jcorbett’s BodyBlog

I spent the last four days in San Juan, PR. My diet was off, I had two rum drinks, more carbs than veggies, but managed to get my training in. Don’t think much damage was done, but it did interrupt my flow. This week I must cut carbs and add another day at the gym–oh joy!! I did say I wanted to look my best, right, so I must SACRIFICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My carb, fat, protein ratio was good today. I am just adding a few moves to current training. The supersets are doing the job. I’m starting to get a little nervous, but I’ve got to get focus and drop a little more bodyfat. I don’t know how much I’m carrying, but I can tell from the mirror that I have at least 8 more pounds and at least 4% bodyfat to shed.

I have a renewed admiration for bodybuilders, figure & fitness folks–this is your incredible life. I can’t say I share your enthusiasm, but I love to look and feel good–that’s my daily inspiration.

The actual contest is 11/15/08 so I got started a week early–need as much time as I can get. My plain custom suits are ordered and will be ready late October, so I’ve got to do this thing. What the heck was I thinking? I really wanted to cancel the order and say forget about it b/c of the cost, but I also began to feel very overwhelmed ("I’ve got too much to do", " I’m too darn old for this stuff…", "What are you trying to prove…"). What’s that about? While my transformation was necessary to combat health issues, I’m competing just because I can. It’s also an opportunity to push myself a little harder and further sculp my physique. There is no pressure for me to win (although it would be nice) however, I want to look my absolute best and have fun in the process.

I’ve been reading various figure and/or fitness websites for ideas about training and confirmed that I am on point with the training. Higher intensity, lower reps, more cardio (I’ve got to add another day of just cardio). I will have to change my routine next week and perhaps employ tri-sets again–at least for legs. Additionally, I need to be in the gym 5 days a week, three days weight training, four days intense cardio, two days abs.

My former trainer gave me the "you better get your butt in gear" look last week. Here I’m thinking I’m already lean, looking pretty good, etc. and I’ll drop this body fat in no time, but he gave me the "you need to drop some body fat look". Better safe than sorry–I was concerned about losing too much too fast, but I’ll just have to go for it. Time to cut carbs. I have been eating wonderful starchy carbs such as lentils, sweet potatoes, a little rice, or whole wheat pasta for dinner, but I will have to go back to fish & veggies and perhaps a small piece of fruit. I will continue eating avocado, tuna or some other lean protein along with mixed greens and fruit. Breakfast I will try to eat veggies with my egg whites, oatmeal at least 4 times per week and wheat toast two to three days a week. Snacks are difficult, I’ve been eating cottage cheese for the past week–not really one of my favs, but when hungry it’s divine. I also eat a serving of almonds, walnuts or pecans per day. I’ve already confessed about my peanut butter addiction and have reduced my intake by 50%. Dairy & peanut butter will have to go in the next three weeks.  I’m going to Puerto Rico , the land of carbs & fried food, this week for four days for a conference and hope that I’ll be able to find some clean eats options near the resort. I’ve checked out sites for restaurant recommendations so I should be able to get some grilled seafood, fresh veggies, & fruit daily.

Until next time…

I spent at least 3 hours on line looking at posing suits this weekend. I would have got one off of ebay, but I’m too darn tall:(. While I’d love to have all the sparkles, etc., I really don’t want to spend the $$ on the crystals & other glamorous detail. The kids need more  clothes;  soccer & dance season along with the basic living expenses make it a tight squeeze. Ummm, where’s a fairy godmother when I need her?

My food bill has already increased. I’m experimenting with a new food plan b/c I was bored with my diet. I started the BCAA, glucosamine & glutamine again and plan to take 1/2 recommended dose of Hydroxycut for at least the next 4 weeks. I’ve already dropped some water weight. I haven’t started cutting calories and only plan to decrease by 10 to 15% unless the bodyfat wants to cling.  I’ll start the cutting back on the carbs 9/29–I’ve already been restricting my peanut butter intake (what a bummer).

Training is going well, the supersets really get the heart rate up and it’s a great way to start the day. I will have to modify my training to include core in the next 2 weeks (e.g. shoulder press with lunges or curls on the stabilizing ball).

I also have to start practicing poses. I am such a clutz and generally don’t do heels so we’ll see what happens. I do plan to work with my trainer in Oct. for posing practice, but would like to get a general idea of how to do the quarter turns and just get some time in standing in those stripper shoes in that front relaxed pose before I start working with him.

I have been entertaining the idea of competing since last year when I went to my first bodybuilding/figure competition. I guess it’s a way of challenging myself while staying fit. Ten years ago I participated in the Washington DC AIDS ride and rode 350 miles over four days–at the time it was my greatest physical challenge.

Ten years later, I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in my life. I have been training hard all summer and eating clean so why not compete on an amateur level? Special thanks to "Making a Change" for encouraging me to compete. The primary concern regarding to competition is cost not dieting or training. Nevertheless, I am going to try to work with a budget of less than $1,000–ha ha. I believe the biggest expense will be the posing suits. I will train independently and only work with trainer on posing. If you have any money saving tips, please share!!!!!

I started fat burners today and my training routine has been changed to accommodate my new schedule.  I now work out for an hour @ 6 a.m. before the kids get up. I still do my 12 mile walk weekly and intermittent cardio 4 days weekly. I have begun supersets for legs, back/chest, biceps/triceps and I can really feel the difference. It’s a more intense workout in a shorter period of time. At this point I need to focus on conditioning and shaping so feel free to share your favorite superset routine.
Thanks,

j