PUSH through the obstruction - srublind's log to BIGGER and better things!

[center][color=green][b]Thursday 3.22-Monday 3.26[/b][/color][/center]

Quick check in here to say hello and let anyone checking in that yes, I am in fact, alive! Had a CRAZY long and busy day on Thursday for work then headed out to Pittsburgh, PA and Columbus, OH to check in with some clients and long lost friends. I can't believe the weekend went so fast; so much driving, catching up, eats and such. I seriously need a weekend to recover from my weekend. ANYWAY, got in my scheduled Friday and Saturday training and ate around maintenance. I definitely wanted to give myself some leeway for this trip and it felt nice. I still ate healthy but had fun with it! Great small joint barbecue in there, a bit of pizza and some cookies to round out my salads, lean proteins, and veggies!

AMAZING... client picked us up a lil' bit of everything at a delish roadside joint. A little taste of everything did the trick for me!
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/BBQ.jpg[/IMG]

Today's training plan:

Cross Training + Cardio after work later today and getting back on my nutrition numbers. Started today with a 5:30am pair of clients and am pooped from the weekend; come on FIRST wind lol.

FOUR weeks left until final pics for transformation contest 1. SEVEN weeks left until final pics for transformation contest 2. OH, and a trip to Puerto Rico, Smoky Mountains... capped by beach trip end of May then Greece/Turkey in June! Gettin' fit and feelin' great into summer 2012!

GOODNESS! Where does the time go!? You know you're busy WHEN...

- your last post in a DAILY log was almost a week ago
- you've now actually SCHEDULED 30 minutes in your day TO post in your bodybuilding.com thread

= more consistency

BUT, been on the training schedule - LOVING my tweaked program and seeing some heavy lifts and progress. Lifting heavier than ever but not seeing the numbers drop as quickly as in the past. BUT, this is probably a good thing. I lost too quickly and became too small, lost some muscle last cut. Not this time; averaging about 1 lb loss/week... want to increase to 1.5/week here the next 3 weeks.

BACK on the dailies on Monday.

Rock it out!

Im patiently awaiting Monday's WO and food pronz!

[QUOTE=snrygo;857830043]Im patiently awaiting Monday's WO and food pronz![/QUOTE]

Hey Buddy! While I've been killin' time with no window for posting, i HAVE been following your epic pics in MEN. I'll get it goin again - glad to have you along! :)

[center][color=purple][b]Monday 4.2[/b][/color][/center]

[b]It's national PB & J Day, how'd YOU celebrate? :) [/b]

[b]Training[/b]

Cross Training:

Dumbbell Chest Press w/Straight Leg Raise x15
Double Kettlebell Shoulder Press x15
Dynamic Leg Press x15
Woodchopper (hi to low) r/l x15 each
Barbell Push Up to BOSU Jump w/Clean and Press x15

Ran through this circuit five times... felt great, got that SWEAT goin!

Cardio: 30 minutes - 10 minute climbing intervals x3

*Training felt great today, I had more energy than for my last few cross training style sessions. Ready to kick this week's a$$!

[b]Nutrition[/b]

P/F/Cho: 185/50/filled in the rest

3 weeks out of some pics and trip to Puerto Rico - lowered calories a bit, but will be watching numbers and making sure energy levels are in check.

FOOD PICSSSS

Lunch - Tuna/egg white salad w/salad fixins
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000825.jpg[/IMG]

Dinner - Buffalo chicken dish w/steamed broccoli (topped w/WF blue cheese) and a 'cool' side of dill greek yogurt for the buffalo chicken
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000826.jpg[/IMG]

Junk Bowl (PB & J inspired w/butterscotch sf/ff jello mix, hazelnut extract and WF strawberry syrup among the obvious in pic) and saved some macros for a lil' PB & J for the special day! Threw a layer of cream cheese in there and slapped it on the griddle for a few seconds and some 'crunch'
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000830.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000828.jpg[/IMG]

A few recent eats...

[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000816.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000823.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000818.jpg[/IMG]

[b]Energy Expenditure[/b]

*No longer wearing the BodyMedia as I need to 'wean' myself from it lol. I have been recording the data though and I burn 2800/day on average... while slightly higher the last few weeks, I have a good feel for where I am each day depending on my workouts/activity for work.

Now to wait for this game to come on, 9:23pm tip off. GTFO! This kid is up by 5am so hoping to hold on for a half!

BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER, HEREWEGO!

[QUOTE=srublind;854783843][center][color=green][b]Thursday 3.22-Monday 3.26[/b][/color][/center]




[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/BBQ.jpg[/IMG]

[/QUOTE]

best looking meal I've seen in a while wow... do you know where it was from?

I celebrated today by being unaware. Feelsbatman

Damn, your cardio seems intense. And along with those low calories, you must be exhausted! I'm really impressed.
And I celebrated PB&J day (unknowingly) by having a big bowl of "Peanut Butter Cheerios" & Frozen peaches together.
(I guess peaches count as jelly :D?)

[QUOTE=big__chris;859191913]best looking meal I've seen in a while wow... do you know where it was from?[/QUOTE]
I can't remember the name of the joint; it was a roadside place (well established and had a food truck feel) outside of Columbus, Oh. I have an email in to my friend who recommended it. So many good options and totally southern authentic.

[QUOTE=snrygo;859249013]I celebrated today by being unaware. Feelsbatman[/QUOTE]
Everyday is a good day for PB & J. I am confident you'll make up for it ;)

[QUOTE=anuragp122195;859296193]Damn, your cardio seems intense. And along with those low calories, you must be exhausted! I'm really impressed.
And I celebrated PB&J day (unknowingly) by having a big bowl of "Peanut Butter Cheerios" & Frozen peaches together.
(I guess peaches count as jelly :D?)[/QUOTE]
Mmmmm your celebration sounds equally delicious, actually a little more - I've had that box of pb cheerios staring back at me when I hit the store for a few months now lol. Yeah, doing ok on the lower cals and decent cardio. I played soccer in college, so I run about 1/10th of what I used to... feels good to open it up a bit when I get a run in. So far so good, gonna keep it rockin' and rollin'!

[center][color=purple][b]Tuesday 4.3[/b][/color][/center]

[b]Training[/b]

Cardio only today - 50 minutes - 10 min increasing speed x5

Feeling stoked for tomorrow's back/bi/calve day - time to get my ROW on!

[b]Nutrition[/b]

P/F: 185/51

Eats

Breakfast - whole egg, three egg white scramble (made with us almond milk), cottage cheese rice cake w/a bit of biscoff spread - love this stuff
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000831.jpg[/IMG]

Dinner - Tilapia, steamed brussels w/my acv/WF pancake syrup vinaigrette and topped w/mozzarella, and in the spirit of Easter/having fun with macros... sweet 'deviled' eggs (egg whites filled with cottage cheese/WF strawberry syrup combo)
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000832.jpg[/IMG]

JUNK time - and look what made it's way into my macros today? This lil' guy has been staring at me for a week; worked it out today! Dark chocolate covered peep. Not too bad and got my Easter fix satisfied.
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000837.jpg[/IMG]

*Felt great today - only had three client sessions with left me with ample time to get some administrative things done - THANK GOODNESS. Time to wind it down and feel like I accomplished what I set out to for the day - win! Up early for clients and my back day!!

Biscoff spread is great. I have tried it topped on a baked sweet potato and even as a dip for cinnamon baked sweet potato fries/wedges. (I've tried SP's with pretty much everything as you probably know they are one of, if not my favorite food)

LOL at the sweet deviled eggs. I've heard of making liquid egg whites sweet, but actual boiled egg whites with sweet filling. Would have never thought of it. Is it good?!
I hate pretty much all candy but marshmallows and chocolate are exceptions for me. Peeps are fluffy, gooey and delicious. That chocolate covered one makes it look like a peep that went to the dark side. They usually look like innocent little chicks haha.

[QUOTE=anuragp122195;859895813]Biscoff spread is great. I have tried it topped on a baked sweet potato and even as a dip for cinnamon baked sweet potato fries/wedges. (I've tried SP's with pretty much everything as you probably know they are one of, if not my favorite food)

LOL at the sweet deviled eggs. I've heard of making liquid egg whites sweet, but actual boiled egg whites with sweet filling. Would have never thought of it. Is it good?!
I hate pretty much all candy but marshmallows and chocolate are exceptions for me. Peeps are fluffy, gooey and delicious. That chocolate covered one makes it look like a peep that went to the dark side. They usually look like innocent little chicks haha.[/QUOTE]

TOTALLY agree - most people here have never tried Biscoff spread, let alone actually know what it is. I'll have to try it on sweet potato next time I can throw a nice big one into my nutrition - carb up day WIN!

On the eggs - YES - I actually use sweet 'fillings' in egg whites often. I've even thrown PB in them for little egg pb cups. The egg white takes on the flavor of whatever you hit them with, so it works well.

Also not a big 'candy' person... sometimes dark chocolate is what hits the spot. I think I have extra cravings for the sweets around holidays, like most I'm sure. Fit in a tiny cadbury cream egg in last night's junk bowl. :)

[center][color=purple][b]Wednesday 4.4[/b][/color][/center]

[b]Training[/b]

Focus: Back/Bi/Calves

Lat Pulldown - Got stuck with the stack without weight designation so... sets/reps looked like WU, 12, 10, 5x3
Barbell Row - WU 15/45, 12/85, 10, 95, 5/125x5
ss w/Incline Close Grip Pushup - 12/BW
One Arm DB Row - 12/50, 12/60, 10/70, 5/75x3
ss w/Hammer Strength Rev Grip Pulldown - 12/90x6
Seated Cable Row w/Close Grip - 12/100, 10/120, 5/130x4
ss w/High Cable Scaption - 12/34x6
Cable Curl 21s - 21/25x3
Alt DB Curl - 10/22.5x3
ss w/Barbell Curl - 10/40x3
Seated Calf Raise - 15/235x3

Cardio: LISS (incline treadmill walk, increasing speed/incline) - 30 minutes

*Workout felt great... staying away from deads as I've been pretty tight in the lower back lately. Working with SMFR and extra stretching to rectify this and get back to slingin weight deadlift style. Still happy with my weight lifting progress... best ever!

[b]Nutrition[/b]

P/F - 182/49

FooOOoodSs...

Lunch - Salad w/tuna and the weird red things are sun dried tomato slivers
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000838.jpg[/IMG]

Dinner - Tilapia, brussels, sweet potato and deviled eggs using WF mayo stuff (this stuff is meh on it's own but I use it to add to tuna and such as mayo sub from time to time)
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000839.jpg[/IMG]

Junk bowl - I don't OFTEN show these as they're pretty much always the same... but, the Easter bunny hid an egg w/tonight's junk bowl... mini cadbury creme egg. :)
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000840.jpg[/IMG]

Feelin' great! I'm excited to check my numbers this weekend... feeling light and tight. Gonna keep pushing it!!!

I hope you had a lovely Easter! I miss your updates but I know how crazy life can get :)

[QUOTE=ajangel25;863127281]I hope you had a lovely Easter! I miss your updates but I know how crazy life can get :)[/QUOTE]

Hey! Thanks so much for the well wishes, I hope that yours was wonderful as well. It has certainly been crazy, but getting in here for a quick update is on my 'to do' list today haha. I feel like I have 20 projects all at about 50% so I need to crack down and get some cranked out with some quality. I do miss getting in here though, I love the support and feedback. It really keeps me motivated through the hectic-ness.

Quick one to come... hope all is well - keep hittin' it hard!

[center][color=purple][b]Thursday 4.5 - Monday 4.9[/b][/color][/center]

I do have to say that it's certainly been a challenge to get my a$$ in here to update daily; when life is comin' it's COMIN'. I've been keeping up with my training and nutrition is feeling good. I did indulge a bit yesterday in the 'sweets' department with some desserts and a few chocolates. It was def the most MODERATE Easter in recent memory though, which felt nice. Great day with friends as I'm a good way from family. All good things! Anyway, it seems I'm w/clients, training myself or lost in the mess of social media/blogging/general 'get yo name out there foo!' life lately. Gotta get organized and here's the quick catch up!

I keep track of each and everyday in an Excel database, so the numbers and such are on as well as my training logs (what I do each day). So, while it doesn't always make it to the BB.com pages... I'm a pretty OCD recorder. I'm trying to ease back a bit here - so maybe that's my internal deal for myself - keeping track like usual but not a MUST log here. Balance, kids. Balance.

Herewego.

[b]Thursday[/b]

Focus: Chest/Tri/Shoulders

*Cliff notes: still throwing up the best weight ever... I'm benching around 130lbs for 6-8 and that's without a lifting partner. I'd probably be comfortable with 15-20 more for 2-3 reps. This is great considering I've stayed away from the bench awhile due to shoulder problems. GREAT LIFT!

Cardio: Stair mill (30 minutes)

P/F - 181/52

[b]Friday[/b]

Focus: CARDIO - 60 minutes - 10 minute climbing intervals... FELT GREAT! Just started throwing longer runs back into my program and I'm digging the feel. I really feel it's a main contributor in my recent leaning out. Still around 1 lb/week loss... feels weird since I've always lost more quickly BUT gotta keep in perspective... muscle PRESERVED!

P/F - 177/48

[b]Saturday[/b]

Focus: Track work + Soccer game (this is my usual leg day, but with work and team commitments just had to go with the flow). First track workout in recent memory and got in some good SAQ work. Also played great on the pitch (goalkeeper) with a few stellar horizontal saves. YES!!!! :)

P/F - Didn't keep track... had only about 600 calories before my track and soccer work - with a team gathering after I didn't eat until late evening. OI. Crashed hard. Threw food down and went to bed.

[b]Sunday[/b]

Happy Easter! Got in a nice bike ride late morning and helped prep Easter brunch for a small group of friends. All good things!

[b]Monday[/b]

Focus: Cross Training style session

DB Chest Press + Straight Leg Raise - 15/30
Standing Barbell Press - 15/50
BOSU Squat w/Front DB - 15/40
Cable Choppers - 15/30 (r,l)
Incline Bench Pushup w/KB Raise - 12/20
BOSU Squat Jump - BW/15

Circuit done three times through + Direct core work (two circuits)

Cardio - Stair Mill - 30 minutes

P/F - 184/50

and now.................. some PICSSSSS (looks same 'ol same 'ol.... didn't take many lately and big fail for Easter pics - maybe because my brand new iPhone was stolen from me... on the street...Saturday afternoon. oi.)

[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000841.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000842.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000843.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000844.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000845.jpg[/IMG]

***********************2 1/2 weeks to PUERTO RICO - HITTIN LIFE HARD - let's keep it rockin!

[center][color=purple][b]Tuesday 4.10[/b][/color][/center]

[b]Training[/b]

CARDIO DAY - Stair Mill - 40 minutes

*Wore my Vibrams for my sprint work on Saturday and my calves are DICED... really feeling the effects a few days later here. I planned to get an interval run in, but my flexion and extension were nada. So, stair mill it was. Early AM cardio tomorrow and a BIG back day will feel fantastic tomorrow!

[b]Nutrition[/b]

P/F - 180/49

Eats

Breakfast
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000846.jpg[/IMG]

Dinner
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000847.jpg[/IMG]

Junk bowl that JUST went downnnn
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000848.jpg[/IMG]

For the first time in awhile I wanted morrrrrrrrr at the end of every meal today haha. Pushing through!! Gonna hold off on pics until before Puerto Rico and keep this thing rockin hard.

NO QUIT.

Facking awesome eats and motivation as usual S!

[center][color=purple][b]Wednesday 4.11[/b][/color][/center]

[b]Training[/b]

AM: Cardio - Stair Mill - 40 minutes

PM: SMFR 5-7 minutes

Focus - Back/Bi/Calves

Lat Pulldown - WU 15/70, 10/100, 8/120, 5/140x3
Seated Cable Row (Wide Grip) - 12/85, 10/100, 5/120x4
ss w/Incline Close Grip Push Up - BW/15x6
Close Grip Pulldown - 10/100, 5/140x3
ss w/Seated Reverse DB Fly - 12/20x4
One Arm DB Row - 12/60, 10/70, 5/75x4
ss w/Asst. Pullup - x6
Seated Calf Raise - 15/235x3
Alt. DB Curl - 10/25x3
ss w/Barbell Curl - 12/30x3 (reg, wide, close grips)
Rope Cable Curl -12/30x3

*Session felt great and got a stellar pump - veins were poppin! Wanted to get in a lot of cable work here today, laid off barbell rows and deads for a changeup. I'll hit these hard next week to keep things mixed up. Gettin sTRonnNnG

[b]Nutrition[/b]

P/F - 183/49

Meals are reeeeeeeeeally looking the same throughout the day haha. I'm gonna try to mix it up a bit here through the end of the week and into the weekend. Try some different prep and ingredients. We'll see where I get with that, been diggin' the eats lately with fresh veggies and pretty quick cook time all day.

FOODS....

Lunch - Big ol salad w/tuna
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000849.jpg[/IMG]

Dinner - Egg (EB and 1 whole egg) scramble w/chicken + hot sauce and some cheese, small salad and steamed broccoli/onion
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000850.jpg[/IMG]

jUnK bOwL
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000851.jpg[/IMG]

FEELING GOOD AND LEAN... hoping to keep this goin' strong and have ab poppage for the little vacay

Easin' on down tonight and getting organized for work/train/eat/KILLIN it Thursday style!

anyone on Twitter? I'm trying to get things going there @livingfitly - more to come down the line!

[QUOTE=snrygo;863948261]Facking awesome eats and motivation as usual S![/QUOTE]

DIGGIN the feedback snrygo! Thanks for the stop in, keep it up with those eats!

Moved to DC eh? I'm heading that way in 3-4 mos to obtain my MSOT. I'm also a PT, what gym do you work for? Lifts looking great in here! I think your log has inspired me to begin logging once again...

Edit: My apologies for the evil reps. You're now at 666, lol.

Awesome that you are getting lean as hell now.
Loving the classic junk bowl as well
and I'll start following you on twitter!

[QUOTE=LEX-UA;866575471]Moved to DC eh? I'm heading that way in 3-4 mos to obtain my MSOT. I'm also a PT, what gym do you work for? Lifts looking great in here! I think your log has inspired me to begin logging once again...

Edit: My apologies for the evil reps. You're now at 666, lol.[/QUOTE]

Hey! Well, welcome to the capitol... it seems big at first but this is a small city. So far so good. I don't work for a gym here; I work for a private training company that does a lot; in home, in studio (Chevy Chase), group training, partner training and we do great pro bono work (well, I have taken it up with my Y background). So, I'm essentially and independent contractor with allegiance to my 'company'. It's a great gig! It's been a challenge to log daily; I typically work 6am-2pm then admin work, my own workout, evening clients and then I'm beat or catching up w/emails. I think what's challenging is I have to always be on my game. Available all hours, blogging, social media for the company, etc. No time to hang out for a movie or cocktail lol. But it's energizing... while limiting my time here at bb.com - which I LOVE. Keep me posted on your progress - and hit me up when in town!!!

[QUOTE=anuragp122195;866599731]Awesome that you are getting lean as hell now.
Loving the classic junk bowl as well
and I'll start following you on twitter![/QUOTE]

Hey buddy, saw your follow on Twitter! I have been running around like a crazy person... planning a pic bomb here today or tomorrow. BUT, have a few blogs up this week that I can link to. Trying to get out there as much as possible; the actually log is taking a back seat. Had a great cross training session today though!

Gotta keep it rockin!!! You do the same!

Just checking in! Keeping to my training schedule and HITTIN IT HARD! Not enough time to get my detailed log in today; but hit back with some great stuff today - feeling the strength with each new training day! Incorporating more cardio the next week along with some tighter nutrition numbers/choices... trying to lean out with a BANG before heading on vacation next week. Final countdown! Then it's back on track with my schedule through May for some final transformation pics just before Memorial Day! KEEPIN IT POPPIN!

But in the meantime... here are some EATS! I've been hovering around 1700 calories, 180p/50f... will drop a touch this next week.

Worked on a little project for my blog and made the 'Super-est Super Food Dinner' haha... the 'top ten' super foods on one plate... I'll have the post/blog up in the next few days

Super Foods
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000874.jpg[/IMG]

Salmon topped with a greek yogurt/dill sauce and dusted with chopped almonds
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000879.jpg[/IMG]

Mash for quinoa cakes - Quinoa, sweet potato, prepared beans
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000877.jpg[/IMG]

Dark chocolate/blueberry 'sauce'
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000878.jpg[/IMG]

Dinner!
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000884.jpg[/IMG]

A few Randoms
[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000873.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa458/allynblind/P1000885.jpg[/IMG]

Trying to get in here... what a crazy spring! Need to get organized on the bb.com productivity side haha. KEEP IT MOVIN!

Miss your posts!! I hope your doing well and don't forget to breathe through all the craziness! :)

[QUOTE=ajangel25;869659611]Miss your posts!! I hope your doing well and don't forget to breathe through all the craziness! :)[/QUOTE]

So good to hear from you! It's so funny... my first directive to stressed clients is to simply BREATHE. I think your reminder was perfect that I need to do the same. haha. I have so many things half completed. Time to finish and keep rockin life! Blogs up soon. Oi, thank you ajangel!

Come back!! :(

[QUOTE=ajangel25;894730961]Come back!! :([/QUOTE]

Hahaha, HEY!! Wow... time flies! I actually just got back from Greece/Turkey/London (2 1/2 weeks) after a few weekends away in the US and Puerto Rico. It's been a crazy few months! The travel has certainly put a pause in my usual training/nutrition routine... much maintaining was had until Greece and Turkey lol. All things are GREAT though, well worth the indulgence. I will probably start a new thread that is a bit more general in nature... more pics, good consistency but not each and everyday. I love the community here so I def want to get back to everyone!

I also had a birthday this past weekend so since I was out of town for it; I'll be doing the birthday thang this coming weekend... so so much! Back to it with a lighter mind, heart and even more focus and motivation - NEXT Monday!!!! BRING IT ON!!!

Stay tuned!