Lessons Learnt On My Journey...33 Weeks To Showtime

OnTheRoad · 10-17-2008, 04:11 AM

Hi Everyone

Well what a journey this has been already!

I am a nearly 40 year old woman who has decided instead of sitting on the couch and watching daytime TV I am going to compete in a figure comp on the 6th July 2009.

I have been training for 2 years and have been eating clean most of the time.

Once deciding to compete I have been looking for competition coaches and PT's either online or in Melbourne, Australia (where I live) but I am the type of woman who knows her own mind, speaks her mind and doesn't tolerate fools...so, what a surprise! I haven't found anyone I care to hand over all control to.

So now I will get help from a series of trusted people who LISTEN to me and who's opinions I respect.

I don't want to post my diet or workouts here. I am going to post what I have learnt from each day.

This is my journey....

Clare

OnTheRoad · 10-17-2008, 04:15 AM

Today I learnt

-My dog is not fit enough - he can do 30minutes of walking but no longer

-I can think positive thoughts if I choose to banish negative ones

-My daughters (13 and 7) are very involved and excited about the competition.

-A whole pineapple lying on the beach looks very strange

It does!

twinnett · 10-17-2008, 04:56 AM

Welcome and good luck to you! Are you focusing on building right now?

OnTheRoad · 10-17-2008, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinnett

Welcome and good luck to you! Are you focusing on building right now?

Thank you! Yes I have been bulking for around 6 months now and will continue to do so a couple more. I have gained a little tummy, big thighs and unassisted dips and pull ups...lol

I am looking forward to getting leaner...especially as Summer is coming.

soleuvanathlete · 10-17-2008, 09:57 AM

Hi OTR! I love your idea for your journal and your lessons already learnt are compelling and funny. What kind of dog do you have? We have a pug and she wouldn't be able to walk for 20 minutes, but they're not really athletic dogs anyway. She's very unfit...

I'm going to follow along on your journey. Maybe I'll learn something too!

Oh, and you have a beautiful figure to start with - you will do great at comp! I'm not much of a fan of bulking, but it sure is a necessary evil... I'm always afraid that I won't ever be able to lean out! Guess that signing up for a comp gives you no choice, huh?

Best wishes and I'll be checking back!

OnTheRoad · 10-17-2008, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soleuvanathlete

Hi OTR! I love your idea for your journal and your lessons already learnt are compelling and funny. What kind of dog do you have? We have a pug and she wouldn't be able to walk for 20 minutes, but they're not really athletic dogs anyway. She's very unfit...

I'm going to follow along on your journey. Maybe I'll learn something too!

Oh, and you have a beautiful figure to start with - you will do great at comp! I'm not much of a fan of bulking, but it sure is a necessary evil... I'm always afraid that I won't ever be able to lean out! Guess that signing up for a comp gives you no choice, huh?

Best wishes and I'll be checking back!

A huge thanks!

I have a staffordshire bull terrior..he is around 8 years old and we walk him everyday but not too far and fast. He is so cute but looks so mean that people avoid him..if only they knew..lol

I too am not a fan of bulking, I can't see much fun in it at all! Eating lots but all clean

putting on weight

can't fit into my jeans

all your friends thinking it's ALL fat

Having to put up the clothes you have because you know it's only temporary and a waste to buy a bigger size

but getting more muscle

and my butt looks good

I am frightened I might be the only person in the world who can't lose the weight...seriously. I have never lost a great amount of weight in the past.

I would love it if you followed along.

Clare

txlftngrl · 10-17-2008, 10:28 PM

Howdy! and welcome to bodybuilding.com! How exciting that your doing a competition! Good luck on your goals and to 1st place!

tex

OnTheRoad · 10-18-2008, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texgirlee

Howdy! and welcome to bodybuilding.com! How exciting that your doing a competition! Good luck on your goals and to 1st place!

tex

Thank you! I am certainly working very hard to my goals...that's for sure!

Today I learnt

-extreme DOM's in quads do not make for a nice walk! OUCH

-Bulking can mess with your mind

-A niggling rear delt muscle pull can really mess with your mind!

-PMT can mess with your mind

-Cooking steak with only a sports bra top on can lead to a burn.

Gee! Not a great day...lol

OnTheRoad · 10-19-2008, 04:56 AM

Today I learnt

- nearly 1 week off from the gym can make you feel like you have ants in your pants.

-Going to the gym makes me feel so good and happy

-It is hard for me to accept completely the decision to go it alone.

-Positive thinking is and will be important (see above)

-My body doesn't like cardio after such a long break

Killer queen · 10-19-2008, 04:05 PM

Good luck with your goals! I'll be following along to see how you do competitions are exciting

"My body doesn't like cardio after such a long break"
I hear you, actually my body never likes cardio

OnTheRoad · 10-19-2008, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killer queen

Good luck with your goals! I'll be following along to see how you do competitions are exciting

"My body doesn't like cardio after such a long break"
I hear you, actually my body never likes cardio

I am going to like having you along

I used to love doing cardio...lot's of it and really thought I could never give it up but when you are trying to gain muscle and want every last bit of it..the cardio had to go.

But...it's amazing, I gave it up and didn't miss it..lol.

Now, I am paying the price

rubes00 · 10-19-2008, 09:30 PM

Hey journal looks great so far. Good luck with everything.... I love the daily lessons

OnTheRoad · 10-21-2008, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubes00

Hey journal looks great so far. Good luck with everything.... I love the daily lessons

Thank you! I also think the daily lessons are great. I want to look back and see what i have learnt.

I also can't be bothered logging all my training and food...I do enough of this in my training log and fitday

OnTheRoad · 10-21-2008, 04:47 AM

Howdy everyone

Today

-An unexpected person who can help with the journey makes me feel so much more relaxed

-Someone else to talk to about bodybuilding will be great for my bored family

-A new gym with hardcore bodybuilders is good for contest prep

-When I am busy I need to eat more

-I have trouble getting my hammies sore.....

soleuvanathlete · 10-21-2008, 12:42 PM

Hi OTR! Just checking in to see what you have learnt lately. Isn't this site addictive? I love everyone's support and encouragement - you will never take this journey alone if you stick with your journal!

Oh, and I looked up the Staffordshire Bull Terrier - such cool little tough guys!

Do you also have trouble getting your glutes sore, as well as you hammies? I find that an intense workout including many heavy walking lunges and SLDL do my hammies (and glutes) some [good] damage!

OnTheRoad · 10-21-2008, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soleuvanathlete

Hi OTR! Just checking in to see what you have learnt lately. Isn't this site addictive? I love everyone's support and encouragement - you will never take this journey alone if you stick with your journal!

Oh, and I looked up the Staffordshire Bull Terrier - such cool little tough guys!

Do you also have trouble getting your glutes sore, as well as you hammies? I find that an intense workout including many heavy walking lunges and SLDL do my hammies (and glutes) some [good] damage!

Yes! I also find this site amazing. I have learnt a lot in the couple of years on here.

Staffy's do look so tough but my mine is such a sook...he is amazing and sooo good.

I also do SLDL's and and walking lunges but have found now I have to step up the intensity to get to the muscles..

Yesterday I supersetted standing leg curls with lying leg curls and did about 10 sets!!! I exhausted the hammies and then moved on to the SLDL's and went heavy for about 4 sets then finished off with seated hamstring curls.

My hammies are sore today....YEAH!!!!

I normally do the walking lunges on the quad day but may think about adding another bunch in with my hammy day.

My hamstrings have been my most problematic body part but they are coming along nicely now they have been given their own day -

It's nice having you along for the ride

OnTheRoad · 10-21-2008, 11:47 PM

Today

-New shoes are essential now some cardio has to be done!!

-People who sell sports shoes don't necessarily know anything about sports and shoes

-Getting my head around the strict dieting needed will take a little time :/

-Training and eating take up a lot of time..getting together with friends for lunch is refreshing

-Thoughts of being lean are tempting me to be excited about cutting but I suspect being excited about cutting won't last long

missworldfitnes · 10-22-2008, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheRoad

Hi Everyone

Well what a journey this has been already!

I am a nearly 40 year old woman who has decided instead of sitting on the couch and watching daytime TV I am going to compete in a figure comp on the 6th July 2009.

I have been training for 2 years and have been eating clean most of the time.

Once deciding to compete I have been looking for competition coaches and PT's either online or in Melbourne, Australia (where I live) but I am the type of woman who knows her own mind, speaks her mind and doesn't tolerate fools...so, what a surprise! I haven't found anyone I care to hand over all control to.

So now I will get help from a series of trusted people who LISTEN to me and who's opinions I respect.

I don't want to post my diet or workouts here. I am going to post what I have learnt from each day.

This is my journey....

Clare

Clare Kudos to you honey, it's great to see you moving in the right direction.

You're in luck in Melbourne, there are so many wonderful, knowledgeable people down there who can whip you into shape, all who have years of experience, Graeme Lancefield, Pina Theolodoris, Tony & Amanda Doherty just to name a few. If you have any questions along the way feel free to email me at missworldfitness@hotmail.com.

Connie

OnTheRoad · 10-22-2008, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by missworldfitnes

Clare Kudos to you honey, it's great to see you moving in the right direction.

You're in luck in Melbourne, there are so many wonderful, knowledgeable people down there who can whip you into shape, all who have years of experience, Graeme Lancefield, Pina Theolodoris, Tony & Amanda Doherty just to name a few. If you have any questions along the way feel free to email me at missworldfitness@hotmail.com.

Connie

Oh Connie! Thank you so much!! I really mean that.

I have only just met Tony Doherty and will be training at his gym x 3 week. It's amazing how many people you meet through only 1 person. It kinda snowballs.

I will keep in touch if that is ok with you. Thank you for the email address.

missworldfitnes · 10-22-2008, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheRoad

Oh Connie! Thank you so much!! I really mean that.

I have only just met Tony Doherty and will be training at his gym x 3 week. It's amazing how many people you meet through only 1 person. It kinda snowballs.

I will keep in touch if that is ok with you. Thank you for the email address.

Yes do, I'd love to hear how you progress with it all

OnTheRoad · 10-23-2008, 03:20 AM

Well today I learnt....

-Getting new information and having to make changes can make you tired and overwhelmed and teary

-Big scary body building gyms are sometimes very, very friendly places

-Sometimes you have got to have faith that everything will be ok

soleuvanathlete · 10-23-2008, 06:10 PM

TGIF for you OTR! Can't wait for my Friday. I'm in Michigan and this weekend is the highly anticipated University of Michigan v Michigan State college football game. We get to dress casual at work (a law firm) tomorrow, but have to wear either U of M or MI State stuff. Fun! It's this little stuff that excites me...

I'm just checking in to see how things are going with you and what you've learnt lately. When the going gets tough in my little world, I always tell myself, "This too shall pass" - kind of goes with your latest lesson!

Have a great weekend!

kitebean · 10-23-2008, 10:03 PM

Just popping in to say welcome and good luck!

I love your daily lessons, they are wonderful!

OnTheRoad · 10-24-2008, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soleuvanathlete

TGIF for you OTR! Can't wait for my Friday. I'm in Michigan and this weekend is the highly anticipated University of Michigan v Michigan State college football game. We get to dress casual at work (a law firm) tomorrow, but have to wear either U of M or MI State stuff. Fun! It's this little stuff that excites me...

I'm just checking in to see how things are going with you and what you've learnt lately. When the going gets tough in my little world, I always tell myself, "This too shall pass" - kind of goes with your latest lesson!

Have a great weekend!

LOL...yes I say to myself.."it will never be as bad as today" and it never is.

I am glad you are having fun with the football...I don't know much about American football but you have prompted me to google it. There! That will be another thing I will have learnt.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitebean

Just popping in to say welcome and good luck!

I love your daily lessons, they are wonderful!

Thank you so much! Hopefully my daily lessons will get more interesting

OnTheRoad · 10-24-2008, 01:27 AM

Today I learnt

-Someone you know dying can make you sad but also grateful that I am making my health a priority.

-Cardio is rough after a leg workout

-Eating clean ALL the time requires a HUGE amount of organisation.

-People give you funny looks when you buy 20 containers at once (see above)

-Training, cardio and shopping/preparation/cooking/weighing and bagging food days are NOT fun.

-That slight hunger feeling after a bulk is strange

-Sometimes it feels like a long road.

Killer queen · 10-24-2008, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheRoad

-Training, cardio and shopping/preparation/cooking/weighing and bagging food days are NOT fun.

I dread those multitasking days. Usually its my Sunday! But its always worth the hassel when I come home and don't have to search for dinner, or eat crap when I'm at school all day.

kgitaitis · 10-24-2008, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheRoad

Hi Everyone

Well what a journey this has been already!

I am a nearly 40 year old woman who has decided instead of sitting on the couch and watching daytime TV I am going to compete in a figure comp on the 6th July 2009.

I have been training for 2 years and have been eating clean most of the time.

Once deciding to compete I have been looking for competition coaches and PT's either online or in Melbourne, Australia (where I live) but I am the type of woman who knows her own mind, speaks her mind and doesn't tolerate fools...so, what a surprise! I haven't found anyone I care to hand over all control to.

So now I will get help from a series of trusted people who LISTEN to me and who's opinions I respect.

I don't want to post my diet or workouts here. I am going to post what I have learnt from each day.

This is my journey....

Clare

wow! u sound just like me! : )
i eat pretty clean normally,but am as well wanting to do a comp in about 6 monthes.. mainly to get that last "bit" off through new strictness,though i too have those fears that i may be the only one in the world who wont be able "to look like those gals"...

i will def follow a long

OnTheRoad · 10-25-2008, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killer queen

I dread those multitasking days. Usually its my Sunday! But its always worth the hassel when I come home and don't have to search for dinner, or eat crap when I'm at school all day.

You are right! It is worth it when you just reach in the fridge and get the container.

I normally have Monday and Thursday as my food days....

Remember when we just went to the pantry and grabbed a biscuit?

Quote:

Originally Posted by kgitaitis

wow! u sound just like me! : )
i eat pretty clean normally,but am as well wanting to do a comp in about 6 monthes.. mainly to get that last "bit" off through new strictness,though i too have those fears that i may be the only one in the world who wont be able "to look like those gals"...

i will def follow a long

It is so good to know I am not the only one. Let's both keep in touch...I am sure we will be feeling the same at times.

I thought I was eating clean but the last few days have been tough..maybe I was picking and snacking too much....

OnTheRoad · 10-25-2008, 12:26 AM

Today I learnt

-that I am going to have some sh#t days!

-that outside cardio in Summer is going to be tough

-it's harder lugging my finished bulking body around when doing cardio

-if I don't eat every 2 hours I feel like dying!

-my disgusting chocolate protein shake is now my best food

-Oats could be my best friend in the morning if only I could get a nice clean way to eat them (i have tried almost everything)

-cinnamon on oats is foul

-and so is artifical sweetner

-when it's hot I want a beer

kgitaitis · 10-25-2008, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheRoad

You are right! It is worth it when you just reach in the fridge and get the container.

I normally have Monday and Thursday as my food days....

Remember when we just went to the pantry and grabbed a biscuit?

It is so good to know I am not the only one. Let's both keep in touch...I am sure we will be feeling the same at times.

I thought I was eating clean but the last few days have been tough..maybe I was picking and snacking too much....

yes... i have a 4 1/2 year old and had found myself all to often "snacking" n her leftovers and snacks... although "my" food was clean, those extra calories def add up!!
Your right, it is funny.. you think you are eating well until you get a little stricker and take out those extras and its like... aughhh!!
It better be worth iy.. especially through the holidays