jcorbett’s BodyBlog

I’ve cut calories significantly and only have a.m. carbs and am pleased about my progress this week. I’ve had to increase the cardio, but am feeling okay. I was reviewing some bodybuilding posing routines to see if I "have what it takes". I think I can hang for a minute even with my stage fright issues. My abs are underdeveloped and they will need attention if I continue to compete. For now it’s time to drill the routine into my head and practice, practice, practice, posing.

Anyone who has ever prepared for a competition knows that the prep is often filled with challenges. For some of us it’s crazy work schedules, interruptions to diet, improper sleep, family, finances, etc. Add single parent with children ages 8 and 11 to the list and it’s impossible–at least for some folks. My weekdays and weekends are filled with a full-time job outside of my household, homework, chess tournaments, fundraisers, cooking, consoling, monitoring,  and motivating. My day begins at 5 a.m. and ends between 10 and 11 p.m. Last week I was only able to train once b/c I had to take my daughter to a few school visits, and she broke a bracket on her braces so we had to make an unplanned trip to the orthodontist. In addition, my son had a chess tournament on Sat. I don’t have any family so dropping them off with a relative isn’t an option. For the most part, our schedule is tight, but I am able to get in my training days. There isn’t much room for emergencies or new activities tossed in the mix, however, it is inevitable and has to be worked around even when it compromises my training time.

I haven’t thrown in the towel and have to step up cardio and cut more carbs so that I can bring up more definition on the thighs. I had to remind myself again why I am competing and its basically it’s because I want to. Additionally, if I am going to write about fitness I should have some success in the field.  In two weeks I will decide whether or not I will follow through with the next competition based on my progress.

As I attempt to replenish my wardrobe I want a new fresh look, I can’t decide what look I am trying to achieve. I don’t need stretch pants nor do I need to conceal a big belly or super wide hips anymore. I want sophisticated, mature & sexy, but I’m not sure what that looks like on my 5′9",  47 year old, 148 lbs frame. Last year after losing 25 pounds I shopped in the juniors department for jeans b/c the jeans were inexpensive. It was so exciting to put on a size that I hadn’t seen since my 20’s. It was a temporary fix. I have had some of my skirts taken in and have purchased a couple pairs of Anne Taylor slacks. However, I need a complete overhaul on my 9 to 5 and after 5 attire. I like a tailored look, but would like a little pizazz. If only I could wear yoga pants and a fitted tee for every occasion–life would be so simple.  How can I get on one of those fashion makeover shows?

I want to compete as a Master’s bodybuilder or a middle weight in the  next three weeks. I decided that I’m terrible in the 5" heels and don’t want to do the model pose required for figure. If I can pull it off (the posing practice & creating a 60 sec. routine), I should have a better shot at winning a trophy. I’m not sure when I became so competitive, but when I compete I want to win or at least place in the top five–perhaps I may be better at bodybuilding.

I talked to my former trainer and he asked me what was the problem. When I said I needed to lose the butt, his response was, "you’ve dieted before…" I whined, "but I don’t want to be hungry:)," and I was reluctant to commit to another figure comp. b/c I didn’t want to give up certain foods. In fact I was very nonsensical about dieting, fantasizing that fat burners & cardio were enough to drop 10 lbs., but I’ve got to cut calories if I want to hit the stage again.
I realize calorie reduction requires a strong and made up mind and I’ve been able to limit my to  1500-1600 in the past 5 days and haven’t fainted. Additionally, I had to go back to keeping a food log that helps me monitor my calorie intake. I’m looking leaner already–at least to myself:)

Training is fine. I started riding my bike because I have knee pain so I can’t run. I also do the stair climber–it’s great for keeping the glutes high & tight.

BTW another gym member said I looked perfect–while I know it’s not true, it was a nice up beat way to end my training.

Happy lifting to all!

Over the past few years I’ve received a number of emails, but the one that stands out the most in my mind is a guy who in his words said, "I wish I could get my wife to work out like you" so he asked for suggestions on how to motivate his wife. Somehow his question struck a raw nerve and I’m not sure why. My response was the following: make sure you cook dinner, take care of the children, buy her a new workout outfit, and take care of other chores so that she can have adequate time to get to the gym. I thought it was important for him to encourage her by making sure her needs were met, then maybe she  would  be inspired to make some physical changes.

I believe that internal motivation is the source that drives those of us who maintain healthy lifestyles. We may be encouraged and inspired by others, but ultimately it’s us who keep "us" in check. When I was dating a bodybuilder, he didn’t criticize me or harass me about going to the gym. I began to feel self-conscious about my physique and wanted to change. He was happy to show me resources and techniques that would help me actualize my transformation. However, it was "me" who had to make some tough choices about diet changes. When I decided I wanted to change, he supported my efforts.

What’s your opinion about mate motivation?

Part of the beauty of the bb.com community is the support & cheering I’ve received via cyberspace. Posting the progress photos was very helpful along with the weekly blogs which chronicled my fat loss journey. I also entered a few competitions to challenge myself and stay on point, physically. This summer I stopped posting progress photos b/c it’s a hassle to take photos and I’m not vain enough to want to jump in front of the camera every week, but I feel a disconnect and am not as enthusiastic about fitness as I was. I train b/c it’s necessary and sometimes it’s enjoyable. If I compete in Nov. it will be very low key. I’m not purchasing a suit or putting out any extra cash. Either I’m stage ready or I’m not.

I’ve had to go back to the "beginning" with diet to see what foods work and what doesn’t. I made a lot of mistakes last comp prep and was about 2 weeks off schedule when I competed in June. Additionally, training has been heavy & basic. I stopped gym cardio for about 2 weeks and just added 20 min. stair climbing to the schedule along with 15 miles per week of walking. I need to drop about 10 to 12 lbs. to be comp ready. I’ll decide in the next month if I’m going for it "one last time".

For those of you who are fabulously fit, what keeps you motivated? How do you establish new goals? Are you accountable to anyone besides yourself?

I realized during vacation that I am not a foodie so all the restaurants & hot spots for good tapas, didn’t really matter to me. Most of the tapas (kind of like appetizers) offered with drinks are fried or some other food that is high in fat and low in nutrition. Additionally, I don’t drink cerveza (beer) and only drink a little wine (no more than a glass). Therefore, I just ate what I could find. The kids & I never really got into the flow of having a large meal during mid day when most Spaniards have the largest meal. Breakfast was toastas & cafe con leche (white roll toasted with coffee & milk)-a far cry from my egg whites & oatmeal. For lunch I attempted to eat menu de la dia, trying to eat local dishes, but I don’t eat pork or beef and my Spanish is limited so I had to order dishes of which I knew the ingredients and most dishes had fries (of course I ate a few b/c I was hungry). Good food finds were easier in southern Spain than in Madrid, but no veggies (only iceburg lettuce). I bought a bag of watercress one day just to get a little green in the system. I also purchased a few cans of tuna to up the protein intake, which was significantly lower than my usual daily intake. I refused to pack any protein and decided I’d have to go with the flow.  I only had one melt down which was on the return flight–I ate a croissant b/c I didn’t buy enough food for the plane ride and got hungry. I even had half a muffin, and a little chocolate cake.
I need to detox and get back to nutritional basics. I’m not sure if I’ll compete this fall, but I’m going to begin dieting next week. My current weight is 147 lbs., but I need to lose some fat in the thigh area–quads like to show the cellulite. I was considering doing body building instead of figure, but I’m not sure if I can get my weight down and get ripped enough by Nov. Additionally, don’t know if I can put together a 3 minute routine. It may be a goal for next year.

My family & I are going to Spain next week. Any recommendations for restaurants or things to do that are not in the travel guides? Not going to rack my brain for clean eats, will have to go with the flow. Not sure if I’ll get any training in, but plan to have some fun, dip my foot in the Mediterranean, eat a little paella, and drink a few glasses of wine.

I am terrified each figure competition just before I walk out on stage. Something about exposing my assets and flaws makes me a little nervous. I am so not happy when I’m not "called out" and leave the stage sulking, but after a few days of carbs, I want to compete again. Yes, I have the "competition bug". Sixteen months ago I laughed aloud when someone suggested that I compete. Something about being objectified was a turn off. However, when I decided to show off my physique in the fall, I competed to celebrate the victory of surpassing my weight loss goal. The competition gave me training focus and helped me stay on point with my diet. Therefore, my paradigm for figure competition has shifted and I now see figure competition as a sport instead of exploitation.

I enjoy the comp preparation because I train anyway–the competition just give me focus and a sense of urgency. My training and comp prep time is the only thing I do outside of family (with the exception of my career). It has become an essential part of my life and helps me maintain balanced life.

Since I have decided to continue competing, I need develop strategies to deal with whether or not I get "called out". At the moment I take it personal and feel like garbage, but quickly realize that there is always someone else that will look better. It’s not a reflection on my hard work–it’s just the nature of competing–at least that’s what I’ve been told (LOL).

At some point I will also have set my ego aside long enough to approach the judges for feedback.

I am tenatively planning to do two competitions in the fall with hopes of placing in the top five. Until then, I will train like a champ and stay on point with the diet.