3 Weeks Out...What now?

It's happens at this time. Around 3 weeks out I start feeling empty and almost sad. I start realizing that all of this will end abruptly. Then what?

My last post talked about discipline. It's something that allows me to "feel" in control of my life but I know can get out of hand. So my brain goes on overdrive calculating and thinking of what my next big crazy challenge will be. I know logically that this might be my last time competing simply because of priorities and the amount time (for me) it takes away from what I'm "supposed" to be doing. I will always be active in some shape, way or form. My husband wants me to continue competing because he thinks it's "safer" & healthier than my other dream of finishing an Ironman triathlon. 

So I sit here on the bike while I finish my morning cardio pondering what's next. l am feeling empty and preparing myself for what's on the other side of the stage.  I love the training process of show prep- I am so happy and content. For me - this year- the stage is just the icing on the cake. The prize for me this year will be enjoying the excitement, meeting new and old friends & seeing what changes in  my physique actually took place.... And of course lastly to place better than last year.

My Tamee Marie suit came in yesterday and I have to say as scary as it was ordering a suit 3000 miles away it is probably my favorite suit so far. The fit is perfect and she knows how to do the stonework. Here's a sneak peek 

 

Training Update:

Things are progressing smoothly. I'm resting a lot more this time around, listening to my fatigue instead of trying to be the tough girl and powering thru.

I've been doing lunges on the treadmill to keep glutes tight.

Abs have been showing for quite a while, glutes are always slow and it always seems to be the last week they decide to behave. 

This will probably be my last selfie until the stage.  I'm a bit depleted which is okay - carbs are still high enough and I'm still cutting and mirror shows what I need to to show at 3 weeks out...  so it's all part of the game. I've had a few days of low energy so I've stopped and rested, loaded some carbs and it did the trick! 

Have a blessed Sunday - it's hot here in SUNNY Arizona

 

5 weeks out - aligning myself

Registration mailed- check. NPC card purchased-check. Suit ordered from Tamee Marie-check. Hotel, air, limo reserved-check. Leaning out slowly-check. 

Balance. Time for an alignment check. I am easily obsessed. Something that I have had to manage my entire life. You see... My mind can play tricks on me. I can become completely wrapped up in something and lose what I call alignment. 

Discipline. Is it a strength or a weakness?  When I prepped for my first show I was extremely disciplined. I followed everything obsessively to a "T." I achieved the exact body I wanted... Nailed it. Now what? What happens at the end of the road, when you've met your goal? 

What if you nailed it? Achieved the exact body you wanted. What happened next? I'll tell you what happened to me. Oddly enough I found myself struggling with pride. I prided myself on my discipline and developed and attitude of "If you want this bad enough you must lead a disciplined life"

Yes discipline is good and most definitely a requirement for healthy change but ask yourself this: What's at the end? I have learned that sometimes the behavior of discipline leads to an unhealthy state of being- which in my case, contradicted my value of trying to lead a life of humility. 

Alignment is my plumb line, my measurement tool if-you-will, to make sure my behavior & thought patterns align with what I value.  It's a good check & balance for me at this point in the game when things look good on the "outside."

Food for thought: Sometimes finding the holy grail isn't as holy as we thought it would be. 

Training update:

Today I am roughly 4 1/2 weeks out. Things seem to be ahead of schedule so I think I am pleased? I don't want to get too lean too fast. My body responded faster this time.

I am doing the exact same food prep as my last two shows. Slowly cutting, watching the mirror and scale (to watch HOW it is moving). Today I am 120.6 lbs. much heavier than last year at this time. I'm thinking it means one of two things: I have more muscle (my preferred outcome) or that I have held more muscle than last two preps. My stage weight last 2 shows was around 110-115.

Workouts (within a 7 day week)

3 workouts moderate heavy: shoulders, back, & legs

2 workouts light - medium heavy (focusing on mind-muscle connection) shoulders, lats, glutes & hams.

2 workouts arms

2 workouts calves & light abs

~20-30 minute early morning fasted sprint intervals 2-4 times per week (depending on energy)

~45 min low intensity steady state cardio after lifting 1-2 times per week (depending on energy)

~90 minute Bikram yoga once a week

~Foam rolling and stretching daily

This current routine is dependant on two variables: strength & energy. If either of these change, we change either the food, rest or training intensity... Focusing on the muscle, making sure it's staying as quality as it can.

A few pics taken on Sunday