6 Weeks Out, With One Week Cushion
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…
