My first competition journal

[SC1]

Hi, all. I had a journal way back when, but my computer broke, so I was in the dark until recently! Since no one else in my world understands my lifestyle or why I “do this to myself” this is like coming home for me!

I am 5’3, 117 and at 17% bf last I checked (early Jan). I started lifting for the first time ever in Feb. of last year. It was a huge learning curve, since I am self taught, but once I got going I found that I was pretty decent at it, and more importantly, I love it. Now I want to do a figure competition. I realize that is very quick, but my middle name is impatient. There is a local comp here on May 5th.

So at the beginning of January, I go to the guy who is hosting the comp for some consulting. He is a two time WNBF champion and has trained figure/fitness competitors from all over the world, so he knows his stuff. Unfortunately, I can’t afford a full time trainer, so I did a few workouts with him, reviewed my program and asked his advice. His response was yes, absolutely you can do it by May, but you’ve got a hard road ahead of you. Of course, he saw me in spandex shorts and a sports bra, so he didn't get to see my bad spots.

So now I’m having fits of doubt and I’m looking for some HONEST second opinions. I’m scaaaaared and fear that I’m setting myself for failure. I realize that I’m being insecure and that this is probably a natural reaction, but I have some legitimate concerns:

1. I have no breasts. Once upon a time, I was a full A, small B. At the rate I’m going, I’ll be inverted soon. No money, nor really the desire, for implants at this time. This ties into my next concern.
2. My legs are hugantic (like my made up word? Huge and gigantic!). I carry most of my fat here and I have yet to see any real definition or separation. Hams and butt are miserable looking (check out the saddle bags on the butt pic- can't believe I'm posting that!). They are pretty strong, so maybe you could see the muscle under there if I kept dropping BF. But with such a different between my upper body and lower body, I am concerned that by the time my BF gets low enough for my legs to lean out, my arms and chest will be gaunt and I will look disproportionate.
3. My teeth. I have a bad canine tooth that sticks out. I’ll post a pic, but it’s hard as I am very self-conscious about it. How bad will this hurt me?

I have no doubts about my personal motivation or work ethic. I am quite dedicated (obessed, really. lol). I just don’t know if I have the right looks or the right butt genetics. I’ll post my workouts and diet soon. In the meantime, please let me know your honest thoughts based on where I am at now. Don’t be afraid to tell it like it is ladies. I can take it, I promise. 15 weeks out… if stay clean and hit it hard, can I do it?

Please excuse the insane farmers tan. A tan could work wonders...I imagine my thighs and lower abs might look a tad prettier without the lovely white stripes.

[SC1]

Here is a close up of my teeth. Blah.

The next pic is just a face shot of me smiling from middle distance. You can't see it too bad from this distance, so I'm hoping it won't be too noticable from the stage. I don't know...

Other than my smile, please ignore the rest! I am fresh from a workout in this pic- no make-up and really ratty hair!

[FamilyGal]

You are a very pretty girl and can do wonderous things even if you dont have a perfect smile, your teeth arent what is important for the contest. The best advice I can give you is to make sure you're doing squats and deadlifts and make sure you're doing them correctly. You have a good upper figure to start with. Best of luck to you!!

[IronMaiden1522]

I am definately not an expert here, but I dont think not having perfectly straight teeth would make you lose a contest!! I mean at least I hope not, I am sure some of the ladies here who compete can shed some more light on that.

and from the way you were talking I was expecting to see a big beluga!! You have a great figure already and have some great muscle mass as well. I think you will come in looking great in 15 weeks! I say go for it

[sherdi]

Hi! I also say go for it. I think you have a fantastic figure already and have some amazing muscles and you are already very lean, so I am sure you can do it! Your teeth don't look bad at all! I say embrace your individuality! If we all looked the same, life would be so boring! You look great.

Good luck with it all!

[serinebean]

I didnt even notice until you mentioned your teeth. I (and this isnt to be mean) wouldnt really think about it that much. Its the same as some people who have gaps in their fron teeth...I think it adds character! We are our own worst critics.
Besides you look wow! Nice work lady! Its easy to tell that you have been working your bumm off!
I think you should totally go for it. Now, I am obviously no pro, but I think you can do it. Besides you have come this far...so keep going, right?
The women on here are phenomonal....and so helpful. And they will help you get where you are going.

[SC1]

Thanks so much, gals! You guys brought a big smile to my face. I really want to do it, but I just feel a bit on my own. I love my husband to death, but he doesn't really want me doing this so I think he's been sending me some sutle little negativities that make me more insecure. Serinebean, you're so right- we are definitely our own worst critics! "Embracing your individuality" is a neat way to think about it. I was picturing myself walking around stage with this closed mouth, prissy, pinched smile on my face. Ha ha. I'll try to relax about it a bit! Thanks again.

I've been researching posing suits with some super duper padding up top, so I feel a little better about that too. Now if only I get get away with wearing a bottom that covers like those little boy shorts on bathing suits. You know the ones I'm talking about?

Okay on to my workouts. The trainer I just consulted with changed some things up on me. My previous routine included a lot of compound lifts. Chins, Pull-ups, SLDL, romainians, Squats, etc. I was going pretty heavy and staying the 8 rep range max with 3 to 4 exercise per body part. I’m not sure that I like my new routine better (I miss my pull-ups!), but he wants me to shape out a bit. He knows what he’s doing and I needed a change anyway, so I’ll give it a shot.

Monday: Chest/Back- Flat BB bench press, incline press, pec deck, cable rows, single arm db rows, lat pull downs, partial deadlifts.
Wednesday: Legs- squats, leg press, extensions, hamstring curls, calf raises
Friday: Arms- seated db curls, standing bb curls, OH tricep extensions, pull downs, db should press, lateral raises, reverse flies.

4 sets of each in the 10 rep range.

I started a new job that has really started to crank up in January and has thrown a wrench into my routine. I’m a performance coach for a company that does speed, agility, quickness, and strength training for athletes. It’s a fast moving program that includes a lot of weights done with explosive, full body kind of movements. It’s also a very hands on workout, which means I have do A LOT of this stuff with our clients. It’s killing me! It’s lighter weights and lots of reps, so for me it ends up being more cardio.

So because of that, I don’t do much cardio. I’ll try to throw in an additional 20 minutes of cardio on my own twice a week. Which is fine by me because I hate it anyway. Also, I’d like to keep the cardio in check for now incase I need to amp it up to shed more bf as I get closer to the comp.

I get it done every week, but not always in that exact split. Mostly I just try to listen to my body. Lately, for example, I found better luck when I spend more days in the gym and do fewer body parts. So this week I did:
Mon- Legs
Tues- Chest
Wed- Back
Thursday- off
Fri- Bis/Tris
Sat- Shoulders
Sun- off.

It just depends on what I do at work each day and how I feel. I also try to make sure that I get one entire day off- no work stuff OR personal workouts, usually on Sunday. Abs get thrown in there somewhere about twice a week, but we do a ton of core stuff at work, so I don’t worry about that too much.

Whew, sorry for the novel!

[Jaci]

hey girl, welcome back!!! I'm so glad to see that you decided to start your journal again!!! You look so great, and I'm looking forward to following you for this show coming up!!! How exciting!!!

Just wanted to pop into yours since you visit mine and are an encouragment!!! Looking foward to seeing your journey!

*J

[headturner]

You absolutely are a very pretty girl. Do not worry one bit about the smile. Actually your smile is so great that you really don't notice your tooth unless you point it out or post a picture like that for that reason only.

Best of luck to you. It looks like you've got a great base and I'm sure you'll be very happy with your results come May!!

[serinebean]

Just curious, what is your diet like?
As far as I can tell your wo plan is great! Looks solid!
Ah, dont listen to the negatives from your husband....lol...he will get over it.
Besides life is too short for maybes, and should of's, so do it!
Why is he against it in the first place?

[specialkay]

I am also working towards my first competition in April. Checkout my journal First competition 4/8/06. I think you look great and should go for it. Don't let the fat on your legs deter you at this point. You have a long way to go before your show and plenty of time to get rid of that with proper diet. Believe me we all carry weight around our thighs and butt and it for most of us is the last place you will lose it from. You cannot spot reduce so you will not be gaunt on top and fat on the bottom. I suggest you do the squats and deadlifts and add in step-ups to build that ham/glute tie-in. All I can tell you that I am at 11 weeks out and though I will continue to work my butt off (ie lift heavy/low reps) until my contest it is really all about your diet. I am 11 weeks out and I can no longer eat bread. The only carbs I can have are oatmeal, potato, and yam. Absolutely no sugar. So if I can do this at 36yrs and having two kids you can. Plus you look alot better than I did when I first started. Good luck, you can do it!!!!!

[KiwiNovice]

Hi SC1 ... I just read your journal and checked out your pics.

Your upper body is fantastic, nice muscle and you can already see definition in your ab's. I certainly dont think your legs are as big as you think. My thoughts are, with the right nutrition and working out as you do ... 15 weeks is more then enough time to make sure you are ready for your competition.

To be honest I would never have paid any attention to your teeth if you hadnt posted your issue with them ... it's really not a big deal to anyone else. You've got a beautiful smile, use it .. the judges will love that!!!

My hubby was a little negative when I prepared for competition last year .. when we got to the heart of it, it was really to do with his own insecurities which he and I worked through. LOL needless to say he was my biggest support at my competition and very proud of me.

I'm sure come your competition day your hubby will be your biggest supporter too!!!

[Megin]

SCI

Great pics and welcome (even though you had a journal before, you are right- this is home )

I look forward to reading this one- you seem very determined!

[OhLea]

you look great! I lovvvve your abs!

As far as your teeth go - dont worry about it AT ALL! I know its hard to do - I used to have a gap in btw my two front teeth before i had braces and I know when its you, you notice it way more than other ppl! I think you have a great smile! And Im really not just saying that...if I didnt mean it I wouldnt have taken the time to post lol!

[IronMaiden1522]

Good luck with the new WO plan!! So what is your diet like? Whatcha eatin?!

[Emma-Leigh]

Hello and welcome to the boards!

You look fabulous - and I imagine you are going to be absolutely stunning once you get on stage! Good luck with everything - I hope you do not mind me tagging along?!


ps: No boobies?? Yay - you'll fit right in!! "Who needs boobs when you have biceps?!"

[SC1]

I checked in a couple of times today but didn't have time to post- I have to tell you guys that you all made my day. It's good to know that SOMEONE supports me!

Emma-Leigh YOU just made my night. Let me know if my new sig is okay!

Kiwi, you hit the nail on the head. Hubby tries to be supportive, but he is just a bit insecure. I think he thinks I'm going to run off with some hot gym rat. I think he'll come around once he realizes that I'm determined to do this one way or the other. Yup- ya'll have removed the last few bits of doubt for me!

Specialkay, you are right about adding in things like steps-ups for gluts/hams. I didn't really list it as part of my routine, but I do some hardcore intervals on the stairstepper or bleacher sprints once a week. And at work, I can always count on doing a ton of weighted lunges, reverse lunges, step downs, step ups, or box jumps or a combo of those several times a week. As you said, I think it's going to be all about diet. So here goes:

Progressively get better, but diet is my blind spot. I'm pretty good at avoiding obvious cheats, but some of my meals could be a little cleaner. My major problems are: 1. I LOVE CARBS and 2. I LOVE VARIETY. And lastly, I pretty much hate veggies. Oh, what to do?

Here is what I had today, which is pretty typical.

1. Oats with splenda, cinnamon and walnuts
2. Whey with skim milk and yogurt
3. Plain tuna, 1/2 serving of protien pudding (sounds bad, but macros are decent), handfull of cherries
4. Small amount of chicken w/broccoli and some black beans
5. A peach
6. Small amount of chicken w/broccoli and cauliflower
7. I was reading someone's journal and there was talk of Walnuts. And peanut butter. So I had both. Ummm, okay so I had both together on a low fat/low carb white corn tortilla. Yes, I know I'm weird. It's that whole variety thing. I needed something different.

1200 Calories at almost exactly a 40/40/20 split (which is where I am trying to stay). This calorie intake is pretty average. I know it sounds low, but it's much higher than it was before I started working out like a mad woman. I feel satisfied and full of energy for the whole day, so I haven't stressed about it too much. Think I'm good here?

[serinebean]

lol at Emma. I think it was me and the walnuts, I didnt think it would cause such a fuss...lol.
LOL...I just noticed your farmers tan...I love it. Beats my tan in a can!
Of course u are supported. You look fantastic! As someone said, you will be fab on stage.
I would think your cals are too low...but if it works for you, great.
lol, you have weird food combos too....ahh I am no longer alone.
I am envious of your physique tho....I will catch up.
Keep going!

[FamilyGal]

wow your diet sounds really diffrent!! I wish i had the courage to put more variety in my meals, but your bod is awesome so i'd just HAVE to try your way out lol but i havent been doin my diet long enough to say i dont like it! know i'm rooting you along! knock your husbands socks off!

[txsugar]

Hi my fellow Texan!!!

I'm so excited for you and your upcoming competition! You definitely have my support, by the way where is the competition going to be held at? I love road trips and I'm a really good cheerleader Your comp would be my first to attend and it would be great motivation for myself. Keep me posted and good luck!

[Mr. Aries]

i would like to show up to the competition as well... bring some texas heat with me

[Emma-Leigh]

Originally Posted by SC1

Emma-Leigh YOU just made my night. Let me know if my new sig is okay!

LOL - Go for it!! I have been saying that for YEARS around this place, so I am glad someone else can see the sense in the comment!!

(come on - really - what use are those things anyway?? Horrible things they are that just get in the way of the bar when you bench! Biceps are much more useful!!)

but some of my meals could be a little cleaner. My major problems are: 1. I LOVE CARBS and 2. I LOVE VARIETY. And lastly, I pretty much hate veggies. Oh, what to do?

Re the problems:
1. 'Clean' foods are not 100% necessary. They are just easier to control 'portions' than with your junky stuff (and they are far healthier)... So if you want some junky stuff, then have it - just make sure you cals stay at an appropriate level for you.
2. Carbs are good. Eat them.
3. Variety is good. Keep it in. Not only for 'sanity' and 'social' reasons, but also for health reasons
4. **stern face** But you MUST eat your vege's!!! (come on - you get 3 out of four! )

Here is what I had today, which is pretty typical.

1. Oats with splenda, cinnamon and walnuts
2. Whey with skim milk and yogurt
3. Plain tuna, 1/2 serving of protien pudding (sounds bad, but macros are decent), handfull of cherries
4. Small amount of chicken w/broccoli and some black beans
5. A peach
6. Small amount of chicken w/broccoli and cauliflower
7. I was reading someone's journal and there was talk of Walnuts. And peanut butter. So I had both. Ummm, okay so I had both together on a low fat/low carb white corn tortilla. Yes, I know I'm weird. It's that whole variety thing. I needed something different.


1200 Calories at almost exactly a 40/40/20 split (which is where I am trying to stay). This calorie intake is pretty average. I know it sounds low, but it's much higher than it was before I started working out like a mad woman. I feel satisfied and full of energy for the whole day, so I haven't stressed about it too much. Think I'm good here?

1. Fruit - YES!!! BIG TICK!!! YAY! **happy dance**
2. Dairy - YES!!! Another tick and another happy dance!
3. Nuts - YESSSS!! (repeat dancing - damn, I wish my butt wasn't so sore from squatting!!)
4. Variety - YAY!!

Only issue I have is with the calorie level... **grumble** but if you are working on this then that is all that matters... Just keep working it up slowly - you can probably eat more than you think...

[SC1]

Serinebean and Emma-Leigh- Yeah, I'm a little wigged out by the calories too- I'm gonna try to up them a least a little. I haven't had any weight loss though, so who knows? Thanks for the diet advice, Emma. I'm still learning, so it was good stuff! I'll work on those dreaded veggies!

Serinebean- Lol. I think my tan is sexy. I'm gonna be heading to the beds for the first time ever, so I'll be hittin you up for newbie tanning advice soon!

Family gal- Thanks! Just wait until you see what I had for dinner tonight.

Txsugar and John- Oh my goodness- I would absolutely LOVE it if ya'll could come!!! It's the Texas Shredder in Austin. John- saw those pics, man... you should enter too. You're too good to keep at home!

I'm having a bit of a shoulder issue, so I've had to rearrange my workouts this week, which meant today was leg day. Yippee! At work, I got suckered into playing an indoor soccer game, which I haven't done in years. I was late and only played a half, but I was still dead and a little apprehensive about hitting legs after that. Surpisingly, it turned out okay. We'll see what I'm saying about that tomorrow though!

Squats (not quite ATG, but still pretty far below parall)
95x10
115x10
115x10
115x10
115x10

Leg Press
180x15
180x15
180x15
180x12

Leg Extensions (just recently added)
55x10
55x10
55x10
55x10

Leg Curls (same as above)
65x10
65x10
65x9
65x9

Calf Raises- My gym doesn't have a standing calf machine, so I have to do them on the leg press machine
180x20
180x17
180x15
180x15

Diet:
1. whole grain corn flakes with skim milk
2. Whey Protien shake with skim milk and yogurt
3. Half small chicken breast with a tiny bit of brocolli and cauliflower
4. 1 serving plain tuna and half a peach
5. Protien pudding
6. Egg whites and no fat beans on tortillas along with some walnutty oats. Yum.

1230 Calories, 43/41/16

Okay- really embarrasing question to ask (close your eyes, John). I have been having a recent problem with bad yeast infections. I'm thinkin it's got to be either the big increase in my protien over the last few weeks or the new supplements I'm taking: CellMax, a creatine/glutamin combo and BCAAs. Any guesses or recommendations on how I can combat it long term?

[serinebean]

OMG, you did all that work and ate that little.....shoot, they would kick me in the butt here if I tried that....lol.
You have some strong leggys there lady.
Wow. lol....wallnutty oats....sounds good.
Have a good one, just checking in on ya!

[Buffycat3]

Hey SC1

After viewing your photos and reading your journal, I believe you can most certainly train and enter a figure comp.
Your physique is looking real good right now.
With proper training, diet and desire....you should have no problem at all with your goals.

Keep working, and have fun

I have a link to different listed Figure/Fitness articles for you to check out. It may be helpful.

--Joan

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/newbbmainfig.htm

[SC1]

Thanks for stopping by serinebean! I thought about you today... I started to see how my eggs tasted with a few walnuts added in, but managed to stop myself just in time. I know, I have a problem.

Buffycat- Thanks for the words of encouragement... It means a lot! Thanks for the links!

My shoulder was really giving me problems today- just an anterior deltoid strain, I think. So I had to skip my chest workout today. My legs were a bit sore from yesterday and I didn't want to push any more work them cardio-wise, so I ended up with an unexpected off day. Bummer. I better make some significant progress by tomorrow, because nothing is keeping me out of the gym!!!

Because I didn't do anything today, I didn't have my usual appetite and had a hard time eating enough Cals. I was going to end the day with only 6% fat, but I knew ya'll would grumble about that so I'm sitting here licking the last little bits of peanut butter out of can. Boy, this journal is definitely going to help keep me in line!

Meal 1. Whole grain cornflakes with a little banana.
2. Chocolate Whey protien with plain yogurt and a banana.
3. Slice of Turkey on Oatmeal bread (cool find at the grocery store!) and some non-fat refried beans (did you know such a thing existed?!)
4. A small apple
5. Turkey and eggwhite sandwich on oatbread and a protien pudding
6. 2 egg whites with a smidge of skim cheese and a few cherries
7. As much PB as I could lick out... about a tablespoon

Macros: 47/41/11. 1082 Cals. Not quite there today on either, dang it. Okay, so now not only do I have some making up to do on my workout tomorrow, I have some extra eating to get done too!

[serinebean]

Originally Posted by SC1

Thanks for stopping by serinebean! I thought about you today... I started to see how my eggs tasted with a few walnuts added in, but managed to stop myself just in time. I know, I have a problem.

You are too much!!! hahaha! You sound like me for sure. I try not to combine things too much any more. I used to eat mustard on every thing, and I prefer, the crust on the bread more than the bread itself and the skins on the yams more than the meat....I am a notorious picker...you might be too. Glad I am not the only odd duck!!!! *Smiles*

Meal 1. Whole grain cornflakes with a little banana.

~why no protien?

2. Chocolate Whey protien with plain yogurt and a banana.
3. Slice of Turkey on Oatmeal bread (cool find at the grocery store!) and some non-fat refried beans (did you know such a thing existed?!)

~I have them here, just dont know what to do with them..lol

4. A small apple

Maybe some fat or protien here too?

5. Turkey and eggwhite sandwich on oatbread and a protien pudding
6. 2 egg whites with a smidge of skim cheese and a few cherries
7. As much PB as I could lick out... about a tablespoon

Common lady, whats that???? lol.....*shakes head*

Macros: 47/41/11. 1082 Cals. Not quite there today on either, dang it. Okay, so now not only do I have some making up to do on my workout tomorrow, I have some extra eating to get done too!

I hope your legs feel better. I am worried that you arent eating enough tho. I am not saying that to be mean, just concerned.
LOL...dont ask me for tanning advice....lol...you will look like a funky carrot....lol....I wont go into details.
I think your wos are awesome. But you could use a bit more protien and fat, but you know that. Thanks fot all the kind words in my journal.
As for your problem, are you drinking enough fluids.....?????? With the protien shakes I think its imortiant to drink more than enough! Good luck with that, those are misserable.

[catbaloous]

SCI,

Hello from another fellow Texan! I think you are a pretty girl also and I really look forward to following your journey. You have a wonderful start. I think you should go for it full throttle. Good luck to you!

[lisa1021]

You look great!!! Your legs are not as fat as you think! I have the problem with my stomach.

I am training for a figure comp. also. (4-15-06) I trained for one before and my legs were similar to yours. I did some research about the hams/gluts and found that the stair mill can do wonderful things for your legs. I trusted it and tried it. I did that stairmill everyday for my cardio and I did 5 min. every step and then 5 min. every other step. It cleaned up my legs a lot. I can show you my pics if you want.

[IronMaiden1522]

oh man is that the Stallone protein pudding? I love that stuff. I havent had it in forever, but its sooo good!!

Ya your cals seem really low, but see how it goes.