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? ;)

< 4 Weeks Out: NPC Governor's Cup

Here I am at just under 4 weeks out! I have really been lifting hard and am noticing a lot more definition and lines that I have NEVER had! My hamstrings are finally peeking out! All machines and their weight are a little different, but at my Sunday gym I actually was about the same weight for leg curls as for leg extension. finally getting some more balance! I lift as HEAVY as I can, and my body is feeling it!

Even though I have taken a mental break, I have made progress. I am 126lbs, and 16%BF. I definitely need to lean out so diet changes are being made. A LOT of things are coming out of my diet, and I'm ready. When coach tells me to take things out, I do it. So I had prepared my food so the Steel Cut Oatmeal is going up into the freezer until I can have it again. I am up, well doubling, my cardio so 6hrs/week. I get paid for 3 hehe. All I keep thinking is "I need to find a few cycle classes to sub!" I do NOT like cardio! I love teaching, and I love getting PAID! :D Tomorrow one of my clients and friend is going to do the Stair Monster with me. SO GLAD! The goal is 120lbs (or less) and 12%BF. At San Jose last year I was 118 at just under 13%BF day of show and of course we always are looking for improvement. I am REALLY excited to see what my body looks like 'stage-lean' now that I have worked for almost a full year on building muscle.

 My body is breaking down however and I have an appointment with my chiropractor tomorrow. This is VERY important with my scoliosis. Things are crooked to begin with so as I build muscle and things get pulled even more in the wrong directions it causes pain. My 'loose shoulders'(they sublux, or dislocate with movement) are hurting, as well as my whole spine pretty much, and now my elbow. My Chiropractor is very unique in that she does soft tissue work. She pinpoints the problem and works the muscle. She doesn't just 'pop' things. I go in with pain, and most cases leave pain free, and I've gone in after some pretty bad issues(ie flipping over my head and landing on my hands popping my shoulders out while snowboarding).

Another interesting thing on my 'mental break' was that my stomach got really bloated, and I was holding a LOT of water. I don't know if I was taking in too much protein with my baking using eggs, protein powder etc or if it was sugar, I'm not sure. But, it does reinforce my current clean eating. It never used to bother me but I have been pretty much eating clean for quite a while now that I think even small changes affect me.



I also am having a lot of fun meeting new friends! I was a little nervous as none of my girls will be competing with me in these next 2 competitions, but I have met other girls through mutual friends who are doing these shows and I am super excited to meet them! Having others is such a great motivation to keep you on track.

So, tomorrow I start my new diet! Coach told me to post my info and pics weekly to keep me on track and hold me accountable, so here I go! ;)