RACING TO THE FINISH LINE!!!

Today I ran my 2nd 5K race, the Classics By The Sea 5K/10K, in Jupiter, Florida. My overall goal was to improve my time from my first race, which was 2 weeks ago at the Palm Beach Marathon, 5K, & 10K.
At the Palm Beach my goal was just to complete the race and be satisfied with that accomplishment. Who would have known, that an IFBB Bikini Pro who is NOT a runner would finish so well....I placed 5th in my age division at a time of 26:16 and pace of 8.26.
It was a bitter cold morning with gusts of wind that would make your face hurt. Not being used to the elements, since I mainly run inside, I really didn't think I was going to improve my time by much. When the results came in, it was announced that I received 2nd Place in the 30-34 age division and running my best time and pace to date. I completed the 5K in 25:25 minutes at a pace of 8.12.

I am very excited about my newest accomplishment and am always striving for more. Christmas is just 6 days away and am looking forward to enjoying some holiday food, family, and fun. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Year.
~Trina~

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED....TRINA EARNS IFBB PRO STATUS!!!

Well it has been 10 days since the 2009 NPC Nationals.  Those final days leading up to the competition, my schedule had been jammed packed to the point where I wasn't able to keep my blog postings up as I promised.  My bad..lol

Leading into the final days prior to the competition, I had a scheduled photoshoot with the well-known photographer, William Uz.  You may have seen a lot of his work in various magazines, such as, Planet Muscle, American Curves, and Status Fitness.  It was a long, 8-hour day, but in the end, we came out with some incredible shots.  Below is just a sample:

Going into the NPC Bodybuilding, Figure, and Bikini Championships, there were 520 competitors all in hopes of earning their IFBB Professional Status. Only 23 Pro Cards were given that weekend between all 3 divisions. That Saturday evening I walked away with a 1st Place Bikini Class A title and earning one of those well-deserving Pro Cards.  After almost a decade of hard work, persistence, and continued faith, my dream had finally come true.  The feeling was very overwhelming and I still don't think it has really hit me yet.  Below are some photos from that very rewarding moment:

I've already planned to make my Pro Debut at the 2010 Europa IFBB Show of Champions in Orlando on April 16-17.  I'm quite excited to stand on the same stage as many of the IFBB Pros who have inspired me throughout the years.

Just when I thought life couldn't get any better....that Monday morning after earning my IFBB Pro Card, I got my acceptance letter into graduate school.  So starting in January 2010, I'll be heading back to school to earn my Master of Science degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion.  It's been over 10 years since I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology, but I guess it's better later than never.

Right when you thought I would be ready to take a break, I plan for another goal.  Now I'm preparing to run in my very first 5K this Saturday, December 5.  It will be a part of the Palm Beach Marathon, along the beautiful intercoastal.  I'm not concerned about time so much, but just to know that I've accomplished it...especially since I'm not really a runner.

So this past Thanksgiving I had a tremendous amount of blessings to be thankful for...and there's still a month left until the New Year.  I'm excited to see what other excited things will be heading my way for 2010.  I wish you all a fabulous holiday season.  I will be posting some helpful tips and tricks to survive your way through holiday parties, feasts, and gatherings.

Wishing love, health, & happiness,

Trina

Cora-Leigh...2009 Florida Gold Cup Overall Bikini Champion

WOW....what an amazing weekend! My good friend, Cora-Leigh Hutchinson, finally broke the 2nd place curse.  She entered this years Florida Gold Cup Championships confident, ready, and poised.  She walked away with a 1st place finish in the Open Bikini B Class and took it home with an incredible Overall win against some major contendors.

I was lucky enough to be able to award Cora-Leigh her trophies at a show I won the Overall Figure title at back in 2006.  That winning feeling is an emotion I wanted her to have and to cherish.  It was such an amazing feeling to watch such a dear friend work so hard and to get out of the experience as much as she's put in.  For those of you who have taken away a winning title, that feeling is something you will have with you forever and no one can ever take that away from you.  All the ladies at the show were beautiful and displayed a great amount of grace and poise. 

Now we are both determined and continuing to work hard more than ever to make a great showing at the 2009 Nationals in just 4 short days.  As always, I want to thank you all for the continuous emails, texts, and support.  Check back....a lot of exciting stuff occurring this week.

Wishing you all love, health,  & happiness,
~Trina G.

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!!!

Well the final week has arrived.  Seven days from now I will be stepping on stage and presenting a new bikini physique going into the last Pro-qualifying show of the year.  The 2009 NPC Nationals is probably the most important show of my competitive life to date.  The last 3 months I have completely changed my style of workouts to obtain a lean and tone bikini body for this competition.  I am happy to report that I feel great and am confident about all of the hardwork and dedication I've put into my preparation.  A much needed and deserved break will begin officially November 22...lol.  C'mon...I've been dieting for almost a full year straight.

Regardless of the outcome of next weekend, I am so blessed and fortunate that I get to stand on stage with some of the best competitors, which only thousands of women would love to do.  Overall, I'm proud of myself for continuing through with my preparation despite all of the difficulties and hardships I've encountered over the last few years.  I am so grateful for having the ability to live out my passion and share it with others.  As a fitness professional, I take much pride in engaging others through fitness and wellness.  Helping others accomplish their goals and change their lives through fitness is such a pure and honest gift.

Over the next 7 days, I will be blogging my preparation as I get ready for THE BATTLE AT THE BEACH at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa on November 20-21.  The week is jammed packed but it's definitely going to be an exciting week.  Check back tomorrow....til then....

Wishing you all love, health, & happiness,
Trina G.