks (I'm NOT a big drinker) but the drink of choice was called a "Skinny Redheaded Hottie"!!! SO I had to have one... then a second! lol
I'll leave you at day one cause day two and three are super exciting!!!
