Training goals for 2012-2013

As I've been taking time off to recoup and deal with life's challenges, I haven't stopped thinking about my training. While I miss my leanness, it's been nice to be free, sometimes TOO much at times! I definitely have enjoyed not having my shoulders feel broken among other things. I've been thinking, and researching and just trying to absorb all the infromation I can to embark on my new training journey.

I have worked with many coaches over the years, and I have loved all of them! I have learned so much! And as this is my profession, I also want to try what I learn and see what I can do. My MAIN focus is to find BALANCE, and something STABLE. I am SO over this diet yo-yo. I am going to really take my time to prep this season so that I can see what works for me, and what I can do without driving myself into a fit of Safeway cake. lol.

Mind you I am NOT where I want to be currently. I gained, let's just say, "A - LOT". I will of course post my progress photos once I am back where I want to be. So, In MY head I'm fat. Like Michellin Man FAT! Everyone around me thinks that's retarded and I look great. HA! Thank God for Spandex! lol However, I have it stuck in my head that I will build during the Holidays. Pretty Typical. And I'm excited about it! So I have been trying harder to lean out lately, I only have 2 more weeks to go! Now in my building process I'm not going to try to gain a lot of fat, I have 3 months so I can build slowly, but so far I think I will be able to build pretty well ;) I do have a little catch-up to do, but so far things are coming back, even after just a week. Last time I gained 1 lb in 2 weeks(supposedly). So 3 months to build.

AFTER New Years', I'll start my 3 month leaning phase. Now, here's the other reason Im starting 'early'. My Birthday is in March. Also the Arnold is in March. Last year, for my Birthday I was on the 3rd day of a carb depletion for the NPC Gov Cup. UGH! I am celebrating my Birthday this time! So I am making time for that, then back to it HARD for the final adjustments.

Of course, this can change at any time. I could find something I want to try and change course. I can do that ;) Because I am the one making the rules, it's easier for me to look forward to it. Because I can also let myself have a treat if I start to go nuts. But, I had to come back to this frame of mind. A month ago, two months ago when I was constantly breaking down on the freeway and dealing with my cat's cancer and mulitple surgeries, amputation and possible death....You couldnt get me away from a damn piece of cake. A few weeks ago, when I almost blacked out teaching a class and was breathless going up the gym stairs because I was having such high anxiety, I was in FEAR of working out. Can you imagine? ME - AFRAID of the gym?? WTH? Life happens. I have learned to accept the things I cannot change, work my azz off to change what I can, and get through it the best I know how, because I know where my roots are, and where my heart is. Sometimes all the 'motivational quotes' make you feel like you have to be 100% on or your...what? Lazy, making excuses, etc. I'm an 80% / 20% kinda gal. No one's perfect. I'M not  perfect. But if you do your best, most of the time...I think that's what counts.

If you are curious about my influences, I have been following Mike McErlane, who created Muscle&Fitness' Workout Trainer. He also for some reason saw fit to put lil ole' me in the Q&A Trainer section. I absolutely LOVE following Jim Stoppani, PhD. Could YOU see him in goggles and a lab coat?? To be able to have someone empirically describe how the body actually works in relation to bodybuilding is just amazing to me.  Also like reading Lee Labrada's articles as well. So i will be using a lot of what I have gotten from them, along with my own journals, and of course, education. I do have 6 years of college/graduate education in Exercise Physiology....not to mention about 30 different certifications. I should be able to handle this 'client', right? ;)

Race to the End of Summer 2012

Last Sunday, September 9th, 2012  a few of us donated some time and worked the Race to the End of Summer. I love supporting a great cause, and this race benefits the Leukemia and Lyphoma Society. My friend who owns Fit For Speed had a booth at the event and the Fit For Speed Girls donated time at a few of the race turns to direct traffic and encourage people along the way.

Believe it or not, this was a pretty big job! If someone is not there, people may not know to turn and veer off course, ruining their time and their race. Our spot at the 1/2 mile marker was the problem area last year, and BOY was it well marked this time! haha

 



It was pretty interesting the reactions we got. A lot of people were appreciative of our encouragement. They REALLY loved us on the way back telling them they were almost there and the finish line was right around the corner. But a few make remarks like "ya, says the girl in heels"...or "why don't YOU do it?" lol. You have NO IDEA! You do MY workouts! haha I did train for a 5k last year. I was very proud of that because I am NOT a runner. But my background and my friend Sara, who is a marathon runner(retired and now an NPC Bikini Competitor) and also a certified Olympic running coach, were much more than just pretty faces in heels.

 

We were stationed with an officer named Aaron of the SJPD. All of the officers were very friendly and made sure all traffic was directed around the race and provided police escorts to those needing to come through to get to their offices to work. Aaron also gave out police start badge stickers and helped to keep us informed on where the last racer was.

 

There were many great stories. We saw moms and dads running with their kids or pushing them in strollers along with one very prenant lil momma running. People would complete their race and then come back for their friends who may have gotten injured or just to lend them some support.

 

The race was supposed to end at 11am, however there was one very determined man named Frank who was finishing his half-marathon and they held the end open for him as he had his very own finish line party.