Work is getting crazier and crazier this week. My job deals with so many quarterly type reports that I'm crazy busy in April, July, October, and January. To top it off, I'm on a project now that goes live in September and barely keeping my head above water because of it. That being said, I really shouldn't be blogging right now...but I needed a break and I just got done working while eating my sushi for lunch.
Yesterday I had a good but tough leg workout. I was trying to talk myself OUT of doing cardio afterwards and even while I was doing it. Luckily I did the time I set out to do. I'm very proud of myself. Today I have shoulders and low back...and of course cardio. But don't worry, I'm not overdoing it on the cardio. I'm doing what I normally do in the off-season.
Friday marks 15 weeks out to contest day. I think I'll start a forum at 14 or 12 weeks out. I'll be starting my diet on July 18 (3 months before contest) so maybe that's when I'll do it. I guess we'll see how I feel and how busy I am here at work and in life in general.
After the water/sewage leak at the gym they finally replaced the men's and women's locker room carpets. Last night at the gym they were replacing the floor carpets. I think someone must have called the health department on them because they were originally just going to disinfect them all. Sick! Those carpets were from 1992 as it was!!
OK, I really should get to work. I have to get some stuff done before a 1pm meeting and it's already 12:40. Ugh!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Another week!
It's Monday again. As per usual, it started off as a typical Monday. I got up at 4:30 so I could be at the gym by 5:00am. (I get into work normally around 6:30/45am so I can get out earlier.) As I'm getting out of my car at the gym I realize I forgot my bath bag. I figured I'd be okay because my gym bag usually has extra stuff...just in case. Well, while I'm doing back/bis I realize that I have my non-traditional gym bag because I'd left mine at a cookout on Saturday. So I had nothing in my bag but a towel and work clothes. So instead of doing cardio as well, I had to go home after finishing weights to shower and change. Now I'll have to go back after work to do cardio. Going after work isn't the big deal, but I have volleyball at 6pm and since I run the league and have the nets, I have to be there about 5:30/40 at the very latest. So it'll be a quick cardio session. There goes my effort at getting up early!
At least the day has gone well and I had no other mishaps...at least not yet! I've been super busy at work and feel like I don't know up from down right now. Then again, that could be due to the fact that I had my first SCUBA class in water on Sunday. By-the-way, I'm so excited to be doing the SCUBA certification. I was intimidated while reading my books and watching the videos prior to going to my first class, but it's great!
I just found out yoga is cancelled for this week which really sucks. I missed it last week because of a funeral and the week before because of a meeting. Bummer! I really needed it this week.
Anyway, as for my workouts, they are going great and I'm definitely making gains. I'm maintaining a good weight and happy with that. I'm cleaning my diet right now and doing well with that. I'm just under 16 weeks out from my next contest so I'll start my true diet at week 12 (July 17). It will kind of suck for some events I have planned the rest of the summer and this fall, but it's my choice and I need to deal with it.
OK, back to work!
At least the day has gone well and I had no other mishaps...at least not yet! I've been super busy at work and feel like I don't know up from down right now. Then again, that could be due to the fact that I had my first SCUBA class in water on Sunday. By-the-way, I'm so excited to be doing the SCUBA certification. I was intimidated while reading my books and watching the videos prior to going to my first class, but it's great!
I just found out yoga is cancelled for this week which really sucks. I missed it last week because of a funeral and the week before because of a meeting. Bummer! I really needed it this week.
Anyway, as for my workouts, they are going great and I'm definitely making gains. I'm maintaining a good weight and happy with that. I'm cleaning my diet right now and doing well with that. I'm just under 16 weeks out from my next contest so I'll start my true diet at week 12 (July 17). It will kind of suck for some events I have planned the rest of the summer and this fall, but it's my choice and I need to deal with it.
OK, back to work!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Contest date different than expected
Well, I just found out the first of the 2 shows that I want to do this fall is October 18 instead of November 1. I spoke to the organizer and he said he was 95% sure it would be in November this year and not October. I guess I should have bet on the 5%. Oh well. It definitely changes up my schedule as I was planning on starting my pre-contest diet on 1 Aug. Now my 2 shows are 5 weeks apart instead of 2. Should be interesting.
I was at a funeral service all day yesterday so was out of the loop. When I got into work this morning I had 173 emails in my inbox...and I even checked it before I left for it yesterday morning. Crazy! But I did go to the gym before leaving for the funeral yesterday. Did shoulders and low back and then some cardio. It was a good workout.
With the change of the contest dates I will now need to change my training splits as well. I have to sit and look at the calendar and figure out what I need to do now. Oh well. I also need to let some people know that the contest will be on a different date. Sucks!
Well, I have to get caught up at work. Best in training, ya'll!
I was at a funeral service all day yesterday so was out of the loop. When I got into work this morning I had 173 emails in my inbox...and I even checked it before I left for it yesterday morning. Crazy! But I did go to the gym before leaving for the funeral yesterday. Did shoulders and low back and then some cardio. It was a good workout.
With the change of the contest dates I will now need to change my training splits as well. I have to sit and look at the calendar and figure out what I need to do now. Oh well. I also need to let some people know that the contest will be on a different date. Sucks!
Well, I have to get caught up at work. Best in training, ya'll!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Feeling good!
I'm feeling good about myself and my body this week...even though I am PMSing. Just thought you all should know. Hey, it's not always easy to feel good about yourself when you're PMSing and bloated.
Had a good night at volleyball even though we only went 2-4. I was hitting great and playing good defense. So I can't be upset about my game. Now, my teammates lost it there on passing for a little bit and that's why we had some bad games. But they were making smart plays and serving well. We just lost some that we should've won. Oh well.
I had a great back / bis workout yesterday and my bis are screaming at me today....but in a good way. But I fed my muscles really well yesterday so hopefully they'll recover quickly and I'll be stronger. Today I have legs and a bit longer session of cardio. It's been a good week at the gym so far.
I have a funeral to go to tomorrow so I'll be hitting the gym before. Then I'm going to be even more behind at work than I am now...which means I have to stop writing this post.
Had a good night at volleyball even though we only went 2-4. I was hitting great and playing good defense. So I can't be upset about my game. Now, my teammates lost it there on passing for a little bit and that's why we had some bad games. But they were making smart plays and serving well. We just lost some that we should've won. Oh well.
I had a great back / bis workout yesterday and my bis are screaming at me today....but in a good way. But I fed my muscles really well yesterday so hopefully they'll recover quickly and I'll be stronger. Today I have legs and a bit longer session of cardio. It's been a good week at the gym so far.
I have a funeral to go to tomorrow so I'll be hitting the gym before. Then I'm going to be even more behind at work than I am now...which means I have to stop writing this post.
Monday, June 23, 2008
If I only didn't have to work...
...I could then be at the gym all the time and any time I wanted. Since I don't play the lottery and don't have any rich relatives, I don't see that happening anytime soon. What's funny is how when I'm gearing up for a contest (stressed, excited, etc.) and on a low-carb diet, I don't sleep the best so it's easy to get up in the morning and hit the gym. But when I'm on much higher carbs to include some sugars I sleep so much better and rarely get my butt out of bed to hit the gym and then have to go after work. Come August 1 though, watch out!
I'm still a bit sore from my first week back after a one-week break from weights. It's the first time I've been sore from lifting in like 4 or 5 months. OK, not completely true. I've had slight soreness in that time but it has always passed quickly enough that I hadn't noticed it. This new 6-week split is definitely much more strength building than the last few have been. I sure hope I fed my muscles enough this last week that I made some good gains.
Today I have chest and tris again and volleyball for 2 hours after that. I'm looking forward to my gym workout. I'm kind of looking forward to volleyball but I'm already getting sick of the 'schedule.' It's nice that it's the same time and place every week and that we play 2 matches each week otherwise it wouldn't be worth going. The luster of volleyball is starting to fizzle. I guess that can be considered normal since I've played consistently since I was in 5th grade. But yeah, I'm pretty much sick of it. And after playing in one tournament the weekend after Memorial Day, I have no others scheduled for the entire summer. I was supposed to play in one next weekend but that is the only day I can get my SCUBA certificaiton so I'm doing that instead.
OK, I'm so super busy at work so I shouldn't even be writing this blog right now.
Best in training!
I'm still a bit sore from my first week back after a one-week break from weights. It's the first time I've been sore from lifting in like 4 or 5 months. OK, not completely true. I've had slight soreness in that time but it has always passed quickly enough that I hadn't noticed it. This new 6-week split is definitely much more strength building than the last few have been. I sure hope I fed my muscles enough this last week that I made some good gains.
Today I have chest and tris again and volleyball for 2 hours after that. I'm looking forward to my gym workout. I'm kind of looking forward to volleyball but I'm already getting sick of the 'schedule.' It's nice that it's the same time and place every week and that we play 2 matches each week otherwise it wouldn't be worth going. The luster of volleyball is starting to fizzle. I guess that can be considered normal since I've played consistently since I was in 5th grade. But yeah, I'm pretty much sick of it. And after playing in one tournament the weekend after Memorial Day, I have no others scheduled for the entire summer. I was supposed to play in one next weekend but that is the only day I can get my SCUBA certificaiton so I'm doing that instead.
OK, I'm so super busy at work so I shouldn't even be writing this blog right now.
Best in training!
Friday, June 20, 2008
TGIF
I know, that's a lame title. But it's true!
It's a beautiful day outside but it sounds as if it's supposed to start storming again either tonight or tomorrow. That's the last thing we need...more rain! Augh.
I start my 2nd 6-week split today. I'm moving from my weekly splits of chest/back, legs/abs, shoulders/bis/tris, legs/abs with 5 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6, and 4 to chest/tris, legs/abs, back/bis, legs, and shoulders/abs. I'm going to move to 3 sets of 10 and a set of 12. That set of 12 will be a drop-set for burnout. I'm still in a building phase right now. I've been lucky that I'm still maintaining a good bodyfat percent and not putting on too much weight too quickly.
Work has really been picking up lately. Also, my busiest 4 months are the 4 months following quarter ends: January, April, July, and October. So much of my work is quarterly so I get slammed on those months. At least I'll be busy in October so the time should go fast the month before my contest on November 1st (and November 22nd).
I'm antsy at work right now even though I am busy. It's so nice out and I just don't feel like being here today...so I'm taking the afternoon off.
It's a beautiful day outside but it sounds as if it's supposed to start storming again either tonight or tomorrow. That's the last thing we need...more rain! Augh.
I start my 2nd 6-week split today. I'm moving from my weekly splits of chest/back, legs/abs, shoulders/bis/tris, legs/abs with 5 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6, and 4 to chest/tris, legs/abs, back/bis, legs, and shoulders/abs. I'm going to move to 3 sets of 10 and a set of 12. That set of 12 will be a drop-set for burnout. I'm still in a building phase right now. I've been lucky that I'm still maintaining a good bodyfat percent and not putting on too much weight too quickly.
Work has really been picking up lately. Also, my busiest 4 months are the 4 months following quarter ends: January, April, July, and October. So much of my work is quarterly so I get slammed on those months. At least I'll be busy in October so the time should go fast the month before my contest on November 1st (and November 22nd).
I'm antsy at work right now even though I am busy. It's so nice out and I just don't feel like being here today...so I'm taking the afternoon off.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Sample Diet
Some gals interested in competing have been asking what my diet was to prepare for the show. I've attached an excel document to this post to show how I started getting ready. I altered this diet to the changes my body made and my tastes. I mostly consumed sweet potatoes and plain oatmeal as my carbs (and of course lots of green veggies). I also actually did more of a carb-cycle with a 3-day cycle. Day 1 - higher carbs (and this is to say that I got both a sweet potatoe and oatmeal). Day 2 - medium to low carbs (got either a sweet potatoe OR oatmeal...not both). Day 3 - low to no carbs (just green veggies). When I started 'dieting' about 10-11 weeks out I was 163 and on the day before the show when I weighed in I was 140.
The next time around I plan to start at 18-weeks out as I have made the decision to compete a lot sooner than I did last time. Last time I made the decision at just 11 weeks out so it was a lot harder diet. But know that it can be done!!!
As for my current training. I'm on an off-week from my first 6-week split. So it's straight cardio/plyos/sprints this week and nothing too major so the bod can recover. I start with my next 6-week split next week and I'm looking forward to it. 6 more weeks of building and then it's back to maintenance for 12 weeks. I've put on a few more pounds in the last 3 weeks but I feel confident that it is muscle and not fat as I look about the same as I did 3-4 weeks ago.
I finished up bedazzling my next 2-piece suit for my next contest and it looks great...not on me, though! I put it on and took some pictures and boy do I feel as I have a way to go to get into contest shape. Not that it's THAT bad, but it's not great. Then again, it's still a lot better than it was before I started to get back into this competing lifestyle again!
By-the-way, I've finally gotten rid of my stalker! Yippee! He can go stalk someone else now!
The next time around I plan to start at 18-weeks out as I have made the decision to compete a lot sooner than I did last time. Last time I made the decision at just 11 weeks out so it was a lot harder diet. But know that it can be done!!!
As for my current training. I'm on an off-week from my first 6-week split. So it's straight cardio/plyos/sprints this week and nothing too major so the bod can recover. I start with my next 6-week split next week and I'm looking forward to it. 6 more weeks of building and then it's back to maintenance for 12 weeks. I've put on a few more pounds in the last 3 weeks but I feel confident that it is muscle and not fat as I look about the same as I did 3-4 weeks ago.
I finished up bedazzling my next 2-piece suit for my next contest and it looks great...not on me, though! I put it on and took some pictures and boy do I feel as I have a way to go to get into contest shape. Not that it's THAT bad, but it's not great. Then again, it's still a lot better than it was before I started to get back into this competing lifestyle again!
By-the-way, I've finally gotten rid of my stalker! Yippee! He can go stalk someone else now!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Training on the mind...and Happy Father's Day!
Yesterday I did a full-body circuit to end my 2nd six-week split. It was a good workout but I didn't have time for cardio as we had a 10am tee time at a course about 40 minutes away from home. We did 9 holes with a foursome but it tooks us 3 hours because the group 2 ahead of us had 5 people from a family or something and were slow as hell. They weren't even nice enough to let the group right in front of us (2 people) play through. There was a group of 2 behind us but they agreed with us that there was no point in them playing through as everybody was backed up. But I did alright for my first time actually golfing in a year or so. Jonny and I only golfed once last year even though I took lessons. I think he only golfed 1 or 2 other times besides that. But he played well yesterday and so did the other 2 guys (buddies of his that he also happens to work with). After we were done we went to an Open House for a brewery that just opened a new one here. If you know anything about Wisconsin, breweries are everywhere here. Anyway, Jon's company had the contract for the network cabling and fiber optics so we got to attend the open house and got a tour. They had a band, all of their beers on tap, and food (brats of course!). If you ever get a chance, check out some beers from the New Glarus Brewing Company. One of the more known ones is Spotted Cow. Now, I don't drink beer but I hear it's good. I just had water...which was good because it was hot out. I made sure I had sunscreen on my face for golfing, but forgot to put it anywhere else as I was hurring after my workout. So my shoulders, chest and back got burned.
Last night for dinner Jon and I went over to friends of ours. They both work out at my gym and the female used to have her Pro card in bodybuilding. She truly competed and placed as a pro. Her boyfriend is most likely going to compete...she doesn't anymore. Jon had never met them and we had tried to plan a Brewers game but it just hasn't worked out yet. Turns out she's an absolute phenomenal cook. They had venison steaks, beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon, baked chicken with this awesome no sugar, no fat sauce. She had a beautiful salad with all the fixins and made a tort for dessert. The appetizers were also great. Turns out they had another gentleman over from our gym who used to played AAA Ball back in the late 70's to mid 80's. He was a pitcher so it was fascinating watching the Brewers game with him because he was telling us all sorts of stuff we never knew. Pretty darn cool. But what was even better was we mostly stayed away from bodybuilding/figure training all together. We did talk about some people at the gym, but not about training. And I didn't even feel bad about having desert!! :)
This morning I did an hour and a half walk outside and forgot to put sunscreen on and got more burned again. Well, at least my tan is coming along...but so is the skin cancer that I'll probably end up getting. I cleaned Jonny's bathroom so hopefully he'll be surprised when he gets home from his dads house. I did my bathroom, the kitchen and some laundry as well. I had a nice salmon and sweet potatoe lunch with a chocolate chip rice cake with some peanut butter. So, I feel pretty good about eating healthy today. Now I have to drink a bunch of water though because I had 2 1/2 glasses of wine last night. I didn't go to my dad's for father's day because so many roads are still closed here in WI because of the flooding. I could easily get there but a bunch of the highways are closed on the way back because some of the highways are only flooded on one lane. Besides, I asked my dad what he wanted to do for father's day (knowing exactly what he'd say) and he said nothing. So I told him to enjoy the day. And we are unfortunately waiting for more storms to roll in so I figured it'd be best to not travel at all today.
Well, I guess that's it. The Brewers just won so I have to call Jon and let him know because I'm sure he's not watching the game since his Dad doesn't like baseball.
Happy Father's Day and best in training!
Last night for dinner Jon and I went over to friends of ours. They both work out at my gym and the female used to have her Pro card in bodybuilding. She truly competed and placed as a pro. Her boyfriend is most likely going to compete...she doesn't anymore. Jon had never met them and we had tried to plan a Brewers game but it just hasn't worked out yet. Turns out she's an absolute phenomenal cook. They had venison steaks, beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon, baked chicken with this awesome no sugar, no fat sauce. She had a beautiful salad with all the fixins and made a tort for dessert. The appetizers were also great. Turns out they had another gentleman over from our gym who used to played AAA Ball back in the late 70's to mid 80's. He was a pitcher so it was fascinating watching the Brewers game with him because he was telling us all sorts of stuff we never knew. Pretty darn cool. But what was even better was we mostly stayed away from bodybuilding/figure training all together. We did talk about some people at the gym, but not about training. And I didn't even feel bad about having desert!! :)
This morning I did an hour and a half walk outside and forgot to put sunscreen on and got more burned again. Well, at least my tan is coming along...but so is the skin cancer that I'll probably end up getting. I cleaned Jonny's bathroom so hopefully he'll be surprised when he gets home from his dads house. I did my bathroom, the kitchen and some laundry as well. I had a nice salmon and sweet potatoe lunch with a chocolate chip rice cake with some peanut butter. So, I feel pretty good about eating healthy today. Now I have to drink a bunch of water though because I had 2 1/2 glasses of wine last night. I didn't go to my dad's for father's day because so many roads are still closed here in WI because of the flooding. I could easily get there but a bunch of the highways are closed on the way back because some of the highways are only flooded on one lane. Besides, I asked my dad what he wanted to do for father's day (knowing exactly what he'd say) and he said nothing. So I told him to enjoy the day. And we are unfortunately waiting for more storms to roll in so I figured it'd be best to not travel at all today.
Well, I guess that's it. The Brewers just won so I have to call Jon and let him know because I'm sure he's not watching the game since his Dad doesn't like baseball.
Happy Father's Day and best in training!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
At least it stopped raining for awhile
It stopped raining long enough for us to get our volleyball matches in last week. My team kind of fell apart though. We won the first game of each match but blew big leads for the 2nd and 3rd games of each. It's frustrating but I guess that's life. We definitely weren't on our games. I think the biggest surprise is that even though the rain had stopped that the grounds weren't flooded. There is so much flooding here that we thought we would have to call the games. Luckily a gal that plays in my league was kind enough to go over early to make sure the courts were okay (the park is her backyard). Running the league isn't easy when you live on the opposite side of town. Maybe I'll convince someone else to take over next year;) I doubt it though!
I guess with all the flooding the locker rooms at my gym are closed. Today I won't need them as I'll just change here at work on the way there...but tomorrow morning I would need to shower there so I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I hate to go to the gym in the morning and then have to go all the way home to shower and change. But rumor has it they may be open again on Wednesday. I guess we'll see.
My computer is running extremely slow here at work. I'm also having an issue with my excel documents. I don't know much about visual basic, but ever since I saved a document that was sent from me from much higher in the company, I keep getting a visual basic error on all my excel documents. Slightly frustrating!!
Today I have legs and cardio at the gym. Thursday ends my first 6-week split. Friday I'll do a circuit at the gym and then start up my next 6-week split late next week. My gym workouts are going well and I'm definitely making gains in weight. I've put on a few more pounds then where I thought I'd be at this time, but I really think it's lean muscle because my bodyfat has not increased that I can tell and I'm eating well. Also, I've been making a huge effort to drink at least 1 gallon of water a day. I actually have a gallon jug here at work now so I get a gallon in, plus whatever other water I drink during the day. So some of the extra weight could definitely be a bit of water weight as I feel a little puffy.
OK, time to look into this computer issue. I also have a ton of stuff I have to get done here at work since I'll be in a project management class all day Wed and Thurs and have the day off on Friday.
Best in training!
I guess with all the flooding the locker rooms at my gym are closed. Today I won't need them as I'll just change here at work on the way there...but tomorrow morning I would need to shower there so I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I hate to go to the gym in the morning and then have to go all the way home to shower and change. But rumor has it they may be open again on Wednesday. I guess we'll see.
My computer is running extremely slow here at work. I'm also having an issue with my excel documents. I don't know much about visual basic, but ever since I saved a document that was sent from me from much higher in the company, I keep getting a visual basic error on all my excel documents. Slightly frustrating!!
Today I have legs and cardio at the gym. Thursday ends my first 6-week split. Friday I'll do a circuit at the gym and then start up my next 6-week split late next week. My gym workouts are going well and I'm definitely making gains in weight. I've put on a few more pounds then where I thought I'd be at this time, but I really think it's lean muscle because my bodyfat has not increased that I can tell and I'm eating well. Also, I've been making a huge effort to drink at least 1 gallon of water a day. I actually have a gallon jug here at work now so I get a gallon in, plus whatever other water I drink during the day. So some of the extra weight could definitely be a bit of water weight as I feel a little puffy.
OK, time to look into this computer issue. I also have a ton of stuff I have to get done here at work since I'll be in a project management class all day Wed and Thurs and have the day off on Friday.
Best in training!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
And yet another rainy day
I really wanted to get out and ride my bike this weekend but not only was it rainy and stormy, but when it wasn't the wind was blowing so hard. Jon and I also wanted to hit some golf balls because he's got a golf tournament coming up, but with the wind and rain that was pretty much out of the question. So needless to say we didn't end up doing too much this weekend. Granted, it is only 10:20am on Sunday right now, but the radar is showing storms coming through all day. Oh well!
Yesterday I did a cardio/plyo/cardio workout. I first did 20 minutes on the elliptical then did 35 minutes of plyos (holy cow!) and finished it off with a 20 minute brisk walk on the treadmill. I was smoked by the time I was finished. I highly recommend adding something like this into your workout, even if you don't play sports. I partially do plyos to keep my legs strong to jump in volleyball, but I also need some other cross-training to keep the body guessing.
This morning Jon and I went out for breakfast. I had 2 egg whites but then ordered pancakes as well. The place didn't have any wheat pancakes or healthier syrup so I just splurged. 2 pancakes at those cafe' places are really like 4 pancakes anywhere else. So, needless to say I was full...but I didn't really feel guilty. In fact, I am supposed to have the day off completely and I'm going to stick with that!!
Tomorrow I'm going to hit the gym in the morning before work and we are 'supposed' to have volleyball tomorrow night. It's is technically supposed to rain/storm until about 4pm tomorrow and ball starts at 6. We really need to play tomorrow because we had to cancel last week. Cross your fingers! But even if it isn't raining the ground is still going to be slick. That can be dangerous when you are running and jumping in grass. Inevitably someone always slips. I wear golf cleats when I play.
OK, I should go. Time to switch the laundry and get some other cleaning done. I also need to finish up the last of the rhinestones on my 2-piece suit. I also found 2 one-piece suits that are used that I think I will get at least one.
Yesterday I did a cardio/plyo/cardio workout. I first did 20 minutes on the elliptical then did 35 minutes of plyos (holy cow!) and finished it off with a 20 minute brisk walk on the treadmill. I was smoked by the time I was finished. I highly recommend adding something like this into your workout, even if you don't play sports. I partially do plyos to keep my legs strong to jump in volleyball, but I also need some other cross-training to keep the body guessing.
This morning Jon and I went out for breakfast. I had 2 egg whites but then ordered pancakes as well. The place didn't have any wheat pancakes or healthier syrup so I just splurged. 2 pancakes at those cafe' places are really like 4 pancakes anywhere else. So, needless to say I was full...but I didn't really feel guilty. In fact, I am supposed to have the day off completely and I'm going to stick with that!!
Tomorrow I'm going to hit the gym in the morning before work and we are 'supposed' to have volleyball tomorrow night. It's is technically supposed to rain/storm until about 4pm tomorrow and ball starts at 6. We really need to play tomorrow because we had to cancel last week. Cross your fingers! But even if it isn't raining the ground is still going to be slick. That can be dangerous when you are running and jumping in grass. Inevitably someone always slips. I wear golf cleats when I play.
OK, I should go. Time to switch the laundry and get some other cleaning done. I also need to finish up the last of the rhinestones on my 2-piece suit. I also found 2 one-piece suits that are used that I think I will get at least one.
Friday, June 6, 2008
My Own Fit Team
I am going to help train 3 gals (1 from work and 2 from my gym) for one of the figure contests I'm doing in November. I'm looking forward to using my personal training certification for something good since I don't do much with it anymore besides train myself. I met with all 3 of the gals yesterday to get them 'started.' We went over eating plans, workout plans, supplements, contest dates, suits/shoes, posing, etc. It's always nice to have a group of gals to compete with.
Yesterday I had to actually go out of my way to avoid my stalker at the gym. Shitty thing is that I was originally only supposed to do a morning workout yesterday. But I got there later than originally planned so I had to cut my cardio session short. So I went back after work to finish up cardio and abs. This guy just doesn't take a hint, seriously. I'm going to have to now actually be rude about it if he tries to talk to me again. Before I just told him that I don't like to talk to people at the gym. But on Wednesday he actually came and INTERUPTED a conversation I was having with another bodybuilder. How rude can you be? So now he's actually truly pissed me off. Hey, you mess with the bull, you get the horns!! >:{
Yesterday I did a leg workout that consisted of 4 groups of 5 sets each with reps of 12, 10, 8, 6, and 4. I also did 10 minutes on the regular stairmaster in the morning and then 35 minutes on the treadmill at a pretty decent incline walking. My workout is below:
Group 1:
-Leg Extensions (toes pointing regular)
-Lying Leg Curls
-Standing Calf Raises
Group 2:
-Back Extensions
-Flutter kicks
-Single leg calf raises
Group 3:
-Uneven squats (leg up on stepper box)
-Glute Press
-Seated Calf Raises
Group 4:
-Stick Squats
-Leg Raises on bench (lying on stomach to hit hammies and butt)
-2nd position calf raises
Today I lifted chest and back. I ended with 30 minutes on the elliptical machine focusing on the Glute 1 workout. My weight workout consisted of 4 groups of 5 sets each with 12, 10, 8, 6, and 4 reps each. I went up in weight in quite a few exercises and feel that I'll be able to go up in the rest on my next workout and even some of those I already went up in. Also, next week is the last week of this first 6-week split. I will then move my split from chest/back, legs/abs, shoulders/bis/tris, legs/abs to chest/tris, legs/abs, back/bis, legs, shoulders/abs with the same sets/reps for another 6 weeks. Anyway, my workout this morning consisted of:
Group 1:
-Flat Bench
-Assisted Pull-ups (I'm going to be able to do my own bodyweight for 3 or 4 reps soon!!!)
Group 2:
-DB Incline Bench
-One-arm DB row
Group 3:
-Decline Cable Crossover
-One-arm cable row (with lunge/scale)
Group 4:
-DB flies (flat bench)
-Lat pull down
Tomorrow I have 45 minutes of cardio plus hills and sprints. I'm also getting my hair done which I REALLY need! On the positive side for myself, I've been sticking to healthy eating pretty well this last week. Hopefully I'm on an upward trend and will be ready to start preparing truly on August 1st. If I maintain where I am at right now, I should hopefully have an easier time preparing for the next one.
I think the biggest thing right now is to not tell myself I am 'fat.' Obviously, I'm not fat...I'm leaner than I was even before I decided to do my first contest...but I'm obviously not in contest shape because it's something you cannot maintain. So it's a constant mental struggle you have to play with yourself and deal with. A female bodybuilder at the gym yesterday told me that I still look really lean (comparatively) and not to freak out. She told me to just keep doing what I'm doing...so that's encouraging.
My new suit is almost ready. I have one more set of rhinestones to put on it. I will need to order a one-piece suit though for the second contest I am going to do. I'll probably do that with the raise I just got at work...that's right! I got a raise. Not huge, but an extra $1K a year is always a help! Anyway, I just have to decide what color suit I want to go with for the one-piece. I'm thinking a purple or lavendar color.
One of the other gals that was in the last show with me brought me some pictures in hard copy today. I'll scan them in when I get a chance and download them. Her husband was smack-dab middle-front so they are right one and you can actually see my makeup. They are a good reminder of what I need to do!!
We found out that another couple that are bodybuilders are huge Brewers fans as well. So Jon and I are going to do a game with them. It helps because they'll do healthy foods to tailgate as well so it's cool.
Best in training, everyone! Just remember that your training is what YOU make it!
Yesterday I had to actually go out of my way to avoid my stalker at the gym. Shitty thing is that I was originally only supposed to do a morning workout yesterday. But I got there later than originally planned so I had to cut my cardio session short. So I went back after work to finish up cardio and abs. This guy just doesn't take a hint, seriously. I'm going to have to now actually be rude about it if he tries to talk to me again. Before I just told him that I don't like to talk to people at the gym. But on Wednesday he actually came and INTERUPTED a conversation I was having with another bodybuilder. How rude can you be? So now he's actually truly pissed me off. Hey, you mess with the bull, you get the horns!! >:{
Yesterday I did a leg workout that consisted of 4 groups of 5 sets each with reps of 12, 10, 8, 6, and 4. I also did 10 minutes on the regular stairmaster in the morning and then 35 minutes on the treadmill at a pretty decent incline walking. My workout is below:
Group 1:
-Leg Extensions (toes pointing regular)
-Lying Leg Curls
-Standing Calf Raises
Group 2:
-Back Extensions
-Flutter kicks
-Single leg calf raises
Group 3:
-Uneven squats (leg up on stepper box)
-Glute Press
-Seated Calf Raises
Group 4:
-Stick Squats
-Leg Raises on bench (lying on stomach to hit hammies and butt)
-2nd position calf raises
Today I lifted chest and back. I ended with 30 minutes on the elliptical machine focusing on the Glute 1 workout. My weight workout consisted of 4 groups of 5 sets each with 12, 10, 8, 6, and 4 reps each. I went up in weight in quite a few exercises and feel that I'll be able to go up in the rest on my next workout and even some of those I already went up in. Also, next week is the last week of this first 6-week split. I will then move my split from chest/back, legs/abs, shoulders/bis/tris, legs/abs to chest/tris, legs/abs, back/bis, legs, shoulders/abs with the same sets/reps for another 6 weeks. Anyway, my workout this morning consisted of:
Group 1:
-Flat Bench
-Assisted Pull-ups (I'm going to be able to do my own bodyweight for 3 or 4 reps soon!!!)
Group 2:
-DB Incline Bench
-One-arm DB row
Group 3:
-Decline Cable Crossover
-One-arm cable row (with lunge/scale)
Group 4:
-DB flies (flat bench)
-Lat pull down
Tomorrow I have 45 minutes of cardio plus hills and sprints. I'm also getting my hair done which I REALLY need! On the positive side for myself, I've been sticking to healthy eating pretty well this last week. Hopefully I'm on an upward trend and will be ready to start preparing truly on August 1st. If I maintain where I am at right now, I should hopefully have an easier time preparing for the next one.
I think the biggest thing right now is to not tell myself I am 'fat.' Obviously, I'm not fat...I'm leaner than I was even before I decided to do my first contest...but I'm obviously not in contest shape because it's something you cannot maintain. So it's a constant mental struggle you have to play with yourself and deal with. A female bodybuilder at the gym yesterday told me that I still look really lean (comparatively) and not to freak out. She told me to just keep doing what I'm doing...so that's encouraging.
My new suit is almost ready. I have one more set of rhinestones to put on it. I will need to order a one-piece suit though for the second contest I am going to do. I'll probably do that with the raise I just got at work...that's right! I got a raise. Not huge, but an extra $1K a year is always a help! Anyway, I just have to decide what color suit I want to go with for the one-piece. I'm thinking a purple or lavendar color.
One of the other gals that was in the last show with me brought me some pictures in hard copy today. I'll scan them in when I get a chance and download them. Her husband was smack-dab middle-front so they are right one and you can actually see my makeup. They are a good reminder of what I need to do!!
We found out that another couple that are bodybuilders are huge Brewers fans as well. So Jon and I are going to do a game with them. It helps because they'll do healthy foods to tailgate as well so it's cool.
Best in training, everyone! Just remember that your training is what YOU make it!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Misbehaving
I did not get up to go to the gym as planned this morning. When the alarm went off at 0420, I accidentally turned it off instead of hitting snooze. Well, I intentionally turned it off but I didn't expect to fall back asleep. Jon didn't get up to go either but promised he would start going regularly. Luckily we got up in time for work!
We went to another Brewers game last night. It was a great one and we got to watch Randy Johnson pass Roger Clemens on the strikeout list last night. The Crew fans gave him a standing O for that and then again when he was finished pitching. A pretty classy city. On the other hand, the Crew fans were booing Billy Hall who let his manager state to the public that he wants a trade or wants to play. Well, unless you operate in the batter's box, you don't get to play. I didn't see the point in booing him, though...I clapped. But it was a good win. The Crew's pitcher, Scott McClung, had 2 hits of RJ. It was great. Brauny also hit a 2-run homer and Fielder homered in the 8th. Hardy also had a homer. I ate too much at the Friday's located in the stadium...but it was a healthy salad:) I did have some roasted almonds (so good) but made Jon take them away so I didn't eat the whole bag:)
OK, I know this site isn't really to report on Brewers recaps, but what the heck. So, I didn't get up to go to the gym, but I also know that I can go after work. I just have a 40 minute cardio session and plyos today. I can't do Yoga at work today because I have to attend a class. If I could do yoga, my cardio session would only be 20-25 minutes with plyos afterwards. So I guess we'll see how the plyos go after a longer cardio session. I don't know, I may do plyos first. I guess we'll see how I feel after I get done with this class on Finance (boring) today.
I have legs tomorrow and chest/back on Friday. This weekend we are busy putting the piers, lifts, and boats in at my parents house on the lake. We are building new piers this year so I had to factor in a longer time doing that so I probably won't get to the gym this weekend. Hopefully we'll get some boating in because it's supposed to be nice and sunny and warm this weekend. Crossing my fingers for that!!
I just found out my work cafeteria does egg beaters in the morning. They also have fat-free/low-sugar yogurt. So I can get some healthy stuff if I don't have time to make meals for the day (like last night).
OK, gotta get some work done before I leave to go to this class.
We went to another Brewers game last night. It was a great one and we got to watch Randy Johnson pass Roger Clemens on the strikeout list last night. The Crew fans gave him a standing O for that and then again when he was finished pitching. A pretty classy city. On the other hand, the Crew fans were booing Billy Hall who let his manager state to the public that he wants a trade or wants to play. Well, unless you operate in the batter's box, you don't get to play. I didn't see the point in booing him, though...I clapped. But it was a good win. The Crew's pitcher, Scott McClung, had 2 hits of RJ. It was great. Brauny also hit a 2-run homer and Fielder homered in the 8th. Hardy also had a homer. I ate too much at the Friday's located in the stadium...but it was a healthy salad:) I did have some roasted almonds (so good) but made Jon take them away so I didn't eat the whole bag:)
OK, I know this site isn't really to report on Brewers recaps, but what the heck. So, I didn't get up to go to the gym, but I also know that I can go after work. I just have a 40 minute cardio session and plyos today. I can't do Yoga at work today because I have to attend a class. If I could do yoga, my cardio session would only be 20-25 minutes with plyos afterwards. So I guess we'll see how the plyos go after a longer cardio session. I don't know, I may do plyos first. I guess we'll see how I feel after I get done with this class on Finance (boring) today.
I have legs tomorrow and chest/back on Friday. This weekend we are busy putting the piers, lifts, and boats in at my parents house on the lake. We are building new piers this year so I had to factor in a longer time doing that so I probably won't get to the gym this weekend. Hopefully we'll get some boating in because it's supposed to be nice and sunny and warm this weekend. Crossing my fingers for that!!
I just found out my work cafeteria does egg beaters in the morning. They also have fat-free/low-sugar yogurt. So I can get some healthy stuff if I don't have time to make meals for the day (like last night).
OK, gotta get some work done before I leave to go to this class.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Rainy days stink
I don't necessarily mind rainy days when it's warm out. It started raining yesterday and was still 80 degrees. But now it's in the high 50's and raining. That makes for one not wanting to go do cardio outside.
Jon and I are heading to the Brewers game tonight so I hit the gym in the morning. Good thing, too, because crazy stalker is trying to talk with me again. Yesterday I did legs in the morning but didn't do cardio because I was supposed to have 2 volleyball matches in the evening. Because they got rained out, I headed to the gym for a 40 minute session on the Elliptical. Of course my stalker tried to talk to me...I actually gave him the hand. He just laughed. Are you serious?! God help me!
We both got up to go to the gym this morning. He was totally sore from his first workout in over 6 months so he just did cardio. I did shoulders/bis/tris and 20 minutes on the treadmill. I had to make the session a bit shorter by cutting out one group of exercises so I could get to work on time. It still kicked my butt, though!
Tomorrow I'm going to do some plyos after a quick cardio session. I have a feeling my legs are going to be sore for my leg workout on Thursday. I guess we shall see!
I know this post is totally chaotic, but I'm trying to finish it before heading to a meeting and then leaving work. I first started this at 11:22am and it's now 2:52pm. Go figure!
Jon and I are heading to the Brewers game tonight so I hit the gym in the morning. Good thing, too, because crazy stalker is trying to talk with me again. Yesterday I did legs in the morning but didn't do cardio because I was supposed to have 2 volleyball matches in the evening. Because they got rained out, I headed to the gym for a 40 minute session on the Elliptical. Of course my stalker tried to talk to me...I actually gave him the hand. He just laughed. Are you serious?! God help me!
We both got up to go to the gym this morning. He was totally sore from his first workout in over 6 months so he just did cardio. I did shoulders/bis/tris and 20 minutes on the treadmill. I had to make the session a bit shorter by cutting out one group of exercises so I could get to work on time. It still kicked my butt, though!
Tomorrow I'm going to do some plyos after a quick cardio session. I have a feeling my legs are going to be sore for my leg workout on Thursday. I guess we shall see!
I know this post is totally chaotic, but I'm trying to finish it before heading to a meeting and then leaving work. I first started this at 11:22am and it's now 2:52pm. Go figure!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Better Late Than Never
Saturday I played in an all-day volleyball tournament in the grass. It was almost all A and open level players and was some good competition. Of course there were some rec ball level teams that were registered and shouldn't have been, but we still had fun. We won our pool and then one our first round match of tournament play. Then we went 3 games with the team that beat us out to go to the championship match and they later won it quickly in two games. We played for 3rd place, went all 3 games, and won. So we got our money back plus $5 each. That was nice! :) It was 75 and sunny out the whole day and the tan looks good again. The drive home was about 35 minutes and I was already sore by the time I got home. My traps, forearms and fingers hurt from setting for the first time in over 6 weeks. My delts and lats hurt from swinging for longer than one hour in over 6 weeks. My legs hurt from jumping. I had cuts all over me from diving in the grass. I had bruises from running into teammates. My right ankle hurt because that was the longest I played on it in ages and it is still messed up from dislocating it 2 summers ago. Finally my left knee hurt just because it always hurts. Oh, my lower back as well...it always hurts also. Then of course when I woke up on Sunday morning all the other muscles that didn't hurt Saturday night also hurt:)
Despite my pain, I still got up Sunday morning and went to the gym. I did chest and back as well as 25 minutes of cardio and felt good afterwards. I still pushed myself as hard as I always do, even with the soreness...but I didn't overdo it because I was worried about pulling or straining something. Jon and I rode around in the car for 4 hours afterwards looking at houses. Then my butt was sore from sitting for so long! :)
Last night I went to bed early but tossed and turned all night long. I kept waking up with my hair completely drenched and the rest of me sweaty even though it was nice and cool in my room. When my alarm went off at 4:20 this morning, I had finally truly fallen asleep so I reset it to just go in at the normal time. Well then I fell asleep and then started tossing and turning again. So I sent my boss an email telling him I was going back to bed for another hour, would then hit the gym and then come in. So I got to the gym about 8am, had a great leg workout, took my time showering, and got here at 10am. I didn't do cardio because I have two volleyball matches tonight after work.
Tomorrow I'm going to have to get my butt up in the morning because we are going to the Brewers game after work. No skipping workouts..that's all there is to it! The best part is is that Jon actually got up and went to the gym this morning. I'm so proud!!
One of my contest dates was finally announced. It's the weekend before Turkey Day so that'll be interesting. I got an email from the other coordinator for the first contest I want to do and it now looks like it will be November 1 instead of October 18. But that's good because I can start dieting a little later in the summer and be sane a bit longer...and that puts the contests 3 weekends apart.
Go Brewers!
Despite my pain, I still got up Sunday morning and went to the gym. I did chest and back as well as 25 minutes of cardio and felt good afterwards. I still pushed myself as hard as I always do, even with the soreness...but I didn't overdo it because I was worried about pulling or straining something. Jon and I rode around in the car for 4 hours afterwards looking at houses. Then my butt was sore from sitting for so long! :)
Last night I went to bed early but tossed and turned all night long. I kept waking up with my hair completely drenched and the rest of me sweaty even though it was nice and cool in my room. When my alarm went off at 4:20 this morning, I had finally truly fallen asleep so I reset it to just go in at the normal time. Well then I fell asleep and then started tossing and turning again. So I sent my boss an email telling him I was going back to bed for another hour, would then hit the gym and then come in. So I got to the gym about 8am, had a great leg workout, took my time showering, and got here at 10am. I didn't do cardio because I have two volleyball matches tonight after work.
Tomorrow I'm going to have to get my butt up in the morning because we are going to the Brewers game after work. No skipping workouts..that's all there is to it! The best part is is that Jon actually got up and went to the gym this morning. I'm so proud!!
One of my contest dates was finally announced. It's the weekend before Turkey Day so that'll be interesting. I got an email from the other coordinator for the first contest I want to do and it now looks like it will be November 1 instead of October 18. But that's good because I can start dieting a little later in the summer and be sane a bit longer...and that puts the contests 3 weekends apart.
Go Brewers!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
My Brewers suck!
I got up nice and early today to hit the gym since I was taking the day off to do a Brewers day game. So I was at the gym at 5:15 and got a great workout in...although I saw creepy stalker guy in the parking lot on my way out of the gym. Damnit!! Anyway, I did a 5 minute warm-up on the super stairmaster, then shoulders/bis/tris, and finished it off with 30 minutes of incline walking on the treadmill. I'll list my exercises at the end of this post.
The group of us that were going met at 8:30 and were in the parking lot and set-up by 10am. I had 1 1/2 turkey brats, some edamame, and strawberries and drank water. I'm very proud of myself on that one. Then we headed in and stayed for the whole game. The problem is, we lost 8-1. I won't explain it all, but it was bad. Especially after taking the 1st 2 games of the series. I'm seriously still pissed at the 3rd base coach and Prince Fielder...that's all I'm gonna say. We were planning on staying a bit longer after the game but it was raining so we headed home. So, here I am, writing this post and watching So You Think You Can Dance (I DVR'd it). I'm finally purchasing that bike tonight so I'm waiting to go pick it up. I have the day off tomorrow so I'll get a good workout in, get some healthy groceries, pick up my new drivers license and hopefully get a ride in if the weather is nice.
So, today I did shoulders, bis and tris at the gym. I did 5 sets of each for 12, 10, 8, 6, 4 reps for each superset.
Group 1:
- Military Press
- EZ Bar Bicep Curl
- Assisted Dips
Group 2:
- DB Shoulder Press
- DB Seated Bicep Curls
- Triceps Kickback
Group 3:
- Rear Deltoid
- Cybex Arm Curl
- Cybex Triceps Extension
Group 4:
- Cable Cross-over shoulder pull
- Double Biceps Cable Curl
- Cable Rope Extension
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Good weather ahead
I think we are finally going to be getting our much needed warm weather here in the next few days. It’s supposed to be in the low-70s tomorrow (which is good because I’m taking the day off and going to the Brewers game) and in the high 70s this weekend (which is also good because I’m playing in a volleyball tournament on Saturday). Speaking of playing volleyball all day on Saturday…I am going to be so sore afterwards. I haven’t played in a tournament in probably 4-5 months…maybe longer. I’m already dreading how I’m going to feel on Sunday.
I had a good, but quick, chest and back workout yesterday. I only had an hour and 15 to do chest/back and cardio. I was originally planning on doing 4 groups of exercises but only got in 3. But I did wake up sore this morning so I must have done those 3 exercises well. I wanted to get in 20 minutes of cardio at the end but could only get in 15 because I was running late. I was meeting a girlfriend for sushi at 5:45. Of course, I get there at 5:40 and she doesn’t show till 5:55 so I probably could have gotten in that last 5 needed minutes. Oh well. Anyway, my workout consisted of the following:
Group 1 - 5 sets (12, 10, 8, 6, 4)
-Bench Press
-Assisted Pull ups (I’m almost doing my own bodyweight for 4!)
-Reverse crunches
Group 2 - 5 sets (12, 10, 8, 6, 4)
-DB Incline Bench
-1-arm DB row
-Weighted Side Bends
Group 3 - 5 sets (12, 10, 8, 6, 4)
-DB Flies
-Lat Pull Down
-Weighted Sit-ups
Unfortunately the weird guy still just doesn’t get the hint. Today if he tries to talk to me I’m going to have to tell him again that I don’t come to the gym to have conversations. There is only so much time in the day and I don’t want to be spending 3 hours in the gym if I don’t have to. What a weirdo. He does the same 2 workouts every other day as well. It’s just strange. There are just so many weird people there! Augh!
Today I have a leg workout, tomorrow is shoulders/bis/tris, and Friday is legs again. I have meetings all day today so I’m looking forward to Yoga at lunch and my workout after work already. Also, Jon and I are going to look at some more houses tonight. Should be fun.
Oh, I’m buying a new bike. I had a great hybrid triathlon bike that was a $2,000 bike. I sold it last summer because I hadn’t ridden in like 4 years and wasn’t doing triathlons anymore. Well, I decided I wanted to add some other cross-training in to my workout and that riding to work 1 or 2 days a week would be a great idea…so obviously I need a new bike. Darnit! But I found a few on Craig’s List that I’m going to look at this week. The other bonus of riding to work a couple of days a week is saving on gas. I just can’t afford even going to work anymore!
I had a good, but quick, chest and back workout yesterday. I only had an hour and 15 to do chest/back and cardio. I was originally planning on doing 4 groups of exercises but only got in 3. But I did wake up sore this morning so I must have done those 3 exercises well. I wanted to get in 20 minutes of cardio at the end but could only get in 15 because I was running late. I was meeting a girlfriend for sushi at 5:45. Of course, I get there at 5:40 and she doesn’t show till 5:55 so I probably could have gotten in that last 5 needed minutes. Oh well. Anyway, my workout consisted of the following:
Group 1 - 5 sets (12, 10, 8, 6, 4)
-Bench Press
-Assisted Pull ups (I’m almost doing my own bodyweight for 4!)
-Reverse crunches
Group 2 - 5 sets (12, 10, 8, 6, 4)
-DB Incline Bench
-1-arm DB row
-Weighted Side Bends
Group 3 - 5 sets (12, 10, 8, 6, 4)
-DB Flies
-Lat Pull Down
-Weighted Sit-ups
Unfortunately the weird guy still just doesn’t get the hint. Today if he tries to talk to me I’m going to have to tell him again that I don’t come to the gym to have conversations. There is only so much time in the day and I don’t want to be spending 3 hours in the gym if I don’t have to. What a weirdo. He does the same 2 workouts every other day as well. It’s just strange. There are just so many weird people there! Augh!
Today I have a leg workout, tomorrow is shoulders/bis/tris, and Friday is legs again. I have meetings all day today so I’m looking forward to Yoga at lunch and my workout after work already. Also, Jon and I are going to look at some more houses tonight. Should be fun.
Oh, I’m buying a new bike. I had a great hybrid triathlon bike that was a $2,000 bike. I sold it last summer because I hadn’t ridden in like 4 years and wasn’t doing triathlons anymore. Well, I decided I wanted to add some other cross-training in to my workout and that riding to work 1 or 2 days a week would be a great idea…so obviously I need a new bike. Darnit! But I found a few on Craig’s List that I’m going to look at this week. The other bonus of riding to work a couple of days a week is saving on gas. I just can’t afford even going to work anymore!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Nice weekend...back to the grind
Jon and I had a nice weekend camping and hiking up in the Porcupine Mountains. I got Yoga in on both Saturday and Sunday mornings and we did a 5 mile hike on Saturday, a 3 mile hike on Sunday and a mile hike on Monday. We didn’t end up hiking as much as we initially planned. I stupidly wore hiking shoes that I hadn’t hiked with in over 3 years and so I had blisters on my heals. Jon started having a problem with his lower back as well. So we were two broken individuals. But we had a nice time camping, etc. The waterfalls up there were just beautiful and Jon got some great pictures.
Unfortunately I ate terribly this weekend. I even made an effort to bring healthy stuff but ate the snacks and junk he packed for himself. I could have just kicked myself. Also, I ate more than I needed. I just have to stop doing that. Luckily I did good yesterday and so far today. When I got home last night after unpacking and doing laundry I cooked food for the next 2 days. I have to remind myself that I can have 2,500-3,000 calories in food…as long as it’s healthy food and not junk.
I’m looking forward to getting back into the gym today. I have chest and back today with 45 minutes of cardio. I’m going to do 30 of that at lunch today and the other 15 after my weight workout after work. I’m meeting some girlfriends for sushi tonight so I have to be out of the gym quickly today.
The 2 contests that I want to do are still not posted yet. It’s driving me bonkers. I want to be able to put hard dates on the calendar. Oh well, what do you do I guess?
Unfortunately I ate terribly this weekend. I even made an effort to bring healthy stuff but ate the snacks and junk he packed for himself. I could have just kicked myself. Also, I ate more than I needed. I just have to stop doing that. Luckily I did good yesterday and so far today. When I got home last night after unpacking and doing laundry I cooked food for the next 2 days. I have to remind myself that I can have 2,500-3,000 calories in food…as long as it’s healthy food and not junk.
I’m looking forward to getting back into the gym today. I have chest and back today with 45 minutes of cardio. I’m going to do 30 of that at lunch today and the other 15 after my weight workout after work. I’m meeting some girlfriends for sushi tonight so I have to be out of the gym quickly today.
The 2 contests that I want to do are still not posted yet. It’s driving me bonkers. I want to be able to put hard dates on the calendar. Oh well, what do you do I guess?
Friday, May 23, 2008
Is the work day done yet? TGIF
I'm looking forward to being done with today's work day. I have a lot of stuff to do but I mostly just want to get to the gym, finish packing, and get on the road for our camping tirp. I am bringing my yoga mat so I can try and do yoga at least 2 out of the 3 mornings. There is plenty of hiking up there so I'm sure I'll get a pretty good workout in while up there.
Today I am going to do a circuit at the gym (which I rarely ever do) to give the body a little jolt. I'm not saying I've plateaued or anything as I haven't. I'm still definitely making gains in strength. But I find that every once in awhile when I throw in something like a circuit or pyramids, that the next week I'm definitely able to make even bigger gains. So I'll try this circuit thing today (then I'm out of the gym for 3 days) and then maybe in 2 or 3 weeks I'll throw a pyramid day in to see if I can make even bigger gains.
The 2 shows that I would like to do still haven't posted their dates yet. But I did find out that one is in October and one is in November. So I don't have to worry about them falling on the same weekend. Hopefully we'll be able to throw Jon's yearly birthday bash the weekend after the first show. He's poo-pooing about it now, though, because he's worried that if I eat, I'll get myself sick, and that I will just not be any fun. I say 'bah' to that. Men are babies sometimes. He also doesn't realize that I've learned quite a bit about myself from this last contest and there are a lot of things about post-contest that I wasn't told that I learned. So I'm much more better prepared to deal with the binging next time. But also, I won't really be able to binge much at all this time because I have a contest 3-5 weeks after the first one.
Well, I guess I should do some work as I have plenty on my plate here.
Today I am going to do a circuit at the gym (which I rarely ever do) to give the body a little jolt. I'm not saying I've plateaued or anything as I haven't. I'm still definitely making gains in strength. But I find that every once in awhile when I throw in something like a circuit or pyramids, that the next week I'm definitely able to make even bigger gains. So I'll try this circuit thing today (then I'm out of the gym for 3 days) and then maybe in 2 or 3 weeks I'll throw a pyramid day in to see if I can make even bigger gains.
The 2 shows that I would like to do still haven't posted their dates yet. But I did find out that one is in October and one is in November. So I don't have to worry about them falling on the same weekend. Hopefully we'll be able to throw Jon's yearly birthday bash the weekend after the first show. He's poo-pooing about it now, though, because he's worried that if I eat, I'll get myself sick, and that I will just not be any fun. I say 'bah' to that. Men are babies sometimes. He also doesn't realize that I've learned quite a bit about myself from this last contest and there are a lot of things about post-contest that I wasn't told that I learned. So I'm much more better prepared to deal with the binging next time. But also, I won't really be able to binge much at all this time because I have a contest 3-5 weeks after the first one.
Well, I guess I should do some work as I have plenty on my plate here.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Another day, another 36 cents after taxes...
Our first night of volleyball went off well. Though I told all the team captain’s that they had to be paid in full by the first night of play and if they weren’t they’d have to forfeit until they were. Of course one team tries to say they don’t have their money last night and can they pay me next week. No, you can’t. You think it’s completely free to run this league? It costs me $250 to rent 5 nets and line systems, another $75 for mallets to drive the stakes into the ground, $50 for park rental, and teams want prizes at the end of the season. No, you can’t pay me next week. You pay tonight or you forfeit both matches. Miraculously they came up with the money before start time. Go figure! Believe me, I understand how tight money can be. After competing in my last figure show, I’m broke. But, you wanna play, you’re gonna pay. So that’s where my title comes from.
Anyway, I did a hill run for 15 minutes before heading to volleyball. I haven’t played ball in about 6 weeks and it was indoor with 6 people. Moving to outdoor with 4 people in grass is not only a change in the way you play, but you forget about all those other weird muscles you have throughout your body. So I’m definitely sore today. It might not have been as big of a shock had I been at least playing indoor until last week or the week before like a lot of others. But since I took quite a few weeks off to get ready for my show, I’m a hurting sole today…but in a good way. Luckily I have legs today because that part of my body feels fine. If I had to lift shoulders or back today I think I’d probably have to skip out and/or readjust my schedule. See what I mean about volleyball side-tracking me from my gym training?
My team went 4-2 last night. One of the gals I’ve never played with before and the other two I’ve played with before but never at the same time…and never in 4s, only in 6s. So it was a learning experience. I think had we played together as a team in the past, we probably would have won all 6 games. We have off next week all together because of Memorial Day and a bye the week after that. Of course I have to be there because I run the league. That’s a pain, but I offered to do it.
I’m getting excited for Jon and my trip to the Porkies this weekend. We’re going to hit REI tonight to get another tent. We have a backpack tent that does sleep 2, but not comfortably. Since we aren’t camping out of our backpacks and are actually staying in a campsite, I told him I want a little bit bigger tent.
I should get to work. I’m totally procrastinating.
Update on my CAT Scan Results:Well, turns out I'm just fine. The "fluid buildup" they saw between my right kidney and liver was actually just a bit of my colon that's lodged between there. Turns out this can be totally normal. They were a little worried about nephrosis (kidney disease) as well because I had edema for a bit after my contest from binging and retaining too much water. But there is no signs of that either and everything looked completely normal. So, that's good news...now I just have to control my eating after my next contest so I don't have to go through this again!
Anyway, I did a hill run for 15 minutes before heading to volleyball. I haven’t played ball in about 6 weeks and it was indoor with 6 people. Moving to outdoor with 4 people in grass is not only a change in the way you play, but you forget about all those other weird muscles you have throughout your body. So I’m definitely sore today. It might not have been as big of a shock had I been at least playing indoor until last week or the week before like a lot of others. But since I took quite a few weeks off to get ready for my show, I’m a hurting sole today…but in a good way. Luckily I have legs today because that part of my body feels fine. If I had to lift shoulders or back today I think I’d probably have to skip out and/or readjust my schedule. See what I mean about volleyball side-tracking me from my gym training?
My team went 4-2 last night. One of the gals I’ve never played with before and the other two I’ve played with before but never at the same time…and never in 4s, only in 6s. So it was a learning experience. I think had we played together as a team in the past, we probably would have won all 6 games. We have off next week all together because of Memorial Day and a bye the week after that. Of course I have to be there because I run the league. That’s a pain, but I offered to do it.
I’m getting excited for Jon and my trip to the Porkies this weekend. We’re going to hit REI tonight to get another tent. We have a backpack tent that does sleep 2, but not comfortably. Since we aren’t camping out of our backpacks and are actually staying in a campsite, I told him I want a little bit bigger tent.
I should get to work. I’m totally procrastinating.
Update on my CAT Scan Results:Well, turns out I'm just fine. The "fluid buildup" they saw between my right kidney and liver was actually just a bit of my colon that's lodged between there. Turns out this can be totally normal. They were a little worried about nephrosis (kidney disease) as well because I had edema for a bit after my contest from binging and retaining too much water. But there is no signs of that either and everything looked completely normal. So, that's good news...now I just have to control my eating after my next contest so I don't have to go through this again!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Rolling, rolling, rolling
My stomach is rolling from the barium sulfate that you have to drink for a CAT Scan. Boy was that a fun experience. Go there an hour before your appointment to drink some fun stuff and then the actual scan takes 10 minutes. Fun! At least I'm done with it. But the results won't be read until Wednesday or so. So now I have to sit and wait for that. I'm too impatient of a person for this kind of thing. I guess what is funniest is that I feel fine. Hopefully my insides feel the same way and the results will come back saying there is nothing wrong with me. Well, there's a lot 'wrong' with me, but not in the physically sick sense.
Today is the first night of my women's grass 4's league. Hopefully the rain holds off. I run the league and hate to have to worry about scheduling rain make-ups...it's such a pain. I am only committing to one tournament this summer, possibly two and one league. The reasons for this is 1) don't want to get hurt and 2) tend to skip gym workouts by justifying volleyball as one. Volleyball is generally a good cardio workout (I play in the high power leagues and at a AA level) but I shouldn't be skipping weight workouts for it. With just one league a night a week, I can better plan my workouts at the gym than I could with 2-4 leagues a week. It was starting to get crazy last summer.
So today I have a hill run and 2 hours of volleyball. Tomorrow I have legs and 30 minutes cardio and Wednesday I have shoulders/bis/tris and 40 minutes of cardio. Then legs again on Thursday and 'rest' the rest of the weekend. But it's not really rest as we're going up to the Porcupine Mountains for hiking. We're really looking forward to it. And I'm proud of Jon because he's planning this one all on his own. I usually do much of the planning but I'm leaving almost all of it up to him. I pretty much just have to pack my clothes...and protein bars! :) I'm planning to puch myself on the trails this weekend and maybe get some yoga and other strength activities in.
I am finally going to get dive certified this summer. One of Jon's really close friends (well, a close friend of mine now as well) is a SCUBA instructor so he's holding a course for some of us in June. Jon and his friends like to travel and go on dive trips so I'd like to join in on the diving part as well...though I'm totally afraid of what is IN the ocean. Unfound fear, but it's there. Also, this same friend is a photographer and author. He just published his first historical fiction novel titled West Across the Board. You should check it out. It's not only a great read and really touching story, but it's a fast read. So, for those that don't like to read as much as others, it moves fast. His name is Andrew Jalbert. You should look him up.
OK, that's about it for now. Cross your fingers that volleyball goes off without a hitch tonight!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Paranoia
So now I'm starting to wonder if something really is wrong with my kidneys. Or maybe I'm just being paranoid because I know I have to go in for a CAT scan tomorrow for them and my left lower side kind of hurts from the front to the back. But yesterday I did do some weighted abdominal exercises that I haven't done in at least a month for the first time, so there is a chance that it's my core muscles that are 'hurting' and not my kidneys. I just want to get the CAT scan done and the results back and be done with it. It's stressing me out. And I hate to have to leave work for it but I'd rather get it done and be done with it.
Last night we did Mexican for dinner with friends which was probably a really bad idea. I ate chips and mild salsa before, had a margaritta, and ate all the food on my plate. So by the time we get over to the concert I was completely bloated and thought my stomach was going to burst open at the seams. It was actually making me feel naseous. It progressively got worse so we left. By the time we got home I was feeling a bit better and the food was finally digesting. I gotta stop eating too much in situations like that!! I actually have to stop eating too much period. I'm trying to stay on a post-contest 'diet' with a few cheat meals here and there but keep faltering and having too many cheat meals. I know I have the will-power to do it if I want to, but I'm just not. I've always been a person to overindulge. I can't lie. But since I'd cleaned up my diet back in December before I'd even decided to compete, I was good. I'm relapsing and have to stop. Ahhhhh! I need a swift kick to the head is what I need! 'They' say that after your second show it actually gets easier because 1) you know what to expect and 2) you have learned to control your eating habits. I sure hope 'they' are right.
I did 35 minutes on the elliptical and 10 minutes of fartlick agility after. Then my stalker showed up and luckily I was finished and could avoid him and got the hell out of there. What a nut case. By-the-way, I told him a couple weeks back that he freaks me out and yet he still tries to come by me. Obviously it didn't work. Nutcase! I mention that because someone said I should tell him point blank...but I already did.
I talked to an older gentlemen today at the gym that was asking about my training and such. He used to do bodybuilding when he was younger and single. But he just came back from Switzerland where a female friend of his just competed for a military bodybuilding show and won the masters division. It was just a nice conversation. Really nice guy.
As I prepared for my first contest, everyone at the gym got to watch my transformation. It has created a lot of conversation and has helped me to meet a lot of people. Everyone wants to either congratulate you or know how and what you are doing. So I've met some great people in the last 3 months that I might not have otherwise met...and some creepy ones as well:)
The Brew Crew dropped a double-header to the Red Sox yesterday and are currently down by 4 in the bottom of the 8th and it's not looking good. Our pitching just isn't doing it and the position players have been having a lot of errors lately. I guess the good news is that Braun and Fielder have fired up their bats finally. Braun hit 2 home runs in both games yesterday and 2 home runs today already. It's just frustrating to watch right now. Jon and I think Ned Yost is going to lose his job...but I can't see how they'd go about selecting the next manager. The Brewers Triple-A manager is great and they would most likely bring him up. I think it would be a mistake because if they faltered and he was fired, you couldn't really send him back down to our Triple-A team and it would be a loss to lose him. Jon and I are watching the game in separate rooms right now because we're both so frustrated. :(
I know the Brewers have nothing to do with bodybuilding and all, but it's my life and they are important to me. How they do affects my mood, etc. But since I'm blogging, I figured I should blog about what's on my mind anyway.
Also, I've started writing some articles on my experiences as a figure competitor so watch for those on Bodybuilding.com. I'm also a certified fitness trainer so I'll be writing some other educational articles when I can as well.
Last night we did Mexican for dinner with friends which was probably a really bad idea. I ate chips and mild salsa before, had a margaritta, and ate all the food on my plate. So by the time we get over to the concert I was completely bloated and thought my stomach was going to burst open at the seams. It was actually making me feel naseous. It progressively got worse so we left. By the time we got home I was feeling a bit better and the food was finally digesting. I gotta stop eating too much in situations like that!! I actually have to stop eating too much period. I'm trying to stay on a post-contest 'diet' with a few cheat meals here and there but keep faltering and having too many cheat meals. I know I have the will-power to do it if I want to, but I'm just not. I've always been a person to overindulge. I can't lie. But since I'd cleaned up my diet back in December before I'd even decided to compete, I was good. I'm relapsing and have to stop. Ahhhhh! I need a swift kick to the head is what I need! 'They' say that after your second show it actually gets easier because 1) you know what to expect and 2) you have learned to control your eating habits. I sure hope 'they' are right.
I did 35 minutes on the elliptical and 10 minutes of fartlick agility after. Then my stalker showed up and luckily I was finished and could avoid him and got the hell out of there. What a nut case. By-the-way, I told him a couple weeks back that he freaks me out and yet he still tries to come by me. Obviously it didn't work. Nutcase! I mention that because someone said I should tell him point blank...but I already did.
I talked to an older gentlemen today at the gym that was asking about my training and such. He used to do bodybuilding when he was younger and single. But he just came back from Switzerland where a female friend of his just competed for a military bodybuilding show and won the masters division. It was just a nice conversation. Really nice guy.
As I prepared for my first contest, everyone at the gym got to watch my transformation. It has created a lot of conversation and has helped me to meet a lot of people. Everyone wants to either congratulate you or know how and what you are doing. So I've met some great people in the last 3 months that I might not have otherwise met...and some creepy ones as well:)
The Brew Crew dropped a double-header to the Red Sox yesterday and are currently down by 4 in the bottom of the 8th and it's not looking good. Our pitching just isn't doing it and the position players have been having a lot of errors lately. I guess the good news is that Braun and Fielder have fired up their bats finally. Braun hit 2 home runs in both games yesterday and 2 home runs today already. It's just frustrating to watch right now. Jon and I think Ned Yost is going to lose his job...but I can't see how they'd go about selecting the next manager. The Brewers Triple-A manager is great and they would most likely bring him up. I think it would be a mistake because if they faltered and he was fired, you couldn't really send him back down to our Triple-A team and it would be a loss to lose him. Jon and I are watching the game in separate rooms right now because we're both so frustrated. :(
I know the Brewers have nothing to do with bodybuilding and all, but it's my life and they are important to me. How they do affects my mood, etc. But since I'm blogging, I figured I should blog about what's on my mind anyway.
Also, I've started writing some articles on my experiences as a figure competitor so watch for those on Bodybuilding.com. I'm also a certified fitness trainer so I'll be writing some other educational articles when I can as well.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Try not to worry
So I have a CAT Scan scheduled for Monday morning to see what the fluid build up between my right kidney and liver is and why my left kidney looks slightly abnormal on my ultrasound. I’m hoping it’s just all the water retention that I had been experiencing after binging so badly after my diet was over. Who knows why the left kidney looks abnormal. I’m figuring I’m fine. Even my PA said that they couldn’t explain it so the only reason they are doing the CAT scan is just to be on the safe side. So, it’s gonna be fine…I’m not worried.
I had a good workout today and tried not to think about Monday. I’m sure it’s nothing. The funny thing is I feel good. Of course, any little ‘tweak’ I felt in my abdomen while working out I was like, "oh my God, what’s that?" Paranoid!! Anyway, I did chest, back and abs today. Looking forward to joining some of our friends for dinner and a concert tonight. Should be a nice night. It’s a gorgeous day outside so I may go for a run/walk as well…I’m also gonna sit outside and read for a bit!! Anyway, all exercises were done for 5 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6, and 4 sets as super sets. I did 25 minutes of walking on the treadmill after at a pace of 3.5 and mixing up the incline between 5.0 and 10.0.
Group 1
-DB Bench Press
-One Arm Dumbell Row
-Weighted Sit-ups
Group 2
-Hammer Incline Press
-Hammer Seated Row
-Weighted Side Bends
Group 3
-Decline Bench Press
-Assisted Pull Ups
-Reverse Crunches
Group 4
-Peck Deck
-Back Overhead Pullover
-Side Ab Leg Lifts
Try not to worry
So I have a CAT Scan scheduled for Monday morning to see what the fluid build up between my right kidney and liver is and why my left kidney looks slightly abnormal on my ultrasound. I’m hoping it’s just all the water retention that I had been experiencing after binging so badly after my diet was over. Who knows why the left kidney looks abnormal. I’m figuring I’m fine. Even my PA said that they couldn’t explain it so the only reason they are doing the CAT scan is just to be on the safe side. So, it’s gonna be fine…I’m not worried.
I had a good workout today and tried not to think about Monday. I’m sure it’s nothing. The funny thing is I feel good. Of course, any little ‘tweak’ I felt in my abdomen while working out I was like, "oh my God, what’s that?" Paranoid!! Anyway, I did chest, back and abs today. Looking forward to joining some of our friends for dinner and a concert tonight. Should be a nice night. It’s a gorgeous day outside so I may go for a run/walk as well…I’m also gonna sit outside and read for a bit!! Anyway, all exercises were done for 5 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6, and 4 sets as super sets. I did 25 minutes of walking on the treadmill after at a pace of 3.5 and mixing up the incline between 5.0 and 10.0.
Group 1
-DB Bench Press
-One Arm Dumbell Row
-Weighted Sit-ups
Group 2
-Hammer Incline Press
-Hammer Seated Row
-Weighted Side Bends
Group 3
-Decline Bench Press
-Assisted Pull Ups
-Reverse Crunches
Group 4
-Peck Deck
-Back Overhead Pullover
-Side Ab Leg Lifts
Friday, May 16, 2008
Minor Issues
Well, I had planned to do legs and cardio at the gym yesterday. But at about 10am I felt as if I was experiencing some indigestion. Now, I haven’t had a case of indigestion in like 6 or 7 months. I used to experience it sometimes with dairy products or if I waited too long between ‘feedings’ because of acid buildup. Welll, I was feeling that acid buildup just after 10. I had just had some oatmeal and almonds so I couldn’t figure out why I was experiencing it. So I went to meet my mom for lunch at 11:30 and the indigestion feeling was getting progressively worse. I figured if I ate it would probably go away. So I ordered just plain wheat pasta and a tall glass of water. While I was eating I was getting these bad ‘waves’. I figured I’d stop at Walgreens on the way back to work to get an antacid. My mom was suggesting I go to the doctor but I said I was fine. I took the Zantac 75 at about noon. By about 1pm I was in some much pain, curled up at my desk. I finally went into my boss’ office, at the verge of tears, and told him I was going to Urgent Care. He said I obviously wasn’t driving myself so he took me over. My mom met me there as Jon was in Milwaukee for work. I couldn’t walk and if this really was indigestion, it was the worst case ever. When I wasn’t having ‘waves,’ the pain was at about a 7 on a 1-10 scale. When I was having ‘waves,’ it was definitely a 10. So they gave me something for pain, had me drink a GI cocktail that numbs everything, and did an exam. It took another hour for the pain to go away completely and by this time it was 4pm. So I was having these pains from 10am to 4pm. Wow! So they scheduled an ultrasound, ran some labs, etc. My mom and all of her sisters and her mom had all had their gallbladder’s removed so they figured it had something to do with that…or just the worst case of acid reflux ever. So I had my ultrasound this morning and am still awaiting the results. They think I might have actually been passing a gallstone and that’s why it was so painful. So we’ll see. They gave me something to drink at my follow-up this mornign to pass it if it was there. If I have the same thing happen again and it was a stone, then they’ll remove the gallbladder. So, it’s pretty much a ‘wait and see if I’m ever in that much pain again’ situation. Fun! My kidney levels were a little elevated from my urine tests but nothing out of the ordinary for how much protein I take in. I’d also eaten a meal replacement bar that morning that had 50g of carbs so that was probably why my glucose level was a little high. My creatine levels were normal so she didn’t have any worries. When I went in for my follow up after fasting for 12 hours, all my levels were normal so I’m good. The great news is I’m not pregnant. Jon was happy:)
The funny thing is I felt great yesterday after I went home and slept for 4 hours after my appointment. So today I still feel great and did my leg workout today. So, below is my leg workout that I did today. I performed this all as super sets. After each group of exercises, I sprinted one lap around the track. My cardio today involved 25 minutes on the elliptical on the interval program. I then did a hill run for 10 minutes on my way home.
Group One (5 sets)
- Stick Squats - 15 reps each
- Reverse Lunges - 15, 12, 10, 8, 6 reps each
- Single Leg Calf Raises - 10 reps each
Group Two (5 sets)
- Leg Extensions - 12, 10, 8, 6, 4 reps
- Lying Leg Curls - 12, 10, 8, 6, 4 reps
- Standing Calf Raises - 12, 10, 8, 6, 4 reps
Group Three (5 sets)
- Back Extensions - 15, 12, 10, 8, 6
- Donkey Kicks - 15, 12, 10, 8, 6
- 2nd position calf raises - 15, 12, 10, 8, 6
Group Four (4 sets)
- Cable Hip Abductor - 15, 12, 10, 8
- Cable Hip Adductor - 15, 12, 10, 8
- Seated Calf Raise - 15, 12, 10, 8
It was a great workout. I felt like I definitely was at 85-90% intensity. Tomorrow is chest/back/abs. We decided not to head up to the cabin tonight so we can watch the Brewers game on TV. Our direct tv up at the cabin doesn’t have FSN so we can’t see it up there. So Jon’s just gonna head up tomorrow to get our gear for our camping trip next weekend and I’m gonna stay home so I can hit the gym. Looking forward to dinner with our friends tomorrow night.
The funny thing is I felt great yesterday after I went home and slept for 4 hours after my appointment. So today I still feel great and did my leg workout today. So, below is my leg workout that I did today. I performed this all as super sets. After each group of exercises, I sprinted one lap around the track. My cardio today involved 25 minutes on the elliptical on the interval program. I then did a hill run for 10 minutes on my way home.
Group One (5 sets)
- Stick Squats - 15 reps each
- Reverse Lunges - 15, 12, 10, 8, 6 reps each
- Single Leg Calf Raises - 10 reps each
Group Two (5 sets)
- Leg Extensions - 12, 10, 8, 6, 4 reps
- Lying Leg Curls - 12, 10, 8, 6, 4 reps
- Standing Calf Raises - 12, 10, 8, 6, 4 reps
Group Three (5 sets)
- Back Extensions - 15, 12, 10, 8, 6
- Donkey Kicks - 15, 12, 10, 8, 6
- 2nd position calf raises - 15, 12, 10, 8, 6
Group Four (4 sets)
- Cable Hip Abductor - 15, 12, 10, 8
- Cable Hip Adductor - 15, 12, 10, 8
- Seated Calf Raise - 15, 12, 10, 8
It was a great workout. I felt like I definitely was at 85-90% intensity. Tomorrow is chest/back/abs. We decided not to head up to the cabin tonight so we can watch the Brewers game on TV. Our direct tv up at the cabin doesn’t have FSN so we can’t see it up there. So Jon’s just gonna head up tomorrow to get our gear for our camping trip next weekend and I’m gonna stay home so I can hit the gym. Looking forward to dinner with our friends tomorrow night.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Got out of bed...
I did it. I dragged myself out of bed this morning even though it was tough. My sleep patterns are back to normal where I’m finally sleeping through the night again, so it’s always hard to get myself up. Also, since I don’t have a contest for another 5 months, there is less motivation to do so that early in the morning. But my alarm went off at 4:30am and I was out doing speed work by 4:50. I was originally supposed to do this at lunch so I didn’t have to get out of bed at all, but I’m meeting my mom for lunch today so I had to rearrange my schedule. I have legs and a 35-min cardio session after work but then I’m going to go watch Jon’s vball game after so I wouldn’t have had time for the speed work after that either. So I did it!
The Brewers blew a 4-2 lead when we left the stadium last night after the seventh inning. The final score was Brewers-4, Dodgers-6. This time it wasn’t Gagne’ blowing the save, it was Mota. Can we catch a break with our bullpen? It’s so frustrating. And I have to check up on one of our bullpen pitchers (Riske) today because he left with an injured ulna. When we attend week night games we usually leave in the 7th or 8th inning…especially if they are winning. Generally by that time it’s already like 9pm or so and we have an hour to hour and 15 minute ride back home. We can also listen to the rest of the game. But I’d much rather listen to the game that is being won by my team than lost by my team. What do you do?
Yesterday was a hill run and Yoga. I mentioned yesterday that I was feeling guilty because I was supposed to do the hill run in the morning that I didn’t get out of bed for and wouldn’t have time for it after work because of the Brewers game. Well, I snuck out of Yoga 5 minutes early and decided to take a bit of a longer lunch. There’s a huge hill back behind our work and since I had gym clothes, I went and did my hill run right after Yoga. So, I got in what I was supposed to and didn’t feel as guilty as I had in the morning.
A note on my speed/agility/fartlick work and hill runs. At this point in my training I was only technically supposed to be doing these 1 to 2 days per week. I’m doing them more like 2 to 4 days per week right now. Part of the reason is because it’s better to be working out when bored than eating. Seriously, it helps! If I’m feeling the need to binge at home, I throw on my tennis shoes and go do the hill just down the street from my place. Next is because I want to look good this summer in a bikini. Finally, they really help me keep my legs lean and hard and make me feel good. I only do them for about 10-15 minutes at a time. What is my definition of a hill run? A hill run is basically just a killer hill that I run up hard and walk down. I do that for 10-15 minutes. Sprint work and/or agility/fartlicks are variables of 50/75/100 meters. For sprints, it is just an all out sprint. I sprint the length, walk the curves. For agility/fartlicks I do shuffles, grapevine, running backwards, skips, etc. Boy, they sure work!
Like I said before, I have legs today so I’ll post my leg workout in my blog tomorrow. Tomorrow’s leg workout is my lighter leg day of my 2-a-week leg workouts. I have tomorrow off (my 4-day week). I plan on sleeping in just a bit. I have to remember to take my measurements and bodyfat before hitting the gym tomorrow. I’ll probably have time to record both my leg workout today and chest/back workout tomorrow in my blog. I have a ton of laundry to do because I’ve been neglecting it. I need to go to the hospital to visit a friend of the family. Jon and I are heading up to the cabin after he gets done tomorrow to get our gear for our hiking/camping trip to the Porcupine Mountains over Memorial Day weekend. And then on Saturday night we are meeting some friends for dinner and a concert. Hopefully a large group of our friends that all went to Key West together will be able to join in. We joke that we all had to go to Key West to see each other even though we all live in the same city. Too funny! Anyway, it’s gonna be a busy weekend…as per usual!
The Brewers blew a 4-2 lead when we left the stadium last night after the seventh inning. The final score was Brewers-4, Dodgers-6. This time it wasn’t Gagne’ blowing the save, it was Mota. Can we catch a break with our bullpen? It’s so frustrating. And I have to check up on one of our bullpen pitchers (Riske) today because he left with an injured ulna. When we attend week night games we usually leave in the 7th or 8th inning…especially if they are winning. Generally by that time it’s already like 9pm or so and we have an hour to hour and 15 minute ride back home. We can also listen to the rest of the game. But I’d much rather listen to the game that is being won by my team than lost by my team. What do you do?
Yesterday was a hill run and Yoga. I mentioned yesterday that I was feeling guilty because I was supposed to do the hill run in the morning that I didn’t get out of bed for and wouldn’t have time for it after work because of the Brewers game. Well, I snuck out of Yoga 5 minutes early and decided to take a bit of a longer lunch. There’s a huge hill back behind our work and since I had gym clothes, I went and did my hill run right after Yoga. So, I got in what I was supposed to and didn’t feel as guilty as I had in the morning.
A note on my speed/agility/fartlick work and hill runs. At this point in my training I was only technically supposed to be doing these 1 to 2 days per week. I’m doing them more like 2 to 4 days per week right now. Part of the reason is because it’s better to be working out when bored than eating. Seriously, it helps! If I’m feeling the need to binge at home, I throw on my tennis shoes and go do the hill just down the street from my place. Next is because I want to look good this summer in a bikini. Finally, they really help me keep my legs lean and hard and make me feel good. I only do them for about 10-15 minutes at a time. What is my definition of a hill run? A hill run is basically just a killer hill that I run up hard and walk down. I do that for 10-15 minutes. Sprint work and/or agility/fartlicks are variables of 50/75/100 meters. For sprints, it is just an all out sprint. I sprint the length, walk the curves. For agility/fartlicks I do shuffles, grapevine, running backwards, skips, etc. Boy, they sure work!
Like I said before, I have legs today so I’ll post my leg workout in my blog tomorrow. Tomorrow’s leg workout is my lighter leg day of my 2-a-week leg workouts. I have tomorrow off (my 4-day week). I plan on sleeping in just a bit. I have to remember to take my measurements and bodyfat before hitting the gym tomorrow. I’ll probably have time to record both my leg workout today and chest/back workout tomorrow in my blog. I have a ton of laundry to do because I’ve been neglecting it. I need to go to the hospital to visit a friend of the family. Jon and I are heading up to the cabin after he gets done tomorrow to get our gear for our hiking/camping trip to the Porcupine Mountains over Memorial Day weekend. And then on Saturday night we are meeting some friends for dinner and a concert. Hopefully a large group of our friends that all went to Key West together will be able to join in. We joke that we all had to go to Key West to see each other even though we all live in the same city. Too funny! Anyway, it’s gonna be a busy weekend…as per usual!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Shame on me
I was supposed to get up this morning and do a hill run workout for my cardio today. When the alarm went off at 4:15, I hit the snooze once. After I got up to hit the head, I decided since it was raining a bit and dark that a hill run wouldn't be the safest thing. So I reset the alarm for 5:30 and went back to bed. Shame on me! I should have just put my shoes on and left. I obviously wasn't thinking clearly at 4:20am because I was telling myself I could just do it after work. Today I do not have a weight workout, just Yoga at lunch. Well, I told myself wrong because we have tickets to the Brewers game against the Dodgers tonight. It wouldn't be that big of a deal since first pitch isn't till 7:05, but we live in Madison and the game is in Milwaukee. Luckily I try to walk twice a day for 15 minutes at work and we are for sure at least getting a morning walk in today at about 9:15.
I guess I shouldn't complain too much because Jon had to go to work in Milwaukee for a job last minute. He then has to drive back and then we head there again for the game. I told him we didn't have to go (even though I already purchased the tickets) but he really wants to see the Brewers beat the Dodgers with Joe Torre as the manager. Unfortunately, every game that we have been to together this year the Brewers have lost. Now, I've been to 2 other games and they won both of those...so maybe Jon is the weak link. I may have to tell him my theory.
My shoulder/bi/tri workout yesterday was great. It looked something like this (and this is just an estimate because my workout log is in the car):
(Note all groups are done as supersets with a cardio type exercise for 1 minute at the completion of each set...each group is done for 5 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6 and 4 reps)
Group 1
- DB Shoulder Press
- Seated DB Bicep Curls
- Seated DB Tricep Extension
- Jump Rope (1 minute)
Group 2
- DB Front Lateral Raise
- Reverse Incline DB Bicep Curl
- Weighted Bench Dips
- Jump Rope (1 minute)
Group 3
- Low cable shoulder crossovers
- Double Cable Bicep Curls
- Single Arm Reverse Cable Triceps pulldown
- Lateral jumps (1 minute)
Group 4
- Rear Delt Machine
- Cybex Bicep Curl
- Cybex Triceps Extension
- Lateral Jumps (1 minute)
The entire workout (with stopping to make small talk 2 times) took me 1 hour. I only rested 30 seconds in between each set. It was a tough workout but a good one.
Now, my biggest issue at the gym right now is this totally weird guy. I talked to him once while I was preparing for my last show (probably about 4 weeks out from my show) because he kept getting in my way of the mirror at the gym. The gym was completely packed and I made every effort to find a spot in front of the mirror where I could see myself. So, he apologized and then from there kept talking to me. Not a big deal, really. But he'd try to have these long-ass conversations with me. I'm NOT there for conversation and socialization. Granted, I do talk to people I know but I don't carry on lengthy conversations UNLESS it is about training. Anyway, then he'd start waiting till I was on some type of cardio machine so I couldn't get away and try and talk to me for the whole time...even if I was reading. Not only that, he'd stare me up and down the entire time which made me want to throw up. The final kicker was when he mentioned specific stickers on my car and my boyfriend's name (which I never said to him). To top it off, on days when I was pulling 2-a-days, he'd show up both times. Who does 2-a-days when they aren't really preparing...and on a Saturday!!?? Also, he wears the same workout clothes every day. He doesn't smell so I'm sure he washes them, but it's still weird. Anyway, I finally made the effort to not make eye contact or tell him I didn't feel like talking. Now he stares me down or tries to work out by me. I'm at the point where I'm worried he is going to kill me (I know, probably not) and am ready to switch to the gym's other location. But seriously, he really creeps me out!!!
OK, enough on that. Tomorrow I have legs and abs. I'm going to try to remember to start posting my workouts every day in my blog for anyone that is looking for some workout ideas.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
New to blogging...and competing
I 'blog' on a bodybuilding website and once in awhile on MySpace. But since I'd like to keep my family and friends up-to-date on what is going on, I thought a more accessible blog would be a good thing. I know my family worried about me this last go around for the show I did in April because I lost so much weight drastically. I know they were worried that I was being unhealthy. So I think this is a good way for them to follow along to see that I'm not doing anything to myself that is hurting me.
I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Julia Wold. I reside in Madison, WI. I'm 30 years old, about 5'9ish and weigh in 'around' 150. I say 'around' because for people who compete in bodybuilding, figure, and fitness, we have an off-season weight and an in-season weight. So, my off-season weight is somewhere around 150 and my in-season weight is 140.
I just started competing in Figure Competitions. I did my first contest in 7 years on April 26, 2008 at the 2008 Wisconsin Natural Bodybuilding and Figure Championships at Monona Grove High School in Madison, WI. It is an INBF event. The overall winners in each category receive their WNBF Pro-cards. I competed in the Women's Tall Figure Class. I placed 3rd out of 6 girls. There was some stiff competition, let me tell you.
Preparing for this first show was extremely difficult as I had let myself cap out at 173 on December 1, 2007. I first decided to lose weight because my boyfriend of 2 years, Jon, and I were going to Key West for a wedding. When we left for Key West on January 31, 2008, I was down to about 163. After we got back, I started contemplating doing the contest as I had received the registration flyer in the mail. (I was still getting contest flyers from my days as a personal trainer.) On March 7 I made the decision to compete. I sent in my registration, ordered my posing suit and shoes, and the rest is history. But I had to diet down a lot harder than many of the gals did (not to discredit any of their hard work) because I was holding a lot more fat and body weight.
Jon did a fabulous job of putting up with my crankiness, mood swings, food cravings, etc. through this whole process. He literally should be considered for saint hood after it all. Not only that, he had to deal with my food binging afterwards when I got edema because I ate too much and was retaining water and when I started feeling sorry for myself when I started putting on weight (which was bound to happen). He took it like a champ when I told him I would compete again in October of this year.
I plan on competing in 2 shows in October of this year. It all depends on when the 2008 Midwest Natural Bodybuilding and Figure Championships fall. It's basically the same show I just competed in. When I find out the exact date of that show, I can than pick another show. I would like to pick one that is a NPC show to see how I fair. It will be interesting to see the differences in the body types the judges are looking for.
Well, I think that is all I will blog for my first entry. Now that you know a little bit about me, stay tuned for more on my contest prep over the next 5 1/2 months.
I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Julia Wold. I reside in Madison, WI. I'm 30 years old, about 5'9ish and weigh in 'around' 150. I say 'around' because for people who compete in bodybuilding, figure, and fitness, we have an off-season weight and an in-season weight. So, my off-season weight is somewhere around 150 and my in-season weight is 140.
I just started competing in Figure Competitions. I did my first contest in 7 years on April 26, 2008 at the 2008 Wisconsin Natural Bodybuilding and Figure Championships at Monona Grove High School in Madison, WI. It is an INBF event. The overall winners in each category receive their WNBF Pro-cards. I competed in the Women's Tall Figure Class. I placed 3rd out of 6 girls. There was some stiff competition, let me tell you.
Preparing for this first show was extremely difficult as I had let myself cap out at 173 on December 1, 2007. I first decided to lose weight because my boyfriend of 2 years, Jon, and I were going to Key West for a wedding. When we left for Key West on January 31, 2008, I was down to about 163. After we got back, I started contemplating doing the contest as I had received the registration flyer in the mail. (I was still getting contest flyers from my days as a personal trainer.) On March 7 I made the decision to compete. I sent in my registration, ordered my posing suit and shoes, and the rest is history. But I had to diet down a lot harder than many of the gals did (not to discredit any of their hard work) because I was holding a lot more fat and body weight.
Jon did a fabulous job of putting up with my crankiness, mood swings, food cravings, etc. through this whole process. He literally should be considered for saint hood after it all. Not only that, he had to deal with my food binging afterwards when I got edema because I ate too much and was retaining water and when I started feeling sorry for myself when I started putting on weight (which was bound to happen). He took it like a champ when I told him I would compete again in October of this year.
I plan on competing in 2 shows in October of this year. It all depends on when the 2008 Midwest Natural Bodybuilding and Figure Championships fall. It's basically the same show I just competed in. When I find out the exact date of that show, I can than pick another show. I would like to pick one that is a NPC show to see how I fair. It will be interesting to see the differences in the body types the judges are looking for.Well, I think that is all I will blog for my first entry. Now that you know a little bit about me, stay tuned for more on my contest prep over the next 5 1/2 months.
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