Follow Kelly as she makes her WBFF DIVA BIKINI Debut!

Time to get UNcomfortable....

" Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." Neale Donald Walsch

This is the year for me to do things “out of my comfort level” 

You see, I was always an athlete growing up even after graduating from school.  I played on many volleyball, softball and soccer recreational teams, just to keep me in that competitive mindset.  My weight or being in shape was never an issue.  Fast forward to careers, marriage, and kids... I think women tend to care for others more than they take care of themselves.  I personally, put myself on the backburner and didn’t focus so much on doing what’s right for me, in reference to my health. 

I was training for my first WBFF competition about 5 years ago until my son suffered from a TBI.  In that moment my world stopped because I had to attend to all his medical and educational needs.  I’m happy to report he’s doing a lot better now and felt it was time to push myself, out of my comfort level and try to start training for a fitness competition.  I attended the “Fitness Atlantic” show last year and knew at that time, I wanted to pursue this dream of mine.. to get up on stage.  The glitz and glamour and general comradery of all the competitors was contagious.  I thought what a perfect way to showcase all your hard work in the end.  “The Elite Heat Girls” stood out in that show and knew I needed to make contact with their coach to be a part of that energy.  I had made contact through “Bricks” and the rest was history. 

Early on in my training, I developed a knee injury.  I had a partial tear to my meniscus but pushed through that injury in order to meet my fitness goals.  The results took me a litle longer because a lot of my fitness workouts had to be modified, but that never stopped me.    I trained with purpose and conviction.  I had a long-term goal in mind and nothing was going to stop me.  Once I started to really see my body transform and “finally” see that scale move downwards, it gave me the extra motivation to continue when my family's schedule could have gotten in the way, like in years past.  I keep going and keep seeing more and more results and started to really feel great; probably the best I’ve felt in a while.    

It’s not being selfish, taking time for yourself.  I think some people have that wrong.  It’s important especially the older we get to really take care of your health and make sure it’s aligned properly.  Another thing I found I did during this prep was to keep my mind right.  I practiced mediation on a daily basis and found this really grounded me and gave me peace during times I felt things could have spiraled in another direction.  Prepping for a show in your late 40’s was a challenge to say the least.  I fit in workouts before and after work and even in between my son’s sports practice.  I look back at it now and wonder “how the heck” did I actually keep up with that schedule, as long as it did. 

I have found if you really want something bad enough, nothing will stop you.  I’ve started to take back my health and pushed it to another level and can’t wait to see what else is in store, because this is just the beginning.  I’ve been told many times during this year’s prep that I have inspired certain people to start working out again while, others have followed my journey just to support me which I have greatly appreciated.  Their words of encouragement and support have given me the drive especially, during those 430am workout wake up calls. 

I wanted to acknowledge the women on my team.  They are like-minded career-focused women, that I have the privilege to say, are my friends now.  It has been nice to be able to go through this prep and be able to vent to someone that will understand what we are going through because, let’s face it some people didn’t get why we were doing this show to begin with.  I want to thank each and every one of you and the support and laughs we have shared.  Remember, ladies we got this and always will!!! 

Finally, I wanted to acknowledge my kids.  They have seen me go through this prep and cheered me along every step of the way.   I’m proud of myself because of example I have given them of what hard work really looks like.  I have always shared that kind of advice with them in the past, but they have never seen from the beginning to end a true scenario of that playing out for them.  They know now that they can accomplish anything they put their mind to, as long as they have drive, motivation and conviction.

Wish me luck as I step on stage for the first time next weekend!  Anything is possible as long as you manifest it, it will happen….

To Prep or not to Prep.

 The Second Time Around...

If you recently got to read my last post on this blog, you have an idea of how much fitness means to me and how much I enjoy challenging myself. Well, the decision for going forward with this prep was no different.

I was very blessed to have gotten second place in my last show, it being my first competition, I know most people would feel beyond happy. It was a little different for me. I was content, but not satisfied. At first I was on the fence about doing this again. I was enjoying my time off for a few weeks, however, the thought of trying harder to do better than last time continued circling in my head and although I had a lot going on in my personal life, I knew I could never forgive myself and I would regret it if I didn’t go for it.

My close friend Tiffany also decided to compete in this show and I felt a sense of weight on my shoulders to be as supportive as I can. I previously told her I would prep with her and I didn’t want to go back on my word. I prepped alone during my last competition and I know how difficult it can be. Doing this prep with Kim and Tiff has made it so much easier in the sense of the fellowship, having the same topic to speak about, group chats to complain, coordinate group workouts, and motivate and support each other.

I thought that because I JUST came out of a prep, I knew what was was ahead so it would be more of a breeze; I was wrong. I had a new set of hurdles to face and instead of being afraid, I decided to take courage and allow myself to grow through these new challenges.

I was facing new challenges in my personal life, at my job and physically with my body fat being more resilient and also being treated for a back injury during this process, but this only became the reason that fueled me to push through and use my faith to move these mountains and continue inspiring anyone to not use the excuse of letting difficult situations be the reason to not go after what you want.

It is scary to think, “what if I get worse than second place” but at the end of this, I can say I am truly satisfied because through this process I have already beat that girl that won second place. I’m mentally and emotionally stronger than I was last time and if my whole process serves as just an ounce of motivation for anyone facing a similar issue, then all this hard work is absolutely valid.

Kyedi's Journey to NPC Easterns

Two Steps Forward,..Two Steps Back

It is one year later, and I am competing in the NPC Figure Division for the second time.  In the Brooklyn, I placed fifth in both novice and open, which is considered to be a great start.  Of course, with the help of crtiques, there is always room for improvement.  After the show, I did put on a substantial amount of weight. (40lbs to be exact) due to reintroducing certain foods back into my diet too quickly and some food sensitivities.  I never thought I would put the weight back on especially knowing where I had originally started 10 years ago, close to 300 lbs.  

Somone said to me your “Your off season diet determines your prep when you’re on season”.  It's definitely a lifestyle , not a phase.  This prep was tougher than the first in regards to my diet, which was more restricted, since I had a lot of weight to lose.  It's ok, even though this prep is for my upcoming show, it helped me to get back into shape. Not only did my weight come down, my conditioning and muscularity improved during this process.  My total weight loss to date is 130lbs. 

There are times in life when you have to take two steps back to take one step forward.  I had to go back to the drawing board with both my food and workouts.  With the help of various people I was able to establish a new foundation to get my butt back into shape. I also had to factor in school because it was my graduation year, and my son's graduation year.  During this time, I was able to start my prep and see results instantly.  Once the school year was over I was able to focus on prepping for my next show.  

I am fortunate to have the support of my family and friends through this journey because there are some people that wal this path alone.  A great support system is much needed and appreciated.  the critiques and honesty of the people who have been with me on this second journey to stage is 

greatly appreciated.  It’s not easy as a single parent to balance work, home and school.  If you want something bad enough, you would make every effort to make time for it and get it.  I love to train and compete.  I love the way it makes me feel and look. It feels good when people tell you that you inspire them, especially once they learn of your story which I do not have a problem sharing.  I am proud of what has been accomplished and able to compete once again in the NPC Easterns

We are so proud of this girl. Please show your support via message, comment or attendance at Kyedi's first nationals appearance.