Viva La Fiesta?? Eh, not really.

A few people have asked me why I decided to do this Bikini Competition training program. Do I have a weight goal in mind? Am I trying to win money? Am I trying to get super bulky? The answer to all of those is "no". I have never been overweight, I have never wanted to look like a bodybuilder and I will not be winning any money at the competition. Am I crazy?? Well, the jury is still out on that one.

There is sometimes a defining moment that serves as motivation for making a life changing commitment. Inspiration comes in many forms and for me it came in the form of a picture. The picture is of me on Fiesta, which is the first week of August in Santa Barbara. Fiesta is a 5 day festival that celebrates Santa Barbara's Spanish heritage. There are parties galore, parades, dancing and lots of loonies coming out of the woodwork. It's pretty fun. I usually fizzle out after day 3, which is okay in my book. I always go out on Fiesta Friday, which brings me back to that darn picture.

Pictures can definitely say 1000 words and mine said:
* "I have not seen the inside of the gym in close to 12 months"
* "I wore this GIANT shirt to hide my newly discovered belly jiggle"
* "The belt I am wearing is seriously pinching what used to be my waist"
* "I feel unhealthy, unattractive and defintely UNSKINNY"
* "OK...I've had a cocktail or two. It was Fiesta, afterall"

My daily energy level was horribly low, I was hitting the drive thru at least twice a week and although I really starting to loathe my reflection in the mirror, I hadn't done much to change it. In one word, my attitude about my health and appearance were "BLAH".

It took me 4 weeks from that picture to start a new program. I remember going to the orientation straight from work in pants that used to fit, but had become borderline "donation pile" pants. Rather than buy a bigger size, I was still pouring myself into the same pants that were starting to leave marks me after wearing them. Do you feel me, ladies?? Not cute. Like, at All.

So, let me ask you.... What motivates you? Why do you run in the mornings, hit Spin in the evenings or lift weights at lunch? Is it your physical appearance, energy level, out of habit or something else?

WHAT INSPIRES YOU???