2011 Arnold Classic Blog Update 5

Hi Everyone-
Here is it the hardest part of the prep - the last 2 weeks.  I find that at this point in my prep the last 14 to 21 days all I am thinking about is food.  What am I going to eat after I compete?  And then the time comes and well, I really just want my diet food.    I see television commercials, read magazines, and just stare at the food.  I even subject myself to 'browsing' the middle rows of the grocery store to see what I will eat.  Funny how that works - we always want what we cannot have, and then when we can we don't want it anymore.

During this time I find myself getting annoyed quicker than usual.  Annoyed at little things that any other time (meaning more food) I would not pay much attention too.  There are times when I can feel myself going from normal to super cranky in a minute.  I try to see if it is hunger related, and most times it is.  I tell myself that 'this moment will pass' and basically have to check myself.  I cannot be cranky at those around me, as who is going to want to support me through these shows (and more shows) if they are constantly subjected to moodiness around the time of contest prep. 

My clients are noticing that I am having trouble focusing, and sometimes am a bit more giddy that normal - laughing and sometimes a little spacey.  Let's see what I did last prep (that would be November) - oh, smashed my head into a bar on a rack - and it was a hard 'crack'.  Last year this time - (check March 2010), I backed into the garage and fell down the stairs (with a brick wall hugging the stairs) with a huge recycling bin in my hands.  Yes, I have made mistakes.  So this time I am focussing on paying attention more, so that perhaps, just perhaps the mistakes don't happen. 
My son, who is now 4, knows exactly what is going on around him when I do the 'diet' and the 'training'.  He knows that I am going to practice my routine, and when I am 'dieting' as there are certain foods that I can eat and certain that I cannot - like any gummy worms he offers me.  One time we passed the ice cream store, and asked me for ice cream.  I told him 'no' and he said, 'mommy is it cause your dieting?'.  I was a little surprised that he knew, and I said 'yes'.    When I am not dieting he reminds me of that, so that he can get the ice cream.   So I do stop for ice cream, but most times when mommy is dieting, the house is dieting too.  This is not a bad thing, just there are less treat foods than healthy foods. 
I can remember my mom being the same way, so perhaps she instilled the good eating habits in me. Our only treats in our house was Cott pop and maybe vanilla ice cream. They were both gone in about 3 days after the grocery day, and anything 'extra' was always purchased with allowances.

But I digress.....

Back to the Arnold...

This year I will not be at a booth - I am competing on Friday.  On Friday there is quite a bit going on with the Arnold event as now they have added a 'meet and greet' with the pros for VIP attendees, and I will be there signing some photos.  Friday is a full day of tanning, meetings, visiting the venus, and the VIP meet and greet.  Should be a great time I am looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Saturday will be giving a presentation on my diet & training leading up to the Arnold at the ISSN conference on Saturday from 1pm to 2pm.  I would love to see you there.
I will also be shooting with some amazing photographers - My good friend Liana Saadi (now Louzon) will be taking appt for shoots you can contact her at:  lianasaadi@gmail.com .  And another good friend who I have known for a long time - Harry Grigsby - lhgfxphoto@gmail.com

Both are excellent photographers, and are published. They have super rates and if you are looking to start your portfolio, expand on your current portfolio and are in shape for the weekend of the Arnold, now would be the time to do it. 
Over the weekend I will browse the event, and this time be able to spend some time with my friends.  I tend to run myself into the ground with these events as I love them, and this time decided to slow down a bit.  I am enjoying my personal training business, and want to grow and learn from the best in the industry. The Arnold houses many of these individuals, and gaining knowledge and understanding of this side of the industry is now a huge motivator. 

This weeks pics taken on February 13.  I just took a bit long writing the blog as time seems to get away from me.

Two weeks to go from today (to showtime) and counting.

I love seeing how I can make my butt 'look the part'.  Flexing the butt or not flexing the butt, ah, so many things to think about before the show.  And still a bit to go, as my butt is the last thing to come in. Some it is abs, some legs, me (and I think for the majority) it is the butt.  Shows are won from the back right?  :)

Front Pose - 13 February 2011



Not flexing the butt

 

Flexing the butt



Routine 3x this week - cannot believe I managed that.
3 x weights, and about 20-30 mins cardio.
Food really has not changed since day one.   I just make sure to eat on time and now everything is measured.  I usually just eye ball it as I have been doing this for so long, but even now and again I need to remind myself of how much I should be eating (or not eating).

This week has gone by in a flash.  I am so busy at work, and loving it that the dieting phase of the training has not been that difficult.  I still have a lot of time to go - two weeks does not sound like much but to the diet and training of a competitor it is like another month.  So many things can change in 14 days!

This weekend's main goal is to get my luggage in order, photoshoot gear, and make sure my costume, and swimsuit (by Tamee Marie) is ready to go.  I don't think I have washed my costume since last show....hmm.

The light is near on the horizon,

Talk soon,

A.