Risat’s BodyBlog

Ok, gaining weight did not happen (maybe 2 lbs)…I am ok with that as is my trainer, I’ll just use what I’ve got, right? On the home stretch now, physically prepared, but not as excited as I was the last time. Maybe as I get closer I will be? There are so many things to do, with running, you just run (speed drills, distance, hill, etc…) then on race day you get up, put on your racers/short/shirt/hat and run…..This is more involved…..training, dieting, tanning, posing, tanning, grooming, did I mention tanning?  I like the training part, the rest is for the birds….

I’ve been told that I can’t train for more than one sport and be a winner. I don’t think that is entirely true (comments appreciated here). So far I have been pretty successful in the events I have chosen (some small, some with a large contestent field) and the body has held up pretty well too. I just finished up with a multi-sport event yesterday and now it’s time to focus on gaining back the weight I just lost (and adding more, please) and putting definition into the legs (no running for a while).

I first started running (more that I was required to do) as a means to deal with my mother’s illness, it was the time I could spend (quietly inside my head) alone, with no worries. It felt good. The racing was an extension of that. Then the Army called me back to Active Duty, the running/racing was a way to deal with being separated from my family (I had not lived alone in 24 years). I became pretty good. It was great improving each time I raced and I found out that I had a bit of a competitive streak. Next came WTF, the obstacle course was a great challenge and I love that I am still improving (fighting for every 10th of a second!). Still looking for new challenges, I decided to try bodybuilding. I love competing in bodybuilding! The training is hard (and I am fighting against my body type). Being on stage felt great - I was nervous, but I overcame it, and when it was over I had WTF to look forward to (a little treat cause I still like to run).

Now I will go back to preparation for my next event. Personally, I don’t mind switching gears, but from a training standpoint is it too much of a challenge? Do personal trainers only want to train you if you are going to win? The win is great (I love to win), but I also love to see improvement (even if I don’t go home with a trophy) and to do things that improve the spirit along with the body. Throwing a dose of realism in, I know that I am not probably not going pro in any of these events (not even sure if I would want to if the opportunity came along). The transformation of my body and mind, the friendships I have gained, putting that next weight plate on the bar, all of these things are important to me.  I want to keep improving, maybe I’ll try an endurance event (can anyone say 100 miles in the desert) or hey when is the next survivor casting call?

Success can be many things, it does not always mean a trophy or medal. I can’t wiat to get back into the gym to prepare for my next event, all I can do is my best (+10%)