Day 297: Turning the Corner

Quote of the Day

"Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough." - Og Mandino

Music Video of the Day

Cold - Wasted Years

Training

Cardio 20 min.

Gym - Arms (1 min recovery between supersets):
Superset A -
1. Close-Grip Pull-Ups 4 x 12, 12, 12, 9
2. Weighted Dips 4 x 6
Superset B -
3. Close-Grip BB Bicep Curls 4 x 8, 8, 8, 6
4. Close-Grip Flat BB Bench Press 4 x 6
Superset C -
5. EZ-Bar Bicep Curls 4 x 12
6. Push-Ups (feet on floor, hands on DB under chest) 4 x 6

Post-Weights Cardio 20 min.

Stretch 20 min.

Comments

Sleep - Time and Quality: ~2 hours. Watched movies until I eventually fell asleep. Woke wide awake and alert.

Mood/Aggression: Fine.

Energy: Calm and collected today.

Mental Focus and Clarity: Work, training, work again, more work, some study perhaps, and hopefully be able to sleep.

Stress: High.

Libido: VERY responsive.

Joints: My knees feel mechanical. Elbows are twinging as well.

Endurance: Good.

Strength: Feeling it a little, but this is just the first week "back", so it's ok.

Pump: Strong, getting stronger as the session went on, becoming almost painful in my triceps.

Vascularity: Vivid blue.

Quality of Training: Cardio was pretty easy, actually - Tuesdays it probably always will be, the ONLY day that I'll allow it, LOL . . . Resistance training was good. I'm going to have to start doing Close-Grip Pull-Ups TWICE a week again and build back up re strength there. Looking forward to it! . . .

Recovery: Fine.

Body Composition and Look: I was 115 pounds this morning first thing, so that's a 7.2-pound loss in just a DAY of being back training and adding back in Alpha-T2 and Shred Matrix. I know that it's just water weight, but for all those who don't think you can lose or gain scale weight fast, I do it all the time (and my body HATES me for it!) . . . Thinking that maybe 10.1% bodyfat may be higher than what I am, but I'd rather the higher number - the worst possible scenario just gives me more willpower to get lean again . . . Also, when I was training, I noticed a few fresh, faint stretchmarks on my biceps and delts. Interesting, considering I really only get stretchmarks on my legs . . .

Other Effects: Been thirsty as anything.

Day 268: Descending into the Fourth Circle of Hell

Training

Cardio 20 min.

Posing Practice 10 min.

Stretch 20 min.

Comments

Sleep - Time and Quality: Actually slept late today, waking up several times before I could get up - last night I was so fatigued, I passed out a few times before waking up, staying up, and then passing out a final time.

Stimulant Effects: None.

Mood/Aggression: Motivation was hard to find today.

Mental Focus and Clarity: Solid day of work.

Metabolism: Fine.

Quality of Training: Easy.

Body Composition and Look: After yesterday, I just feel is TOO FAT, are highly self-conscious, and NOT very comfortable.

Other Effects: Dry mouth, but thirsty.

Other Notes: Yesterday did a serious number on my head, and I have to remind myself of my philosophy, the mantra of a champion. I CAN do this. Failure is NOT an option! A Champion is a WARRIOR. I am a WARRIOR!

Day 261: Seven Weeks of Alpha-T2 Down

Training

None - Day OFF.

Posing Practice 10 min.

Comments

Stimulant Effects: Still nothing - Alpha-T2 is mild when it comes to this.

Metabolism: Working great - the 2-4 apples a day I've been having seems to be helping as well.

Body Composition and Look: 9.5% bodyfat, so only a loss of 0.1% bodyfat this week - seems to be making a pattern of 0.1% a day loss for two weeks and then a 0.1% loss for a week, and so on (???) I LOOK a lot leaner than last week though, despite the minimal loss, which is something. Definition in midsection and legs is really starting to become more noticeable, and I can see four 'bricks' without effort. Arms are also leaning up. So 1-2 weeks to 8% bodyfat. I don't know if I will get to 7% bodyfat for THIS competition, but I will TRY - and if I don't, well, I'll get as close as I can to it for Worlds definitely!

Other Effects: Thirst has not been as paramount as it was, albeit for the first few days this week I was consuming ~2 galleons of water - has subsided back to a galleon over the last few days . . . Body not feeling as hot as it was . . .

Other Notes: Last day of DermaTherm today. I'm also stopping use of all other topicals until after this competition . . . Tomorrow starts my pre-competition week practice run-through week . . .

Day 257: Small change in plan

Training

HIIT Cardio:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 24 x 20 sec effort/10 sec easy
c. 8 min jogging

Stretch 23 min.

Posing Practice 20 min.

Comments

Sleep - Time and Quality: Passed out again after eating last night.

Mood/Aggression: Not pleased with my last decision of the day yesterday, but at least feeling some satisfaction in knowing that I will make myself pay for it later on in the week.

Energy: It's there - hidden behind the aching muscles and tight joints.

Mental Focus and Clarity: Focused!

Metabolism: Pretty sweet, considering.

Stress: Yes, I probably DO do it to myself, but stress brings pressure and pressure brings the best results.

Libido: Soaring - but it has to wait until later . . .

Endurance: Great.

Pump: Feeling it all through my triceps and biceps - painful.

Vascularity: Got to get leaner, and then figure our how to KEEP it withOUT having a hot shower or chowing down on a heap of carbohydrates . . .

Quality of Training: HIIT was ok. Running inside (sometimes I use an indoor track) or outside (my preferred choice) makes a difference to a session. Efforts felt submaximal, even though they were as fast as I could make them. Both knees were quite tight around the joint where hamstrings insert, which made strides a little shorter as well . . . Made sure Posing Practice was longer, trying a few different things with my quarter turns today, in preparation for my T-walk - which I will be starting next week, and yes, I know, leaving it a little close to competition . . .

Recovery: HAMSTRINGS! Walking up and down stairs is murder on my calves as well. The last couple of days has really done a number on my legs!

Body Composition and Look: Maybe it's just me, but I am VERY critical of myself, and now, every time I look in the mirror I am NOWHERE close to being as lean as I WANT to be!

Other Effects: Back to being thirsty all the time - the last few days I have been consuming ~2 galleons of water (which is why I have been a little heavier)!

Other Notes: I know that today was scheduled as having an Upper Body resistance session as well, but because of how my body is feeling, I decided to do this tomorrow instead. Fair warning to my body though, that I won't be nice like this again, and the next two weeks will go as PLANNED!

Day 254: Six Weeks of Alpha-T2 Down

Training

Day OFF.

Posing Practice 10 min.

Comments

Stimulant Effects: None.

Metabolism: Fairly reasonable, considering the abuse it's been given.

Body Composition and Look: 9.6% bodyfat - so a 0.5% bodyfat loss. Pretty average, but there's no point dwelling on it. Should EASILY be 8% bodyfat in two weeks - will I be able to get to 7% in 3 weeks is the question . . .

Other Effects: Aside from several clammy, cold and feverish sweats and getting the chills, along with the extreme feeling of nausea - which I'm not even sure are related to the product - there has not been much. Heat and thirst have subsided over the last week.

Other Notes: I do my practice pre-competition week next week - a week before the real thing is cutting it close, I know, but until now I don't feel like I've been lean enough to notice if it makes a difference if I'd done it before now, and rest assured I know I won't need to do another practice one before the Worlds . . . Training is going to change a little now. I will be training as I will be during my pre-competition week for each of the next three weeks. It is going to be INTENSE and my body had better HANDLE it!

Day 248: No More 'Getting Away With It'

Training

Day OFF.

Posing Practice 10 min.

Comments

Stimulant Effects: Alpha-T2 does not feel like a stimulant.

Metabolism: The high calorie/carbohydrate meals continued over the last week, and my body dealt with them reasonably ok.

Body Composition and Look: 10.1% bodyfat. So, instead of the 0.1% bodyfat loss per day of the last couple of weeks, it was 0.1% bodyfat loss over the entire WEEK! SHOCKING. And completely UNacceptable. Christine is right - there is no time left for doing anything BUT what I HAVE to do!

Other Effects: Haven't been as hot as I was, but still thirsty all the time.

Other Notes: From now on, there will be no more 'getting away with it because I usually can'; it's 'all or nothing' now - so it's going to be straight up RIGID DIET AND EVEN HARDER TRAINING!

Day 243: Posing Needs MORE Work

Training

Cardio - Rollers:
a. 5 min @ 39x12 @ 120-125 rpm
b. 15 min @ 39x17 @ 120 rpm

Posing Practice 5 min.

Stretch 21 min.

Comments

Sleep - Time and Quality: I suddenly realized last night that the sleeping pattern my body has fallen into my [I]New Zealand[/I] body clock,going to sleep between 8-10pm and waking up at ~3.30am - which would be ok if I was IN New Zealand, but I'm not, so it has to right itself, and quickly . . .

Mood/Aggression: NOT very happy with myself.

Energy: Took me quite a bit of time to get myself going for training, dragging my feet for a resistance session - until I realized that I don't have to do Arms until tomorrow, which was a small relief. Feeling very shattered.

Mental Focus and Clarity: I have study to do - before AND after work - and need my head focused.

Appetite: The last week, it's been the equivalent of forcing down 1-3 decent-sized meals every day. After yesterday, though, I am quite ok going back to my excess of BC+EAA (and good fats), because food still makes me feel unbelievably nauseous and upsets my stomach badly after every meal . . .

Endurance: Good.

Quality of Training: After some adjusting of my bike - the freight messed it up a little - I was on and away. Nice to be back on the rollers again. Heated up FAST. Legs were ok . . . Had a really strong PUMP in my arms during posing practice, which was interesting. Definitely need to take this up to 10-15 minutes a day from now on, and start practicing my T-Walk soon . . .

Other Effects: Woke with a scratchy throat and thirsty as all hell. Still hot and thirsty, and it makes me feel like sh*t every time I wake up - at least during the day I am sculling back galleons of water . . .

Day 241: On Target!

Training

None - scheduled day off for this week. Doesn't mean I didn't get SOME exercise in though - I did two hours of intense yardwork this afternoon in the heat (would be nice if the gold returned to my skin, LOL).

Posing Practice 5 min.

Comments

Stimulant Effects: None experienced.

Metabolism: Has been good - especially considering some of the high calorie/carbohydrate meals I have been forcing down!

Body Composition and Look: 113.6 lb at 10.2% bodyfat. Have been losing bodyfat at a rate of 0.1% per day. Definitely on track re target body composition - I will definitely be as lean as possible, and only 5lb more to lose before I am in the 'safe' weight zone for competition. Not too happy with the changes in my body this time around re fat loss, though - I have lost my natural hourglass shape and are starting to look more like a pear (NOT cool)!

Other Effects: Constantly thirsty and feeling like I am on FIRE!

Other Notes: Today my bottle of Bio-Mend ran out until I get a new one . . . I also finished my first bottle of Alpha-T2 (have two more to use) . . . And have decided to adjust my training schedule to fit the pattern I have been using the last two weeks, since it has worked out rather well (and for me, training is primarily what determines my rate of fat loss) . . .

Day 237: And the heat continues . . .

Training

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

Gym - Arms (1 min recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. Close-Grip Pull-Ups 4 x 12, 10, 8, 6
2. Weighted Dips 4 x 8
Alternate Set B -
3. EZ-Bar Bicep Curls 4 x 21s
4. Flat Close-Grip BB Bench Press 4 x 8
Alternate Set C -
5. DB Zottoman Curls 4 x 12
6. V-Bar Tricep Push-Downs 4 x 8

Post-Weights Cardio - Stepper:
20 min @ 8 floors/min

Posing Practice 5 min.

Stretch 22 min.

Comments

Sleep - Time and Quality: Broken sleep. Definitely far too overheated, even with the fan going, which didn't help. Woke red-eyed, with a dry throat, and thirsty as all hell . . .

Mood/Aggression: Fine, for the most part.

Energy: Stable.

Stimulant Effects: None.

Mental Focus and Clarity: There's no room for error when it comes to study - or work . . .

Metabolism: Good.

Appetite: Not really hungry, but either today or tomorrow needs to be my high calorie/carbohydrate day, and not looking too forward to forcing the food down . . .

Stress: A little less in some areas, and higher in others.

Libido: What has been the deal lately?! My body is ready to go ALL the time. I mean, seriously!

Endurance: Great.

Strength: Went a little heavier with some exercises - did a few less reps with some, and really struggled with the ones where I kept the reps the same.

Pump: Not as much as usual, but enough.

Vascularity: Could always be better.

Quality of Training: HIIT was an effort. Running these days really takes a LOT out of me. I need to do LONGER HIIT, but breathing was starting to become difficult, and my right lateral knee was aching badly - so I made up for it and did post-weights cardio . . . Resistance session was ok. Felt a bit weaker today. Had to sit down often between my sets to catch my breath, and my chest/lungs had intermittent sharp pains that made me bend over to recover from. Used a bit longer recovery period than this session last week, but I definitely needed it . . .

Recovery: Good.

Body Composition and Look: The definition and vascularity is starting to come out in my obliques and serratus anterior - although I still look a little soft and not lean enough (which I'm not) yet . . . Noticed during posing practice that my upper back/lats are a little wider than they were as well . . .

Other Effects: Just constantly thirsty - I'm drinking a litre every hour I'm awake! - and feeling like I'm sitting in a fire!

Day 236: Easy Day

Training

Cardio 20 min.

Posing Practice 5 min.

Stretch 20 min.

Comments

Mood/Aggression: Good mood . . .

Energy: There.

Stimulant Effects: None.

Mental Focus and Clarity: There.

Metabolism: Fine.

Appetite: None.

Stress: High.

Libido: Let's work some of that magic, baby!

Endurance: Good.

Quality of Training: Following last week's lead and only doing cardio today . . . Posing practice definitely makes the muscles work, even in such a short time as 5 minutes! . . .

Recovery: Didn't sleep well at all, which, on top of being far too overheated and having an upset stomach, did not make me feel good at all.

Body Composition and Look: Although I am definitely more focused on body composition and getting my bodyfat levels down, I still need to lose 5-10lb to be at a 'safe' weight for competition.

Other Effects: Still thirsty as all hell . . . And burning up like crazy . . .

Day 236: Burning Up

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

Gym - Shoulders (30 sec recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. Behind-the-Neck BB Military Press 4 x 12, 10, 8, 6
2. Lateral Raises 4 x 12
Alternate Set B -
3. BB Military Press 4 x 12, 10, 8, 6
4. Lateral Raises 4 x 12
Alternate Set C -
5. Ab Rollouts 4 x 10
6. Hanging Straight-Leg Raises (toes to touch bar) 4 x 8

Post-Weights Cardio 20 min.

Posing Practice 5 min.

Stretch 21 min.

Comments

Sleep - Time and Quality: So, my body has fallen into a pattern over the last week. I AM sleeping, yes, and regardless of what time I fall asleep, I am waking up ~1130, which is VERY frustrating (I don't like getting up so late!) But, at least I am sleeping . . . Right? . . . Woke with a huge pressure migraine and pain in my head, like I had a head cold or something . . .

Mood/Aggression: Been pretty calm, with a few rants interspersed throughout.

Energy: Took a while to get some today, but once I got it, I GOT IT! I even mowed the lawns after training - that took 55 minutes.

Stimulant Effects: None.

Mental Focus and Clarity: Definitely there. Can't be anything but these days.

Metabolism: Fine.

Appetite: Don't really have one, and considering I feel nauseous and get a very sore and upset stomach after EVERYthing I eat, no matter what or in what quantity, I'm not surprised. Been having a LOT of BC+EAA!

Stress: High.

Libido: For some interesting reason, my BODY has been INcessant with an "I want it now!" effect.

Endurance: Definitely up to par.

Strength: Good.

Pump: Anterior delts, albeit not as painful as they have been in previous resistance sessions, which is good.

Vascularity: Good. Shoots up when I apply DermaTherm or LipoBURN post-shower.

Quality of Training: HIIT was good - feeling legs a little, though . . . Resistance session was fine. Found myself a little hypoglycaemic pre-training, which gave me the chills for a bit, but they passed and my lifting wasn't affected. Really pushing it, since I didn't really feel in the mood for training, honestly - but whether I'm in the mood for it or not is NOT an option . . . Started with my first day of posing practice as well. The way my body was feeling - especially my shoulders - this was an effort, even for 5 minutes. I'll gradually increase the period as time goes on, aiming for 5-10 minutes daily for now . . .

Recovery: When I woke this morning, I was shattered.

Body Composition and Look: Opposite to what usually happens when I lose fat, my body is losing the fat from my UPPER body first this time - I usually lose it from my legs and glutes first. Interesting. My legs are looking too heavy for my liking, especially with the additional lean mass there, and I'm NOT liking it!

Other Effects: Thirsty, all the time . . . On top of that, the last week I have been very HOT. My body temperature seems to have increased somewhat, and sometimes it is too MUCH for me, especially on top of the weather. Even at night, I overheat when I'm sleeping (contributing to morning migraines), despite the fan going . . .

Other Notes: I finished my bottle of Lipotrophin-PM yesterday, but will be using it again when I get more.

Day 235: Day Off

Training

Been looking forward to a day OFF for several days now!

Comments

Stimulant Effects: None felt.

Metabolism: Definitely works better when having 4 caps of NeoVar Recomped first thing and last thing.

Body Composition and Look: Made my comments yesterday - "118lb at 10.7% bodyfat. So, made surprising progress this week. I can see the fat loss in my upper body, but my lower body measurements have NOT changed from last week - which is odd, since my pants have been feeling LOOSER. At this weight and body composition, I am only 3-4 weeks away from my goal composition."

Other Effects: Thirsty as always - but then again, it HAS been unbearably HOT. Continuing to burn up as well (so maybe that has something to do with the thirst, too).

Other Notes: Will be using 6 caps of FREE TEST tomorrow to finish up the bottle.

Day 231: Abusing Arms

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

Gym - Arms (30 sec recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. Close-Grip Pull-Ups 4 x 16, 9, 7, 6
2. Weighted Dips 4 x 8
Alternate Set B -
3. EZ-Bar Bicep Curls 4 x 21s
4. Flat Close-Grip BB Bench Press 4 x 8
Alternate Set C -
5. Zottoman Curls 4 x 15
6. Weighted Incline Dips 4 x 8

Post-Weights Cardio 20 min.

Stretch 22 min.

Comments

Sleep - Time and Quality: I definitely slept this morning - and dreamt too! 8 hours is a little too long, but considering the last few months, it will do. Still want to be back on "Rosie-time" though!

Mood/Aggression: Remotivated!

Energy: There - eventually.

Stimulant Effects: None.

Mental Focus and Clarity: Got a lot of work and study to do today.

Metabolism: Fine.

Stress: Working on it . . .

Endurance: Great.

Strength: Made sure it was better than this session last week - increasing weights.

Pump: Yes, and it was painful.

Vascularity: Reasonable.

Quality of Training: Switched HIIT up a bit today, to work on both speed AND speed endurance . . . Resistance training was great. Making sure my reps were SLOW to induce more pain and effort, increasing weight sometimes as well. Good session . . .

Other Effects: My body temperature is off-kilter - yesterday it was the coolest it has been in days, and I was burning up like a furnace; and today it is back to being almost unbearably warm and I have been getting chills, before sweating lots . . . Aside from that, just thirsty all the time . . . No nausea or upset stomach anymore, except after eating . . .

Other Notes: I did yesterday's resistance session today, yes, and the rest of this week will be doing the day before's resistance session each day, since I didn't train with weights yesterday. Cardio will remain as scheduled.

Day 228: Day 15 of Alpha-T2

Training

None. Scheduled day Off - although I DID mow the lawns, and that took me an hour . . .

Comments

Stimulant Effects: None - not even 3 caps of BLACK CATS does much anymore!

Metabolism: I think I have a fairly fast metabolism - at least, when I'm training as I should be.

Body Composition and Look: 116.4lb at 11.7% bodyfat. So, again not a lot of change re body composition. SLOWLY losing the bodyfat, which is a good thing - needs to happen a little faster, though, so DIET AND TRAINING on track for next week, and things will HAPPEN!

Other Effects: I am definitely more INtolerant of the heat, and my body feels like a constant furnace I am that hot . . . Thirst is also a constant, nagging feeling, and yet drinking doesn't quench it . . .

Day 221: Day 8 of Alpha-T2

Training

It's my scheduled Day OFF today - and boy am I glad! My body definitely needs it; I hurt all over, like a huge bruise.

Comments

Stimulant Effects: None felt.

Metabolism: Working fine.

Body Composition and Look: 116.2lb at 11.9% bodyfat. So, not much of a change in body composition, but given the week just been with lack of both eating and training (for the most part), is SOMEthing . . .

Other Effects: Still thirsty as anything, my mouth and throat feeling dry all the time.

Other Notes: Dosed only 2 caps of Drive with my "first thing" supplements today. No nausea experienced. I can only conclude that while I may have started off with food poisoning, the higher dose of Drive with FREE TEST exacerbated the issue and continued to cause the nausea, and therefore am dropping back to using only 4 caps of Drive daily.

Day 219: Nothing but Slaughter!

Training

HIIT Cardio:
a. 4 min easy
b. 24 x 20 sec effort/10 sec easy
c. 4 min easy

Gym - Upper Body (30 sec recovery between supersets):
Superset A -
1. EZ Bicep Curls 4 x 15
2. Incline Dips 4 x 15
Superset B -
3. Military Press 4 x 15
4. Lateral Raises 4 x 15
Superset C -
5. Push-Ups (on fists) 4 x 15
6. Supinated Close-Grip Lat Pull Down 4 x 15
Superset D -
7. Ab Rollout 4 x 15
8. Bicycle 4 x 15 per side

Post-Weights Cardio 20 min.

Stretch 20 min.

Comments

Sleep - Time and Quality: You'd think I'd be able to fall asleep like that (clicks fingers) with the way I've been feeling and the lack of food over the last few days, and then training and working hard yesterday, but no . . .

Mood/Aggression: Better. I know that I CAN do this. I'm not going to let some stupid nausea beat me! . . . On another note, my bike and textbooks and stuff has arrived, which has me smiling (FINALLY!) . . .

Energy: NOT being able to use stimulants would definitely see me in serious withdrawal . . .

Mental Focus and Clarity: Wide awake and alert.

Appetite: Neither here nor there today, and not going to get much of a chance to eat come work time.

Endurance: Excellent.

Strength: This session was not about strength (as obvious from my reps), but more treating it like a brutal HIT session.

Pump: Yes, sir, most definitely! Arms and anterior delts were BURNING!

Vascularity: Good.

Quality of Training: HIIT was good . . . Resistance session was very productive. Painful, but productive. It felt good to be able to thrash myself again (and resistance training always helps improve my endurance/fitness)! . . .

Other Effects: I still feel nauseous, but it's not the crippling I-want-to-be-sick nausea of the last few days (about bloody time!) . . . Body temperature is slightly elevated . . . And thirst is prevalent . . .

Day 189

Training

Gym (30 sec recovery between sets):
1. BB Front Squats 5 x 5RM
2. Flat Close-Grip BB Bench Press 5 x 5RM
3. Close-Grip Supinated Reverse Rack Pulls (feet on bench) 5 x 5RM
4. BB Push Press 5 x 5RM

Post-Weights Cardio 20 min.

Stretch 20 min.

Comments

Mood/Aggression: Not in the mood to be messed with today. I'm actually getting more and more aggressive by the day, making my mood volatile even at the best of times.

Energy: I won't be bouncing around today, but moving at a slow and steady pace.

Mental Focus and Clarity: Got a bit lightheaded last night at work, and it has continued today. Focus is not the best and I keep making mistakes, which is totally UNacceptable!

Stress: Do I even need to mention this any more (we all know what it is!)?

Libido: Seems to be rising with my aggression . . .

Endurance: Fine.

Strength: Made an improvement on Flat Close-Grip BB Bench Press from last week.

Pump: Strong in arms (???)

Vascularity: Ok.

Quality of Training: Resistance training was fine. Pissed off at myself for not thinking straight and fcuking up and with other things going on, and took it out on the weights as much as I could . . .

Recovery: I can actually feel my body from yesterday.

Other Effects: Still very thirsty. I feel like I'm drying out . . .