thatchthecatch’s BodyBlog

http://taraathatcher.blogspot.com/

Hello!  I hope everyone is having a wonderful day so far!  I haven’t written in awhile and wanted to blog about some changes that I have decided to make and am very excited about! 
After competing at NPC Jr. Nationals, I asked for the judges feedback.  I was told that I need to increase muscularity in my upper body, and tighten up my glute/hamstring area.  I got REALLY lean for Jr. Nationals, and although I like the way my body looked, I was fatigued, my face was dry and I looked awful!  I have decided that I am not really interested in putting on alot more muscle.  I really like my lean, feminine look.  THat being said, I am now working with Cathy Savage, by way of the Perfect Body Online program!  I am SO excited to be part of a sisterhood of other positive ladies and I feel like this is where I belong. You can check out her sites, www.cathysavagefitness.com and www.perfectbodyonline.com !!!!I am ready to make my mark on the fitness industry! 

 I have also decided to try my hand at Fitness America in Vegas this fall!  I will be competing in both Figure and bikini.  I feel like they reward a more natural, healthy look.  And I feel like my look may be a good one for this federation.  I am pumped to have a super fun, supportive group of Savage girls here in Minnesota!!!! This is what I have always wanted and I cant wait to get to meet all of the other ladies that are part of this sisterhood!

 Since fitness is my passion, I have also decided to get my personal training certification!!!! I would really like to have my own business someday, and do something that I love, and help people! 

 I am feeling really good about all of these decisions, and look forward to what the future holds for me!

Tara

I had such a wonderful experience at Jr. Nationals this past weekend!  It was my first time competing at a two day show.  One where the prejudging was held Friday evening, and finals were on Saturday evening.  I felt that I made the changes that the judges had asked for from Jr. USA’s.  Bring the legs and hips down, and come in tighter and leaner.  My personal goal was to place in the top half and top 15 in my class!  I met both of them!!!! I was in the third call out, and I was thrilled!  I felt that my presentation was really good, and I really liked the taller heels that I wore this time. 

 I was EXHAUSTED almost all weekend.  I pretty much just stayed in my room if I wasn’t at a meeting, picking up food, or getting sprayed.  I did fit in a shoot with Dan Ray, and I cant wait to post the pics.  I should have them in the next few weeks.  Ben was so wonderful, made sure that I had everything I needed, and was always patient and sweet while I was getting ready.

One observation that I had was that girls come in with too high of expectations.  And as a result, get really disappointed, and sometimes display poor sportsmanship.  If you are going into a national level, or really any contest, I think you should go with no expectations.  Just to do the best that you can, and be happy with that.  People get really obsessed with numbers, and placings, and it is just such a subjective sport. 

 The night of prejudging, someone went into my bag while I was on stage, and took my competitor badge, and the bag with all of my jewelry in it!  I put all of my stuff away on purpose, so that noone would accidentally pick up any of it, or get confused.  I was really disappointed that someone would do that. 

 But, all in all, I had a good experience.  Not decided on my next show quite yet.  I am taking a break for the summer, and focusing on living my life.  I may compete later in the fall this year, or possibly next year. 

Tara

Hello all!  Sorry for the lapse in blogs! A brief summary.  My first show, the NPC Wisconsin State Championships, went very well! I met so many nice people, and I ended up winning the tall class of 7.  I didn’t peak for that show, so I was really happy with how I did.  My 2nd stop was Charleston, SC for NPC Jr. USA’s. I was blessed with my period right before prejudging, which was great!  LOL!  There were so many girls there, and I let it get to me a little mentally.  I sought out the judges afterwards for a critique.  Very glad I did, they had some really positive things to say about my physique, presentation and total package!  I was very happy to make top 15 in my first National level show, I ended up in 12th place. I have taken their advice, and will be coming into Jr. Nationals tighter and leaner. 

 I met with my coach today, and we are both really happy with the changes we have been able to achieve through diet manipulation and different training over the last few weeks!  I enter into my peak week the leanest I have ever been, and feeling good about my look!  I am really looking forward to my competition next weekend, and then a nice break afterwards!  Then I will sit down with my coach and decide what our next move will be! 

 I want to thank everyone who has been following my competitions and been supportive and encouraging!  You have no idea how much your kind words mean to me.  Sometimes they just make my day, so keep the positive energy flowing!

Tara

I had a great weekend!  Went up to Two Harbors on Lake Superior for the shoot this weekend. I was just blown away by how beautiful, peaceful, and majestic it is up there!  We did some really cool shots up there.  I was lucky enough to have my good friend Abby up there with me.  I just got one of the shots back.  Cant wait to see the rest. 

I did get a little extra cardio from my coach for the last few weeks, but I am feeling so good, and so driven, that it doesn’t faze me at all!  I really want to do well at my first two competitions that are coming up fast!  About to send in my entry form for NPC Jr. Nationals too!  Feeling like it will be a great year!

Tara

I am currently 16 days out from my first competition, the NPC Wisconsin State Championships.  Feeling good with the size that I added to my upper body, and staying quite a bit heavier due to the extra muscle.  I am optimistic going into my first show.  I am not peaking for it, because my main focus with be Jr. USA’s the following weekend, and then Jr. Nationals in June. 

 I purchased a new tanning product, the new Jan Tana Hi Definition 1 coat color.  I am excited to try it, because at least it will only be 2-3 coats instead of the 5-7 that I have been doing with the Elite Tan products.  I will review it in one of my future blogs, and then you can get a first hand account of my experience with the product.  I have been exfoliating 1-2 times a week, and have been tanning in a bed 1-2 times per week as well.  I will have a good base tan before I use the product.

 Well, I have a photo shoot on Saturday that I am really looking forward to with Robb Long, ( www.rlimaging.com).  I will also be shooting with John Lathrop, (www.fitimages.com),  in between pre-judging and finals at my Madison show.  So, look for new pictures soon!  I am super excited to see all of the changes and progress! 

 Have a wonderful day!

 Tara

I am just starting to see some pronounced changes in my physique!  YEAH!  I am seeing better definition in my delts, bis and tris.  Legs are starting to lean out, and quads and hams are more defined. Abs are starting to show through, and my back is freakin’ huge!  Whoo-hooo!

Tara

Hi all!  It’s been awhile since I blogged on here!  We must remedy that.  I am two weeks into my contest prep.  I am getting ready for three shows this season.  Starting off my season will be the NPC Mr/Ms Wisconsin State Championships on May 16th, after that, NPC Jr. USA’s on May 23rd, followed by NPC Jr. Nationals June 19-21 in Chicago.  I am super excited, nervous, and everything in between!  I am very happy with the changes I see so far from my off season.  I feel like I am starting this season in a better postion than last year.  I am leaner, and more muscular, and looking forward to seeing more and more changes!  SO, here I go, let’s see what all of that hard work in the off season will look like on stage!  I will be posting blogs as I get deeper into my contest prep, so stay tuned for more!

Well, I want to start by saying, "Happy New Year" to everyone! As I sipped my coffee this morning before I left to do my daily am cardio session I started to wonder, " do people really need a special day to make a commitment, or a resolution?".  I dont think so!  Dont get me wrong, I do find it admirable that people want to better themselves, whether it be quitting smoking, trying to lead a healthier lifestyle, spending more time with loved ones, or losing weight for a special occasion. 

I anticipate a few things when new years rolls around.  For one, the cardio equipment at the gym will see a few more bodies than normal, at least for awhile.  People start a special diet, with the intention that they WILL lose the weight this time, and fit into those skinny jeans, or the same size pants that they wore in high school!  (This I find especially disturbing, why would anyone think that being the same size as a 16 year old is a good goal? Especially when you are in your 30’s!)  I mean, I will never be that skinny again, nor do I want to!

 But, after the newness of the resolution wears off, and the year goes on,  people "fall off the wagon", so to speak.  Is it because their goal doesnt take top priority after January 15th?  Or is it because our society teaches people that instant gratification is the only way to go?  Is everyone searching for that magic device or pill that will help them shed the pounds, quit smoking, or look like they workout everyday is just a short period of time?  What happend to will power, perserverence, self discipline, heart, and dedication?  Are these qualities dead and gone?

This reminds me of my friend Caryn.  I love her, and her approach to things, all or nothing!  People often ask her what abdominal excercises they can do to have abs year round.  Her response?  "I excercise self control!"  That means not eating that brownie when you know it wont help you reach your goals.  Getting up at the booty crack of dawn to do cardio, when you would rather sleep in, sipping water at the bar on "girls’ night out" instead of that calorie bomb of a cocktail you would rather have! Dont worry, everyone struggles from time to time, I know I do. 

We dont have to wait til January 1st every year to resolve that we want/ and or need to change something in our lives!  We need to make it a daily goal!  Every day that you wake up is a fresh start!  Take the time in the morning to meditate, think positively about all of the blessings in your life, and how fortunate you are to have another day!  Make it your own!   Dont beat yourself up about things you have done in the past, stay focused on your goal and what steps you need to take to succeed.   Make everyday a step to a better you!

So Carpe Diet, I mean Diem folks!  Be prepared, plan ahead, and make it your goal to succeed this time!  Whatever your goal is, bettering yourself is what makes people admirable, in my opinion.  Surround yourself with positive, like-minded people who will encourage and help you with anything you put your mind to! 

So let’s make 2009 our best year yet!  The WHOLE year, not just a month or two. And not because it is a New Year’s resolution, but because we owe it to ourselves!  Let’s take the time this year to find out what we are really made of!  When adversity comes our way, lets face it head on!  After all, these are the times when we find out how strong we really are. Every year of my life has been better than the last!  This year will be no different!  Who’s with me?   

After my last competition, I decided to take a little time off.  It was nice to relax and just chill for a few weeks.  Got back into the gym today.  It was nice to be back!  Lifted chest, delts and tris today.  Looking forward to a training session with my trainer on Wednsday!  Also looking forward to packing some muscle onto my delts, arms, and back!  Here’s to a productive off season!

Tara