So my
followers may have noticed, and those that read my last blog, that I have taken
a different approach not only to eating but my training and lifestyle. My plans
to compete have now been put on hold until.. I am unsure when I will compete
next but I am crossing my fingers for FitX 2014 as my debut as a Bikini Pro.
For those
that have been following me for sometime they will notice that after receiving
my Pro Card in 2011 I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue. At the time I took
the (what I thought at the time) necessary steps to get better. I cut back on
my training and I cut out stimulants but my lifestyle stress and pressures did
not change, with the move away from my family I would say that it actually got
worse. About 2 months after having “time out” I was getting ready for photo
shoots, training videos for gym equipment, which then lead straight into a
competition prep for my Pro Debut. After
receiving my Pro Card I was even more driven because this is what you do, you create
your own life, nothing will fall into your lap and you work hard for it! The
thing was I didn’t feel like there was anything wrong, I felt fine and was hungrier
than ever. I competed and as planned
came in fuller than I have ever as I wanted to be comparable to my idols, Erin
Stern and Larissa Reis. I honestly didn’t put much strain on my body, most of
my cardio was half hour HIIT at the track and only in the last 4 weeks did I
increase it, but my closest friends would know that in that time it was a very
hard struggle for me mentally not having the support crew close to me as I was
used to and added personal stress.
After moving
back to WA and so happy to be home I was straight into work, a job that I am so
passionate about and as my personality take on as much work as possible as I am
an all or nothing person. I saw potential to create my own business helping
girls prepare for the stage, which is a massive passion of mine and bought me
so much joy. My heart was also set on getting to the US and onto the Pro stage.
I trained harden then ever, I pushed my boundaries and my do or die attitude
had me pushing myself harder to get those results I was hungrier than ever to
prove that I belong on that US stage. I
competed at FitX firstly, then my girls competed and then I was off to the US
after smashing out as much work as possible. I was on fire and I couldn’t stop
and would not sit still for an instant, if I was sitting down I was on my
phone, emailing, keeping up to date with social media and the list goes on…
After having
one of the best experiences of my whole life and returning home from the US my
body was not coping well neither was I mentally. I started finding it even harder to deal with
stress, I was gaining weight in my mid section very easily after being so
strict, my digestion was horrible and it took me longer than normal to process
any information. After numerous doctors and finally finding a great
endocrinologist I was diagnosed with stage 1 adrenal fatigue. I never felt too
bad and could always push that bit further because my body was producing so
much cortisol, which is your body’s natural response to dealing with any form
of stress whether it be physically or mentally. When your body produces
excessive amounts of cortisol it will eventually affect the production of
hormones, which is something I have been dealing with now for over 4 months.
Mentally
this has been a major struggle to me, I was told that I would not be able to
compete again for a long period of time and that was no what I wanted to hear.
Not after finally making it to the US to compete. Being told that my body was
attacking itself made me feel dreadful.. For once in my life I actually second
guess the one thing in my life that I have worked so hard for and this killed
my spirits…
No matter
how I looked at things there was not one sole factor that bought me to that
state. I came to terms with the fact that it was the mixture of everything over
a period of years and not slowing down. Although I always knew better and
preached a balance to my close friends, clients and anyone I spoke to in
fitness, I was the last person to listen to my own advice. Maybe its one of
those things that you have to experience yourself to know that there is a point
where you can push to hard. A high regarded sports person once said to me,
“Summer its not the ones that work the hardest that survive, it’s the ones
who’s bodies can tolerate the longest that will.” I honestly do see some truth
in that statement, but it covers so much ground mentally and physically.
I don’t take
any “sport enhancing” drugs as much as some may think and I also take minimal
amounts of caffeine so I want to make that clear as many things do affect
adrenal fatigue which can be more mentally than physically. Not properly
dealing with the death of my father over 5 years ago could also be another huge
contribution to my sickness.
4 months on
and I am starting to feel a lot better, my heart is set to compete at Tony Dohertys
IFBB Pro Show in March but I am reluctant to think I will be ready in time. I
now have soul focus on my one job and lifestyle clients but my own health is
number one. For once I think I am actually focused on my own happiness and
healthy otherwise I am useless to everyone, right? This week my energy and
digestion feel so much better, so I feel now I am on the correct path with my
nutrition. My body must be absorbing nutrients again more efficiently as my
muscle tone is coming back, and the more I am eating the learner I am becoming.
With that said I still may have a long road to recovery but I am very lucky to
be on top of this and not in a worse state that I know others have experienced.
I am very
fortunate to be working with two amazing doctors and to have the support of my
family and friends. I am lucky to be learning this about my body and I have put
so much research now into nutrition and health. I feel blessed to be confident
in noticing signs and to be able to guide others on the correct path if they do
feel they have issues. I have said this a million times before but knowledge to
me is power and to be able to share that with the world gives me so much
satisfaction.
It has taken
me a long time to come out with this as I wasn’t to sure how to approach it
under judging eyes, I wasn’t sure what everyone would think of me and my own judgment
of my own body as I wasn’t sure exactly what my body was going through. And you
know what I am still learning everyday.
I always
wanted to ensure that in my fitness and life journey that I stay open and
honest with my followers to give them insight and inspire them to follow their
dreams. I want to ensure that everyone is motivated to be who ever they want to
be so here it is out now for everyone to see and understand that sometimes our
little bodies cant take everything we throw at it, its ok cause we are human
and this just teaches us to be stronger. I found the strength to come out with
my story after closely following a fellow Australian IFBB Pro that been dealing
with adrenal fatigue for many years. I am so happy to see that Ellena is making
such an amazing recovery.
I would love
to hear your thoughts on adrenal fatigue, really not down to publically hearing
anyone’s negative feedback or comments so perhaps keep them to yourself like
you should. This is something that could happen to anyone and what many people
aren’t aware of is, they are actually going through it at this moment.
So CHILL,
take the time out in life to smell the roses.
Much Love and Support
Summer xxxx
Much Love and Support
Summer xxxx
