Showing posts with label cardio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cardio. Show all posts

December 7, 2014

Lipo-Morph Weeks 3 & 4

Lipo-Morph

Week 3

 Monday - 2 caps post-meal @ 1328 and 2 caps post-meal @ 2000
Tuesday - 2 caps post-meal @ 2002
Wednesday - 2 caps post-meal @ 1330
Thursday - 2 caps post-meal @ 2000
Friday - 2 caps post-meal @ 1522 and 2 caps post-meal @ 2129
Saturday - none (ate twice though)
Sunday - 2 caps post-meal @ 1631

Week 4

Monday - 2 caps post-meal @ 2002
Tuesday - 2 caps post-meal @ 1226 and 2 caps post-meal @ 2226
Wednesday - 2 caps post-meal @ 1809
Thursday - 2 caps post-meal @ 1639
Friday - 2 caps post-meal @ 1445
Saturday - 2 caps post-meal @ 0935 and 2 caps post-meal @ 1501
Sunday - 2 caps post-meal @ 1613

Week 3 saw no "cooling" after some meals and week 4 was hit and miss with it.

Body Statistics

Week 3: 10% bodyfat at 121.4 pounds
Week 4: 10.5% bodyfat at 118 pounds

Re girths, gained back everything that had been lost from week one to two over week three, and little change from week three to four.

Training

Have NOT been happy with training over the last two weeks. Week 3 was "allowing" an "easy" week, so resistance training knew would be less, but still wanted at LEAST TWO days and only got in one. Thursday of week 3 got quite sick and it persisted - trained Monday of week 4, but was a huge effort and even running the days until Friday was painfully completed (running better than nothing, so forced that at least). Body DEFINITELY NEEDS RESISTANCE TRAINING

Week 3

Monday – OFF
Tuesday – HIIT Run
Wednesday - 20-min Run + Full-Body
Thursday – HIIT Run
Friday - 20-min Run
Saturday - HIIT Run
Sunday – OFF

Week 4

Monday – HIIT Run + Full-Body
Tuesday – 30-min Run
Wednesday - HIIT Run
Thursday – HIIT Run
Friday - HIIT Run + Full-Body
Saturday - 20-min Run
Sunday – OFF

Nutrition

All over the place. Was away or traveling most of week 3. Week 4 not had the best week. And been quite sick since Thursday of week 3, so meals dependent on how nauseous felt.


November 22, 2014

Lipo-Morph Week 2

Lipo-Morph

Monday - 2 caps post-meal @ 1319
Tuesday - 2 caps post-meal @ 1426
Wednesday - 2 caps post-meal @ 1440
Thursday - 2 caps post-meal @ 1352 and 2 caps post-meal @ 2033
Friday - 2 caps post-meal @ 1339
Saturday - 2 caps post-meal @ 1134 and 2 caps post-meal @ 1552
Sunday - 2 caps post-meal in the morning (to be).

The cooling in mouth after dosing each time is not as prominent as it was in week 1.

Body Statistics 

 Today: 9.8% bodyfat at 113.8 pounds.

To give an idea re change in girths, last Saturday to today was -1 cm in chest and hips, with no change in waist. FEEL much better though – although more to do with the fact that I have run EVERY single morning this week (and that makes ALL the difference).


Training 

Monday – 20-min Run + Shoulders/Hamstrings
Tuesday – HIIT Run + Arms/Abs
Wednesday - 20-min Run
Thursday – HIIT Run + Full-Body
Friday - HIIT Run + Shoulders/Arms/Abs
Saturday - 20-min Run
Sunday – OFF

Sunday will be my first day off ALL training in 10 days (and will be spent driving 10-12 hours).


Nutrition

Meals Monday through Wednesday were good.
Thursday saw a “cheat” meal [after impromptu rollerskating for 90 minutes in the evening], making for THREE meals (and more Lipo-Morph post-third).
Friday was good.
Today is two meals, with my second a “cheat”.
Sunday will be one meal, albeit "good".

May 3, 2012

2012 | Day 124: I'll make a soldier's decision to fly away


MOTIVATIONAL OF THE DAY

Be Good To Yourself

Sometimes we spend so much time looking after and out for others that we forget to take care of OURSELVES. We work ourselves into the ground trying to do everything for everyone else, being strong for everyone else, making life work for everyone else, that we neglect to take care of ourselves. We allow our energy to be drained in our service to others, our strength to be used to nurture others, our minds to be consumed by thoughts of how to make things better for everyone else, but ourselves. And when that happens, you have NOTHING left for yourself. You drain yourself dry. You don’t nourish yourself, or replace what is being used, giving back to yourself so that you do not lose of yourself.

It’s fine to give, but it’s NOT fine to give and give and give until that’s all you’re doing, not taking care of yourself, not looking out for YOUR best interests, not accepting help from others because you have to be the one doing everything, until eventually you find yourself collapsing, shattered and broken, with nothing left to help yourself, empty and alone.

You have to be GOOD to YOURSELF. You have to nourish and feed yourself – whether it be taking time out every day just for YOU and no one else, meditating, filling yourself with the Spirit and refreshing your soul, speaking positive words of encouragement and empowerment over yourself and your life. You have to relax and recuperate – whether it is having a day off doing everything for everyone and focusing solely on you, so that your body and your mind stays strong and doesn’t run out of energy or spirit. You have to learn to be selfish and say “no” sometimes, because you cannot do and be everything to everyone all of the time, and you need to learn what you CAN do, what you cannot, and accept that, instead of piling all the world’s burdens on your own shoulders.

You have to be GOOD to YOURSELF. When you are good to yourself, then you can be good to OTHERS. You are better equipped to deal with others and their demands, and you will not bleed yourself dry in trying to manage those demands.

You have to be GOOD to YOURSELF to be of any use to ANYONE ELSE! So, if you are not and know you must be, start today! BE GOOD TO YOURSELF!

Quote for Reflection:


TRAINING

Rollers 20 min in 39x18 @ 110-112 rpm

Stretch 20 min

Since it's an "easy" week this week, with only three scheduled resistance sessions every other day, and because I do not want to have more than two days off all training, today was a single cardio session. A light 20 minutes on the rollers mid-afternoon helped clear my head a little. Got quite warm very quickly, feeling the pump in my legs afterwards. Still feeling uncomfortable in my own body, but knowing that it's not going to last for much longer, really looking forward to getting back into my heavy training schedule next week (having planned out the next three weeks this morning)...Trying to let my mind relax and stop stressing about everything, heeding my own words, reminding myself that I need to take care of ME before everyone else, "allowing" myself that time to regather and recoup my determination and drive, the iron steel will that has kept me going thus far...

March 31, 2012

2012 | Day 91: All the pieces torn apart...


MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Learn to develop the no excuse attitude and watch how your life begins to change for the better." - Jason Selk

For the complete Motivational, review NO EXCUSES! | WPM Women.


TRAINING

Run 7 miles @ 4.57 min/mile pace

Stretch 20 min

Did not get to sleep until quite late this morning, but I DID sleep - for ~4 hours, which is optimal. Headed out about an hour after getting up for my run. Knees were ok, not bothering me, which was surprising, considering the way they were last night. Pace was not fast, but not as slow as it has been either. Very humid out (definitely early morning or late at night is preferable for me if I am to run outside) and I could feel the beads of sweat on my face, my hair sticking to my arms and back. Stretching was welcome...I WAS going to do another 7-mile run this evening, but after a disturbing response this afternoon to something - similar but more severe that what I've been experiencing when doing post-weights cardio re not being able to breathe - and with everything going on today, I decided against it. Besides, I've already done three days of pm cardio, so figured I'll "be ok" with "letting it go" today - sometimes I DO have to stop treating my body like a machine...

March 24, 2012

2012 | Day 84: Break Me Down


MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Walk your path one step at a time – with courage, faith, and determination. Keep your head up and cast your dreams to the stars. Soon your steps will become firm, and your footing will be solid again. A path that you never imagined will become the most comfortable direction you could have ever hoped to follow.

"Keep your belief in yourself and walk into your new journey. You will find it magnificent, spectacular, and beyond your wildest imaginings." - Vicki Silvers

TRAINING

Recline Bike 20 min @ 112 rpm

Stretch 30 min

Took half a scoop of G8 at 0432 and went to bed 10 minutes later. Asleep by 0500. Woke on the hour every hour from 1000-1300, and, feeling completely shattered, went back to bed at 1310, finally waking at 1510 (woken by a text). As with every other day this week I have slept, took a real EFFORT to NOT just lie back down and go back to sleep, getting up to start my "day"...Waited a couple of hours before doing cardio - decided to do the Recline Bike and leave my run until later (when it's dark and likely to be deserted out - I like it better that way). Right knee was really bad and every spin felt like someone was stabbing me with a very sharp knife in the superiomedial aspect of it. Regardless, I didn't want it to be a "slow" session and gritted my teeth, forcing my legs to spin. Right knee was NOT very happy afterwards, although relieved to be done, throbbing with both pain and heat...Stretching did little to "ease" anything today. Although my mind screams protest against the idea because this week has been so terrible with everything BUT training, I quickly made the SMART decision NOT to do a second cardio session and give my knees a chance to recuperate a little...

March 23, 2012

2012 | Day 83: I'm standing on the outside...looking in...


MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Even the strongest looking men and women fall sometimes!...Reality hits, we have to look deep inside and face realities and truths that are hard to swallow...you begin to find yourself, your purpose on this earth and it is most likely going to get harder before you break through. But when that shift happens the sheer strength in freedom, peace, and serenity is breath taking...Thank you God for sending me to that place so I can see the beauty in this one!" - Ben Booker

For the complete Motivational, review We All Fall | WPM Women.

TRAINING

Thursday

CrossTrainer 10 min

Back/Chest (30 sec recovery between trisets):
TriSet A -
1. Single-Arm Bent Over DB Rows 5 x 12, 12, 8, 8, 8 per side
2. Push-Ups (feet on bench, hands on DB) 5 x 8
3. Skip 5 x 100 revolutions
TriSet B -
4. Supinated Bent Over BB Rows 4 x 12
5. Incline BB Bench Press 4 x 8
6. Skip 4 x 100 revolutions
TriSet C -
7. Supinated Lat Pull-Downs 2 x 12, 8
8. Cable CrossOvers 2 x 12
9. Skip 2 x 100 revolutions
TriSet D -
10. Single-Arm Bent Over DB Rows 1 x 8 per side
11. Cable Flyes 1 x 10
12. Skip 1 x 100 revolutions

Post-Weights Cardio:
Recline Bike 20 min @ 106-108 rpm

Stretch 20 min

Dosed G8 at 0029 this morning and was asleep by 0200. Woke once mid-morning to a text and then was instantly back out until another text at 1426. Like Tuesday, it took me quite a while to "wake up", not even wanting to get out of bed, my head feeling like someone was playing drums in it, stuffy, ears hurting, not great. However, after ~12.5 hours of sleep, it was definitely time to get UP. Also on waking, SHARP pain DEEP in my LEFT shoulder, a little like my right was back in late November (please let it be nothing serious!). As with Tuesday, decided to do my training later on at night, not walking up to gym until close to 2230...Started off with 10 minutes on the CrossTrainer. Beanie on again today, making my head feel even warmER. Legs ok, but right shoulder/arm was in pain during, even keeping it in an invisible sling across my stomach...Started off the same as last week re Single-Arm Bent Over DB Rows, with LEFT side this time, to give my right a chance to "recover" some - used the same weight as last week to start, not managing as many on the first set, but fine the second, going up by five pounds for the last three sets (and yes, adding in a fifth set from last week), managing ok, although feeling sharp pain in my shoulders on the last couple of reps on each of the last two sets; vascularity DRY ROPES, particularly through/in my left delt and bicep. Push-Ups were ok - used a higher bench than last week re feet on, and went down slower as well, my shoulders feeling EVERY rep. Skipping to finish off each triset was fine. Used the same weights as last week re TriSet B. Did BB Bent Over Rows at a tempo of 1-1-1 this time, making it harder, trying as hard as possible to keep my right elbow in, but failing miserably. Incline BB Bench Press wasn't difficult until the last rep of the last set, so will up the weight next week - strength improving here, which is good. Added in Supinated Lat Pull-Downs and Cable CrossOvers today - wanting to do MORE for my back and chest. Plus an additional triset incorporating another set of Single-Arm Bent Over DB Rows (since I have seen the best increases in my arms since including these in my training) and Cable CrossOvers (since I want to include more of these in my training henceforth), loving the definition and vascularity each brought out. Favouring right knee (which has superiomedial swelling) during all skipping for TriSets B through D, painful still from yesterday...Finished with 20 minutes on the Recline Bike, trying to spin a little faster, limited by the pain in my right knee, but digging in regardless...

Friday

Session 1

Recline Bike 20 min @ 108-112 rpm

Stretch 28 min

Session 2

HIIT Run:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 24 x 20 sec sprint/10 sec easy
c. 4 min jogging

Full-Body (30 sec recovery between trisets/skipping):
TriSet A -
1. Weighted DB Crunches (on bench, knees at 90 degrees) 3 x 15
2. Reverse Curls (on bench) 3 x 15
3. Pikes (on bench) 3 x 21
Skip x 300 revolutions
TriSet B -
4. DB Bicep Curls 3 x 21s
5. DB Hammer Curls 3 x 10
6. Alternate DB Hammer Bicep Curls 3 x 10 per side
Skip x 300 revolutions
TriSet C -
7. Rear Flyes 3 x 10
8. Plate Lateral Raises 3 x 15
9. Plate Hammer Raises 3 x 10
Skip x 300 revolutions
TriSet D -
10. Neutral Grip Seated Row (each hand with individual handle) 3 x 10
11. Side-to-side DB Push-Ups (feet on floor, hands on DB) 3 x 10
12. Stiff-Legged BB Deadlifts (on bench, reaching down 6 inches with the BB) 3 x 10
Skip x 300 revolutions

Post-Weights Cardio:
Recline Bike 20 min @ 106-108 rpm

Stopped by the supermarket on my way home from the gym (from Thursday's training, since I left the gym just after midnight). Ended up devouring ~4,500 calories from 0100-0200, I was that hungry (although, after training, it's not UNusual and quite "normal" for me to do this)...Was still wide awake at 0330, which is when I would normally "get up", but no way was I going to get ready for training having eaten all that not so long ago, deciding to wait until a similar time to do my weights tonight. At 0440 though, I took half a scoop of G8 and sat back in my desk chair to watch the second episode of Missing. Dozed off lightly for ~2 hours, which can't really be counted as a "night's sleep" (even though, until recently, it WAS what my "night's sleep" mostly WAS), more of a "nap". Wide awake, up it was again, to continue on my "day", eating some more. And then some more. Seriously, what is WITH the even MORE pronounced appetite than usual (especially on the heels of me wanting NOT to be like this)?!...Anyways, since today is a "double" training day, I did what SHOULD be my "evening cardio" late morning (since I planned on doing my weights later tonight), after that wolfing down close to another 4,000 calories (I know, just after CARDIO!), not really caring about it by that point. Left shoulder IN the shoulder still hurting sharply, even at rest, doing NOTHING?...After spending the mid-afternoon a bit lacklustre re energy, surprised myself when it came to HIIT, my sprints fast and explosive! Right knee was a small bother starting out, but the heat seemed to "take away" the pain - until after I'd finished my sprints (when my left arch was also causing issue). On my return, I weighed myself (not something I usually do at the "end" of the day), just to see what was what, and no wonder my knees are in pain, LOL - I am just over 10 pounds heavier (although, granted, the majority of that is food and water weight from my eating this week, hopefully with some muscle mass, and no doubt a little bodyfat) than I was when I did this very training session last week!...Headed off to the gym in high spirits, looking forward to hammering my body into submission! Started out with TriSet A - weight a little more than last week, adding more reps to each exercise, loving the Pikes especially. No beanie for this session - my body has been like a FURNACE all day and didn't need any MORE heating! On a whim I decided after my last set of Pikes to do 300 skipping revolutions between each change of trisets (since today they were not a part of the triset) - noticed the pain in my right knee from the start, and ended up favouring it badly from there on. Not to worry, during TriSet B I just stood with more weight on my left leg. Left the weights the same as this session last week - my left wrist in quite the agony, deep in the bone, the pain located where I've fractured it twice, gritting my teeth and pushing through it. Had to "shake" my left wrist a little between exercises to help me manage. Loving the "dry" vascularity I could see from the first set of 21s, seeing that double vein separation in my biceps (actually noticed fresh stretch marks on my biceps today, indicating muscle growth, so pleased with it). Biceps were pumped and painful by the end of the last set of Alternate DB Hammer Bicep Curls. Skipping was a hodgepodge of favouring my right knee, but still done to par. Rear Flyes were an effort, particularly on the last set, feeling it in my traps, my neck "clicking" and "creaking" back into place when I turn-twisted it after each set. Used plates instead of dumbbells for Lateral Raises today, to help my wrists a little re less pain, doing them at a fast tempo to keep the intensity up. Plate Hammer Raises were painful, but worth it. Decided to do something different re Back that I haven't done before (with Clients yes, but not personally in my own training): Neutral Grip Seated Cable Rows, but each arm with its own handle, bringing my elbows back as far as I could - increased the weight on the second set, but lowered it slightly for the third. Side-to-side DB Push-Ups were interesting, and on the eighth rep of the second set there was a loud crack in my right shoulder, followed by pain, that I ignored and pushed through. Finished off weights with a very FAST final 300 skipping revolutions...Onto the Recline Bike for post-weights cardio. I knew my right knee was NOT going to like it, but I did it anyway. Right now my body is my ENEMY and it MUST be brought to SUBMISSION and just DO as it's TOLD! Kept the pace "reasonable" - fast enough, but not too fast to aggravated my knee further (although anything would, really)...Limped on home, my left shoulder in sharp pain as well, LOL. Walking home made me suddenly miss doing long walks alone in the dark, the stars twinkling overhead, with barely another soul around to "disturb" me. It's so peaceful, so calming, still...

September 25, 2011

Day 268: Progress and Decisions


MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Letting go doesn't mean giving up...it means moving on. It is one of the hardest things a person can do. Starting at birth, we grasp on to anything we can get our hands on, and hold on as if we will cease to exist when we let go. We feel that letting go is giving up, quitting, and that as we all know is cowardly. But as we grow older we are forced to change our way of thinking. We are forced to realize that letting go means accepting things that cannot be. It means maturing and moving on, no matter how hard you have to fight yourself to do so." - Unknown

For the complete Motivational, review Letting Go | WPM Women.

TRAINING

This was my second week back in training withOUT any support for my left wrist. Believe me when I say that I notice the difference that training makes to my body and overall feeling and sense of well-being, even if I am not yet at Maintenance, so I will be happy when I am finally back to being able to train as I want to.

Training completed this week:

Shoulders/Hamstrings (1 min recovery between sets - 6 sets per exercise):
1. Behind-the-neck BB Military Press
2. BB Military Press - wrist was ok with this this week, which is definite improvement
3. Lateral Raises
4. Stiff-Legged BB Deadlift (BB to touch ground)

Arms/Abs (1 min recovery between alternate sets - 6 alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. EZ Bar 21s Bicep Curls
2. Dips - two weeks ago I could barely do a Dip without almost collapsing because of the pain, but this week I was able to do them with minimal pain, which is the best indicator of my progress so far
Alternate Set B -
3. Alternate Hammer-Bi Curls
4. Rope Crunches - 100 reps in total only

Chest/Back (1 min recovery between sets - 4 sets per exercise):
1. Incline BB Bench Press - was able to actually lift this with weight this week, which is improvement
2. Push-Ups (feet on ground, hands on DB) - only a dull ache in wrist during these this week
3. BB Bent Over Rows - although lighter than I would normally do them, at least I CAN do them again
4. Reverse Rows - better than last week

Abs (no recovery between supersets - 4 supersets):
Superset -
1. Rope Crunches- 100 reps in total only
2. Plank 1 min

Each session was noticeably improved from last week, able to do more and start lifting with more weight, which I was pleased with. Pain was minimal, compared to the agony I was in two weeks ago. However, there was no Full-Body session this week, instead staying with the Abs only for one more week. So very close to being able to train without any pain, for which I am grateful and relieved.

Cardio this week was interesting. Although not back up to par, it is getting closer, and I had a lot more energy for it, not feeling as exhausted after it as I was last week (and all the weeks before). This confirms the belief I had that the pain from my wrist severely hampered not only my resistance training, but my cardio as well.

OTHER NOTES

Body Composition has decreased a little, down to 8.5% bodyfat, despite the fact that my nutrition was all over the place and training was still not close to Maintenance. It’s progress, which for now, I will accept given the circumstances. Continuing to lose lean mass - likely muscle mass, given my training situation - which is NOT acceptable, although my delts are leaning out and I have gained a centimetre re girth in shoulders over the last week.

Last week I was not completely sure it was the Battle Fuel, but this week I am certain - Battle Fuel definitely INcreases my appetite. I’ve been like I was when using AnaBeta - hungry ALL the time and eating anything and everything and often. Next week is my last week on Battle Fuel - a week off after that and then I will either use my second bottle or start back on Erase (I seriously can't wait to be back on Erase - I miss it so much!)

My wrist is a lot better - still not 100%, but getting there. One thing I HAVE noticed is that the day AFTER my day OFF, it starts hurting again and I am almost back to where I was re pain at the start. However, if I train, the pain dissipates. Interesting. Anyways, this week, on a pain scale of one to ten, one being almost nothing and ten being absolute agony, I have been about 2-3, whereas last week I was ~5, and the week before that closer to 20 than 10.

It's very likely that I will NOT compete this year, despite wanting to do at least ONE competition in 2011. I want time to gain back and add to the muscle mass in my deltoids and arms, to ensure that when I next step on stage, I bring the BEST package possible, from improvements in physique to stage presence. I will make this decision at the end of next week.

Also very likely that I will be going to Athens next week for work, where I will once again be working one-on-one with individuals re training sessions, which is cool and will be a change from how things have been of late.

I will also be heading to Florida mid-November - coinciding with the NPC Nationals in Miami - for a week. There I will be working with several - including two of my top three "to-work-with" - photographers, which I am pretty stoked about. It’s also a chance to see friends and finally meet several individuals who I’ve had contact with over the last year or so. Not to mention, that amidst all the "work" play, I will get to have some much needed time out to relax and have some fun.

So, things are looking up on all fronts! God Bless!

June 18, 2011

Day 169: Nobody like Me!

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Only you can be you. God designed each of us so that there would be no duplication in the world. No one has the exact same mix of factors that make you unique...When God made you, he broke the mold. There never has been, and never will be, anybody exactly like you." - Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life


TRAINING

Session 1

Cardio - Rollers:
20 min in 39x18 @ 100 rpm

Stretch 20 min.

Session 2

Cardio - Rollers:
20 min in 39x18 @ 100 rpm


COMMENTS

Sleep - Time and Quality: ~8 hours. When I woke, I was told that I looked "bright and fresh", like I was "about to smile any time". Sleep was good - deep and unbroken.

Mood/Aggression: In Chicago on Thursday I was asked several times if I was competing in the Junior Nationals, which was a little surprise. However, seeing some of the competitors, I know that I am on the right track, and I am finally confident in my ability to be able to take the stage in July as lean as I want to be, with the attitude and stage presence that I need and want to have!

Energy: Lots of restless energy!

Mental Focus and Clarity: Sorted the next four weeks out.

Quality of Training: Just an easy session on my rollers, with a second session later before I go to bed.

Recovery: DOMS in hips and calves from Thursday's photoshoot is even more pronounced than it was yesterday, far worse than what I would feel after the first day back training after a break!

Appetite: I'm four weeks out from competition and I have NOT started "dieting". I was looked at in surprise when I mentioned this, after being asked about my "diet" on Thursday, because pizza and ice-cream and eating "like a normal person" is NOT the norm for competitors. But, I'm NOT "the norm" either, and what I'm doing is WORKING for me! I am an example of there being NO "one size fits all", that there is no "should" in anything, and that everyone has a "best" way of doing things specifically for THEM to get results!

Body Composition and Look: The light downstairs and upstairs is different, and I look different in both of them. You can see the definition REALLY well downstairs in the darker light - arms, midsection, hips, and legs are really coming out. Honestly, this is the BEST AESTHETIC condition I have ever been in in my life to date - and I'm only going to get BETTER (as I get leaner)! I am determined to maintain close to ~8% bodyfat henceforth (i.e. about what I am now or leaner!) - once I have gotten as lean as I possibly can and competed, etc. And I CAN. I WILL. Especially now that I have determined what nutritional method/s and training regime works best for me right now (I say "now" because it may change in the future, and then I will do then what works best for me at that time).

Other Notes: My current bottle of Erase runs out on 29 June. My current bottle of Alpha-T2 runs out on 9 July. As much as I hate to, I am going to wait until 17 July (i.e. after my competition) until I resume them all again.

June 14, 2011

Day 165: Faith Smiles

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"What I see all the GREAT people in life, what they all have in common is humility. They do not stick their nose up, they embrace you with a smile. They do not look for vanity, but rather concentrating on making this place a little better to live. When we search for humility as an asset, not as baggage, we can truly grow from the inside out. Everything I have today is a direct result of handing my will and my life over to God. Thank you again for teaching me how to live along the path that You put in front of me, walking with You, not in front or behind, and accepting this world as it is, not as I would have it! Do not wait another day to discover your true potential. Faith without works is dead!" - Ben Booker


TRAINING

Session 1

Cardio - Run:
3 miles at 4.5 min/km pace

Stretch 20 min.

Session 2

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


COMMENTS

Sleep - Time and Quality: ~5 hours. Weird sleep. Dreaming rather vividly lately too, despite the brokenness of my sleep.

Mood/Aggression: Seeing the good in the bad. Finding the smile in the pain. Being positive despite the negative.

Energy: Patches of fatigue coming randomly out of nowhere - of course, they could be because of the painful stomach that has plagued me today as well, since it always seems to take a lot out of me for some reason.

Stress: Working on lowering it. I am a lot better at stress management now than I used to be, so that's something.

Vascularity: WOW!

Quality of Training: I actually did start training with the intention of today being Arms/Abs as Tuesday is supposed to be. As I mentioned last week, longer re pre-weights cardio as well. Run was ok - definitely prefer the cooler weather to be out in, although I was still dripping wet when I finished. Painful stabbing in my stomach during the last half of my run, though, slowing my overall pace down a lot . . . I tried to ignore the pain as I started resistance training, but I got to the second alternate set and was doubled over on the floor from the agony. Instead of working through it, I stopped and will do this resistance session tomorrow . . . Got on the rollers later, when the pain was not as much - more manageable on the rollers as well, since I can hunch over - to make sure I did something today . . .

Other Notes: Hoping the stomach pain is gone by tomorrow.

June 11, 2011

Day 162: "Impossible" is POTENTIAL

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing." - Muhammed Ali


TRAINING

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

Stretch 27 min.


COMMENTS

Sleep - Time and Quality: ~6 hours. Woke every two hours - the second time it was because the cat had the balls to walk over me, right up to my face, and meow several times in my ear!

Energy: Calmed down somewhat from the last few days.

Stress: Slowly rising.

Quality of Training: Rollers were fine - just an easy session.

Body Composition and Look: 8.5% bodyfat at 108.8 pounds. So, only a 0.3% bodyfat loss this week, but slowly coming down. Going to have to switch things up a bit next week - perhaps do 20 minutes of cardio pre-weights on Tuesday and Thursday, instead of only 10, etc. - to ensure progress is BETTER. Midsection and hips are looking the best they have in a long time, though, and I honestly look about the SAME leanness as I was at 8% bodyfat when I arrived in the US. On target for being in competition condition ~4 weeks out and at a satisfactory leanness for me personally ~3 weeks out.

Competition Notes: Five weeks to go . . .

June 9, 2011

Day 160: Bulletproof

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"You HAVE to stay "bulletproof". Your determination and optimism forms your impenetrable armour. You will NOT be stopped or broken down by negativity, emotional blackmail, physical pain, obstacles or discouraging vicissitudes. Remind yourself daily:" My indomitable spirit prepares me for any eventuality. I AM BULLETPROOF"." - Nicole Acker


TRAINING

Cardio - Run:
1.5 miles @ 4.2 min/km

Back/Chest (30 sec recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. Supinated BB Bent Over Rows 4 x 10
2. Flat BB Bench Press 4 x 10
Alternate Set B -
3. Seated Supinated Lat Pull-Down 4 x 10
4. Incline BB Bench Press 4 x 10

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

Stretch 25 min.


COMMENTS

Sleep - Time and Quality: Not really sure how much sleep I actually got, since it was very broken, waking almost on the hour and not able to fall back asleep instantly each time.

Mood/Aggression: Smiling. Determined.

Energy: Still boundless!

Quality of Training: Cooler today outside, with a breeze, which was about perfect for me when I went for my run - definitely prefer this over the heat that has prevailed lately. Resistance training was excellent, with strength progression on all fronts. Rollers afterwards passed quickly.

Recovery: The way I am eating is also helping with my recovery, I believe.

Competition Notes: My attitude towards competition has gone BEYOND simply wanting to win and seeing what I can do - it is THE opportunity for me to REALLY start making a difference and getting the exposure I want in the fitness industry, on the road to being where I want to be with my career! Talk about refreshing my motivation and enhancing my determination!

June 4, 2011

Day 155: Share to Inspire

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I believe it is important for everybody to share their personal life successes and failures so that they may inspire others to do the same. If you can touch one life then it makes it all worth it, and who knows they may do the same creating a chain reaction!!!!!" - Ben Booker


TRAINING

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

Stretch 5 min.

Upper Body (30 sec recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. EZ-Bar Bicep Curls 4 x 20
2. Dips 4 x 10
Alternate Set B -
3. Alternate Hammer Bicep Curls 4 x 20 per side
4. Lateral Raises 4 x 15
Alternate Set C -
5. Plate Hammer Raises 4 x 10
6. Seated Rear Raises 4 x 10
Alternate Set D -
7. Push-Ups (feet on floor, hands fists) 4 x 15
8. Reverse Rows (feet on bench) 4 x 12, 10, 8, 6

Stretch 20 min.


COMMENTS

Sleep - Time and Quality: ~2 hours, and even then, tossing and turning. I went back to bed on waking, hoping to go back to sleep, but to no avail, especially since my insides felt like they were being torn asunder again

Mood/Aggression: Regardless, smiling and positive.

Energy: Honestly, I've had the most energy that I've had in a while - goes to show that the shorter sleeping periods work better for me (although not that short all the time).

Endurance: No worries here.

Pump: Unbelieveable from the second alternate set.

Vascularity: Rippling - nice; now STAY like this!

Quality of Training: Rollers, insides churning the entire time. Took a little time out to stretch afterwards, to let it settle a bit. It didn't, so just went into finishing off yesterday's resistance session, with all the Upper Body exercises, and actually had a pretty good session.

Recovery: I feel fresh.

Other Notes: More Shred Matrix arrived yesterday, so I started it, since this is another product that I definitely notice a difference with when I am not using it.

May 28, 2011

Day 148: Change You for YOU!

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Don't rely on someone else for your happiness and self worth. Only you can be responsible for that. If you can't love and respect yourself - no one else will be able to make that happen. Accept who you are - completely; the good and the bad - and make changes as YOU see fit - not because you think someone else wants you to be different." - Stacey Charter


TRAINING

Cardio - Rollers:
a. 4 min in 39x18 @ 102 rpm
b. 2 x 20 sec effort/10 sec easy in 39x17 (rpm N/A)
c. 4 min in 39x18 @ 104 rpm
d. 2 x 20 sec effort/10 sec easy in 39x17 (rpm N/A)
e. 4 min in 39x18 @ 106 rpm
f. 2 x 20 sec effort/10 sec easy in 39x17 (rpm N/A)
g. 4 min in 39x18 @ 108 rpm
h. 2 x 20 sec effort/10 sec easy in 39x17 (rpm N/A)
i. 1 min in 39x18 @ 106 rpm

Stretch 23 min.


COMMENTS

Mood/Aggression: Calm. Happy.

Energy: Surprisingly a lot.

Stress: I actually noted earlier that perhaps my decrease in stress has something to do with this week's fat loss progress, not just the change in nutrition and training - although, in saying that, I followed almost to the letter this week what I did the week my body composition decreased the most ever re nutrition and training, and I was highly stressed during that week, so probably 99% the nutrition and training manipulations.

Endurance: Good.

Quality of Training: I WAS just going to do an easy 20 minutes on the rollers today, but once I was on them I decided to chuck in a few efforts, since they are a LOT harder than sprints (at least, right now), and higher intensity cardio is always better for me.

Recovery: I feel GREAT!

May 19, 2011

Day 139: Transcend Limitations

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and your discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be." - Patanjali


TRAINING

Cardio - Rollers:
20 min in 39x18 @ 106-108 rpm

Stretch 22 min.


COMMENTS

Sleep - Time and Quality: ~10 hours!!! My sore stomach is taking more out of me than I think (although I should have already known and expected it, since last time it did this).

Mood/Aggression: Gathering myself - thoughts and body. Getting ready for what is to come.

Energy: No energy again today, but I made sure to do SOME training.

Mental Focus and Clarity: Better than the yesterday, which was a fog.

Stress: HIGH.

Endurance: Fine.

Quality of Training: My stomach has still been causing me issues today, but I took 20 minutes out from the wheatie and settled on the rollers (which was ok, since I was in a bent over position). Just an easy session.

Recovery: Cardio is actually my scheduled training for today, so I am just going to continue training as scheduled, instead of trying to "make up" any missed sessions this week.

Appetite: The last few days I have been RAVENOUS! My body is craving salt and sugar - the sugar I can understand, given that I am a carbohydrate addict, but the salt is new. My appetite has been endless, and I've been eating like there's no tomorrow. NOT good, but maybe useful re "recovery" this week, after the last two weeks . . .

Body Composition and Look: I've gained ~4 pounds since the weekend, but it's mostly all food and water weight, understandable from the way I have been eating, and it doesn't bother me, since I know it will all go once I am training and eating as normal. I can still see the definition though, and I know we are all our own worst critics, but I am a little disappointed that it didn't show as well in my photoshoot (although there were some GREAT shots!) as it does in the bathroom mirror, LOL - just goes to show that lighting and posing re body position makes a HUGE difference to how one can look.

Other Notes: Because of the last few days re fatigue and stomach issues, this Saturday's photoshoot has been postponed until I am back up to par. Not to fear - Ryan, you're right; I'm the Female Terminator and I'm just going to get straight back up and fight back!

May 7, 2011

Day 127: Simply...Thank You...

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." - Albert Schweitzer


TRAINING

Cardio - Run:
5.6 km @ 3.5 min/km

Stretch 25 min.


COMMENTS

Mood/Aggression: Settled down quite a bit from yesterday. Took me some time to "calm down" yesterday, with some unusual methods, but I did eventually. Now, mood is better, and trying to KEEP it that way. I'm thankful for those who have been a huge support to me over the last few weeks, throughout everything - know that you have done more for me than you can possibly know, each and every one of you a blessing that I thank God for!

Energy: There.

Mental Focus and Clarity: Got a lot done today.

Endurance: Good.

Quality of Training: A single cardio session today. Ran a little further than the usual three miles as well, albeit not a lot. I was surprised at the pace I did and kept - my endurance and speed is definitely improving, which I am pleased with.

Recovery: Fine after yesterday.

Body Composition and Look: 113.2 pounds at 9.2% bodyfat. Another perfect week re nutrition and training and still the minutest change in body composition - only solidifying the fact that "perfect" as everyone sees it is NOT the OPTIMAL way for me to make progress, especially re fat loss. However, the way I usually do things is not the best either, and I want to move away from it, since my health is definitely important to me. So, from now on it will be a compromise of sorts between "perfect" and the way that works for me, experimenting to find the BEST method for me re nutrition and training for the most effective and successful fat loss.

Other Notes: Only a week to go until my first photoshoot of the year. I'm excited for it, albeit disappointed in myself that I might not be as lean as I want to be - but who knows, I still have a week, being back on Erase is going to make a HUGE difference, and I have done it before (even if only once), so it's possible for me to lose 1.2% bodyfat in a week (although not sure if my body will do it for me). Regardless, no matter what my body composition for this photoshoot, I am going to just have fun with it and relax, and know that I am going to most definitely be as lean as I want to be for the NEXT one and my competition - which I will be eight weeks out from next Sunday!

May 3, 2011

Day 123: So this is what murder feels like

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Be encouraged that whatever you are doing right now and wherever you are, that it's all part of a greater plan and that change, good or bad, is inevitable. Don't resist it or complain, just live in faith that you are a piece of clay on the Potter's wheel, being beaten, molded and shaped into His ideal form." - Jamie Eason


TRAINING

Cardio - Stepper:
a. 10 min @ 10 floors/min
b. 10 min @ 12 floors/min

Full-Body (30 sec recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. Stiff-Legged BB Deadlifts 6 x 12
2. Alternate Backward DB Lunges 6 x 24
Alternate Set B -
3. Flat BB Bench Press 6 x 12-15
4. Close-Grip V-Bar Seated Rows 6 x 12-15
Alternate Set C -
5. Seated DB Shoulder Press 6 x 12
6. Incline DB Rear Raises 6 x 12
Alternate Set D -
7. Incline Dips 6 x 12
8. Incline DB Bicep Curls 6 x 12
Alternate Set E -
9. Rope Crunches 6 x 12-15
10. Bicycles 6 x 24-30

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

Stretch 29 min.


COMMENTS

Sleep - Time and Quality: ~6 hours. Not quality.

Mood/Aggression: Better than yesterday - aggression hasn't been as rampant.

Energy: Training was done, so there was obviously energy there, but not feeling the best by any means - which is to be expected during the first week back training again after a break.

Endurance: Excellent.

Strength: Again, today was not about strength - which was fine, because I had none.

Quality of Training: Been a while since I've used the Stepper - but it was goo. Legs felt ok, fresh . . . Resistance training was one pain after another, but I set my head and soldiered through it. Several sets actually became failure at 12-15 reps, which was interesting. I didn't walk out of the gym normally, slow and sore . . . I didn't want to do anything after weights, but forced the rollers, listening to music . . .

Recovery: I woke up aching all over this morning, hamstrings the most tender. Fine, though.

Body Composition and Look: Only two days back training and already I can see and feel the difference.

Other Notes: Since the Green Apple Assault does not contain Suma Root, from now on I am going to be using Raspberry Lemonade (or Blue Arctic Raspberry - since I am going to stock up on the formula containing Suma Root) for 2/3 of a serving, and the other 1/3 the Green Apple flavour, so that I get the best of both the formula and flavour. GREAT taste, mixing them together - better than the Green Apple alone!

May 1, 2011

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!

April 30, 2011

Day 120: The Zahir

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"What we need to learn is always there before us, we just have to look around us with respect and admiration in order to discover where God is leading us and which step we should take next." - The Zahir (Paulo Coelho)


TRAINING

Cardio - Rollers:
a. 10 min in 39x18 @ 108-110 rpm
b. 10 min in 39x18 @ 114-116 rpm

Stretch 20 min.


COMMENTS

Sleep - Time and Quality: ~8 hours. Really?!

Mood/Aggression: Being calm, still, so that I can see and hear what I am supposed to.

Mental Focus and Clarity: Like you wouldn't believe.

Endurance: Good.

Quality of Training: Just an easy session today.

Other Notes: Two weeks until my photoshoot with Tony Mitchell! This is the time for the last of all "last chances", because after this there are NO more! "It is always important to know when something has reached its end. Closing circles, shutting doors, finishing chapters, it doesn't matter what we call it; what matters is to leave in the past those moments in life that are over." - The Zahir (Paulo Coelho).

April 26, 2011

Day 116: Just Rollers

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"We are the light at the end of the tunnel. No matter what trials and tribulations we go through, inside us there is a light that shines bright. It was there from birth and streams messages of guidance from our inner wisdom every day. The light within us can guide us through all our forks in the road. FIND YOUR LIGHT and find your way out of the tunnel." - Don Shapiro


TRAINING

Cardio - Rollers:
a. 5 min in 39x18 @ 106-108 rpm
b. 25 min in 39x18 @ 110-112 rpm

Stretch 20 min.


COMMENTS

Mood/Aggression: Had good and bad news today - trying to find the positive in the negative, see the light and keep my spirit in calm confidence that everything will work out exactly as it should.

Energy: There.

Mental Focus and Clarity: It HAS to be present at ALL times.

Stress: HighER!

Endurance: Good.

Quality of Training: Legs felt good. Spent the session working on keeping my spirit up. I should have continued on and done 40-60 minutes.

Recovery: Fine.

Other Notes: I am NOT going to let this get me down! Just got to keep putting myself out there, taking the risk, knowing that I will find the place that best fits my purpose.

April 25, 2011

Day 115: First Day of Week Off

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Sure I am this day we are masters of our fate, that the task which has been set before us is not above our strength; that its pangs and toils are not beyond our endurance. As long as we have faith in our own cause and an unconquerable will to win, victory will not be denied us." - Winston Churchill


TRAINING

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

Cardio - Rollers:
20 min in 39x18 @ 106-108 rpm

Stretch 29 min.


COMMENTS

Sleep - Time and Quality: ~8 hours. Sleeping patterns still all over the place. Using this week to get them back on track as I WANT them!

Mood/Aggression: A little apprehensive about having a week off training so close to a photoshoot, but knowing that I will be able to come back harder than ever after it, hopefully make better progress than if I forced my body to slog it out this week like I tried to last week.

Energy: Enough to do what had to be done.

Mental Focus and Clarity: GOT to be there.

Stress: HIGH!

Endurance: Good.

Quality of Training: Since it is a "Week Off", only did eight sprints today. Finished off with rollers.

Recovery: This WHOLE week is about recovery.

Other Notes: I use the last of my IGF-2 tomorrow, so I will pretty much be using the bare minimum of basic staples this week.