Summer 08 Contest Prep

I’m thinking of doing two back to back shows again…which puts me just over 8 weeks out from the first one.  Both shows are OCB.  I danced around a couple orgs this spring and just know OCB likes my look so I’m going to run out the year with them.  Who knows what next summer holds though…

My posing coach, Mary Bell (www.centerstagefigures.com), emailed me recommending I do an INBF show this fall.  She is just as confused about the figure judging we saw at the Presidential Cup and concerned about the validity of the judging for the show I was planning on doing.  Mary has been a WNBF pro for most of her figure career and feels like my long lean look will do very well.  So I’m thinking of changing over to that…

Oct 20 Charm City Classic (Figure Open and Fitness Model) INBF Battle of Blacksburg (Figure)

Oct 27 Yorton Cup (Figure Open)

last tuesday i went to a spine specialist for my lower back.  i figure, my doctor wants me to go, i don’t want to end up a bodybuilding casualty, just go maybe he can help me, right?

well, instead i get a lecture on how i shouldn’t work out twice a day, and real bodybuilders only work out 3 times a week blah blah blah.  i’m at a point where i’m seeing a spine specialist, i’ve obviously gotten out of control.  i tell him i eat a lot, rest a lot, take days off, oh and by the way i consider myself a real bodybuilder.  the only advice he has is "take it easy for a couple weeks."  did i really just waste my time on this?  are you SERIOUS?  i was hoping for some stretches, exercises, physical therapy, ANYTHING.  but take some time off and listen to your body is EXACTLY what the regular doctor said.  at least HE admitted he didn’t know enough and wanted to send me to a specialist.  WHO DID NOTHING.  he promised me i wouldn’t be out of shape if i took a break.  he doesn’t get it.  i’d prefer a "no working out for x weeks" over this b-s answer.  at least it would be some real advice.

 ugh.

i was on vacation last week so i took that time off.  for anyone familiar with NASM’s OPT model, i’ll be training on the stabilization endurance level through labor day.  then back to squats and deadlifts and 2-a-days.  sorry, but i got some shows coming up buddy.  i’m thinking of finding a more useful specialist. 

Right now I’m studying to be certified as a personal trainer, planning on auditioning for a modern dance performance in Richmond, prepping for photoshoots and a competition, and trying to start learning fitness strength and flexibility moves as well as train for women’s tri-fitness next spring.

All while working a full-time big-girl job.

And considering starting grad school in January.

Am I crazy?  No wonder I have no life!  HA!

I am just a hair under 12 weeks out from the Yorton Cup.  I’m still debating if I want to do a show the week before that, but because Yorton is going to be HUGE, I am going to focus on training for that with a goal of placing in the Top 5 in the Figure Open Division.  It will be very hard, I’m sure. 

Unfortunately, I had a very unproductive (and delicious and lazy) offseason.  I do have more back width and shoulder size and I’m starting my contest prep 10 pounds lighter than last time, so I should be able to stay dedicated and work hard and look better than I did.  I’d like lean legs without veiny arms.  I’d like to put a tiny bit more size on my arms and shoulders yet.

Today I’m going to start my diet, but only for a week because I go on vacation next Wednesday for 5 days.  I was pretty bad this weekend while my sis was visiting, but I’m not too worried about it.  I know what I need to do to get it done this time around.

Number one goal is not to burn myself out, or the people around me.

I will probably not compete again until next July after Yorton.  I think I will start training in fitness strength and flexibility moves after this show, hopefully competing in both figure and fitness next summer.

I’m SO ready to do this.  I hope everyone else is ready for me!