I've been continuing my training with Jacki-Lyn Ricci. The weights have been getting heavier, the repetitions have been increasing, and I can see a real change in my body.
Today, my arms are a little sore, but I've also been dancing almost every day - and running on very little sleep. I think my favorite part of these past few weeks of workouts is waking up and feeling great about myself from the start of the day. It sounds funny, but I just want to run and see how my muscles are looking! Knowing that I've put so much hard work into my workouts and being healthy makes me proud.
When we began, I knew that I would have a long road ahead of me. Having never weight-trained in my life, it was a new experience for me. I will never forget how difficult some of the workouts were for me in the beginning. I am now performing these same exercises with ease. It's a true lesson for anyone who wants to begin working with a trainer but is a afraid that they won't be able to keep up. Jacki has worked with me from the beginning and I can now see that she is proud of what I'm accomplishing.
I can't wait to see the progress after 6 more weeks! Miss New York here I come!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
Training Weeks #4, 5, 6, & 7!
I have been so busy with appearances and preparing for Miss New York, that I've forgotten to keep up with my training blogs! It is very interesting, though, to now look at how much strength I've gained in this past month.
We've really been doing it all and Jacki-Lyn has been hard at work finding "extreme workouts" for me to take this to the next level. From clap pushups to upside down crunches (think Rocky) - there are no limits. After seeing her for nearly two months, I can happily say that I know I am improving.
It's not just about the outward appearance. For me, the reward is in being able to do exercises now that I couldn't have imagined doing when we began. To be doing 30 pushups when I used to barely be able to do 1 is so exciting! I've noticed that I now carry myself differently. I feel the strength in my arms and core as I go through my day.
It has been especially fun searching for my Miss New York gown. I am already down sizes and I am loving the way I look. Thank you, Jacki-Lyn, and I will be sure to keep up with the workouts while you're in Florida!
We've really been doing it all and Jacki-Lyn has been hard at work finding "extreme workouts" for me to take this to the next level. From clap pushups to upside down crunches (think Rocky) - there are no limits. After seeing her for nearly two months, I can happily say that I know I am improving.
It's not just about the outward appearance. For me, the reward is in being able to do exercises now that I couldn't have imagined doing when we began. To be doing 30 pushups when I used to barely be able to do 1 is so exciting! I've noticed that I now carry myself differently. I feel the strength in my arms and core as I go through my day.
It has been especially fun searching for my Miss New York gown. I am already down sizes and I am loving the way I look. Thank you, Jacki-Lyn, and I will be sure to keep up with the workouts while you're in Florida!
Monday, April 2, 2012
The Seton Foundation For Learning's Luncheon
In the 5 months of being Miss Staten Island, I have realized that some appearances will stand out amongst others. There have been many along the way, and attending the Seton Foundation For Learning's Luncheon was one of them.
I was first connected with the Seton Foundation at their Fashion Show Fundraiser in February. I learned then that this foundation funds Staten Island's only Catholic school for developmentally disabled children and young adults. With two schools, both an elementary and high school, the foundation educates kids from 3 to 21 years old. After February's event, I was invited to be a special guest at their annual luncheon. Though I knew that this would be a fun afternoon, I had no idea the impact it would have on me.
I was surprised when I was asked to speak at the podium, but thanks to all of my Miss New York training, I knew I could handle the impromptu speech. I introduced myself to what I would estimate to be 300 guests and told them how incredibly impressed I was with their work for and support of the foundation. I additionally expressed the desire to actually visit their schools in the future, to see firsthand the effect they have on these families.
The fundraiser was smoothly run and they raised an enormous amount of money, but that is not what impressed me most. Students and faculty were in attendance, so I had the opportunity to meet many of them and fully understand Seton. During our lunch, the children performed a song and dance that they had learned, raffles were sold, and scholarships were given to some students. Though I did not win any of the raffles, I had a great time : ]
At the end of the luncheon, I was honored to be approached by both Diane Cunnigham and Dr. Kathryn Meyer (Directors of the Seton Foundation). They invited me to visit the schools and interact with the students and faculty, as I had requested earlier in my speech! I am now working to set up an appearance and I am so excited to be getting deeply involved in the Seton Foundation For Learning. I know that this experience will be life-changing.
I was first connected with the Seton Foundation at their Fashion Show Fundraiser in February. I learned then that this foundation funds Staten Island's only Catholic school for developmentally disabled children and young adults. With two schools, both an elementary and high school, the foundation educates kids from 3 to 21 years old. After February's event, I was invited to be a special guest at their annual luncheon. Though I knew that this would be a fun afternoon, I had no idea the impact it would have on me.
I was surprised when I was asked to speak at the podium, but thanks to all of my Miss New York training, I knew I could handle the impromptu speech. I introduced myself to what I would estimate to be 300 guests and told them how incredibly impressed I was with their work for and support of the foundation. I additionally expressed the desire to actually visit their schools in the future, to see firsthand the effect they have on these families.
The fundraiser was smoothly run and they raised an enormous amount of money, but that is not what impressed me most. Students and faculty were in attendance, so I had the opportunity to meet many of them and fully understand Seton. During our lunch, the children performed a song and dance that they had learned, raffles were sold, and scholarships were given to some students. Though I did not win any of the raffles, I had a great time : ]
At the end of the luncheon, I was honored to be approached by both Diane Cunnigham and Dr. Kathryn Meyer (Directors of the Seton Foundation). They invited me to visit the schools and interact with the students and faculty, as I had requested earlier in my speech! I am now working to set up an appearance and I am so excited to be getting deeply involved in the Seton Foundation For Learning. I know that this experience will be life-changing.
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