GW and I drove up to The Training Center to train legs with a few of the guys there. What a crew! Me, GW, Big Al Fortney, Andy Sedar, BJ, Tommy Wooster, Eric ?, Will Patrick and Carrie Simmons.
If we could train with that atmosphere hanging over us all of the time we'd be big ol' monsters!
Unfortunately... GW got a leg cramp and had to stop training quads after a few sets of leg presses. My fucking (I reserve my cursing for when I really need it) leg pain issue has returned!
It was slightly noticable when squatting last week, but yesterday, during set 3 of leg presses - I had to stop. This time I'm going to try continuous and aggressive massage therapy and stretching - I really do not want to get smaller, as I still believe that if I got smaller I can alleviate most of the problem, if not all of it...but even that may not be a guarantee - I like this size, a perfect and comfortable size for me. We'll see how it pans out. It is so fucking frustrating. I couldn't do the squat machine, and I was dying to try that.
I was able to do the leg presses with legs together and placed way down low on the carriage. That hits the bottom portion of the legs, mostly the medialis. It is the outer portion of my quad that has the pain. We also did 3 sets each of leg extensions they call them 10 10 2 20's -
you do 10 reps with a "teaser" weight, then increase the weight and do 10 more hard reps, then drop to a HEAVY weight for 2 reps with a 2 second static hold, and then a light weight for 20...and you are then very glad that you have a somewhat large crew training with you so you can rest up before making those quads scream again.
I was able to do my hamstrings ok, did two movements for them today - kneeling curls and seated curls, and some calves, and I did my hip flexor knee squats...I really like that for it very much simulates the exact hip thrust you should be using in a good squat, and a deadlift.
Yes, that was a good time.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Throw me a Brick -
At least GW had a great night last night. He hit a PR of 510 deadlift, and he still had some steam to spare. He's going to hit an EASY 550 on July 19th, and possibly more.
Me - I just can't win. Once in awhile I get a full night's sleep, but not enough. Then, what I suppose is the bad karma kicks up when I am lucky enough to be slumbering as I should , like last night. 3:00 am. My son's friends decide to wrestle around on the floor. Hard banging and thumping - woke me up. Then I have to get up and go yell at them and then can't get back to sleep for hours.... always something. The construction crew next door did a drop off at 5:00 am the other morning, after it took me til 1:30 to get to sleep.... those kinds of things.
It is wearing me down, big time. Sometimes I'd like to just stop the world, as the saying goes, and jump off. Have someone throw a brick at my head just to knock me out for awhile....
Me - I just can't win. Once in awhile I get a full night's sleep, but not enough. Then, what I suppose is the bad karma kicks up when I am lucky enough to be slumbering as I should , like last night. 3:00 am. My son's friends decide to wrestle around on the floor. Hard banging and thumping - woke me up. Then I have to get up and go yell at them and then can't get back to sleep for hours.... always something. The construction crew next door did a drop off at 5:00 am the other morning, after it took me til 1:30 to get to sleep.... those kinds of things.
It is wearing me down, big time. Sometimes I'd like to just stop the world, as the saying goes, and jump off. Have someone throw a brick at my head just to knock me out for awhile....
Monday, June 16, 2008
Rabies in the House
Y'unz need some pictures for some visual color...BUT - I don't have any. I think I've gotten over the ham stage of my life...sorry. I'm in my camera shy phase...giggle...
Saturday was the Delaware Special Olympics. I was one of the judges for the Powerlifting. There were 13 lifters total, and they were all awesome! You could tell how hard they have all worked, and how much heart they put into it. What a special day for them (and me!).
So Sunday was squat day. I'm still not sleeping as well as I should be, but I did get enough sleep to be able to feel like myself again on Sunday morning. This is the first day since...since I have no friggin idea, really, that I can say that Kate is back. Still getting used to being under the bar, but I was in full come back mode. I was a rabid dog.
I did a set with 320, for 8, I think. Then I had 370, did one and it wasn't quite right, for whatever reason it felt oh, so wrong. I wondered briefly if I had imagined ever having pushed this weight - it was just so wrong. So I sucked it up with 370 again, and did 3 very,very good reps. I wish I had tried for a 4th, but 3 was fine for this day. Used the wraps for the 370's, and then no wraps for 320 for 7.
Then we did 2 sets of Good Mornings! I used to do these all of the time. I think we should start incorporating this movement more frequently into our routine.
3 sets of leg curls - last one drop set.
3 sets leg extensions second set added human tension on the last rep down, and for the last set a drop set.
3 sets each hack calves, and seated calves.
I finally got that "hips forward swing" thing into my squats on the way up.
I weighed all of about 158 on Sunday. I definitely feel best when I'm in the 160 range., not the 175 range. I feel better, so in my mind, I perform better.
Next week GW and I are journeying up to the Training Center to train legs with McFly and Big Al...my plan is to make those boys cry....stay tuned for that one!
Saturday was the Delaware Special Olympics. I was one of the judges for the Powerlifting. There were 13 lifters total, and they were all awesome! You could tell how hard they have all worked, and how much heart they put into it. What a special day for them (and me!).
So Sunday was squat day. I'm still not sleeping as well as I should be, but I did get enough sleep to be able to feel like myself again on Sunday morning. This is the first day since...since I have no friggin idea, really, that I can say that Kate is back. Still getting used to being under the bar, but I was in full come back mode. I was a rabid dog.
I did a set with 320, for 8, I think. Then I had 370, did one and it wasn't quite right, for whatever reason it felt oh, so wrong. I wondered briefly if I had imagined ever having pushed this weight - it was just so wrong. So I sucked it up with 370 again, and did 3 very,very good reps. I wish I had tried for a 4th, but 3 was fine for this day. Used the wraps for the 370's, and then no wraps for 320 for 7.
Then we did 2 sets of Good Mornings! I used to do these all of the time. I think we should start incorporating this movement more frequently into our routine.
3 sets of leg curls - last one drop set.
3 sets leg extensions second set added human tension on the last rep down, and for the last set a drop set.
3 sets each hack calves, and seated calves.
I finally got that "hips forward swing" thing into my squats on the way up.
I weighed all of about 158 on Sunday. I definitely feel best when I'm in the 160 range., not the 175 range. I feel better, so in my mind, I perform better.
Next week GW and I are journeying up to the Training Center to train legs with McFly and Big Al...my plan is to make those boys cry....stay tuned for that one!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
ZZZZZZZZ
I have had four nights of sleep in a row now - which is 2 more in a row than I have had in probably 5 weeks, no exaggerating. People keep giving me advice on how to relax and get to sleep. I appreciate the concerns, but believe me - I've tried it all before.
So I'm still in sub-par physical form, which means my strength levels are still sub-par. I'm still plugging along, yeah I am.
I really don't want to expound on sub-par performances soooooooo...I will say that last night was better than last week. Maybe that was due to the good feeling of actually being ALMOST rested.
250 x 4 on the bench is not much to brag about. However, we were able to get a good swole on!
I haven't had any remorse of changing my mind and not doing the Masters this year, until yesterday, when I was reviewing some previews on some competitors online...but it is not a lot of remorse, just a little. I suppose if my power training was going well I would still haved no remorse..?
Anyhooo - Pam Franklin looks ready for big battles this year, and I'm rooting for Marlene Wolverton, too. I wonder if Kate Cooper will show up this year, and at what weight?
I was going to try to hit the APA meet in California, MD that same day, July 19th, but, ALAS (woe is me!) I won't be ready for that...nuh-uh, no way. Someday it will all come back together, but I'm not hitting that stride yet. Sleep is not overrated.
I've been invited to judge at the DE Special Olympics Powerlifting meet this coming weekend. I am very excited about this. Having had a few competitors compete at some of my own meets that qualify as "Special Olympic Athletes" - their competitive spirit just all comes from the right place - the heart. If we could all learn to lift from the heart....
So I'm still in sub-par physical form, which means my strength levels are still sub-par. I'm still plugging along, yeah I am.
I really don't want to expound on sub-par performances soooooooo...I will say that last night was better than last week. Maybe that was due to the good feeling of actually being ALMOST rested.
250 x 4 on the bench is not much to brag about. However, we were able to get a good swole on!
I haven't had any remorse of changing my mind and not doing the Masters this year, until yesterday, when I was reviewing some previews on some competitors online...but it is not a lot of remorse, just a little. I suppose if my power training was going well I would still haved no remorse..?
Anyhooo - Pam Franklin looks ready for big battles this year, and I'm rooting for Marlene Wolverton, too. I wonder if Kate Cooper will show up this year, and at what weight?
I was going to try to hit the APA meet in California, MD that same day, July 19th, but, ALAS (woe is me!) I won't be ready for that...nuh-uh, no way. Someday it will all come back together, but I'm not hitting that stride yet. Sleep is not overrated.
I've been invited to judge at the DE Special Olympics Powerlifting meet this coming weekend. I am very excited about this. Having had a few competitors compete at some of my own meets that qualify as "Special Olympic Athletes" - their competitive spirit just all comes from the right place - the heart. If we could all learn to lift from the heart....
Monday, June 02, 2008
Wrap It Up
It doesn't seem like I'm ever in the mood to sit down and type out a few lines for this journal, now, does it? Shame on me - so many of life's "tests" coming at me every time I turn any which way, i can't shake my true thoughts loose enough to scribe.... however, here I am - zoned out, zoned up, in, through and between... what's that mean? It means only that I'm not on any kind of even keel these days.
Let's break down the training this past week, shall we???
Monday 5 p.m.- Benching was screwy. I don't really want to even talk about it.
All I'll say is I still suffer from placebo effect spotting.
Wednesday -5:00 p.m. - we did power rack pulls from about 4 inches below the bottom of the kneecap. I did 3 sets with 405. My first set I wasn't quite sure what the weight was going to feel like, I did 2 and a third but I was falling forward on the last rep. I got in my head now what the weight feels like, since it had been a while that I had this in my hands to pull, and NOT with a deadlift bar today either - lets do a real set - I tried 405 for two more sets, 5 and 6 reps respectively.
On a better day, more reps would be there. Not too bad.
We then commenced to dumbell rows with 150's (that's as high as we have in the gym).
I think it was 12-12-8??? Then 'W's (using the hihg cables pull the cables in with your lats - forming a "w" with your arms and body). 3 sets - couldn't tell you what weight - I don't remember and it is not important. Then shrugs with 150's - I'm not sure how many reps.
Biceps - Seated DB curls with 35's, then 40's, then 40's...don't remember reps. And Hammer preacher machine - 3 sets.
Saturday - 10 a.m. I'm still not used to squatting at 10 a.m. in the morning....Get used to it! I'm trying to keep our schedule mixed up so we don't get used to anything timewise, repwise, exercisewise. It was soooooooo humid in the gym this day. Typically I love humidity. I RARELY ever turn on the air conditioning, and it gets quite humid in southern Delaware. But it was stifling humid, and quite warm, too. Not much air circulation at all this day... (Get used to it, Kate!)
I got out my wraps, because I need to practice wrapping - and I SUCK at it...me, being the Power Princess, I have let someone else wrap me for my whole powerlifting endeavor. I've never gotten as much as some people seem to out of wraps, but this day I said to GW that "I shouldn't be able to walk this easily!"(meaning that the wrap job basically sucked). HOWEVER - I've always said that the wraps let me know that my legs are there, to hold me up, and that's my prime reason for wrapping. I got my first set 320 for 7. Sooo, unless the heat and humidity were really wearing us thin - I didn't get a darned thing out of those wraps (even though they are APT's high quality Black Mambas - yes, that's a plug for my wonderful and kind sponsor). Next 2 sets - 340 for 4 and 5. So yes, I guess it is the humidity and heat....
Proceeded onto 3 sets of leg curls and 3 sets of leg extensions...then 3 sets of seated calves and 3 sets of hack calves. I'd remember the weight better if I posted in my journal on a more frequent basis. (I am trying - I swear!!!)
Let's break down the training this past week, shall we???
Monday 5 p.m.- Benching was screwy. I don't really want to even talk about it.
All I'll say is I still suffer from placebo effect spotting.
Wednesday -5:00 p.m. - we did power rack pulls from about 4 inches below the bottom of the kneecap. I did 3 sets with 405. My first set I wasn't quite sure what the weight was going to feel like, I did 2 and a third but I was falling forward on the last rep. I got in my head now what the weight feels like, since it had been a while that I had this in my hands to pull, and NOT with a deadlift bar today either - lets do a real set - I tried 405 for two more sets, 5 and 6 reps respectively.
On a better day, more reps would be there. Not too bad.
We then commenced to dumbell rows with 150's (that's as high as we have in the gym).
I think it was 12-12-8??? Then 'W's (using the hihg cables pull the cables in with your lats - forming a "w" with your arms and body). 3 sets - couldn't tell you what weight - I don't remember and it is not important. Then shrugs with 150's - I'm not sure how many reps.
Biceps - Seated DB curls with 35's, then 40's, then 40's...don't remember reps. And Hammer preacher machine - 3 sets.
Saturday - 10 a.m. I'm still not used to squatting at 10 a.m. in the morning....Get used to it! I'm trying to keep our schedule mixed up so we don't get used to anything timewise, repwise, exercisewise. It was soooooooo humid in the gym this day. Typically I love humidity. I RARELY ever turn on the air conditioning, and it gets quite humid in southern Delaware. But it was stifling humid, and quite warm, too. Not much air circulation at all this day... (Get used to it, Kate!)
I got out my wraps, because I need to practice wrapping - and I SUCK at it...me, being the Power Princess, I have let someone else wrap me for my whole powerlifting endeavor. I've never gotten as much as some people seem to out of wraps, but this day I said to GW that "I shouldn't be able to walk this easily!"(meaning that the wrap job basically sucked). HOWEVER - I've always said that the wraps let me know that my legs are there, to hold me up, and that's my prime reason for wrapping. I got my first set 320 for 7. Sooo, unless the heat and humidity were really wearing us thin - I didn't get a darned thing out of those wraps (even though they are APT's high quality Black Mambas - yes, that's a plug for my wonderful and kind sponsor). Next 2 sets - 340 for 4 and 5. So yes, I guess it is the humidity and heat....
Proceeded onto 3 sets of leg curls and 3 sets of leg extensions...then 3 sets of seated calves and 3 sets of hack calves. I'd remember the weight better if I posted in my journal on a more frequent basis. (I am trying - I swear!!!)
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Back in the Zone
Today is the day I have been yearning now for a long, long, looong time - I am back in "the zone"...for powerlifting.
It's not as simple as saying, ok - I'm no longer the bodybuilder I'll be a powerlifter.
I spent a year concentrating on bb, then I had 4 weeks + of contest prep - losing 17 pounds...yes, too much in such a short period of time. I had to let my body recoup. And to top that off, all the friggin' typical daily stress has been compounded lately. Without detail, being a Realtor is harder than normal these days for sooo many reasons. I also produced the power meet, even though I love doing that, there were stress factors there - certain unecessary hurdles but I did happen to jump overall. Then the worst part - I had a severe bout of insomnia for almost three weeks. I've slept for three nights in a row now without "aid", and I gather it will take a couple of more nights before I feel "corrected" again. Nothing is worse than sleep deprivation, and unfortunaately I have suffered way too much of it during the course of my life. It is debilitating.
I did deadlift the other night, and it went well, nothing to complain about. I was still hanging at 159 - 160lbs. weight wise, and pulled a 315 for 10. Not my absolute best, but that WILL come back and more.
Today was squats - and I was in the zone. My strength was good, though my technique was/is a little rusty, or maybe I should say my steadiness under the bar is a little off. My depth is hitting better than ever. I did 315 x 7 and 335 x4 twice...still not getting the last rep in, as I typically don't, but I'm ok with that. And I have a great workout partner - GW - he keeps me motivated and he also lets me gloat or rant when I need to...Thanks, George!
The BEST news is: NO LEG PAIN TODAY!!!! I'm determined to stay around 160 for my high-end weight forevermore. I can't perform when i am bigger, and it hurts to boot. Besides, I don't feel comfortable bigger. I'm still eating relatively clean, and am still quite lean. I like this look and how I feel physically.
That's it in a nutshell - will be more detailed as time goes on. So good to be back in the swing of things... I just adore hoisting big iron around, really, I do.
It's not as simple as saying, ok - I'm no longer the bodybuilder I'll be a powerlifter.
I spent a year concentrating on bb, then I had 4 weeks + of contest prep - losing 17 pounds...yes, too much in such a short period of time. I had to let my body recoup. And to top that off, all the friggin' typical daily stress has been compounded lately. Without detail, being a Realtor is harder than normal these days for sooo many reasons. I also produced the power meet, even though I love doing that, there were stress factors there - certain unecessary hurdles but I did happen to jump overall. Then the worst part - I had a severe bout of insomnia for almost three weeks. I've slept for three nights in a row now without "aid", and I gather it will take a couple of more nights before I feel "corrected" again. Nothing is worse than sleep deprivation, and unfortunaately I have suffered way too much of it during the course of my life. It is debilitating.
I did deadlift the other night, and it went well, nothing to complain about. I was still hanging at 159 - 160lbs. weight wise, and pulled a 315 for 10. Not my absolute best, but that WILL come back and more.
Today was squats - and I was in the zone. My strength was good, though my technique was/is a little rusty, or maybe I should say my steadiness under the bar is a little off. My depth is hitting better than ever. I did 315 x 7 and 335 x4 twice...still not getting the last rep in, as I typically don't, but I'm ok with that. And I have a great workout partner - GW - he keeps me motivated and he also lets me gloat or rant when I need to...Thanks, George!
The BEST news is: NO LEG PAIN TODAY!!!! I'm determined to stay around 160 for my high-end weight forevermore. I can't perform when i am bigger, and it hurts to boot. Besides, I don't feel comfortable bigger. I'm still eating relatively clean, and am still quite lean. I like this look and how I feel physically.
That's it in a nutshell - will be more detailed as time goes on. So good to be back in the swing of things... I just adore hoisting big iron around, really, I do.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Sleepless in Delaware
No, I haven't been updating my journal much - there just hasn't been much training going on here.
I took this week off as a de-load week, and I have been suffering through insomnia this week. I swear I'd rather have the flu. I suffer through this horrible plague off and on, it's been an ongoing curse throughout all my life.
But I am hopeful to be able to start elaborating on my training once again next week.
The bodybuilding workouts weren't all that much fun to pick apart and talk about. It seems I have not had a good powerful training session in months -
My powerlifting meet, the APA Delaware Power Classic went off in style last weekend. There were about 25 lifters, all with high spirits and energy and great lifting! The crew that helped me out were invaluable - priceless - golden! And of course the crew at The Training Center - my eternal gratitude.
Again, I was blessed. I also have to thank my sponsors - APT Prowriststraps, Species Nutrition, At Large Nutrition, and House of Pain. I believe everyone had a blast - I sure did!
I took this week off as a de-load week, and I have been suffering through insomnia this week. I swear I'd rather have the flu. I suffer through this horrible plague off and on, it's been an ongoing curse throughout all my life.
But I am hopeful to be able to start elaborating on my training once again next week.
The bodybuilding workouts weren't all that much fun to pick apart and talk about. It seems I have not had a good powerful training session in months -
My powerlifting meet, the APA Delaware Power Classic went off in style last weekend. There were about 25 lifters, all with high spirits and energy and great lifting! The crew that helped me out were invaluable - priceless - golden! And of course the crew at The Training Center - my eternal gratitude.
Again, I was blessed. I also have to thank my sponsors - APT Prowriststraps, Species Nutrition, At Large Nutrition, and House of Pain. I believe everyone had a blast - I sure did!
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Where is Kate????
OK- the longer I put this off the harder it gets...so here is my announcement. I've wrestled with this on and off for quite some time, but the past few weeks I just had to come to grips with this -
I am NOT doing the Masters Nationals this year. There are, in reality, several reasons, but let's just go with the most important one - my heart wasn't into it. My heart is on the lifting platform. I spent the last year focusing primarily on bodybuilding. I went 4 1/2 weeks into official contest prep mode, lost 17 pounds, ordered my suits, picked a song to pose to - but it just wasn't happening deep in my soul....
I made the final decision a week ago, but thought that I would be probably be changing my mind, (again) or at least feel regretful in some way. But no- I feel less so much less burdended. I feel I made the absolute right decision. I feel very HAPPY, almost ecstatic I made this decision. It is like finding an old friend you have missed for awhile because you had to go away. Powerlifting is a whole different mind set than bodybuilding. One I am more mentally suited for, and more physically suited for, indeed.
I do have some ground to make up for from following a different plan over the past year, but I'll get it back - I guarantee you. I am not considering this a waste of time. I have learned many things over the past year, mentally as well as physicaly. There have been some lows, but my spirit prevails and I squeeze out what I can to take a lesson out of everything to continue on to better things. Of course there were some highs, too!
I am NOT doing the Masters Nationals this year. There are, in reality, several reasons, but let's just go with the most important one - my heart wasn't into it. My heart is on the lifting platform. I spent the last year focusing primarily on bodybuilding. I went 4 1/2 weeks into official contest prep mode, lost 17 pounds, ordered my suits, picked a song to pose to - but it just wasn't happening deep in my soul....
I made the final decision a week ago, but thought that I would be probably be changing my mind, (again) or at least feel regretful in some way. But no- I feel less so much less burdended. I feel I made the absolute right decision. I feel very HAPPY, almost ecstatic I made this decision. It is like finding an old friend you have missed for awhile because you had to go away. Powerlifting is a whole different mind set than bodybuilding. One I am more mentally suited for, and more physically suited for, indeed.
I do have some ground to make up for from following a different plan over the past year, but I'll get it back - I guarantee you. I am not considering this a waste of time. I have learned many things over the past year, mentally as well as physicaly. There have been some lows, but my spirit prevails and I squeeze out what I can to take a lesson out of everything to continue on to better things. Of course there were some highs, too!
I still have some whittling back down in size to do because of the Compartment Syndrome in my legs - it has lessened to a certain degree now that I weigh 160. The searing pain is gone, but as last night's squatting proved - there is still a major tightness, very uncomfortable, still soreness,running along my outer thighs. You may see me back in the 148's next year. Whatever the case - you will see me on the platform. And I believe I know when the next time will be already ----but I'll wait a few more weeks before announcing that.
Delaware Power Classic is this coming Saturday - I am so psyched up! It is going to be another great event!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fantastic group of people coming together to lift, to help spot/load, judge, everything looks just right for a good day at The Training Center to heave around some iron. Or, as my son Slater puts it, picking up heavy random bars with big circles on the end.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Real Cardio
I just bought a brand new piece of cardio equipment today - It's a Cub Cadet. That's correct - a lawnmower. REAL exercise... It always irks me to see people with 1/4 to 1/2 acre sized lawns get on a riding mower, especially after they've been to the gym to workout on the eliptical machine or treadmill. I enjoy cutting grass. My new "lawn" is pretty much the embarrassment of the neighborhood. All of the other lawns in my section of the neighborhood are landscaped very meticulously. Every one has gorgeous flowers blooming- I have weeds and dirt and sticks and a lot of dead leaves still. I did have two flowers.. right smack in the middle of my yard. But they are both dead now...
I mowed over my first snake today! Ooooo - I'm glad I saw it after it was dead, rather than whilst it was still alive and wriggling through my yard. I'm going to go ahead and leave it out to rot...oooo...I'm not touching it (lest ye didn't think I was very girlie - there ya go!).
No highlights in the training this week. Not enough food to fuel the machine. My workouts were labored and just getting through them took it ALL out of me. My strength has PLUMMETED!
I was down to 163.6 yesterday, soooo...against my prepper's guidelines, I am going to have to add some calories in to my diet. 13 pounds in less than 3 weeks is wayyy to much to lose so quickly. At this rate I'll be a middleweight by July 19th. I had a "normal" eating day yesterday. I told myself I could eat whatever I wanted, but when I get rolling on a diet, I have a hard time stepping off of it. So, I ate additional good foods, cuz I'm a good girl. Back to the diet today, though. Actually, it is not AGAINST his guidelines, I'm just not "conferring" with him before I do so. All for the better me on July 19th, you will see.
No pictures today. I will get them tomorrow.
I mowed over my first snake today! Ooooo - I'm glad I saw it after it was dead, rather than whilst it was still alive and wriggling through my yard. I'm going to go ahead and leave it out to rot...oooo...I'm not touching it (lest ye didn't think I was very girlie - there ya go!).
No highlights in the training this week. Not enough food to fuel the machine. My workouts were labored and just getting through them took it ALL out of me. My strength has PLUMMETED!
I was down to 163.6 yesterday, soooo...against my prepper's guidelines, I am going to have to add some calories in to my diet. 13 pounds in less than 3 weeks is wayyy to much to lose so quickly. At this rate I'll be a middleweight by July 19th. I had a "normal" eating day yesterday. I told myself I could eat whatever I wanted, but when I get rolling on a diet, I have a hard time stepping off of it. So, I ate additional good foods, cuz I'm a good girl. Back to the diet today, though. Actually, it is not AGAINST his guidelines, I'm just not "conferring" with him before I do so. All for the better me on July 19th, you will see.
No pictures today. I will get them tomorrow.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
14 weeks out -
9 and a half pounds down - seeing the arm veins more and some leg separation, but I do feel small and watery today... I took two sets of progress pictures. The first ones I deleted. I had on a pair of gray shorts that may be seeing the trash can...I know I have a big round butt, but these shorts made it look as if I had one of those swedish exercise balls stuffed in them. I'm not really happy with the other ones either - the lighting today was very grey coming through the windows, but I didn't want the flash as the flash flattens it all out. I don't look significantly different from last week, and what changes I can see you can't see in these photos.
I'm having one of those days where I question what the Hell I think I'm doing, preparing for a bodybuilding contest. My body is sooo different from what the judges want...
And I'm doing that thing with my left arm again. I'm practicing front relaxed and the left arm just keeps sticking out higher and farther. I can't stand straight. I had that fixed so you almost couldn't notice I did that last year, now I'm crooked again! So don't be looking for any front relaxed or back relaxed poses from me for awhile.
Now, I have gotten into pretty good condition a couple of times without cardio, and I'm pretty sure I can again, but I told my prepper I'd not stray from his guidelines for me.
But, all it seems to do for me is make my hips and legs sore, hence my leg strength has plummeted and deadlifting the other day was simply pointless. I'm not trying to shirk it out of laziness, heck, it even helps me sleep better, but I simply cannot take 14 more weeks of this tired soreness in my legs, hips, and even lower back.
It will be a while before my website gets overhauled - probably a long, long while... there will be updates to Members Section and changes in the regular section from time to time, but apparently, though my website works, it wasn't done quite right and when my new webmaster tried to tutor me, even he was getting confused. He told me he really couldn't teach me how to work my website because it would just confuse me as you can't do it the way it is really supposed to be done.
APA Delaware Power Classic is in less than 4 weeks now - looks like it is definitely shaping up to be another good meet. I've got alot of really good people helping me out to put this meet on, and I am truly blessed to have their support!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Gagging on potatoes
I used to love cold baked potatoes, but i think that love died out long ago, as I am currently having a problem with this potato I am presently eating making its way down my throat. 14 more weeks of these... oh, joy!
However, I AM enjoying peeling the weight off. I owe the first week's big drop to the elimination of creatine.That stuff does make one watery and bloated. I feel much better and in a few pounds I'll probably be down to a "comfortable" weight.
Last night benching was PERFECT! GW and I were both dog-tired. He kept his weight low and went for reps, while I decided I only had so much energy to spare... instead of my first set with 245 or so, I jumped it up to 275 and decided that I would do them or I would not, all depending on how my energy levels panned out. They went perfectly, good groove, good speed, good rotation in the wrist, good pause, good everything. I did 4. So I upped it to 295 and got 2. All felt right. Took it to 225 for 12, tho' with a shorter pause. Perfect Perfect Perfect!
Everything else we did was more in the 8-12 rep range. I hate reps.
I'm only doing 20 minutes of cardio on the days that I do it, and it IS monotonous, but it does help me sleep better...I will give it that credit.
There are some other things going on in my life right now, but I'm mum on some things for a reason...when the time is right I'll share.
However, I AM enjoying peeling the weight off. I owe the first week's big drop to the elimination of creatine.That stuff does make one watery and bloated. I feel much better and in a few pounds I'll probably be down to a "comfortable" weight.
Last night benching was PERFECT! GW and I were both dog-tired. He kept his weight low and went for reps, while I decided I only had so much energy to spare... instead of my first set with 245 or so, I jumped it up to 275 and decided that I would do them or I would not, all depending on how my energy levels panned out. They went perfectly, good groove, good speed, good rotation in the wrist, good pause, good everything. I did 4. So I upped it to 295 and got 2. All felt right. Took it to 225 for 12, tho' with a shorter pause. Perfect Perfect Perfect!
Everything else we did was more in the 8-12 rep range. I hate reps.
I'm only doing 20 minutes of cardio on the days that I do it, and it IS monotonous, but it does help me sleep better...I will give it that credit.
There are some other things going on in my life right now, but I'm mum on some things for a reason...when the time is right I'll share.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Dropping -
168.4 = 8 pounds lighter... in one week! Most of that is off my waist, thank God...less bloat, I can see some abs and serratus etc. trying their best to poke through. Already it is time to take the belt in a notch - That feeling I like!
Yesterday was one of those days that I should not even
have showed up at the gym. I knew it before I even got in my car, but old hard head drove there anyway. It was deadlift day and I wanted to see how these arch supports would benefit. As I stated, I should have listened to myself and stayed home. Oh, I managed a 405, but I guess i can now do that on a very off day.
have showed up at the gym. I knew it before I even got in my car, but old hard head drove there anyway. It was deadlift day and I wanted to see how these arch supports would benefit. As I stated, I should have listened to myself and stayed home. Oh, I managed a 405, but I guess i can now do that on a very off day.Could only muster 365 x 3, and it was because I was stiff in the hips, lackadaisical in the drive...just not there. Yes, I gather that lack of fuel in the system has a lot to do with lack of drive.
It has been a couple of months + since I took a few days off, I guess it is time once again to do so. I walked up to the bar on my third set with 315 going to do some reps...but that was it, just walked up to the bar, stopped - quit. I didn't even try to pick it up.
Did a few very high reps sets of seated cable rows, and high reps seated dumbell curls, just to get the blood moving, and I was out of there. BLAHHH!
On the arch supports - yes, I can tell they will help tremendously with sitting back, but I'll have to wait for another day to measure the benefit.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Priceless
The diet: 5 days down - many more to go!!! I used to eat this way, cleanly, way long before I became a bodybuilder, so snacking on egg whites and plain baked potatoes is nothing new for me. My waistline feels smaller and tighter and better already. Already I feel less like a linebacker, more delicate, and dainty... uh-huh...
By the way, I have the best training partner in the world! Not just because he is great to train with, but because he is a genuine and caring person - GW, you rock! The man comes in even when he can't train because he is not feeling well just to make sure I have someone to help me out ...that is, as they say, priceless...
Squatted on Monday. did 2 sets of squats, 315 x 6 and 335 x 6, with my new arch supports in tact. WOW!!!
I have always had trouble sitting back and pushing from the heel - No More! What a difference.
Now I can really squat the way you are supposed to squat! :) :) :) My weight is evenly distributed across my foot.I can get deeper much more easily and less awkwardly. Maybe I can actually learn to squat with "technique"...HAH! I could not do a third set, however.. friggin' leg pain. It feels like the sides of my legs are sprained...which confirms even more so the thoughts on my problem being compartmentalization. What is a sprain? Twisting and stretching of ligaments and other soft tissues... When I squat , I am involuntarily stretching soft tissue, fascia, that does not want to stretch. Kind of like a sprain... I can't find anything on the internet about relief of compartmentalization symptoms. The only remedies I know of are stopping (no way), surgery(I have heard a story or two -no way ), or when I am lighter in bodyweight the pain lessens. It is Friday and the pain is still quite prevalent - it will probably subside enough to squat again in two weeks, when I will aggravate it all over again and become half-crippled once more... woe is me.
Chest last night - I couldn't quite get into the "attack the bar" mode. So it was an "off" night in that respect. Still did 275 x 3 pauses benching. My left tricep push is getting stronger. That is usually where I fail. I believe the "static pressing" in the power rack is helping that along. GW decided to be my tyrannical trainer and made me do extended sets and such. Got me swole, he did!
~can't quite get into the cardio that I am supposed to be doing yet, because of the pain, though I am doing what I can. If I can't do real cardio, I at least walk, so I'm at least not being a slug. I am really set on being the best ever this time around in Pittsburgh.
I ordered my posing suits today from Sensational Designs, Rachel Ellis, who did my suits last year. She is very pleasant to work with. Going with a lavendar and a burgundy...as opposed to black and black like last year...picked one of my old posing songs and I'll just enhance the routine. That's the good side of never having had the chance of doing my routine yet - no one has seen any of them, so I don't need to come up with a new one! I plan on doing it this time...
By the way, I have the best training partner in the world! Not just because he is great to train with, but because he is a genuine and caring person - GW, you rock! The man comes in even when he can't train because he is not feeling well just to make sure I have someone to help me out ...that is, as they say, priceless...
Squatted on Monday. did 2 sets of squats, 315 x 6 and 335 x 6, with my new arch supports in tact. WOW!!!
I have always had trouble sitting back and pushing from the heel - No More! What a difference.
Now I can really squat the way you are supposed to squat! :) :) :) My weight is evenly distributed across my foot.I can get deeper much more easily and less awkwardly. Maybe I can actually learn to squat with "technique"...HAH! I could not do a third set, however.. friggin' leg pain. It feels like the sides of my legs are sprained...which confirms even more so the thoughts on my problem being compartmentalization. What is a sprain? Twisting and stretching of ligaments and other soft tissues... When I squat , I am involuntarily stretching soft tissue, fascia, that does not want to stretch. Kind of like a sprain... I can't find anything on the internet about relief of compartmentalization symptoms. The only remedies I know of are stopping (no way), surgery(I have heard a story or two -no way ), or when I am lighter in bodyweight the pain lessens. It is Friday and the pain is still quite prevalent - it will probably subside enough to squat again in two weeks, when I will aggravate it all over again and become half-crippled once more... woe is me.
Chest last night - I couldn't quite get into the "attack the bar" mode. So it was an "off" night in that respect. Still did 275 x 3 pauses benching. My left tricep push is getting stronger. That is usually where I fail. I believe the "static pressing" in the power rack is helping that along. GW decided to be my tyrannical trainer and made me do extended sets and such. Got me swole, he did!
~can't quite get into the cardio that I am supposed to be doing yet, because of the pain, though I am doing what I can. If I can't do real cardio, I at least walk, so I'm at least not being a slug. I am really set on being the best ever this time around in Pittsburgh.
I ordered my posing suits today from Sensational Designs, Rachel Ellis, who did my suits last year. She is very pleasant to work with. Going with a lavendar and a burgundy...as opposed to black and black like last year...picked one of my old posing songs and I'll just enhance the routine. That's the good side of never having had the chance of doing my routine yet - no one has seen any of them, so I don't need to come up with a new one! I plan on doing it this time...
Monday, March 31, 2008
And so it begins...
My site is FINALLY all back in working order...some few people may have noticed that my Members Section was unsecured for 3 days.(no, don't try it now - it is fixed) What a nightmare getting that resolved. A friggin' NIGHTMARE!!! Anyhoo - more night mares are on their way, I am sure, as I am now in charge of keeping my site updated....first I have to LEARN HOW to do it!!! HAH!!!
I began my contest diet - 16 weeks out....wayyyyyyy early for me, I know. I told my prepper that I would do everything he said, and when we assess in the next couple of weeks we can adjust. I'm not sure he believed me when I told him that I can lose weight very quickly. I can, and I will, and I'm sure
that we will be adjusting some things, but if I was ging to listen to myself I wouldn't have hired somebody to guide me! I do trust him.
I began my contest diet - 16 weeks out....wayyyyyyy early for me, I know. I told my prepper that I would do everything he said, and when we assess in the next couple of weeks we can adjust. I'm not sure he believed me when I told him that I can lose weight very quickly. I can, and I will, and I'm sure
that we will be adjusting some things, but if I was ging to listen to myself I wouldn't have hired somebody to guide me! I do trust him. Sunday morning scale - read 176.4 unclothed.
The pix are after Friday evening's workout.
What a porcine looking creature, yes?
Now that I'm finally in the "big" category...I'm not so sure I like what I see... I think my favorite size of me is in the 150's somewhere. That's look and comfort levels I refer to. But...I'm wearing this size to the Masters. Anyhooo - I am thrilled to be on a diet, so I can perhaps feel a bit more streamlined, rather than feeling like a linebacker.
Friday we did some rack pulling - 625 x 3 from knee level. Still keeping in the same range.I have it on video, but I had my computer reloaded the other day and my computer guy didn't put the program that I use to compile and edit video clips. So no videos until I either get him to come over and put it on my computer again (that's a big maybe) or buy it myself.
We hefted with dumbell rows - always my favorite. The Firm has 150's, and I do believe the owner may be springing for something heavier soon... : )... what else...I fergitttt??? Oh, dumbell pullovers, and dumbell shrugs, and machine preachers, and kettlebell concentration curls, and pulley rope curl thingies, and hack machine calves...and the best part of the workout???!!! My feet did not hurt and I didn't have to take my shoes off once due to the pain! I was wearing my arch supports.
Amazing. Happy, Happy Feet!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Happy Feet!!! :)
I'm not sure how to start this, except by saying that yesterday was a very important day, which will probably result in major life alterations! It probably won't sound very exciting, but believe me you - it is to me.
I get on here and whine alot about my ailments, one of which, if you read my blog from time to time, you may remember some whining about this. My longest term ailment is my foot pain. I can remember the first time it actually came to my attention, over 20 years ago. No, the lifting isn't the cause of my foot ailments, but surely it has to it aggravates it. The pain comes and goes, so it is one of those things that I have kept telling myself will surely go away if I just keep wearing flat shoes with good padding under the balls of my feet. I almost never wear a heeled shoe, unless it is a wedding, or a photo shoot, or some special event. A couple of months ago I was out showing property to clients and my feet hurt so bad, I took the boots that I had on off, apologized to my clients for having to wear stocking feet for the rest of the day, and when i came home I threw the boots out- nice leather ankle high boots, heel was only about 2 inches, they probably cost me about $60 - $70.
Anyhoo - lately the pain has come on, and not subsided. It has only been getting more prevalent. Almost debilitating at times. It got to the point the other day that I could no longer ignore taking action. It actually got so bad that I was in fear of not being able to walk around much less lift. It was either go to a foot doctor, or go get some arch supports,try them and hope for the best, which is what the foot doctor would wind up telling me to do anyway, I'm sure.
Hail to GOOD FEET!!! Good Feet specializes in custom arch supports and orthopedic products.
I spent about an hour and a half with Ed at the store, being fitted for the arch supports, and learning alot more than I knew about the mechanics of a foot. Words almost elude me. I have heard stories of people walking in the store and breaking down in joyous tears once they put the supports in their shoes because they felt renewed, out of pain, and could look forward to living life without the shear pain they had been living in - foot pain, back pain, hip pain etc... I slipped those bad boys in my shoes, walked around the store, and so help me I felt like I was walking in a miracle - I almost cried myself, but I didn't till I got home. It is amazing that just a hunk of plastic (albeit expensive plastic!) under your foot can make such a dramatic change immediately!
What my problem is is my highly exaggerated arch. (see photo attached herein) Ed's words were that I am" very well endowed" in the arch department. I have always
referred to my feet as being "high-heeled feet".
Anyhooo...just thinking - less foot pain and perhaps, just perhaps now...it could have an effect on my leg pain and surely an effect on my spine and hip alignment.
Can you tell I am happy and excited???
I get on here and whine alot about my ailments, one of which, if you read my blog from time to time, you may remember some whining about this. My longest term ailment is my foot pain. I can remember the first time it actually came to my attention, over 20 years ago. No, the lifting isn't the cause of my foot ailments, but surely it has to it aggravates it. The pain comes and goes, so it is one of those things that I have kept telling myself will surely go away if I just keep wearing flat shoes with good padding under the balls of my feet. I almost never wear a heeled shoe, unless it is a wedding, or a photo shoot, or some special event. A couple of months ago I was out showing property to clients and my feet hurt so bad, I took the boots that I had on off, apologized to my clients for having to wear stocking feet for the rest of the day, and when i came home I threw the boots out- nice leather ankle high boots, heel was only about 2 inches, they probably cost me about $60 - $70.
Anyhoo - lately the pain has come on, and not subsided. It has only been getting more prevalent. Almost debilitating at times. It got to the point the other day that I could no longer ignore taking action. It actually got so bad that I was in fear of not being able to walk around much less lift. It was either go to a foot doctor, or go get some arch supports,try them and hope for the best, which is what the foot doctor would wind up telling me to do anyway, I'm sure.
Hail to GOOD FEET!!! Good Feet specializes in custom arch supports and orthopedic products.
I spent about an hour and a half with Ed at the store, being fitted for the arch supports, and learning alot more than I knew about the mechanics of a foot. Words almost elude me. I have heard stories of people walking in the store and breaking down in joyous tears once they put the supports in their shoes because they felt renewed, out of pain, and could look forward to living life without the shear pain they had been living in - foot pain, back pain, hip pain etc... I slipped those bad boys in my shoes, walked around the store, and so help me I felt like I was walking in a miracle - I almost cried myself, but I didn't till I got home. It is amazing that just a hunk of plastic (albeit expensive plastic!) under your foot can make such a dramatic change immediately!
What my problem is is my highly exaggerated arch. (see photo attached herein) Ed's words were that I am" very well endowed" in the arch department. I have always
referred to my feet as being "high-heeled feet".
Anyhooo...just thinking - less foot pain and perhaps, just perhaps now...it could have an effect on my leg pain and surely an effect on my spine and hip alignment.
Can you tell I am happy and excited???
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Woe
I can't believe I am still apologizing for my site being down, but it is what it is. ~ Hope to have it back up maybe next week (????). After it finally gets running again, it is getting a major overhaul, but that might take some time, since I will be the one doing the work on it. This whole project has been a mess, and as I have had many personal inquiries, I must reiterate -please bear with me! Thanks -
My legs, woe are my legs! If you haven't experienced anything like this, it is so hard to explain...just be sure to know that it is painful. They are still sore from Monday's leg session.
They were screaming during my deadlifting yesterday. I've been doing a little bit of plyometric jumping, not alot, just a bit, and definitely it has hindered my abilities. But I persevere... deadlifts went ok, not great, but ok. 365 x 6. But considering I have had to change my starting pull off of the ground, as I no longer have the room to begin by stomping up to the bar...that and my legs really didn't want to co-operate in the movement. It almost feels like they are tearing when the quads get working...
I am excited to begin my diet for the Masters in the very near future, if only for the fact that I will be losing weight, and the pain in my legs subsides when I am lighter.... I'm tired of this forever full belly, too. I want that nice, tight wasitline back! It's been a bit less protrusive (is that a word?) because I have been stabilizing my weight and not gaining lately. Hanging at 174 - 175. I have some pretty good leg definition and I even saw the big ol' vein in my bicep sticking out yesterday, so I feel I am at a pretty good starting point for the diet.
I feel bad, though, when the guy that I train with sometimes borrows my belt and is able to wear it on the same hole as me... and he isn't skinny by any means. ok, so I'll say all of the thickness is in my lower back.... yeah, that's it...
I am excited to be working with my new contest "prepper". I will announce who I am working with once things get rolling. Just believe that he is someone with experience and I have seen some of his work, and I have major faith that he will be able to bring me in spot on.
My legs, woe are my legs! If you haven't experienced anything like this, it is so hard to explain...just be sure to know that it is painful. They are still sore from Monday's leg session.
They were screaming during my deadlifting yesterday. I've been doing a little bit of plyometric jumping, not alot, just a bit, and definitely it has hindered my abilities. But I persevere... deadlifts went ok, not great, but ok. 365 x 6. But considering I have had to change my starting pull off of the ground, as I no longer have the room to begin by stomping up to the bar...that and my legs really didn't want to co-operate in the movement. It almost feels like they are tearing when the quads get working...
I am excited to begin my diet for the Masters in the very near future, if only for the fact that I will be losing weight, and the pain in my legs subsides when I am lighter.... I'm tired of this forever full belly, too. I want that nice, tight wasitline back! It's been a bit less protrusive (is that a word?) because I have been stabilizing my weight and not gaining lately. Hanging at 174 - 175. I have some pretty good leg definition and I even saw the big ol' vein in my bicep sticking out yesterday, so I feel I am at a pretty good starting point for the diet.
I feel bad, though, when the guy that I train with sometimes borrows my belt and is able to wear it on the same hole as me... and he isn't skinny by any means. ok, so I'll say all of the thickness is in my lower back.... yeah, that's it...
I am excited to be working with my new contest "prepper". I will announce who I am working with once things get rolling. Just believe that he is someone with experience and I have seen some of his work, and I have major faith that he will be able to bring me in spot on.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Sledgehammer
Last night was squat night. ~ didn't really feel like squatting, however I wasn't in the mood to do anything, so whether it be squatting or staying home and reading a novel - I think it was just a good ol' fashioned bored kind of mood. It was a nondescript kind of day that led up to training. GW was kind of in the same mood. We both rolled our eyes at the bar looming in the racks, before we said, "Let's get to it. "
I have explained before - squatting is difficult for me these days. The pain in my legs makes for a tortuous feeling. My form last night was probably spot on, better than most days, but the painful feeling of my outer quads about to pop and rip open curtailed any extra momentum that I had. I was also aware of a crookednes in my alignment ( time for an adjustment), but I'm so used to that -
315 x 8, and 365 x 2 (no wraps)...I HAD to stop before failure, which is quite different than wanting to stop before failure ( my usual cop out ). I had a very difficult time getting to sleep last night because it felt like someone had swung a sledgehammer and made a tremendously hard hit against both of my outer quads, especially the left one. I think the rest of my legs are sore today, too, but it is hard to get past the compartmentalization pain.
I actually used alot of inner thigh to power up last night. Usually I let the glutes take over, but because the size of my butt is so prevalent (!) I'm really trying to curtail that. I was very in control of things last night, technique wise, but the f***ing pain makes it a miserable experience.
What about the Iris Kyle dilemma at the Miss International... what message is it that the judges are sending to us? "No bumps!!! ? It takes away from the aesthetics?" Other things like ugly distracting tattos are ok, but no bumps... ??? Friggin' unsightly ripples in your breast augmentation is ok, but no bumps?
Or is it a message about using AAS... well, if that's the case, there are far more obvious signs of usage then bumps -Hello! Iris should have either won that show, or been placed where she deserved (as I wasn't there I don't know exactly where she should have placed, but she was in the first round of comparison callouts!)), or been given last place. Do we really understand 7th??? Can they logically explain 7th?
Always double standards...and the judges never speak up to account for anything, not this, not the scoring from contest to contest. Ever notice that "the scoresheet" is always a compiled scoresheet - has anyone ever seen a collection of individual scoresheets from the judges from any bodybuilding show - women OR men? Hmmmm????
I have explained before - squatting is difficult for me these days. The pain in my legs makes for a tortuous feeling. My form last night was probably spot on, better than most days, but the painful feeling of my outer quads about to pop and rip open curtailed any extra momentum that I had. I was also aware of a crookednes in my alignment ( time for an adjustment), but I'm so used to that -
315 x 8, and 365 x 2 (no wraps)...I HAD to stop before failure, which is quite different than wanting to stop before failure ( my usual cop out ). I had a very difficult time getting to sleep last night because it felt like someone had swung a sledgehammer and made a tremendously hard hit against both of my outer quads, especially the left one. I think the rest of my legs are sore today, too, but it is hard to get past the compartmentalization pain.
I actually used alot of inner thigh to power up last night. Usually I let the glutes take over, but because the size of my butt is so prevalent (!) I'm really trying to curtail that. I was very in control of things last night, technique wise, but the f***ing pain makes it a miserable experience.
What about the Iris Kyle dilemma at the Miss International... what message is it that the judges are sending to us? "No bumps!!! ? It takes away from the aesthetics?" Other things like ugly distracting tattos are ok, but no bumps... ??? Friggin' unsightly ripples in your breast augmentation is ok, but no bumps?
Or is it a message about using AAS... well, if that's the case, there are far more obvious signs of usage then bumps -Hello! Iris should have either won that show, or been placed where she deserved (as I wasn't there I don't know exactly where she should have placed, but she was in the first round of comparison callouts!)), or been given last place. Do we really understand 7th??? Can they logically explain 7th?
Always double standards...and the judges never speak up to account for anything, not this, not the scoring from contest to contest. Ever notice that "the scoresheet" is always a compiled scoresheet - has anyone ever seen a collection of individual scoresheets from the judges from any bodybuilding show - women OR men? Hmmmm????
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Don't Give Up!
I don't know if everyone has given up on me, or not??!!! The transitioning of my website has turned out to be a much, much bigger project than it should ever be! I had to hire someone, someone who actually does the web stuff for a living, and he is even getting stymied....and he is good at all things related to websites and such !
I don't know when it will be up and running properly again, but I keep hoping soon! I'm really trying!
I'm not sure I have a whole lot of tidbits of news to catch you up on anyway - same old, same old - I still wake up every day and question to myself whether I am sick or not, but so far I am still hanging healthy! The month of January really knocked me on my butt - and even though I have a very big butt, it really knocked me back on a lot of things!
Training has been going very well lately - I am incorporating a few "ideas" into my training, "tests" as you might call them..will take a while to see if they work or not. I'll elaborate on some of those in later posts.
My bench is still hanging at 285 for three paused reps. Rack pulled 605 x 5 the other night.
Sure, I have performed those numbers before, but that was back before I fell apart. So I am giggly fuzzy happy about everything. I'm not maxing anything lately, I have no need to at this time.
The only thing that has been bothering me is the leg pain / comparmentalization issue. Whenever I get back over 170 pounds it makes itself known. It is not as bad as it was when it first came to my attention, maybe because my body has made some physical adjustment to it, maybe because I stay on top o it by doing nerve manipulations every day, and getting a massage deep into the leg tissues every now and then. Can't really squat when I'm like this. I do some squatting, but it really isn't good squatting. I've made the decision to come on back down in weight after the Masters, so I can squat. It does affect my deadlifting, too, though to a lesser extent.
I haven't been on the powerlifting platform to squat for a year and a half now, and I do so want to, but I am going to be relegated to staying down in the 165 lb. class...and maybe even back down to 148 in the not too distant future - we shall see, we shall see....
www.KATEBAIRD.COM IS CURRENTLY IS IN A TRANSITION PHASE. PLEASE BEAR WITH ME AND HANG IN THERE AS I MAKE SOME NECESSARY CHANGES TO MY WEBSITE -THANKS !!!
I don't know when it will be up and running properly again, but I keep hoping soon! I'm really trying!
I'm not sure I have a whole lot of tidbits of news to catch you up on anyway - same old, same old - I still wake up every day and question to myself whether I am sick or not, but so far I am still hanging healthy! The month of January really knocked me on my butt - and even though I have a very big butt, it really knocked me back on a lot of things!
Training has been going very well lately - I am incorporating a few "ideas" into my training, "tests" as you might call them..will take a while to see if they work or not. I'll elaborate on some of those in later posts.
My bench is still hanging at 285 for three paused reps. Rack pulled 605 x 5 the other night.
Sure, I have performed those numbers before, but that was back before I fell apart. So I am giggly fuzzy happy about everything. I'm not maxing anything lately, I have no need to at this time.
The only thing that has been bothering me is the leg pain / comparmentalization issue. Whenever I get back over 170 pounds it makes itself known. It is not as bad as it was when it first came to my attention, maybe because my body has made some physical adjustment to it, maybe because I stay on top o it by doing nerve manipulations every day, and getting a massage deep into the leg tissues every now and then. Can't really squat when I'm like this. I do some squatting, but it really isn't good squatting. I've made the decision to come on back down in weight after the Masters, so I can squat. It does affect my deadlifting, too, though to a lesser extent.
I haven't been on the powerlifting platform to squat for a year and a half now, and I do so want to, but I am going to be relegated to staying down in the 165 lb. class...and maybe even back down to 148 in the not too distant future - we shall see, we shall see....
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Rotation
How about that Renato Nunes on Chicken on a Chain for 95.75 ?!!! Holy Cow (that's a pun!)!!!
Renato makes it looks as if the Bull is the one who has to conquer Renato, instead of the other way around.
I'm still feeling very,very good physically (what's up with that?!!) albeit a bit tired, but that's just because it is the last week of February - the longest week of the year, especially on a leap year! At least the sun is shining this morning. Those cold, grey,damp February days just bite me up.
Isn't there a rumor that when you see the Robin Red Breast, it is a sign of Spring? I saw two of them the other day, so I am hopeful.
Monday - legs. Good session tho' uneventful. Hammer Strength leg presses...I used to not like that machine, but I have definitely grown to like it alot. As much as one can like a leg press, anyway...
Benches last night. They went well, very well. I have been tryingto incorporate a wrist rotation for, gosh, a really, really long time. Last night I was able to finally bring that in, though a couple of times on the last few hard presses I did forget to rotate. 245 x 7(and some help on #8) and 285 x 3. (yes, all paused) GW said they looked really good, tight and solid, but most importantly they FELT like the bench I have been wanting for so long.
Renato makes it looks as if the Bull is the one who has to conquer Renato, instead of the other way around.
I'm still feeling very,very good physically (what's up with that?!!) albeit a bit tired, but that's just because it is the last week of February - the longest week of the year, especially on a leap year! At least the sun is shining this morning. Those cold, grey,damp February days just bite me up.
Isn't there a rumor that when you see the Robin Red Breast, it is a sign of Spring? I saw two of them the other day, so I am hopeful.
Monday - legs. Good session tho' uneventful. Hammer Strength leg presses...I used to not like that machine, but I have definitely grown to like it alot. As much as one can like a leg press, anyway...
Benches last night. They went well, very well. I have been tryingto incorporate a wrist rotation for, gosh, a really, really long time. Last night I was able to finally bring that in, though a couple of times on the last few hard presses I did forget to rotate. 245 x 7(and some help on #8) and 285 x 3. (yes, all paused) GW said they looked really good, tight and solid, but most importantly they FELT like the bench I have been wanting for so long.
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