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Archive for June, 2009

Last Lap–and a Visit to iSatori

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

I’m on my way home–a day-long bus ride from Denver to Salt Lake City. The tour has been successful–we’ve played for over 50,000 people in 10 days. Last night’s concert in the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater west of Denver was standing-room-only for nearly 10,000 people and it was video taped for future release.

While in Denver, I spent an hour at iSatori’s headquarters. What great people, particularly Stephen Adele’, the CEO. He practices what he preaches–he is in top shape. I overheard him ordering in lunch–no hamburger and fries for him, but a chicken wrap with veggies. We spent most of the time talking about his family, his desires to rear his two girls to be good people. You can trust the integrity of a company when the CEO is a man of high moral values.

I was interested to hear how successful iSatori’s new Liquid Morph has been. I’ve used it for the fantastic pre-workout supp the Morph matrix is, having had great success with the tablet form. Mathias Horn, the fellow over all the product distribution, says that most guys are buying the liquid version because of the added 45g of protein. Quite the stack!

I had concerns about keeping up my fitness regimen–diet and workouts–while on tour. It turned out to be fine. Most of the hotels had adequate gyms. There were a couple of nice pools and some good outdoor trails/paths to run. I got in a workout every day except one (Sunday’s off) and actually did 2 workouts a couple of times.

Meals could have been a problem had I not been forced into passing up all the desserts due to their gluten content. We’ll see tomorrow morning how successful I’ve been maintaining weight and muscle mass. I really think it’s going to be fine.

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Posted in Training

On The Road

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

Never fear, Skinny’s been on task even though I haven’t been able to report back. I’m about a third of the way through a 2-week tour with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. We’ve given concerts in Cincinnati, St. Louis, Des Moines, and Omaha. We’ve got points west ahead of us–Kansas City and Denver to name a couple. We’ll play for over 50,000 people by the time we’re done.

I’ve done a workout every day–a couple of runs, a good swim, and a weight workout at a nice Hilton gym. My biggest concern was nutrition–buffets for most of the meals. Could I keep my appetites under control? But it hasn’t been too bad. Because of my Celiac disease, I’ve had to pass on all the fancy desserts and the breads, so that only leaves the meats, veggies, and fruits. Since I don’t have scales, we’ll have to see how it all works out, but I feel pretty good about things so far. Even though the schedule is for 3 big meals a day, I’ve taken baggies and slipped out with a fruit or protein for in-between meals. And half my suitcase is protein powder and gluten-free crackers.

I’ve taken these two weeks off of all supplements, following the standard cycle-off traditions. We’ll see if that makes a difference. I haven’t gone off 3-XL since it came out, nor ISA-Test. My energy level for workouts has seemed about the same, but I’ve got to remember, too, that I’m at a lower altitude.

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Posted in Training

Eating Less Hasn’t Worked

Saturday, June 13th, 2009

So I’m still at 9% with a couple of jumps even into 10% this last week. I’ve cut out carbs in the afternoon/evening. Hasn’t done much, obviously. So now we’ll try for increased cardio and see if that will make it budge.

Bad news–a week from today I leave on a 2-week concert tour with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (I play in the orchestra). Picture the self-discipline it will take to be offered 3 BIG buffets in 5-star hotels every day. I’m taking a supply of baggies to sneak out protein/carb portions for snacks. I’m taking protein powder for late-night shakes. But it will be the actual challenge of NOT EATING WHAT IS PLACED BEFORE ME. Working out won’t be a problem–the hotels always have nice gyms and I’m taking my resistance bands just in case. Swimming and jogging will not be a problem. There are also a surprising number of folks in the group that are equally fitness oriented as I am. But still . . .

Wish me luck. I’ll report back.

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Posted in Training

Can’t reach the goal–just lower the standard!?!?

Sunday, June 7th, 2009

I guess I haven’t been keeping up on the journal entries. I HAVE been keeping up on the exercise and nutrition, though–5-6 weight workouts a week and a cardio session tossed in for good measure. Results? Not like I’d hoped. At first my goal was to stay at 7% no matter what. Then it went to 8%. This week has been 9%! So I’ve got to get things under control. I could see this trend moving me right back to 12% or worse. The line is drawn–I’m getting back to 8% and STAYING THERE!

But how–eat fewer calories? Cut carbs? Do more cardio? Liposuction (just kidding)?

I’m getting a little growth in the lats and quads, and I think my calves are finally showing a some promise.

There was a local show last week, but I opted not to do it–an NGA show with just an over-40 class. Five guys in that class with the oldest at 53 and looking good but not as good as the 40-year olds. Heck, I could be their dad and I’m supposed to compete against them! Yesterday in Reno there were two shows–an ABA and an NPC, both with an over-60 class. Maybe I’ll shoot for one in the fall.

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Posted in Nutrition, Contest Prep