Re-Entry into the Real World
Some of you have noticed that I haven’t been as active on here in the past week or so and some of you have even stopped by to ask about it, which I thank you for 
The thing is that I just haven’t had a great deal of free time in the past week. As I type this, I am starting my last official day of summer…I start back to work tomorrow 
which means I’ve been up at the school getting ready…moving to a new classroom, cleaning out cabinets, decorating, etc…
Anyway, my free time is dwindling…
Even with the increased activity, I have stuck to the workouts this past week. That part is easy for me. I would stick to the workouts no matter what…it’s truly my stress relief, how I survive…
The diet has been another story…I’m just now sure what to do with the diet…I mean, I’m eating more since the goal is to add muscle. I’m eating clean more often than not though cheating has become easier…I justify it with "I’m bulking" it’s ok… My macros are all over the place and I hate that!! Being consistent with the diet has been hard since competing. I’ve done a great deal of reading on nutrition for adding muscle. There are a million and one differing views on the subject. I think my brain is on overload. It’s hard to sort through all the info in my mind and that’s the problem. Atleast part of it anyway. I think the other part is that I don’t have a real, clear-cut goal.
I always tell people seeking my advice to do things gradually. Give your body time to adjust. I think I need to take my own advice…I think maybe I should just go back to what was working pre-comp when I was in "maintain" mode for a few days and then start adjusting from there gradually. Give my body time to adjust so that I can figure out what’s gonna work for me. Isn’t that what it’s really about? Finding what works for you?
And…in the meantime, I think I need to work on clarifying my goal. What do I REALLY want to do and by when? I need a date. With the competition, I had a date and thus, a reason to stick to the diet. That’s what I’m missing. Gotta work on that too.
Ok…so I have a plan…I feel better about things already…
August 19, 2007 at 6:12 am
A plan is the point from which you begin to deviate (after all, nothing ever goes ‘exactly according to plan’). You do need that point though first. I think it’s a good idea to work toward something concrete.
August 19, 2007 at 7:22 am
Seems I always have to have a goal to work towards also or like you said…I’m just all over the place. I hope you’ll still be able to find time to write in your blog once in a while as I really enjoy reading them. Good luck with the new school year and with your new fitness plan.
August 19, 2007 at 7:52 am
Looking awesome Shannon!
I thought that you have probably been getting ready for the new school year. Michigan has mandated that the school year starts after Labor Day so my wife has a few more days before she needs to prepare her classroom. -Jeff
August 19, 2007 at 9:23 am
Soon the little monster will be surrounding you. There is nothing you can do. My advise would be to run away now while you still can. Find a cave and hide.
don’t forget to bring your home gym equipment with you to the cave.
August 19, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Yes, Shannon, time for a new goal…a new challenge. You are enjoying a break and that’s alright. But, it’s time for caution. It’s so easy to extend that break time until it becomes a disaster.
I know more than one bodybuilder who is totally out of shape, overweight, and out of shape. And, you know, I must admit, that is the sort of thing that scares the h#$$ out of me. I don’t ever want to go back to where I use to be.
OK…school begins tomorrow here in our area. Yours must be starting soon. Hang in there and have a good year! I know you will!
August 20, 2007 at 10:31 am
How funny that you wrote this blog. I was just ‘coming over’ to see how you were and if you started school yet. We have a late start day of September 4th. I can only imagine how challenging it is to have been prepping for a competition, and then trying to normalize afterwards. It’s almost like planning a wedding. There is all of this build up, then the day comes, you’re married, party, party, party….and then you’re….just married to the person that your were living with anyway. Well, that’s how it was for me anyway! LOL! Have a wonderful first day of a school!!!
August 20, 2007 at 11:59 am
My Mom teaches as well, and she’s doing all the prep for the new year, as well.