Off Season Training

I experienced my first training session back in the gym on Monday ( with Shawn), after about 4 weeks off. It was nice to have the time off, and I was ok with not going to the gym. After going twice a day, everyday, a break is definately necessary. Shawn had me start by stretching, and we did a plyo circuit 3 times through. Now, you may not think that sounds like much. Oh, but it IS. The third time through the circuit, I thought that I might either throw up, or pass out. I did neither, but the idea was there. I have NEVER been so SORE in my life. I hobbled around for the whole week, no mistake there. I was sore for a whole week following. But, I have never met anyone that pushes you, in such a motivating, positive manner. I wanted to keep going. During the workout, not after. We also trained upper body on Wednsday. That was challenging too, and I know that it will continue to get harder, and heavier. I was STILL sore on Friday, so we moved our next session to today. I already have a feeling that I will be hobbling around like an 80 year old for the rest of the week. But, I really need someone to push me like this, and motivate me to leave everything I bring into the gym there. I gave it my all, and was close to tears on the very last set. But I made it. And it isn’t killing me, so you know it’s making me stronger. Thank you to Shawn and Jason, ( at www.explosiveedgeathletics.com ), you guys motivate the HELL out of me!

Hi all! I wrote a review/results article on the 2007 NPC North Star for bodybuilding.com. There are also a photo gallery! Thank you to Jeff Spain for the pre-judging pictures, and to Randy Leppala for the finals pictures. Here is the link: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2007northstar.htm A big Congratulations to all of the athletes!

Tara

Game Plan for 2008!
Current mood: determined

Ok, so I met with my trainer, the wonderful, dynamic, Shawn Myszka from Explosive Edge Athletics ( www.explosiveedgeathletics.com, check these guys out, they know their sh*t! Oh, and tell them that Tara sent you), to figure out a game plan for next year. The biggest focus for us right now is to put on about 7-10 lbs of muscle. That is what I need to be more competitive! We looked at , and discussed the specific areas that needed the most work. And I feel confident that as a team we will make HUGE improvements to my physique. (Then the other girls will look at me, and be like “damn!” Hehe!) Anyways we took pictures, did measurements and bodyfat. Thankfully I did not go off the deep end as far as diet, and eat every last morsel I could stuff in my mouth ! Been there, done that, not pretty results! That was last year, and we all learn from our mistakes,. Hopfully, anyways.

As a few of you know, I have decided to switch organizations. I have been competing in the NANBF for the last two years. I really like the drug-free organization, and I love Aaron Callister’s show, the Mr/Ms Natural Minnesota Invitational ! It has been a great show for the first two years, and I would still recommend it to anyone! I will always be natural, by choice. But I have decided to take this as far as I can, really give it my all and take it to the next level! I feel that competing within the NPC will give me a better chance to do that.

Ok, now for contests………. Those of you who know me, know that I love doing competitions. But my personal goal is to improve for each competition that I do. That being said, with the amount of work we have ahead of us, next fall is my best bet. Honestly, it does make me a little sad that I wont be able to compete for that long. But, we decided that would be the amount of time that we would need to make the necessary adjustments. There would be no point of taking a month or so off, then dieting for a show again. We are going to shoot for the 2008 NPC North Star for sure, and probably another show around that time too! Possibly a Wisconsin NPC show too. Whooo-Hoooo!

I start my off-season diet this week, and training with Shawn next week. It has been nice to have some time off too. After my NANBF show I spent a week in Hawaii with Mark, that was AMAZING! It was just so nice to relax, and be in tropical paradise with my man ! I am PUMPED to start training and put on some much needed muscle! I know that Shawn is intense, and I feel hungry ( hungry for change and improvement, not DQ Blizzards), and ready to get this show on the road!

So here’s to making this off-season the most productive one yet, and bringing a BIGGER, BETTER, more CONDITIONED, and totally new Tara to the stage next year! Jason and Shawn, you guys ROCK! And I cant wait to step on stage and make you guys proud ! Maybe even bring a tear to your eye! I am determined, driven and ready to take this to the next level!

My beautiful green two piece figure suit is now available for purchase. It is made by Caroline at CCfitwear, and hand stoned by me. There are hundreds of beautiful swarovski crystals on this suit. It is hunter green, with floral, swirling glitter on it that really looks great on stage. I have gotten so many compliments on this suit. It is one of a kind and really stands out from the crowd. Anyone from 5′4 and up could wear this suit. It has padding, in the top, and comes equiped with suit hooks for both the neck and the bottoms. You can adjust these to fit you perfectly. There are more pictures in the competition gallery on my site. I am asking $300.00 for the suit. It is in perfect condition and has been worn twice by me. Please contact me if you are interested, or for more details at tara@taraathatcher.com. Thanks.

Tara

Please remember to vote for me at www.twentyandhot.com until November 18th! You can follow the link below. Thank you so much for your votes and support!

Tara