Only 4 1/2 weeks till Fitness Nationals!!!!! Training is going very well, I started a new phase of the diet 2 weeks ago, and I am very pleased with the results so far. I went shopping this weekend (with birthday gift certificates), and had so much fun! I had to keep reminding myself not to buy things too small, because I certainly don't live at this size year round......I did buy a tiny little pair of jeans at Old Navy, and designated them "pre-contest" jeans :) I start the next phase of the diet this Friday. No more oatmeal, and only one cheat meal this weekend, then no more cheat meals until the night of the finals!!!! These last few weeks make such dramatic changes in my physique. It seems to change daily- so its really fun going to work out (where you can see the changes). It also fuels my workouts! I threw my routine yesterday, and my lower back ached for the rest of the day......and my right hamstring feels like I have a slight "pull" in it. Boy it sucks to get older! I am trying to balance my routine practices with my body's ability to stay injury free. If I feel any pulls or soreness- I usually wait another day to practice it. But there comes a time when you don't have time to spare before a contest. I am at that time now. So I take Ibuprofen and cowboy up! Well, I must go, it's almost time to pick my daughter up from school. We are going halloween costume shopping today:) Wish me luck!

Tami