Eagleanchors’s BodyBlog

So maybe it’s just the podunk, redneck town I live in, but lately going grocery shopping just makes me sad.  Let me qualify my remarks by noting I have only been eating healthy now for about 8 months, and my glass house is still WAAYYY to big to be throwing rocks, but seeing how people eat just hurts.  Ran out last night to grab some shake essentials (yogurt, soymilk, bannanas, and tropical fruit), and couldn’t help but notice what other folks were buying.  The lady in front of me in the check out line was 3 bills plus.  Her cart was CRAMMED with frozen deep fried dinners, doughnuts, Coke, and sugary cereal.  I just wanted to hug her, tell  her it was alright, and walk her to the produce aisle.  I could see she was unhappy,  and it sure looked like her drug of choice was sugar and fat.  Behind me was a man who was about the same size, and he had given up walking altogether.  He was in a scooter, and was buying beer, bologna, and cigarettes.  He had the look of simply not wanting to try anymore.  Looking around I noticed these two were more the rule than the exception.  Broke my heart.  I left the store feeling not superior, but blessed.  Blessed to have taken control of my life, my diet, and my body.  Blessed to have so many wonderful and positive influences here.  Wonder if I can do my grocery shopping online from now on?

So I guess I can officially label myself a "hard gainer".  I’ve always been an analytical person, so I didn’t take to this project lightly….I did my research….read the science…..evaluated the workouts…..and paid the price in sweat and blood.  Leave the gym bruised and beaten whenever I go.  According to all measures I can find, I’m taking all the right steps.  Even finally put serious effort into my diet….gave up a lifetime addiction to Pepsi cold turkey…..eat 5-6 small meals a day, focusing on protein and low fat….supplement with Creatine and L-Glutamine…..get plenty of rest.  And although I can not deny I feel better, and have noticed a gain in strength and stamina, I just am NOT getting any bigger.  Well, I probably am, but the freakin’ pace is so glacially slow it’s KILLING me! My entire life I’ve been lean and strong…..for years I heard the "compliment" "You look like a Gymnast".  I know people meant that with the utmost sincerity, but I don’t want to look like a gymnast……I want to look like a linebacker!  I know I am just bitching…..and I am blessed beyond words.  I am humbled by many of the people I’ve met here who have overcome genetic and lifestyle hurdles that would have crippled me….I  know I just need to count my blessings, redouble my efforts, and hit something heavy, but needed to clear the air and get rid of my whining before I hit the weights today.  Now it’s time to visit the progress pics of those friends who truly inspire me, and step back into the arena……..

So today I lifted on what’s traditionally been a rest day.  When I woke up, my body screamed NO.  The snow outside joined in the yelling, NO.  Both the kids were in great moods, and just wanted to hang out and play, they both said NO.  But inside a little voice said "go".  So I did.  My body revolted.  Said at first "Hell no".  Just plain wouldn’t cooperate.  But the mind is where the real strength is.  And it screamed back, NOW.  So I lifted.  The body complained, but there was no stop.  Heavier weights, forced reps, and yes, more than a few deep, loud grunts.  But I finished.  And with it the realization that maybe to most important muscle to keep sharp is the mind.  Because it’s driving the train.  Thanks to all of you who inspire me, and keep me sharp.  Don’t remember who’s site I saw it on, but thanks to whomever posted the "Arnie" workout video!  Keep sharp, never quit, and realize your goals are only a workout away!  It’s cheat day, now that I’ve earned it, so off to chug hot cocoa and decorate the Christmas Tree!

I’ve noted in a number of blogs here (interestingly enough mostly written by ladies) that "grunting" is a pet peeve for many.  Although initially I understand why, I have a confession…….I’m one of them.  And I’m not going to change.  I read in one blog in particular that the author presumed that the gruntee was just trying to draw attention to himself, then the author wondered if he was grunting so he could check her out.  While I can not speak for any grunter but myself, I can answer firmly that’s NOT the case.  If I am reduced to the point of grunting….especially grunting loudly, chances are I am no longer aware you are even in the Gym anymore, regardless of how hot you are. 

 There is a story told of the great Oakland Raider and bodybuilder Lyle Alzado.  Seems he was scrawny as a kid, tall and painfully skinny.  From a tough neighborhood, he was not only ostracized, but often beat up for being weak and different.  Seeking a way out, a way to escape from being a punching bag, he took refuge in a back alley gym in his neighborhood.  He tried to work out, tried to emulate the others there, but it was a tough gym and he was mostly just in the way.  One day, after summoning all his courage, he approached the biggest, baddest dude in the gym, and asked for help.  The man-mountain he’d approached asked him how bad he wanted it.  A shy Alzado responded "pretty bad, Sir".  The response, a ice hard look, and a slow growled "follow me, Kid".  The massive man led Lyle outside to the river running across the street from the gym.  Lyle followed.  Without warning, the man grabbed Lyle by the back of the neck, and forced his head underwater.  Although he struggled with all his might, he couldn’t budge an inch, much less fight above the waterline.  Just as he started to blacken into unconsciousness, the man eased the pressure, and Lyle reared up gasping for air.  Looking down over the now soaking wet boy, the man said calmly "When you want it worse than you want that last breath of air, come see me", and slowly sauntered back to the gym. 

 So when you hear me grunting, it’s not a come on….it’s not an attempt to draw attention to myself…..in fact, it’s not really me at all.  It’s a scared little boy, fighting desperately for one last breath of air….because I want it that bad. 

So I’ve been motivated by music all my life.  Nowhere more so than when working out.  An iPod full of kick ass music for me can be the difference from leaving the Gym as a shaking, wasted wreck, or simply wasting a workout.  But interestingly enough I have noticed that with the new program I’m doing, I hear the music, but don’t really HEAR it.  Was doing Lateral Step Ups this morning, and when I finished realized I’d been so focused on not falling over, I’d missed my current favorite song!  Guess a workout filled with hardcore exercises REALLY makes the difference……

After about 3 months of "Menu Lifting" (pick an exercise from menu A, add one from menu B, and repeat) I finally found a lifting program I feel comfortable with, and am ready to attack it!  My last couple months have been good, but in retrospect not as productive as they could have been.  Didn’t lose anything, but may not have been at optimal.  Started day one of the new program on Friday….and HURT Saturday and today.  For the first time in a long time I’m a little afraid of how I’m going to feel when I’m done with a workout.  Have really missed that "hurts so good" feeling you get when you’ve torn things apart to the point they build back stronger!  A large part of it is mental too….haven’t challenged my mind to push through anything for too long….imporant to remember the brain can be muscle like, too, and you need to develop it as well!  Here’s hoping to a Monday morning that’s a little sore and uncomfortable!

So Today I learned that I’ve "won" an all expenses paid trip, courtesy of Uncle Sam, to Afghanistan in 2009.  Not having been there before, but I’m willing to bet that Gold’s Gym doesn’t have a real big presence yet, and the GNC probably hasn’t quite finished construction.  REFUSE to change my goals, just have to get creative I guess!  So here’s the question…..if YOU knew you were headed for a prolonged isolation from your home Gym, what changes would you make to your training program?  Any advice on how to keep the dream alive in an environment most likely devoid of serious equipment? 

Some rambling thoughts I just can’t shake from rattling around my head on this chilly December morning:

• In the words of Oklahoma State Football Coach Mike Gundy “I’M A MAN!  I’M FORTY!  I’M NOT A KID”….so how come it’s so damn hard for me to figure out how to eat!  I’ve even done it once or twice, now.  I used to look at big dudes and think they were muscleheads….but all the science (and probably some wizardry!) that’s invloved with what to eat, and when to eat it, and what to eat it with, makes my freakin’ head spin!  I think I finally have come to terms with the fact that it’s nutrition that truly seperates the men from the boys in this undertaking, but the follow through part of it is kicking my butt!

• This workout thing is FUN!!  Aside from some things that my wife does after a drink or two, I really can’t think of a single thing I enjoy more than a truly kick ass workout!  Pushing your body to it’s very limit…then eeking out one more rep to total failure is a MASSIVE rush!  I am truly an endorphin junkie know, and I don’t want no stinking program to stop! 

• Body Building is not merely physical.  It is such a symbiotic combination of purely physical, and mental, with heavy doses of physics, and creativity, and dare I say art?

• I need help in SO many areas, and the folks from this site are amazing!  To start, let’s talk about measureables.  I now appreciate the importance of tracking progress to quanitfy reward, but am still a little in the dark.  Anyone have any advice on measurements:  Where do I measure?  How often?  When (before a workout?  After? Rest Day?)?  And how about body fat measurement?  I have it set as a goal, but not sure I have an effective way to measure it?  And and all advice is appreciated, and thanks so much for listening!

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