An Athletes Story: Journey To The Stage, Part 2....

Gemma After...

"What makes a genius is not lack of mistakes. It's lack of making the same mistake twice."

Now for the exciting "extension" of An Athletes Story. Because we are well aware, to "conclude" means to die. Gemma simply turned the page and learned a lot from the pages before. She deserves every bit of the kudos and spotlight. She did the work, she got judged, she grew, and others will grow because of her example. Thanks Gemma, it means a lot.

The following is Gemma's continuation from yesterday.

The next 12 weeks

I've always been told that the prep for a bodybuilding competition is hard work, painful, exhausting and probably one of the most difficult things that you'll ever do in your life. It can even be tedious, boring and will absolutely push you to your limits.

Call me strange, but I honestly didn't find it that bad. It may be because I've attempted it so many times before, I knew what to expect; or it may just have been because I had a coach who was chilled out and easy to talk to and relate to.

We communicated over email on a 1 to 2 day basis. I would send him emails with my random freak outs and thoughts (I'm sure he must have thought I was a nut job half the time!) and he would respond back enthusiastically, and normally say something to calm me down or help me to look at whatever the giant (in my mind) problem was. I would send him pics of my progress once a week, and he would send a new diet every few weeks, depending on where I was at with my prep. It was simple, and worked SO well! I have to admit, the time difference was a bit of a pain in the ass, as I would email him and then wouldn't get a response back until about 1am my time, but this taught me to be patient, and release all control and worry about the whole thing – which I think was a big part of why my prep went so smoothly.

So my training was simple – CrossFit! A mix of my box's programming and a bit if extra stuff to work on the problem areas that I had. No brainer really, and I seemed to cruise through it.

Josh's methods (in terms of diet) were slightly different to the norm of what I was used to, or what I'd ever heard of before! I was sure when I signed up for this that I would be getting diets full of greens and protein – true Paleo style! So when he said to me that I was going to have NO carbs at all, and that he didn't want me to eat before 12pm, or that he even wanted me to go an entire day without eating a thing and then train on that empty stomach – I was shocked, to say the least. But I was told a long time ago to always do exactly what your coach tells you. So I did just that. And the best part is – the dude knew what he was doing – AND IT WORKED!!! Never before had my body got so lean so quickly. I was never hungry, I never had cravings, and could even sit next to my boyfriend Kurt while he munched away on chocolate eggs and lollies at Easter and not want any! I was eating coconut (yum!!) and could even eat whole eggs (and didn't have to take out the yolks - double yum!!) and I was STILL getting leaner!! Best. Diet. EVER!!

The funniest thing about the whole experience was that the diet and training were the easiest part. The biggest challenge for me was to believe in myself and my bodies ability to change. I had never really been 'lean' before, and I was forever doubting whether I'd be ready for the show in time. However, through it all, Josh never once lost faith in me, my abilities or the fact that I WILL be getting up that stage. He said that me not doing the show was never an option for him – and that it shouldn't be for me either. He gave me the right amount of push and helped me believe in myself when I needed it the most. I eventually was able, through his help and guidance, to get my tandoori tanned (6 coats of the stuff!!) butt up on stage and present to the world, a figure that I was finally proud of, but most of all I was standing there completely comfortable in my own skin.

While I wasn't in the best condition out of all the girls up there, and sadly didn't place on the day, I couldn't be happier with the way I turned out. In my mind, I won. I was in the best condition of my life, and had the best time, and had all my closest friends and family there to watch. Everyone who were there to watch me said that I was the only one up there who looked like they were enjoing themselves, and I apparently “shone” on the stage and was "stunning". I'm sure this is because Josh was so positive and encouraging the whole way through, and just kept on saying to me to "have FUN on the day". Well that's exactly what I did!

Hearing how proud Josh was of me after he saw the photos helped make me proud of myself, and the highlight of my day was when we actually got to speak to him on the phone at the competition, from the other side of the world. It definitely made my big day so much better, and there was no way that he was going to miss this!

I can't express how thankful and honoured I am that I had such a professional and knowledgeable coach to help me realise my dream of getting on stage, and for making the journey such an enjoyable and meaningful one. Since working with Josh and getting such amazing results for my show, my boyfriend Kurt wanted in on the action and has also started being coached by him, and is getting ready for a regional CrossFit comp to be held in July. The results speak for themselves as Kurt is already looking shredded and is constantly hitting PBs and is in the best shape of his life! Let's just say, the man knows what he's doing! :o)

I am so excited to see what the next chapter of my fitness career will bring, as I am now officially hooked and will definitely (with Josh's help yet again) be getting back up there again in September – and will be presenting an even better package.

*Don't forget your favorite Paleo dish for the "Paleo Taste Test" after "Fittest Friday's".

Dynamic:

Front Squat: 

12x2 @65% 1RM

For Time:

400m-Run

21-Swings

14-Burpees

7-Flips

2 Rounds

Post weight moved and time to comments. 

Comments

[holly]

AWSOME GEMMA!

[Dana]

Holy transformation!! Unbelievable that the before and after pictures are of the same person... Congrats again and come visit us sometime!

[betsy]

Awesome story! Josh you are amazingly busy with touching lives everyday. Gemma way to go!

[jb]

Puttin together meal and training plans are simple man....its Gemma who did the work. Her husband Kurt aint no slouch either...dudes on par to step on stage CF or Physique, whichever one he wants...and its the same story...i give a simple idea, and the workers work it...Gemma and Kurt are awesome workers....those Aussie's are badass...and there is never busy when folks are giving the effort....it always seems effortless on my part cause they are working so hard...

[NeNe]

Way to go Gemma!! Awesome transformation!

Josh don't sell yourself short. You do so much more than write meal plans & workout regimens. The motivation & dedication you have for your athletes is inspirational & I admire that in you and all of our trainers at PCF! Why do you think we are such badasses:}

[Ken & Cledith]

Serious change takes serious motivation, planning, execution, adjustment, re-evaluation, adjustment, etc., etc. This could be the boring & monotonous part. But Gemma & Josh this story shows so much heart, so much care for an individual, so much trust, so much change - congrats - obviously boredom never had a chance! We are blessed to be part of PCF!

[Stacy]

Josh, can't remind you enough how many lives you change. we are all blessed to get to share your knowledge. We are fortunate to learn from you, but as like Genna, it is what you do with the knowledge that counts! Thank you both for the motivation!

Chas, PS. You are the proof in the pudding, beautiful and strong!!

[k]

Gemma...congrats. The discipline required for these events is nothing short of challenging...physically and mentally. How awesome you have such a supportive pal...for those days when you've just gotta be reminded why you've signed up for the gig. And how cool that your change motivated him to better health...whether he competes or not. That's the good stuff.

Worked with a couple of amazing women from Australia in a previous life and can attest to their tenacious, "bring it on" spirit. That'll be of help when you tackle the next one...it'll be a bit tougher, but you'll be ready.

[holly]

9:56 +++
135# fs dy

[Renee]

9:57+

[Pj]

105# FS
10:48

[Shelly]

75# FS
14:16 (m)

[joey franchise]

155 fsront squats. Too light
9:19++

[vicki]

WOW Gemma! Congarats!

Josh, you touch so many lives and now around the world! You have so much knowledge and you like to share. I'm so happy and proud to be a part of this incredible group of people.

[Rachael]

115 fs
11:05

[aNGelA]

Im really proud of u josh....u did a good job. Congrats Gemma, u look beautiful!!

[Gemma O'Brien]

Thanks guys!!

I only just saw this now as I've been busy all weekend Judging at the CrossFit Regional Games here in Australia (FYI - Pat Barber, the Manimal won!!) How did you guys all go??

Thankyou so much to you all for your kind words and encouragement - can't tell you how much it means to me, and helps to keep me pushing through.
I was so unbelievably happy with my results and progress, but I'm by no means stopping there - this is a work in progress, and I intend on getting on the stage next time and be fiercely competitive with the other girls.

Thanks again guys!! You all rock!! We'll catch up one day :o)
Until then - keep in touch!

Cheers,
Gem xx