We all have people who inspire us daily, at least I hope we all do. Whether it is someone in your immediate life or someone you have never officially met, these people light some excitement and drive in you and make you feel like anything is possible. Meet Ginny Gardea...
This is a woman who truly does inspire me. I have never met Ginny outside of the internet world but none the less she is an amazing and motivating woman. She is a full time corporate working mother of 2 little ones who has big goals for herself outside the roles of mother and wife. Don't get me wrong, those are some of the most precious parts we play in life, but she has crafted a piece of herself that is only for her. Read on...
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*Question** Quite a few years ago, I remember reading your journal over at Figure Athlete. I believe it was after you had your first child? You are now preparing for another competition and have since had baby #2. Amazing! What inspired you to compete again after your 2nd pregnancy?Ginny: I love to compete. I had some unfinished business to attend to after my last season. We made the decision to take some time off to grow our little family but it was always in the cards to return to the stage. I don’t know how long I’ll be a competitive figure athlete. I take one season at a time. For now, I find the process very fulfilling. It’s something that’s MINE. As a mother, wife, career person—we find ourselves in a position to give, give, give. All of these things are life-enriching and come before anything else but at the end of the day I think it’s important for women to have something to call their own. This strange little hobby is mine.
**Question** Your a full time working mom and have numerous responsibilities on your plate, how in the world do you juggle it all? Any organization tips?Ginny: Oh, yes. Multi-task or die. Our home runs like a well-oiled machine. Thankfully, the little people in my life are of the personality types that require a great deal of structure it works pretty well for everyone. We operate on a pretty regular schedule which makes planning easier.
I’m a list maker and post-it note addict. If it’s not written down it might not get done. I have what my husband calls a “playbook” (we’re a sports family) on the fridge that includes step-by-step what needs to get done when everyone gets up and another for when everyone gets home—bottles in the washer, clothes laid out, food prepped and packed, etc.
With regard to tips—shop for and prep your food in bulk. I have a stocked freezer. My kitchen is in a constant cycle of thaw, prep, pack. I cook proteins for 3-4 days at a time and cut it in advance. There are large bags of prepped and sliced veggies, ready to go. Tupperware and zip-lock baggies are my friends.
I rarely do one thing at a time. I can’t remember the last time I just sat and watched TV without my laptop for work and a pile of laundry at my feet.
The thing you can’t plan for are snuggles and playtime. They just need to come first. Those are the constants (at least I try) and everything else falls into place around it.
Sleep is my greatest sacrifice. Is it always healthy? Probably not, but for now it’s the only way to fit everything in and I don’t want to give everything up. I’m up at 3 am to start my work day so that I can continue to train for competitions without it negatively impacting the lives of my family. Annie is still up for at least one feeding in the middle of the night and my four-year-old is a bit of a restless sleeper, so even my four to five hours of rest is fragmented. I nap on the weekends and just know that it won’t last forever. Someday the babies will be grown and I’ll be done with my hectic competition schedule. Right now, it’s just a little nuts and I’m ok with that.
**Question** You obviously have a very supportive husband. That is awesome :). Do people ever question you why you continue to do what you do? Some people just don't understand the need to compete. What does prepping and competing do for you personally?Ginny: Yes, my husband is incredibly supportive. I could not do this without his patience and encouragement. He’s a true partner both with the kids and at home. He almost always cooks his own meals. I stock the fridge and he’s a trooper with coming up with whatever he wants to eat. We co-parent 50/50 with shuttling kids and all of the other care as well (except nighttime…that’s mom’s gig).
Many people don’t understand my sport. I’m totally ok with that. When asked, I do my best to explain that this is an athletic endeavor for me. The actual competition is the icing on the cake. I’m challenged by the training process. I love to see what the human body is capable of. The structure is something that fits my personality and lifestyle. I really do love the journey. It’s been a big growth experience for me over the last four years.
Who knows how long I’ll do this but for now, it’s something that’s important to me and I make every single effort to do it in a way that has a “zero effect” on my family. I would work out and eat well regardless of the competition aspects and my prep is managed in a way by my trainer and nutritionist that there is never any drastic dieting or marathon gym sessions. Life is pretty balanced. Family always comes first and if ever there becomes a time when that’s challenged, I’ll be done.
**Question** What does a typical, if there is one being a mom, day look like for you?
Ginny:3 am – up and at ‘em, laptop open and working, COFFEE
6 am – family is up and it’s “on like Donkey Kong” – breakfast, playtime
8 am – kids to daycare and back to work
3 pm – get the kids, head to the gym
5 pm – home for dinner, baby snuggles and Star Wars battles with my little guy, prep food, pick up house, get things set for the next day
7 pm – baths, stories and bedtime
8 pm – finish up work, catch up with my man, household stuff, more food prep
10 pm - bedtime
Midnight – chow time for Annie
3 am – REPEAT
*I eat 6-7 meals a day, so there’s a lot of eating happening in there for me.
**Question** Did you have to change your training at all after your second pregnancy?Ginny: Yes, my prep changed. It actually was easier. I really scaled back my workouts while pregnant. I just exercised because it made me feel good. I focused on moderate cardio and strength training and got tons of rest. I think my body needed the break. Funny how carrying a watermelon in your womb equates to a “break” but somehow it did. When I got back on my training program with my coach, things just happened really quickly. It helped that I kept my weight gain to about 20 lbs. but still…I was surprised. There may be some good genetics in play there in addition to good old fashioned hard work.
**Question** You are an incredibly fit woman. What do you believe has helped you the most in getting your physique to where it is now?Ginny: I think there are a couple factors. First, I have an amazing team behind me. I work with John and Roxana Kreklo of Onstage Image for nutrition and training. It’s always changing but they seem to find just the right plan for what I need at the time and keep me healthy. The second is plain hard work—just pounding it out in the gym. I do a lot of traditional training, olympic-style weightlifting, push ups, pull ups, etc. Variety is key—we throw lots of plyometrics in to the mix. I think you also have to love it. You might not love it all the time but in general, the actual “work” has to be fun. The gym is my sanctuary in this crazy life. I plug in my iPod and punch-out from the real world for a little while.
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*Question** Any favorite diet friendly recipes or meals you can't live without?
Ginny: I love food. I get a lot of it, too. I don’t really have favorite recipes. What I have developed is an appreciation for food in a natural state. I like good, wholesome food. I don’t want for much. I miss wine when I’m in prep mode. I do love a good glass of Pinot at the end of the day.
**Question** What are you goals after this next competition? Do you plan to keep on competing?
Ginny: I need to requalify for nationals at one of my next two shows (Vancouver Natural and Emerald Cup). From there, I plan to hit the national circuit to go once more for my pro card. I don’t look beyond this season. Who knows what next year will bring. For now, I’m committed to these first two shows with a few national shows on the horizon. After that…it’s anybody’s guess.
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*Question** Lastly, if you could give any advice to a woman who is struggling to find time to workout or work towards a goal they have dreamed of, what would you tell them?Ginny: Take time for yourself even if it’s just an hour a day. It’s hard to justify when everyone needs so much from you but you will be a happier, healthier, more well-adjusted mom, wife and coworker if you do so. There is no guilt in caring for your needs too!
To follow Ginny's remaining weeks of preparation for the Emerald Cup, check out her blog:
http://www.craigproductions.com/blogs/userblog/3434Thank you Ginny for taking the time to share a glimpse of your daily life. I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for this incredible woman!
