4 weeks out...losing my mind!

[cshearer]

Ok, I only have 29 days to go and I am ready to cry! I have been waiting for this competition for the past 6 months, but now things are crazy and so much of me wants to give up on my diet! My trainer told me to come on here and talk to all of you. She said that everyone goes through the same battle at the end. I believe her, but I was hoping to hear from some of you!

I am eating REALLY clean right now...fish, egg whites, spinach, asparagus, oatmeal, chicken, broccoli, and of course my supplements! Honestly, I can do this for 29 days more.

My other problem is that I have a one and a half year old daughter and a husband to cook for! My husband is totally supportive and has agreed to make his own food for the next month, but I find myself standing in the pantry, staring at the toddler cookies and the fruit snacks! Oh my...

Finally, there is work. I teach high school math and I usually give out candy bars for good test scores. Well, my classes have agreed to suffer for a while, but I am finding that I don't have the patience for them that I used to! Seriously, I didn't realize how immature they are!

I was ready to cry this morning because things are so stressful and getting harder the leaner I get (and the crazier I get!). Thanks for listening...

Keep smiling...29 days to go! I have wanted this for a long time. I have dropped my weight from 34% and my starting weight a year ago was 187! Now, I am below 20% bf and I am in the 140's. My goal is to get on stage and blend in...I know I can do this...I just need to power it out!

Thanks again for "listening"!

[Exa123]

Ok, I only have 29 days to go and I am ready to cry! I have been waiting for this competition for the past 6 months, but now things are crazy and so much of me wants to give up on my diet! My trainer told me to come on here and talk to all of you. She said that everyone goes through the same battle at the end. I believe her, but I was hoping to hear from some of you!

I am eating REALLY clean right now...fish, egg whites, spinach, asparagus, oatmeal, chicken, broccoli, and of course my supplements! Honestly, I can do this for 29 days more.

My other problem is that I have a one and a half year old daughter and a husband to cook for! My husband is totally supportive and has agreed to make his own food for the next month, but I find myself standing in the pantry, staring at the toddler cookies and the fruit snacks! Oh my...

Finally, there is work. I teach high school math and I usually give out candy bars for good test scores. Well, my classes have agreed to suffer for a while, but I am finding that I don't have the patience for them that I used to! Seriously, I didn't realize how immature they are!

I was ready to cry this morning because things are so stressful and getting harder the leaner I get (and the crazier I get!). Thanks for listening...

Keep smiling...29 days to go! I have wanted this for a long time. I have dropped my weight from 34% and my starting weight a year ago was 187! Now, I am below 20% bf and I am in the 140's. My goal is to get on stage and blend in...I know I can do this...I just need to power it out!

Thanks again for "listening"!

With 29 days to go this is where these sort of feelings will come out, the quality that seperates people who step on stage to those who dont is the ability to remain strong willed and determined in times when giving up or straying from your diet seem like the best thing to do!

You have come this far to throw it away because trust me you will regret it if you give up now, speaking from experiance there :) Its great that your husband supports you thats a huge positive, you seem like you have a great attitude and just needed a little vent (we ALL do) stick with it and make yourself and your family proud for achieving something that 90% of the population would only dream about.

[AustrianOakJr]

Hey, we've been there. (Maybe minus the crying part :)) My situation is very similar. Really. The same. This was my first show.....I teach high school technology (OK, so thats a LITTLE different) and I have a 4 yr old AND a 1 yr old. Its freaking tough. No doubt. Yes, high school kids SUCK when you have only had 30g of carbs in the last 2 days. You want to kill everyone of them.

Everyday, I would get up, hit the treadmill in the morning before school, then work all day, go BACK to the gym after school to weight train, then home and want to flop on the couch in a coma, but I cant because my wife works many afternoons as soon as I walk in the door. So, ive got kids crawling all over me, wanting to wrestle, crying, whatever.....theyre my kids, so theres not much of an option here. Take care of the kids until 8PM bed time, then prep my meals for the next day, THEN flop on the couch in a coma, and really only relax for about 10 minutes before I am out cold sleeping. Everyday. Fun.

Its tough, but let me tell you. ITS WORTH IT. If youre anything like me, the rush of adrenaline while on the stage is just an awesome feeling. I cant wait to get back there. The sense of accomplishment it awesome. It is a really satisfying sport because its so hard. If you quit now, you fall into the category of those that cant hack it. I guess you gotta ask yourself if its too hard for you. Seriously, its just food. Youre gonna let food beat you? Its inanimate. For the next 29 days, food it fuel. Thats it. No pleasure in food. Fuel for the body and thats all. Find your pleasure in transforming your body into something most cant.

[cshearer]

Thank you both so much! No, really, it helps to read that you have all been here before. I want this so badly, I can do it. I love that there are other teachers/parents out there who are doing this. My students are a big part of why I kept going when things got tough. They are all so interested. I feel like I am teaching them to follow through with their goals. If I stop now, it is like saying...reach for your dreams, but if you get kinda close and want cookie dough, that is good enough!

I can do this. I am so ready to see what it is like to walk out on that stage and feel the rush! You are both right, this is one of the hardest things that I have ever done...and I had a kid! Yeah, a few hours in labor is nothing! Ha! Try no carbs/calories and a couple hundred teenagers plus two or three trips a day to the gym...and a family to top it off!

I am feeling better today. I have switched around my carbs and added more veggies for sanity reasons. Thank you again!

[phil216]

do you have pic of yourself ? I'm 1 day out and my diet as not been easy but I'm super lean right now. I will tell you this just from my own experience... Conest diets are tough and depending upon your starting point they can be hell but if your working with someone good you really need to stick to your plan. If you can post a pic I would be more then happy to give you an honest opinion

[2live2learn]

I'm 20 days out too. And going bonkers!!!!! I started a new job this week and am under all kinds of other stress (family, money, sleeplessness). I feel your pain in other words. I keep telling myself this is only a few weeks out of the entire year and after the show I'll have as much time as I want to eat, rest and play like a regular gal. The other thing I "trick" myself into thinking is that this is my chance to prepare for a chane in a lifetime role, like an actress/movie star would prep for her big debut on film. Keep picturing yourself up on stage in your best body every. You can do it!!!

[AustrianOakJr]

this. My students are a big part of why I kept going when things got tough. They are all so interested. I feel like I am teaching them to follow through with their goals. If I stop now, it is like saying...reach for your dreams, but if you get kinda close and want cookie dough, that is good enough!




The students really do look up to you for doing this. Some of my students were really interested in the whole process and asked a lot of questions about diet and training, etc. It really is a good example to set for kids whos lives are so consumed by X-box and i-pods.

[jked4life]

I am planning on doing my first competition in April. I teach High School Special Ed. , which takes a lot of patience anyways. I'm guessing it's gonna take a lot to keep my cool that close to show time.

My kids also ask me all the time about diet and training. I also feel like I'm trying to set a good example for them as well as my son.

I've not yet walked in either of your shoes, but I can relate with both of you and your motivations.

On a side note, do either of you find that working in a High School makes you feel like an even bigger "freak" for your bodybuilding lifestyle? All the other staff members I work with are so out of shape. I know people are like that everywhere, but it seems like our profession is especially bad. I'm constantly getting cracks about not eating treats that are brought in. It doesn't help being the only man in my department either :cool:

[AustrianOakJr]

On a side note, do either of you find that working in a High School makes you feel like an even bigger "freak" for your bodybuilding lifestyle? All the other staff members I work with are so out of shape. I know people are like that everywhere, but it seems like our profession is especially bad. I'm constantly getting cracks about not eating treats that are brought in. It doesn't help being the only man in my department either :cool:

I definately get a few weird looks when people ask about why im eating that or ask if im "sick" after noticing all the weight I lost. But, I also hang with a few teachers that really respect the lifestyle (into training and health, etc) and one of the guys I work with used to compete. So, I get a little of both.

[jked4life]

I definately get a few weird looks when people ask about why im eating that or ask if im "sick" after noticing all the weight I lost. But, I also hang with a few teachers that really respect the lifestyle (into training and health, etc) and one of the guys I work with used to compete. So, I get a little of both.

That's cool. I wish I had a little of that balance.

I'm around older, nonathletic women all day. I'm the resident freak in my part of the world. I constantly get asked if I'm eating, since I've dropped 45 lbs in the last year. I also get the comments about my "food choices" as well as the copious amounts of water I consume during the day.

[cshearer]

On a side note, do either of you find that working in a High School makes you feel like an even bigger "freak" for your bodybuilding lifestyle? All the other staff members I work with are so out of shape. I know people are like that everywhere, but it seems like our profession is especially bad. I'm constantly getting cracks about not eating treats that are brought in. It doesn't help being the only man in my department either :cool:

Ha! I already stand out without the bb lifestyle! I switched to an advanced high school that my district is trying out for three years. We do every course at double pacing so that kids can graduate faster. The days are really long (8:30-4:30 with no prep!) but the kids are pretty good.

With 90 minute classes, I am ALWAYS running to the bathroom between periods. One day I didn't and I seriously almost didn't make the whole class period! Now I go to the restroom NO MATTER WHAT between each class!

As for food, I get a lot of crap. My entire school has 12 adults at it. Because we are so small, it is really cheap to treat everyone to junk food! At least a few days a week someone will bring in donuts, pizza, pie, homemade cookies, etc. for the entire staff. I stay in my classroom and avoid it! They make comments about how "a little won't hurt" and how I am going to blow away one day, but that is fine with me. They all know that I am working towards a show and they respect that...most of the time!

The one thing I did have a problem with was a creepy dad who kept getting right in my face to tell me how "foxy" I was looking! I don't even have his son in my class this year! I went to the principal and her response was that his wife was a bit of a "battle-ax" so it was understandable. Ummm, no.

I emailed the dad and asked him to remain professional. I explained that my husband and I were not comfortable with the comments. I totally embarrassed him with my email (which I CCed to the principal) and he sent an apology and has not spoken to me since then!

What I do love is when the kids ask questions. One of my students is very large. When he got 100% on a test and I asked what kind of candy bar he wanted, he asked if I could get him a Crystal Light like I drink. He is trying to cut out sugars like I have. I was so proud of him! Now he knows that he can come and get packets of Crystal Light from me when he needs something sweet.

I am the youngest staff member, the ONLY one with a positive attitude most of the time, and I am the only one who brings fish and celery to work! Hey, be an original...

I did get in trouble one day when I opened tuna between class periods and stunk out three classrooms! Oops! I learned to do that at home!

[Exa123]

Thank you both so much! No, really, it helps to read that you have all been here before. I want this so badly, I can do it. I love that there are other teachers/parents out there who are doing this. My students are a big part of why I kept going when things got tough. They are all so interested. I feel like I am teaching them to follow through with their goals. If I stop now, it is like saying...reach for your dreams, but if you get kinda close and want cookie dough, that is good enough!

I can do this. I am so ready to see what it is like to walk out on that stage and feel the rush! You are both right, this is one of the hardest things that I have ever done...and I had a kid! Yeah, a few hours in labor is nothing! Ha! Try no carbs/calories and a couple hundred teenagers plus two or three trips a day to the gym...and a family to top it off!

I am feeling better today. I have switched around my carbs and added more veggies for sanity reasons. Thank you again!


That a girl! Go after it and give it 100%, you will do well as you sound like a girl with a great attitude and work ethic.

Never back down and Never ever ever give up :)

[Mr.Next in Line]

we all at bodyspace believe you can do it...the mind is stronger than the body. It takes willpower and discipline and its hard but its just like life itself. there are things that we want but we dont want to get involved with it because of we know the consequences.. or we just cant have it at all. just think that all the other competitors are going thru the same thing.. they may slip but you wont which means you will be ahead. i went thru it as well and i found out that just about every competitor slipped the week or day before and i whooped the whole show as a novice. hang in there baby we all behind you




Ok, I only have 29 days to go and I am ready to cry! I have been waiting for this competition for the past 6 months, but now things are crazy and so much of me wants to give up on my diet! My trainer told me to come on here and talk to all of you. She said that everyone goes through the same battle at the end. I believe her, but I was hoping to hear from some of you!

I am eating REALLY clean right now...fish, egg whites, spinach, asparagus, oatmeal, chicken, broccoli, and of course my supplements! Honestly, I can do this for 29 days more.

My other problem is that I have a one and a half year old daughter and a husband to cook for! My husband is totally supportive and has agreed to make his own food for the next month, but I find myself standing in the pantry, staring at the toddler cookies and the fruit snacks! Oh my...

Finally, there is work. I teach high school math and I usually give out candy bars for good test scores. Well, my classes have agreed to suffer for a while, but I am finding that I don't have the patience for them that I used to! Seriously, I didn't realize how immature they are!

I was ready to cry this morning because things are so stressful and getting harder the leaner I get (and the crazier I get!). Thanks for listening...

Keep smiling...29 days to go! I have wanted this for a long time. I have dropped my weight from 34% and my starting weight a year ago was 187! Now, I am below 20% bf and I am in the 140's. My goal is to get on stage and blend in...I know I can do this...I just need to power it out!

Thanks again for "listening"!

[cshearer]

27 days to go! I switched gyms to a much cleaner one (LA Fitness) and I'm reenergized from all of you!

Keep smiling!

[jimmoore]

Ok, I only have 29 days to go and I am ready to cry! I have been waiting for this competition for the past 6 months, but now things are crazy and so much of me wants to give up on my diet! My trainer told me to come on here and talk to all of you. She said that everyone goes through the same battle at the end. I believe her, but I was hoping to hear from some of you!

I am eating REALLY clean right now...fish, egg whites, spinach, asparagus, oatmeal, chicken, broccoli, and of course my supplements! Honestly, I can do this for 29 days more.

My other problem is that I have a one and a half year old daughter and a husband to cook for! My husband is totally supportive and has agreed to make his own food for the next month, but I find myself standing in the pantry, staring at the toddler cookies and the fruit snacks! Oh my...

Finally, there is work. I teach high school math and I usually give out candy bars for good test scores. Well, my classes have agreed to suffer for a while, but I am finding that I don't have the patience for them that I used to! Seriously, I didn't realize how immature they are!

I was ready to cry this morning because things are so stressful and getting harder the leaner I get (and the crazier I get!). Thanks for listening...

Keep smiling...29 days to go! I have wanted this for a long time. I have dropped my weight from 34% and my starting weight a year ago was 187! Now, I am below 20% bf and I am in the 140's. My goal is to get on stage and blend in...I know I can do this...I just need to power it out!

Thanks again for "listening"!

Hang in there, we all go through this, cognitive functioning is impaired on a low carb diet, ive got a week to go before the NAC British championships and my head is in bits, logically functioning is impaired. so have someone knowledgeable in your corner you trust, not a gym buddy who thinks you look great but someone who can give critical comment. This is the hardest sport in the world, we reach into the very depths of ourselves and in this time we discover if we really have the guts to get there. You havent done all these weeks of prep to give up now, make meals, I do, i love seeing people eat nice food I can't, its cathartic and lastly good luck, IMO anyone who gets on the stage in condition deserves respect!

[cshearer]

Ok, I only have 24 days to go! I am doing well, totally excited, and I am sick! Honestly, I feel like crap. My daughter has had the flu and I think she finally learned to share...ugh.

Teaching high school all day while feeling like I am gonna puke has sucked. Still, I want to save my sick days for when my daughter is sick and for the day before the competition!

All I have eaten today is 1/4 cup (dry) of oatmeal, 1/2 cup of egg whites, 1/2 cup yams, 1 cup asparagus, and a lot of water. Carbs seem like the only things that will settle my stomach, but I don't want to break my diet!

I am going to call my trainer right now...

Any ideas? This sucks. Oh good! 4:15, I can go home now...

Thanks!

[stayfit2008]

Sounds like all you need is support,..you seem to have a good grasp on your diet and training. So,..the best anyone can say in here is keep driving on! We all have been there some form or another. Feel free to unload your stresses on us whenever,..you are in the company of others who are feeling the same way or will be or have already! I know when my time comes again I will be doing the same,..hehe :)

[Step Beyond]

Yep, I think many of us can relate. And as we all know, misery loves company ;-)

Personally, I know when I did my last prep I had the hardest time with my diet on the last two weeks. Think it was because I new the end was in sight and I was on the verge of a huge binge ;-) Months earlier, it was so far out of reach that I didn't even consider it, but as the final day got closer the cravings came back with a vengeance.

I know that doesn't really help ya, other than to say - we all understand. However, sounds like you have had a great journey and are so near to accomplishing a huge goal, try and mainatin that focus and rock on for these last three weeks!!!! And if that doesn;t work, hand out extra homework assignments to all the kids and ruin their day too !!!!!!!!!!!!!......lol....

[cshearer]

And if that doesn;t work, hand out extra homework assignments to all the kids and ruin their day too !!!!!!!!!!!!!......lol....

Ha! I loved this idea! Thanks.

I really am doing well...23 days to go! The problem is this flu bug. I was up all night and had to cancel the gym for this morning. I called in a sub and am planning to stay home. The problem is, I keep thinking of all the stuff I should get done with a "free" day!

Hey, an upset stomach that keeps nothing down is really good at stopping cravings! That is my silver lining...

Thanks again for the words of encouragement. I am going to drop off sub plans and head back to the couch...

Keep smiling!

[stayfit2008]

remember,... rest is just as important as training.

[AustrianOakJr]

Ha! I loved this idea! Thanks.

I really am doing well...23 days to go! The problem is this flu bug. I was up all night and had to cancel the gym for this morning. I called in a sub and am planning to stay home. The problem is, I keep thinking of all the stuff I should get done with a "free" day!

Hey, an upset stomach that keeps nothing down is really good at stopping cravings! That is my silver lining...

Thanks again for the words of encouragement. I am going to drop off sub plans and head back to the couch...

Keep smiling!

A buddy of mine got the flu like a week out one time and he tried to just keep sipping protein and water the whole time, but in the end he said he lost a bunch of fat due to the fever and no food.....and he came out bone dry. He said the flu was the best thing that happened to him for that show! So, dont sweat it.

[cshearer]

Thanks everyone. I am going to bed now. I finished my sub plans, made it to my dentist appointment (just for fun), and now I get to sleep! Goodnight all!

PS) AustrianOakJr, wow! Your transformation was amazing! I saw some of your pictures on your thread the other day! I am inspired...

[AustrianOakJr]

PS) AustrianOakJr, wow! Your transformation was amazing! I saw some of your pictures on your thread the other day! I am inspired...

Thanks. I just had fire within and decided enough was enough. No more Mr. Fat Guy.