2012 | Day 96: You need the pain now just to feel anything...

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"What I know today… anything can happen, dreams come true, and miracles occur daily. Belief is power beyond measure. Second Chance, make yours count!" - Ben Booker

For the complete Motivational, review Second Chance | WPM Women.

TRAINING

Skip x 600 revolutions

Arms/Abs (30 sec recovery between trisets):
TriSet A -
1. Close-Grip BB Bicep Curls 4 x 8
2. Dips 4 x 8
3. Skip 4 x 100 revolutions
TriSet B -
4. Incline Alternate DB Bicep Curls 4 x 10 per side
5. V-Bar Tricep Push-Down 4 x 6
6. Skip 4 x 100 revolutions
TriSet C -
7. DB Zottoman Curls 4 x 8
8. Standing DB French Press 4 x 8, 8, 6, 6
9. Skip 4 x 100 revolutions
TriSet D -
10. Weighted DB Crunch (on bench, knees at 90 degrees) 4 x 15
11. Pikes (on bench) 4 x 15
12. Skip 4 x 100 revolutions

Post-Weights Cardio:
Recline Bike 20 min @ 110-112 rpm

Stretch 10 min

Skip x 1,000 revolutions

Stretch 10 min

Got exhausted mid-evening last night and passed out for ~2 hours. Meant once I woke up I was AWAKE, so another night/morning of staying up. Ended up passing out just after ~0130 for a couple of hours though, before I had to get up for training (yay - back to regular training times!). Headed off to the gym...Started out skipping, less volume than with this session last week, because for some reason the rope caught three times during the first 100 revolutions, pissing me off as I snarled at myself...Then into the weights. I actually realized half-way to the gym that I had forgotten to restrap my left wrist (took it off last night, because it was starting to get tight - I need it tight to help dull the pain) and prepared myself for PAIN. Close-Grip BB Bicep Curls were definitely painful on my left wrist, and the last two reps of every set were VERY slow (which only ADDED to the agony), and my expression was one of utter pissed-off aggression as I battled through - although there was a glint of satisfaction seeing the definition and vascularity in my arms. Dips were done slowly and low, feeling the ache during them, but not as bad. Skipping was done rapidly, an angry expression on my face, determined NOT to have the rope catch again (and it didn't). Knees were ok during skipping too, which was a plus - I would NOT have been the best person to deal with if they HAD been playing up. Onto Incline Alternate DB Hammer Bicep Curls - used the same weight as last week, but managed an additional two reps each set, albeit closing my eyes and concentrating only on the movement on the last two sets for the last few reps, gritting my teeth to stop from screaming. V-Bar Tricep Push-Downs - not as many reps as last week, which was fine, since I increased the weight by 10 pounds. More "mean" skipping to end each TriSet B. Stayed with the same weight as I used last week re the DB Zottoman Curls and found myself struggling, the pain in my left wrist searing through it, and I almost wanted to DROP the weight after six reps each set. DB French Press caused a pain through my right anterior delt/biceps tendon, so a little less on the reps here today, which was ok. Swearing under my breath, skipping was done, sweat dripping off me. Weighted Crunches were fine. Felt my left hip "pop" on every rep re Pikes - except, surprisingly, on the last set, where it didn't even happen at all (welcome, but odd)! Finished off with my 100 revolutions of skipping...Hot and sweaty, I moved to the Recline Bike for post-weights cardio, surprised but ok with my legs being able to spin. Neither pain in either knee or in chest throughout it, nor any difficulty breathing...Not quite finished yet. Since I didn't do at least 1,500 revolutions re skipping PRE-weights I decided to "make-up" for it, so after 10 minutes of stretching out my legs, I completed 1,000 more revolutions. From about the 800-revolution mark, my knees were BOTH starting to hurt, biting pain on the anteriomedial aspect of my knees, and every revolution was jarring, my teeth gritted, moving more like a boxer than simply skipping, to try and "ease" it somewhat, because I sure as hell was NOT going to stop until I'd done my 1,000 revolutions!...Needed more stretching out afterwards...Back to the hotel and straight into the sauna for half an hour, my feet up, just sitting there to try and ignore the pain. From the sauna to the pool - which was COLD - for more punishment, like yesterday forcing myself to stay under the water for ~2 minutes, my inability to hold my breath that long so very apparent, gasping and sputtering when I allowed myself to surface. Then into the spa for a while to gently "massage" my legs, although no relief was given to my knees...Knees have been in pain all day, even just lying or sitting with them outstretched in front of me, which has not been fun. Since this IS my "deload" week, I decided to let my knees "recover" and NOT do the HIIT Run I had PLANNED on doing tonight, hoping that they will be fine for this tomorrow (they'd better be, because it's going to get done pre-weights, whether they are or not!)...

OTHER NOTES

I realized something today in the gym, during my third set of skipping re TriSet A: I LOVED IT! Even though I was in pain, aggressive and looking as mean as hell, swearing at myself in frustration, sweat glistening on my face and dripping down my back, hurting - I LOVED THE FEELING! Oh how much I have MISSED being in the gym, away from the weights and intensity the last two days, and the thought hit me that even though it hurt like hell, and no matter how aggressive or pissed off I might get doing it, I was truly HAPPY doing it! That training IS one of the very FEW things in life that DOES make me HAPPY! Thank God for small miracles!

As I was drinking my green tea earlier this morning, for some random reason I started flicking through some of the first logs I ever kept on Anabolic Minds, thinking as I did how funny it was how things have changed, how so MUCH has changed. Never in a million years would I have ever imagined when I first agreed to try and log several products for Applied Nutriceuticals that I would be where I am NOW, doing what I am NOW. If you'd shown me what I am NOW to me back then I would have looked at you like you'd LOST your mind, and yet now I can't imagine being anything ELSE! I see glimpses of what I was then, and whilst I still am very much the same, I am also a very DIFFERENT person, changed by the years and circumstances that I could never have foreseen...I started thinking about the people I've met here, some of whom have become very dear to me, almost like family and whom I couldn't imagine life withOUT. I started thinking about the incredible support from those here, something that has been a FIRST in my life (along with many other things). I have lived, loved, and laughed with those here and will CONTINUE to do so, wherever my journey takes me. So, thank you, Anabolic Minds, for all you've given me so far - here's to many more memorable times that I will look back on fondly...

[Mini] Review of AI Sport Nutrition's Maniac (Pink Lemonade flavour)

Along with my tub of Red Raspberry RecoverPRO were a couple of samples of Maniac (one for each Sean and I), and since this has been a month of trying new products, I figured why not just use it and see what it was like. This is what happened . . .


What is it?



* Increased Pumps
* Extra aggression in the gym
* No Crash
* Increased Muscle Mass
* Increased Vascularity
* Insane Endurance
* Extreme Focus

For more information on the product, please review AI Sports Nutrition :: Maniac.


Smell: In the packet, Maniac smelled strongly like lemonade.

Taste: Definitely lemonade - it could have been a Sprite, it has that taste. Unfortunately, I am not a fan of lemonade or lemon flavoured products (even though I like lemons), so I was not doing cartwheels over the taste. Taste was true to the said flavour though.

Solubility: On shaking there was no trace of the powder and no clumps or excess was left in the water or on the bottom of the shaker; no bubbles left on top of the water either.

Texture: Like fruit juice diluted with water.

Aggression: I wasn't actually aggressive when training today. Sometimes my aggression gets so high that I just want to beat something to a bloody pulp, but there was none of that, not even a hint. Just determination to keep goin.

Focus: Had extreme focus for my training. In fact, I was so focused on my sprints during HIIT that most of them were MORE than 20 seconds!

Endurance: Today was this week's longest resistance session and I was fine. No faltering or dying, and not feeling exhausted.

Pumps: I had excellent pumps, which is normal anyways, since I did a Full-Body session.

Vascularity: Vascularity was AWESOME! I did some posing practice in my recovery periods towards the end of my resistance session, and vascularity was like, "wow - I want that for competition and ALL the time!"

Muscle Mass: I'm not currently aiming for muscle accretion, since I am in a fat loss phase re competition preparation. However, one sample and one session is not enough to comment on body composition effects that a product may contribute towards, whether gaining muscle or maintaining current muscle mass.

Other Effects: Energy was great - very pleasantly surprised. No crash of energy either, which is good.

Overall: I only used a single scoop of Maniac once, which is not enough to give an overall score, and I would need to have used it for a prolonged period of time to give a real evaluation on it.

Would I use again? Actually, yes - albeit in a different flavour - to see what long-term effects of a full tub brought.

Would I recommend? I really would have to use a complete tub of Maniac to see what its long-term effects are re progress and results, etc., before I could say whether or not I would recommend it. Based on my one sample for my one day of training, though, I definitely recommend trying a sample.

[Mini] Review of APS Nutrition's Mesomorph (Tropical Punch flavour)

Mesomorph has been getting a lot of attention, mostly because of the Creatine Nitrate in its ingredient profile. It is definitely a product that Sean has been interested in trying for a long time, and eventually I just got him a tub. A tub that sat in the cupboard (he was using it) until Monday before I used a scoop. Yes, I was not tempted to use it, despite the great feedback I've seen on it and Sean's raving on about how much he loves it. Honestly, since I started using Assault at the start of the year, I have had NO interest in trying any other preworkout product, because Assault meets my needs, especially since I do NOT have to stack myriad stimulants alongside it for daily function (which I have had to do in the past). However, I finally agreed to use a SINGLE SCOOP of Mesomorph as a favour to someone, so that I can say I have used it and comment on my experience with it.


What is it?



* No upset stomach or bloating!
* Alpha-Male aggression.
* Endless endurance.
* Most comprehensive Thermo-energy matrix ever put in a pre-workout powder.
* Skin-splitting vascularity and insane pumps!
* Maximize Strength, Stamina, & Recovery!
* Eliminate Lactic Acid & Toxins!
* Boost Immunity & Eliminate Free Radicals with Optimal Antioxidant Delivery!

For more information on the product, please review APS :: Mesomorph.


Smell: Tropical Punch flavoured Mesomorph smells fruity, but with a hint of something else.

Taste: I did NOT like the taste at all. Unpleasant, but not the worst tasting supplement I have used. Nothing like Tropical Punch - the taste was actually a shock to me, and I drank it FAST.

Solubility: On shaking there was no trace of the powder and no clumps or excess was left in the water or on the bottom of the shaker.

Texture: Like fruit juice diluted with water.

Aggression: Actually, my aggression was not as high as the week before, where I was easily aggravated and training only served to bring it out more instead of calm me. During training I was relatively relaxed, if tired. I went through a full spectrum of emotion on the day I used Mesomorph, though, pre AND post-training.

Endurance and Stamina: After the weekend and the way my body was feeling, I was dreading training on Monday. However, once I started training, my body responded and got me through. My HIIT was explosive, after the lacklustre HIIT of the week prior. Endurance throughout training was back to being great.

Thermogenesis: This was no different than usual.

Vascularity: This was excellent, and definitely more noticeable now that I have a tan.

Pumps: I had excellent pumps, which is normal anyways, since I did a Full-Body session.

Strength: The resistance session I did after using Mesomorph was NOT about strength.

Recovery: I was still sore from Saturday when I started my resistance training. Legs were suffering a little, but by the end of my session I was ok and the pain was not as noticeable. Energy lasted throughout the day, which was interesting, considering I have been faltering after my training over the last week.

Immune System: I can't really comment here.

Other Effects: ~10 minutes after dosing Mesomorph I started shaking, like shivering when I am extremely cold, which was odd, a reaction likely caused by the stimulants in it, given that I have not used anything more than the 150-300mg of caffeine a day (from Assault usage) since the start of the year. The shakes lasted for ~20-30 minutes. The only other effect I experienced was strong Beta-Alanine tingles. No bloating or upset stomach either (the stomach issues I have been experiencing over the last two days I have been dealing with on and off for the last few months and has nothing to do with Mesomorph).

Overall: I only used a single scoop of Mesomorph once, which is not enough to give an overall score, and I would need to have used it for a prolonged period of time to give a real evaluation on it. However, I WILL note something interesting - the day that I used Mesomorph I was great re energy, but on Tuesday I had barely any energy, and this went into Wednesday. On Tuesday I actually cut my training short because of the way I was feeling, something very rare for me to do, and as I mentioned on Tuesday, "I feel like I used to feel if I hadn't been using stimulants for a day or so back when I was heavily dependent on them to function, almost like I have CRASHED BIG time, and I don't understand it!" and I wonder if this was an effect from having used Mesomorph, the Geranium in it, if it did not possibly affect me until later. Like I said, interesting - and something that would need prolonged use to determine if because of Mesomorph or not.

Would I use again? No - however, that is not because of the formula or that the product is ineffective, but for personal reasons. Using the one scoop that I did was only as a favour for those who have been wanting me to use Mesomorph, and I actually dragged my feet to do this, since using Assault and having that work for me, I have been reluctant to use anything that has strong stimulants in it, because I have an addictive personality, and with my stimulant abuse history, know how easy it would be for me to go back to that, and I don't want to.

Would I recommend? Mesomorph's formula is solid. It's either a product you will love or hate, use or not use, depending on your goals and needs and other individual factors (like with me).

Day 129: Unstoppable Determination

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"You've done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, UNSTOPPABLE DETERMINATION." - Ralph Marston


TRAINING

HIIT - Run:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 8 x 20 sec sprint/10 sec easy
c. 12 min jogging

Full-Body (30 sec recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. Stiff-Legged BB Deadlifts (BB to touch floor) 6 x 12
2. Side-to-side Plyometric Bench Jumps 6 x 24
Alternate Set B -
3. Push-Ups (feet on bench, hands on medicine balls) 6 x 10
4. Supinated BB Bent Over Rows 6 x 10
Alternate Set C -
5. Seated BB Military Press 6 x 10
6. DB Lateral Raises 6 x 10
Alternate Set D -
7. Dips 6 x 10
8. Incline DB Bicep Curls 6 x 10
Alternate Set E -
9. Rope Crunches 6 x 10-12
10. Hanging Straight Leg Raises (half feet to touch bar, half hips to 90 degree flexion) 6 x 10

Post-Weights Cardio - Rollers:
20 min in 39x18 @ 106 rpm

Stretch 23 min.


COMMENTS

Sleep - Time and Quality: Slept for ~3 hours. Got up, had my "first thing" supplements and went straight back to bed to sleep for another ~2 hours.

Mood/Aggression: Had ups and downs today (see comments under "Quality of Training" and "Body Composition and Look"), but pulling out strong and calm.

Energy: I feel shattered. Had a burst of energy during resistance training - getting angry at myself, dragging out the aggressive determination to kick myself in the arse - but now I am just exhausted.

Stress: High.

Endurance: Great - although I am going to be relieved when I go back to 30-45 minute resistance sessions next week, instead of these 90-minute ones!

Strength: None of my resistance sessions this week are going to be about strength, and if it's anything like last week, my strength will peeter out gradually over the course of the week - nope, this week is just about making it as intense as possible, no matter the weight lifted, just surviving!

Pump: It was ok - not really much until Alternate Set D.

Vascularity: Reasonable - noticing that my vascularity seems to be best/strongest after my Push exercises.

Quality of Training: HIIT was not fun. My body was shattered and I barely managed the sprints that I did, which was odd, considering that yesterday was a day off, with high calories. Had a pain to the lateral aspect under right breast throughout - not a stitch, which I would have been used to . . . Resistance session was ok. Started out reasonably. Like last week though, I started getting tired quickly and just wanted it to be over. A migraine and lightheadedness started half-way through Alternate Set A, lingering until the end. I got asked by one of the guys, "Why do you look so mean?" I was like, "I'm tired, grumpy, in pain, and just want this to be over" - which was the truth, although aggressive was probably a better word than "grumpy". But what's some pain? Every time I train I'm in pain, and I push my body to its limits to get that pain. The same guy later said "you make it look easy" re my Dips and Hanging Straight-Leg Raises, which was ironic, given the fact that my face was a mask of pain and aggressive determination, and just before another of the guys asked me if I was ok and needed to lie down, because I was almost curled up on the chair/floor in the recovery periods of my Alternate Set E sets. But, it was a good session overall - at least I know I did my best and stuck at it . . . I didn't want to think about further training when I got home, but I sat myself on the rollers for 20 minutes . . .

Recovery: Stretching helped a little. So did the hot/cold shower after that.

Body Composition and Look: I look different in every mirror and light, and today I got a little depressed and upset with myself when I was downstairs because I looked soft, even though when I was in the gym I was pleased with the definition I was seeing.

Other Notes: It's going to be another "hell" week, my concentration to be focused on competition preparation from next week.

Day 126: At the Edge...

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"When you come to the edge...FAITH is knowing one of two things will happen...There will be something to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly!" - Ben Booker


TRAINING

HIIT - Run:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 8 x 20 sec sprint/10 sec easy
c. 12 min jogging

Shoulders/Arms/Abs (1 min recovery between trisets/supersets):
Triset A -
1. Behind-the-neck BB Military Press 4 x 10
2. BB Military Press 4 x 10
3. DB Lateral Raises 4 x 10
Triset B -
4. Dips 4 x 10
5. EZ-Bar Bicep Curls 4 x 10
6. Alternate DB Hammer Curls 4 x 10 per side
Superset -
7. Rope Crunches 4 x 12
8. Reverse Curls (on bench) 4 x 12

Stretch 20 min.


COMMENTS

Mood/Aggression: Not the best, especially since training. Aggression is high and RISING. I have no tolerance for idiots and are getting sick of those who ask questions without bothering to actually LOOK FIRST for themselves - seriously, it's not hard! As for those that have to ask about absolutely EVERYthing, get yourself a trainer or someone who will educate you, since you're not interested in putting in the personal effort to research it! And don't get me started on those who constantly ask questions, but only ask them because they want justification and validation of their idiocy! Yes, it's RANT time It's not just all that though. I seriously just want to SMASH something break it into a million pieces, beat the hell out of I guess there's only so long you can repress some things. Everything is just coming to a head. It's not just the idiots and freeloaders - current circumstances are really pushing me to my limits. All I have left right now is my FAITH! Time for some serious time OUT! Lord, please give me STRENGTH!

Energy: There. Barely

Stress: Don't start!

Joints: Right knee still niggling. Affected my running in the last few minutes, favouring that leg.

Endurance: Fine.

Strength: Weak

Quality of Training: HIIT was ok. Not the best though. Body was suffering today, so only did eight sprints . . . Resistance training was a bomb. After a single triset I was ready to walk out is how much like sh*t I was feeling and how fcuked off I was getting with the pain and struggling with the pathetic weights I had to resort to lifting, no matter that those pathetic weights were intense for me today, having me almost in tears for the second day in a row. SERIOUS Dug my heels in though; I am better than that; I'm made of more than that; nothing runs me out of what I HAVE to do! . . . Just stretching afterwards. My body was seriously BURNED . . .

Recovery: NOT recovering well this week, as evidenced by my training the last two days

Body Composition and Look: Still a LONG way off where I want to be

Other Notes: Received some more Erase and Alpha-t2 today (my only today), so will be starting them both again tomorrow.

Day 125: If you kick me down, I will only get back up STRONGER!

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, but never lose sight of your goal. Prepare yourself in every way you can by increasing your knowledge and adding to your experience, so that you can make the most of opportunity when it occurs." - Mario Andretti


TRAINING

Cardio - CrossRamp:
10 min @ R10/CR10

Upper Body (30 sec recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. DB Clean and Press 6 x 15
2. DB Lateral Raises 6 x 15-20
Alternate Set B -
3. Push-Ups (feet on floor, hands on step) 6 x 15
4. Supinated BB Bent Over Rows 6 x 15
Alternate Set C -
5. Seated DB Shoulder Press 6 x 15
6. Seated DB Rear Raises 6 x 15
Alternate Set D -
7. V-Bar Tricep Push-Downs 6 x 15
8. Alternate DB Bicep Curls 6 x 15 per side

Post-Weights Cardio - Rollers:
10 min in 39x18 @ 106 rpm

Stretch 25 min.


COMMENTS

Mood/Aggression: I have been through myriad moods today, covering the entire range of the emotion and mood spectrums. Beautiful things are happening in the world (life is a blessing), at the same time as the most horrific and ugly (please pray for all who live with the daily threat of war, and give thanks when those we care for wake up unharmed after being bombed). Life is in constant balance, a battle. Doesn't it realize though, that every time it kicks me down, I am just going to get back up, stronger than I was and come back fighting HARDER than ever?!

Energy: After the events that occurred before training, my aggression was spiked, and I went into the gym with a purpose, starting out well, but faltering after ~40 minutes, only my drive pushing me through the rest. I just feel shattered now.

Stress: HIGH.

Joints: My superio-medial right knee was still aching when I woke up this morning and has niggles at me throughout the day, but it's not affecting my functionality.

Endurance: Great.

Pump: Strong and HARD and lasting a LONG time.

Vascularity: The BEST ever during training! I want that ALL the time!

Quality of Training: It was a brief, fast spiel on the CrossRamp pre-weights, aggression and determination driving me . . . Resistance session started out well. Talk about PAIN. For some reason, the pain started pissing me off - as well as all the kids running around in the weights room (I have nothing against people taking youth in there to train, teaching them correctly, etc., but when they are running around rampant, getting in the way and adding to irritability, it's another story). LOVED the definition and vascularity I had during training - both which appeared almost from the start. For some reason, I was also REALLY heated re temperature throughout the session, so much that it seriously felt like the fans were blowing HOT air on me! After the first set of Seated DB Shoulder Press, I was ready to pack it in and just finish this session tomorrow. However, I sat there and stuck it out. I was almost in tears by the end of Alternate Set C - not a usual thing for me, and during Alternate Set D my face was a mask of pain and grit (some guy even deliberately walked in front of me and waved several times, as if trying to distract me or maybe elicit a smile - didn't work). 90 minutes of what ended up feeling more like torture than pleasure, but it was done and I am glad I stuck it out. After all, giving in or giving up is NOT an option, and I am NOT letting them win! . . . Brief cardio on the rollers afterwards, just enough to make it a total of 20 minutes re cardio for today . . .

Recovery: I think the extreme flux of emotion and mood throughout today has affected my energy and feeling more than training itself - although my deltoids and biceps' tendons ARE in pain if I lift anything.

Other Notes: Sometimes we seek opportunities out. Sometimes they are given to us. Sometimes what we want is not what we NEED. Sometimes the favourable opportunities presented to us are not so favourable. God is testing both my faith and my heart, seeing how much trust I have in being driven, pulling away the layers to see the truth of my passions, the core of my dreams. Under scrutiny, beneath the surface of one chance I have been given, comes the realization that if I accept, it means compromising my character and who I am, giving up my dream and stepping away from my purpose, only to become the tool of another. Even though I initially pursued this opportunity, I know now that it is not for me. I know who I am and I will NOT give that up. I have my dreams and I will NOT give them away. I understand my purpose and I will NOT stray from that. Sometimes He gives us what we want, so that we can see that it is not in our best interests. Sometimes doing nothing IS doing something. It's a daily surrender, having faith that what is best for me He knows, and will reveal it when I am READY, guiding me in the direction I need to be and should be going.

Day 122: The First Battle Has Been Fought

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Life is what it is. The control I have is very little. Tomorrow is a different day...and I will deal with it then...but today I choose to live in today...not yesterday and not tomorrow. Again, thank you Lord for sending me to that place to get to this one. Growth begins at failure. Believe..." - Ben Booker


TRAINING

HIIT - Run:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 12 x 20 sec sprint/10 sec easy
c. 10 min jogging

Full-Body (30 sec recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. BB Good Mornings 6 x 10-12
2. Side-to-side Plyometric Bench Jumps 6 x 24
Alternate Set B -
3. Push-Ups (feet on bench, hands on medicine balls) 6 x 10-12
4. Supinated BB Bent Over Rows 6 x 10
Alternate Set C -
5. BB Military Press 6 x 10
6. DB Lateral Raises 6 x 10
Alternate Set D -
7. Curved-Bar Tricep Push-Down 6 x 10
8. DB Bicep Curls 6 x 10-12
Alternate Set E -
9. Rope Crunches 6 x 10-12
10. Hanging Straight Leg Raises (hips to 90 degree flexion) 6 x 10

Post-Weights Cardio - Rollers:
20 min in 39x18 @ 106 rpm

Stretch 20 min.


COMMENTS

Sleep - Time and Quality: Didn't fall asleep until ~0600! NOT cool. Sleep was on and off, eventually waking to get up ~1330 - confusing and UNacceptable! Getting back into a regular and reasonable routine re sleeping is going to be a focus this week.

Mood/Aggression: I was great right up until about an hour after training, when aggression appeared, irritability coming out - doesn't make sense, given that I am back training, and training usually means a GOOD mood (unless it is not a good session - but this was). Working on calming myself down, since I am ready to lash out at pretty much anything right now. Strange.

Energy: I realized today that the Green Apple Assault does NOT contain Suma Root - the ingredient that sets Assault apart for me from other preworkout products. I believe that this - since I have been using Green Apple Assault for just over three weeks now - is a contributing factor in why I felt like I did last week or so (along with the fact that I probably needed that week off training), and because it's been ~2 weeks that I have been without the Rhodiola Rosea from IGF-2. Adaptogens I have discovered are definitely an ESSENTIAL part of my supplement regime for energy, being and remaining functional, especially if I do not want to use and abuse stimulants. Funny how one notices such things, and it's true that you often don't notice the difference until you're NOT using them. It's back to predominantly using the Raspberry Lemonade flavour from now on, mixing in the Green Apple for the taste.

Mental Focus and Clarity: It's been ON!

Endurance: Excellent - first training session back, and a long one it was, coming out at ~3 hours total, and not faltering at any stage throughout it, was awesome!

Strength: Today's session wasn't about strength, but I surprised myself with the weight that I had to go to with some of the exercises.

Quality of Training: HIIT was awesome - sprints were explosive, and 12 was definitely enough for me . . Resistance training - so good to be back in the gym! I can tell when I do legs and my hamstrings were stretched well after the first set of BB Good Mornings, and I could feel the painful pull. Despite the 90-minute resistance session, it did not seem as long as it was, and I felt good after it . . . A little faster than the usual "recovery" on the rollers after weights, but good for my legs . . .

Recovery: I am going to feel my hamstrings tomorrow - there is no doubt about that. Be interesting to see how I recover over this week.

Other Notes: I realized yesterday that I have almost constantly used a product that has AI properties since July 2009, with the only time off maybe 1-2 weeks between different products or bottles of the same one. After being without Erase for the last two weeks, I can say that I definitely feel and see the difference when NOT using such a product - Erase especially. I am looking forward to getting back on it - along with being back in the gym lifting weights, it will make a definite difference in my progress!

Day 121: May Day

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"What I know today...anything can happen, dreams come true, and miracles occur daily. Belief is power beyond measure. Second Chance, make yours count!" - Ben Booker


TRAINING

Cardio - Rollers:
20 min in 39x18 @ 110 rpm

Stretch 29 min.


COMMENTS

Mood/Aggression: Had a period where all the frustration of the last few weeks appeared, vented (thank you, Jase), where my aggression yelled to be heard. Training helped calm me down, head clear as I determined in my heart what I know needs and has to be done.

Energy: Explosive - holding onto it until tomorrow.

Endurance: Fine, as always.

Quality of Training: Short, reasonable session on the rollers.

Body Composition and Look: 9.5% bodyfat. A minimal 1% bodyfat decrease over this week - not surprising, since there is always a noticeable difference in how I look when not resistance training, and since training was minimal, minimal progress was to be expected; but also disheartening, yet all the more reason for motivation in working myself hard over the next two weeks, since I want to be no higher than ~8% bodyfat for my photoshoot!

Other Notes: Today is May Day. What would have once been my parents' wedding anniversary - not that it means anything now; instead it means the end of my week "off". Tomorrow it is back in the gym, guns blazing, ready for war, no prisoners allowed!

Day 35: Deloading for the rest of the week

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think, you dare not, you don't. If you like to win but but think you can't, it's almost certain you won't. If you think you'll lose, you've lost. For out in the world we find success begins with a person's will. It's all in the state of mind. Life's battles don't always go to the strongest or the fastest sooner or later those who win are those who think they can." - Jacob William Cordtz


MUSIC VIDEO OF THE DAY

Five Finger Death Punch - Meet the Monster


TRAINING

Cardio - Rollers:
20 min in 39x18 @ 104 rpm

Stretch 20 min.


COMMENTS

Sleep - Time and Quality: ~5 hours.

Mood/Aggression: Quite a lot pissed off, actually - working on calming myself down.

Energy: I have energy - a lot of angry, aggressive energy. I am going to get out and shovel some more later - try and get rid of some of it.

Stress: I am relieved, but not at the same time.

Joints: Wrists and back are still giving me some issues, so decided to have an easy/deload week re training, sticking to only the two resistance training sessions I have already done, and doing six days re cardio, and hopefully Erase will be working its magic by Monday, and I can get back into the weights better than ever.

Endurance: Fine.

Quality of Training: See notes under "Joints" above.

Other Notes: Received more Organic VitaBerry yesterday, so started up again today. And I have only another eight days of Gut Health left - I do believe that this is making a difference to me, since I have not had any stomach upset after eating since using it.

Competition Notes: 10 weeks until competition.


FIT TIP OF THE DAY

BELIEVE in yourself: In your ambition, in your ability to achieve your objectives and goals, in being able to stay strong and letting mistakes go without going off the rails, in your determination and motivation, in commitment to doing this for YOU!

Day 28: Cutting starts next week

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Life is not about finding yourself. It is about creating yourself." - George Bernard Shaw


MUSIC VIDEO OF THE DAY

Cold - Wasted Years




TRAINING

Cardio - ~3 mile Run.

Stretch 10 min.

Full-Body (45 sec recovery between sets):
1. Wide-Grip Lat-Pulldown 5 x 8RM
2. Incline DB Bench Press 5 x 8-9RM
3. BB Romanian Deadlift 5 x 8
4. Close-Grip BB Bicep Curl 5 x 8RM
5. Hanging Straight-Legs Raises (toes touch bar) 5 x 8

Post-Weights Cardio - Stepper:
10 min @ 11 floors/min

Stretch 10 min.


COMMENTS

Sleep - Time and Quality: ~5 hours.

Mood/Aggression: Aggressive as hell heading to the gym. Not happy in the gym. Kind of flat about now.

Energy: My body feels heavy and sluggish today.

Mental Focus and Clarity: This can never let up now.

Stress: Where do you draw the line between beneficial and detrimental?

Libido: Maybe later . . .

Joints: PAIN in wrists!

Endurance: Ok.

Strength: Added yet a further 5-10 pounds on all exercises from last week (ignoring the pain in my wrists).

Pump: Strong.

Vascularity: Very strong.

Quality of Training: Since running seems to help me re fat loss, decided to run. Running on an indoor track is definitely not as much fun as running outside, and the time passes much slower. However, did it, even with lateral left knee seizing up after eight minutes and stitch in right side towards the end . . . Resistance training was straight PAIN from the beginning. I honestly felt throughout almost the entire session that my wrists were being wrenched from their sockets, and the pain was - PAIN! . . . Only did 10 minutes of Post-Weights Cardio, but from next week, I am going to have to make sure that I do 20 minutes of cardio pre-weights daily and 20-minutes of post-weights cardio at least 3-4 days . . .

Recovery: I'll feel it later no doubt.

Appetite: DCP should get here early next week, which is good, because I need something to SUPPRESS my appetite (if I could have New Year's week back re this, I would!)

Body Composition and Look: This is all going to CHANGE!

Other Effects: Call me a wuss, but I canNOT handle using Eviscerate any more - my skin is just far too sensitive now (I think the hard water in the US has a lot to do with it, since it has been bad since I've been over here). The burn is never-ending and it's still as fresh >12 hours after application as it was when I applied it, and if it so much as gets wet re sweat (training) or in another shower (anything not cold water), it burns MORE. Honestly, I would rather literally crash from the top of the 45-degree bank of a wooden velodrome and slide down to the bottom than endure this 'I'm burning alive' feeling daily. So, I am stopping Eviscerate and just going to wait until the Eviscerate Smolder arrives.

Other Notes: I haven't had IGF-2 for two days now, so I was interested in seeing if Assault would work as well as it has been with the addition of the Rhodiola Rosea. If yesterday is anything to go by, then it is ok - guess we'll see until more IGF-2 arrives how things go.

Competition Notes: I was going to recomp for another two weeks. However, given where I am now and where I want to be for competition, I am going to adjust that and start cutting from NEXT week. At a rate of 0.5% bodyfat loss per week (give or take, but usually it averages out to this, regardless), it will take me ~8 weeks to get as lean as I can - this gives me an additional two weeks to tweak things, and a further week for the competition diet preparation. Since I AM serious about this, and want to win my Pro card at THIS competition, doing this the right way for results is what I HAVE to do - no more screwing around and letting life interfere with things!


FIT TIP OF THE DAY

I keep seeing and having people ask how to train females with weights, thinking that there are separate distinctions between "male" and "female" training. There is NO difference in training a female than training a male - they should be doing the same exercises re resistance training (albeit most will be lifting less than a male would - this is the ONLY difference). As with everything else, the resistance training programme should be tailored to the individual specific for their goals AND needs.

Day 25: Brutalizing Shoulders

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe." - Anatole France


MUSIC VIDEO OF THE DAY

Rise Against - Like The Angel




TRAINING

HIIT Cardio:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 8 x 20 sec sprint/40 sec rest
c. 4 min jogging

Stretch 10 min.

Shoulders (30 sec recovery between supersets/trisets):
Superset A -
1. Behind-the-neck Military Press 4 x 10, 9, 8, 6
2. Single-Arm DB Lateral Raises 4 x 10, 9, 8, 6 per arm
Superset B -
3. BB Military Press 4 x 10, 9, 8, 6
4. Plate Hammer Raises 4 x 6, 5, 4, 3
Triset -
5. DB Clean and Press 2 x 10
6. DB Lateral Raises 2 x 10
7. Seated DB Rear Raises 2 x 10

Post-Weights Cardio - Treadmill:
a. 1 min @ 12.8 km/hr
b. 1 min @ 13.6 km/hr
c. 1 x 30 sec @ 14.4 km/hr / 30 sec rest
d. 1 x 30 sec @ 15.2 km/hr / 30 sec rest
e. 1 x 30 sec @ 16 km/hr / 30 sec rest
f. 1 x 30 sec @ 16.8 km/hr / 30 sec rest
g. 1 x 30 sec @ 17.6 km/hr / 30 sec rest
h. 1 x 30 sec @ 18.4 km/hr / 30 sec rest
i. 1 min @ 14.4 km/hr
j. 1 min @ 12.8 km/hr

Stretch 10 min.


COMMENTS

Sleep - Time and Quality: Just under five hours - right on!

Mood/Aggression: Better now that I've done my training - amazing how much being able to pound out the aggression and beat my body to pieces in the gym can make me feel on top of the world!

Energy: A LOT!

Mental Focus and Clarity: More long hours of work and thoughts spinning over in my mind.

Stress: HIGH!

Libido: Ok, so I gave into it - damnit, I am only human

Endurance: Good.

Strength: Improvements across the board from last week.

Pump: Definitely - so much that it was painful

Vascularity: Strong - even a few ripples today Lots of blue lines over my legs (they just never seem to sit on top of my skin on my lower body - except for my feet - which is interesting).

Quality of Training: HIIT cardio was interesting. I had a stitch in my right side under my ribs from ~2 minutes in, and it only got more sharp and painful with each sprint, spreading down to my right lateral side. However, I pushed through, doubled over between each sprint. Found that with the actual rest between sprints, my pace did not drop off as much as it has been of late when just doing active recovery between sprints (also helps that recovery was twice as long as the sprint, instead of half as long) . . . Resistance training was good. Both of my anterior deltoids are giving me problems, though, with sharp, shooting nerve pain through them when lifting (especially if lifting heavy), and my biceps' tendons adding to the aggravation - but, gritting my teeth and working through it, welcoming the pain Definition in deltoids and arms coming out with the vascularity. Deltoids need to be capped more and I need to get leaner, but that will happen . . . Legs felt dead during Post-Weights Cardio, but made it through the brief, intense session . . .

Recovery: My body feels heavy and sluggish. Going to feel deltoids for a few days hereafter

Other Notes: Last application of my current bottle of the 7-keto DHEA topical post-post-training shower, so it's just onto Eviscerate until I get some more.


FIT TIP OF THE DAY

Results do NOT happen overnight - they require commitment, discipline, but most importantly, CONSISTENCY! As Walt Ostarly said, "STOP SEEKING THE EASY ROAD, DON'T TALK TO FOOLS, KEEP MOVING FORWARD"! To get results, you must be prepared to tough it out and put in the effort!

Day 19: Know what you want and go after it!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now." - Goethe


MUSIC VIDEO OF THE DAY

Saliva - Starting Over




TRAINING

HIIT Cardio:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 8 x 20 sec sprinting/10 sec easy
c. 4 min jogging
d. 1 min sprinting

Stretch 10 min.

Full-Body (30 sec recovery between sets):
1. Supinated BB Bent Over Rows 5 x 4-5
2. Overhead BB Squats 4 x 5
3. Dips 4 x 5
4. Ab Rollout 4 x 5

Post-Weights Cardio - Stepper:
a. 10 min @ 10 floors/min
b. 10 min @ 11 floors/min

Stretch 10 min.


COMMENTS

Sleep - Time and Quality: ~5 hours. My body is back doing to my regular sleeping period - now to be back on regular sleeping time!

Mood/Aggression: Got a fair amount of aggression out during training - got a lot more to release though!

Energy: Energy is back!

Mental Focus and Clarity: Today is a day for lots of work and some serious thinking.

Stress: It's all catching up on me now, and I can't ignore it any more.

Joints: Left wrist was suffering today - I need to start back on Erase as soon as possible (and if I can help it, never stop using it)!

Endurance: Good.

Strength: Added 5-10 pounds to all exercises (except Overhead BB Squats - since for Legs' exercises, I deliberately use light weights because I don't want more mass there).

Pump: In arms.

Vascularity: Getting better and better - getting leaner is going to help as well.

Quality of Training: HIIT Run was good. Sprints are back to being able to keep the pace, even though my body felt dead after the first few. Breathing is getting easier during my sprints as well . . . Resistance training was hard on my wrists, but I managed to push through . . . Upped the intensity during Post-Weights Cardio . . .

Recovery: Anterior delts are still causing slight issues re pain, but everything else is fine.

Appetite: Back and SCREAMING at me - at least it'll be good to add some more mass before I start cutting (I know, I said it, and I'm going to do it!) in 3.5 weeks.

Other Notes: I've started dosing 2 caps of Slin-Sane first thing, since it helps me feel a lot better . . . On a completely random note, I have barely been able to stay away through a complete movie for the most part of this year. I've only stayed away through TWO, and the last two weeks, passed out halfway through Tron and The Fighter last week, and last night Season of the Witch - sucks because I have to watch them all over again to see the last half . . .


FIT TIP OF THE DAY

The FIRST step to achieving anything is knowing what you want, setting a goal! If you have a goal the you can know what steps you need to take to reach it. Therefore, goal setting is the first factor that you should consider whenever you want your body to change. Goals made should be SMART – specific, measurable, adjustable, realistic, and time-based - goals. Those that are the most successful in achieving the body they desire understand the importance of setting goals, knowing what they want, where they want to be, and when they want to be there. They know that it is the first step in the journey of change. So become one of those people, and set your body and fitness goals today!

Day 18: Don't let others dictate your actions!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Success means doing the best we can with what we have. Success is the doing, not the getting; in the trying, not the triumph. Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be." - Zig Ziglar


MUSIC VIDEO OF THE DAY

Sevendust - Shine




TRAINING

HIIT Cardio:
a. 4 min easy
b. 8 x 60 sec effort/10 sec easy
c. 4 min easy

Arms (1 min recovery between supersets/trisets):
Superset A -
1. Close-Grip Pull-Ups 4 x 10, 8, 6, 6
2. EZ-Bar Biceps Curls 4 x 10, 8, 6, 6
Superset B -
3. Dips 4 x 6-8
4. DB French Press (standing) 4 x 6
Triset -
5. Close-Grip BB Bicep Curls 4 x 8
6. Alternate Hammer Curls 4 x 10 per side
7. Flat Close-Grip BB Bench Press 4 x 8

Stretch 20 min.


COMMENTS

Sleep - Time and Quality: ~5 hours.

Mood/Aggression: Complete turnaround from what it has been - I am angry, frustrated, extremely aggressive and edgy. The people who you would think would be behind you every step of the way are often the first to try and tear you down, trap you in a little box, so that you don't progress. I am NOT going to let that happen to ME!

Energy: Once the anger kicked in, I had energy!

Mental Focus and Clarity: Good - I have a lot of stuff to get through today, lots of consideration and huge decisions to make.

Stress: Well beyond the red!

Joints: Pain in wrists, but I'll manage.

Endurance: Good.

Strength: Was using five pounds more than last week for this session, so some improvement.

Pump: Hard and painful in both biceps and triceps - the heavier weights, even at lower reps, seems to do this.

Vascularity: Normal.

Quality of Training: There was a lot of aggression driving my training today, especially my resistance training, and I didn't care that the weights hurt my wrists, wanting to just SMASH something (if only I still had my punching bags!)

Recovery: Just anterior deltoids to recover now.

Appetite: My appetite has returned in full force.


FIT TIP OF THE DAY

Don't let those who think you should be doing something else deter you - there will ALWAYS be these people, trying to drag you down, wanting you to become what THEY want you to be and do, instead of what YOU want, but you do NOT have to listen to them. Drown them out by surrounding yourself with like-minded people, a support network for you in the pursuit of your fitness goals.

Day 10: Expect things of Yourself!

Quote of the Day

"You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them." - Michael Jordan

Music Video of the Day

Sevendust - Hope

Training

HIIT Cardio:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 8 x 20 sec effort/10 sec easy
c. 4 min jogging

Stretch 10 min.

Shoulders (40 sec between supersets/trisets):
Superset A -
1. Behind-the-neck BB Military Press 4 x 6-8
2. DB Lateral Raises 4 x 12
Superset B -
3. Seated BB Military Press 4 x 8-10
4. DB Hammer Raises 4 x 6
Triset -
5. DB Clean and Press 4 x 12
6. Single-Arm DB Lateral Raises 4 x 12 per side
7. Seated DB Rear Raises 4 x 12

Post-Weights Cardio - Stepper:
a. 5 min @ 9 floors/min
b. 5 min @ 10 floors/min
c. 5 min @ 11 floors/min
d. 5 min @ 12 floors/min

Stretch 10 min.

Comments

Sleep - Time and Quality: ~6 hours - getting closer and closer to normal and structure (finally).

Mood/Aggression: Sometimes the world smiles - this is one of those days . . . A lot of aggression when training, though - positive but angry fire fueling the session makes it definitely interesting . . .

Energy: Third day using the Blue Arctic Raspberry Assault - seems to get better by the day, honestly, and I've never had another preworkout give this when I am NOT using any other stimulants with it, or without having to up the dose past recommended (so this says a lot)! Yesterday my energy lasted ~12 hours, and I only faded once I forced myself to eat (I ate three solid meals last night in a 4-hour period - probably not the smartest thing to do, but had barely eaten all week).

Mental Focus and Clarity: It's all work and making arrangements for work today.

Stress: It's amazing what difference seeing and talking to much loved and missed friends (more often than not, it's not the place, but the people, that make a memory) can do in helping take the mind off stress.

Libido: Not even thinking about this today - it's almost time to put this away for a long while.

Joints: Left wrist has been aching constantly, even when I am not doing anything, and resistance training only exacerbated it, but I'll live.

Endurance: Speed endurance is picking up again - nice. General endurance is great.

Strength: Made it about strength with the main exercises today, and managed well.

Pump: Strong through anterior and lateral deltoids.

Vascularity: Through forearms and anterior deltoids.

Quality of Training: Got the stick only 90 seconds into HIIT, but pushed through the stabbing pain, and it actually wasn't as bad when I started sprinting. As with last week, the first couple of sprints were explosive, and 20 seconds was over before I realized it, with the last few faltering re pace, but handling the time . . . Resistance training was great - feels so good to be lifting heavier again. Left wrist ached quite a bit though (the downside of heavier weights), but kept pushing through (what is pain, pfft?!) The definition in my deltoids and arms was great as I was lifting (I'll take that when I'm relaxed, please (get leaner), LOL) . . . Increased intensity on the Stepper post-weights and found it to be relatively easy. Sweating a lot (and during HIIT), so still some fever and effects from Assault . . .

Recovery: My legs are fresh! I don't hurt. It's not the IGF-2, I know, so it has to be the Assault then - or my body is making good use of the extra sleep it's been getting.

Body Composition and Look: Feeling a little uncomfortable after last night - even though what I ate was pretty clean, my body did not tolerate being forced to eat it very well (got to do something about this issue soon - can't not be eating, even if I make up for it with BC+EAA and Muscle Gels).

Other Notes: So, first day of competition preparation. Start of dieting (ugh). An even newer modification (my own) of the Velocity Training Programme (from now on, my training will last no more than 90 minutes in TOTAL - including cardio, weights, and stretching) - simply because I'd rather be doing FIVE resistance training sessions instead of only three, and having separate days for each my Shoulders and Arms is definitely beneficial. 2011 is about ACCOUNTABILITY, so here it is.

Day 284: One VERY FCUKED OFF Terminator!

Training

HIIT Cardio:
a. 4 min easy
b. 8 x 20 sec effort/10 sec easy
c. 8 x 60 sec effort/30 sec easy

Shoulders/Arms/Abs (30 sec recovery between trisets):
Triset A -
1. Clean and Press 4 x 12
2. Lateral Raises 4 x 12
3. Military Press 4 x 12
Triset B -
4. Alternate Hammer Curls 4 x 15 per side
5. EZ-Bar Bicep Curls 4 x 15
6. Incline Dips 4 x 12
Triset C -
7. Weighted Deadbugs 4 x 12
8. Reverse Curls (on floor) 4 x 12
9. Bicycle 4 x 12 per side

Post-Weights Cardio 20 min.

Stretch 20 min.

PM Cardio 20 min.

Comments

Sleep - Time and Quality: Didn't get to sleep until the time I should have been GETTING UP! Sleeping patterns fcuking me off again and NOT acceptable!

Mood/Aggression: A very irritated and pissed off woman today. One of these days I am just going to say "Fcuk you!" and walk out - let's see how you like that! Seriously, very aggressive and wanting to beat something to a bloody pulp (and yes, I'm violent - big fcukin' deal - get over it)!

Energy: Lots of energy. My anger is fueling insanity.

Mental Focus and Clarity: There - if you so much as give an inch, most people will fcuk you over. It's time to fcuk them back!

Stress: HIGH!

Endurance: Excellent.

Pump: Back to normal - about fcuking time!

Vascularity: knots and lines all over.

Quality of Training: HIIT was ok . . . Resistance training was brutal and sore. Not a lot of recovery time, ti make sure I hammered it - and get it done quickly, because I had to be at work . . . Didn't want to be doing Post-Weights Cardio . . .

Other Notes: I woke late today - AGAIN - which seriously fcuked me off (a lot of other sh*! is going on right now as well, which is not helping). So, did Friday's session - looks like I am training backwards re my days this week. Nutrition has been the same - re backwards, starting off with my 'weekend' eating allowances. Also made an adjustment re nutrition to make it more manageable . . . Have also concluded that NO products do indeed NOT work for me (go figure) and are not going to waste any more time using them or stacking them to see if they might do something. NO products are one of those supplements that, if they're going to work, you will notice from the FIRST dose/use. So, no more NO products for me - I'll stick to my creatine and carbohydrates! . . .

Day 266: Breaching the Second Circle of Hell

Training

HIIT Cardio:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 12 x 30 sec effort/30 sec recovery
c. 4 min jogging

Gym - Shoulders/Arms/Abs (1 min recovery between trisets):
Triset A -
1. BB Military Press 4 x 15
2. DB Lateral Raises 4 x 15
3. Bent Over DB Rear Raises 4 x 15
Triset B -
4. V-Bar Tricep Push-Downs 4 x 15
5. DB Concentration Curls 4 x 15 per side
6. Alternate DB Hammer Curls 4 x 15 per side
Triset C -
7. Rope Crunch 4 x 15
8. Reverse Curls (on bench) 4 x 15
9. Plank 4 x 1 min

Post-Weights Cardio - Stepper:
20 min @ 10 floors/min

Posing/T-Walk Practice 15 min.

Stretch 21 min.

PM Posing Practice 10 min.

Comments

Sleep - Time and Quality: Getting ~5 hours sleep.

Mood/Aggression: When I got home from my night work yesterday I was so pissed off, wanting to seriously beat and fcuk something over so that it was unrecognizable. Today I am trying to keep my temper leashed.

Energy: The Energizer Bunny is back!

Mental Focus and Clarity: On the mark.

Metabolism: Good!

Stress: My left wisdom tooth came up this morning - indicates that my stress levels are starting to get a little UNmanageable right now and I need to get them down FAST!

Endurance: Great.

Strength: This has really dropped over the last week and right now I'm lifting "like a girl", feeling completely pathetic, even though my body is screaming at me!

Pump: Wasn't really until Triset B that the pump came in today, but when it did, it did, and it was painful and beautiful!

Vascularity: Came in best with the pump.

Quality of Training: HIIT was a little slow re efforts, even though they were still as fast as I could make them . . . Resistance session was nearly an hour today, but Triset B made it worthwhile . . . Getting better re posing, but need to adjust my attitude for the T-Walk, since when I'm pissed it changes everything . . .

Recovery: Fine.

Body Composition and Look: I definitely look better golden . . . Really noticing how lean my chest is. Arms and delts continue to look better by the day. Midsection is starting to tighten up a little, but I still see the tyre there and hate what I see. Lower body is still too bulky. The fat IS going, but I'm far from pleased with what I see - that's my own fault, and measures are going to be taken to ensure SATISFACTION and ACCEPTANCE of my body!

Other Effects: Thirsty as all hell - the extra training volume most likely the cause.

Other Notes: Started on my third consecutive bottle of Alpha-T2 yesterday . . . On a completely random note - something odd, that once again is an indicator of how different I am - the leaner I get, the more feminine I feel, and the more likely I am to be inclined to have moods where I want to get dressed up or wear something other than a tank/t-shirt and shorts/jeans, or don't mind wearing make-up (I have to for night work and usually hate it!), and want to feel like a woman. Interesting . . . Back on topic: Tomorrow I am going to try my posing suit on for the first time ever - which yes, I am looking forward to a little; I just hope that it FITS! . . .

Day 213: Last Day of Anadraulic State GT

Training

V-Burn Challenge Circuit (no recovery between exercises; 1 minute recovery between rounds):
7 x rounds -
1. Jumping Split Squat x 10
2. Hand Walkout (from toes) x 10
3. Single-Leg Deadlift (with twist and lateral reach) x 10 per side
4. Push-Up (with alternate side rotation) x 10
5. Jumping Jacks x 10
6. Side Lunges (with over head reach) x 10 per side
7. Handstand Push-Up x 10
8. Squat Thrust (jump and reach) x 10

Stretch 22 min.

Comments

Mood/Aggression: I am trying to chill the fcuk out!

Energy: Good.

Mental Focus and Clarity: My mind is racing . . .

Endurance: The first time I did the V-Burn Challenge Circuit, I managed only three rounds before calling it a day; I'm now doing the required seven rounds, so improvement is definitely showing there.

Quality of Training: Really GOOD!

Sides: Even though I used two scoops of Anadraulic State GT pre-training again today, there were not even a hint of tingles or anything else.

Day 211: Where can I find sleep?

Training

HIIT Cardio:
a. 5 min easy
b. 10 x 50 sec effort/10 sec easy
c. 5 min easy

Stretch 25 min.

Comments

Sleep - Time and Quality: What's that? SERIOUSLY, I NEED SOME!!!

Mood/Aggression: Up and down. Flat. Volatile. Calm. Aggressive. It barely takes a moment to change.

Energy: I should have it, and yesterday I had so many stims that it wasn't fcuking funny and yet still almost didn't make it through . . .

Mental Focus and Clarity: Got to bring my A-game.

Stress: I don't even want to think about this right now . . .

Endurance: Ok.

Quality of Training: Fine. I cannot wait until next week, when I will be going back up to Maintenance levels. My body needs some serious thrashing . . .

Day 210: When did I become such a Stim Junkie?!

Training

HIIT Cardio:

a. 4 min jogging

b. 8 x 20 sec effort/10 sec easy

c. 4 min jogging

Stretch 11 min.

Gym (45 sec recovery between sets):

1. Wide-Grip Lat Pull-Downs 5 x 8RM

2. Incline DB Bench Press 5 x 8-9RM

3. BB Romanian Deadlift (plates to floor) 5 x 8RM

4. Close-Grip BB Bicep Curls 5 x 8-9RM

5. Hanging Straight-Leg Raises 5 x 8-9

Post-Weights Cardio 20 min.

Stretch 14 min.

Comments

Sleep - Time and Quality: Sleep has not really been a happening thing lately.

Mood/Aggression: Calm and chilled (for the most part). All the aggression I had on FREE TEST is GONE.

Energy: It's there.

Stimulant Effects: Today was a huge stack of stims and NOTHING. Unless it's a hefty dose of stims, I no longer feel any 'stimulant effects', really. However, just because I don't feel 'stimulant effects' doesn't mean that the stims I'm using aren't working, because I know damn well that they ARE. When did I become such a stim junkie, dependent on stims just to be functional?!

Mental Focus and Clarity: There.

Stress: Been listening to soothing tunes, trying to 'still' myself and not let it bother me.

Libido: My body can't handle the demands my mind is making (sigh).

Endurance: Good.

Strength: The last few days I've decreased my energy intake. Yet my strength is maintaining or even better than last week, which shows definite improvement.

Pump: Not that much - then again, my weights and reps are not really 'pump' material. I used Anadraulic Pump today, though, so thought that perhaps I might feel SOMEthing more than I usually do for this session - and I usually get mad bicep pumps, but even that didn't happen. Interesting.

Vascularity: Got better as my resistance session continued.

Quality of Training: HIIT was ok; mid-to-lower back ached throughout it, hence the shorter session . . . Resistance session was pretty good. Performance is gradually progressing, which is all I can ask for . . .

Recovery: I need it, but not from TRAINING, LOL.

Notes: BC+EAA has been a lifesaver for me over the last week or so, especially with my hectic professional schedule, and dosing them immediately post-training has also helped a great deal with my recovery.

Day 206: V-Burn Challenge

Training

V-Burn Challenge Circuit (no recovery between exercises; 1 minute recovery between rounds):

7 x rounds -

1. Jumping Split Squat x 10

2. Hand Walkout (from toes) x 10

3. Single-Leg Deadlift (with twist and lateral reach) x 10 per side

4. Push-Up (with alternate side rotation) x 10

5. Jumping Jacks x 10

Side Lunges (with over head reach) x 10 per side

7. Handstand Push-Up x 10

8. Squat Thrust (jump and reach) x 10

Stretch 20 min.

Comments

Mood/Aggression: Thought I would have calmed down by now, but issues keep compounding on one another. Soon I am just going to be BLANK . . .

Energy: I have energy, even though my body has a few aches (I bruised my right patella earlier this morning walking into a door, burned myself at work last night, as well as laterally rolling my right ankle, and my left wrist aches badly).

Mental Focus and Clarity: Can you say workaholic.

Stress: Higher than ever (and not likely to change).

Libido: Well, it's one way to relieve SOME of the stress and frustration.

Endurance: Gooood.

Pump: Full-Body pump today.

Vascularity: Good.

Quality of Training: 7 rounds of the V-Burn Challenge Circuit. My left wrist started feeling like it did when I first broke it (in two places) earlier last year, the pain more noticeable during the Hand Walkouts, Push-Ups, and Handstand Push-Ups, when there was pressure on it. Handstand Push-Ups are improving, which I am pleased with. Fitness improvements definitely help all round as well.

Recovery: My aches and pains are not really from training, and honestly, I don't have DOMS from training this week.

Other Notes: Hot and cold sensations on and off in my left wrist have been in effect since training and are likely to continue for the rest of the day. Work is not going to help, either. Eh, just suck it up and deal . . .