phoenixe10’s BodyBlog

Ok, it’s been a looong time since I’ve posted a blog, but I haven’t stopped training…  I’m not sure if I’ll be able to compete at all this year (although I would like to), but I will be training like I am getting on stage.  Lol…even though I am a little bummed that the Gold’s Gym I go to has changed their name to Urban Fitness.  =)  Still a great gym, the best in our area, but something about the Gold’s emblom gets you a little more motivated…anyone know what I mean?  Anyway, next week I will start posting my progress again…a little more frequently this time.

I’m in a hurry…gotto start getting ready for work, but just thought I’d write a little before I go.  Training is going good again, back on track.  And I’ve begun training clients again.  I’m not planning on picking up too many (only those who are really determined to change)…so I don’t burn myself out.  But I’m glad I’m back to training people again because I’ve missed it.

Anyway…lol…I figured it’s been a while since I’ve referred to good old Marcus Aurelius, so here is another passage that I can relate to:

“When circumstances force you to be disturbed, quickly return to your Self; you will master harmony by continuous Self recollection.”    — Marcus Aurelius

Hello everyone!  Yes…I know it’s been way too long since I last updated my blog, but I’m back now!  Although I’ve still been training, I have to be honest and say I lost my focus there for a minute and got distracted.  (nervous, discouraged, fatigued?)  Nervous, because I’m worried about being ready for my show.  Discouraged, because my progress has slowed down too much.  Fatigued, because I’ve been running myself too hard, not taking enough time to rest. 

But, I am back on track now and more focused than before!  Even if I don’t manage to get into competition shape by the Monster Mash, I will find another show to do…there are usually some in November as well.  And without the major distractions I’ve had these past couple of years, I will be able to maintain a better level of fitness in the off season than I have in the past.

One thing that has really helped me refocus are my ventures to the lake a couple times a week.  I’ll sometimes stop on my way home from work or the gym, and sit and read a book, or think and reflect (or not think, if that’s what I feel like doing).  Before today, I would just go to this park to relax.  But now my plan is to run at least one time per week at this park before I allow myself any leisure time.  (Starting today) 

I did an interval running session today for about a mile (which was just enough, I think) and then I sat in front of the lake for about an hour.  Tomorrow will be a serious training day at the gym.  (Then maybe a little more time at the park)  Lol…I’ve got to get in plenty of rest time now, because with working at a bookstore, and the last Harry Potter book being released, things will be very hectic for a while!  Well, time to go to bed!  More updates to come tomorrow!

More progress!!!

I am sooo excited!  Not that my weight matters much when it comes to my overall look (remember muscle is heavier than fat), but I’ve finally broken through and gone under the 120 lb sticking point!  I am now at 119 pounds and I feel I’m still maintaining my lean muscle!  I’ll be ready for Mud Volleyball…and the Monster Mash in no time!

Today I worked out at the base and did shoulders and legs….and can you believe it, NO CARDIO!  Usually I seem to have a better weight training session when I do cardio first because I get all loosened up and get the blood flowing to my muscles.  But today, since I was kindof crunched for time, I skipped the cardio and went right into the weights.  However, I did superset everything so there was no lag time in my workout.  (I did a shoulder exercise supersetted with a leg exercise)  With doing a high intensity workout, I think I still got plenty of cardio in! 

I need to start thinking about what I’d like to do for vacation this year!  (This is the first time since being in the military…5 years ago…that I’ll get paid vacation!  Woo  Hoo!!!  What to do!?  I wouldn’t mind going somewhere quiet…out in the country where there are no distractions. 

This weekend I found a nice little spot to go and relax for a bit whenever I need some down time.  Sunday and again today, I went over to Eastwood Metro park.  I sat in the grass in front of the lake and read a book for a couple of hours each time.  I am usually a habitual person, so I think I’m adding this little escape to my weekly routine.  (Although at times I can be spontaneous, hence the decision to go to Eastwood in the first place)  Well, time to try and wind down so I can sleep!  I’ve gotto be at work at 7:00. 

Lol…Ok, so I’m not the greatest at keeping up with the blog thing.  It seems like each week keeps getting busier!  (Which is good, cause I can’t stand being bored!)  

This past weekend I had to take 3 days off from the gym because I was getting too tired.  I could tell my body needed a break.  And I only went to the gym 3 times this week (I’m so ashamed!)  cause that heat wave really kicked my behind when I was trying to work out….especially on leg day!  

I did start doing sprints last week!  On Sundays, instead of doing 40 minutes on the treadclimber, I’m now doing 25 minutes and then I’ll run laps on the track and finish off with sprints.  Last week I ran 4 laps (1/8 mile track I believe) and sprinted the straight stretches for 4 laps.  Today I did the same, expect I added another full lap…for a total of 9 laps.  Each week, I plan on adding another lap, alternating between a full lap and a sprint lap…just to keep things interesting!

I still don’t have a date for the Monster Mash yet, but I’m assuming it’s towards the end of October…which should give me plenty of time to get ready!  I’ve just got to resist the ICECREAM!  (which is very hard to do when it’s so hot out!)

Ok, I’ve been very neglectful about updating my blog and checking my messages, so for that, I apologize!  Lol…I’ve been so one-track minded and focused at the gym, that by the time I get home, I’m too tired to do much of anything….a good tired though!

Training is getting more and more intense each day.  I actually made my quads sore on Monday!  (Which is extremely hard to do!)  My strength is about 80% of what is normally is, so soon, I’ll be ready start doing pull-ups again.  (Once I hit 100 lbs. on the lat pulldown, for 10 reps, I think it’ll be time) 

I haven’t started morning cardio yet like I had planned because I got to thinking about it, and I don’t want to do too much too soon.  I’m now planning on incorporating it into my routine June 1st, starting with once or twice per week.  As for my flexibility, I’m actually more flexible than I thought I would be.  I’m only about 2 inches away from getting that split!

I was on my way back from walking Jazzy the other day and ran into one of my old clients.  I really miss training!  Luckily, she expressed interest in me training again, along with some new prospects, so I think I’m going to start up again only on my days off.  This time, I don’t plan on working for a gym, but instead, I’ll train under my own business name:  Mirror Image Personal Training.  I’m already in the process of getting my name registered and aquiring a tax ID #, so this will be just the beginning of a new adventure!  It may start out very slow, but in time, I hope to have my own actual training center! (Among other things)

I’m still going to do the Relay for Life at the end of June, and I’m thinking about signing up for more, just for something to do that will go to a good cause.  What I really can’t wait for is the Mud Volleyball Tournament in July!  It’s sponsored by the Epillepsy Foundation, and there are hundreds of people who attend.  This will be my third year playing!  If you’ve never played mud volleyball, you’re missing out!  Let me know if you need more info on this event!  The more the merrier!

Hello all!  Just walked in the door from the gym….Phase 1 (Getting back into the swing of things) is now complete!  Now it’s time to turn up the volume, and start really concentrating on my physique.  I already know I have some weak areas as far as muscle development (hamstrings, shoulders, forearms, etc), so these body parts are going to get hit twice a week. 

My cardio is going great, but this coming week I will start adding more plyometrics and agility training to the mix!  I’ve also starting focusing more on my balance and flexibility as well.  (Lol…I’m bound and determined to get that full split this year!  I’ve been sooooo close in the past!) 

I’m down about 6 lbs. from my original weight…which is about the right pace I want to be losing, so as not to lose too much muscle.  According to the hand held (not very accurate) body fat monitor, I’m down about 5 % in the bodyfat category.  I haven’t gotten any new measurements yet, but hopefully that will be done this coming week.

Since I still haven’t really found any shows in September (a few tentative ones), my aim now is for the Monster Mash at the end of October. 

On a side note, I would like to thank Tony for making the first donation for the June 29 Relay For Life!  Just a quick reminder:  Relay For Life, West Carrollton, June 29, 6:00 pm.  My donation goal is $500 and all proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.  If you’d like more information about donating or participating, please send me your e-mail!