24 Weeks Out: Rest Days Over
Today marks the beginning of 24 weeks and a few days out from The Contras. I am very excited about what I am going to be able to accomplish over the next few months. I am going to start two a days, but not to get in more cardio. I want to work on those lagging parts. My goals are to add width to my back, develop my glutes and hamstrings (tightening up the glute-tie in), and increasing the size of my calves. With the elimination of the one-piece, my abs also need alot of work. Now, I sit in this ‘new’ body and it’s a different perspective.
Today, I was in front of the classroom giving some final instructions to my 6th graders and I hear: "Ms. Harper-Cotton? Are you flexing?"
"No."
"Look at your arms. Daaa-aaaang, you can see all the curves and stuff through your sweater. Are you trying to get all big?"
We have 5 minutes until dismissal and we are ready to go, so I answer. I tell them that that I love to lift weights. And that it really isn’t possible for a woman to get HUGE without some ‘help’. They didn’t know that I competed and I told them. They asked about the posing and I told them about the mandatory figure poses, classes, etc. The next request was for a pose.
"Sorry, can’t do that."
But maybe some of my girls will express an interest in lifting in the future.
With the end of the semester upon me, a new quarter for my students, and other personal challenges–training remains the constant. I can count on that everyday. My abilities may look different every day, my strength may vacillate, but the act of lifting is comforting. I am so glad that I began this journey over a year ago.
