1 Day Out!

Morning Everyone.....this is going to be a real quick post today so my sincerest appologies. I'm under very strict instructions to concentrate on my preparation with absolutely no distractions. So unfortunately I'm not going to be here again until next week, there's a lot on in the next couple of days. I will endevour to try and post our results and hopefully a picture but I can't make any promises, so if you can all bare with me for the time being I would really appreciate it. :o)

And on another note I have some really BIG NEWS to announce next week, I'm still blown away by it and can't wait to share the big news with everyone. But again, I can't change my focus on that until next week. So in the meantime have a great weekend and wish me luck. Love Lia. xo

Can I have your attention please!

Ladies and gentleman it gives me great pleasure to announce that Josh Dickinson from Physique Essentials has generously offered to take me under his wings in preparation for my coming onboard as a part time personal trainer once I'm fully qualified. This was quite unexpected and happend quite suddendly but I'm really excited about the future possiblities that I'm involved in. 2007 is shaping up to be a very big year for me and there's so much more in store but more of that a little later on. :o)

Even better, I'm already working with my very first client which I'm excited about. It all kicked off last night, she's a lovely lady and has kindly agreed to including me in her training process so that I can get some valuable on the job training. I'm absolutely blown away with all that's happened this week and feel so blessed to have so many wonderful peopleincluded in my life. Some would say that I'm lucky, I would say that luck is what you make of it so being proactive pays off. Dreams do come true. :o)

Last minute shoe changes...

There's nothing like some last minute changes to keep a figure competitor on her toes, parden the pun. LOL!! These were the shoes I wore when competing, but noy after today. No thanks, I finally said enough is enough. For those that know me well know that I don't make any rash decisions, quite the contrary I put a lot of thought into my decisions although it wasn't meant to happen until the new year for next years seasons.

Basically I chose these shoes orginally because that's what a majority of figure competitors wore and for very good reason, I mean what was I to know when starting out. Nothing, exactly! What they do for you is elongate your bodies lines and increase calf definition. Having them all clear also means that there's no distraction as you'll find with some shoes or cutting off of lines. Basically there's fors and againsts for any shoe and this after all is my personal opinion. But the downfalls are that they are a pair of 6" heel 1" platform of dangerous and I mean dangerous high heels. If you're not 100% confident in wearing them that can show on the stage, that's the last place in the world you want to have to deal with confidence issues. And don't get me started with how much they hurt your achilles tendons and calves. *ooooouch* I've already taken a bad fall backstage at one of my competitions this year and it wasn't pretty let me tell you. Onwards and upwards though. Secondly I'm already tall so that extra height really isn't that necessary for me. And thirdly, the soles were material so after every competition I would have to srub them clean which is very time consuing and you all know how big on time management I am. LOL!!

So what did I do about it then. Well actually when I was competing at the 2006 INBA Victorian Titles I was admiring a pair of shoes that another figure competitor Clare Mason was wearing, so I approached her and asked her more about them. Problem solved! I bought them today and boy am I ever glad I did. They are very similar to what I had but now I have a lower 5" heel, no platform, black leather soles and so much more comfortable and far less dangerous to wear. Not to mention easier to clean, it'll take me but seconds to wipe them over and they'll last longer I hope. And the best part is that they were $139.95 marked down to $39.95. Now that's a bargin!

I couldn't be happier. :o)

2006 INBA Victorian Championships DVD Cover

5 Days Out!

Five days and counting until the 2006 INBA Australian Titles!

Once again myself and my husband are experimenting with our tanning process this week, we've just about tried every product on the market designed for bodybuilders, product combinations and of course the application process. In all honesty there is no right or wrong way, it's all about finding what works for you and what looks best on you at the end of the day. The base coat product is what we're still experimenting with as the Dream Tan is our product of choice for top coat. But we're nearly there, by the end of this years competition season I'll have my entire tanning process sorted out. :O)

Jenny Lynn @ You Tube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nGPlZ4pxC8

7 Days Out!

And so the countdown begins again. LOL!! Today was the beginning of the seven day competition preparation and I spent it pampering myself, here's what I did:

Spa Bath
I used lectric soda for my muscle recovery and some lavender oil to help me relax.

Full Body Exfoliation
It's very important to remove all the dead skin cells to keep the skin looking at it's best, I use a glove for this.

Hair Treatment
I showered then shampooed hair twice, towel dried my hair, put in conditioning treatment, wet, wring then microwave hair towel before putting on head and last but not least place shower cap over top to entrap the moisture and heat.

Pedicure
First I use a foot paddle to remove all the rough skin, then massage solar oil into cuticles, applied a foot cream and then put on cotton socks.

Facial
I cleansed, steamed, exfoliated, toned, masked then moisturised.

Manicure
I exfoliate, then massaged solar oil into cuticles, applied a hand cream and then put on cotton gloves.

Tan Application
First of seven coats of equinox ready for competition day.

:o)

Rise & Shine

WOW Again!

Liz I just had to borrow yet another picture from your blog, I mean this photo is incredible! How hot are you! And you make me love life with that singlet on. ;o)

And Jadey, your photography work just keeps on getting better and better. You'll be the first person I call when I come up there next time for my very own photo shoot. :o)

Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

Now that's a mouthful isn't it, it took me three months just to learn how to pronouce it. LOL!! You see, a lot of competitors in one way or another have to face personal challenges and for me it's a renal condition called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis.

Here's the medical definition:

"Glomeruli are structures in the kidney that filter harmful or unnecessary substances out of the body. Each kidney has thousands of glomeruli. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is an illness that occurs when scar tissue forms in some of the glomeruli of the kidney. The term "focal" means that some of the glomeruli become scarred, while others remain normal. The term "segmental" means that only part of an individual glomerulus is damaged."

So what exactly does this mean and how does it effect me. Well basically it means that when my kidney filters protein I lose too much of it out into my urine. Unfortunately a high protein diet puts a lot of unneccesary stress on my kidney which in turn could lead to things like renal failure. My nephrologist has ever so generously allowed me to have 2gm of protein per kg of body weight which I monitor closely every day. After all, I know where my future will lead me if I don't listen to her medical advice. My Dad's there now.

So what is my point you may ask, that challenges although challenges are certainly not excuses but lessons that we can use as a driving force behind us to ensure we live if day as if it were our last. I have a "whatever it takes" attitude of which my husband will never let me forget and for good reason. Nothing will stop me nor should it you. The choice is yours! :o)

"I control my condition, it doesn't control me.
I control my life, it doesn't control me."

- - Lia Halsall

Air Force Newspaper

Here's a link to an article run today in the Air Force News, it's a follow up story from last year. There's nothing like getting good publicity out there for the sport of bodybuilding and figure competing. :o)

http://www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnews/editions/4819/sport/sport03.htm

And here's a link to last years story.

http://www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnews/editions/4718/topstories/story01.htm

Australian Update

Just a quick one, thank you all again so much for understanding my absence during this busy time. Here's the latest update for the Austrlian Titles, WEF 18OCT06 this is my current line up in no particular order:

Ms Figure Class 3 (Over 165cm)

Lia Halsall (VIC)
Deanne Miller (QLD)
Janteenee Biber (QLD )
Shannon Carthouser (QLD)
Michelle Nazaroff (WA)
Samantha Dunbar-Manucci (WA)

Front Double Biceps

Stronger Challenges

Do the challenges you face seem to be getting more daunting? Most likely that means you're making real progress.

The challenges have grown stronger precisely because you've reached a higher level of effectiveness. In meeting those challenges you'll create a path forward where none existed before.
With what level of challenge are you willing to live? That will determine the level of accomplishment you reach.

Working through the biggest challenges will bring you the biggest rewards. Real and lasting value is created by solving the most difficult problems.

With each challenge you grow stronger. And then an even greater challenge comes along, giving you the opportunity to climb ever higher.

Diligently work through a few challenges, and soon you'll find yourself looking forward to them. See the real value in challenge, and you'll see the way clear to whatever you choose to accomplish.

-- Ralph Marston

Abs & Thigh

MAC Cosmetics Figure Workshop

On Friday I was over at Chapel Street at the MAC Pro Store for an appointment. Now normally this appointment would only be for an hour but it ended up lasting two and a half hours. My Makeup Artist Caroline was not only generous with her time but also the sharing of information that was specific to my appointment requirements.

So in saying that I've been offered this really great opportunity for us girls. MAC Cosmetics has offered to run a workshop specifically for Figure Competitors for our Stage Makeup. How the workshops work is that we get to watch them create a stage makeup look on another makeup artist at the same time talking through the process. Then once they're finished we get to create the look on ourselves whilst they observe us and offer any advice that's required. We need a minimum of five and maximum of eight, it's a two hour workshop from 10.00am-12.00pm held on a Sunday. It's $120 and redeemable in products at the end of the workshop, that's the best part. I'm planning on organising a date in the new year in preparation for next years season. If you're a past, present or future competitor and interested in this special offer then please email me with all your details.

Here's what we'll cover:

* Stage Makeup Application Techniques
* Foundation Match To Suit Tanning Products
* Highlighting & Contouring
* False Eyelash Application
* Makeup Hints & Tips

I look forward to hearing from you so in the mean time have a great day! :o)

Quote For The Day

"Always and never are two words you should always remember never to use. "

-- Wendell Johnson

My Husband :o)

Conrgratulations Sam!

Samantha Dunbar-Manucci

2nd Place

Ms Figure Western Australia

WOW!

Liz I hope you don't mind me borrowing this picture but I just had to post it up for everyone to see. And talk about bab-a-licious! *wolf whistle* It's an incredible photo, taken by none other than our very own talented Jadey. :o)

Friday 13th

Left Symmetry

Still here..... :o)

First of the rank I want to thank each and every one of you for reading, commenting and supporting My Figure Journey Blog. Then secondly, once again I'm overwhelmed with all the comments, emails, messages and calls I receive before and after each and every bodybuidling competition I do. In all honesty it's one of the best things about this journey of mine and there's nothing more I look forward to then coming straight home and updating my blog with all the news for you to read. You guys really do lift my spirits and make this so much more then what it really is for me. Words simply can't express the gratitude I have for you all and I only wished that there was more that I could do. So please, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. ;o)

Work's been really busy this week, not only have I had a lot of my own lessons with my students but I've also been looking after another instructors students whilst he's away. So unfortunately I hit the ground running post Victorian Titles and was straight back into work, dieting and training with little to no time to spare. This being the primary reason why I haven't had the time to sit down and type a post until now. I know you all understand but I always feel compelled to apologise, it's just my nature.

I have a whole lot more competition photos that I'll post up. How does one per day sound?

Well anyways, time for a shower and change. I might even try and get an early night tonight. So in the meantime enjoy the rest of your evening and good night to you all. xo

Rear Double Biceps

Keep Going

When you've reached the goal you've chosen for yourself, set your sights on an even higher objective. And keep going.

When things have not worked out the way you planned, learn the valuable lessons that the experience has to offer. And keep going.

The key to meaningful achievement is not in how clever you are or how lucky you are or in how much advantage you can gain over others. The key is to keep going.

When other people give you encouragement, insight and assistance, thank them for their help while offering your own special value to in return. And keep going.

When others seek to block your every effort, raise yourself up to where you can clearly see beyond their petty, shortsighted attempts. And keep going.

Whatever may come or go or happen or fail to happen, there is always a way, some way or another, to keep going. You will get wherever you wish to go when you consistently choose, in each moment, to simply, thankfully and gracefully keep going.

-- Ralph Marston

Team Halsall

Relaxed Pose

Dallas Olsen Fitness Photography

Dallas Olsen was hired as our personal photographer yesterday for the day at the 2006 INBA Victorian Titles. Now I knew he was a great photographer but wow, he's just sent through this montage as a sneak peak of what's in store and damn I'm impressed with not only his photography but also his artistic skills. I can't wait to see the rest of them and share them with you all. He knows exactly what to look for when photographing us on stage and has an eye for absolutely everything in the bodybuilding industry. Trust me, this isn't an occassion you want to chance by taking happy snappy with your personal camera. I know, been there done that! LOL!! And they don't work, or if they do they're usually to dark or out of focus. Time effort and money is wasted using this tried method but by hiring a true professional is priceless when it comes to your dreams. Dallas Olsen without a doubt will be my first choice every time. Now I can't wait for the Physique Essentials photo shoot after the 2006 INBA Australian Titles which he'll be doing, of course. :o)

As promised!

Lia Halsall

3rd Place

Ms Figure Victoria

Daniel Halsall

1st Place

Novice Men - Class 1

We both have qualified for the Australian Titles!

Good Luck

Josh, Deb, Liz, Alicia & Maraina

May you all have

the very best of luck

for tomorrow

This is the stuff

dreams are made of

Love Lia

xo

Tanning Process

The next stage of competition preparation is the tanning process. This actually started a month ago by visiting the solarium on a regular basis which helps me build a good base tan. :o)


Then it's time for Contest Colour. I apply four coats, each three hours apart. Before applying another coat I stand under the shower until the water is clear. Then when I get out of the shower I pat myself dry so not to rub any off and then start the whole entire process again. :o)

1 Day Out!

This morning my husband and myself packed up all our Sheriden Bed Linen & Domestic Linen and bought out the Competition Bed Linen & Domestic Linen