Post Competition Blues!

The competition is over, the tan is fading, and I can't quit eating! This is pretty much where I am at a week after the IFBB Phoenix Pro. How do I get back on track? I always give myself one week of rest post competition. My body is exhausted and I need a week off of lifting weights. I try and keep my cardio to a minimum so I can fully recover from the competition. I have managed to do two 30 minute cardio sessions this week and one 4 mile trail run. I have also tasted all of the foods that I missed while being on my strict competition diet. Let me just tell you that I think I had a food hangover on Monday because the Girl Scout cookies arrived on Sunday!

Now, it is time for me to get back on track. I will get back to lifting and doing cardio at least 4-5 days a week. I have worked way too hard to get down to competition shape and I am not going to blow it in a couple of weeks. I only put on 5 pounds from my competition weight, so it is now time to hit it hard again. I need to stay in shape year round for modeling and I also believe that we need to lead by example. Who wants to train with a trainer that is out of shape?

So for all of you competitors out there it is OK to rest and to take care of those food cravings, but you have to put a stop to it before it gets out of control. We are all human and when you train that hard you should enjoy yourself for a little while. Don't feel guilty, but get your buns back in the gym no later than 1 week after the competition and get back to clean eating. Remember.......No Excuses!

Happy Training,

Karen Mullarkey
IFBB Pro
www.karenmullarkey.com