8 weeks til showtime....

[grace91181]

Hey guys...I've been thinking about posting my contest prep for the past 2 months, but just never got around to it. Well I have 8 weeks to go until the OCB Midwest States in Dekalb,IL Nov 22nd. I know I'm much more prepared for this prep then my last show May of 07.
I'm currently 132 lbs and leaner than what I was at my last show which I ended up at 134lbs.

Here's my diet currently....
regular low carb days
prot-140g
carb-50g 1/2 c oatmeal pre workout rest is from almonds or veggies.
fat-45g

high carb day(once a week on an upper body workout)
prot-135g
carb-90g
fat-30g
My protein sources are either whey isolate, chicken or eggs.
Fat sources almonds, almond butter or egg yolks.

Training: 2 on 1 off work back/bi together next day is chest/shoulder/tri and 3rd day is Legs and just continue to alternate them. I change the rep range every couple of weeks either doing 3 sets 8-10 or 3 sets 12-15. Since my legs are being stubborn I'm doing 3-4 sets of 15-25 and doing lunges after I either lift or do cardio. Speaking of cardio, on my off days I do 15 mins of intervals then 25 min cool down. After I lift I do med int cardio for 45-50 mins.
Supplements: Dialene 4x, Xtend, Vasocharge, MAN Vaporize, CEE (pill form), and multi. Was thinking about adding Thermolife Dicana just to help the last month getting that last bit of fat off.

[Buildinfortres]

I feel like a lazy fat guy sitting infront of the PC eating Cheetos :D. You look great, very ripped and well built, good job.

[str8flexed]

looking great kelly. significant improvements. great job

[Sporto1633]

Woo hoo! I'll be following you along all the way to DeKalb! Keep at it! We are all rooting for ya!

Sporto

[kimm4]

Looking solid girl nice work!!

[grace91181]

Alright..yesterday I did my intervals on the bike. 3 min warmup and then 15 mins intervals with 25 min cool down.

I didn't feel to bad at work last night. I usually drink 4.5 liters of water at work and I'm adding 3 scoops of xtend in every bottle, thats helped a little with my energy levels. My weight has stayed between 132 and 134 for the last week but I'm looking leaner and getting more vascular. Will be working chest/shoulder and tri's later on today. Will post later...

[DavidKH]

WOW, you look fantastic! You have very muscular legs and you stomach vacuum is awesome. Keep up the great work!

[x2thez53913]

from all the contest with girls ive seen in wisconsin. just going in the shape you are right now youd probaly win....
GREAT GREAT JOB.

[sixzebra]

Wow! You look great - and 8 weeks out - Can't wait to see how you look in 4 weeks and contest day.

[grace91181]

I worked my chest/shoulders/tri's today I lightened up my weight a bit and really concentrated on the rep and really squeezed the muscle at the end of each rep. Felt a really good pump the entire workout. Haven't felt that good in a while.
Hammer strenght chest press 70x15 80x12
Decline DB bench 60x12 60x12 60x10
Cable Crossovers 70x15 70x12 60x15
Overhead cable tri 90x15 90x12
Overhead DB tri 40x15 45x10
Smith Military 65x12 65x12
Side DB raises 30x15 30x15 30x15
supersetted rear delt raises 30x15 30x15 30x15
I then did 50 mins on the step mill, trying to squeeze my glutes on each step.

I also practiced the poses for the bodyparts I worked today after each exercise. Kinda feel like a doofis while I'm doing it but it will only help condition the muscle for the show. I hate when people stare at me when I'm doing it, like I'm only doing it to admire myself or show off.
Since my weight hasn't changed in the last week, Ben dropped my fats from 45 to 35 grams and added another HIIT day.

[Agostage]

Looking great, you'll tear it up.

[Inklined]

great conditioning so far... keep pushing it...
nice to see a females prep ...

[grace91181]

Bleh! I think I only got about 4 hours of sleep last night. I think its because I was so mad at The Cubs last night. I thought I was going to throw the tv since the defense was so terrible.
I have a Dr's appt this morning then going to the gym to work my legs. And for being 8am I am craving pizza really really bad!

I'm doing lunges everyday to work my glutes. And when I do cardio on the step mill and the treadmill I squeeze my glutes. I use the treadmill and walk backwards at a slow pace, my glutes are burning after about 20 mins. Anyone else know of something I can do? I know I can't spot reduce but I need to bring that area up.

[really_nice_guy]

Bleh! I think I only got about 4 hours of sleep last night. I think its because I was so mad at The Cubs last night. I thought I was going to throw the tv since the defense was so terrible.
I have a Dr's appt this morning then going to the gym to work my legs. And for being 8am I am craving pizza really really bad!

I'm doing lunges everyday to work my glutes. And when I do cardio on the step mill and the treadmill I squeeze my glutes. I use the treadmill and walk backwards at a slow pace, my glutes are burning after about 20 mins. Anyone else know of something I can do? I know I can't spot reduce but I need to bring that area up.

Ask Kim Kardashian

[grace91181]

Yesterday I did a very light leg workout, really concentrating on contracting the muscle. I don't have the numbers left my workout book at they gym. Sorry...

But I followed it up with 45 mins on the treadmill. 5 incline at 3.5 mph, enough to get my heart rate up to 135bpm. I followed it up by doing glute squeezes on the treadmill going backwards for 15 mins.
THat was at 1230p. I went home had a shake and a rice cake, then at 230 had 4oz chicken breast w/2 tsp almond butter. I felt just fine, until about 400p. I felt weak, light headed, upset stomach, felt like I was going to pass out. My co worker said I was pretty pale. I ate a 4oz chicken breast, 7 almonds, and some broc/cauliflower at 5 and felt fine again. I'm really suprised that I'm feeling like this with 7 weeks left, but I guess I shouldn't be since I'm on 50 carbs a day.
But anyways today is a cardio day hiit in the morning and mod int in the evening.

[str8flexed]

Ask Kim Kardashian

wtf?

[grace91181]

lol I was wondering the same thing Layne....

[TexFlex]

Bleh! I think I only got about 4 hours of sleep last night. I think its because I was so mad at The Cubs last night. I thought I was going to throw the tv since the defense was so terrible.
I have a Dr's appt this morning then going to the gym to work my legs. And for being 8am I am craving pizza really really bad!

I'm doing lunges everyday to work my glutes. And when I do cardio on the step mill and the treadmill I squeeze my glutes. I use the treadmill and walk backwards at a slow pace, my glutes are burning after about 20 mins. Anyone else know of something I can do? I know I can't spot reduce but I need to bring that area up.

Not sure if you have a Hammer Strength V-Squat at your gym, but it really works for me. Place your feet high on the platform and go deep, at the top of the movement really squeeze the glutes. Or you may try the smith machine squat with a high foot placement, this also works pretty well.

[grace91181]

Not sure if you have a Hammer Strength V-Squat at your gym, but it really works for me. Place your feet high on the platform and go deep, at the top of the movement really squeeze the glutes. Or you may try the smith machine squat with a high foot placement, this also works pretty well.

Thanks! I'll give that a try on my next leg day.
Yesterday I did 15 mins of HIIT uphill sprints on the treadmill and then 25 mins if mod cardio on the elliptical. 1 hour total of posing including practicing my routine.

ANYONE PISSED OFF ABOUT THE CUBS??? CUZ I SURE THE HELL AM!

YEAH TODAY IS A HIGH CARB DAY!!! I weighed in today at 132.1. My goal is 130lbs by next Sunday.
Today I did 50 mins of mod intensity cardio on the stepmill this morning on an empty stomach. (of course I drunk xtend during cardio) Man that thing sucks, but it definatley works my glutes and quads and then 20 mins of posing afterwords.
In the evening I worked Back/Biceps. I'm really trying to concentrate on getting a good pump by doing 12-15 reps and doing them slow. I got a pretty good pump in my biceps but just couldn't get it in my back. No cardio afterwords and practiced my routine afterwords.
135g prot
90g carbs
30 fat

[DavidKH]

90 carbs is a high day wow. Keeping doing HIT you'll legs will come in.

Are you doing fitness, figure or bodybuilding?

Sucks about the cubs, I hate LA.

Keep going strong!

[grace91181]

90 carbs is a high day wow. Keeping doing HIT you'll legs will come in.

Are you doing fitness, figure or bodybuilding?

Sucks about the cubs, I hate LA.

Keep going strong!

I like HIIT nice to get cardio done and out of the way in 20 mins. Time goes by pretty fast when I do them. And yes 90 carbs a day is a high carb day for me. I normally take in 50 a day right now.

Bodybuilding...I can't stand in heels LOL

And the Dodgers were playing a good game, Cubs were not competetive at all. I think its lack of experience in the post season. Piniella has a losing record in the post season. I mean look how many championships Joe Torre has won. He knows what he's doing when it comes to the post season.

[DavidKH]

I like HIIT nice to get cardio done and out of the way in 20 mins. Time goes by pretty fast when I do them. And yes 90 carbs a day is a high carb day for me. I normally take in 50 a day right now.

Bodybuilding...I can't stand in heels LOL

And the Dodgers were playing a good game, Cubs were not competetive at all. I think its lack of experience in the post season. Piniella has a losing record in the post season. I mean look how many championships Joe Torre has won. He knows what he's doing when it comes to the post season.

WOW, you know baseball pretty well, cubs fans are some of the best. I went to wrigley over the summer and the stadium is the 2nd best stadium out there ;)

[grace91181]

Here is an updated pic I took last night. Yesterday was my high carb day of 90 woo hoo! So I make a little bloated, but still 132lbs but I think I'm getting leaner. My glutes definatley need to catch up, but I'm on the right track.

Today I worked Chest/Shoulder and Tri's
Flat bench DB 70x15 40x12 40x10
Nautilus Incline 50x15 70x10 70x10
Pec Dec 40x12 40x10 40x10
Supersetted DB front/side raises 15x15 all four sets for each exercise and my shoulders were crazy pumped, they were actually hurting and I couldn't finish my last set.
Supersetted Rope press down and single arm tri ext
60x15 70x12 80x10 for pressdowns
15x15 15x15 15x12 for extensions

I also worked my abs and did 4 sets of 20 lunges w/20#db
Did 15 mins elliptical and then 10 on treadmill going backwards squeezing my glutes with every step at 1.5 incline and speed set at 1.
Tonight I'm doing 15 mins HIIT on the bike followed by 20 mins mod cardio.

Overall I'm pretty happy how things are going so far. I'm getting weaker in the gym which is frustrating but expected when I'm on 50 carbs. I also decided to add Thermolife Dicana hoping that will help with the low carb problem. We'll see though.

[bendiesel83]

Hey Kelly, I just seen you on here, way to go!!

[grace91181]

I'm sooo tired today! I had to get up at 6 this morning to lift before I took my step kids to the dentist. Sometimes its just a pain when you have something going on and you have to get up earlier then usual, eat, wait an hour, then go to the gym. Anyways I worked my legs today. Since I had to get it done quickly I supersetted and rested only for 45-60 secs.

Leg press 20x180 15x270 12x360 10x380 8x430
Lying ham curl 60x20 70x15 80x12 (low back was hurting while doing these so I dropped the weight back down to 60 for my last set.
DB Stiff legged deadlifts 80x20 90x15 110x12 120x10

Got that all done in 35 mins. Felt nice for once getting out of the gym in less than an hour.
I still have my mod cardio to do, which will be done b4 I go to work on the bike.
Macros are the same. Just trying to each as much whole food as possible. I've got myself down to 2 shakes a day instead of 3.

[Flynn]

I'm getting weaker in the gym which is frustrating but expected when I'm on 50 carbs.

Ouch! I guess I shouldn't complain to Layne about getting only 80CHO. How you are surviving on 50CHO is beyond me but we do what we have to do to get the job done!


Leg press 20x180 15x270 12x360 10x380 8x430
Lying ham curl 60x20 70x15 80x12 (low back was hurting while doing these so I dropped the weight back down to 60 for my last set.
DB Stiff legged deadlifts 80x20 90x15 110x12 120x10

Getting the job done - Strong lifts!

[str8flexed]

well she also weighs 20 lbs less than you flynn and she's a woman so her metabolism is likely slower. 50g carbs near the end of contest prep for a woman her size is certainly not out of the question.

[grace91181]

Ouch! I guess I shouldn't complain to Layne about getting only 80CHO. How you are surviving on 50CHO is beyond me but we do what we have to do to get the job done!

Haha! I wonder myself sometimes..but I think my body is adjusting well.


Getting the job done - Strong lifts!

I've been lifting high reps for my legs twice a week for a while, it was time for a change....felt soooo good too!

[tvicemanXXL]

Wow, I can't believe I missed this thread. Grace you are coming in absolutely great. Your going to look phenomenal on stage. Keep up the hard work and feel proud every moment of everyday!

I'll be following this thread all the way through.

[Flynn]

well she also weighs 20 lbs less than you flynn and she's a woman so her metabolism is likely slower. 50g carbs near the end of contest prep for a woman her size is certainly not out of the question.

You mean there's someone with a slower metabolism ;). Architect, I wasn't questioning the rational for the number (individualized) but using as a point of reference that I should not be complaining - not that it would ever stop me :p!

[grace91181]

Ha! Sucks having a slow metabolism doesn't it? Just not as much fun when you see Goins eating 400 carbs before a show....LOL I envy those people

[grace91181]

Well today is an off day....I know not good w/6 weeks to go but it was for good reason. My husband had shoulder surgery this morning and he can't be left alone because of the anesthia. SO couldn't get in the gym but of course sticking to my diet. I even made peanut butter cookies for him which is his favorite and I was fine. Smelled damn good but i restrained myself. My family comes first...i'll be back in the gym in the morning and will just add in extra mins of cardio the next 3 days to make up for what I missed today. This has been my first rest day in 2 months so it might be good for my body. Feels reeeealy weird but enjoyable even though I'm up every 10 mins doing things around the house and for Reno.

[tvicemanXXL]

Well today is an off day....I know not good w/6 weeks to go but it was for good reason. My husband had shoulder surgery this morning and he can't be left alone because of the anesthia. SO couldn't get in the gym but of course sticking to my diet. I even made peanut butter cookies for him which is his favorite and I was fine. Smelled damn good but i restrained myself. My family comes first...i'll be back in the gym in the morning and will just add in extra mins of cardio the next 3 days to make up for what I missed today. This has been my first rest day in 2 months so it might be good for my body. Feels reeeealy weird but enjoyable even though I'm up every 10 mins doing things around the house and for Reno.

Off days are still good. You are doing fine.

[grace91181]

[QUOTE=tvicemanXXL;230102191]Off days are still good. You are doing fine.[/QUOT

I really appreciate everyones encouragement on here. Motivation is getting harder the closer the show is getting. Thanks so much!

[grace91181]

Sorry didn't post yesterday...was pretty busy all day taking care of my husband and trying get things done around the house. But I did make it to the gym. Worked my back...

Rack chins-15x15 20x12 20x10 25x8
Rack Deadlifts-135x15 155x12 175x10 205x7
Cable rows - 70x15 80x12 100x10 110x7
Pulldowns w/rope while sitting on the floor...feel like a get better lat contraction when I do it this way. 100x15 120x12 130x10 150x6
For cardio I did 10 mins of intervals on the treadmill then an extra 40 mins 3.7 mph at 5-7% incline.
I had pretty good energy and I feel like my strength is coming back a bit...could be from my day off on Thursday.

Today I worked my shoulders....
DB Military press 50x15 60x12 70x10 80x7
DB Lat raises 20x15 25x12 30x10 35x8
Bent over rear delt raises 40x15 50x12 60x10
Beh the back barbell shurgs 135x15 155x12 175x10 215x6
For cardio I'm now doing 20 mins of intervals instead of 15. Today I did them on the recumbent bike and then followed that up with 25 mins on the treadmill 3.5 mph at 4%incline.

Ben hasn't changed my diet for a while, instead increasing my cardio. Which is fine with me. I would much rather do more cardio then decrease my calories but of course if he tells me to I will.
I'm still bouncing back and forth bet 132-134lbs, but still getting leaner and plus I'm pretty happy that my strength is coming back. So hopefully be able to hit it harder in the gym.

[DavidKH]

DB milatary 80x7 is that 40 each hand or 80 each hand? Either way your are STRONG!!!!!!

Keep your diet on tract only a few more weeks!

[grace91181]

Yeah its high volume leg day!
I did 20 mins cardio on bike on empty stomach when I got up this morning then went into the gym around 5pm to work my legs.

Triple Set:
Reverse Hack squat 70*25 70*20 70*20
Standing leg curl 30*20/20 30*18/16 30*16/15
1 legged leg press 90*25/25 130*20/20 130*18/16
Superset:
Leg ext 40*25 40*20 40*15
lunges bodyweight 30 30 30

glute press 40*15
back ext bw*15 slow reps squeezing the glutes for 3 secs on each rep
20 mins cardio on treadmill 7% incline 3.5mph
I had to stop cardio early I'm getting a blister on the bottom of my foot and every step I took hurt more and more.
Ben now wants me to do all my med int cardio on the step mill or stairmaster. Also on my only day I don't lift I take in 35 carbs instead of 50. Everything else is the same.
All I can think about is eating Giordanos after the show...I'm craving pizza pretty badly!

[grace91181]

Here's my updated photos...little leaner in the shoulders and arms I'm still at 132lbs.

[Chris@UGA]

Wow, you have a phenomenal physique. Good luck in the competition.

[drmeganOD]

You look great!!!

Is this only your second competition? How did you do at the other?

[runninmom]

just was reading your competition prep thread and I was wondering how you came up with the diet you are using now...I saw you were doing scivation diet but now you aren't?...I am doing the game over vol 2 right now...and had done the CHA for a bout 12 weeks...but just wondering if you are using a trainer or Derek with scivation? just am kinda getting sick of veggies myself!
I am using extend and vassocharge...do you recommend the dialene?
i'm full of questions as I am considering my first comp and have age and lack of experience against me!
You look fantastic and I can't imagine what you will look like in 6 weeks!!

[grace91181]

just was reading your competition prep thread and I was wondering how you came up with the diet you are using now...I saw you were doing scivation diet but now you aren't?...I am doing the game over vol 2 right now...and had done the CHA for a bout 12 weeks...but just wondering if you are using a trainer or Derek with scivation? just am kinda getting sick of veggies myself!
I am using extend and vassocharge...do you recommend the dialene?
i'm full of questions as I am considering my first comp and have age and lack of experience against me!
You look fantastic and I can't imagine what you will look like in 6 weeks!!
Friend of mine who is greatful enough to help me, has done shows in the past is handling my diet and cardio. I would love to use Layne, but don't have the money. But so far Ben is doing a great job. I've never been in this good of shape in my entire life. I did try the Scivation diet and can't stand vegetables and the carb up meal got real old real fast for me. I'm not knocking the diet or anything, it works great for a lot of people. But just not my cup of tea. To his their own! I do use all scivation or primaforce products except for my fat burner and the Thermolife Dicana. I was using the new Dialene 4x and it makes me sick to my stomach and very jittery so I switched to MAN Scorch. Pretty happy with that so far. I stack it with fish oil and sesamin oil. Great fatburning combination. I probably use 10-15 scoops of xtend a day right now. And thanks for the compliment. I'm going in alot leaner than I was last year. But this is a much tougher diet than I was on last year, which I was doing myself so I was always 2nd guessing myself.


You look great!!!

Is this only your second competition? How did you do at the other?

2nd novice 3rd Heavyweight Best female poser.

[str8flexed]

you are doing great, easily the best i've seen you

[Jack_the_Repper]

Lookin great... back is definately showing some definition! Keep up the diet and hard training... 6 weeks isnt that long from now!

[grace91181]

you are doing great, easily the best i've seen you
Thanks Layne....that means alot coming from you.


Lookin great... back is definately showing some definition! Keep up the diet and hard training... 6 weeks isnt that long from now!

Oh trust I'm counting down the days. I'm pretty happy with how my back is looking just wish my legs would catch up. STUPID GENETICS! Every female in my family has big legs except for my sister. So I just really have to break them down some more. They literally feel like they're going to fall off my body sometimes, but if thats what its going to take then so be it...

[Jack_the_Repper]

yeah i know, my legs are slowly coming in... started to see some striations the past couple of days in quads and i'm still 5 and a half weeks out! I'll be competing in the Midwest States as well so i'll continue to follow your progress.
Good Luck!

[grace91181]

Sorry I haven't updated my workouts in awhile. Oct 13th was an off day from lifting, did 20 mins HIIT on treadmill, uphill sprints and then 25 mins on the elliptical. It was also my first day of only taking in 35 carbs. IT SUCKED! LOL.. I was at the store getting some diet soda and I started getting light headed and was sweating my butt off.

10/14 Chest 50 mins cardio on step mill and much needed high carb day of 90 carbs!
Incline DB 60x15 70x12 80x9 80x7 90x5
Hammer press 70x12 90x10 110x10 140x8
Flat DB flies 40x15 50x12 60x9 70x7
Cable crossovers 30x15 40x12 40x12

10/15 Arms 20 mins uphill HIIT fol by 25 mins elliptical
Supersetted:
DB curl 15'sx15 20'sx12 25'sx10 30'sx8 35'sx5
Overhead ezbar ext 45x15 55x12 75x10 75x8 85x6
supersetted:
Cable rope curl 40x15 50x12 60x10 70x8
rev tri pressdown 20x15 30x12 40x8 40x8
SSetted:
seated calf 25x15 25x15 25x15
leg press calf 130x25 360x15 360x12

10/16 Hamstring/Glute 45 mins stepmill
Lying legcurl 80x10 65x15 50x20 40x25
DB stepup 25x25 25x25 25x25
DB lunges 30x30 30x30 30x30
Seated leg curl 110x10 100x15 90x20 80x25

If you haven't noticed I switched my workouts again. I'm following the Scivation workout in the Cut diet vol4 except I added in a leg day. I noticed that my strength is back and I'm able to recover much faster only working each bodypart once a week. I'm trying to stay focused as right now going to the gym seems more like a chore than anything.

Oh by the way I found some awesome almond butter that is made in Buffalo Grove,IL called Futter nut. I bought chocolate almond butter, strawberry almond butter and Cinnamon Pecan Almond butter. There is no added sugar or preservatives and in the strawberry ab there are small bits of strawberry in it...mmmmm! You guys have to check this stuff out.

[Flynn]

Oh by the way I found some awesome almond butter that is made in Buffalo Grove,IL called Futter nut. I bought chocolate almond butter, strawberry almond butter and Cinnamon Pecan Almond butter. There is no added sugar or preservatives and in the strawberry ab there are small bits of strawberry in it...mmmmm! You guys have to check this stuff out.

What store in Buffalo Grove? What are the macros? I may be in the area in the next day or so.

[grace91181]

What store in Buffalo Grove? What are the macros? I may be in the area in the next day or so.

2 tbls of strawberry ab is 170 calories 15 gr fat 5 carbs 4 fiber and 7 gr protein
the only difference in the chocolate ab is 10 grams carbs it reminds me of the dark chocolate almonds by Emerald nuts.

go to their website at futtersnutbutters.com or give em a call 847-634-6976. They sell the nut butters at different stores around the state.

[drmeganOD]

So I guess you are cycling your carbs? what do you do post workout (example: when you only ate 35g one day)?

[grace91181]

So I guess you are cycling your carbs? what do you do post workout (example: when you only ate 35g one day)?

I don't take any post workout carbs right now. I haven't since my carbs were dropped down to 50. I would much rather eat them before I workout for the energy. I usually eat 1 cup of red wheat cereal and 1/3 cup of fiber one cereal before I workout. Post workout I usually have eggs or chicken w/tsp of almond butter to help maintain my blood sugar.

[grace91181]

Sorry haven't posted in a couple days...I've got the precompetition sickness. I had a sinus infection and a fever for the past 3 days. I've missed 2 days of work and have not been able to get in the gym. I've been trying to get as much rest as possible so I can recover from this as quickly as possible.
I've also been very frustrated with my weight, which hasn't changed in 3 weeks. But I'm looking leaner each week. Don't quite understand that but Ben would like the scale to change so he changed my carbs to 40 and protein to 130. He was also thinking about adding another high carb day in just to see if my metabolism will get moving. But me being sick isn't helping, since I can't do any cardio.
I'm feeling a little better this morning, I may even go to my step son's JFL game at noon. I've been drinking alot of hot green tea hoping to get all the congestion in my chest to break up.

[Jack_the_Repper]

I just went through a bit of the sinus sickness myself. It slowed my cardio wayyyy down and the lifting wasnt as intense. It only lasted about a week, hopefully yours will be over with soon as well. And for your 40-50grams of carbs a day what food sources are you getting those from, just curious.

[grace91181]

I just went through a bit of the sinus sickness myself. It slowed my cardio wayyyy down and the lifting wasnt as intense. It only lasted about a week, hopefully yours will be over with soon as well. And for your 40-50grams of carbs a day what food sources are you getting those from, just curious.

I think I'm getting over it today. i started back on Clarinex (prescription allergy medicine) and its helping drying things up. And I either have 1/2 c oatmeal or 1 c red wheat cereal with 1/3 c fiber one cereal they both work out to be 28 carbs. The rest of my carbs are from almonds. About the only vegetables I can tolerate right now are red pepper, onion, or cucumber.

I'm going to start back up in the gym tomorrow. I probably could do some light cardio tonight but I want to be as rested as possible so I can push up the intensity the last 4 weeks. I'm just happy I'm getting sick now and not a week before the show.

[Jack_the_Repper]

geeze you must be feeling a little sluggish all the time then eh?

[grace91181]

geeze you must be feeling a little sluggish all the time then eh?

Ya good majority of the time. My energy comes in spurts, but I've only got 4 more weeks til peak week. I'll be alright. My worst days are leg days. I feel like complete poop, like it almost is too much to just walk sometimes. I better quit complaining..lol or else he'll drop my carbs even more. j/k

[grace91181]

Finally got in the gym this morning, and it felt so good! I felt stronger than before I got sick so I decided to lift heavy today. I worked my back and did 35 mins on the treadmill, jogging most of the time just to get my heart rate up.

Close grip pulldowns 130x6 120x8 110x10
DB rows 60'sx6 55'sx8 50'sx10 I probably could have gone heavier but 60lbs is a personal best for me.
TBar row 90x6 80x8 70x10
Straight arm pushdown 60x6 50x7 40x10 those are pretty tough to do heavy.
It definatley felt good lifting heavy again, like I'm actually getting a good workout for once. I think the 3 days rest and the carb up day really helped. Now things are going to get tougher. Today I start doing cardio twice a day at 35 min sessions, one post workout and other later on in the day. Macros for today 130 g prot 40 g carbs 30 g fat

[tvicemanXXL]

Hitting PR's 4-5 weeks out from a competition is phenomenal!

[grace91181]

I had another awesome workout today. Plus I'm happy that my weight finally dropped this morning to 131. FINALLY!

DB shoulder press 45'sx6 40'sx8 35'sx10
Side DB raises 35x6/6 30x8/8 25x10/10 20x12/12 (shoulders were burning like crazy after these)
Supersetted wide grip upright row 130x6 120x8 110x10
and rev pec dec 70x6 60x8 50x10
DB shrugs 160x10 160x8 180x8 190x6 (PR) yes all of them!

I couldn't have been happier with this workout. I think its made a big difference working each body part on its own day. I'm able to work at a higher intensity and really focus on that body part more. I did 20 mins of intervals on the elliptical post workout and then 10 additional mins of mod intensity. I started getting light headed prob from my blood sugar dropping too low. I'll finish the remaining 20 mins before I go into work on the bike.

[bendiesel83]

Good job Kelly, way to keep with it, your almost there!!!

[Jack_the_Repper]

awesome, sometimes that few days off is what you need to break through a plateau. Its good to hear your weight is finally coming down again too!

[grace91181]

awesome, sometimes that few days off is what you need to break through a plateau. Its good to hear your weight is finally coming down again too!

Ya even though I was sick the 3 days rest was nice. I sat around in flannel pants and a shirt and watched football all weekend! GO GATORS! GO BEARS!

My favorite day today...LEGS! (NOT!)

Squats 185x6 175x8 165x10
DB stiff legged deads 140x7 160x4 140x6 130x8
DB lunges 20# at 30 yards twice
the next exercises I did back and forth til I could do no more...
Lying leg curl 50x20 50x18 50x15 50x8 40x4
Leg ext 50x20 50x18 50x18 50x15 (legs were burning like a motha!)
Then did 2 sets of 40 yard bodyweight lunges really concentrated on squeezing the glutes.
calf press 180x20 180x18 180x17 180x17 180x15

Followed up with 15 mins on treadmill at 9%incline 3.5 mph and then 20 mins on recumbent bike keeping my heart rate at 150. I was in a really pissy mood afterwords for some reason. Came home had 3 egg whites 1 whole egg and 12 grams of isolate and felt a little better.
I still have to go in for 35 mins of cardio on the step mill later. Probably do it on my lunch break tonight. I really wish my legs would come in more, they are really starting to piss me off, especially my glutes!

[grace91181]

Sorry haven't updated in a while...been pretty busy training and doing cardio. Doesn't seem like I have alot of extra time now that I'm doing cardio twice a day. Things are going pretty good. Only problem I can say is that my back is starting to hurt pretty bad again and causing sleeping problems again. I got a deep tissue massage the other day seemed to help a little, but I'm getting another one tomorrow.
Here are some updated photos...legs are starting to come around and atleast I think so......

[tvicemanXXL]

Your legs have shown noticeable improvements in leaning out over the past few weeks. Keep at the pace you're going and you'll definitely have very, very impressive conditioning on stage.

[Jack_the_Repper]

Oh wow i can definitely see some improvement! You're lookin pretty lean, keep up the hard work only a few more weeks til the big day is here

[kgitaitis]

thanks for posting, i am taking notes... i'd like to do a figure comp i 6 monthes and am not sure where to begin. ive been around 100 carbs/day and thought that was low carb.. holy cow.... but i will follow along for ideas!!

[MAK060]

whats ur bf% right now ?

[runninmom]

awesome progress...how do feel mentally with all the dieting?...i know you said you were feeling "pissy" the other day...I know your hard work is going to pay off:)

[billfinkbiner]

Holy Sh*t Grace!!!!!!!!!!

You look phenomenal.

Stay focused and you'll make jaws drop come showtime.

[grace91181]

thanks for posting, i am taking notes... i'd like to do a figure comp i 6 monthes and am not sure where to begin. ive been around 100 carbs/day and thought that was low carb.. holy cow.... but i will follow along for ideas!!
Everybody works differently when dieting. When a low carb high fat diet might work for someone it might not work for you. Everyone's metabolism is different. Listen to your body! Get to know your body...play around with things. I think starting out 16-20 weeks is the best plan. Slowing dropping your calories...keeps your metabolism moving and you hold on to muscle best that way.


whats ur bf% right now ?
I'm not sure. I might have it taken tomorrow. Last time I took it was 2 months ago and I was 13.5. I just go by how I look.


awesome progress...how do feel mentally with all the dieting?...i know you said you were feeling "pissy" the other day...I know your hard work is going to pay off:)
I have my ups and downs. My husband said I'm more tolerable this time around. For being 3 1/2 weeks out I'm in a pretty good mood now that my weight is dropping finally! I think I'm just anxious and excited with the show getting closer. I can't wait to see what I will look like on stage!

Holy Sh*t Grace!!!!!!!!!!

You look phenomenal.

Stay focused and you'll make jaws drop come showtime.

Thanks! Thats a huge compliment coming from you. I don't think I've ever been this focused. I'm pushing my cardio and training harder and harder. I'm actually getting stronger for some weird reason lol. I pr in something damn near every training session.

[grace91181]

Ok I weighed in today at 131.3 this morning. My hypoglycemia has been really effecting me lately. Dizzy, light headed, unable to focus or concentrate, and major fatigue. So this past week I brought my carbs up to 80 on low days and 130 on high days. It got the scale to move and I've been training at a higher intensity. Also I dropped my fats and raised my protein. It has filled me out quite a bit. But I played around with my macros a little more and raised my protein to 180 and carbs at 25 no added fats, only what I get from my protein and oatmeal. It kept my blood sugar happy and I was able to continue to train at high intensity while keeping my lifts heavy.
I'm definatley looking leaner and feeling better now. I'm going to cut chicken out this week and only eat egg whites and tilapia. Maybe a protein shake here or there. I really want to get that scale moving.
I've had so much going on in my life and things are getting really tough financially. Since my husband has been off work from shoulder surgery and waiting for a paycheck from the workmans comp insurance co. I'm trying my damndest to stay focused. But wish me luck...I need alot of encouragement right now.

[billfinkbiner]

Prepping is definately tougher right now with the way the economy is going. Even though I'm not dieting it's pretty much just eggs, tuna, and whey for me to keep costs down.

Buy your tilapia in bulk and that will help as well.

You have put yourself in a place to make the judges take notice once you step onstage. It will be hard for them not to give you a great comparison. Just keep slicing away.

[grace91181]

Ya I found 4lbs of tilapia at walmart for 15 bucks... theres 16 4oz filet's. And of course eggs are just dirt cheap anyways.

[grace91181]

This was my first day of eating only tilapia and egg whites. I have to say I would prefer to just each tilapia all day. Egg whites w/o the yolk just aren't very appetizing right now. Anyone have any ideas how to make them taste any better?????

[grace91181]

Ok nevermind....thank god for Walden Farms! I usually put their fruit spreads in my oatmeal but I made my egg whites like a omelet and then put some strawberry fruit spread on then folded it...yummy!! I don't know how much weirder this could get. Its crazy the things we eat just to get a fix. HAHA! I'm just glad a regular grocery store carries a wide variety of Walden Farms stuff in Peoria.

[JENerator]

I've been following along on your prep and you look FANTASTIC! Your work ethic and discipline are both very inspirational. Good luck at your comp!

on the egg whites- I haven't tried it myself yet, but I've heard Walden Farms chocolate dipping sauce on eggs is also a strange but fantastic change-up...

[tvicemanXXL]

Ok nevermind....thank god for Walden Farms! I usually put their fruit spreads in my oatmeal but I made my egg whites like a omelet and then put some strawberry fruit spread on then folded it...yummy!! I don't know how much weirder this could get. Its crazy the things we eat just to get a fix. HAHA! I'm just glad a regular grocery store carries a wide variety of Walden Farms stuff in Peoria.

I was putting splenda and cinnamon on my egg whites during my first contest prep. I would eat them as my last meal, so I'd also break them up into two different mini meals 30 minutes apart to make it a little easier.

[grace91181]

I've been following along on your prep and you look FANTASTIC! Your work ethic and discipline are both very inspirational. Good luck at your comp!

on the egg whites- I haven't tried it myself yet, but I've heard Walden Farms chocolate dipping sauce on eggs is also a strange but fantastic change-up...

I saw that at the store and was thinking of giving a try on my eggs but wasn't sure what it would taste like.

And awesome job on your progress! I read your page and you look incredible. But please tell me you're not a Cardinals Fan???!! lol


I was putting splenda and cinnamon on my egg whites during my first contest prep. I would eat them as my last meal, so I'd also break them up into two different mini meals 30 minutes apart to make it a little easier.

Well I guess cinnamon wouldn't be so bad to try, no different then french toast w/cinnamon in the eggs. Thanks for the help..

[aguy fish]

Hi Grace,
I can't believe I missed your thread!
You look fantastic and congrats for all you've done so far. i'm def going to follow your thread!
You've a french fan !

[JENerator]

I saw that at the store and was thinking of giving a try on my eggs but wasn't sure what it would taste like.

And awesome job on your progress! I read your page and you look incredible. But please tell me you're not a Cardinals Fan???!! lol

Well I guess cinnamon wouldn't be so bad to try, no different then french toast w/cinnamon in the eggs. Thanks for the help..

Thanks for the kind words on my progress-- I have a LONG way to go to look anywhere as lean as you, though!

I grew up in Michigan, so when I moved down here for college I got the Cards t-shirt and banner as part of my orientation package. So, yes, go Cards! Guess you're a CUBS fan?? Maybe next year is their year. just kiddin' lol

[grace91181]

Hi Grace,
I can't believe I missed your thread!
You look fantastic and congrats for all you've done so far. i'm def going to follow your thread!
You've a french fan !

Thanks...I'll try and keep it updated. Hope you follow I need all the encouragement I can get.


Thanks for the kind words on my progress-- I have a LONG way to go to look anywhere as lean as you, though!

I grew up in Michigan, so when I moved down here for college I got the Cards t-shirt and banner as part of my orientation package. So, yes, go Cards! Guess you're a CUBS fan?? Maybe next year is their year. just kiddin' lol

OH ya I'm a Cubs fan. I know poor poor me....my husband is a Cards fan so it makes for an interesting summer and a fun marriage. He's always teasing me..lol

[grace91181]

Today was my first day after switching to egg whites and fish. And WOW I noticed a big difference just from 1 day. I was much harder and tighter looking. AND I weighed 130lbs this morning. YES! I know I'll get down to 123 by Nov 22nd. I went to the gym to work my legs this morning and people were noticing how I looked and they hadn't seen me since Saturday. I'm so freakin excited! I want this sooo bad, I know its all about nutrition now....

[billfinkbiner]

Thanks for the kind words on my progress-- I have a LONG way to go to look anywhere as lean as you, though!

I grew up in Michigan, so when I moved down here for college I got the Cards t-shirt and banner as part of my orientation package. So, yes, go Cards! Guess you're a CUBS fan?? Maybe next year is their year. just kiddin' lol

Go easy on Grace, she lives within smelling distance of Peoria.

[JENerator]

Go easy on Grace, she lives within smelling distance of Peoria.

:) LOL


Today was my first day after switching to egg whites and fish. And WOW I noticed a big difference just from 1 day. I was much harder and tighter looking. AND I weighed 130lbs this morning. YES! I know I'll get down to 123 by Nov 22nd. I went to the gym to work my legs this morning and people were noticing how I looked and they hadn't seen me since Saturday. I'm so freakin excited! I want this sooo bad, I know its all about nutrition now....

Noticing a difference after just ONE DAY of switching out your protein sources??!! Incredible!! You are going to own the stage in a few weeks!

[grace91181]

Go easy on Grace, she lives within smelling distance of Peoria.

Smelling is right.....this area just plain smells because of ADM and 4 other ethanol plants within a 20 mile radius. Illinois river is pretty nasty too, I work in Pekin and on some nights its smells like dead fish and sewage...mmmmm yum

[Jack_the_Repper]

What were your protein sources before? i'm guessing chicken, turkey and some other meats, you just cut them out because of fat content?

[grace91181]

Yep...just eating tilapia and egg whites. Needed to switch things up to get the scale moving again.

[missworldfitnes]

Sorry haven't updated in a while...been pretty busy training and doing cardio. Doesn't seem like I have alot of extra time now that I'm doing cardio twice a day. Things are going pretty good. Only problem I can say is that my back is starting to hurt pretty bad again and causing sleeping problems again. I got a deep tissue massage the other day seemed to help a little, but I'm getting another one tomorrow.
Here are some updated photos...legs are starting to come around and atleast I think so......

You look great, good luck with the show, your physique is spot on, so perfect everything else on the day and you'll do great. You'll be wonderful :) make sure to post your show pics too.

[grace91181]

Ugh today I feel like crap! I'm no carbing it today to keep the scale moving. I just feel like I could go off for no reason. No carbs just freaking sucks. Atleast this is an off day for me and tomorrow I'll have a high carb day of 60. Not much going on today, other than going to work at 3pm. That makes things worse since I've been butting heads with my supervisor. Don't look forward to going in today.

[crew5]

You'll do awesome.

Work is hard those last couple of weeks before the show. I know for me my mind was gone.

Hang in there.

[str8flexed]

Yup it sucks grace, but you need to remember that all your competition is suffering as well... so while I emphathize with you and know how much it sucks, your competition will not feel sorry for you, just gotta find a way to get it done :)

[grace91181]

Ya yesterday just plained sucked! I had absolutley no energy and had trouble concentrating. Its amazing how carbs can effect your mind and body. But it'll be well worth it when I have my procard in 2 1/2 weeks!
Here are some updated pics. I weighed in at 129lbs.

[beginner84]

legs coming out !! :D

[Jack_the_Repper]

17 days.... dont look back

[DavidKH]

You look amazing! Keep doing the HIIT to get those legs nasty!

[grace91181]

Oh I'm not......cuz its on!

[grace91181]

I have discovered walden farms chocolate syrup....I took tviceman's advice and put splenda and cinnamon in my egg whites that was pretty good but it was awesome when I put the chocolate syprup on after I cooked it. I can't wait to eat egg whites now! Wish I could eat it for every meal.

[tvicemanXXL]

I have discovered walden farms chocolate syrup....I took tviceman's advice and put splenda and cinnamon in my egg whites that was pretty good but it was awesome when I put the chocolate syprup on after I cooked it. I can't wait to eat egg whites now! Wish I could eat it for every meal.

LOL

[Jack_the_Repper]

what? cinnamon and chocolate on eggs?

[grace91181]

oh ya...sounds nasty has heck but I'm going take what I can get right..lol Had 1/2 c oatmeal for preworkout w/some egg whites and the rest of the day was either tilapia or egg whites every 3 hours. I never though I would say this but I miss my chicken :-( lol I can survive 2 more weeks of fish and egg whites, if thats what it takes :-)

Today was a shoulder/hiit day. I'm keeping my lifts heavy and high intensity, keeping my heart rate going during my workouts. They almost feel like a cardio session. I even got 100lbs up on my DB shoulder press (50#db's) for 6 reps today. Thats another PR for me...couldn't believe it on 800 calories. I can't wait to see what I can do after the show when I starting adding my calories back in slowly.

I dred going into work everyday now. They give me alot of crap about my diet and tell me that I look sickly and am eating unhealthy. But yet this is coming from people who eat out every night. I really don't fit in on 2nd shift...I hope I get back on 3rds in January so I can see my family more. Thats probably the worst part is not seeing my step kids.

[billfinkbiner]

oh ya...sounds nasty has heck but I'm going take what I can get right..lol Had 1/2 c oatmeal for preworkout w/some egg whites and the rest of the day was either tilapia or egg whites every 3 hours. I never though I would say this but I miss my chicken :-( lol I can survive 2 more weeks of fish and egg whites, if thats what it takes :-)

Today was a shoulder/hiit day. I'm keeping my lifts heavy and high intensity, keeping my heart rate going during my workouts. They almost feel like a cardio session. I even got 100lbs up on my DB shoulder press (50#db's) for 6 reps today. Thats another PR for me...couldn't believe it on 800 calories. I can't wait to see what I can do after the show when I starting adding my calories back in slowly.

I dred going into work everyday now. They give me alot of crap about my diet and tell me that I look sickly and am eating unhealthy. But yet this is coming from people who eat out every night. I really don't fit in on 2nd shift...I hope I get back on 3rds in January so I can see my family more. Thats probably the worst part is not seeing my step kids.

Just show your co workers your abs and ask them to compare theirs to see who's unhealthy.

[grace91181]

Just show your co workers your abs and ask them to compare theirs to see who's unhealthy.

Oh I did that...and they said that I wasn't normal.. I told them if I wanted a junk yard as a body I would eat like them, but I love my temple and I'm not giving it up!

[billfinkbiner]

Oh I did that...and they said that I wasn't normal.. I told them if I wanted a junk yard as a body I would eat like them, but I love my temple and I'm not giving it up!

Honestly though, we're not normal. :)

[grace91181]

Honestly though, we're not normal. :)

HAHA! Ya you're right about that. But in my own little world I would like to pretend that I am. :-)

[Jrich54338]

I must admit you look amazing.

Well Done!!!!

[grace91181]

I must admit you look amazing.

Well Done!!!!

Thank you so much!

[tvicemanXXL]

Oh I did that...and they said that I wasn't normal.. I told them if I wanted a junk yard as a body I would eat like them, but I love my temple and I'm not giving it up!

When you collect all your various trophies and show off your on-stage pictures, they'll change their tone.

And while they continue to give you a hard time, there is jealousy in the hearts. They may not want to be as lean as you are, but underneath it all they admire your dedication and wish they could have as much passion about something - anything - as you do about your body.

[grace91181]

Well I woke up in a pretty good mood since I weighed 128.7. I had my breakfast then went to the gym to work my legs an hour later. I supersetted my leg exts w/lunges and supersetted db squats w/lying hamstring curls. In the middle of that I started getting light headed and felt pretty sick. I took a few mins to gather myself and it just got worse to the point I couldn't see straight. I felt like I was going to throw up, so I decided that it was time to go home. I shouldn't have even been driving, felt half wasted, and I knew it was my blood sugar. My husband saw me walk in the door and said I was as white as a ghost. I know I said I was going to be eating just fish and egg whites but I needed protein FAST! SO Reno got me a protein shake and I ate a cup of wheat puffs and felt fine after that. Pretty scary feeling. Had been probably 8 years since I had that happen to me and thats when I weighed 195lbs and ate like crap. I'll continue my diet like I have been and just keep a really close eye on it. Its crazy how fast it can hit ya.

[grace91181]

Not alot going on today. Just kinda relaxing at home, while doing some much needed house cleaning. Not going to the gym today, but did my HIIT on the bike at home. Its my Friday! I'm ready for my weekend to begin tomorrow!

[tvicemanXXL]

How is the true protein?

[grace91181]

How is the true protein?

Excellent protein...I get DC's mix which is 100% Isolate ION-exchange. They have 37 different flavors and you get to pick what sweetner you want. They also have a custom protein mix and you get to pick what percentage of proteins you want in your mix. The ION-exchange mixes with water with no problem and tastes awesome with fruit flavors. It can get expensive though but well worth the price. Ion is 9.40 lb and that doesn't include shipping. I don't know if you use waxy maize or not but you can get it flavored from there and its 3.59 a lb. The lemonade waxy maize is my favorite.

[tvicemanXXL]

Excellent protein...I get DC's mix which is 100% Isolate ION-exchange. They have 37 different flavors and you get to pick what sweetner you want. They also have a custom protein mix and you get to pick what percentage of proteins you want in your mix. The ION-exchange mixes with water with no problem and tastes awesome with fruit flavors. It can get expensive though but well worth the price. Ion is 9.40 lb and that doesn't include shipping. I don't know if you use waxy maize or not but you can get it flavored from there and its 3.59 a lb. The lemonade waxy maize is my favorite.

I'm turned off from waxy maize. Too chalky. But the flavor packets mix in well and taste pretty good?

[grace91181]

ya I haven't had a flavor that didn't mix well.

[grace91181]

You guys worked ur a$$es off and it shows! I know for a fact that Carissa worked her butt off cuz she's worked mine too! LOL. No but serious I'm so proud of the both of you.

Hopefully I'll be next in Dekalb and that I can celebrate with some Giordanos pizza afterwords. :-)
Just by seeing those photos makes me want my procard more now. I can't wait...

Today was a high carb day of 80cho's. They consisted of 1/2 c oats preworkout and 1/2 c fiber one cereal and 1 c wheat puffs postworkout. I worked my Chest/Abs and calves. I'm still doing the Scivation workout from cut diet 4 so for this week I do 2 sets for each exercise 1st set is 6 reps, 2nd set is 10 reps. I PR'd on my Smith Incline bench of 135lbs for 6 reps. This is awesome with only 12 days to go. Supersetted calves and abs until failure. I followed my lifting session with 20 mins of HIIT on the treadmill at 8%incline. Instead of 15 sec sprints at 9mph with 45 sec rest, I did 30 secs @ 7 mph followed by 1 min rest. I'm trying to put alot emphasis on my hamstrings and it felt like I did going at a slower pace but longer time. After HIIT I walked backwards on the treadmill at a lightning fast 1 mph, really squeezing my glutes with each step. And after dgoing for 15 mins my glutes were screaming for mercy!

[DavidKH]

DAMN , great PR especially being 2 weeks out. Walking backwards?!!? i would break something doing that. Do people stare haha. Anyway keep pushing it only two more weeks til your show. You are doing great and you look outstanding!!!

Side note: I am going to order some true protein tomorrow the only thing I dislike is the premixed flavors have acesulfame k as the sweetener, so I might go with a regular flavor.

[grace91181]

DAMN , great PR especially being 2 weeks out. Walking backwards?!!? i would break something doing that. Do people stare haha. Anyway keep pushing it only two more weeks til your show. You are doing great and you look outstanding!!!

Side note: I am going to order some true protein tomorrow the only thing I dislike is the premixed flavors have acesulfame k as the sweetener, so I might go with a regular flavor.

Walking backwards on the treadmill makes you squeeze your glutes, but its also good for strengthing the mcl and acl. And yes people stare....but its only the people that do the same thing every single day and refuse to try anything new.
I'm so pumped up right now...I feel like I'm going to jump out of my skin. I'm really happy with how my body is leaning out. Actually I couldn't be happier right now. My legs are just going to take time. There's nothing I can do about them now.

*And on premixes you should still be able to pick your sweetner or if you want enzymes or vitamins/minerals in with the protein. I think you can pick acesulfame,stevia, sucralose, or aspertame. I get the sucralose.

[DavidKH]

Yeah, I am calling True Protein now to see what they can do.

I actually like when people stare, it means I am not ordinary

[ScottMcDWVU]

*And on premixes you should still be able to pick your sweetner or if you want enzymes or vitamins/minerals in with the protein. I think you can pick acesulfame,stevia, sucralose, or aspertame. I get the sucralose.

The premium flavors are pre sweetened with Sucralose (Splenda) and Acesulfame K... if you are talking about the free flavors you do have the option of what sweetener you can choose.

I recommend the premium flavors absolutely for taste though.

[grace91181]

The premium flavors are pre sweetened with Sucralose (Splenda) and Acesulfame K... if you are talking about the free flavors you do have the option of what sweetener you can choose.

I recommend the premium flavors absolutely for taste though.
I did not know that... I love banana and strawberry, strawberries and creme, and verry berry strawberry. Chocolate fudge isn't too bad either. I seen they now have peaches n creme. Think I might try that next when I get the money.

[ScottMcDWVU]

Peaches n cream is getting a lot of positive reviews over on their forums, I'm not much of a peach fan so I went with cookie dough and a few other of the new flavors for the 20 lb order en route to me right now.

[grace91181]

I had another awesome workout today! Worked bi's and tri's and pr'd AGAIN! I did 6 reps of 40lb db curls. I don't know where this is coming from...but it feels great! Today was a low carb day of 50. Talked to Ben today and he said he would be sending me my peak week info on Wednesday. I still weighed 128 this morning, but I'm getting tighter. I pulled some muscles in my back from lifting a post that holds up one end of my back porch roof. It sits on concrete and my goofy dog wrapped his leash around the pole and saw a rabbit and took off to chase it and pulled the post off the concrete slab. So since my husband can't lift anything over 20lbs cuz of his shoulder surgery and his reversal that he got a week ago I had to do the lifting while we put a jack on the concrete and put a metal pole in the roof and lifted it back up. Its kind of complicated story but hopefully you get the point. But my back has been killing me since then. I'm getting a deep tissue message on Friday,hoping she can work out the problems. I don't know if anyone else gets deep tissue messages but they are great for muscle recovery post workout.

[grace91181]

MMMMMMM cookie dough yum....I've been craving a cookie dough blizzard for 3 months now. 11 MORE DAYS!! Sorry had a weak moment, its been bad all night tonight. For some reason thats all I can think about is cheat food.

[Jack_the_Repper]

hah, me too. I had a bowl of chocolate ice cream today. I have to have something every once in a while to stay sane. And i usually cheat once about every 4 or 5 days. I actually think that its not that bad for me, maybe it restores some depleted glycogen stores and boosts my energy? So far it hasnt hurt any weight loss! You dont seem to cheat hardly at all, how many times have you cheated in the past 8 weeks do you think?

[grace91181]

hah, me too. I had a bowl of chocolate ice cream today. I have to have something every once in a while to stay sane. And i usually cheat once about every 4 or 5 days. I actually think that its not that bad for me, maybe it restores some depleted glycogen stores and boosts my energy? So far it hasnt hurt any weight loss! You dont seem to cheat hardly at all, how many times have you cheated in the past 8 weeks do you think?

HA! My last cheat meal was Chevy's Mexican July 28th. Cheatings a big no no now. I don't want to get up on stage and take the chance of getting beaten just because of a piece of cheescake. Its not worth it cuz I know that person that beat me didn't cheat. Next time you do a prep try not cheating, instead do high carb days that consist of healthy carbs twice a week. Alot of people can't control themselves when they are dieting. You have no clue how many calories you are taking in or whats in that food you're eating. Just imagine how much leaner you would be getting if you didn't cheat. I made the same mistake at my last show and I weighed in at 136lbs. Now I'm at a lean 128lbs. Read Layne Nortons precompetition article about your leptin levels. Not to knock ya dude...you look awesome! I don't know if this is your first show or not.

[DavidKH]

HOLY **** 40lb dumbbell curl!!!!!!!!!!

[Jack_the_Repper]

I just think your going to a little extreme with your super low carbs. I've read anything below about 50 grams a day and you start to use muscle for calorie expenditure. Also it is necessary for normal brain function, thats probably why you started gettin a little down mentally for a while. Ice cream was a rare cheat for me. Usually it consists of rice with my chicken, or a wrap. So dont think i'm out eatin cheesecake every other day, you dont get this lean doin that lol. But to each his own, if it takes super low carbs for your body then thats what it takes. I have a VERY high metabolism somewhat similar to someone like Cordova, who definitely didnt dip that low on his carbs for his contest prep.

[billfinkbiner]

I just think your going to a little extreme with your super low carbs. I've read anything below about 50 grams a day and you start to use muscle for calorie expenditure. Also it is necessary for normal brain function, thats probably why you started gettin a little down mentally for a while. Ice cream was a rare cheat for me. Usually it consists of rice with my chicken, or a wrap. So dont think i'm out eatin cheesecake every other day, you dont get this lean doin that lol. But to each his own, if it takes super low carbs for your body then thats what it takes. I have a VERY high metabolism somewhat similar to someone like Cordova, who definitely didnt dip that low on his carbs for his contest prep.

There are essential amino acids. There are essential fatty acids.

There is no such thing as an essential carbohydrate.

[BODYBUILDINGVA]

I just think your going to a little extreme with your super low carbs. I've read anything below about 50 grams a day and you start to use muscle for calorie expenditure. Also it is necessary for normal brain function, thats probably why you started gettin a little down mentally for a while. Ice cream was a rare cheat for me. Usually it consists of rice with my chicken, or a wrap. So dont think i'm out eatin cheesecake every other day, you dont get this lean doin that lol. But to each his own, if it takes super low carbs for your body then thats what it takes. I have a VERY high metabolism somewhat similar to someone like Cordova, who definitely didnt dip that low on his carbs for his contest prep.

Not sure where you read that you start to use muscle when you are under 50 carbs..........if that was the case I would have melted down to nothing.....LOL

It is just something that I have found to work for me....if I even look at carbs....I blow up....LOL....so.....Normally, I stay low carb (under 50) for 4-5 days, then have a refeed (not a cheat meal)......and on my low carb days, I up my fat intake to compensate for the difference in calories.....and protein always stays the same around 280-300 grams per day......

[Jack_the_Repper]

Not sure where you read that you start to use muscle when you are under 50 carbs..........if that was the case I would have melted down to nothing.....LOL

It is just something that I have found to work for me....if I even look at carbs....I blow up....LOL....so.....Normally, I stay low carb (under 50) for 4-5 days, then have a refeed (not a cheat meal)......and on my low carb days, I up my fat intake to compensate for the difference in calories.....and protein always stays the same around 280-300 grams per day......

I got the carb info from The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding by Arnold. And i guess i shouldnt have said cheat. Its more of a cyclical ketogenic diet as you guys are discribing. Every 4 to 5 days i eat some rice, or eat my turkey on whole wheat crackers, stuff like this. I would assume i handle a higher carb intake better than others because because of my metabolism.

I know theres no such thing as an essential carbs, but your telling me you could live with zero carbs, day to day and function normally? I dont think so.

[grace91181]

I know that carbs effect your seratonin levels which effects your moods and how you feel. There's a big difference in dieting for a show and just dieting. When its dieting for a show you will do whatever it takes to get lean (of course it has to be natural) cuz the only person that you should be competing against is yourself. I know deep down that if I were to cheat I'm only cheating myself. That I didn't go balls to the walls. I totally agree that everyone has a different metabolism. But when it comes to dieting for a show you want to eat as clean as possible. Cuz you are already are on limited calories and why waste the calories on food that has no nutritional value when you can carb up on whole or steel cut oats or sweet potatoes. Something that your body will benefit from. And yes going less than 50 carbs a day is extreme, but when I was only 4 weeks out and my weight was stalling, something had to give. Like I said you have to do whatever it takes to get where you need to get to.
Now with a little over a week left, I know I gave this prep my all. I can say I never cheated and I couldn't be more happy at where my body has gotten me. I didn't give in......

[str8flexed]

I got the carb info from The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding by Arnold. And i guess i shouldnt have said cheat. Its more of a cyclical ketogenic diet as you guys are discribing. Every 4 to 5 days i eat some rice, or eat my turkey on whole wheat crackers, stuff like this. I would assume i handle a higher carb intake better than others because because of my metabolism.

I know theres no such thing as an essential carbs, but your telling me you could live with zero carbs, day to day and function normally? I dont think so.

actually you can. your body can make approximately 100-120g of glucose per day with absolutely 0 glucose intake. More then enough to meet the obligate glucose needs of the red blood cells & nervous system. Brain can function on ketones once your body is adapted.

I'm not saying I recommend keto, but there is absolutely 0 "need" for carbohydrates in a diet.

Also, some people can get away with big carb ups every 4-5 days... I assure you that I doubt Kelly could. With how slow her metabolism is, if she ate say 300g of carbs in a day... she's be very likely to add half a pound of bodyfat

the calorie level at which people start losing muscle is different for different people. Just as is everything. This is the problem with so many people who do contest prep... they take the same diet and try to apply it to EVERYONE... it's just not going to work for everyone.

-Layne

[grace91181]

As good as it would feel to eat 300 carbs in one day right now...yes I would probably gain a half a pound of fat lol thank you layne haha

[runninmom]

awesome work Kelly...you can DO IT...i just dropped to 1200-1500 and I now do not feel sorry for myself!!!
you are so strong mentally and physically... i'm in awe!
i used to work 12 hr nites and it was like a buffet with the people i worked with...the general public just doesn't get it...if it was easy everyone would do it!!

[Jack_the_Repper]

I think I just got served by the Architect! Hah, well we have 9 days to go. I'm ready to start lookin like a freak with the Pro Tan next week how about you Grace?

[DavidKH]

Got my true protein in today, wow it tastes so gooooooooooood and the best part is how great it mixes!

[grace91181]

I think I just got served by the Architect! Hah, well we have 9 days to go. I'm ready to start lookin like a freak with the Pro Tan next week how about you Grace?

So am I...I got an offer I couldn't refuse. Lady at our gym does competition spray tans and she offered to spray me if I would train her for a few months. HELL YES! I was gonna have to start w/the dream tan spray on tuesday since I'm so fair skinned. So all I have to do is get a base spray on Thursday, shower that night then Friday afternoon I get 2 coats of competition spray. And I probably won't be dark enough so I'm going to do a coat of dream tan #2 Saturday morning before I leave the hotel. I just want to get on stage. Thats the best part about all of this. I LOVE THE RUSH!!


Got my true protein in today, wow it tastes so gooooooooooood and the best part is how great it mixes!

Oh ya...in my opinion that is probably the best tasting and best mixability protein out there. Just have to pay the price. But I'm glad you like it! What flavor did you get?

[DavidKH]

Oh ya...in my opinion that is probably the best tasting and best mixability protein out there. Just have to pay the price. But I'm glad you like it! What flavor did you get?

I got the sample pack so all of them, plus 1 tub of dutch choc and 2 tubs of choc chip cookie dough !

[ScottMcDWVU]

I really enjoyed the cookie dough, had a very strong pleasant aftertaste.

[aguy fish]

Hi Grace,
I can see things are gping pretty well and 40lbs DB curls ... just WOW! Conrats and keep it up ! I can't wait to see your pics on stage ! Really you're an inspiration!

[Jack_the_Repper]

So am I...I got an offer I couldn't refuse. Lady at our gym does competition spray tans and she offered to spray me if I would train her for a few months. HELL YES! I was gonna have to start w/the dream tan spray on tuesday since I'm so fair skinned. So all I have to do is get a base spray on Thursday, shower that night then Friday afternoon I get 2 coats of competition spray. And I probably won't be dark enough so I'm going to do a coat of dream tan #2 Saturday morning before I leave the hotel. I just want to get on stage. Thats the best part about all of this. I LOVE THE RUSH!!



Oh ya...in my opinion that is probably the best tasting and best mixability protein out there. Just have to pay the price. But I'm glad you like it! What flavor did you get?

Thats awesome, wish i could find someone who did spray on. I'm gettin anxious, 1 week.

[grace91181]

I've never had it done before...Lady who is doing it decided she is going to put 3 coats instead of 2. And she doesn't want me using dream tan. Last time I used it I don't think I put it on right like alot of people who use it for the first time do. She's afraid that will happen again and its just safer to put on glaze or oil before I go onstage. And incase I'm not dark enough she's giving me a bottle of the tan to touch up or spray me down again. I'm pretty pale so its going to take alot to get me dark enough for the stage. Wish I would've at least kept a little bit of my tan from going to the Riviera Maya in June. I'm really excited though, and just can't wait to get onstage. I just keep imagining myself with that first place trophy. Thats all I can think about right now. That and pizza mmmmmm yum yum Giordanos! I'm planning on hitting that up after the show. They have one in Sycamore thats just a carry out place which is 5 mins away or we're driving 20 mins to St Charles to a sit down Giordanos. I don't care where I have to drive, I'm getting some stuffed pizza and a beer! I've already talked to the one in St Charles and they said if we get enough people to go they will keep the restaraunt open. So pass the word around!

[grace91181]

Hey thanks! I'm ready for a normal life again. Well I guess not really normal for us but just feeling normal again. But its all worth it in the end right?

[Sean15782]

You are gonna rock the stage! You are as ready as possible, the T's are crossed and the I's are dotted! Good luck, no matter what happens, everyone is SO proud of you; you look fantastic.

[DavidKH]

I just keep imagining myself with that first place trophy. Thats all I can think about right now.

Great determination and mental attitude are definitely needed to be #1 in the sport! This is why you will achieve your goal. You are a champion regardless of the placing in the contest!

[grace91181]

WOW I'm having a tough time sleeping this week. I couldn't fall asleep til 430 this morning and got up at 10. Now its 130am and I'm listening to classical music just to get my mind to calm down. I've got so much stuff goin on right now as we all do.....I've got my life insurance and mortgage license and have done nothing with it because of this show prep. As soon as this is done I'm starting that up and going to work my butt off so I can get out of dispatch and work on my own time. I want to be home and stay home when I have children. I would be on my own schedule being a mortgage broker and doing debt consolidation loans. Ok I know I'm going to start babbling now..lol I'm good for that :-) We're looking into building a house so I'll just research some of that boring crap, see if that makes me sleepy. Night all!

[tvicemanXXL]

WOW I'm having a tough time sleeping this week. I couldn't fall asleep til 430 this morning and got up at 10. Now its 130am and I'm listening to classical music just to get my mind to calm down. I've got so much stuff goin on right now as we all do.....I've got my life insurance and mortgage license and have done nothing with it because of this show prep. As soon as this is done I'm starting that up and going to work my butt off so I can get out of dispatch and work on my own time. I want to be home and stay home when I have children. I would be on my own schedule being a mortgage broker and doing debt consolidation loans. Ok I know I'm going to start babbling now..lol I'm good for that :-) We're looking into building a house so I'll just research some of that boring crap, see if that makes me sleepy. Night all!

Often times it's easiest for me to fall asleep early in the afternoon - and sleep HARD - than it is when I'm dead tired and it's night time.

Funny how things work out. How many days out are you now?

[JENerator]

WOW I'm having a tough time sleeping this week. I couldn't fall asleep til 430 this morning and got up at 10. Now its 130am and I'm listening to classical music just to get my mind to calm down. I've got so much stuff goin on right now as we all do.....I've got my life insurance and mortgage license and have done nothing with it because of this show prep. As soon as this is done I'm starting that up and going to work my butt off so I can get out of dispatch and work on my own time. I want to be home and stay home when I have children. I would be on my own schedule being a mortgage broker and doing debt consolidation loans. Ok I know I'm going to start babbling now..lol I'm good for that :-) We're looking into building a house so I'll just research some of that boring crap, see if that makes me sleepy. Night all!

ugh, hate when my mind races around like that-- I hope you've gotten some rest now. stinks to lose the sleep but hey, sometimes the best ideas come at 4am. You've rocked this prep-- no cheating for 8 weeks and now you're only a few DAYS away! you've got to be so proud of yourself and excited at this point, no wonder you can't sleep. enjoy these last few days of prep!

[Jack_the_Repper]

how's your carb up goin?

[grace91181]

Often times it's easiest for me to fall asleep early in the afternoon - and sleep HARD - than it is when I'm dead tired and it's night time.

Funny how things work out. How many days out are you now?
I'm 4 days out now....and I'm ready to go. Its weird how that last week everything starts coming together. I'm especially pleased about my legs, they're looking awesome.


ugh, hate when my mind races around like that-- I hope you've gotten some rest now. stinks to lose the sleep but hey, sometimes the best ideas come at 4am. You've rocked this prep-- no cheating for 8 weeks and now you're only a few DAYS away! you've got to be so proud of yourself and excited at this point, no wonder you can't sleep. enjoy these last few days of prep!

Hell I haven't cheated since the last week of July. And after 8 weeks of no cheat you don't even want to cheat. i'll probably take something tonight to help myself fall asleep. Cuz this is 3 days in a row of not sleeping well. I've tried drinking nighttime tea that has valarian root and spearmint and it only calms me down a little. Also tried melatonin and does no good.


how's your carb up goin?

Going good....I get a little fluish feelin at night for some reason and feel bloated during the day from all the carbs and water I'm drinking. But everything is looking great...I just can't be more happy with how things are looking right now. How about yourself?

[DavidKH]

can we get some pics of you 1-2 days out?

[grace91181]

can we get some pics of you 1-2 days out?

HMMM we'll see I was thinking about holding out on pics until after the show.

[tvicemanXXL]

HMMM we'll see I was thinking about holding out on pics until after the show.

Before and after! Satisfy the masses!

[Jack_the_Repper]

I'm 4 days out now....and I'm ready to go. Its weird how that last week everything starts coming together. I'm especially pleased about my legs, they're looking awesome.



Hell I haven't cheated since the last week of July. And after 8 weeks of no cheat you don't even want to cheat. i'll probably take something tonight to help myself fall asleep. Cuz this is 3 days in a row of not sleeping well. I've tried drinking nighttime tea that has valarian root and spearmint and it only calms me down a little. Also tried melatonin and does no good.



Going good....I get a little fluish feelin at night for some reason and feel bloated during the day from all the carbs and water I'm drinking. But everything is looking great...I just can't be more happy with how things are looking right now. How about yourself?

Oh man, i felt really bloated the first two days. Now its going away that i'm cutting more of them out. Its crazy how much more definition you can see with the tan on too... couple more days!

[grace91181]

alirght....here ya go just took these this morning.

[JENerator]

alirght....here ya go just took these this morning.

holy quads & abs & shoulders & back...I could go on! you're looking crazy good! way to bring it! man, i need to get into the gym and work harder...

[Jaredia123]

you look awesome!! oh and i love the last pic with the dog just lounging in the backround. lol :)

[tvicemanXXL]

Wow you look simply incredible. Your phyisque is in a world of it's own. Congratulations on everything; all your hard work has paid off before you even get to the competition. All that is left to do is have fun on stage!

[Lando33]

Wow you look simply incredible. Your phyisque is in a world of it's own. Congratulations on everything; all your hard work has paid off before you even get to the competition. All that is left to do is have fun on stage!

I second what Tony has said. You do look truly fantastic and I wish you the best of luck in the show.

[edwillis3]

You look fantastic!! Good luck on your upcoming show!!!

[DavidKH]

AMAZING, go kill it at your show!

[grace91181]

you look awesome!! oh and i love the last pic with the dog just lounging in the backround. lol :)

Thats my dog Harley...he's a rot/austrailian sheppard mix. If I'm practicing my posing he has to be up there watching his mom.

And big thanks to all of you guys for motivating me and sending me words of encouragement. The support on these forums is awesome, cuz most of us know what it takes and what we put our bodies through day in and day out to beat that person standing next to you on stage. But its an awesome achievment just to get onstage no matter if you're 1st,2nd or last. Thats how I felt last year at my first show. I didn't care that I didn't win I was just happy to be there and I had so much fun doing it too.

[billfinkbiner]

Grace you look phenomenal. Throw on some color and pose like a freakin' rock star.

[tvicemanXXL]

I hope you kicked some butt! I'm excited to see/hear about your final outcome. Congratulations again!

[grace91181]

Hey guys I got 2nd. Had a pretty good time. Thought I won it and got reallllly disappointed. I'm taking this kinda hard. I thought I had better overall symmetry, mass, and better posing but the gal in the black suit was leaner....and that was it. I don't want to come on here and whine and cry that I didn't win, I and several other people felt I had an overall better package. I'll admit....she was super lean, I'll give her full credit for that. She had me beat in that category. I'm trying to post my pics on here and it won't let me...I'll post them on my myspace site http://www.myspace.com/kbigz81 chk it it out and tell me what you think...be honest!

[str8flexed]

Kelly,
sorry you were dissappointed. You did have better size & symmetry than Robin, but Robin was quite possibly the leanest person at the entire show and conditioning can carry you a long way. I'm trying to be unbiased here since I worked with Robin and I can tell you she worked super hard as I'm sure you did and I can ensure you that after talking with the judges it was very close and could have gone either way depending upon who composed the judging panal. I hope you don't stay discouraged and you use it to make yourself even better and come back and win that pro card at some point! I think you are definintely pro material and will win one at some point in time.

good luck
-Layne

[JENerator]

I have not competed yet, so I really don't have the experience to offer you feedback on the level that others on the boards can, but looking at the show pics, I would have put you in #1 without question.

You looked FANTASTIC up there!! You can't control what the judges will do, only what you can do-- and you gave 100% during your prep.

I know you were in it for the win and with a pro card in mind. All I can say is that you know as well as I do that it's how you handle the disappointments and obstacles in life that defines you, not just the victories...you've improved with each show, it stinks that it couldn't be this time, but KNOW that you will have your win & pro card soon!

You said that you felt like you had won it when you were up there-- hang on to that feeling-- you looked like a true winner and should be so proud of bringing a physique to the stage that so many others like myself aspire to.

and... that pizza looked absolutely decadent! YUM! After some well-deserved pizza, what are your plans for '09? All the best to you!

[Jack_the_Repper]

Hey it was nice meeting you at the show and thanks for some helpful advice. I was really hoping you would win this and i was rooting for you the whole way. But you have to take this and use it as motivation. Best of luck to you with your future training!

[tvicemanXXL]

I just looked over your myspace photos, and my honest opinion is that it was too close for me to give a nod either way. Your back detail is phenomenal and it looks like you beat her on the back shots. I think she had you on the side shots though; her ham/quad separation was more pronounced as well as her delt/biceps. I'm extremely surprised someone with your caliber was in your class, which goes to show you never know who's going to show up.

Regardless, I think you looked absolutely outstanding and as disappointed as I'd be too in your shoes, you still have a phenomenal physique that is pro worthy.

[grace91181]

I just looked over your myspace photos, and my honest opinion is that it was too close for me to give a nod either way. Your back detail is phenomenal and it looks like you beat her on the back shots. I think she had you on the side shots though; her ham/quad separation was more pronounced as well as her delt/biceps. I'm extremely surprised someone with your caliber was in your class, which goes to show you never know who's going to show up.

Regardless, I think you looked absolutely outstanding and as disappointed as I'd be too in your shoes, you still have a phenomenal physique that is pro worthy.

Thank you so much for your honesty. Ya is is really hard to take...but I guess thats all part of it. I know I put everything I could into this prep for 15 weeks and thats all that matters. Just gonna have to figure out something different next time to get my legs leaner. I just always thought the judges take everything into consideration instead of just 1 area. But I guess its different at every show. My friend Carissa won her pro card last week at a WNBF show last weekend but this weekend she won her class but not overall because they said she was too hard looking. There's nothing you can do about it either.

And it'll probabably atleast a year before I do another show. We're ready to start having kids. I just can't wait to get back in the gym just to lift only because I want to, not because I have to because of a show prep.

[cshearer]

Hey! Just wanted to say congratulations...even if you didn't get the first place that you were shooting for. This thread has been amazing. I have read along and used you as my inspiration. My first show is in less than two weeks and I have been struggling with the food side of things! Still, I know that I will make it and be thrilled that I did.

I was so impressed with everything that you accomplished. Good job! So, more importantly (in my food obsessed mind) how was the pizza?!?! For me, it will be Mexican food...

Keep smiling and know that you did an amazing job. Good luck with the "having kids" adventure! My daughter is a year and a half and I can tell you, it's going to be the best thing in your life...enjoy every moment.

Congratulations again!

[grace91181]

Hey it was nice meeting you at the show and thanks for some helpful advice. I was really hoping you would win this and i was rooting for you the whole way. But you have to take this and use it as motivation. Best of luck to you with your future training!

It was nice meeting you too. I hope you had a good time at your first show. And if you ever need any help w/anything let me know. I was hoping I was going to win too, but what are you going to do. Every show is a learning experience and I will have to figure out other ways to lean out my legs. But best of luck to you also. I know you're going to do awesome in the future.


I have not competed yet, so I really don't have the experience to offer you feedback on the level that others on the boards can, but looking at the show pics, I would have put you in #1 without question.

You looked FANTASTIC up there!! You can't control what the judges will do, only what you can do-- and you gave 100% during your prep.

I know you were in it for the win and with a pro card in mind. All I can say is that you know as well as I do that it's how you handle the disappointments and obstacles in life that defines you, not just the victories...you've improved with each show, it stinks that it couldn't be this time, but KNOW that you will have your win & pro card soon!

You said that you felt like you had won it when you were up there-- hang on to that feeling-- you looked like a true winner and should be so proud of bringing a physique to the stage that so many others like myself aspire to.

and... that pizza looked absolutely decadent! YUM! After some well-deserved pizza, what are your plans for '09? All the best to you!

I understand about the not knowing much about that stuff. I probably shouldn't have put that in there but I was still pretty upset when I posted that. I've calmed down a bit and ready to get back in the gym and use this as motivation.

And yes that pizza was freakin awesome! I had a canolli after eating the pizza too. Made some pumpkin pancakes for supper tonight and now I feel like poop. LOL I'm getting back to my diet starting tomorrow, so I don't let this eating get out of control. Of course I'll be Thanksgiving lunch but other than that I'm actually ready to eat healthy again.

We're ready to start having kids now so It'll probably be a couple years before I do another show. Baby making is going to be my main goal for now and were wanting to buy or build a bigger house. So all that will probably be keeping me busy. Of course during that time I'll be hitting the gym to build a bigger and better me for the future shows!

[JENerator]

We're ready to start having kids now so It'll probably be a couple years before I do another show. Baby making is going to be my main goal for now and were wanting to buy or build a bigger house. So all that will probably be keeping me busy. Of course during that time I'll be hitting the gym to build a bigger and better me for the future shows!

Congrats on deciding to start a family and build/buy a new house! That'll be an adventure for sure- baby & a new house at the same time!

I'm planning on doing my first comp next year and need some time to look like I could be on the same stage as you...so, I'm fully supportive of you taking a couple of years off. :) LOL. Seriously, you'll be a force on the stage when you are ready to return.

Thanks for sharing your journey & prep with us. It's been a good learning experience for me and has given me some insight into what to expect.

Have fun in the off-season!

[billfinkbiner]

First, you looked phenomenal!!!!!!!!!!!!

Second, I'll never be a judge for many reasons and I wouldn't want to comment on placement from pictures, because you can't tell if everyone was totally in their pose when the pic was snapped.

Your posing was ON POINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You might need a bit more squeeze in your quads, but other than that your posing in the pics looks like you were in a league of your own. Your structure and muscularity is outstanding. Yes your legs could have been leaner, but you were very full which is always a challenge.

You will just be that much better the next time you compete. You'll have even more muscle and will come in even leaner. You will make people nervous when they see you show up at check in.

Yes the other girl was leaner, but you must have been so close.