Prep Files 2.0

It has been nearly three years since I stepped on the bodybuilding stage and earned my OCB pro card in wellness. I always talk about this experience with the highest amount of respect and pride because it truly was the best thing I ever pursued. It was a transformation- not just physically but mentally and emotionally.

Shortly after completing my prep, I moved and decided to pursue my degree at VCU. Prep shifted my mindset in dozens of ways, one of which being my view on college and the magnitude of earning a diploma. Throughout my time there, I was frequently asked when my pro debut would be and truthfully, the timing felt forced whenever I would humor the idea.

To anyone who knows me- you know that when I am involved in something, there is no half-assing it. I want to be as involved as I can and pursue it to the best of my ability. To sum it up- "meraki" is my life word for a reason. I truly believe that is why bodybuilding is the perfect sport for me. You can not cut corners. You can not take the easy way out. You are either relentlessly involved or you have picked the wrong task to associate yourself with.

Fast forward to 2025. I had just graduated. Post-grad life fell into place more wonderfully than I anticipated and my anxiety shed quickly. I was consistent in the gym again and decided to ask my coach what a timeline could look like for me. We had thrown out a few dates before but this timeline worked well for where my physique and mindset were at. Everything was aligning.

I started prep December 9, 2025. The day I got back from New York. I was in "pre-prep" for awhile. Since end of October if I remember correctly. This phase was testing how my body responded and seeing if I was actually in the mindset to pursue a pro debut prep...needless to say, the timing was finally right! At 20 weeks out, my composition was parallel to what I was at 8 weeks out last time (body fat and weight).

I won't lie, these first 6 weeks of prep have not been the most ideal set up but my body has responded well and I have controlled what I can.

A week after New York, I went to Nashville. Casa Rosa had my back with chicken and rice. Then I went to Seattle and Vancouver and went snowboarding at Whistler. My cooler was my carry on and I packed 5 meals for my travel days. I had beef and bread at the peak then a protein bar on the way down the mountain. In between all of this, I got sick. Like chest hurt to get out of bed type of sick. Thennn when I recovered, I was traveling again.

I am very blessed to be able to travel and even more thankful to have the discipline to navigate these obstacles. Trust me, it didn't come without feeling down and believing my prep progress was already erased. On the happy, I got to experience different gyms in different cities and countries!

I am typing this at 15 weeks out. I am finishing up my last prep travel and am so excited for the road ahead. The final push for growth is almost done and it is time to cut. Sharing my prep journey brought me so much joy last time. When your day is mostly eating, lifting, sleeping, and working- making silly videos or writing out your prep progress becomes a highlight!

The pro debut prep is HERE! I have been beaming with happiness since November and this is all I talk about because, well, it is a big deal to me and wilder than I thought I was capable. The kid who quit sports to heal her scoliosis kept pursuing this goal. The girl who used a gap year to focus on her anxiety and depression kept trying. And the girl who loves creating a community from her social media is excited to do this journey with such an ideal support system.

This sport is not all sunshine and rainbows so I am excited to roll out the prep files part 2!

See you next time. :)

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