Making_A_Change’s BodyBlog

This morning’s workout was all back andd it was great: lat pull downs (110#; 120# on my last set), reverse pull downs (70#, 80# on last set) then worked on rear delts 10#). This was followed by seated rows (80#), one armed rows (30#; going to do 35# later in the week), and bent bb rows (60#). I did 5 sets of the first circuit and 3 of the second circuit, with reps in the 8-10 range. I did high reps on the rear delt work, I wanted to focus on squeezing them, staying low, and not swinging my body. I finished it off with about 5 sets of assisted pull ups–wide and narrow grip. I did that until my lats twitched. I am so happy with today’s work. Tomorrow I work biceps, shoulders, and abs. I have been working out at the old gym–the layout is a bit better for what I want to do AND it’s open a bit earlier. I can get there at 4:30 and work a bit longer. I also prefer to workout there on leg day–the leg machines are lined up and I just jump from machine to machine. No matter–I’ve been getting the job done. I am going to have one more day of low carbs (just my pre- and post workout oats) and have a high day tomorrow. I have added a few more fats on the low day. Today I had some avocado with my chicken, it was so good. I am also taking a new multivitamin. It has ALOT more in it than my centrum. A serving is 1/2 oz. and I have taken 1/4 cup for the passed two days. Tomorrow, I’ll take the full 1/2 oz.

My hamstrings are really sore right now, must be from the deadlifts. Overall, I am feeling good. I have scheduled my workouts for the week, there are 12. I am not scheduled for cardio tonight, but will do 30 minutes of HIIT tomorrow.

My abs are so sore (Yes!) from yesterday’s ab day. I loved it. One hour of just ab work. The hanging knees raises with straight legs definitely did me in–they got my heartrate up and got me sweating. This morning I worked on legs and triceps and I really like the split. For example I did my bb squats followed by one-armed rows and overhead tricep presses. My legs rested while I burned up the upper body. I also had a great time on the leg extension–good pumps all around. Then I went for some posing practice. MY LEGS SHOOK THE ENTIRE TIME. Here I am, trying to flex and pose and I look like I am standing on one of the old school gym machines, you know the one that had the strap that goes around your waist and shakes your entire body? But, I strutted, posed and vibrated for about 25 minutes. Man, the upper body is looking really good. The abs are coming along. And I am sure the legs will follow. My daughter and I tried putting on tanner this afternoon. Tanning with a 4 year old is fun! She held the blow drying and I painted my stomach. She found the whole process hilarious. I have red undertones in my skin and the few coats that I did put on seemed to accentuate that. I took some photos and I’ll embed them in this blog later.

Some other changes, I have replaced the VasoCharge with Lipo 6 and still drink my water with Xtend, glutamine, and BCAAs–what a change! I think this is the combination for me. I get that initial revved up feeling but it subsides by the time I finish my warm-up and it can be ignored if I chew gum–go figure.

I had not one but two pieces of red velvet cake today. I am not going to beat myself up, but having followed up that ‘meal’ with a great leg workout allows me to let that go and move on. No cheats for the next three weeks. I am sitting at 142-143 and I am on my period. Next, week it is possible that I may be sitting at 138–now, to play the waiting game.

Meals today have been completely clean and on time, including supplements. Tonight, I have a one hour cardio session scheduled after Little One goes to sleep.

I had my session with Billy this morning. No matter how tired I am, I always have a great session with him and really see what my limits aren’t! We did two circuits, 10-15 reps, sometimes 20 wth lighter weights of: bb shoulder presses/from and rear, bicep curls, lateral raises, front raises, side raises, db squat to front raise (60# PB)! Then we ended it workout by supersettin lat pull downs and pull ups, then bicep curls. My upper body was unbelievably pumped!

Tomorrow he told me to just do abs and calves. I best that is all I will be able to do anyway! Today’s diet was good–lots of chicken, brocolli. I did suck on some sour candy, though. I think I am going to get to the gym early tomorrow, so that my workout doesn’t get cut short by Little One’s soccer. I’ll go to the old gym @ 6, do my workout, have posing practice and then go to the other gym for soccer. Maybe I’ll just do 30 minutes of cardio at that time.

Staying positive…

I’ve had some decent workouts this week. Billy changed my split and so I can very well be working my legs and upper body, say triceps, on the same day. It is a small change, but I am still adjusting two weeks later. While my mind and heart and completely into the contest prep–there are NO thoughts of quitting or delaying my ‘debut’. I am going on stage no matter what my body looks like, at the time because I know I am only going to get better.

It’s my body that is saying, "Enough! Stop, please." It is 4:45 a.m. I just ate my pre-workout oats and will be meeting Billy at 5:30. My daughter and husband are asleep and I just want to get back in the bed and close my eyes and not wake up until TOMORROW. Thank goodness it’s Friday! Tonight, we are going to come home and cuddle on the couch. We like to watch retro cartoons.We are currently watching He-Man: Master of the Universe. They are really muscular on the cartoon! That have lats and delts and alll-llll that. He-Man and Skeletor have it going on.

Last night, I had two bowls of Raisin Bran. I don’t know if my body needed the carbs or the fiber, but husband is paying dearly b/c I have tremendous gas–it must be the raisins. Needless to say, I feel satisfied. I cooked several breasts last night, no at least my lunch will be good today. Without a car, I can’t just do the shopping like I normally do–I have to wait until Husband gets home and that could be late. By that time, I say ‘forget it’. Yesterday, I had tuna (from the can) and steamed brocolli. It was probably the ideal figure diet, but it wasn’t enjoyable at all. I had the student lunch from my 1 p.m. meal. It was a cabbage and chicken wrap. I definitely went over my carb intake for the day, but I just couldn’t do tuna and brocolli for TWO meals. The wrap was delightful–refreshing, even. I know my glycogen stores are well stocked and now to deplete them over the next 4 days.

11 weeks to go. I’ll make my workout schedule for the week as soon as I know what Billy has in store for me. I hope it’s legs today, because I need a kick in the butt this morning.

is the oatmeal. I had my pre- and postworkout oatmeal with a scoop of protein powder, blueberries, and cinnamon. It’s SO good. I used 1/4 c of oats and 3/4 cups of water and microwave it for 1:20 minutes. (I put in the powder after it’s microwaved and add a bit more water to make it creamy and blend the powder). It’s heavenly. This morning I worked back and bis and I felt strong. So, this is good. Today, I even felt more like me–a little more energy, no fogginess. But, I am craving peanut butter. I just wanted one spoonful. But I didn’t. Tomorrow morning, I am probably doing legs, but I need to do chest. My legs and glutes aren’t sore! So, I know I need to do more. Eh, I’ll just hit chest and shoulders because it their turn in the rotation, and ‘rest’ with calves; and then I have 45 minutes of cardio to do tomorrow evening. I think I’ll do the elliptical to hit my entire body with some HIIT.  I’ll make tomorrow a leg day–focusing on quads. There is just so much that I want (and need) to do.  

Right now, I am cooking up a bunch of chicken for the family and for my lunch. Then I am going to make and freeze some protein pancakes for the morning. So much to do…

I spent the majority of the day on lead legs, with a cloudy head, and just wishing that I could just crawl into bed. Husband normally works on weekends, but he got off early and we went shopping for Little One. At 4 1/2 she is having one heck of a growth spurt and we can’t keep her in clothes or shoes for the life of us. At just under 4 ft and 51 pounds, she is in the 90% for her weight and height. At her last doctor’s appointment, her pediatrician said she was overweight–she’s just a big girl. I had to let him know that she eats very well and is very active. I got my meals in. I had tuna in my purse, just in case. But I already knew I was going to hit the Mediterranean spot for one of the meat on meat on meat dishes–pork, beef, chicken, and lamb–HEAVEN!! It came with a side of lettuce, carrots, and cabbage. That was two meals for me. Once I got home. I know I had to do my tricep workout. I got that out of the way and it was, surprisingly, a GREAT workout. My triceps were pumped up.

I stretched. And I just finished my post-workout meal of an egg white and 1/2 a slice of whole wheat toast. I’ll be glad when I adjust to the reduced calories. This fog that I’m in is no fun.

Okay, this morning’s weigh in: 140 pounds, after a night of some dizziness followed by ravaging hunger. I wanted to eat my arm. Are these the symptoms of the cut? It’s only been 2 days!! (When I ordered my suit, I estimated my competition weight to be 136, so I may be right on. But I have no idea.) I have to keep telling myself that it will pass and to keep drinking water. I know I didn’t drink enough yesterday and I did a second cardio session at around 10 p.m. Today, was going to be a cheat day, but I am going to bank it. This morning I worked legs per Billy’s instructions and tonight will be cardio, triceps, and posing practice. I made the most of the time that I had. Without a car, I had to leave the gym with the Husband and Lil Bit after soccer practice. But I focused on (free) squats (1 am up to 50#s from nothing in about a week and a half), calf raises, and these wall press-ups that make your butt BURN! I cannot wait to be mobile, again. So, I am going to have to make some adjustments until then. Legs will have to be done in the evening or early weekends, so that I can complete my workout. I need at least an hour and a half to get them good and tired.

I popped open the casien protein to check it out. Is it supposed to be that thick? I put in the 10-12 oz of water, as directed. I also added ice. I settled on some left over salmon instead. But I did put the shake in the freezer. Maybe it will resemble ice cream tonight!

Tomorrow marks 12 weeks out for me. I thought that the diet was tight before, but I suppose that the next 12 weeks is going to be something entirely different. I am cutting PB. Some do, some don’t–I am. It has become a vice for me. I like it on a spoon with honey. I like it on dry, wheat toast. I like it in my oatmeal. I like it in my shakes. I never craved PB before, but I do, now. And it must go. I have already cut dairy–and I am the Dairy Queen! THAT was a big deal. I used milk daily in my shakes. Now, it’s just water.

 I am going down to 1650 calories and continuing to cycle carbs. I find that it isn’t so bad when you can eat lots of veggies and drink water between meals. I am just curious about how my workouts are going to be over the next few weeks. My skin is loose, so that is promising. But when I look in the mirror I can’t help but feel a bit discouraged, because it feels like I don’t look as good as the effort warrants. Hopefully, it will tighten up over the next few weeks so I can see what I am working with.

This summer, we have a lot of new teachers and they are great. They are so supportive. One, in particular, passed me a note that said, "You are hardcore. You are going to WIN!" It is just a slip of paper. But I told her that I wanted it. There are so many people who want to BE THERE; actually COME to the show. In addition to wanted to complete this challenge, I have somewhat of an audience. I had two days off this week, one planned, one not. My car died on the freeway–man! I haven’t gotten my cardio in either. But there is no faking it over the next 12 weeks. I have to push even HARDER–I wonder what my limits are? I wonder how much more can I push, because I feel beat up and tired. I actually had a good leg workout two nights ago, it was so nice to be able to feel strong. But that’s not the norm, now.

I remember being 22 weeks out, where did the time go? I can’t have that time back, so I can only be wise with the time that I have.

It’s been over a week since I’ve last blogged here. That is almost neglect for me. I’ve missed putting my thoughts down. But with our school preparing for our 2nd year and getting ready for our first summer program, there has been little time to do much except prepare for that.

Training is consuming, to say the least. It seems like every decision I make can have some effect on my preparation. For example, on the last day of school–late June–our school had a games day. One of the games had the students carrying a teacher to the finish line–I passed. I didn’t want to end up getting hurt or twisting something ultimately setting my training back. Yeah, I know–you’d think I had a million dollar contract! LOL! I have been taking my supplements and vitamins religiously and eating regularly. As far as where I am supposed to be 13 weeks in, I have no clue. In my last blog, I wrote that I had hit 141 pounds. Well, shortly after that, I held onto 5 pounds of water even though I had just had my cycle! I was confused. I sat at around 146 for 7 days. I got worried, because I couldn’t understand what was going on. I thought about ditching the cycling and going for something more reliable. BUT I stuck to the diet and kept training and reading. What was expressed, over and over again, was that you really need to STICK to a program over an extended period of time to really know if it works. In this case, I had to ride it out. This would give me a better idea of how to prep for future shows and to really learn my body. I guess I was feeling a bit pressed because I am trying to look stage ready versus training for training for general health.

Yesterday, I was back at 141. This evening, I weight was 142, which could mean that I could be  breaking into the 130’s , soon since my evening and morning weight typically differs by about 2 pounds. I also noticed that I have loose skin around my lower abdominals, which means I have lost some body fat, according to past experience. I also feel ‘harder’. It is fascinating. Next week, I am going to begin ‘cutting’ and decreasing my calories. Currently, I am taking in about 1800 calories, so I am going to cut to about 1650 and keep my macros the same. I am also going to continue to cycle my carbs.

So, at the gym that my trainer and I do our sessions, is a man who is about 50 and still competes. He wants to meet me and I am crossng my fingers that he would want to join the team, so to speak. Monitarily, I have nothing to give, but I’ll work hard! That’s how I got my trainer, maybe this additional help will follow suit.

Tonight, I took a nap for about an hour or so. I haven’t had my off day, opting to press forward with the workouts. Well, tonight turned out the be my rest day. My body was heavy and I was completely exhausted–it is a great feeling to have especially when you have been pushing and pushing.

Billy put me on a new split. I now do:

shoulders/biceps/triceps

back

chest

legs

And I rotate those parts and hit every two or three times during the week. I do abs, calves, and sometimes shoulders more than that as my ‘rest’. This split is definitely a time saver and I am spent, afterwards.

I am feeling worn out. Sometimes workouts are good, but most of the time I feel like I’m dragging–I’ll admit it. This is rough. I can get with the diet. I got that. There are times when I prefer the lower carb days, because I just don’t want to eat anymore. But the workouts and the SECOND workouts–ooh wee–have you wanting to crawl into bed sometimes. But overall, I am proud of myself. I am proud that I have taken on this challenge. Everytime I go to the gym, I do my best–it just looks different each time. Well, I am going to drink this last 16 oz. of water and go to bed.

I just completed my second cardio cycling. This time, I had 4 low carb days instead of 3 so that I could have my high carb day today, in addition to a cheat. Well, I had whole wheat bread (1 slice) with my turkey burger, and a slice of German chocolate cake with a small scoop of vanillia ice cream–it was by birthday, yesterday!. And that was it. I stayed on scheduled. It was actually hard to get my succeeding meals in b/c I was full from the bread. Now, the veins are popping and I am nice and full. I actually struggled to have a ‘cheat day’, I found myself so dialed in that I couldn’t decided how to do it! But I know how important it is to keep my metabolism going and restory glycocen stores. Now, I am of to do some cardio for 30 minutes.

This morning’s workout was back, but it was pretty week, probably because of the additional low carb day. As far as weight, I am at 141-solid now. That is 3 pounds lost in a little over a week. I see myself getting leaner, my size 4 pants are getting loose.

Posing practice is going well. I think I look better, my walking still needs work. I tape and review my sessions like I am preparing for a big game!

My family is excited. My daughter’s godmother is going to talk to a friend of her’s to do my make-up the morning of the competition. I showed her some pictures of some fitness atheletes, and she said–ooh, okay. It’s like a muscular pageant! So, we talked about hair and make-up. It was fun. I showed her the suits. She was blown away by the price, like I was. But I’ll be wearing them for the next year, so it’s worth the investment.