renew1 
"Missing my bb.com peeps. Can i get a recap of what i've been missing somewhere? Keep rocking it each and every one of you!"
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| Created: | 06/02/2009 |
| Total Visits: | 135 |
| Total Blog Entries: | 24 |
| Total Comments: | 173 |
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November 11, 2009
Addendum…holding bladder until the very last minute while wearing training Wheels causes me to appreciate my Mom’s annual words of wisdom: “You know it might be a good idea to start carrying a back up pair of undies”…here I was thinking she was preparing me for an unexpected booty call. Thanks Mom
Posted in Training
November 11, 2009
Thank you to each service man and woman no matter what your contribution may have been and/or is today thank you for your commitment to SERVE.
Given the weight of some of the blogs from yesterday….boy were they deep, we covered domestic abuse/hypocrisy/racism I thought today I would offer a bit of comic relief.
As some may know I’m planning to compete in figure next year so I’ve resolved to doing things that are a bit out of character for me….never been in a two piece, short of underwear, never tanned natural or artificial. I’ve accepted that lip-gloss is not wearing makeup and 4 to 5 inch clear heel shoes are a necessary evil.
Speaking of clear high heels, I’m faced with a challenge as I’m afraid of heights. Now I’m not afraid of high places, worked on the 103rd floor of the Sears Tower for 4 yrs so that’s not the problem, its’ the thought of a)walking b) turning c) posing d) walking again in shoes that…there’s no other way to put this scare the living crap out of me that brings on such fear – 5’9 plus 4 to 5 in heels – you do the math. To combat this fear, I decided to purchase a pair of shoes that I could wear everyday…don’t think the clear look would fly in Corporate America LOL and since you never have to twist my arm to go shopping, I took a trip to Nine West and purchased my first pair of Figure Comp training wheels shoe.
The weather is rather nice here in the Midwest so I thought today would be perfect to break out the training wheels. So far I’m getting around quite nicely. My work requires limited walking thanks to email/IM/open floor plan thus I’m able to rest the toes. I’ve got to learn to be a bit more graceful rather than pick my feet up and down like I’m marching. And hopefully in time the following routine won’t be necessary…stand straight, engage the abs, shoulders back, chest high, gain balance, concentrate, concentrate, take your time, careful not to turn on ankle, focus, focus, arrival at destination, breath breath breath.
While on my jaunt to the ladies room then kitchen area in my training wheels I made the following observations.
1. My male manager no longer has to tilt head slightly downwards to catch a glimpse of my girls as they now meet him head on;
2. I can do incredible deep seated squats hovering over the toilet – today is leg day so I took the liberty to do a few;
3. Upon standing I can pear over the door to see who did not wash their hands after going potty rather than inspect who matches up with the shoes I saw;
4. There is a lot and I do mean lot of dust on top of the fridge;
5. The kitchen sink appeared to be more at knee level than hip;
6. Long periods of standing this high made me light headed…really it was time to eat but hey it fits right in with my list ok; and last but not least
7. With the change in my posture I feel empowered so when my co-worker mocked me for being in such tall shoes given my natural height “do you really need another 4 ½ inches?” it was easy to invasion my fist planted squarely in the center of her head which by the way is thinning – the way you would drive a spike in the ground (blame it on the 7-Keto induced cycle folks I’m really a nice person :0) Instead I smiled and said to myself you wish you had half my height so there.
Posted in Training
October 28, 2009
Taking a minute who am I kidding, hour away from my work to give my brain a rest, who are we kidding, work load is a mother and my brain hurts just thinking about the number of projects on my desk but I’m going to take a break, who am I kidding I’m just going to put it in the desk until tomorrow and do a bit of blogging.
Celebrated my outstanding leg day with what appears to be the greatest rush/high/exuberating moment in my workout career, who am I kidding I’ve only been fully committed since May well having challenged myself to go stimulant free who am I kidding, I did not put any superpump in my gym bag I pushed myself to the point of exertion who am I kidding, PT2 was riding my azz about “my wanting to compete” so I gave and gave then gave some more. First it was the burning muscles, then the burning in my belly then to my chest and up my throat (sorry for the graphics) who am I kidding I don’t care. Seems I’ve earned my badge and I’ve got TheCrab to back me up. I feel the need to chest bump someone who am I kidding I just need a chest to feel but I digress. So to honor my arrival, I’m seeking members to the newly formed club Tau Nu Eta a/k/a Leg Day Pukers Club.
Tau- the lifetime of spontaneous emission process.
Nu- kinematic viscosity in fluid mechanics - Viscosity is a measure of the resistance of a fluid which is being deformed by either shear stress or extensional stress.
Eta - Fluid dynamics, ? stands for viscosity
The application process is simple, need only to have worked your body to the max to either cause projectile or near projectile. Sorry whiners need not apply.
p.s. looks like I’ve got way too much time on my hands who am I kidding they are paying me to work not look up Greek alphabet and blog. TTFN
Posted in Training
October 27, 2009
Today took me back to a moment in time that still makes me chuckle when I think of it. My daughter’s first overnight camping trip with her Girls Scout Troop oabhoihsd[rja ojoihoaijkd oh sorry I was just thinking of the wonderful Girl Scout Cookies especially the PB Sandwich. Ok back to the story. I was so excited for her and could not wait for the three day adventure to end looking forward to the ride home where she would tell me all about her time spent in the woods. She greeted me with a kiss and without taking a breath proceeded to tell me everything. I listen intently waiting for her to say what she liked the best but there were so many activities and stories I was sure she could not choose just one thing. When she finished I asked was there more…”nope” that’s it”. So I asked, what was the best part about your weekend? Was it the stories around the camp fire, or diving into the water hole, how about watching the stars in the sky or seeing the sun rise? “Oh the best part Mommy was none of these but the best part was I got to pee in the woods”!
So how does this line up with today well today’s workout was scheduled with PT2. He’s much older and very old school in his technique which I’m learning to appreciate as he not only demonstrates rather I’ve done it before on not to ensure that my form is right lessening the risk of injury. He also explains what muscle group primary and secondary is being worked. He knows the value of my time so there’s no foreplay LOL. And most importantly he understands the mental capacity needed to overcome what you think your body is telling you. He really gets in my head and refuses to allow me to sell myself short. So I hit the gym thinking we were working back and chest which are cool I give about 75% of myself to these areas due to my shoulder which is healing slowly. I’m a bit shy with using my shoulder so I hold back a bit. With that in mind I opted to pass on the SuperPump wanting to give my body a rest while forcing it to Do Work without the artificial stimulant. It’s going to be a light workout I’m sure I have the energy needed to press through this one. Well PT2 asked what I wanted to work and before I could name a muscle he says with a grin, “let’s do legs” I thought I heard a sinister laugh but I could be wrong. First we warm up by running the steps for 10 minutes, ok the hearts pumping, check the clock, I was late so we have to move quickly because he’s got client behind me. To make up for time lets superset and go heavy. Quick, somebody get me some SuperPump now! And boy did we hit it who is this we I hit it. Hank squats 50lbs, deep and slow he kept saying three sets or 15. Then off to the standing calf raise 100lbs 15 reps the 120lbs reps then back to 100lbs 15 reps these were super set with leg press 270lbs with legs in V shape to work…can’t remember the name of the muscle but it’s the inner thigh 3 sets 15 reps. Seems I failed to tell PT2 that I had spent the entire day in 4 ½ in heels. I was so dang tall I got dizzy standing up from the high altitude, the sink in the bathroom came to my knees and I could see over the bathroom door LOL. Then came the hamstring curls on the machine 80lbs 20 reps 90 lbs 20 reps 80lbs 15…crap that’s the best I got people. There was an older lady on the machine in front of me doing preacher curls but found it difficult to keep up with her own count as I was counting out loud. What she didn’t know was I did not want to disrespect her with my cussing cause 6 out loud was s*&^ in my head and 14 out loud was F!@) in my head. We finished…there I go again with this we…I finished with mountain climbers using the Smith Machinetaking care to make sure my lunges were long and deep 2 sets 30 reps, just like PT2 demanded. Goodness I was spent. So how do I liken this to my daughter’s camping experience? Knowing that many on this site like no love leg days I now see the love hate relationship and soon may be won over to putting this on my list of fav but it wasn’t the calf raises, or the hank squats or the hamstring curls. it’s not even the nice long deep lunges that I did beginning to end but rather it was the sprint I made to the bathroom to THROW UP. That’s right baby I worked so hard I gave at the altar. I now have this great sense of accomplishment; I feel like I’ve arrived, I think I’ve just earned my wings. I thought DOMs were the ultimate high but there’s no greater rush then a heave to conclude a superb workout. Soon I’ll be heading to bed to dream of DOMs to come.
Posted in Training
October 23, 2009
Why are there so few sista’s in the gym?
A buddy of mine here on bb.com was completely blown away after hearing a lady say why she didn’t work out. It’s a simple known fact…black women will not sweat out a good hairdo ever not even for a good lay so not happen…I’m just sayin.
Well I’m here to give you just the facts as they have been presented to me. why sista’s don’t do fitness
1. My dude, that’s boyfriend for all you non Afro-American’s, said he doesn’t want me to loose my tits and azz
2. I don’t want to have to take a shower in the middle of the day. was told this when I tried to get someone to go with me during lunch.
3. Gurl, that’s Girl when spoken using the Kings English, I might miss the Real Housewives of ATL, catch me next time
4. Hairdresser told me that the salt was braking off my hair so I should cut back…yep that’s what she said.
5. I need to get my stuff out of layaway so I don’t have $$$ now for gym membership right now
6. The classic, I don’t want to look like a man with all those muscles. hate to be the barer of bad news but that will never happen so you’re safe.
7. “I’ll have to stop drinking first”. So had this happen to me so I told her that might be a good idea
8. “’I’m on my period”…not because you are cramping or feel irritable but was told that the pad wont stay stuck so she wont go to gym when she’s on her period. Kid you not.
9. I need to drop a few pounds first cause I can’t go in there looking like this, that’s embarrassing
10. And this just happened Sat. Lady in locker room says I see you over there working out with the free weights and stuff, boy I would never do that. Why I asked. They might look at me. hum, I see, no pun intended
Posted in Training
October 22, 2009
There’s a teen in my house and she’s killing me with…
Some random discussions and tender moments share with my mini-me
Last night I got a ride from one of the PT from the gym. When she saw the car pull away she asked who is that? She’s seen my PT’s car before but never this one. She’s also heard me talk about all the trainers in general those I’ve worked out with and those I’ve watched in general. Ok back to the story she asked about the car, to which I replied, “oh that’s C one of the trainers from the gym”. This chick looked me dead in the eye and with a grimace called me a workout whore. Then I proceeded to tell her about my squat workout and the whole booty bump story. Follow me she instructed, hit music on demand and dubbed the following as my anthem http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAnt4fsIaHM
On a recent road trip to Detroit, we stopped at the grocer to get some magazines for her to read in the car. She grabbed all the teen mags and off to the register we go. I stopped long enough to look at the covers and thumb through a couple and couldn’t help but notice that there were no black teens…ok folks I love all people this was just an observation. So I posed the following question “ R, aren’t there any of these with black kids in them?” to which she responds, “yes Mom it’s called the news paper” OUCH
When I asked if she has had her first kiss I got a rapid sucking of teeth followed by rolling of eye and neck then a deep sigh…I think that was a yes.
She asked me about “G-Spot” when I assured her it was not a club and proceeded to tell her the truth her rose color checks were a clear indication that I had crossed the line of TMI. Better I tell her then some knuckle head convince her he can go one better and show her…not now in due time baby in due time.
p.s. Have you hugged your kid(s) today…any kid will do just take care to keep you hands visible at all time..i’m watching :0)
Posted in Training
October 21, 2009
Boy the fitness gods were smiling on me today. The company that manages the PT accounts screwed up my account and to make retribution for their error “gifted” me an additional 30 sessions this on top of the 16 get monthly. How the H E double hockey sticks did I get 16 to begin with? The previous manager had been pressuring me to add more sessions ; I initially signed up for 4 so when it was feasible to do so I added 8 more and was given a bonus of 4 for a total of 12. Everyone is aware of my goal so the manager was ever so kind to help me out with sessions. So when the company managing the account got all the paper work they canceled my account which screwed up everything. After much work the problem was resolved with a “gift” of additional session. Yeah for me as I plan to use them to get me through the rest of the year. Did legs today, started with walking lunges. The gym is located in a strip mall and since the weather was nice PT had me to walk the length of the mall with calf raises on the curb. Then once inside the gym I did my first ever squat with weighted bar (not the Smith machine). Was a bit weird trying not to lift my heels or bend forward because of the weighted bar and maintain good form to work the right muscles. PT stood behind me to give me guidance and support should I lose my balance. Our banter got a bit raw as I told him I did not want to booty bump him while going down and the looks I got from the group near by was classic. So we took that as an open ticket and went with the flow. Had a great laugh afterwards and I mastered the move. The first two were a bit off and I was getting frustrated because it did not feel right nor did it look right. PT asked if I wanted to go to the Smith machine since it was easier to maneuver or did I want to master the weighted squat. My initial reaction was bark like a chicken and run but I knew I needed to face this head on and I did. Need to back track, I workout after work so my sessions are usually at 7p.m. but my PT school schedule forced him to end his day at 6p.m. Please don’t tell him but I was sick about it even shed a tear, hey took me many and I do mean many trainers to get to him. I’m not training for the sake of training nor is it my intent to show boat like I’m good I got a trainer, no I needed the individual to know my goal and have the skills to help me reach them and not because they work out. While this young man knows little about figure competition he knows his craft and the science of creating the ideal body for me not some cookie cuter type. We’ll learn the business together he said but the sculpting, trust the process is what he tells me. So you can understand when I tell you I had grown attached to him and really enjoyed our sessions together. So the news about the change in his schedule caused me to panic. During my one on one with my manager I told her about my dilemma and that I would need to leave early in order to get to the gym for PT last session. “If you get here earlier in the morning, then you can leave. Great right well most of PT’s sessions were already booked so I have very few choices. He recommended I go to PT2. You kidding me right, dude is at least 70 and remember I’m on a mission…try him you will be surprised. PT was right this old man knows his s!#t ol’school workout at its best. And he was not easy on me either. The man broke me down and we were working biceps/triceps. PT informed me that he has a standing client Tue/Thur so I’ll meet with him on Mon/Wes then with the extra sessions I’m going to work with PT2 Tue/Thur. It’s like I get the best of both worlds…the new and the old. PT decided to stay and workout after our session so I asked if I could tag along. It was his leg day too so I got to do some weights. Now I know why it’s a fav for so many. Man nothing like pushing weight, tearing up those muscles, feeling each press. My legs were on FIRE but it was so empowering. Ended the day with 40 min interval on the treadmill, tested out my new sounds…daughter put a few of her number one picks on there too…can someone tell me what is “boody dew?” So I’m all set with sessions 4 time a week plus my cardio only days…no gym on Sun even God rested people. Another plus with going to the gym earlier I get to spice up my post weight training workout. I’m starting out with palates on Mon. To keep me going forward in reaching my long term goal of competition I’ve added the following short term goals. Will be seeing family for the holidays so I want to ensure there is a noticeable difference when we see each other during the holidays. Going to the Arnolds in March…must look good for that then my 25th college reunion in April…must look HOT for that. Then I hope to bust out in this dress by the end of the summer. It’s my daughters. I got it for her first homecoming dance. Tried it on for fun and now it’s my new found mission to get this sucker zipped all the way up. By the way, it’s a sz6
 
Well I better get to bed, must get up early so I can leave work on time I’ve got an appointment with a trainer. After thought, am I the only one that dreams of iron?
Posted in Training
October 20, 2009
Did not know that Nike shower shoes were also marketed as shoes appropriate to wear while lifting weights…I’m no genius but I would think that’s not smart, not smart at all.
Did not know that Ed Hurley made workout clothes…he doesn’t those are jeans. Can you tell me why you are wearing your jeans to workout in?
Did not know that MAC also makes a line of makeup especially for the gym…hello you are at the gym, go wash your face please.
Man today was mentally taxing…ha ha that was a pun, I work in tax, well this was 1st quarter which means it reporting time. Goodness my brain was pushed to the max which took a toll on me. I already lack the joy some get when it comes to going to the gym or working out. I’m so not feeling it. I’m ok once I’m there and heart is racing or I see the results but trust my time in the gym is not on my “top ten” list. Well I committed to getting as much work done as possible so I blew my mid day workout. Wait, we had a disaster drill so I walked down ten flights then up five. That counts for something right :0). Well I put my work before my workout so by 3:00 p.m. I was a walking zombie. Guess the mid day cardio does help. I was fighting the need to get some coffee. Coffee for me consist of 24 to 32 oz cup of Starbucks with two shots of espresso filled to the rim no sugar no cream just coffee. I’m down to just one cup a day which is major for me because I would have three a day during the week and four on Sat. sad when they know you so well at the local starbucks that you can send your daughter and they greet her with black eye for your mom?
Was seriously contemplating not going to the gym after work in fact I doodled a bit before leaving, which meant I would have to take a later bus…commuter am I. Call it fate but the bus I take just so happens to go right past the gym in route home so I have no excuse. I started putting thoughts in my head about what I could do at home or should be doing or would rather be doing. The thoughts were pressing in and I man hard. Crap I need to mix my shake, oh man I need to get my water jug filled up, OMG I need to change my clothes. I tired myself out just thinking about all of the prep. As I prepared to close up shop and work my plan, my plan to not go to the gym I grabbed my phone to put it up and hit the music button and then it hit me. I need a good song to help me get though. Must be time to up date my playlist hum what should I down load? I was in need of something that would get my heart racing without making my ears bleed…note to self, not always is it good to have your teen to load your music. For a moment I was wanting to bust a cap in somebody’s a**. Ok so what would do it for me? Well after much thought remember I’m trying to be late to the gym I tripped upon some House Music. I’m from Chicago, the birth place of House Music.
House is a style of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It was initially popularized in mid-1980s discothèques catering to the African-American<sup id=”cite_ref-Fikentscher_0-0″>[1] and Latino American. House is a descendant of disco, which blended soul, R&B, funk, with celebratory messages about dancing, love, and sexuality, all underpinned with repetitive arrangements and a steady bass drum beat.
Boy did that light a fire under my tail. You would have thought I just got invited to a party. I was all set to go and work my body. There’s a song by that name
So here’s a sample of what I downloaded. And might I add it was the best workout ever
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKywmELG690
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQcg-dRg5h4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue2UXnxp8Rs
Posted in Training
October 16, 2009
This just in, formally large lady enters store to try on clothes seems the pants she wore to work are now low-riders not as the manufacturer intended and while reaching for her color coded size purple (18) and teal blue (16) she realizes that wouldn’t work so she works hard to train herself to reach for the pink (14) grab a few and heads for the fitting room. Pant one nice fit but droopy in the crotch, pant two, nice fit but gaps, pant three nice fit but given the stretchy material a few good bends and they wont fit on the waist. Hey could it be is it really happening? With little time to spare formally large lady dumps color code data takes a taupe tagged pair of pants (size 12) and for a brief moment thought to herself it will never happen but oh well. Back in the fitting room one leg second leg then glide past the hips up, zip and presto changeo If you want to know how I’m feeling right about now check this out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-GW3c-ZRZw
Posted in Training
October 16, 2009
Approximately 380 days, roughly 54 weeks that’s a just a few days more than a year this is how long I have to get this body in shape for my first competition. Now I know nothing about what I’ve signed up for which is very much like me to cast my sights on something BIG and worry about the little details as I go along. May not be the best way to handle major decisions but it’s what I do :0) So here I am with about 54 weeks before I subject myself to waxing, just getting my eyebrows done is cause for cussing; tanning – I think the last time I was anything other then this lovely shade of taupe ummm never I don’t like the summer and you will never find me bathing in the sun; rest my girls in material that cost more than my current wardrobe; gracefully move about the stage in 4 inch see through heels - seems I’ve over looked the fact that I’ve turned my ankle in flats on more than one occasion; gym membership and trainer – so no liking the gym though it is a very interesting place with its fair share of weirdoes and PT wanna bes. Nope never gave any thought to what this sport entailed … didn’t even know it was a sport – hell I’m the chick that yelled touch down at a Bulls vs Lakers game years back. And unlike some who confessed they simply stumbled into the competition arena as their main focus was to lose weight, get tone, be healthier I walked into the gym and when asked what my goals were I without any hesitation said I want to look like that, had picture in my hand from magazine and I want to be on the stage. This just below my first goal, can a girl please get a date! No I’ve got no shame, that’s the first thing on my list of goals get noticed/have someone ask me out for coffee dang it!
Now that I’ve forked over much cash for gym/PT/workout clothes/shoes/supplements - side note is it me or has anyone else notice that the grocery bill has gone up too guess it would if one is buying 4 packages of 5lb bags of chicken breast on a regular – I’m starting to take note of just how much I don’t know and how much I need to know and how in the world will I get it all down in my head. Goodness Paula what were you thinking, or were you thinking?
No matter what I’m too far in the game to have a change of heart especially since my eyes are still fixed on the stage.
So I’m open to ALL suggestions, recommendations, guidance, ideas, meal plans, workout plans – while I have a friend who’s helping on the nutrition side and my trainer is really good neither have experience at the competition level, what books to read, websites to visit, heck if you think it would be of value share it. And when I receive my awards next year I’ll remember to thank each and every one of you – oh wait that would be the Academy Awards see I told you I don’t know nothin bout birthin no babies LOL
Peace
Paula
Posted in Training
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