October Competition Prep

[sicily1962]

I started my nutrition yesterday. Day 1.
This will be my second competition this year. I did my first in April. I have gained an additional 5lbs of muscle since then and my bodyfat (@18.2%!! too much peanut butter! I'm addicted! lol! /forum/images/icons/smirk.gif ) is not too out of line with 14wks left to go.

Did back/bis Sunday
/forum/images/icons/shocked.gif
Pull up (the real kind!) 12x4
Seated Rows 3x10,8,6 ( 120, 135)
Med. Grip Pulldowns 3x10 (120, 135)
DB Rows 3x10 (45,50)
Hammer Rope Curls 3x10 (65,80)
EZ Bar Preacher Curls 3x10 (45,55,50)
DB Drop Set 6x25,20,15,10 (2 Sets)
30 Min Eliptical
Great Workout!! /forum/images/icons/crazy.gif
I feel great this morning...my trainer changed my nutrition and added more fat. I'll post that later today or tomorrow.

Will do Chest/Shoulders/forearms tonight.

Here are pics from my last show...i was pleased with them being my first, but i feel confident that this show will be so much better:

would like any coments you have..good or not good. /forum/images/icons/grin.gif http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/prsm.dll?MyPhotos?a=33170

[davethewonderpony]

Wow is all I have to say...you are definitely doing all the right things. Very impressed. How did you end up placing?

Wow! Cool beans, another inspirational female has just joined Abc! Hello and welcome! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/wave.gif You look fabulous! I love your arms and delts! And you certainly don't look your age! I hope to look as good as you do when I'm that age, awesome, you're an inspiration! Congrats on a job well done, keep up the great work! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif

Oh, and you're hella strong! What are your stats and how long have you been training? Looking forward to updates! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/biggthumpup.gif

[sicily1962]

thank you both for the compliments!
I have been training for about 4-5 yrs, but just decided (about the time i was to turn the Big 4-0) that i would try my hand at a competition!
It was a great experience and i discovered that i am such a "Ham" on stage!
I knew i was not at my best and being all natural, the odds were against me.
However, since April i have added 5lbs of new muscle and am ready to begin again.
I'm off to train here in a few. I'll post my nutrition when i come back.
I'm very excited and know that i will come into this show looking better than ever!
this show is so great, not only is it the biggest and last show of the season, but being held at Halloween each year, we are allowed to wear costumes (so long as they don't hide the physic) during our night show!!
Very kool!
Ok everyone..i'll bbl!

[The Azn Oak]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by ***********:</font><hr /> Wow! Cool beans, another inspirational female has just joined Abc! Hello and welcome! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/wave.gif You look fabulous! I love your arms and delts! And you certainly don't look your age! I hope to look as good as you do when I'm that age, awesome, you're an inspiration! Congrats on a job well done, keep up the great work! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif

Oh, and you're hella strong! What are your stats and how long have you been training? Looking forward to updates! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/biggthumpup.gif <hr /></blockquote>

I don't see her any anywhere /forum/images/icons/confused.gif

In any case, I can see why you won. Great physiqe &amp; a cute face to go wid /forum/images/icons/laugh.gif ....hehe

Also, you're quite the strong lass. Can't wait to see how you look on comp day

[sicily1962]

Day 2: Chest/shoulders/Forearms

Super set: Incline Bench 12x85, 12x95, 10x115
Flat DB Press 12x45, 10x40, 8x35
Db Fly: 15x 20 3sets
Behind Neck Press(smith press) 10x 15lb (ea side), 10, 8 x20
Super set: Reverse DB Fly 15x10 3sets
Unilateral BO Rears 12x10 3sets
Roll up Bar~ 3 sets 10lbs (22 rolls up and down)
Incline DB wrist curs 25 x10, 20x15, 15x15
Behind back BB curl 25 empty, 20, 15

Run sprints 20 min.

Good workout. gotta do cardio in the morning @ 4am...since tomorrow is Leg Day!!! My favorite!
Ok...any comments are welcome.
Have a great nite!

[sicily1962]

'Weds...Day 3, only 100 Days till my comp now! Seems like forever, but it is not.

wanted to post my diet:
#1
2 whole eggs/ 4 whites
3 oz chicken breast
1/2 grapefruit

#2
Muscle Provider Shake w/ 1T flaxseed oil and 4 strawberries
(Beverly International Products)

#3
5oz Chicken Breast w/ 6oz green veggie, 1T Flaxseed oil

#4
same as two or 1can tuna w/ 1 sm tomato

#5
5-6oz fresh spinach w/ veggies
1T flax or olive oil, 2T apple cider vinegar
5 oz chicken, tuna or beef

Beef once or twice a week

every Monday and Thursday replace meal #5 w/:
1 cup oatmeal (b4 cooking) 6oz sweet potato, 4 oz banana, 4 oz veggies

that's it.
for now...see my trainer on Aug 3rd...for changes or addtions.

legs tonight...i'll post later. /forum/images/icons/smirk.gif

[sicily1962]

Day 3 : legs

BB Squats w/ 3sec pause below parallel 10x135 ~ 2 sets, 10x145, 10x155
Unilateral Leg Press 12x180, 12x225, 12x250
Good mornings 12x95, 12x115, 10x135
Drop Sets: Extensions 10x72,10x48,10x36 = 1 set (3sets in all) 10x84, 10x60, 10x48 2sets @ this weight
Leg curls 10x70, 10x50, 10x30 = 1 set (3 sets)
walking lunges 2x40steps

Big workout but a good one! I'll be feeling this one tomorrow!

Nutrition went well today. Tomorrow i load my carbs.
I want to add that i'm also taking the following supplements:
Mass Aminos - 4w/ each meal
Liver Aminos - 4 w/ each meal
Lean Out - 4 three times a day
Muscle Synergy - 4 in a.m. on empty stomach and 4, 45 min before workout in evening
BCAA's - 2 w/ each meal
vitamin pack - one per day
Joint Care - 4 per day
Muscle Provider Protein

My supplements are from Beverly International and Parrillo.
Great stuff!
http://www.bodybuildingworld.com
http://www.parrillo.com
.
Just some cardio and abs tomorrow...a restful day to gear up for some Back and Calves on thursday.

[sicily1962]

Day 4..cardio only and some rest! Long day, actually everyday is since i get up @ 3:30am to be at the gym by 4. It really makes for long days, but i am starting to see and feel the labors of my new nutrition and training schedule.

I actually got to load my carbs for dinner last night:
2 1/2 cups oatmeal cooked, 3 oz sweet potato, small banana w/ cinnamon and equal and 2T butter to slow the absorption. along w/ 4oz green beans ~ i ate those separate!!

I mixed all the good stuff together and just took my time. It was delicious and filling and i slept like a baby last night!

Day 5: Back/Calves tonight
Back on 70 grams of fibrous carbs only today and all the way thru Monday till i carb up again. the carb up is for Mondays and Thursday nights from here on out.
My fat intake (mostly flax oil and olive oil) is high though, about 80grams a day, so my energy level is very good.

I'll include my workout when i get home tonight.

[sicily1962]

Wanted to fill in for my back/calf workout:
It was a good one!
BACK
Weighted pull-ups (wide grip) 12empty, 10x10lbs, 8x12.5lbs, 6+2 x 15lbs, 6x20lbs
(had a great spotter on these - that's where the plus + comes from, but managed to get them all out practically alone)
Seated Rows (med grip) 10x105, 8x120, 5+3 x 135
Super Set:
DB Rows w/ DB Pullovers
10x45 + 10 x40 3sets
RDL's close, med &amp; end w/ wide grip:
12x135 3sets

CALVES:
Presses (on smith rack which weighs 75lbs empty so i'll just tell you what i added)
12x90, 10x140, 8x180
Seated: knees forward for a good angle 25x90 3sets
Toe presses -unilaterals 15x90, 15x115 2 sets

My ex trainer told me i would never have calfs and my legs would take more than a year to look good. I'm not buying that. My calves are growing and i don't intend to walk on stage w/ bird legs!

all comments are welcome and any good advice you can give!

I only did cardio on Friday ~ i thought i should rest up for my grueling leg w/o today...high rep rest/pause...hmmm sounds like a challenge to me! I'll post when i make it home! lol!
/forum/images/icons/confused.gif

[sicily1962]

wow...saturday morning and 7days into my new nutrition, i look so incredible! i can't imagine what is going to happen still having 13wks!!
Has it been a week already?? wow, time is flying.

I think i'll work on my posing and mandatories today...to help tighten the skin and help w/ the cuts.
tomorrow for cardio i'm going to do walking lunges up a hill! lol! 1min of lunges, 1 min of walking for about 20-30 min...whichever i can take longer!
am i sick or what??? lol!
it's also shoulder and calves day tomorrow...i don't think there is a body part i don't enjoy working.
I think i have good shoulders, but want more definition in my outer delts...
throw me some good advice, k?
i'll bbl!

[sicily1962]

okedoke...just got back and i have to tell you, I had one grueling leg and tricep workout.
It's a wonder i had the strength to pull out tri's anyway...but i've been using this stuff "muscle synergy" from Beverly International and i gotta tell you, it gives me such a good pump and a ton of energy, but it's not a thermogenic. I can't explain it, but i'm glad i started taking it.

Ok...here you go ~ Legs:
Extensions: rest/pause
12x72 pause 15x72 set 1
60x15 pause 7x60, 13x48 set 2
36x20 pause 36x25 set 3 OUCH!!!!!

Sissy Squats: 25 x 3sets ~VERY SLOW!!!
Narrow Hack Squats: 25x50, 20x50, 15x50

TRI SET: 45 sec rest between full sets
Lying Curls 15x60 3sets
DB SL Deads 15x30 3sets
Seated Curls 15x72 3sets

Box Step ups: 15 x 3sets ~ very tight
and that just about did me in, i'm not sure if i could even feel my legs!! lol!!
but then...there was ~
TRICEPS:
Pressdowns -wide grip: 15x80,15x95,10x110,7x125
pressdowns-narrow: 12x95,8x110,4x125,3x110,10x95
Overhead ropes: 10x65,12x50, 2sets
DB kickbacks: 12x10's 3 slow sets

ok...after a nice protein shake...i am revived!! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif
i think i will take in a movie today..no cardio, i think i did enough sweating for everyone!

Shoulders tomorrow so i will get lots of rest.

Any and all comments welcome!! Have a great day!

you look like a superstar in the making.

The next comp will be a breeze...good luck

[ementz]

1962 was a great year! (40 myself) and you are doing a great job, too! Good Luck /forum/images/icons/cool.gif . Where is the comp to be held?

[Adam Knowlden]

Wow!
You are a great inspiration!
Your journal is fun to read, and you are hardcore as I've ever seen!
I saw your pics and you are in great shape, and you look good!
Good luck with your competition! We're all behind ya!
Oh yeah, I see your from Ohio. What part?
See ya,
Adam.

[sicily1962]

<font color="blue"> </font color> /forum/images/icons/ooo.gif ok...did you guys think i fell off the face of the earth??
i've been a busy girl! but not too busy to miss my workouts...
here it is Friday night and of course...i was at the gym.
I've been putting in some long hours at work and between cardio at 4am and night time weight training...mama's tired at night!! lol! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

Had to give the grapefruit a rest for a couple of days and opt for my oatmeal...i miss them...starchy's for starchy w/ substance! I miss my oatmeal pancakes anyway!

I can see these gorgeous abs coming thru...and my jeans are sagging...not bagging ~ sagging! what's that all about?? lol!
I swear, if i haven't at least dropped 3% by next Saturday i will not be a happy camper.... Actually,
I'm expecting 4-5%~
Hey ~ i have to be optomistic, right?? !! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

High intensity leg last night ~ you've heard of 10 on 10?

Extensions: 10 sets of 10 w/ 30sec rest between sets:
10x84 5sets
10x72 2 sets
10x60 3sets go immediatley to RDL's
RDL's:
10x95
Walking lunges:
sets of 40

tonight:

Shoulders/Tri's and Forearms:
Unilateral DB Press
Military Press
DB Side laterals
Plate Raise (35lb) Supersetted w/ DB Shrugs
B/O Cables for Rears

Reverse grip Pressdowns 4sets
Single Rope Cable pressdowns 4sets

Incline DB wrist curl
seated DB reverse wrist curl

I was spent.
Now...after chicken and broccoli...
did i mention i am dying for a half a jar of Krema All natural Peanut Butter????? Please???? lol! /forum/images/icons/tongue.gif

I will try and remember that in 6 days i will see my trainer.
keep your fingers crossed.

Moderate leg tomorrow...Reverse hacks...you gotta love that position! I'll fill you in afterward!
Good night all and thank you for the wonderful compliments...
Hey, did i mention i've got a designer working on my posing suit??
she's also doing Lenda Murray's suit for her guest posing in Virginia Beach!! Too exciting...i can't wait to see this one, it should be incredible!

Bye all!

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by sicily1962:</font><hr /> I started my nutrition yesterday. Day 1.
This will be my second competition this year. I did my first in April. I have gained an additional 5lbs of muscle since then and my bodyfat (@18.2%!! too much peanut butter! I'm addicted! lol! /forum/images/icons/smirk.gif ) is not too out of line with 14wks left to go.

Did back/bis Sunday
/forum/images/icons/shocked.gif
Pull up (the real kind!) 12x4
Seated Rows 3x10,8,6 ( 120, 135)
Med. Grip Pulldowns 3x10 (120, 135)
DB Rows 3x10 (45,50)
Hammer Rope Curls 3x10 (65,80)
EZ Bar Preacher Curls 3x10 (45,55,50)
DB Drop Set 6x25,20,15,10 (2 Sets)
30 Min Eliptical
Great Workout!! /forum/images/icons/crazy.gif
I feel great this morning...my trainer changed my nutrition and added more fat. I'll post that later today or tomorrow.

Will do Chest/Shoulders/forearms tonight.

Here are pics from my last show...i was pleased with them being my first, but i feel confident that this show will be so much better:

would like any coments you have..good or not good. /forum/images/icons/grin.gif http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/prsm.dll?MyPhotos?a=33170





<hr /></blockquote>

[sicily1962]

Ok..here goes...
2mos, 29 days till i walk up on stage. But who's counting, right? lol!
Ok..i might obsess a bit but when you train and diet like i'm doing...the focus has to be there!

Legs &amp; Calves /forum/images/icons/smirk.gif yea baby! you gotta love 'em!

Reverse Hacks 5sets (100lbs empty)
10x50, 6x90, 6x110, 4x125, 4x140

Super set: Presses 3x270
w/ DB Lunges 3x25's
Drop Sets: Extensions 10x96, 10x72, 10x60 3sets
Lying curls 10x80, 10x60, 10x40 3sets
Standing calf: 25x130, 25x150, 25x170 (toes together heels out)
seated calf: 25x90 3sets (toes out heels together)

No cardio today...don't think i need it on leg day unless i can get it done in the morning. Weekends are different, i do it all at once. Get it over with!

Ok...confession: i broke into the Krema PB...i think it was just 2T...i think! lol!
I feel bad! NOT! I'll run sprints tomorrow or something!
Ok all, have a great night! /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif I have to sleep...back and bi's tomorrow!
Never a dull moment.

[Adam Knowlden]

[ QUOTE ]
i broke into the Krema PB...i think it was just 2T...i think! lol! <hr /></blockquote>

LOL!
That's OK!
With your dedication I wouldn't worry too much about it!
Keep up the good work! By the way I changed your title!
I think it suits you good! 5 stars all the way!
Adam.

[sicily1962]

Adam,
Thank you! What a way to make a girl smile!! /forum/images/icons/laugh.gif

I love it....a much better title than "stranger" ~ i agree! lol~

Oh~ you may enjoy this:
I had read in my book "Arnold, The Education of a Bodybuilder" about the Austrailian Blitz...and yesterday when i was surfing this site, (i'm always looking for a good leg shocker), I ran across the article by JW on incorporating that into my workout!
So i emailed my partner ~ a competiting Bantam weight, and sent him the link to read the article. We'll be doing it this week! I can't wait~
As a former Marine, i have truly adopted the theory:
<font color="blue"> </font color> Pain is Weakness Leaving the Body!

No pain, no gain. I am not planning on stepping on stage in October without being in the best possible shape of my life.
All lagging parts (in my opinion) take priority.
So...legs (my Parrillo trainer from my first show, tells me I'm Sicilian and was built for breeding! ~ what a guy!! lol!), calves, forearms and tris all take first in my training. Nothing gets left out.
/forum/images/icons/shocked.gif

Did i mention, i did the reverse grip pullups last week...changing grip w/ each set. They were incredible! I truly got a burn through my lats! a great shocker..
Today i will try the side to side pullups...why not,right? I have a good back and i love training it.
Plus they sound challenging and i don't enjoy the same ol' routine. I'm constantly switching up my w/o's whether it be weights, reps and/or exercises. I never do the same from week to week.
Variety is the spice of life!

[Adam Knowlden]

You deserved it!

Yeah the Austrian Blitz is awesome! I call it body blizkreg!LOL

Good luck with your competiton! Get 1st place for ABC!!!!!

[sicily1962]

First place...gee, has a nice ring to it! lol!

I will have lots of people to thank at ABC for sure if that happens! All fingers and toes crossed! lol!

Come this Saturday, my visit with my trainer will tell me alot.
I feel that i will be right on track and dial in perfectly.

thanks for the encouragement.
margie

[sicily1962]

88 Days Till my competition!!
ok tonight was a good one~
Chest and Tris'

Incline Bench 6x115, 6x125, 4+2x135, 8x115
Incline DB 6x50, 6x55, 4+2x60
Flat Bench 6x135, 4+2x145, 8x115
Decline DB 12x35 3sets

Parallel Dips 12, 10, 10
Pressdowns~ wide 15x80, 12x95, 10x110
Lying DB over face press 12x15 3sets

Ok...that was enough ` what a great pump!!
Did some abs : cable crunch, hanging leg raise, ball crunch

Tomorrow Back/Bi's/Forearms

Hope you have a great night...i'm ready for bed, 4am comes early!! /forum/images/icons/frown.gif

[Adam Knowlden]

[ QUOTE ]
Incline Bench 6x115, 6x125, 4+2x135, 8x115
Incline DB 6x50, 6x55, 4+2x60
Flat Bench 6x135, 4+2x145, 8x115
<hr /></blockquote>

Those are impressive weights! you really are wonder woman!

4AM! Man you are hardcore!
Well I'll still be dreaming of dumbbells and you'll be tossing 'em around!LOL
Have a good day at the gym!
Adam.

[sicily1962]

/forum/images/icons/grin.gif LOL! That's 4am for CARDIO only!!
I normally will only do my weight training in the a.m. on the weekends.
I have to be at work by 6-6:30 so there's not a lot of time in the mornings...still have to be presentable!

As far as weights, i enjoy going heavy and last night was moderate-heavy. My bench could have been better, but i'm pleased w/ my DB work.
My weakness is on my incline bench, if i had started w/ flat i would have been up there a bit more. I'm definately working on that ~ I know it's a weakness.
I can do DB's all day on an incline, weird how that works out when I switch.

Tonight is Back....gonna give those side to side pull ups a go. Should be interesting!
I'll keep you all posted!
Have a great day...time for some coffee! (trust me, you all are still sleeping right now, i'm sure!) /forum/images/icons/frown.gif

[Adam Knowlden]

That's still hardcore dedication!

Well, I think your weights are strong!
Not to be sexists, but most girls I see are struggling with the bar, and using 25lb. dumbbells. Those numbers are better than a lot of guys I see! You are very strong!

Yeah, incline's a weird angle for me to.
One of my favorite things for chest day is supersetting them.
Like the other day, I supersetted incline dumbbells with incline barbell! man, what a pump! On the barbell, after failure I did half-reps until I couldn't move my arms any more. And on the dumbbells I used static contraction (http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/magazine/extended_peak_contraction.htm) on my last rep. The pump was insane!

Yeah, those side-to-side pull-ups are great. Have you ever tried putting a bench under the pull-up bar? Its great cause you can use you leg to push you body up to the bar, then fight the negative! It helps take the set way past failure!

Good luck with your training!
Adam.

[sicily1962]

i won't have a spotter tonight, so i'll have to tough out the side to sides on my own.
Tis ok...i normally do about 12 w/o weight on my own anyway for about 3-4 sets so ...if i get 6-8 i'll be good to go....

i'll let you know! Should be good no matter what!
i will also check out the static reps scheme...sounds like it could benefit me!
Thanks!!
Margie

[Adam Knowlden]

Good luck!
I think its good to train alone sometimes!

Yeah the static contraction will really bring out the "peak" of a muscle group! And create a stronger mind-muscle link.

Here's something else ya might want to read:

fascia stretching for huge muscle seperation! (http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/magazine/fascialstretching.htm)

That technique gives insane seperation! But you might want to wait till the offseason to do it, cause you'll need the extra carbs to get the high blood pumps the technuique demands!

Good luck!
You're going to win that show!
You pics look awesome! And you'll only get better!

See ya,
Adam.

[sicily1962]

Wow....time is flying!
Saturday marks the 12wk point to my show and i cannot seem to think of anything else....
in the midst of the busy season for me at work and the 50+ hours of work, my training consumes me! It's amazing...I can't tell you how many times a day my mind literally wonders off while i'm thinking about or writing down what i'll be doing in the gym. It's a good thing i don't have constant supervision!! lol!! /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif

One day i'll leave all this and have my own gym where i can train others and myself all day!...it's funny where one's heart lies.

Ok~ yesterday was back day and it was incredible!!
My lats are feeling it this morning!

Pullups 12reps for 3sets ( I was working in w/ a couple of people and i forgot all about the side to sides i was going to try-gotta get that next time!! /forum/images/icons/mad.gif )
Seated Rows 10x120, 8x135, 6x150
Pulldowns-close grip 7+3x120, 4+3x135 2sets
Nautilus Lat Pullovers 10x80 3sets

EZ Bar Curls 10x65, 6x65, 10x55
Single Cable Curl 12x30, 6+4x30, 7+3x30
DB Hammer on Preacher Bench 10x15 3sets

BB Wrist Curls 12x45 3slow sets
DB Seated Reverse Curls 12x10 4sets (Very Slow!!)

Finished off w/ 30min of HIT...
I felt very strong last night, amazing since i've been on the <font color="blue"> </font color> low end w/ the carbos for a few days, but today...i carb up ~
It's Autrian Blitz Night for me tonight!!! lol!

Yes....it's leg day and i intend to have nothing moving on the back side when i get done tonight!! lol!
I have been planning this for days and it's a good thing i don't see my trainer until Saturday because i'll need time just for the pump in my legs to go down a bit! (I have high hopes for a major shock!!)
I figured i'd start w/ 135 for 15+ and see where that takes me...we'll see!

Alright...i may not be able to walk, but i think i'll be able to type so...see you all tongiht!! lol!
Have a wonderful Wednesday! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

[President Wilson]

Old School is right, you are Wonder Woman! What a work ethic !

[sicily1962]

Adam,
I wanted to tell you that i've been doing the fascial stretching for a long time!
I was trained by a Parrillo trainer for my spring show and we used this method nightly.
I think it is crucial and can't imagine anyone not doing it. It feels so good!! lol! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

I think tonight....i will be using it quite a bit! lol!
margie

[Adam Knowlden]

[ QUOTE ]
It feels so good!! <hr /></blockquote>

Fascia stretching feels good!!!?????

That's my kind of woman!

I just wanted you to know that your dedication is very motivating! I really hope you do well in your show!

That's a kool dream to have. I studied to get my PT certification awhile ago, but never finished. Now, that I'm almost done with school, I've thought about going back for it. That's been a little dream of mine too! To have my own gym, and train people for a living!

Stay hardcore!
Adam.

[sicily1962]

you are so funny!

I'm home....just ate and waiting for it all to digest (couple of hours) before i head to the gym for legs.

I'll get back with you in a few hours and let you know that i survived okay!! lol!

we'll have to talk more about that Gym! lol!
margie

[sicily1962]

Leg Day!!!
87 Days and counting down!!

Ok, tonight my partner and i went for Arnolds Classic "Austrian Blitz"
We had a little over an hour to train so we loaded the bar:
BB Squats
15x155 15sets
Finisher: Leg Extensions
20x60 4sets
Somehow, i think i could have done more...and i know i will go back probably in a couple of weeks and attempt this workout again...shooting for 20-25sets, maybe even w/ a little more weight with a good spotter.

My partner had never done any high rep to this degree, but i have a habit of really running my legs through it with a number of change ups and different movements so i feel i was much better prepared for tonight.
He may think otherwise i feel about attempting this again. He was very tired....nothing against him, most men at my gym do not train for endurance the way i do.
None the less, it was a very good workout and although i feel pretty good at the moment..tomorrow may bring some new pain to my back side! /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif
I hope so!!! I don't want anything moving!! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

Gonna do some maintenance work tomorrow...Calves, abs, forearms and a good cardio session.

Shoulders for Friday and a few sets of cleans...as always...should be a good challenge.
Have a great night!
Margie

[sicily1962]

Good morning all!

Can you believe i only have 85 days???!! lol! /forum/images/icons/blush.gif

Tomorrow morning i see my trainer...he'll take my bodyfat and may make some adjustment to my nutrition based on what he finds.
Exactly 12wks to my comp tomorrow!!
I feel confident that i will have achieved at least a 3-5% drop since my visit 3wks ago. My jeans are sagging in the butt, that's got to be a good thing, right? lol! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

I went ahead and knocked out Shoulders/Tris last night...i'll just do a good cardio session w/ abs &amp; calves tongiht.

Shoulders:
Fronts: DB Raises 12x15's 4sets
Rears: Seated DB Laterals 10x 20's 3sets
Sides: DB Side Laterals 12x15's 3sets
Delts/Traps: Shoulder Press (pyramid press) 10x80, 8x80, 6x80, 8x80
finished off w/ 3sets of super slow Side lateral plate raises w/ a nice long pause at the top with 5's to get a truly good burn in my delts...excruciating...but well worth it.
Triceps:
Skull Crushers EZ bar, flat: 15x65, 12x65, 10x65
Single DB Press, seated: 10x15's 3sets
Pressdowns- VBar: 12x85, 9x110, 8x110-2x95-3x80drop

finished off w/ 45min of cardio, a moderate to heavy bike to help losen my legs from the night before.

I definately know i have shoulders this morning ~ thank you very much! LOL! /forum/images/icons/tongue.gif

I will let you all know how tomorrow morning goes when i get home.
Any and all comments are welcome!
Have a wonderful day and be safe.
Margie

[Adam Knowlden]

I agree!
That's the first way you know a cut is going well!
Clothes get baggier! All of a sudden you have to tighten you belt too!LOL!
Its a good feeling, cause sometimes your eyes can play tricks on you and you don't think your losing anything, but you can't deny physical evidence like saggy clothes!

Keep it up!!!

[librazone]

Looking good..maybe a bit more calf work.

[librazone]

Looking good...maybe a bit more work on the calves.

[sicily1962]

You are right about that! I am truly working harder on calves, legs and forearms than i ever have before! I plan on looking very different this time!!

Ok all....the moment of truth.
You all know i saw my trainer 3wks ago and had learned that i had gained 1% BF from the previous visit and 4.5lbs of new muscle!!
(I swear by peanut butter!! /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif )

My trainer changed my diet, adding more fat and moving some things around.
Today i went back to see my progress. Today marks the 12wk out point for my BB show ~ Oct 26th.
It was awsome!!! I have dropped 4% Body fat since my last visit putting me at 15% ~ 12wks out!!
Meaning i have 12 wks to only have to drop to 7-8%!! and today they were discussing if i should just stop at 10%..we're gonna play that one by ear.

so...new diet. I get starchy's for every meal every other day and no starchy's except grapefruit on the other days. My protein intake was also raised about 30gr. daily.
He said he only wants me to drop maybe 1-2% in the next 4wks and then i'll begin my cutting diet 8wks out.

I am so excited!! He told me to go home and have a cheat meal....mines Natural PB!! It's awsome ~ what can i say? /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

so...to the gym i went for Legs today!!
i did the 1-1/3-1 rep scheme for all:
(Lower weight down parallel, up 1/3, down parallel &amp; up)

Leg Curls: 12x60, 12x50 4sets
BB Squats: 12sx135
8 Riser Bench step ups: alternate legs 3x12]
Leg Extensions: 12x48, 12x60 3sets

It was a great workout and i was sweating like crazy ~ but my legs are looking incredible these days.
My trainer has also instructed me to run the bleacher at the high school 2x's a week now
and do my posing 20 min a day, 3x's a week.
Lots to do now.
Ok guys, back and bi's tomorrow.
have a great night and tell me what you think!!

[sicily1962]

Ok .... 82 Days!!!
Back and Bi's today ~ a really good workout today!
I felt really strong...seems to be the usual lately!
I got more carbs in my diet this month and extra protein so i should be able to lose more slowly...1-2% and maintain my mass for the show.

At 8wks my goal is 12%...not a problem! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

Pullups ~ Close Grip
10 x 4sets
Incline BB Isolation Row
12x75, 12x85, 8x95, 8+2x115
Pulldowns ~ Wide:
8+2x120, 4+4x135, 2+2x150
Seated Rope Rows to Neck:
10x45, 7+3x60, 5+5x60
Hypers:
15 reps holding 10lb plate

Biceps:
Incline DB Curl
5+3x20, 4+4x20, 7+3x15lb
Concentration Curl
10x15, 8x15, 5+3x15
Lying Cable Curl:
12x80, 10+2x95, 10+2x110

20 min HIT Bike today... really a good workout with 15min stretching afterwards.

Just finished having a wonderful oatmeal pancake and scrambled egg whites....
I'm happy for now...my belly is full at least for 3hrs till i have to eat again!! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif
I love to eat!! lol!
Have a great day..
Chest tomorrow!!

[Adam Knowlden]

I'm doing chest/delts tomorrow too!
Good luck!
That's my 2nd favorite workout! Anything with arms is my fav!LOL

That's great about your fat loss!
You deserve the cheat meal!
Don't worry everyone has their lagging parts!
But I think your calves look great!

Adam.

[sicily1962]

Hey thanx!!
Whatever i did for calves two days ago really burned them up..they are still sore!!
Yea!

Well...i want you all to know that i truly put a hurting on my natural peanut butter yesterday.
Went over to Wild Oats for about 5lbs of oatmeal and 2lbs of Flaxseed and ground up 2lbs of fresh PB for myself as well.

What is wrong w/ me? lol! /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif
I ate about 1/3 of a lb yesterday....it's amazing that i can even see my abs this morning, but i look great and, it's a low carb day~
i'm not gonna sweat the small stuff.
I had a little the day before, but in the scheme of things, my nutrition was right on track.

Ok...chest/tris tongiht. But first, 10hrs at work!
I'll update later.
Margie

Doin' great Margie! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gifAnd I'm right there with ya girl, I'm right around 15% body fat, aiming to hit 12%, hopefully with Beverly's help I'll have no problem hitting that in about a month!

What show are you doing in October anyway? I'm just curious because one of the personal trainers at my gym is finding it necessary to try talking me into doing some show in October altho I don't know what one. Him, along with a few others keep telling me I should compete. Eh, I don't know. Then I'd have to learn how to actually pose, lol. I just don't know if I'm ready to go thru the rigors of preparing for a show. I do enjoy going to watch them though. BPB and I go to ones that are nearby.

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by ***********:</font><hr /> Doin' great Margie! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gifAnd I'm right there with ya girl, I'm right around 15% body fat, aiming to hit 12%, hopefully with Beverly's help I'll have no problem hitting that in about a month!

What show are you doing in October anyway? I'm just curious because one of the personal trainers at my gym is finding it necessary to try talking me into doing some show in October altho I don't know what one. Him, along with a few others keep telling me I should compete. Eh, I don't know. Then I'd have to learn how to actually pose, lol. I just don't know if I'm ready to go thru the rigors of preparing for a show. I do enjoy going to watch them though. BPB and I go to ones that are nearby. <hr /></blockquote>

Good morning!
You can get a posing tape from Beverly to help w/ your mandatories...Go for it! You may truly enjoy it!

The show i'm doing is the "Monster Mash" on October 26th, here in the Cincinnati area and then on November 9th the last show of the season in Louisville, Ky....why not hang on for 2more weeks, right?
Then i can relax until December 27th and start my contest diet again for our first spring show in Northern Kentucky.
Sounds like a plan, eh? /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
I should have absolutely no problem walking into see my trainer on the 31st of August @ 12% ~ that will put me at the 8wk out mark!!
I am so excited! and you should have no problem reaching that yourself!
Do you want to maintain that BF year round? Being that low all the time is not too healthy for a woman...
I normally fluxuate between 17 &amp; 19% year round....
plus...(excuses now /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif ) i like to eat...and, i'm Italian!!
gotta get some pasta some time you know!! lol! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

I don't do pasta during contest training. /forum/images/icons/confused.gif on top of that, i don't do any bread or dairy either.

Well let me know what happens with your trainer. Jeremiah is off to the Nationals this weekend in NY ~ he looks incredible. Have you seen him? You can find a few pics of him on their site.
Speaking of competitions: the 2002 Arnold Classic is being broadcasted on TNN this Saturday @ 4pm my time!!
Thought you may want to watch it.
Have a good one girl,
margie

Thanks for all the info Margie! If I can remember and I'm not doing anything else, I'll check out that show on Saturday.

And yes, I'd like to maintain my bodyfat somewhere between 12-15% year round. I do know of a few other females who as far as I know, do this as well. I don't think I have to worry about it being unhealthy for me, I don't think it is with my being on the b/c pill so it doesn't matter that I don't have a menstrual cycle. I get the estrogen needed for my bones anyway. But I've noticed that when I do let up on my diet, I go right back up to 18-19% so I'm gathering that is what my body is comfortable at. I figure I'll get a nice break from my diet once a year for a week when I go to the National Championships for speed skating. Also, some weekends I will have a cheat like an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen. So with that in mind I think I can keep my diet strict enough to be able to hold right around 15% at least. I'd like to be able to get down to 12% and hold there but as strict as my diet is now even at 15%, I don't know if that's gonna be possible for me or not. Guess I'll find out.

Yeah, I don't do pasta, bread, or dairy either. And I LOVE to eat too! I pigged out at Nationals! I got to have my pasta, pizza, and some junk food. I ate half a pumpkin pie in one sitting, LMAO! I can certainly pack it away, just ask Big Pappa B! I've been that way since I was a kid. Matter of fact I ate so much all the time that my parents were actually worried that I was gonna get heavy! They never said anything to my brother and now, my brother is the one who is heavy and I've always been the thin one, lol! I've always been very active so that's probably what has saved me from becoming overweight thus far. /forum/images/icons/smile.gif

[sicily1962]

Ok...long week all! I've neglected my journal ~ but not my training!! lol!!

I've had an incredible week...added some new exercised to my routine and have just exploded w/ new strength! Its amazing!
Back, shoulders , every workout was super strong...i have no idea where it came from, but it was awsome!

Just to recap for the week:
8/6 Legs:
Hack ~ 5sets, up to 280x10
smith lunges ~ 3sets, 12x125
Presses ~ 3sets , up to 8x450
SL DL ~ 3sets, 12x155
Ext ~ 3sets, 12x84

8/7 Shoulders:
Clean &amp; Press ~ 4sets, up to 4x95
Side laterals ~ 4sets
B/O cable rears ~ 3sets, 10x20
Incline Rope front raise ~ 3sets, up to 8x50

8/8 Back/bis:
Pulldowns wide ~ 4sets, 6x135 - 4x 165
DB Row ~ 4sets, 10x45 - 4x60
Seated Row ~ 3sets, 8x120 - 6x150
Pullovers (nautilus) ~ 3sets 10x80 - 8x90
Spider curls ~ 3sets, 10x20
DB Hammers ~ 3sets, 10x20
EZ Cable curls ~ 3sets, 12x65, 10x801, 7x95

8/9 Legs:
Squats ~ 3sets, 50x95lbs
Extensions ~ 3 drop sets , 50 - 40 x50reps
Curls ~ 3 drop sets, 60 to 20 10reps each

8/11 Chest/tris:
Flat Bench ~ 5sets, 6x135 to 2x200!!
Incline flyes ~ 4sets, 10x25 to 8x30
Decline DB Press ~ 3sets, 10x35 - 8x45
Incline Db ~ 3sets, 8x45 - 4x55
Reverse Pressdowns ~ 3sets, 12x80 - 6x110
Single ropes ~ 3sets, 10x30 to drop set 10,8,6,4reps x 20
Overhead ropes ~ 3sets, 10x65, 6x80 to drop 6x80,8x65,8x50

Okedoke!! busy, busy week! and in between there was a bit of HIT and logged a few miles on the bike...out on the road and of course running the bleachers!

Did Cleans on shoulder day...up to 95lbs and i can tell you , i felt those for 3days!!
They were amazing! I felt incredible!
Did chest yesterday and benched 200lbs for 2!!!!!!!!
The first one was all me!

I've had a good week for training. I'm pleased.
Ate a little too much yesterday. My cheat day was a bit much, (may have added a %!!) but i'm not worried. Have to see my trainer in 3wks and just need to come in around 13-14%...
Why worry, girls gotta have here cookie (s) every now and then!! /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif Just gotta make sure at the 8wk point it's super clean from there on out.

Have a great day all! Think i'll rest today. /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

[Adam Knowlden]

Good to hear from ya!

That workout looks brutal!

You deserve the rest. /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

[sicily1962]

Hey old school!! thanks for the welcome back!

Did some sprints up and down the bleachers at the High School last night. Talk about a workout! I definately felt those in my hammies this morning!!

Leg day.... /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif
Super Set:
Squats w/ Leg Press
12x135 4sets + 12x270
Dead Lifts
10x135 3sets
Super Set:
Extensions w/ Lying curls
12x90 + 12x80
Walking lunges:
40 steps 3sets

good one.....
I was spent!
These extra carbs my trainer has me on are making me look thick~~ /forum/images/icons/confused.gif
I'm sure he knows what he's doing...i'm just supposed to drop to 14% at the end of the month, that's all, but i gotta tell you, sometimes i just like looking lean, ya know?
By the time i get that look...it's time to carb up again.
But, I've been very strong and have not benched 200 since last summer and i was able to do that just 2 days ago..so....

I should just go w/ the flow for now.
Back and Bi's tomorrow
Have a great day all!
Margie

[Adam Knowlden]

200 lbs.!
That's great!

Yeah, I got to try that for my hammies!
I've used sprints before cause they are so responsive to it, but up the stairs! That's a great idea!

I know what ya mean with the carb cycling. Your muscles literally blow up when you carb load!

[sicily1962]

Thank you!
I was definately pleased to say the least about my bench.

Well, this morning, i am looking like a normal person again! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
I can see the cuts in my legs and my arms are looking very vascular! I love that!! /forum/images/icons/smile.gif

I see my designer on my suit next Saturday (the 24th) and then my trainer on the 31st. I feel very confident about that visit! /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif
It will put me at the eight week point. It's flying! Can you believe i will only be 8wks out?!! /forum/images/icons/crazy.gif

Time just flies.
I get one more cheat on that day and my son (20yrs old) is coming over...he's asked mom for good ol' fashion homemade lasagna and homemade bread...
How can i resist??? lol! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
He's my son!! Plus i miss cooking for my two children like that...so while my son and daughter pig out..
mama will eat in moderation knowing that the countdown is on.
(I think i'll freeze the leftovers...you know, for me when this is all over!)
Got a good one planned for back tonight, i'll check in later!
Have a great day!
Margie

[Philia2]

We all need a cheat day and you are doing absolutely great with your program.
We follow you Marg, and I'm sure that you'll simply be the best to your competition in October!!!!

[sicily1962]

thank you girl, that is really some great motivation for me knowing that you are all behind me!

It's amazing, every time i go thru my posing routine or work on my mandatories..i get butterflies.
I am glad that i have all of you to keep me up and positive.
I know you understand how crucial that can be!

There's no where to go but up right?
I'm hanging in there....sitting here w/ my
egg whites, chicken, veggies and coffee this morning. /forum/images/icons/smirk.gif

Have a great day!
Margie

[sicily1962]

Ok..as i sit here and finish my breakfast i plan my workout.
Leg day!! yea! time to go heavy again!

Let me just say, my breakfast is very good this morning! I added a 1/4c of canned pumpkin (a fibrous carb!) to my oatmeal pancake recipe and it is soooo good! Plus my eggs...i hate to see it go! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

Okedoke...Did Back/Bis' yesterday:
Moderate to Heavy

Reverse grip Pullups: I love these! 10 x 4sets
Machine rows: 10x120, 7+3 x 140, 4+ 6 x 160
DB Rows: 10x40, 10x45 3sets
Hypers w/ 25lb plate: 3sets x12

EZ Bar Curls: 10x65, 6+4x75, 5+3x75, 3+3x75
Hammer Rope curls: 10x80, 6+4x95, 12x65
21's : 3sets w/10lb DB's ~ a great finisher!!

My legs look pretty good this morning...showing some nice cuts. I panicked this week w/ this new cycle program my trainer has had me on the past 2wks! /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif

One day @ 70carbs, the next @ 300!! He doens't want me losing more than 1% this month since i dialed in @ 15% on the 3rd of august w/ 12wks to go.
******************************
Here's the email we exchanged yesterday:
[/list] Subject: Feeling a bit thick...

Hi, welcome home and i want to say congrats on a great job in the big Apple!!
He just got back from competing in Team USA last weekend!

I wanted to drop you a line to let you know i've noticed some changes since you've changed up my nutriton that are getting me a little worried.

My scale for one is up 3lbs....i feel huge!! I think i look huge...i can still see vascularity in my arms and upper thighs, shoulders...somewhat, but it's got me worried.

the only time i can really see my abs are first thing in the mornign and at the end of my low carb day...then when i carb up, i blow up.

I weigh and measure everything...been running sprint 2x's a week (bleachers @ princeton) and biking now on Saturdays for a change up along w/ a day of HIT at the gym

I just don't want to go up when i'm supposed to drop a % before i see you.

Tell me this is normal and i'll stop whining...i know i definately don't want to dial in a skinny weakling...i just want to make sure i make it to the show!! lol!

Ok...write me before i go nuts!
Margie

***************************************
Hey Margie,

I wouldnt worry too much. Because you are increasing the amount of carbs you are doing until we see each other, it is normal to feel bloated and your weight to go up. I wouldnt worry about it too much, make sure to increase your cardiovascular during this time and really focus on that high intensity cardio training. Once you come in for your next appointment we will cut your diet pretty hard, and you should see some nice changes.

Jeremiah

[/list]

So....i will try not to worry too much.
I'm just going to assume that the extra weight is probably muscle...i gain it relatively easy and my waist on my pants is still nice and loose...yea!! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif
So...

It should be a great workout this morning..i'll post when i return! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
Have a great day!
Margie

[sicily1962]

69 Days!! Did I say 69??? lol!

Well, just got back from doing legs this morning...thank goodness i ate those pancakes...they pulled me through for sure!

Legs/Calves:

Squats: 12x135,10x155, 8x185, 6x225, 12x135
Presses: 12x270, 10x360, 10x450, 15x270
Dead Lifts: 10x135, 10x155 3sets
Smith Press Lunges: 12x100, 10x125, 8x155
Unilateral Extensions: 10x60, 8+2x70, 7+3x80, 12x60

Toe Press: 15x270 3sets
Standing Calf: 15x130, 12x150, 10x170

and a good stretch...no cardio.
I got a great pump today and my legs are coming along so nicely, i'm excited about thinking about cutting up in another 2wks...
It's hard to believe that in 10wks from today i'll be on that stage!! /forum/images/icons/blush.gif

But isn't this what it's all about?
Next Saturday i travel to Columbus to see my suit designer and the following week i start my cut.

Time to start tanning too at the beginning of Sept. I'm somewhat dark complected anyway so..it won't take forever to do. A couple of times a week and i'll be good to go.

Ok all, have a great weekend.
Chest/Tris for me tomorrow! I'll check in later. /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
Margie

[Adam Knowlden]

Hey Sicily!

Your workouts are awesome! Along with your dedication!
Good luck with your contest!

I'll be out of town next week so keep it hardcore while I'm gone!

Adam.

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by OldSchool:</font><hr /> Hey Sicily!

Your workouts are awesome! Along with your dedication!
Good luck with your contest!

I'll be out of town next week so keep it hardcore while I'm gone!

Adam. <hr /></blockquote>


Adam, thank you!!
I love this stuff, i swear!!! lol!
The more interesting i can keep my w/o's the better for me. With just 9wks and 6days to go...it's amazing how quickly it will all creep up on me and i want to make sure i am as prepared as i can possibly be!

There is a girl i work with. She began working out about 7 mos ago or so. She attended my show back in april and was very motivated by it.
so..she had hooked up w/ a couple of guys at her gym and began training. thru the next 3mos, her weight dropped and she slimmed down but was still not showing any muscle definition. /forum/images/icons/confused.gif

I couldn't seem to figure it out. I know how well i responded to my training, especially when i first began.
So...at the 14wk point out from the same show i am doing, she decides to do the figure comp.

Now we are 9+wks out and this morning i went w/ my partner to her gym to have a change of pace...and saw her there training...
talking...laughing...doing a set...and so on and so on... /forum/images/icons/frown.gif

I completed a Heavy leg and calf w/o in and hour and she was still there, not even breaking a sweat.

I don't know..i'm not sure it's my place to say anything, but i want to help and have offered my assistance to her in the past, but she feels that these 2 guys she is training/flirting with are the answer for her and even suggested i train with them because they could help me.

I don't think so...my partners are hardcore and i wouldn't give that up for anything.
I guess i want so much for her to succeed and i'm worried she will not...being her first show, i don't want this to discourage her.
Any advice?

Oh well..have a great time on vacation! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

Still planning on attending that columbus show on Sept 21st to see who i might run up against. It will be a great show.

Chest tomorrow..looking forward to it!
Margie

[sicily1962]

68 Days!!!! OMG!!!

Chest and Tris today:

Incline DB Press: 10x45, 10x50, 8x55, 6+2x60
Decline Bench: 6x135, 10x115, 8+2x115, 6+4x125
Flat Bench: 10x115, 6x135, 4x145 + 3x135
Incline DB Fly: 15x20, 15x25, 12x25

Incline Skull Crushers: 12x45, 10x55, 15+5x45
Pressdowns V-Bar: 12x95, 7+3x110, 5+5x125
Bench Dips: 20, 15, 12

30 min cardio on the eliptical.

Felt really strong on my DB Press!! What a great pump i got today!!
All of these carbs are really helping my lifts! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

I almost hate to start my cutting diet at the end of the month..but think about how incredible i will be looking!! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

Oh yeah...i think i can get over the carb thing!
See you later!!
Margie

[sicily1962]

67 Days!!

Well it's been a long day and i'm in for the night, but wanted to post my w/o..before i got my stuff ready for work.

Shoulders and Calves
Clean n Press: 10x65 2sets, 8x75, 6x85
Side Lateral, L-Lateral: 12x10's 3sets
Front Cable raise: 10x30,8x40 2sets, 12x20
Super Set: DB Rears w/ DB Shrugs: 12x15's w/
10x35's 3sets

Super Set: Standing Calf w/ Seated Calf
12x135 + 15x90 (4count up an down)
10x150 + 12x90 2sets

30min on the eliptical

Came home to a good carb up and now i start the carb drop tomorrow...but it will give me plenty of energy to make it through my leg workout tomorrow.
It will be high rep day and i'll probably do quite a few unilateral moves for cutting....another week and a half to the new diet.
I'm wondering how much he's going to cut me.

As long as i retain what i have i can deal w/ anything...if i lose an ounce of muscle...we're gonna have a talk!

See you tomorrow..
Margie

You sure are an inspiration, someone to keep me on my toes for sure! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by ***********:</font><hr /> You sure are an inspiration, someone to keep me on my toes for sure! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif <hr /></blockquote>

Too sweet!
I just gotta do what a girl's gotta do! lol! and you are already on your toes!! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
66 DAYS!!!

It was leg day yesterday ...my second for the week:

Legs/Forearms

Squats: 15x135, 12x155, 10x185, 6x225
SL Deads: 10x135, 8x155 2sets, 6x165
Step ups~ 8 tier step bench: 12 x 4sets...that was taxing!!!
Super set: Ext/Seated curls: 12x72, 4 sets, 20 sec rest

forearms:
BB curls 3set x 12empty
reverse plate curls 3sets 12 x 5lbs
DB wrist rolls: 3sets of 12 x 15lb DB

No cardio on leg day
it's amazing i made it thru on a low carb day, but i was very strong. I think my system has adjusted to it.

Back and bis tonight. My fav!! Pull ups!!! lol!

i'll bbl!!
Margie

[sicily1962]

63 DAYS!!

It's all passing so fast!
Today i drive to Columbus to visit the designer for my suit!! Can you believe it? 8wks from now...( it's really 9, but if i'm not there a week before the show ~ i'm in trouble!!)
I'll be onstage..My compulsary routine is awsome..and my night time routine is nearly finished, no cut and dry stuff for me. I'm too much of a ham for that. Lots of style and polish! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

Have had some good w/o's since i last posted.
some back/bis and yesterday did drop sets on chest and tris'

I can feel that today....30reps on chest per exercise for 3sets each! You wanna feel a burn? Mama feels it today honey! wow...will be great for definition.

I've had another drop in BF....14% and i'm still a week out from seeing my trainer...that will give me 8wks to get to 8-9%. It is the best position if could be in. I can continue to drop slow and retain my muscle. I'm very pleased about that.

My abs are so tight this morning, i can't imagine the end result!

It's leg day again...i'm thinking some unilateral moves and some real concentration on my teardrop with some narrow stance movements.

See you all later..i cant' wait to fill you in on my visit to the designer...in 6days i'll begin my cutting diet! you gotta love it!
Keep me strong!!!
Margie

[sicily1962]

OMG!!!! My suits are going to be so awsome...yes, i said suits!! I couldn't resist! /forum/images/icons/blush.gif

Well i drove North today to meet the designer and get measured for my new suit. It was a bit overwhelming...picking the right suit, material, padding, cut, you name it..i Picked it!! lol!

Bottom line, I will definately look incredible ~ just one more thing to motivate me that much more to get thru this and succeed! I originally only had it in my mind to do one suit, but after seeing her work and speaking w/ her concerning NPC regulations on suits, it seems much better for me to just spring for two ~ to the tune of $423.00 start to finish.
Yea ~ i'm nuts, but ****...i'll look good!! lol! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

I can't wait to have photos taken, so you'll be able to see them both. I have 8wks to get it together. It was funny being fitted so far out, but she knows what she's doing and i have to trust her.
I mean, she's done all of Jenny Hendershots suits and just finished Lenda Murray's new suit!
She's going to make me look like a million bucks!

So...did legs this morning. It was good, i actually trained a girl i work w/ who will be doing the figure comp at the same show i'm doing. She's the one that has not been doing so hot and i finally just came out and told her that she needed to work harder for the results she was wanting and if she wanted my assistance, i would be there.
So ~ she calls me last night to ask if she can work w/ me today. She did good, i think she's come back for more punishment! lol! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

Legs/Calves:

RDL's ~ 12x135, 12x155, 10x185, 8x200
Smith Squats, Narrow ~ 12x140, 12x160sets, 10x180
Unilateral leg press ~ 12x140, 12x160, 12x180
Extensions, Drop sets ~ 10x84,10x60, 10x48 3sets on camstar
Hack machine calf press ~ 20x160, 15x185, 12x225
Seated calf ~ 12x90 3sets, static hold

It was a good w/o. I got up early to begin my carb up so i had plenty of energy today. But i'm feeling really fool and i can see that i am already looking forward to cutting the starches out again tomorrow.

5 days to my cutting diet. I'm very glad about that...need to get to the tanning bed.
Well, have a great night everyone, i'll be back tomorrow w/ my daily w/o.
Margie

[chiefb10]

Margie,

I didnt know I could read your journal until you said so on the email. I hope its ok. You are gonna be awesome in October. You are kickin butt. I am not as advanced as you but some day I will be. SO WATCH OUT! LOL!!! Very well kept journal and organized. Keep up the great work. I wish I could come out to Cinncinati to see you in the show. I have never been to a show before.
GOOD LIFTING!

Scott

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by chiefb10:</font><hr /> Margie,

I didnt know I could read your journal until you said so on the email. I hope its ok. You are gonna be awesome in October. You are kickin butt. I am not as advanced as you but some day I will be. SO WATCH OUT! LOL!!! Very well kept journal and organized. Keep up the great work. I wish I could come out to Cinncinati to see you in the show. I have never been to a show before.
GOOD LIFTING!

Scott <hr /></blockquote>

Hey ~ feel free to read this anytime you like! I enjoy the feedback and it lets me know i'm not just writing to myself! I like hearing from everyone!

Well, its 3am and i'm up...have to be at the gym in 45min for cardio and my girl begins school today. A junior...my baby is nearly grown! /forum/images/icons/frown.gif /forum/images/icons/smirk.gif ...i'm confused on which way to feel...sad she'll be headed to college and happy i'll be on my own to do whatever. ya know?? lol!

Had a great back/bi workout sunday:

Pulldowns, wide: 15x100, 12x120, 12x135, 6+2x150
DB Rows: 12x45, 12x50, 10x60
Seated rows, narrow: 12x120, 10x135, 8+2x150
Straight arm Lat Pulls: 12x65, 12x80, 12x95 2sets

DB Spider curls: 12x20lbs 3sets
Lying cable curls to head: 15x80, 12x95, 12+5x110
Reverse incline DB curls: 20x10 3sets...this one really hurt!

Didn't do cardio, but worked for over an hour last night on my compulsary and mandatories. 'That is a workout in itself!
I do love my compulsary though..it's got style and flair and it;s all me! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
I'm such a ham!! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

Nothing worse than watching a cut/dry routine...like robots onstage. Plus, with my new suit, i have to have some life to my routine to make it all come together!! lol!

Hooked up w/ a old friend , a bodybuilder i met from last summer to work back and he's coming back tonight to do shoulders/calves w/ me. He likes that i enjoy working hard.
Says it's good for him.

I'll have my usual partner for legs on Tuesday ~ the bantam weight.

I was just thinking..if i don't drop 8lbs in the next 8wks...i'm going to have to compete as a heavy weight! Not sure i want to get into that division.....there are some big..unnatural girls in that arena!
Oh well, it's all about the body right? Whatever i come in at, i'll be as ready as i can be.

I see my trianer now in 5days...to begin the cutting phase. I'm starting to get butterflies! /forum/images/icons/crazy.gif

Ok...shoulders tonight...i love military press,so it will be a good one!
i'll check back later.
margie

[Philia2]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by sicily1962:</font><hr />
Didn't do cardio, but worked for over an hour last night on my compulsary and mandatories. 'That is a workout in itself!
I do love my compulsary though..it's got style and flair and it;s all me! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
I'm such a ham!! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

<hr /></blockquote>

Yes I know that one..... I don't need to do any of that for the competition in November. Why? Because Serge Nubret wanted to change everything this time so no strict way of posing but free ones.....

It's very important thou..... I had a friend of mine showing me how to pose before doing my first competition last April. After I worked them every single night.
When I final did the comp I won the "best posing" trophy. I was just soooo happy. This is still one of the very best trophys I have ever won.

You can have a great body, but if you don't know how to pose then you'll still never win......

[sicily1962]

<hr /></blockquote>

Yes I know that one..... I don't need to do any of that for the competition in November. Why? Because Serge Nubret wanted to change everything this time so no strict way of posing but free ones.....

It's very important thou..... I had a friend of mine showing me how to pose before doing my first competition last April. After I worked them every single night.
When I final did the comp I won the "best posing" trophy. I was just soooo happy. This is still one of the very best trophys I have ever won.

You can have a great body, but if you don't know how to pose then you'll still never win...... <hr /></blockquote>

60 Days!!
<font color="purple"> Time is flying!! It is so hard to believe that before i know it, it will be a memory!
I know exactly what you mean about the posing. Unfortunately, there is no prize for best poser, and i think there should be. Some people really put a lot of time and effort into there compulsaries and evening routine and it would be very nice to know that it would be acknowlegded in the end.
I think it's terriffic that your events offer that category and that you have actually won it! I'd love to see that routine!

I will have to email the head of the NPC in our district. I know him, maybe he would give it some thought.

</font color>

[sicily1962]

At this moment: 59 Days, 7 Hours...54 Minutes..!!!!!!!!1 <font color="purple"> I can't help it! I have a countdown thingy on my computer!! lol!</font color>

<font color="blue"> Well it was leg day today.. I decided to blast them..just because...I'm nuts like that!
So, here goes: </font color>
<font color="orange"> Presses: 25x180, 25x225, 25x270, 25x315
Hack squats: 15x140, 12x185 2sets
Dbl Dip DB Lunges: 4sets of twelve w/ 1min Butt tucks...have to have a tight tush for prejudging!!
Extensions: 25x48 3sets
Lying Leg curls: 25x60 3sets.
</font color>

Ok...so i was totally spent! I have no idea where i pulled that out of! It was very taxing..but i came home and it was carb up night...and so i did just that! Yum! What a huge bowl of oats and all the goodies inside will do for you!

I'll be blown up in the morning! lol!
The soreness began setting in an hour ago, tomorrow should be fun ~ but hey, i'm not stepping onstage w/o a great set of quads/hams and a perfectly rounded behind!! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

I can deal with whatever comes my way.
so...i decided tomorrow would be my day off, i'll just tan and probably work on my compulsary routine and evening routine to polish them up a little.
By the time the 8wks passes, they will be flawless.

Have a great night.
Margie

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by sicily1962:</font><hr /> Ok...so i was totally spent! I have no idea where i pulled that out of!<hr /></blockquote>

I felt like that today as well, bounds of endless energy, not sure where it came from. Well, sorta, it might have something to do with not following my cutting diet. /forum/images/icons/crazy.gif

[ QUOTE ]
... i'm not stepping onstage w/o a great set of quads/hams and a perfectly rounded behind!! <hr /></blockquote>

http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif You go girl!

[Adam Knowlden]

[ QUOTE ]
I'll be blown up in the morning! lol!
The soreness began setting in an hour ago, tomorrow should be fun ~ but hey, i'm not stepping onstage w/o a great set of quads/hams and a perfectly rounded behind!!
<hr /></blockquote>

That's the attitude of a true champion!

[ QUOTE ]
At this moment: 59 Days, 7 Hours...54 Minutes..!!!!!!!!1 I can't help it! I have a countdown thingy on my computer!! lol! <hr /></blockquote>

Aren't those the koolest?!
I had one for how long till I graduated!
I kept looking at it whenever homework was bogging me down!

Enjoy the tan! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
Adam.

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by OldSchool:</font><hr /> [ QUOTE ]
I'll be blown up in the morning! lol!
The soreness began setting in an hour ago, tomorrow should be fun ~ but hey, i'm not stepping onstage w/o a great set of quads/hams and a perfectly rounded behind!!
<hr /></blockquote>

That's the attitude of a true champion!

[ QUOTE ]
At this moment: 59 Days, 7 Hours...54 Minutes..!!!!!!!!1 I can't help it! I have a countdown thingy on my computer!! lol! <hr /></blockquote>

Aren't those the koolest?!
I had one for how long till I graduated!
I kept looking at it whenever homework was bogging me down!

Enjoy the tan! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
Adam. <hr /></blockquote>

Well....tomorrow marks my 8wk point....
I can't believe i begin cutting tomorrow. I am so excited and nervous all at the same time! I had to check myself out good tonight after i got home from training back/bis'...i'm looking PRETTY good!! lol! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
I expect my results to be right on track tomorrow when i see my trainer.
I'm very curious as to what changes he will make w/ my nutrition. Whatever he does, it's all down hill from here. I've been watching this competition from the seats for 5yrs now and finally i'm gonna be there.....doing my thing!! lol! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

Well....mailed the check for my two suits today...now, i'm committed all the way! (as if i weren't anyway!!) Things are coming together so nicely.
God is watching over me........otherwise, my luck would not be so good right now.

Had a strong back w/o tonight. I was pleased, especially since i've been low carbing it for 3days and had no spotter or training partner to boot!!

pullups: 8 for 3sets...very slow and full reps
seated rows: 8x135, 9x135 2sets
T-Bar ~ single row: 10x45 3sets
Pulldowns, wide: 10x120, 8+2x135. 7+3x135

Preacher curls (hammer bench) 8x45, 6+2x45, 5+3x45
DB curls: 10x25's 3sets
single cable curl: 15x20 3sets

My bi's have quite a nice pump going on...measuring a whopping 14 1/2" this evening!! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif Got to get all i can out of my front double bicep pose!! lol!
I'm a mess tonight..it's late and i just got back from our world market picking up things for my homemade pasta dinner tomorrow night...
my last cheat for the next 8wks. My son is coming for dinner and he wants pasta. Of course, i'm making it w/ ground turkey, laura's lean beef and whole wheat rigatoni, but somehow i am still afraid to blow it.
Maybe it's that homemade pumpkin pie on a gingerbread crust i'm getting ready to bake!! lol! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

I'll be good...one sliver only...
business as usual on sunday.

I'll do legs when i get back from seeing him tomorrow, don't want them blown up while he's pinching me w/ calipers.

ok all, i'll check back in the a.m. after i get my results and i'll post my diet so you guys can all see what the next 8 wks is going to be like.

Good night!
Margie

[Adam Knowlden]

[ QUOTE ]
Maybe it's that homemade pumpkin pie on a gingerbread crust i'm getting ready to bake!! lol! <hr /></blockquote>

/forum/images/icons/tongue.gif /forum/images/icons/tongue.gif I'm drolling over here!LOL!

I won't rub in the fact that I'm starting my bulk, and would gladly finish off the rest of that for you!LOL!
Oh yeah, and I'd put some vanilla ice cream on top!
Man, I have to stop myself, I'm getting hungry!
I promise I won't rub it in when you're hardcore cutting, I know how hard that can be!

[ QUOTE ]
Got to get all i can out of my front double bicep pose!! lol!
<hr /></blockquote>

I've got a little something coming out in the next issue of Beyond Failure that might help you out with that!
Its called static super sets! It'll blow those peaks up!

[ QUOTE ]
i'm looking PRETTY good!! lol! <hr /></blockquote>

Yes you do! And you'll only get better! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

Good luck with your training! You're hardcore!

Adam.

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by OldSchool:</font><hr /> [ QUOTE ]
Maybe it's that homemade pumpkin pie on a gingerbread crust i'm getting ready to bake!! lol! <hr /></blockquote>

/forum/images/icons/tongue.gif /forum/images/icons/tongue.gif I'm drolling over here!LOL!

I won't rub in the fact that I'm starting my bulk, and would gladly finish off the rest of that for you!LOL!
Oh yeah, and I'd put some vanilla ice cream on top!
Man, I have to stop myself, I'm getting hungry!
I promise I won't rub it in when you're hardcore cutting, I know how hard that can be!

[ QUOTE ]
Got to get all i can out of my front double bicep pose!! lol!
<hr /></blockquote>

I've got a little something coming out in the next issue of Beyond Failure that might help you out with that!
Its called static super sets! It'll blow those peaks up!

[ QUOTE ]
i'm looking PRETTY good!! lol! <hr /></blockquote>

Yes you do! And you'll only get better! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

Good luck with your training! You're hardcore!

Adam.

<hr /></blockquote>

Gosh, vanilla ice cream, why didn't i think of that?? /forum/images/icons/confused.gif lol! I got FF cool whip instead!! Yuck! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif
<font color="blue"> Too funny Adam Sorry to tortue you with the details! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
You know, i think that's why my bi's feel so blasted this morning, becuase i tried out the static hold movement on the hammer curl and again on the cables to finish off and this morning they are crying!! /forum/images/icons/blush.gif It's all good...i can take it! I don't care what they do as long as i keep gaining strength and mass! </font color>

<font color="purple"> Well, here i sit, sipping my coffee, trying to wake up before i hit the gym this morning for a good cardio session. Hoping to sweat away any remaining impuraties that might get stuck between me and those calipers!! lol!

But i feel it will be a great day. I'll check back in a few hours with the details.
Gotta get my leg w/o together.
Margie </font color>

[sicily1962]

55 Days!!!!!!!

<font color="blue">Well, today was the day...i got a 1% drop in BodyFat and gaine 3lbs of new muscle!!!!!!! so..my weight was up to 143 and it was all good!! 14% and good to go!
It's cutting time!
I went thru the compulsaries with my trainer...he told me i had them down to a T. Nice to know since i've been practicing religously.
The diet doesn't look too bad, he gave me an extra meal, making that 6, but the cals have been cut somewhat...not too much.
I'm to increase my cardio 5-10% at each session but not increase the time. So, more input from me. I personally don't feel it will be a problem.
He has also increased my supplements to include GH Factor with more L-Carnatine and more BCAA's before and after training. The increase in these supps is supposed to protect my mass and force the burn off of fat from my stubborn places. Whatever it takes, i'll do it. Had to place a $150. order tonight for more supps from vitaglo.com
I have to go back in 2wks now...every two weeks for the next month.
The plan is for me to drop 3lbs of fat in the next 2wks. At this point he has decided not to put a number on my bodyfat % because i may actually look better coming in at 10% than 8% so they are holding off now.
That's ok though. Whatever works for me is what i want. I am going to make the top 3....that's the goal.
</font color>
<font color="purple">I made it in afterward to do legs:
Superset: RDL's w Presses: wide
12x135 + as X 270 4sets
Smith press lunges: 12x 125, 12x 145 3sets
Extensions: 12x90, 12x 105, 6x115 +8x60
Standing calf w/ sissy calf press: 12x130 +25sissy, 12x150 +25sissy, 10x150 + 15sissy </font color>

<font color="brown">I was pretty well spent at that point...made some homemade pasta and i thought i would really enjoy it, but instead i have discovered that...eating clean is what i have conditioned my system to do...I am not feeling so great at the moment.
Plop, plot, fizz, fizz....hope it helps.
so........
tomorrow i start the cutting diet. Thank goodness for the small things.
Oh how i will love those egg whites!! lol!
two weeks from now...another visit.
Have a good night all.
Chest/tris tomorrow.
i'll be back!!!!!!!! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
Margie</font color>

[Adam Knowlden]

[ QUOTE ]
i got a 1% drop in BodyFat and gaine 3lbs of new muscle!!!!!!! <hr /></blockquote>

That's incredible!
Like I said, you'll only get better!

[ QUOTE ]
I am going to make the top 3....that's the goal.
<hr /></blockquote>

You have a goal, and you have it written down!
That is the main part of getting anything done!
Goal setting is so crucial!
I have a journal with all my goals written down.
Its been proven if you write something down and visualize it, you are more likely to fulfill that goal! Great job!

[ QUOTE ]
Oh how i will love those egg whites!! lol!
<hr /></blockquote>

I know what ya mean!
Good luck with your cut! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

[Philia2]

Wow Margie, that's great news!!! (I'm sure that your trainer is as happy and proud as he/she can be!!)

So everything is set, diet and the training but also the bikini, music, the poses, tan, make up, shoes........

Hmmmm I would sooooo much wish that I could be at that competition, I would sit down nicely telling everybody loud and proud "I know that girl and I know how hard she has been working for that, she'll win!!!!!!"

Now what do your family and collegues at work think?

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by Philia2:</font><hr /> Wow Margie, that's great news!!! (I'm sure that your trainer is as happy and proud as he/she can be!!)

So everything is set, diet and the training but also the bikini, music, the poses, tan, make up, shoes........

Hmmmm I would sooooo much wish that I could be at that competition, I would sit down nicely telling everybody loud and proud "I know that girl and I know how hard she has been working for that, she'll win!!!!!!"

Now what do your family and collegues at work think? <hr /></blockquote>

<font color="blue">I certainly wish you could be there as well! How much fun would that be? We'd have a blast!!
Well, it won't be my last, so we'll have to work on getting you tickets in the future!! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

As far as family, well my father is not too thrilled with what i do. (surprise) He's from the old school (no punt intended! lol! ) and doesn't think women w/ muscles are very attractive. My mother is more fascinated with the fact that i eat so much and stay so lean, so she's always asking questions and having me write her nutritional programs that she will never follow! go figure! /forum/images/icons/confused.gif </font color>
<font color="brown">But they will both be attending my Louisville comp in November ~ she'll be dragging him, but he'll come. Nice isn't it? the thought of that...family support.
Anyway-the people i work with, the guys, for the most part just love to look at me and tell me they'd love to come watch but their wives wouldn't like it, the women ~ well, the majority of them are very supportive and about half of them will attend my show and cheer very loudly!
The majority of my support will come from all of my friend at my gym. I'll have a cheering section of about 25 + people there. It will be very big! The auditorium has great stadium seating and can hold alot!
I get goose bumps just thinking about it!!! /forum/images/icons/blush.gif
wow... 55 DAYS

Chest day today...working out w/ a light-heavyweight.
My trainer suggested a change in my training to the following, so we're going heavy today and trying something a little different to switch up my training and burn some extra fat ~ that is, work in my smaller muscle group with the big one ~

example:
superset: bench press, rest 30sec, close grip bench
and so on. By incorporating this type of training, everything get blasted continuously and it will aid in my cutting process.
It should be a good workout.</font color>

I'll let you know!
Margie

[sicily1962]

52 DAYS!!!
<font color="blue">Good morning all! It's bright and early and i thought i'd give you the update!
I think i've had another drop...the lines in my mid section are very tight this morning and the vascularity is showing very nicely!! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
I love it when a plan comes together!
Had a good leg w/o last night:

Pause squats: (5sec hold) 12x135, 12x155 3sets, 12x135
Presses Unilateral: 12x140, 12x160, 12x185
Superset: Good Mornings w/ Leg Press(feet wide to hit inside thigh) 12x95 + 12x270, 12x115 + 12x360, 12x135 + 12x360
Extensions: (pyramid on first set) 20x48 + 10x60 + 4x82,
2nd set: 8x60 + 5x60 w/ 10sec hold at top
3rd set: 5x60 w/ 10sec hold + 5x48
My quads were on fire by the time i hit that last set and could barely make it to stretch!!
But the separation in my quads that i'm going to get is going to be well worth the effort!! /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif I'm gonna work on building up my time with each w/o.

Gonna hit back tonight...i'll fill you in!
It's almost show time!!

The diet is working fine for me. I didn't suspect having too much of a problem. I mean, it's not my favorite, but it's all for a good cause....cuz i'm gonna look awsome!

My trainer wants me to dial in @ 10% by the end of the month ~ only 4% drop, so i can spend the last 4wks into the show tightening up and if i need to drop another %, it will be simple...i'll just basically do a maintenance diet for a month. I'm very excited about that! No last minutes stuff to mess up my look and cause me to lose too much muscle.
It's a smart move i think. /forum/images/icons/smile.gif

Have a great day all!! See you tonight!
Margie </font color>

[sicily1962]

<font color="blue">49 Days! Officially 7wks from today!!
</font color>
<font color="purple"> Time is literally flying for me now. I don't know where the days are going....it's amazing! Each time i think of getting on that stage, i get butterflies!! /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif
I had a pretty good week w/ my training. All the usual parts but did them w/ moderate weight ranges for a change. It was a good change up and i was able to increase my rep range also.
I begin my 2nd job today so i'm going to rest as much as i can since i'll be on my feet most of the day.
It's a good thing, i'll be able to pay for my suit faster and send my daughter to France for spring break. That money has to be at the school by Dec 1st. /forum/images/icons/confused.gif Nothing like telling us at the last minutes.
None the less, she will go. period.
I've been making my mandatories and compulsaries a part of my morning cardio session beginning this week.
That will definately wake you up in the morining!!!
But the poses look good and even though i still have a ways to go ~ i can do alot to improve in 7wks.
all comments welcome.
Margie</font color>

[Philia2]

Of course you'll win the comp and of course you'll be able to send your daughter to France!!!! (donnu where she'll be going, but she'll be more than welcome here!! Don't worry, I'll take good care of her!)

7 weeks, yes the time goes fast. I'm happy for you that everything goes that smooth (making me feel way too behind with everything!)

It's actually funny with all this prep comp thing. When we do it, it can feels hard and sometimes absolutely nooooo fun at all, but then when it's finish, well then we sort of miss it.... (do I make sense?)

Great job of yours Margie!!

[Philia2]

Now where IS our Wonder Woman?!!!!!

Hmmmm we miss you!!!!!!! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by Philia2:</font><hr /> Now where IS our Wonder Woman?!!!!!

Hmmmm we miss you!!!!!!! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif <hr /></blockquote>

Was wondering that myself, as well as where are all the other women period. The Women's Discussion Forum sure has been slow lately. And I thought I was busier than usual! Wonder what everyone is doing? One girl was supposed to be "bulking" with me. /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

[Destinado]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by Philia2:</font><hr /> Now where IS our Wonder Woman?!!!!!<hr /></blockquote>

Yeah - I've been holding my breath for the past couple of days [waiting for the next installment] and I can't keep it up for much longer......

Sicily - where are you?????

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by Destinado:</font><hr /> <blockquote><font class="small">posted by Philia2:</font><hr /> Now where IS our Wonder Woman?!!!!!<hr /></blockquote>

Yeah - I've been holding my breath for the past couple of days [waiting for the next installment] and I can't keep it up for much longer......

Sicily - where are you????? <hr /></blockquote>

OH My!! I do feel missed!! Thank you all!! /forum/images/icons/laugh.gif
I feel as though my days are so full that i have only time to work, work out , eat and sleep..period.

Six weeks out and i've hit a wall. Gee ~ i think maybe my system has said "hold up" give me a break.
So...i'm holding steady at 14% for some reason.
I saw my trainer yesterday ~ the changes in my body are more than evident, even to him.
The striations in my chest, my vascularity, the cuts in my legs ~ i mean everything said that i had dropped, but the reading was saying NO!!! /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif
Even he was shocked to say the least.
He was so sweet, saying " look, you can't go by the numbers, you have to go by how you look and i can see you've dropped"
None the less, we cut my diet, yet again and have upped the cardio. I have added another leg day now to my routine ~ making 3 for the week. It will be alternating between hams and glute priority ~ heavy, moderate, light.

I was checking out Philia's leg w/o this week. she and i are similar in our rep schemes...she goes high on legs and i like that. I make that a priority at least once a week.
But i've also been doing the "static hold" JW has been talking about on my leg extensions, curls and squats and i have to tell you ~ it's really making a difference in the shape taking hold on my legs. (That's been for the past 2wks)
He said it was difficult and it is very trying. Concentration is the key.

I've been hitting the gym each morning @ 3:45am for cardio and lagging parts...or to pick up some extra training and then after work for the my major groups. Saturday's have been my day off. Believe me, by then, i'm ready to be off ~ but have been working 2 jobs so ....no like being off, ya know?

My new diet consists of only 4 meals now and 5 on my two carb up days: mondays' &amp; thursdays.
I'm worried about how i'm going to incorporate them into my busy schedule w/o going nuts. Splitting them, anything to help make it through my long days without starving to death.

Meal 1 ~ 4oz. chicken, 3 whites, 1/2 grapefruit
Meal 2 ~ 5oz chicken, 2 cups salad, 2T cider vinegar w/ 1t oil
Meal 3 ~ 2scoops Muscle provider, 1t flax oil, 3 strawberries
Meal 4 ~ 5oz chicken or 6oz cod, 1cup leafy green veggies
*every Mon/Thurs as an added 5th meal:
1cup oats (pre cooked), 6oz sweet potato, 4oz banana, 1c veggies, 2t butter or flax oil

This is for the next 2wks. It's about 200 cals less than what i just came off of for the last 2wks. It's so hard to think that the caliper reading didn't move when i could see the measurements drop. how is that??? The mirror doesn't lie either. Can you tell i have a problem with this?

<font color="blue"> Some positive reinforcement is definately needed right now!! lol! </font color>

I just have to keep telling myself that it's nearly over.
41 Days!!
Can you believe it? I feel so tight everywhere, i think his calipers we off, i swear!
Why can't i get that off my mind???? /forum/images/icons/confused.gif

Started tanning ~ with olive skin, it's really a godsend. Three visits in and i'm nice and brown...i should be able to go twice a week from here on out and be fine by showtime.

I have some pro tan in my cupboard ~ i don't really care for it. Any suggestions on anything truly better that isn't so messy?

Hitting the gym in a few hours for legs today....it's Sunday. I'll tell you about it when i get back.
I didn't mean to dissappear on all of you ~ i'm here!!

Looks like i've got a ton of reading and posting to catch up on! lol!
Have a great day!
Margie

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by sicily1962:</font><hr /> .. i mean everything said that i had dropped, but the reading was saying NO!!! /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif

...Can you believe it? I feel so tight everywhere, i think his calipers we off, i swear!
Why can't i get that off my mind???? /forum/images/icons/confused.gif <hr /></blockquote>

OMG, Margie you sound JUST LIKE me! I know EXACTLY what you're going thru with those darn calipers, trust me! Happens to me ALL THE TIME! I just figured I must be a freak to have the definition I do at 18% body fat! Not only that but like you said, even the calipers aren't always right. Those darn calipers have told me things like, "you went up in body fat but LOST muscle" and I say BULL CRAP! How in the heck would THAT be possible? Anyway, those things can give you some screwy info at least in my experience and it is frustrating as all heck when you see MORE definition in the mirror but the calipers don't agree, you begin to wonder if you're seeing things or what. So trust me, I know all too well how frustrating it can be! I'm all scared right now that somehow I'm gonna gain fat but no muscle. My abs already feel pudgy to me and the scale has gone up 1.5 lbs so far. And according to the calipers, I'm up to 18% body fat already, last time I was checked was 19 July and it was right after doing my Beverly diet, I calipered in at 15%. So already I've put back on 3% fat!!! Like I said, my body does NOT like to be 15%. I have to be friggin starving to be even 15%! I saw your diet and I'd certainly be starving if it were me! So I'm with ya on that one too!! Come March I'll be back to starving again, for now I'd like to gain some strength. Anyway, Margie, good luck girl, you've been doing SOO well and I can relate very well to most of what you're going thru! You're certainly an inspiration! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by ***********:</font><hr />OMG, Margie you sound JUST LIKE me! I know EXACTLY what you're going thru with those darn calipers, trust me! Happens to me ALL THE TIME! I just figured I must be a freak to have the definition I do at 18% body fat! Not only that but like you said, even the calipers aren't always right. Those darn calipers have told me things like, "you went up in body fat but LOST muscle" and I say BULL CRAP! How in the heck would THAT be possible? Anyway, those things can give you some screwy info at least in my experience and it is frustrating as all heck when you see MORE definition in the mirror but the calipers don't agree, you begin to wonder if you're seeing things or what.
So trust me, I know all too well how frustrating it can be!Anyway, Margie, good luck girl, you've been doing SOO well and I can relate very well to most of what you're going thru! You're certainly an inspiration! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif <hr /></blockquote>

<font color="blue">
Thanks Krypto, too sweet!
I think after 3days i've finally got a handle on this new nutrition. I've actually split my morning meal: 1/2 the turkey after my morning cardio w/ the grapefruit and the rest w/ my eggs about 2 or so hours later. Then the remainder of the day kinda goes on schedule.
The scale is 2lbs down this morning and i am very vascular!
My legs are looking pretty good right now.
I started using Thiomucase a couple of days ago...it seems to be doing the trick and also picked up some of that new Nutrogena firming creme last night. I feels very nice on the skin ~ says i'll have visible results in 3wks, but i think the combo of the two after my shower last night worked well.
Actually, with everything i'm doing, i'm not sure how any of it wouldn't work right now!
I believe i drank about 31/2 gals of water yesterday to help curb the growling in my stomach! It worked, thats for sure.

I got an email from my trainer yesterday. He said the combo of my working out before i saw him...(i normally only do cardio, but decided to get in my lagging parts that morn....go figure) and the Muscle Synergy made me hold water. He can clearly see that i've had a drop, only the calipers could not pick it up...don't need to tell me twice! It's only cardio from this point out!
That actually made me feel so much better. We both new i had a drop ~ if nothing else, at least 2% for sure...but the goal is 4-5% by the 28th and i don't think that's going to be a problem.
Between the hour of cardio and the calorie deficit...it will fall off. I should dial in 4wks out at about 10% if everything goes as planned.
Had a really good shoulder and bicep w/o last night. Still strong ~ i like that. Gonna stay heavy as long as i can:

Pyramid shoulder press: 12x80, 10x95, 8+2x110, 6+2x120
Incline DB Side laterals: 12x10, 12x12, 8+2x15lbs
Superset:
Plate front raise w/ BB shrugs: 10x35 plus 10x135 3sets
B/O DB Rear laterals: 12x15 3sets
Incline DB curls: 12x20's 3sets...this one was a killer!
Cable curls: 12x80, 10x95, 8x95
High cable: 15x30, 12x40, 6x50 + 15sec hold

I felt really strong... I like that. As long as i can keep my strength, i'll be happy. Legs tonight ~ we'll see how that goes.
So...i'll keep you all posted....back to the trainer like i said on the 28th for the final 4wk countdown.
It's so hard to believe it will all be here soon.
I can't wait to get those posing suits...they are awsome!
Margie
[color]

[sicily1962]

Weds morning...3am, can you believe that? I must be insane...the quest for the perfect physic! LOL!
My shoulders are looking quite nice this morning and my ab definition.... /forum/images/icons/wink.gif oh yea! Things are coming together. I've lost a total of 3lbs..down to 140 now and my waist is down a 1/4".
My strength has been good. No drops that i can see thus far.
I did legs last night, a 45lbs plate slipped and the edge fell right on my right lower shin...nice, hu? That hurts like hell this morning. The bruise had better be gone in 5wks!

I'm headed into the gym for my moring cardio here in a couple of minutes.
38 Days!
Time is flying.
Had the pleasure of watching the men's Junior National NPC comp from Chicago yesterday. What a motivator!! /forum/images/icons/smile.gif The Bantam Weight competitor and winner was trained my Beverly International and that made me feel pretty good knowing we have the same trainer. Small world!

I see my trainer again in just 9days and i think i'll be seeing some incredible results then.
Practiced my posing ~ mandatories and 90sec routine yesterday...****...they are so good! lol!
ok..off to sweat, but i'll be back tonight after i do back/traps.
have a wonderful day.
Margie

http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gifhttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gifhttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif

Yeah, I think my holding water is what really messes me up too. I've seen some squirrly stuff happen with my caliper readings since I've been into this. It actually showed an INCREASE in body fat WHILE I was cutting and AFTER I started on a fat burner even!! That one really torked me off, I was like, I'm the only person I know who can GAIN fat and lose muscle while on a CUT and AFTER I started a fat burner and EVEN THOUGH my scale weight remained UNCHANGED! When I first got into this, I had to throw the scale out the window cause you can't go by that. Well now I'm wanting to throw the calipers out the window cause it seems I can't rely on them either! /forum/images/icons/mad.gif And though I really didn't want to, I had hubby take my reading a while back just cause I HAVE to make sure I'm not gaining too much fat on the calories I'm taking in right now to gain strength. It's just SOO dang hard to tell whether I use the mirror or the calipers, when my definition doesn't look as good, if it's fat or just water! Another thing I'm doing is making sure my scale weight doesn't go up more than 2 lbs in a week cause then that is a bad sign that I may be gaining fat. Well, anyway, you get the point, I'm just trying to use every possible method I can think of to ensure I don't gain a bunch of fat. But it sure isn't easy!

Okay, off subject but I've been wanting to say this for a while now. I want to know...

WHAT FRICKEN IDIOT RATED THIS THREAD DOWN!!!! WHAT AN ***!

Okay, I feel better now. Cause I rated this thread 5 stars cause I just think it's VERY helpful, great read, etc. And someone had the friggin NERVE to rate it down! People like that just PISS me off! /forum/images/icons/mad.gif It's like they have nothing better to do than to put someone else down! Personally, I ONLY give out 5 star ratings. If I don't particularly like someone on here, then I don't rate them at all, that's just childish IMO. Seems some people get their "kicks" from rating a thread or member down. Well, they need to get their "kicks" somewhere else. Geez, get a life loser!

Just wanted to get that off my chest. /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by ***********:</font><hr /> http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gifhttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gifhttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif

Okay, off subject but I've been wanting to say this for a while now. I want to know...

WHAT FRICKEN IDIOT RATED THIS THREAD DOWN!!!! WHAT AN ***!

Okay, I feel better now. Cause I rated this thread 5 stars cause I just think it's VERY helpful, great read, etc. And someone had the friggin NERVE to rate it down! People like that just PISS me off! /forum/images/icons/mad.gif It's like they have nothing better to do than to put someone else down! Personally, I ONLY give out 5 star ratings. If I don't particularly like someone on here, then I don't rate them at all, that's just childish IMO. Seems some people get their "kicks" from rating a thread or member down. Well, they need to get their "kicks" somewhere else. Geez, get a life loser!

Just wanted to get that off my chest. /forum/images/icons/grin.gif <hr /></blockquote>

<font color="green">Girl, that was halarious!!
I know what you mean...don't sweat it, what goes around comes around.
Maybe it was someone who is ....hmmmmmmmm....i'll leave it alone. They may reveal themselves to us in another way! lol?! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
so much for the calipers....weight down to 140...and waist down 1/4"....looks like progress to me. 5wks and 3days...got that is going to be so awsome..
wish you and Philia could be here, we'd have so much fun i'm sure of it!
Had an awsome back w/o tonight.
really strong on my wide grip pulls...up to 165 on my last set for 4+2!!
did some close grip
med grip seated rows
reverse grip BB rows
Pullover on the nautilus and
face pulls for the rhomboids....
really good
hopped in the tanning bed for 20 and now i'm nursing a huge bowl of oatmeal and bananas and sweet potatoes....carb up nite.
should be really full tomorrow and super strong for a heavy chest/tris w/o.

It's so nice to have you guys supporting me so much!
Thank you, really.
Have a great night...till tomorrow
Margie </font color>

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by sicily1962:</font><hr />...wish you and Philia could be here, we'd have so much fun i'm sure of it!
Had an awsome back w/o tonight.
really strong on my wide grip pulls...up to 165 on my last set for 4+2!!...i'm nursing a huge bowl of oatmeal and bananas and sweet potatoes....carb up nite...</font color><hr /></blockquote>

http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif I think so too!

http://www.plauder-smilies.de/eek6.gifGosh, I'm still trying to work up to pulling up my OWN weight 10 times!

Mmmmmmm, yum! Gotta love that oatmeal, bananas, and sweet potatoes! Actually one of my favorite carb meals is oatmeal, peanut butter, bananas, and one tbsp sugar-free syrup. http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/drool.gif

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by ***********:</font><hr /> <blockquote><font class="small">posted by sicily1962:</font><hr />...wish you and Philia could be here, we'd have so much fun i'm sure of it!
Had an awsome back w/o tonight.
really strong on my wide grip pulls...up to 165 on my last set for 4+2!!...i'm nursing a huge bowl of oatmeal and bananas and sweet potatoes....carb up nite...</font color><hr /></blockquote>

http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif I think so too!

http://www.plauder-smilies.de/eek6.gifGosh, I'm still trying to work up to pulling up my OWN weight 10 times!

Mmmmmmm, yum! Gotta love that oatmeal, bananas, and sweet potatoes! Actually one of my favorite carb meals is oatmeal, peanut butter, bananas, and one tbsp sugar-free syrup. http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/drool.gif <hr /></blockquote>

<font color="purple">You are killing me!! I absolutely love peanut butter...i'm cursed by it! Last night i actually sub'd it in for my butter...one TB of Natty PB ( I pour all the oil off)... My skin is soooo tight this morning, my muscles filled right out. it's incredible the way that works! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
Not much sleep last night..it's really early and i'm already dressed for th gym again...
gotta get my cardio out of the way and i thought i'd throw in a 10 of 10 set on my hammies/quads this morning. give them a little bit to think about. Saturday will be the big leg day...time to go heavy again.
</font color>
<font color="red">As far as you working up to your own weight, that will happen. The way i got their was to have someone hold my feet against their belly so i had a push off point while i did chins by myself....lots of negative work! But as the weeks went by, my 2 or 3 became 10 to 12...you will become stronger, you just have to get away from those assisted lift machines and pulldowns with a good spotter and go for it.
Arnold always writes that when you can pull your weight, you are ready for chins..well, i think if i had waited instead of someone saying "get your *** over here and do this" I'd still be doing only pulldowns.
I'm the only girl in my gym to do pullups right now..the only. Is that no scary? /forum/images/icons/confused.gif To top it off, only about 1/4 of the men can even do them...or do them correctly!
I've been doing them on my own for more that 2yrs now. They are the staple of my back w/o and i wouldn't trade them...period.
A good set of lats....invaluable, for more than just competition.
Hang in there chick and just go for it.
Margie</font color>

Yeah, I really like pullups. I'd rather do them then pulldowns. I like the feeling it gives me, makes me feel strong and really takes it outta my back. I just feel like my workout isn't complete without them. And yeah, I've seen some guys who use more assisted weight than I do! So that makes me feel pretty good. I've even seen some use assisted weight for dips! Altho I cannot say for sure if perhaps they were using them as a last tricep exercise after doing whatever else. But it's pretty cool when I throw the EXTRA weight on me to do dips, hehe. The only other girl I know of who's stronger than me is my inspirational, competitor friend Adrienne. She recently got her pro card. She's been training for about 4 1/2 yrs. She has an AWESOME physique! Her and I are the only two women in the gym who train with more than the pink dumbbell type weights, lol. /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by ***********:</font><hr /> The only other girl I know of who's stronger than me is my inspirational, competitor friend Adrienne. She recently got her pro card . She's been training for about 4 1/2 yrs. She has an AWESOME physique! Her and I are the only two women in the gym who train with more than the pink dumbbell type weights, lol. /forum/images/icons/grin.gif <hr /></blockquote>

<font color="blue">That is soooo awsome! My goal is to get my National Qualifier by next spring..there are 3shows back to back. This upcoming show i'm doing and also the one 2wks later in Louisville are also NQ's, so i have these opportunities as well. It is definately a dream to be onstage in the Junior Nationals and possibly move beyond that.
Incredible...she must be so thrilled!
Tell her good luck for me!!!
Margie </font color>

[Adam Knowlden]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm the only girl in my gym to do pullups right now..the only. Is that no scary? To top it off, only about 1/4 of the men can even do them...or do them correctly!
<hr /></blockquote>

I couldn't agree more. Nothing is kooler than a girl doing chins! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

What really cracks me up is this huge 320lb. fat/muscle guy who walks around the gym correcting everyone's form, yet he can't do 1 pull-up!LOL

"You'll never hear a judge say a back is too big"- Nasser

[Philia2]

Geez I would so much like to be able to do those wide hands pull ups...... I cannot..... /forum/images/icons/frown.gif /forum/images/icons/frown.gif

Now what do you guys use so it doesn't hurt your palm of your hands so much?!!!!!

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by OldSchool:</font><hr /> [ QUOTE ]
I'm the only girl in my gym to do pullups right now..the only. Is that no scary? To top it off, only about 1/4 of the men can even do them...or do them correctly!
<hr /></blockquote>

I couldn't agree more. Nothing is kooler than a girl doing chins! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

What really cracks me up is this huge 320lb. fat/muscle guy who walks around the gym correcting everyone's form, yet he can't do 1 pull-up!LOL

"You'll never hear a judge say a back is too big"- Nasser <hr /></blockquote>

<font color="blue">Hey you! Long time no see! How have you been?
yes, couldn't agree more, back workouts are awsome. Nothing like that feeling...sore lats! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
Twisted, aren't i? lol!

Had a pretty good chest workout last night. They are touch and go now that i'm cutting. Some days seem to be better than others.

Bench: 5x115, 6x135, 4+2x145, 4+2x155, 15x95
Incline BB: 8x95, 6+2x115, 5+1x145
DB Press: 8x45, 4x45+4x35, 15x25
Incline Fly: 15x20 3sets

Incline skull crushers: 12x55, 10x55, 10x45
Ropes: 12x50, 8+4x65 2sets
Cable kickbacks: 12x20 3sets

It was good. Considering i did a full leg w/o just this morning on top of two cardio sessions. (20min HIT)

Since i've incorporated 3 leg days into my week (2wks now) i've seen a major difference in them.
One day heavy-entire leg
One day Ham priority the other quad, but high rep and static hold and plyometrics incorporated. I still do the entire leg, including calf, i just make sure i hit them from a different angle w/ each w/o.
They are recovering nicely and i'm actually not overly sore.
It's getting down to the wire now and i can't leave anything untouched.
Going in this morning for abs/calves/forearms and of course, cardio.
I figured, being Friday night, i'd rest and just tan when i get off work. Watch a movie, relax for a change.
Ok...i'll pop in later.
Have a great day!
Margie </font color>

[sicily1962]

Well, i hit it pretty hard on legs today...
it was grueling and i am feeling it pretty good right now.

warmed up w/ extension (singles) lots of static holds and reps for 3 sets.

Squats: 12x135, 10x185, 8x215, 8x225
Presses: 25x270 2sets, 25x300
RDL's: 15x135, 12x155, 10x175
DB Platform Lunges: 12x25's 3sets
Extensions Hammer singles: 30x20reps 4sets
Seated Leg curls: 20x60 4sets
Inner/Outer 12x100 + 12x110 4sets
Then i ran for 25minutes at about 6mph...moderate pace.
To say the least, i was tired today...my third day @ 50 carbs, it's amazing i could even do the weight today, but i dug deep and pulled it out.

It's back day tomorrow...i love training back!
an old friend came today and took me out...so nice. he's also into bodybuilding so it was nice to eat alike and have that common bond. Someone i have not seen in a couple of years....hmmmmmmmm, it was still there. /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
We'll see what happens...contest first, the rest will have to wait.
34 Days!!
till tomorrow..have a great evening.
margie

[Adam Knowlden]

[ QUOTE ]
an old friend came today and took me out...so nice. he's also into bodybuilding so it was nice to eat alike and have that common bond. Someone i have not seen in a couple of years....hmmmmmmmm, it was still there.
<hr /></blockquote>

I leave for 1 week and you already have someone else!!!??? /forum/images/icons/mad.gif /forum/images/icons/mad.gif /forum/images/icons/mad.gif

LOL! Just kiddin'!! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

Yeah, I love pull-ups, especially mixed-chins!
We have an assited pull-up machine at my gym.
One of my favorite combos is wide-grip chins supersetted with assisted close-grip pull-ups. I use ascending sets to keep it going after failure!

Close to only 1 month to go!
What are you going to splurge on when the contest is over?

Later,
Adam.

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by OldSchool:</font><hr /> [ QUOTE ]

I leave for 1 week and you already have someone else!!!??? /forum/images/icons/mad.gif /forum/images/icons/mad.gif /forum/images/icons/mad.gif
LOL! Just kiddin'!! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif /forum/images/icons/grin.gif
Close to only 1 month to go!
What are you going to splurge on when the contest is over?
Later,
Adam. <hr /></blockquote>

<font color="purple">Obviously, the longest week of my life!! lol! More like 2! How have you been?

My splurge...gee, it's gotta be short and sweet, i've got the Louisville 2wks later on the 9th on November...the day before the Marine Corps B'day...
Semper Fi!
I was definately thinking something simple...Italian for sure, like pasta w/ olive oil and basil/garlic....it just sounds really good right now. /forum/images/icons/smirk.gif
But afterward, my brother and sister will be there from Florida for the comp in Louisville along w/ my parents and we will celebrate an early Thanksgiving on the 10th together. It will be really nice.
Then...it's a littel R&amp;R for about 6wks. I'm looking to put on another 5-6lbs of muscle during that time for the Spring show in March.

Nice to hear from you!
Margie </font color>

[Philia2]

Yes the fact of putting on or not weight in between two competitions is not always very easy to administrate.
I mean you need to get very lean for one comp, then you reeeeeeaaaly want to NOT be on a diet for some time AND you'll also need to put on a little fat to be able to put on muscle BUT in the same time you have to take care NOT getting too fat 'cause then the diet will just be longer (and more frustrating) for the next competition........

Arrghh always watching your diet is the key answer. Of course you can cheat a little bit more but still everything must stay a little bit organized.

I got this comp in November. Okey then I can eat all the chocolate (!!!! /forum/images/icons/smirk.gif ) during X-mas and let myself go and have fun....... But again no. Why? Because I got the "real" competitions coming up from March and then I need to get my body fat down again.
AND since I'm absolutely terrible at dieting, I simply prefer to keep my bodyfat down always......

What we have chosen to do has never said to be easy BUT geeeez how incredible silly and soooo proud do we not feel standing up there on the stage smiling (and being able to show pictures from the big day to everybody for years after?!!!) Hmmmm?!!!!! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

[Adam Knowlden]

[ QUOTE ]
Obviously, the longest week of my life!! lol! More like 2! How have you been?
<hr /></blockquote>

Sorry. /forum/images/icons/frown.gif
But I've been good. Just eatin' and lifting. Plus I graduated from college, so I have a lot less stress!LOL

[ QUOTE ]
we will celebrate an early Thanksgiving on the 10th together <hr /></blockquote>

That sounds really kool! Have fun, and eat a lot, you've earned it! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

[ QUOTE ]
Italian for sure, like pasta w/ olive oil and basil/garlic....it just sounds really good right now.
<hr /></blockquote>

Yeah, a meal loaded with carbs! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif You can't beat that.
That's what I luv about bulking, you can eat lots of carbs. Then you go workout and you have enough energy to tear the gym doors down!LOL

Have a good day! Keep up all your hard work!

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by Philia2:</font><hr />
I got this comp in November. Okey then I can eat all the chocolate (!!!! /forum/images/icons/smirk.gif ) during X-mas and let myself go and have fun....... But again no. Why? Because I got the "real" competitions coming up from March and then I need to get my body fat down again.
AND since I'm absolutely terrible at dieting, I simply prefer to keep my bodyfat down always......

What we have chosen to do has never said to be easy BUT geeeez how incredible silly and soooo proud do we not feel standing up there on the stage smiling (and being able to show pictures from the big day to everybody for years after?!!!) Hmmmm?!!!!! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif
<hr /></blockquote>

<font color="brown">Too funny! You sound like me..i'll relax a little thru the holidays, then i have to begin dieting again Dec. 27th for a March 22nd comp.
We are a mess!! lol!
I agree with everything that you said. In fact, following my April Comp, i actually was able to add a good 8lbs of muscle by eating really clean but in addition, i actually ate a jar of Natural Peanut butter a week! Sounds funny, but i gotta tell, it worked!
I will definately go onstage bigger this time.
I'm very excited about that for sure!
Had a good back/calf workout today. It seems all of my workouts are good. I don't like to waste my time in the gym. It really upsets me if i don't feel as though i'm working to my full potential.

Pullups: 12reps, 3sets, very slow and calculated...good burn!
Seated rows: 9+3x120, 12x 105 2sets
DB Rows: 12x45, 12x50, 10x55
Pulldowns, wide: 12x105, 10x120, 8+2x120
Superset: High rows/DB shrugs: 10x45 plus 10x40db's 3sets

Reverse hack calf press: 12x135, 10x175 w/ 10count pause at top-3sets...very hard!
Seated calf: 25x100, 15x100 plus 5-10count holds x 2sets

45min on the bike this morning and then stretching after and of course, off to the tanning bed...Mama's gotta get browner!
I have a terriffic tan, shouldn't need too much pro tan at all.

Getting ready to carb up now...i'm starving.
so, till tomorrow.
ciao!
Margie
</font color>

[sicily1962]

Ok...it's getting down to the wire!
I'm constantly walking around with butterflies just thinking about this upcoming show.
Every couple of days, i'm beginning to notice changes! OMG!!! too funny!
My legs will come in early i think, they are showing some nice definition in the teardrop and outer quad. I've been flexing like crazy under my desk at work, in the bathroom at the water fountain!
People probably think i'm nuts, but i dont' care. I also think the static contractions on extensions have made a world of difference!

Did some shoulder work last night. My strength is still with me even in this cutting phase. Oh ~ i've noticed a slight drop, but i'm still pumping the weights really good:

Military press: 8x95, 6x105, 3+3x115, 4x125 (got these myself!!)
DB Press: 12x30's, 15x30, 11x30
Lying Incline Front Raises: 12x10's, 12x15's 2sets
DB sides (unilaterals) 12x15, 10, 8
B/O cable rears: 12x10, 8x20 2sets

My shoulders truly look great and i am very pleased with my progress. I can't wait to get pics posted

I'm going for chest tonight. I think i'll sure this site for some fun stuff to do.
Have a great day all.
Margie

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by sicily1962:</font><hr />
My shoulders truly look great and i am very pleased with my progress. I can't wait to get pics posted.<hr /></blockquote>

And I can't wait to see them! I'm excited just reading your journal from day to day! Sure sounds like you look awesome! Love hearing about the different cuts you're getting, way cool! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/biggthumpup.gif

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by ***********:</font><hr /> <blockquote><font class="small">posted by sicily1962:</font><hr />
My shoulders truly look great and i am very pleased with my progress. I can't wait to get pics posted.<hr /></blockquote>

And I can't wait to see them! I'm excited just reading your journal from day to day! Sure sounds like you look awesome! Love hearing about the different cuts you're getting, way cool! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/biggthumpup.gif <hr /></blockquote>

It's funny to see the three of us all at the top of the page just about everyday...me, Phillia and Krypto...so hardcore, aren't we? lol! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
Well, i just woke up....2:40am and i'm having my first cup of JAVA and i am STARVING this morning!!! I just have to think...make it to thursday!! My carb up! Just - have - to -make - it! almost reminds me of the old t.v. show "The Hulk"...lol! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif
Yea...i'm delerious this morning! What i wouldn't do for a fat peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich this morning! Yum!! /forum/images/icons/tongue.gif
Ok..enough of that. I'll just drink some coffee, get dressed and go sweat. A good cardio session. That's what i need to put my mind straight!

Chest/Tris last night. I've got a good tightness this morning. We really worked it.
Incline DB: 12x40 5sets
DB Flye-on the floor: 12x20 3sets (this was challenging being all flattend out. i liked it)
Flat BB-ultra wide: 12x95, 10x115, 8x135
Peck Deck: 12x70, 12x80, 8+4x80
Bench Dips: 20, 15 2sets
Close grip bench: 8x95, 6+2x95, 6x95
Hammer strenght tricep press: 12x25, 12x35, 8+4x35

I am definately feeling it this morning.
Mirror check looks good on my cuts this morning. My obliques look very defined, not to mention definition in both legs now. I wouldn't say for sure, but i feel i'm either at 12 or very close to 12% this morning.
I don't see my trainer of course, until Saturday. Three more days will make a world of difference.

Well, i don't know if i mentioned it, but i officially pick up my suits on Oct 12th!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!
If that's not enough to keep my *** out of the PB nothing is! lol! /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif

Gee...leg day today. My Saturday lunch date and i are gonna hit it hard tonight. He had only one request ~ "Just make sure he can walk on Thurs and Fri" Wow...and i haven't even touched him yet! lol! /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif I'm flattered!! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif
Have a great day! I'll catch up to all of you later!
Margie

[Philia2]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by sicily1962:</font><hr /> It's funny to see the three of us all at the top of the page just about everyday...me, Phillia and Krypto...so hardcore, aren't we? lol! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
<hr /></blockquote>

Yes we are!!!!! /forum/images/icons/smirk.gif /forum/images/icons/grin.gif /forum/images/icons/tongue.gif

We need to stay strong, we got our goals and we're gonna get there!!!!!

You'll be okey Margie, just today and then carb up day tomorrow, don't worry the day will fly by and you'll be proud of yourself, being able to control and NOT cheat!

After a day with strict diet and training I feel tired, but also sooooo satisfied of myself. It feels good to be able to stick to our goals, we can do it, yes we can.

We're with you Margie, you're doing great!!!!!

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by Philia2:</font><hr /> We need to stay strong, we got our goals and we're gonna get there!!!!!

You'll be okey Margie, just today and then carb up day tomorrow, don't worry the day will fly by and you'll be proud of yourself, being able to control and NOT cheat!

After a day with strict diet and training I feel tired, but also sooooo satisfied of myself. It feels good to be able to stick to our goals, we can do it, yes we can.

We're with you Margie, you're doing great!!!!! <hr /></blockquote>

Thanks Nina!
Hey!! I made it!!!
OMG! It's one month away today!
Unbelievable! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

Well....i weighed in at a whopping 138lbs this morning. That would be a 3.5-4lb drop in two weeks. Things were kinda fluxuating last week between 140 and 141. But 138 was solid this morning. I hope non of that is muscle.
I look good. Not like i'm losing any mass so hopefully it is a good sign. I'll know more on Saturday.

I made it!! Carb up day!
Tonight, i'm going to mix things up a bit and see how brown rice affects my look in addition to the oats. I thought since i normally mix everything for a sweet tasty treat, i'd mix 1/2 and 1/2 on the oats and rice and see what the effect is on my look.
Some people i know actually look better on rice than oats or potatoes so it should be interesting to see how i fill in and what i look like on Saturday morning. As i get closer, my loads become more important to my overall look.

Leg training was a lot of fun last night with my friend. His gym has all of the new hammer strength equipment and i was able to w/o using new angles and exercises that i had not done in a while. It was great.
Still squatting 225 even on 3 days of 50 carbs...amazing. Deadlifts still 135 and had fun w/ the standing ham machine.
He's a BB, so it was nice to have someone push me with the right frame of mind.

I'm headed in this morning for some cardio and some pick up work on calves and arms.
I think i'll just tan tonight and work on my posing.

I'll pop in later to check things out.
Have a great day!
Margie

[Adam Knowlden]

[ QUOTE ]
I hope non of that is muscle.
<hr /></blockquote>

Nah, I doubt it! Its probably water weight.

[ QUOTE ]
OMG! It's one month away today!
Unbelievable!
<hr /></blockquote>

And you're going to blow the competition away!!!

Good luck!

Hey Margie, where is your competition on the 26th going to be? I was just wondering, cause it seems to me my friend Adrienne, who competes in bodybuilding and works out at my gym has a competition on the 26th as well. Altho I don't remember where she said hers was going to be. I'll have to ask her next time I see her at the gym. That would be something if two of my friends were going to be competing against each other. I think I would HAVE to try and get there to see it! /forum/images/icons/laugh.gif

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by OldSchool:</font><hr /> And you're going to blow the competition away!!!

Good luck! <hr /></blockquote>

Wow...do you know how good that sounds??? If I only had a dime for every time i've heard that....
Well, one thing is for sure ~ whatever happens, happens.
I've put my heart and soul into this competition and in my heart, i've already won.
The progress i have made has only come through sheer determination and a lot of praying!
I've definately had a guardian angel watching over me.
We'll see what the end result is in 29 Days.

Thank you for that vote of confidence /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
This journey is far from over for me.
Margie

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by sicily1962:</font><hr /> <blockquote><font class="small">posted by OldSchool:</font><hr /> And you're going to blow the competition away!!!

Good luck! <hr /></blockquote>

27 Days!!!
It was an amazing 2.5% drop this morning!!! In two fabulous weeks, i've shrunk a size!! lol!
<font color="purple">Yea baby, mama's on a roll!!! 27Days and 4% to go....will she do it????
Hell yea!! I am on cloud nine right now!
Jeremiah was so pleased. He had me go thru my compulsaries and they took some photos, maybe for the new newsletter...i'm not sure.
So now, i go back on Oct 12th in the morning and then drive to Columbus that afternoon to pick up my NEW SUITS!! yea!!!

Can you guys tell i'm excited??
I have to confess tho........i actually consumed more than 1/2 a lb of Natural PB over the course of that two weeks in place of my fats...it doesn't seem to have made a difference.
I can't help it, i told you i'm addicted!!!
I just didn't tell Jeremiah...he's on a need to know basis! lol! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
Anyway, i went to workout this afternoon and had a great leg w/o.
some reverse hacks, good mornings, lots of extensions and presses.
Let me tell you, those static hold moves are truly making a world of difference in my leg definition. I am swearing by them. I have never seen my legs look this way and i've been training a long time.
thanks ABC.... /forum/images/icons/smirk.gif
Ok...gonna sit down and watch a movie.
Gonna train at a new gym tomorrow.
Got an email from a former Mr. Cincinnati and Mr. Kentucky title holder out of the blue today inviting me to come train w/ him at his gym. He had been reading my posts on this other site and decided to email me. ..Wow... /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
so, after a phone conversation and several emails, i'm off tomorrow at noon to train w/ this big man. Do you think i struck his fancy??? /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif
I'll keep you posted! lol!
margie</font color>

[Adam Knowlden]

[ QUOTE ]
Can you guys tell i'm excited??
<hr /></blockquote>

Yep!
And I'm excited for ya too! Keep it up!

[ QUOTE ]
Let me tell you, those static hold moves are truly making a world of difference in my leg definition. <hr /></blockquote>

I bet! Hardfreakin'core!

[ QUOTE ]
Got an email from a former Mr. Cincinnati and Mr. Kentucky title holder out of the blue today inviting me to come train w/ him at his gym. He had been reading my posts on this other site and decided to email me. ..Wow...
<hr /></blockquote>

Training with the champs is a sure way to boost your confidence! I've got some videos with the pro's working out. And in the background you can see all these regular guys working out. I've always thought that would be the best inspriation to push harder, when you can see the elite body builders working out right next to you!

Good luck!
/forum/images/icons/grin.gif
Adam.

What show are you dieting for?

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by BIG_POPPA_PUMP:</font><hr /> What show are you dieting for? <hr /></blockquote>

Monster Mash (http://www.ruetherproductions.com/id21.htm)
with the exception of the Louisville show ~ Nov 9th (http://www.kentuckymuscle.com) this is the last big one in my local area. Louisville is about 2hrs away.
I'll be doing both of these shows.

I am on target to drop another 4% in by then. That should dial me in right around 8% or so, give or take a few. It should pass really quickly.

My workouts have remained strong and i like that. I have truly enjoyed using the Beverly Intn'l supplements and their nutrition seems to agree with me, although i had my doubts at one point. Especially after doing Parrillo the last show. I wanted to see what worked best for me.
So far, they both have worked, but now getting down to the last of it, the next four weeks will tell the tale.

Back and bis tonight. Thank goodness my workouts are still strong! I like that.
Have a great day!
Margie

[sicily1962]

well..it's seems i'm still going strong on my lifts.

Leg day came quick yesterday and i was wondering how it would go since i've been low on the carbs for ~ how many weeks now???? lol!!

squats: 12x135, 10x185, 10x225, 8x185, 6x155 plus 10sec holds at bottom
Deadlifts: 12x135, 12x155 3sets
Step ups: (8risers) 3sets of 12
extensions (static hold) 10x60 5sets
Presses (feet hi and 2gether, for glutes/hams) 12x270, 15x180, 20x180, 25x180 This one burned!!!

Body weight still maintaining at 138 this morning, but my obliques and quads are really showing some great definition. I estimated i will probably drop another 2 -2.7% by the 12th. I'll have to see my trainer again on that day and pick up my suits!!

Dialing in around 8% seems very much in my reach now...since i've only got 4% to go.
24 Days!!
<font color="blue">Aren't you all so excited for me??? I'm a wreck! lol! NOT!
I'm doing back/bis tonight then after i tan...oh geez, i wish i could quit this part of it! i'll come home and work on my compulsaries and nite routine.
it's so good!! Took me over a month to choreograph it!!
Have a wonderful day all!
Eat something rich and peanut buttery for me!! i've vowed to be good for the next 24 days!! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif
oh..that's an every day occurance!! lol!
Margie </font color>

[wonderwoman007]

Sounds like you're totally ripped Margie! I am so glad that your preparation is going well...and thanks for the encouragement!

[sicily1962]

Well, had a friend come over w/ her video camera tonight and for two hours we taped my evening routine and compulsaries..till they were error free.
Funny, how many changes i made after i got to see it on tape. It's a workout in itself.
It's also funny to see how "different" i look in comparison to the last show. The additional 10lbs of muscle have made a huge difference in how "big" i look.
Every pose is that much more dramatic. /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif
It's very exciting....to still feel so thick and still see that six pack just standing still.
The goal is to be down 3% by next Saturday. I feel i've already dropped another % but next week we'll see for sure.

[Philia2]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by sicily1962:</font><hr /> It's also funny to see how "different" i look in comparison to the last show. The additional 10lbs of muscle have made a huge difference in how "big" i look.
Every pose is that much more dramatic. /forum/images/icons/shocked.gif
It's very exciting....to still feel so thick and still see that six pack just standing still.
The goal is to be down 3% by next Saturday. I feel i've already dropped another % but next week we'll see for sure.

<hr /></blockquote>

That's excactly how I feel about me today and my last competition 6 months ago..... It's like it's two different kind of people!!!! Me too, I just cannot wait to show myself and the others how much I've changed (to the better!!!)

For the preparation to my last show (and I'll do it again this time) I had my hubby filming me. One thing is what you think you are doing (or looking) but another thing is to see . This a great thing, and then you'll have time enough to correct if anything needed.

3% more to go?!!! Wow, Margie I just cannot tell you enough times how great you are about everything. You are doing sooo genius and if anybody ever should win that competition then it's definitely YOU!!!!

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: Philia2:</font><hr>
3% more to go?!!! Wow, Margie I just cannot tell you enough times how great you are about everything. You are doing sooo genius and if anybody ever should win that competition then it's definitely YOU!!!! <hr /></blockquote>

20 DAYS~~~ OMG!!!!

This morning i'm down another pound....137 and holding! <font color="purple">This time next Saturday, i'll be looking at my trainer, hopefull down another 3%.
Let's not forget that i also pick up my incredible suits next Saturday as well!
That is so exciting!
I'm looking at my arms this morning as i type...so vascular, they look cool. lol! /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I finally got my back &amp; bi workout in last night. I was still very strong and i felt it went well.

Pulldowns-narrow: 10x120, 8x135, 7x135, 8x120
BB Rows-reverse grip: 10x95 3sets
single cable rows: 10x45 3sets
Decline DB Pullovers: 12x35, 12x40 2sets

DB Spider curls(facing incline bench): 12x20 3sets
DB Hammer curls: 10x20 3sets
High cable curls: 10x40 3sets

I finished up w/ some cardio. I think i am sick of cardio though. It's not as though i never do it. I always have.
It's just that, when you "have" to do something, it leaves a negative feeling.
Unfortunately, i have to do cardio. /forum/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Gotta love having hips! lol! /forum/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

anyway, i'm headed in today to do a high rep leg w/o.
I may try those jumping squats Philia is doing this week. They seem interesting and i need a change. Gotta keep my *** guessing! Literally! lol! /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Have a great day! I'm hanging in there. Weekends seem to be the worst....i'll try and stay busy today and out of the house!
Margie</font color>

[Philia2]

"Weekends seem to be the worst....i'll try and stay busy today and out of the house!"

Excactly!!! The daily day rythm gets out of tune and you got more time free to think (about food?!! lol) AND since everybody seems to be "off" and can do what they want, then why not you as well?!!!!

Now what's your diet like? How many calories, prot, carbs, fat?!! Still cycling your carbs?

About my jumping squats lol I hold two dumbells in my hands (between my legs) and jump like crazy up and aaaaall the way down (it's rather funny because it makes me look like a frog, so before each set I cannot help saying to myself: "come on froggy, you can do it!!!")

[sicily1962]

20 DAYS!!!!

<font color="purple">This is really getting nerve racking!! lol! wow, it's nearly here.
Well...i talked to my trainer on Weds becuase my energy level was way off! I mean, i know that it will be only because my carb cycle is so low right now, but i've done this before and i did not lose much if any the last time. I do know my body pretty well.
He had asked me to stop taking a product about 2wks ago called "Muscle Synergy" a combo of Creatine, Argenine, HMB and Glutemine ~ because he thought that it might be making me hold water. (Remember when i had no movement in my bodyfat measurement? That's when he did it) This product gave me a huge pump and really helped my strength level. </font color>
<font color="green">Well, after a week, everything started to feel wrong so i talked to him and told him. Well, he put me back on it 3days ago and this morning, WOW!! /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I am hard and tight and down to 135lbs!!! I had be teetering between 137 and 138 for a couple of days and this morning...down..wow.
I jumped on the scale 4x's in 4 different locations in the room to be sure!! /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I'm so excited! with just 3wks to go, can you imagine what will happen the last week when i begin to water deplete and everything else????
OMG!! This is just so awsome. Things are really coming together.

I stood in my living room for nearly 2hrs last night and practiced my facings, compulsary and nite routine. What a workout...talk about being sore. If you are not sore when you get done posing, you are not working hard enough! Believe me, I am! That is truly, hard work!

Well, i'm gonna make it in today for some chest/tri and forearm work this morning. Of course, cardio and then i'll go tan again. I've been averaging 3x's a week on the tanning. Thats really enough for me. With my pro tan, i'll be more than brown.
I can't wait to post the pics! /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Have a great day, i'll tell you about my w/o later.
Margie</font color>

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: sicily1962:</font><hr> 20 DAYS!!!!

<font color="purple">This is really getting nerve racking!! lol! wow, it's nearly here.
Well...i talked to my trainer on Weds becuase my energy level was way off! I mean, i know that it will be only because my carb cycle is so low right now, but i've done this before and i did not lose much if any the last time. I do know my body pretty well.
He had asked me to stop taking a product about 2wks ago called "Muscle Synergy" a combo of Creatine, Argenine, HMB and Glutemine ~ because he thought that it might be making me hold water. (Remember when i had no movement in my bodyfat measurement? That's when he did it) This product gave me a huge pump and really helped my strength level. </font color>
<font color="green">Well, after a week, everything started to feel wrong so i talked to him and told him. Well, he put me back on it 3days ago and this morning, WOW!! /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I am hard and tight and down to 135lbs!!! I had be teetering between 137 and 138 for a couple of days and this morning...down..wow.</font color><hr /></blockquote>

Whoa, that's somethin' else! KEWL. http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif

[ QUOTE ]
I can't wait to post the pics! /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Have a great day, i'll tell you about my w/o later.
Margie</font color> <hr /></blockquote>

Awesome, just awesome! Can't wait to see the pics either! Wow! You're so inspirational Margie! /forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[Adam Knowlden]

Sweet!
I'm sweating over here from nerves and it isn't even my comp!

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: OldSchool:</font><hr> Sweet!
I'm sweating over here from nerves and it isn't even my comp! <hr /></blockquote>

<font color="blue">YOU ARE TOO FUNNY!! 17 DAYS!!!!!!!!
It's too much! I can hardly stand it! Everyone in the gym tonight commented on how lean i am looking!!
"What's your secret? How do i do that?"
Amazing isn't it? How don't they know or even want to know more??
I'm like a vacuum! I read everything, try anything!! Knowledge is power! I truly beleive that. I want to know as much as i can. The last thing i want is to wake up in the morning and not understand why it is that i eat certain foods or lift a certain way hitting every angle.
What would be the purpose?
Life's too short!
Is there anyone out there like me???
Gee...am i being too harsh...this contest diet ~ i'll blame it on that! lol! /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Anywho ~
had a great 10 of 10 Leg Workout tonight
For those who don't know what it is, you choose exercises you will do 10 sets of 10 reps w/ 20 - 30 seconds of rest between sets....It's non stop and can be grueling. But it works the muscle quick and you move on to the next.
Extensions- unilaterals 10x65 10sets
Superset: Seated curls 10x60 w/ DB Dead lifts 10x25's 10sets
Presses: 10x270 10 sets </font color>

<font color="green">I did an hour of cardio this morning so i left to go tan.
I'm really pleased with my progress. I had the designer of my suits call me today and ask me to re-measure the bottoms so she can make adjustments...since i pick them up Saturday.
I'll see my trainer this weekend. I believe my results will be good. I anticipate my bodyfat coming in around 11% with 2wks left to go. I should dial in right about 8.5% if all goes as planned.

Well off to the shower.
Have a great night and i'll be back tomorrow to tell you about my back w/o.
Ciao!! /forum/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Margie </font color>

[Adam Knowlden]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm like a vacuum! I read everything, try anything!! Knowledge is power! I truly beleive that. I want to know as much as i can. <hr /></blockquote>

That is an awesome quote! I totally agree. Learning is fun and fascinating! And you have proven that your knowldege is off the charts, and the most important part, that you have put that knowldege to good use!

You've paid your dues and it shows!
/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[ QUOTE ]
Life's too short!
<hr /></blockquote>

Indeed. This life is like a breeze in the air, here and then gone!

[ QUOTE ]
Gee...am i being too harsh...this contest diet ~ i'll blame it on that! lol!
<hr /></blockquote>

No, you're what we like to call HARD-FREAKIN'-CORE!!

[ QUOTE ]
I should dial in right about 8.5% if all goes as planned.
<hr /></blockquote>

/forum/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif/forum/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forum/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

[ QUOTE ]
For those who don't know what it is, you choose exercises you will do 10 sets of 10 reps w/ 20 - 30 seconds of rest between sets....It's non stop and can be grueling. But it works the muscle quick and you move on to the next.
<hr /></blockquote>

Sweet! I'll have to try that! One thing I've been doing is trying to learn something new on this site everyday. That was the koolest trick I've learned since the mag this month!
Thanks!

Keep pluggin! Pretty soon you can have that cheesecake! /forum/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[sicily1962]

well, it's nearly 3am and here i sit thinking about what i accomplished yesterday and what i've yet to do for today.

Yesterday i opted to sleep in and not get up until 5am. I was very tired from the night before and even though i got 5 1/2 hrs of sleep, it helped alot. Also, the fact that i was carbing up last night made me look forward to getting through my day.

It was chest/tri night and also i did my cardio ~ which was a change of pace for me, since i'm a morning cardio fan.
With my contest 2wks out now, i went for some high rep work. I began w/ DB flyes for a Pre-exhaust change up.
Does the body good!!

Db Flyes: 15x20's 4sets
Flat Bench: 15x95 4sets
Incline DB: 10x45's 3sets
Peck Deck: 15x40 3sets

Tri-set on Triceps: Pulldowns 3positions / 10reps each -no stop:
Wide, Narrow and Reverse Grip. 3sets / total 90reps
80 -65 lbs on the drop.
It was a good burn and i thought the w/o went very well.
After carbing up on White Rice last night, i feel very full this morning.
The full effects should be apparent later today, but i'm not sure if i look quite as good as when i carb up on oatmeal. It seems my cuts were cleaner the next morning, but then, i also ate very late last night and may not be getting the full effects thus far.
I did my cardio after my w/o and went and tanned, getting me home after 9pm...so it was a very long day.
As you can see, i am on little sleep right now.
But it's Friday~ and i am going in this morning for calves/abs/forearms.
I thought tonight at home would be a good time to work on my posing routines since Tiff will be at the football game.

Not only that, i see my trainer tomorrow for my BF analysis and also pick up my posing suits in the P.M.!!!! /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

It's countdown time....like i haven't already been! /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
But, truly, i only have about 12 good w/o's to go and then it's depletion time....OMG! /forum/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Last night for the first time, i began to second guess myself..wondering if i'd make it, wondering how i'd measure up. All this work and what if??? What if i didn't place? What if something happens and i don't pose as well or whatever! It's too much to consider sometimes. I mean, i've made a major investment in ME and now i'm down to the wire..... time is up.
Whatever happens in the next 14 days is all that is going to happen. No more time, no more of anything. this is it.

I'll let you all know what my results are in the morning when i return from my trainer.
I am looking very vascular and still very thick at the same time. I've definately grown over my summer and the added bulk has paid off. I've not lost any muscle at all during this whole phase. These 10wks of diet and w/o's have been very rewarding and now it's nearly showtime.

.................wow, i'm out there !!! /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

ok...i'm rambling.
So, i'm hanging in there, till tomorrow.
Ciao, Margie

[Philia2]

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: sicily1962:</font><hr>

Last night for the first time, i began to second guess myself..wondering if i'd make it, wondering how i'd measure up. All this work and what if??? What if i didn't place? What if something happens and i don't pose as well or whatever! It's too much to consider sometimes. I mean, i've made a major investment in ME and now i'm down to the wire..... time is up.
Whatever happens in the next 14 days is all that is going to happen. No more time, no more of anything. this is it.
<hr /></blockquote>

We got lots of pressure on our heads and of course the lack of sleep, the low calories and carbs, the mountains of training and cardio, all that doesn't really make life easier, does it?!!

Don't worry Margie, you'll be okey.

All that preparation for 5 mins on stage...... You wont even notice the time, it'll simply fly away and you'll be one darn great poser with a body that thousands of women can only dream of.

We are with you girl.

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: Philia2:</font><hr>
Don't worry Margie, you'll be okey.

All that preparation for 5 mins on stage...... You wont even notice the time, it'll simply fly away and you'll be one darn great poser with a body that thousands of women can only dream of.

We are with you girl. <hr /></blockquote>

<font color="purple">"The most important exercise we will ever do is reaching down and lifting someone else up" </font color>

Thank you Nina...that does make me feel alot more confident.
You are right, not everyone can or even WILL do what we have committed to.
Transforming our bodies, committing to a long term goal. To eat, sleep and live the bodybuilding lifestyle. It is a challenge definately not meant for everyone.
I am thankful to God that i have the strength~physically and mentally and the health to be able to take this journey. It is a blessing that has made me stronger in more ways than one.

Where i'm at today, is exactly where i'm supposed to be....
Ciao,
Margie

[sicily1962]

Exactly 14 Days today!!!
<font color="blue">It's funny how time has flown...seems only yesterday i was talking about starting my contest diet...being 12wks out...the whole nine yards.

It's 5:35 am and i just got back from doing an hour of cardio and running through my compulsary routine. This morning i head over to see my trainer to have my BF % taken and assess my progress.

I've dropped from 138 to 135 in the past 2wks and i'm look pretty good, if i do say so myself! /forum/images/graemlins/smirk.gif </font color>
In another week i'll begin my depletion and wrap up the last of my great workouts for about 3days prior to the show! /forum/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I will miss my workouts...but, i'll enjoy the feel of the pump up room back stage...nothing like having those dumbells in your hands when you've been off for a few days! /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
I can't imagine my results not being good.
I don't anticipate any major changes in my nutrition today.
I will show him my compulsary and have him critique it for me...i'm excited about that!
Build them from the ground up!!! Remember! Flex hard! OMG..so much to remember!

I will also make the trip North to pick up my gorgeous new posing suits today! I am most excited about that! /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Tomorrow my friend will come over and we will film my routines again , this time in the suits. That should be awsome!

I will be excited this morning to get back and report the results!
I'm going to grab some bird and a grapefruit and i'll see you later!
Have a great morning!
Ciao! /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Margie

[sicily1962]

13 DAYS!!!
<font color="blue">Well, it's official, i'm gonna make it! Had another 2% drop in Bodyfat, i'm holding at 10.5% going into my last 2wks before the show.
It seems that things are finally happening and this last month i have seen some awsome results!
/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
I picked up my two posing suits tonight. Drove to Columbus...they are BEAUTIFUL!!! OMG! I feel so gorgeous in them, they could not fit any better!
In combo w/ a great prejudging routine, compulsaries and my evening routine...i will do great!
No stage fright, please!!! lol!
so hard to believe that i will complete my last leg w/o on this coming Thursday....that's it..no more legs, only posing.
No more tanning after next Saturday.
Oh my, a few changes, but i'm looking forward to them.
I'll have one free cheat evening after the show, then on a new nutrition program for Louisville, with more starchy carbs! yea!
for only a week then back to a new depletion.

Then we discussed my plans for the holiday.
We will maintain my BF at 15% thru xmas and allow me to gain about 6lbs of lean mass then begin cutting after xmas.
He told me, i am good now, but i will be AWSOME for the March 22nd comp!
The first and one of the biggest around. Over 2000 spectators alone last year! and over 100 contestants!
I'm there, count me in!
I went ahead and picked the material for my spring suit today...no less than gorgeous!
So...i'm on cloud nine....roasting some jalepeno's and habaneros in olive oil and spices right now...
Spicing up my life! /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif</font color>
<font color="purple"> I think i'll relax a while and plan my w/o for tomorrow.
Have a great evening...see you tomorrow.
Ciao!
Margie </font color>

[waterbuckat]

good stuff, can't wait to get the results! Good luck

[Adam Knowlden]

You're so on the money sicily!

KEEP IT UP!

/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forum/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forum/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[sicily1962]

Thanks to all of you for those votes of confidence! wow...it's already Monday.
Where does the time go?
12 Days! 1 WEEK and 5 Days.... lol! It's too much, isn't it???
<font color="blue">Had the first of my last leg routines last night.
Well, first thing in the A.M. i did shoulders and forearms.
That consisted of Presses on the Hammer Machine: 4sets
Incline DB Front Raises: 3sets
Side Cable: 3sets
Seated DB Rears: 3sets
Cable Upright Rows: 3sets

Incline Reverse DB Curls: 3sets
Behind Back BB Curls: 3sets
DB Twists: 2sets

Now....this was my last day to squat so i wanted to really take advantage of it. /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

BB Box Squats: 6 Sets: 25 x 115
Bulgarian Squats: 3sets: 12 x 25lbs DB
Incline DB Legs Curls: 3sets 15 x 30lb DB
Presses (feet low and narrow) 15 x 270 3sets
Extensions-singles: 10 x 36 (5sec up &amp; 5sec down) 3sets
Hyperextensions - 1/2range for glute development: 3x25reps
</font color>
<font color="purple">Yes honey....we definately know we have a "back-end" this morning!!
I wanted to feel it and I DO. /forum/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
</font color>

<font color="red">It's early ~ 3:25am and i'm headed over to get my cardio in this morning.
Planning on doing back/tris tonight...i love doing chins...it should be good.
I'm showing some great cuts this morning and i look full even though i have not carbed up since last thursday.
Tonight though, is carb night and even though i do look forward to it, i've not been missing it.
I must have too much going on.
Ok, have a great day and i'll fill you in on my day later! /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Ciao!!!
Margie </font color>

[BB1]

You are one amazing woman. Quite an exciting journal. Thanks for sharing this. It shows me that desire, drive and determination will be rewarded. I am sure you will knock their socks off at your comp.
Congratulations on being chosen as a moderator. I bet you are thrilled and honored. /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Look forward to learning from you.

/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gifMelissa

[sicily1962]

Thank you! Actually, i was surprised and very thrilled! It's nice knowing that people take notice about what i have to say and appreciate it!
It truly made my day!
thank you for all the compliments! /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

9 DAYS!!
oh yea...time is flying! It's been 4days since my bodyfat was taken, but i feel i've dropped again. I'm not sure this time how much exactly, but it's down. The vascularity is very strong all over!
I worked back / tris on Monday night and last night i was able to get together w/ my partner (who's been on a tight schedule lately, leaving me to train alone alot!!) for some Chest / Bis.

It was a great workout! Of course...me surfing around for something new to do /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif i picked from ABC's exercises a DB Press / DB Fly combo movement! OH yea babe....definately worth every minute of it! What a pump! WOW!
He thought i was nuts until he got done w/ his first set! It made a beleiver out of him! Some people just stick w/ the basics...he was one of those people till he met me. He admitted last night, that since we hooked up 3mos ago, he couldn't get any growth in his legs and chest (those are the parts we decided to work together because they were my strength~a couple of them anyway~and his weakness).
Since then, he has put on 10lbs of mass and his development has gone way up! So after this contest he asked me to switch and help him w/ shoulders too....funny, hu? Oh ~ i have great shoulders! lol!
Too funny, he's left the Bantam weight division now...lol!

We began w/ :
Flat bench: 12x115, 10x125, 8x135, 6x145
Decline DB Press / Fly Combo: 12x20's 3sets
Incline DB Press: 12x35, 12x40, 10+2x45
Cable Crossovers: 12x40 3sets
DB Spider Curls: 12x20 3sets
Hammer Bar Curls: 10x45, 10x55, 10+2x55

It was a good w/o. I still feel really strong and have not had to drop the weight very much at all....maybe 10lbs or so. I think it's more mind over matter right now.

I'm just planning on doing some cardio today and work on my posing tonight after i tan...I'll start the cycle over again tomorrow.
Starting next Mon-Weds, i'm supposed to work the entire body w/ the exception of quads each of those three days.
Thurs will be my last Quad day...i might as well blast them w/ a 10 of 10 routine.
So hard to believe that i'll be water depleting in a week! wow...can't wait to share the pics with you all!!
Ok, have a great day!!
Ciao!
Margie


I

[sicily1962]

/forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif <font color="blue">6 Days!!
the countdown is finally here.
It's hard to believe that 12wks has come down to this final week and maybe 20 min total on stage ....it has been a long ride!
I began my my carb depletion today. They will be low. I won't load until Thursday and by then i think i'll be ready for the extra carbs!
I look good...trained w/ a Ohio title winner yesterday. He and i supersetted Chest/Back for a really great w/o.
I won't be able to do legs again until next Sunday (after my comp and before my next one 2wks later) so we've arranged to do that together.
For some reason, he has taken an interest in my training. He said he has not seen a natural woman BB w/ my size before. Maybe he finds me as a challenge. I don't know, but i liked training w/ him ~ he' s intense and i definately enjoy a good push when it comes to intensity.

Three days ago i performed my last leg w/o until after my comp. I swear it was intense and here it is Sunday and i'm still feeling it in my quads.
I had decided to do another 10 of 10 workout for legs...only this time it was 10 of 12!! with only 20 to 30sec rest inbetween sets! wow...
Unilateral leg extensions: these were slow and with a really good squeeze at the top for 12 reps each leg
Seated Leg curls
Hyper extensions: glute/ham priority here...really squeezing at the top
Leg Press: feet close and low for quad priority.

This should definately help to bring my legs in once i begin my water depletion on Thursday.
I'll be doing a good set of Shoulders/calves today and then Mon - Weds a quick full body workout, quick and intense..to help keep things pumped.

the entire week this week will consist (in addition to all of this) of me working on my posing/facings/ routines.
It will help tighten up the skin, but also i want to make sure everything is perfect.
this is a big comp for me and there will be a lot of people there. I can't leave anything undone.

I'll keep you posted on my week... /forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
ciao,
Margie</font color>

[Lesli]

Margie,

I'm so excited for you! You're going to blow them away, without a doubt. You are a great inspiration to me and to every other person (men and women) on this board. Your dedication has really been a great motivation to me. You are one of the reasons I've decieded to compete myself next June. Good luck!! /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Leslie

[Gimpy]

I have just read your entire journal. Such an inspiration!
I wish you luck! But somehow, I don't think you're going to need it. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Destinado]

Margie,

<font color="blue"> Good luck and all the VERY, VERY best for your show. </font color>
<font color="black"> I'm sure you'll do well, you deserve it - you've worked hard. </font color>

Don't forget to post those pic's /forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forum/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Ratcat]

Well done friend. I hope all goes well for you.
I just love that best exercise quote. Cheers.

[Kristen]

Margie -

YOU ARE SO HARDCORE! You have put so much work into this...you deserve all the good that is coming to you this weekend! The absolute best of luck to you...we're all waiting for the contest results!!!! /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

You are one phenomenal woman...THE BEST OF LUCK!
~Kristen

[gordmcfarling]

<font color="red">Margie </font color>,

When you win the contest, we want to see that great big honking trophy. <font color="blue">And don't forget to post some contest photos. </font color> I'm looking forward to seeing those pics, cuz at 8.5% BF you will look harder then the trophy your going to win.


Gord

AAAAAAHHHHHH!!! Margie! Where are ya?! I'm so anxious and excited for ya!! How's it going? Carb loading today right? How's everything going? One more day right? Comp is Saturday correct? We wanna know your final thoughts! Keep us posted, I'm anxious to know! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/multi.gifhttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/bounce.gifhttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/boldblue.gifhttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/boldred.gifhttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/boldlblue.gif

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: ***********:</font><hr> AAAAAAHHHHHH!!! Margie! Where are ya?! I'm so anxious and excited for ya!! How's it going? Carb loading today right? How's everything going? One more day right? Comp is Saturday correct? We wanna know your final thoughts! Keep us posted, I'm anxious to know! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/multi.gif[image] <hr /></blockquote>

<font color="blue">OMG!! I CANT'T BELIEVE ALL OF YOU!! YOU ARE ALL SO WONDERFUL! THANK YOU FOR SUCH GREAT WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT! WOW...WHAT CAN I SAY??
1DAY, 7HRS ADN 4MIN AT THIS VERY MOMENT!!! It is truly unbelievable that the past 12wks has nearly come to an end. This entire week has been spent doing nothing but quick supersets, eating so many frickin green veggies i am dying for a pizza!!! and a beer ~ thank you very much!!
tonight i visited a friends gym and he critiqued my compulsary/facings and evening routine. He said i was very good and expected me to place.
I am holding steady at 135lbs. Believe it or not, i did not lose one ounce in my depletion stage of this last week. God has let me hang on to every ounce of muscle i began with.
I am thick...and it shows. I am ready to go at 10% for this show.
Two weeks from now, probably 8-9% for sure in Louisville.
There seems to be no time to think now.
My suits are done. Bag is nearly packed....thru some dried fruit/nuts in there and a couple of parrillo bars.
I get painted w/ pro tan tomorrow night after i shave everything near and dear to me!! /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
and will do the nails and feet of course.
My diet today consisted of beef and grapefruit all day until i carbed up on white rice tonight.
I chose the rice because it contains no fiber. since i am water depeleting i did not want to chance any additional fiber making me bloated and hold water.
I should fill in quite nicely for Saturday.
Tomorrow i will only eat beef and grapefruit all the way thru saturday's comp where i will drink 8oz of chablis w/ a Tbls of honey in it 20 min before i hit the stage to help pump me up.

When it's all said and done....a nice glass of wine awaits me and good company~ my friends and children /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I will be posting my results as soon as i am rested sunday morning, if not sooner.

Thank you all for your help and encouragement. I love you all and remember to keep your fingers crossed for me!!!!
Caio,
Margie</font color>

THIS IS SO EXCITING!!! Wow! You're going to do GREAT Margie!! I can just feel it! Oh my gosh you must look absolutely STUNNING!! That is so awesome, 5'4" 135lbs at 10% bodyfat!!!!! Oh my gosh that would be a dream come true for me! I'm so happy for you Margie! You're gonna do great, you've got to! I can't wait to see the photos! Make sure you get lots and lots from all angles!! I wanna see all that shapely muscle! Geez now I wish I was there to see you! It's so motivating going to BB comps! And I'd be thrilled to see you all ready to compete!

Oh, and following you all the way up to this competition has been great! You've provided so much invaluable information! I love it! Now I know where to look if I ever decide to do a competition! And it'll help me help others wanting to compete, I'll be able to refer to your journal. Great info! Thanks for keeping us all updated on what you're doing! /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: ***********:</font><hr> THIS IS SO EXCITING!!! Wow! You're going to do GREAT Margie!! I can just feel it!

Oh, and following you all the way up to this competition has been great! Thanks for keeping us all updated on what you're doing! /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif <hr /></blockquote>

<font color="purple">thank you girl...this is it, it's now or never!!!! </font color>
<font color="blue">Well...it's 5:25am and i'm up having coffee, then sipping water...back and forth. The coffee acts as a diretic when you alternate the two. Hey ~ a girls gotta have her caffein! Not too much, just a cup or two and maybe one later today.
I've been loading potassium since weds. Today, i take 2 99mg tabs every hour instead of one all the way thru tomorrow. (to keep me from cramping)
My scale actually moved this morning.
Down 2lbs. I must have really been holding on to some water. I think loading w/ the rice last night was a really smart move.
I look really good this morning. Tight and vascular. tomorrow after eating grapefruit and beef all day should be a really awsome day.
Truly, i can't wait to put my night time suit on...it is by far, the most beautiful thing and i have never in my life seen one more beautiful. It's stunning and i will feel so incredibly sexy in it!

The estimate of "margie fans" in the audience has now risen to between 50-60!! Is that not awsome?? wow, i can't believe how loud that is going to be!
Tonight...the pro tan application and some final posing.
I am what i am!! As popeye would say! But i think my arms are bigger!! lol!!!!
So my wonderful second family...till later, have a wonderful day and keep me in your thoughts! I will do my best to make you proud!!!!
Ciao!
Margie </font color>

[danceswithbarbell]

Go Margie, go.

[davethewonderpony]

Good luck Margie! We're all rooting for you and eagerly awaiting news for when you get back. I'm sure you're going to kick ***. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: davethewonderpony:</font><hr>
Good luck Margie! We're all rooting for you and eagerly awaiting news for when you get back. I'm sure you're going to kick ***. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif <hr /></blockquote>

Dave thank you and thanks to everyone....it's noon here now. this time tomorrow i'll be weighing in! OMG!!!
i've been sitting at my desk flexing my legs/abs and calves all morning....taking bathroom breaks and running thru my compulsary routine!! It's only a minutes!! lol!
I am very anxious to get there...i can't wait to see what i look like in the morning.
Today is a good day.
Carbing w/ the rice was the best thing i could have done. I am so full right now...i definately filled in good, tomorrow i should look very very good. I'll do rice flour pancakes i think for breakfast w/ some protien powder and sweet potato...should be enough low glycemic carbs to give me just enough pump if i eat them at around 6am...
isn't this great???
I love sharing this with all of you....thanks for listening!
Ciao! I'll check back later!!
Margie

[The 509th]

Goodluck Saturday! Make everyone proud here at ABC and bring back the trophy! Also, congratulations on your moderator status. People will learn a lot from you. Again, goodluck.

[gordmcfarling]

Margie,

Can we get autographed pics???? /forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[Lesli]

I can't wait to hear how you did, Margie! I know you're going to kick major ***. Can't wait for the pics either! I'll be thinking about you tommorrow!! First place all the way!


Leslie

[Philia2]

We are all with you honey. Go and kick some a$$!!!!!!!

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: Philia2:</font><hr> We are all with you honey. Go and kick some a$$!!!!!!! <hr /></blockquote>

Today is my day!! Contest Day!! Oct 26, 2002 (next show Nov 9, 2002)

<font color="blue">Good morning to all of you...it's contest day!! i'm running around my house, posing, painting my face/hands/feet....packing my food, etc... you know the drill! Only i can't find my bra!! lol!
so..this is it.
I have so enjoyed having the support of all of you here. This is the best discussion board around and i love it and all of you!
I love being able to express myself and share all the things i do and have done and it's nice to know that you read it all!
So...i'll do my best today..i have 2 really great routines...SQUEEZE!!!
I'm in two divsions...the "OPEN" and the "MASTERS"...for us lovely chicks over 35...me! me!
In two weeks the Masters division in Louisville is 40 and over!! I made it!! /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Count me in!!
I'll post my results when i return tonight or tomorrow morning.
Pray for me!!

4hrs to showtime!!
Margie

</font color>

[Philia2]

SO????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: Philia2:</font><hr> SO????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <hr /></blockquote>


<font color="purple"> /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gifI crashed and burned last night or these would have been sent earlier!!

Here are the results:

3rd in the Womens Masters!!
8 competitors
3 of these 8 were 40-42yrs and we took the top 3.
The age cut off was 35 and over.

5th in the Womens Open division!!!!
9 competitors ~ all age groups combined

It was worth every moment! Thank you for all of your support and know that I love you all!!

I think i'll actually do nothing today!! Ok...maybe not! lol!
Caoi for now!
I'll have to get back to my duties as moderator! i've been slacking in my responsibilities!! lol~

Louisville ~ 2wks!!!
Pics should be posted w/i 48hrs!!
Caoi!!! /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Margie

[Destinado]

<font color="red"> /forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif CONGRATS ~~~~ WELL DONE MARGIE /forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif </font color>

<font color="red"> /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif Bet you're as chuffed as a chocolate frog /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif </font color>

Can't wait to see those pic's !!!!

[Lesli]

Way to go, Margie!!! /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif We're all sooooo proud of you! And we all love you, too! Now, let's see those pics!!




Leslie

[gordmcfarling]

Margie,
See we knew you would clean house. So now that the tryouts are done, and you know what little tweaks have to be made, Your next contest will be easier. I look forward to reading about victories, they are great motivation. Can't wait to hear about the next contest.
About those pics and autographs...... /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

http://www.plauder-smilies.de/party/luxhello.gifhttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/party/luxhello.gifhttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/party/luxhello.gif YAY Margie!!! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/party/dance.gifhttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/party/dance.gifhttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/party/dance.gif

Congratulations girl! Well done! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gifhttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/scatter.gif

Can't wait to see the photos! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/biggthumpup.gif

[sicily1962]

So nice!! Thanks you guys!
New plan of attack for Louisville...i'm sending off my registration today.
It should be interesting to see what changes i can make between now and then.

It was very exciting to say the least! But i was not nervous..both of my routines were very smooth and practically flawless. How could i ask for more??

The pics should be here w/i the next day or so.
Don't worry!! i want to see them just as bad as you!!! lol!
Margie

[sicily1962]

Well it's been back to regular workouts this week. I love that.
Moderate to Heavy work. I really feel it having laid off the training for about 5days. It seems i'm shocking the muscle that much more.

Monday night i had a good back to basics leg w/o.
Smith Press close squats: 135 for 15 reps, 4sets
SLDL: 135 x 15 3sets
Vertical Presses: 15 x270, 15x360, 15x450
Walking lunges w/ 20lbs DB 3 x 26steps

I always like doing legs.
Last night i met my once a wk partner for a good shoulder/bi w/o:
Clean &amp; Press: 12x 65, 10x75, 8x85, 10x75
Facing incline DB Fronts: 10x15's 3sets
Arnolds: 10x25's, 3sets
DB Sides: 10x15's 3sets
Seated BB Shrugs: 10x135 ( w/ that U shaped BB)

Bis'
DB curls: 10x20's 3sets
High cable curls: 12x30, 10x40, 8+2 x 50, 10+5 x 30

yes...i am truly feeling that one this morning...my shoulders definatley needed that.
I need to hit my rears, so i'll incorporate them into my back w/o tonight after my kickboxing class.

9 Days to Louisville
Funny to think how quickly time is flying.
My diet has changed just a tad this week. Instead of eating more fibrous carbs, oatmeal in making up about 60% of my daily carb intake. I'll cut them completely starting Friday.
I think it will be a good shock to my system and jump start the fat burning mode before the show. I should look even better next weekend...
Well everyone, have a good day.
It's Back tonight. I can't wait. I'm dying to do some pull ups!
/forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Ciao!
Margie

[sicily1962]

Well, 9days out from the Louisville show.
My pics from last weekends comp should be here soon. I know ~ i'm just as anxious as you all are to see them!! lol!

Had a really good back workout last night. It's funny, after laying off for a week these w/o's seem like my very first ones! I can really feel them! lol! /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Pain is good~pain is good!! lol! /forum/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Back:
Pullups: wide grip 8, 8, 8 (very slow all the way up/all the way down)
B/O reverse BB rows: 10x95, 10x115, 10x125
Seated Row: 10x120 3sets
Superset: Unilateral B/O Rears w/ Decline DB Pullovers:
10x15 on Rears, 12x35 on Pullovers ~ 3 sets

It was a good one, i worked quick and concentrated hard on feeling the movements. Yes, this morning i can tell i did everything right! lol!

It's Chest/tris tonight. I may have a partner, so i'll be able to go somewhat heavy. With my comp next weekend, i'll keep my rep range 12-15.

Well...start decarbing today! It's been a full week of oatmeal and oatmeal! lol! I love that stuff!
I pulled out my recipe for Gingerbread Oatmeal Raisin cookies to bake next friday night. I make them w/ Spelt or Kamut flour instead of wheat...much better for you! any takers?? lol! I'll post it on the recipe page.

It seems my love for these cookies w/ almond or cashew butter overwhelms me...I'll have a few of them after i get off stage and probably the next day too! lol! /forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

So...see you guy later. I'm looking forward to ending this show cycle.
I had a conversation w/ Ms. Cincinnati last night. She and i are going to get together once a week beginning the 3rd wk in November to train for the Northern, March 22nd. I will be doing leg prioritized training w/ her. She has awsome quads..literally the best shape and size of any woman i have seen on stage in this area. We have similar body types and the goal is to get mine there by spring.
I already have the size, but i will add a little more w/ my plan of a few more lbs. of muscle by December, then the cutting will begin.
I see the "ONE SPOT" in my future for that spring show.
I did very well this show considering it was only my second. But ~ i have the mass and the experience to get the top spot.
That's what i want and that's what i will train for. Even she is confident that i will have no problem.
I see Jeremiah on the 16th of November to pic up my new nutrition for my show prep. It should not be too difficult, even w/ the holidays. I'll just eat clean and use those days as a carb up day.
See!! we already have a plan! lol! /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Have a great day all! I'll let you know how my w/o goes later.
Ciao!
Margie

[sicily1962]

6 Days to Louisville!

<font color="purple">Here we go again...the cutting phase.
I've put on 3lbs since my comp on Oct 26th...definatley muscle i'm thinking. I've eaten really clean so i'm not worried. I can't wait to lose this water though, makes me look huge! lol~ /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
My strength levels are way up ~ must be the oatmeal i'm eating two times a day and the fats.
Time to put all that to the way side now. The past few day have been no starch, still some fat though.
Did chest on Thursday night and i was back to pressing 60lbs DB's!!
Amazing how strong i feel. I love it.

Yesterday i did arms...again the same thing.
EZ bar curls for 3sets of 10 w/ 75lbs..
Cable curls w/ 110lbs.
Pressdowns 110lbs
Ropes 80-95lbs
just to name a few...
wow, i like this.
Can't wait to incorporate more normal eating into my life after this is over.

I plan on adding another 5-7lbs of muscle before my spring show in March. The National Qualifier is March 29th...there is a huge show the week before, but i'm concerned i may not peak in time doing two shows only one week apart.
I'll have to think on that some more.

This morning i'm in for shoulders/back.
then the next 3days will be working the entire body except for quads....of course, no more w/o's after weds.

I found out this week that because i am not a resident of Kentucky, i can only enter into the Novice division. Now, if i win that then next year i can enter the Masters and/or Open. So that's what i'm going for. Why not right?

I'll be excited to begin some new training for the spring soon. I have lots of ideas. /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Till next time!
Caoi!
Margie </font color>

[gordmcfarling]

Margie,

Novice? well they'll be sorry, /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif . They tend to shoot themselves in the foot when they do that.

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: gordmcfarling:</font><hr> Margie,

Novice? well they'll be sorry, /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif . They tend to shoot themselves in the foot when they do that. <hr /></blockquote>

Gordon....i am not too thrilled about the Novice class either but, unfortunately i have no choice. You never know, i'm not the only one coming from Ohio for this so there could be a few girls for me to worry about.
It should be interesting if nothing else.
One thing is for sure..when this is over, i'm headed to my parents house not far away, and i'm gonna have a nice bowl of pasta! lol!
Caoi!
Margie

[sicily1962]

Wow, what a terriffic workout i had yesterday.

Supersets on Back and Shoulders and then threw in some forearms for good measure!! /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

BB Rows w/ Behind the neck BB Press 4sets
DB Rows w/ Arnolds 3sets
Wide Grip Pulldowns w/ DB Side Laterals 3sets
High Rope rows w/ DB shrugs 3 sets

Incline DB wrist curls 4sets
Reverse plate curls w/ static hold 4sets...ouch!!

It was awsome and i am still feeling very strong. Still managed to put out BB rows at 125lbs and BB presses at 115 yesterday.
I felt it and feel it even more this morning!!

Today i begin my 3 days of total body work before comp on Saturday.
only 4more days of cardio left.
I've decided to start cutting my water a day early this time to really lean out that muscle
and also
not load my carbs until Friday morning as opposed to Thurs nite. I didn't feel like i was a full as i could have been going into the Sat. comp 2wks ago.
I need less time between loads for a good effect.

so....here we go again!
I think i'll take a few days off after this one to recoupe....ok, maybe 2!!
I love to train!

Have a great day, I'm off to do my cardio..
margie

[Adam Knowlden]

[ QUOTE ]
Incline DB wrist curls 4sets
Reverse plate curls w/ static hold 4sets...ouch!!
<hr /></blockquote>

I like that one!

Forearms! Now you're talking my favorite! /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[sicily1962]

Well, that's the last of it.
Went in last night to complete my 3rd and final total body workout.
It was a good feeling to know it was done.
In 48hrs practically, i'll be back onstage for the last time this year.

I'll be baking my wonderful oatmeal / raisin/spelt flour cookies tonight...may throw in some coconut and nuts too for good measure! lol!

gonna finish up w/a moderate cardio this morning to try and eliminate anything like sodium still hanging on. but i doubt there will be much of anythign since i've been depleting a few days now.

I will keep you all posted!
Hey, i do have some new pics, but for some reason they will not post! They are located on my computer now..so, if anyone can spell it out for me..ABC, so to speak!! That would be very helpful!
lol!

Caoi,
Margie

Good Luck Girly

[gordmcfarling]

Margie,

I can't help you with the pics, but bring us back some big a$$ trophies.

[BB1]

Congratulations on your last one. Good luck on your next comp. We have a champion among us. I like reading your journal because I can feel your excitement.

/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif Melissa

[Saggio]

Margie,

If you want, email me the pics....and I can post them for you. Otherwise, to help, I need to know how, and with what you're trying to post them.

[Destinado]

Goodluck for Louisville

[k1117]

Best of luck. You'll do great -- we're all sure

[sicily1962]

You guys are awsome!!!
wow...i've got goose bumps just reading all of these great wishes to me!!
I will do my best, i promise!

I am getting ready to do my nails...war paint is on..(pro tan) and i'll do some dream tan in the morning before prejudging.
My brother and sister flew into Louisville today to see me tomorrow for the show. they've never seen me compete!
lol!

just pulled the last batch of oatmeal cookies out of the oven..
hang on now...they are healthy i promise:
oatmeal raisin w/ spelt flour, applesause and dark honey...coconut and walnuts...yum!! is that a carb up or what?? lol!
actually, i'll have some after i get off stage...NOT before...but first i'll smother them in fresh cashew butter...yum!
i'm bad!
After the show, we are headed down to my parents' house for the weekend....mom's cooking! lol!
I asked her to get me chicken, can you believe that? lol!

I have to see my trainer next sat..the 16th...we are gonna go on a mass gaining diet and wt program so i come in a bit bigger for the spring show and a but more cut.
Our new goal: 6%....i have 19wks...
gee, that sounds like a new journal!!! lol!

Ok all...i'm outta here for now..home sunday night to report the results...
Oh ` it's a non tested event...and a national qualifier.
I think there will be some bigger girls there than me!! lol!

Have a great weekend!
margie

[Destinado]

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: sicily1962:</font><hr>
I pulled out my recipe for Gingerbread Oatmeal Raisin cookies to bake next friday night. I make them w/ Spelt or Kamut flour instead of wheat...much better for you! any takers?? lol! I'll post it on the recipe page.
<hr /></blockquote>

Would you mind posting the recipe ~ when you have a few spare moments? Thanks /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[sicily1962]

i will post that recipe tonight!!
thanks, margie

[sicily1962]

well, i've had to tell so many about this that i've just decided to cut and paste if from my numerous emails today and last night...but i thought you should all know how my weekend was.

Well, it seems when it rains it pours for me.

Saturday began like any other day...the drive down and even made it thru prejudging. But afterwards while having some lunch w/ my bro and sister we got a call that my dad was taking my mom to the hospital at Ft. Knox. (about 45min away)
We did not waste any time gathering our things and heading down. At the time i thought (having about 5hrs) that i could get back in time for the nite show, but it did not work out.

Evidentally she had a mild heart attack and they wanted to keep her till Monday morning. I could not leave her so i made the decision to stay and not finish the show.
There will be other shows, it was not meant for me to do this one.

Well, back to the drawing board...i had fun at prejudging though.... and i see my trainer on Saturday to begin my new nutrition for the spring show. with only 18wks to go, the time will fly by.

see you this week on the board....i have a lot of work to do!
margie

[Philia2]

I'm sorry to hear that Sicily, I hope that she's a lot better now.......

I guess that (for different reasons though) we weren't that lucky with our 9th Nov comps? Huh?!!! /forum/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forum/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forum/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Anyway, we'll be back!!!! /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[BB1]

My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care and yes there is always next time for a comp.

/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif Melissa

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: Philia2:</font><hr>Anyway, we'll be back!!!! /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif <hr /></blockquote>

That's exactly right! Keep your chin up, you WILL come out on top, it's just a matter of when! Your next competition will be even better than this one would have been, I am SURE of that!

Hope things are well with you and your family, my thoughts and prayers will be with you Margie. http://www.plauder-smilies.de/scatter.gif

[Destinado]

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: sicily1962:</font><hr> Evidentally she had a mild heart attack and they wanted to keep her till Monday morning. <hr /></blockquote>

Gosh, that must have been terrible for you, I do hope everything's OK now with your Mum

[gordmcfarling]

Margie,

Sorry to hear about your mom. I hope that she recovers quick. As for the competition, no worries. Take care and make sure your mom gets quality care. You can worry about her first.

[HarleyChick]

Here's hoping that your Mom is doing much better!

[sicily1962]

11/14/02
Hello all, so sweet for you to wish my mom well.
Thank you for that.
I'm headed home again this weekend to get some things done for her. She's feeling better, but stubborn and still wanting to do too much.
I'll do my workout early in the morning and head down. It's nearly a 3hr drive so i should be there before noon.

This week has been a somewhat hectic week (as if you couldn't tell!) but relaxing to a degree too.
I've totally relaxed on my nutrition and ate what i wanted when i wanted.
It's funny though, the only thing i have really been craving is oatmeal/raisin cookies and Natty peanut butter. Go figure!
Other than those daily treats...and i do mean daily...i've been eating relatively clean.
did i mention i've put on 7lbs since saturday? lol!
No, i'm not worried. If the weight was jiggly, i'd worry...but, i am hard as a rock. My muscles are so full and tight, i have never felt this way before.
I am so thick! OMG!
So..the jeans are a bit snug, thank goodness for baggies and big t's! lol~

I begin my new nutrition tomorrow. It's a cycle diet, again. 1800-1900 cals per day. cycle the carbs: 50, 75, 150...so everyday i'm doing it different. it will keep the body guessing and still enable me to drop bodyfat slowly and still gain good mass.
This weekend marks 18wks to my new show
time to start a new journal
I went back to the gym 2days ago and started my new workouts.
I really feel good!
I'll begin the new journal tomorrow.
till then, thank you all again and keep me company through my new journey into the New Year!!
Caoi!!
Margie

[sicily1962]

It's amazing how time can get away from you.

No, i did not dissappear of the face of the earth. wow...tis the season, hu?
But, i have not missed one training session and have kept to some clean eating....dont' worry, with only 100 days to go, there is not time to play!

Had one of those grueling leg workouts w/ the trainer last night.
She kills me...that's the only way to put it.
If i don't have the best *** and legs in all of Ohio, no one will!!!

We began with the lovely Wide Box Squats! Now believe me when i tell you, that his frickin' milk crate...and that's what it is, is maybe a foot high...if it's more, i'd be amazed.
And after a few warm ups, she loads the bar.
Keep in mind that i'm squatting below parallel, touching my butt to the box everytime.
Can you feel my pain already??? lol!!

Box Squats: 185x12, 175x12, 165x12, 155x12, 145x12, 135x12, 125x12, 95x20
Front squats: the feet here are elevated on a plate and practically touching and i squat to where my hams touch my calves...another fun one:
12x135, 12x125, 12x115, 12x95
Lying leg curls, free weight: 12x45, 12x35, 12x30, 12x25
superset w/ reverse hypers: 4x15

Standing calves SS w/ seated: 3positions 3sets of 15 + 5.

When i tell you i barely walk out of there, trust me! This was our third workout together and believe me, she is really making me feel it.
I can "feel" the blood pump into the muscles, It is so intense, you would not believe!!

This morning i went in for a Chest/Back superset.

Incline DB press: 12x45, 12x35, 12x30, 12x25
Pulldowns, wide: 12x120, 12x90, 12x75 2sets

Flat BB: 12x105, 12x95, 12x85, 12x75
DB Row: 12x35 4sets

Peck Deck: 12x50, 15x40, 15x30
Seated Row: 12x100, 12x90, 15x80

It was good and i worked quick. Finished it all inside of 40min w/ 45min cardio.

The diet is coming along nicely.
She's got me on 1900cals a day: 275gr protein, 136carbs, 30gr fat. At the moment, starchies account for 60% of my carb intake...early in the day, i like that....i love my oatmeal!
A week into it and i already have hardend up and feel really good.
I put on both fat and muscle after my show. I gained 10lbs total, 1/2 of that being fat and i got the new muscle i wanted!! yea! I would have preferred to not gain so much fat, but i was not as strict as i could have been...thank goodness i stuck to my workouts!

the goal now is 135lbs and 6%. I have 100 days to make it. I feel confident that it will happen. That's a loss of about .75lbs of bodyfat a week. Should not be a problem.

Ok...it's arms tomorrow. I thought i'd give some "Riot Bombing" a try...lol! Might as well just blow them up for a change!!

See you tomorrow!
Caoi!
margie

[soccerchick]

i just wanted to let you know i love reading your journal. you are definitely an inspiration /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

A few questions Margie...

So in what time frame did you put on 10 lbs? And then what were your ending stats? Weight &amp; bodyfat? Also, what were your calories and macronutrient ratio?

This is some really good info, a good learning tool for me to use especially since we're close in size! Thanks for keeping up your journal!

I need to get BPB to caliper me again cause it's been a month now since the last check and I fear that my bodyfat is slowly creeping up. http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/bawling.gif I haven't seen 18% on my Tanita body fat scale lately, my weight has been 142-143, which is 2-3lbs heavier than about a month ago, and I'm not happy with the amount (or lack thereof) of definition I have in the mirrors in my house and at the gym.

Altho it's kinda confusing, it could be the crappy lighting in my house cause at the Greensboro speed skating meet, (over Thanksgiving) in my hotel room, I was ecstatic at the amount of definition I saw! The lighting was dim and I saw good ab definition and I could even make out all 3 quad heads! I just don't know! But I'm paranoid that I'm approaching 20% body fat cause that is what my Tanita scale has been reading and previously it was actually AGREEING with the caliper reading. http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/bawling.gif And I'm only eating just enough to feel satisfied and I'm STILL getting hungry 3 hours later and STILL sometimes waking up at night hungry, geesh! If I've gained fat then I will HAVE to come to the conclusion that indeed it is VERY EASY for me to gain! Cause I'm eating clean and doing a 40%P/30%C/30%F diet, geesh, I don't know what more I could do to keep my bodyfat down other than keeping myself hungry all the time!! /forum/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Sorry for going off on your thread. I might even be worrying for nothing, I hope...

[sicily1962]

ok...Freezing rain and snow this morning didn't even stop me from heading to the gym for my 3:30am workout....
I need a vacation!! lol!

Well, after 45min of cardio (after a pot of coffee! lol!) I embarked on my "Riot Bombing" routine for Bi's and Tri's.

Now w/ limited time i shortened the routine to 12sets but let me tell you....mama was hurting when it was all said and done! What a great pump! I'm on my way to those 15" biceps in no time!!!!

Cable curls: w/ 65lbs for 12 down to 6 then back up again to 12 reps to finish off, skipping 7 on the way back up.
the same w/ wide grip pressdowns for Tris x 80lbs.

the only thing i did change up was from 12 to 6 reps on my drop i did a wide grip on both exercises and on the way up i change to a narrow grip.
Good stuff!
I would definately recommend this to anyone!!

So..no cardio tomorrow...hammies/calves only.
I look tight this morning. I was worried that the constant amount of carbs everyday (after cycling for months) would affect me negatively. It did take about a week to adjust but i've gotta tell ya, i like what i am seeing and really like what i feel like..i have a lot of energy!!
Right now, i'm only taking a multi and glutamine to help in my recovery.
I'm not sure i need much more right now.
As i begin cutting up i may add some mass aminos. I'll keep an eye on things and see what happens.

Have a great day and stay warm!!
Caoi!
Margie

Okay, even though I pm'd you about my above little crisis, I'll go ahead and post it here as well just in case anyone was following. Hope ya don't mind. I'm no longer keeping a journal so I have to sabatoge yours now, lol.

Heh, yeah, okay, I'm a freak, I was flipping out for nothing. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif First off I discovered that I did NOT gain weight from last month, it's just that it never LEFT after returning from a trip to IL during which I ate badly. But I got right back into my nutrition program of clean eating when I returned determined to drop whatever fat I had gained. Hubby had calipered me the evening after returning from IL and the measurements came out to: 143 lbs, 18.5% bodyfat, 116.5 lbs lean. I had BPB caliper me this morning and my stats are now: 143 lbs, 16.8% bodfat, 118.9 lbs lean!!!!! Woohooo!! Dang, I'll be at 120 lbs lean before I know it and without even trying! I'd said before I wasn't gonna purposely try to bulk! Okay, so I was definitely flipping out for nothing. However I don't know that I'd put that much stock in those readings cause last month he had measured me in the evening as opposed to measuring as soon as I woke up today. Soo, I am thinking that water weight probably threw off the previous month's readings at least somewhat. But anyway, the good news is that my bodyfat is NOT up and I'm apparently still slowing gaining muscle, without even trying. I'm tellin' ya I'm eating clean and only eating enough to feel satisfied, and I'm STILL gaining muscle? Geesh!

[sicily1962]

Ok chick...you can sabatoge my journal anytime!! lol!

I think it's terriffic that you've added some lean mass! The combination of lower reps/heavy weight help build mass in conjunction with your cleaner diet.
Remember reading in mine that i was just going to let my nutrition do the work? Same thing w/ you. If you are eating right and doing the resistance training in the correct manner, the mass will come and the bodyfat will come off!

About you holding water ~ one clear indication when having a caliper test that you are holding water is , when you get pinched, if the calipers slide, you are most likely holding water. Do you remember that being the case?

another thing to remember and i know you are aware of it, is to have it taken at the same time, each time. It also would not hurt to have it done at least once a week by the same person...that way they don't forget where they pinched you so likely! Leads to more accurate readings!

Truly sounds like you've got it all under control...don't sweat the small stuff!! Look in the mirror ~ it's the best indicator of your progress, along w/ how your clothes are fitting.

Eat, train and be happy! You can go into the holidays w/ a smile!!!!
Caoi!
Margie

[sicily1962]

It's Friday!!! yea!!
14 WEEKS!! ONLY 98 DAYS!

<font color="blue"> wow, that is so hard to believe! Time is flying! </font color>
<font color="purple">This is probably by far going to be the hardest thing i've ever done, trying to dial in at 6%. I feel fairly confident that i will be able to do it. At this point though it seems so far off!!!

Worked out with a partner last night on Hams. I'm feeling it this morning..i like knowing i worked it! lol! (Even though i know that's not always an indication!!!)

Deadlifts: 12x135, 12x155, 10x185, 125x155, 12x135
Lying Curls: 12x100, 8+4x110, 6+6x120, 15x90
Unilateral Presses: 12x140 3sets
Stabilzer platform lunges (to work on my balance and core strength: 3x12

Superset seated calf / standing calf 3x15

No cardio yesterday. I'm up bright and early this morning to handle that along w/ some heavy ab work. </font color>

<font color="red"> Well...3 more days to another bodyfat test. We will be doing this weekly now as opposed to every 4wks like last time. New trainer, new rules! /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Actually, i'm glad for that. It keeps me more honest. ~ not like i cheat or anything, but hey, the peanut butter isn't looking quite as good these days!!! lol!

It's been a good clean week on my nutrition. I'm expecting at least a 1.5% drop, just from the look of things. I've tightened up pretty good in my mid section and my arms are showing some descent definition.
Adding 10lbs can really take it's toll, so i'm glad to see things re-adjusting to their normal self again! /forum/images/graemlins/blush.gif </font color>

So...have a great day~I'll be back tomorrow to share my great shoulder w/o with you!!
TGIF!!
/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gifCaoi!
Margie

[sicily1962]

Good morning!!!
97 Days!! that would be 3mos and 7days!! lol!

<font color="blue">Well, as usual, i was up bright and early this morning for my shoulder and cardio workout.
Its was really peaceful outside this morning and the snow was falling slightly on my drive to the gym...

I threw in a couple of different moves this morning that would require me to drop my weight a little, but the results were equally as good!
What a great pump!
I was going to do shrugs also, but opted out on those since my traps are still feeling a good burn from my deadlifts from 2days ago. (I was adding a shrug at the top of the movement ~ duh!!! lol!) </font color>

<font color="purple">
Arnolds: 12x25 2sets, 12x20, 12x15
Front Cable Raises: 12x30 2sets, 12x20
Sides-DB raises from rear: 12x10lbs 3sets
Rears-side lying DB Raise (http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/exercise3/sidelyingsidedeltraise.htm) 12x8lbs 3sets /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif (I added the link just incase you want to check it out.)
I really wanted to try those and let me tell you, they are great!
In fact, the entire w/o was very good. I kept a constant pace and got a terriffic burn /forum/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I'm taking Sunday off. Actually, i'm proud of myself this time around for making the Sunday thing work. I've trained every Sunday of my life for so many years that taking it off seems very strange to me.
But, i will manage! Until i absolutely have to, Sunday is my day off.

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!!
But, we still have over a week to go!

Monday will be the grueling "leg workout" with the pro! wow...i felt the last one for days ~ did i mention that???? lol! /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I'll also be reporting the results of my bodyfat test #2. I suspect that will be very good.

OK...i'm done now! lol! /forum/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Caoi!!
Margie</font color>