2018 NPAA Magazine 2018 NPAA Magazine - This is Our Sport | Page 48

Fitness Journey of a Fit-Mama
By Lacey Brown
My fitness journey began not long ago.
My second baby had just turned one
and I was finally feeling like I could keep
my head above water. I was beginning
to figure out this whole “Mommy of two
world”. However, one thing I was really
unhappy with was my figure and the
fatigue that overcame me every day. It had
to change. So, I started with fitness videos
and walking. I would load up the kids in the
Chariot and I would walk and walk. Walking
turned into running. I was never a runner.
I despised it. But something came over
me. The overwhelming feeling that running
did to me. It made me feel amazing. Not
to mention what it was doing to my body.
It was changing for the better. Once I
reached a point where I felt great and my
jean size was at a happy place, I felt the
need for more.
I always had a goal in the back of my mind
that I wanted to compete in a Physique
Competition. Call it a “bucket list” thing or
just a lofty goal, but I knew it was something
I wanted to do. To achieve what I wanted I
would have to push myself well out of my
comfort zone and it would challenge this
mama, but the result would be something
I could be proud of myself for. Something
that my babies and husband would be
proud of me for. So, in the summer of 2016,
I met Dr. Kevin Ashby at Endurance on 8th
and he and I set out a plan. My goal was
to walk the stage at the November show
of that same year. He and I agreed that I
was at a good place then and we felt like
it was doable. I was excited for the new
challenges.
After my first show was over, I was already
looking forward to the next show that
following spring. I had my mind made up.
I was going to continue what I was doing
because I loved it. Going back to the feeling
of fatigue and not feeling satisfied with the
simplicity of fitness videos wasn’t going to
challenge me. I had become stronger and
I needed to keep pushing myself to what I
knew I could be capable of.
45.
My main focus in this new fit life is my two
kids and husband. Being the best mommy
and wife is number one but I needed to
find ways to keep fitness and life as a busy
mom of two a daily routine. Between each
show, I have managed to find balance
in my fitness and diet that leaves my
physique with minimal diet and weight
changes before each show. I don’t have
massive amounts of weight to lose or large
changes to my diet. Before my last show, I
was prepping just 3-4 weeks out with the
final week being the cleanest diet and most
intense weight and cardio training. I have
now competed in three shows. Placing
4th, 6th and my latest show I placed 2nd
in Masters Bikini. I’m looking forward to the
upcoming show this Spring. Each time I
compete, It’s Me vs. Me. I visualize myself
up on the stage and what I can do better
next time. It’s what keeps me motivated
and hungry for more.
I’m here to tell you that competing doesn’t
have to be about starving yourself and
excessive time spent in the gym. It can be
a way to live your life all the while having
short term goals of competing on your
calendar. It’s about balance and choosing
to fit this lifestyle into your long-term life
goal. I’ve learned how to make my food
work for me and what my limits are. I know
what I can and can’t eat and I can tell you
it’s not all about steamed broccoli and
boiled chicken breasts.
Starting out, I thought this journey would
end with me walking the stage the first
time. Turns out it’s been far more than that.
It’s now my lifestyle. A lifestyle that includes
a bit of stage time every now and then but
also fitting in my fitness and healthy eating
every day. I love how I feel. I love how I
look. And bottom line, it’s healthy, it’s fun
and I wouldn’t change it for anything.