12 Weeks Out

**my brain is scattered so I apologize in advance for the random babbling that may come ahead**

The last week has been a pretty good one overall, things are beginning to move at a consistent pace. I had my check in this weekend with Joe in person which is ideal IMO. I can see the changes in my physique taking place but I am not photogenic and progress pics tend to be less than stellar. After weeks of frustrating check in's with the scale, there was another solid drop this week. Ok, it was pretty much the same, then I went pee a couple of times (literally, like 4 times lol) and I saw a low of 157.2lbs..I haven't seen that number in a looooooooooong time, I talking since last September..maybe.


Stripping down and letting Joe look me over and tweak my posing was good for my spirit (as it usually is). There's no denying the progress I've made over the last few weeks specifically, but it's time to step it up, hit it a bit harder and get things really moving. One of the things we discussed was the possibility of doing a local show prior to Team U...My thought process is (if allowed) to cross over and do both FBB and WP. I figure if they're offering it, I want to do both. Obviously, this is all dependent on my body and WTF it decides to do, but that's how things are bouncing in around my head at the moment.
Now, just because things are progressing doesn't mean we're just rolling along. the boss did make some slight changes to my program for the following week. With the addition of a third lower carb day and a step up with sprints, we're pushing a bit harder going forward.

In all things diet/training related:

I'm still training my balls off, while I may not be shooting for single or double PR's, I am hitting rep PR's. I'm keeping the intensity up and even though I do miss the singles, this is a pretty challenging change of pace.
Unfortunately, just when I'm feeling fit, cardio reminds me that I am still out of shape :( With the weather finally getting nice, I got the bright idea to take my sprints outdoors..Umm, yeah, seemed like a good idea at the time. My hammies, abs, lungs and throat were on fire and I'm still feeling it. I've done intervals on the stepmill or spin bike but I haven't taken it outside in a few years, I was not prepared (and neither were my poor knees) for the impact sprinting puts on my body.


I get a lot of questions about my diet and right now, it's basically 2 different menus (higher carb and lower carb days). I eat the SAME thing every day, just varying amounts depending on my macros. I know there are MANY schools of thought on variety and all that shit but I'm lazy as fuck. I'd rather keep it simple and do the least amount of thinking possible. With that said, NO I do not eat anything I do not like. I enjoy ALL of my meals. Feedings are like clockwork at this point, I don't need an alarm clock..my belly knows when it's time for breakfast lol. My hunger has increased a bit on the lower carb days, I'm not starving but my tummy lets me know it's not satisfied.

**Warning..emotional wrap up ahead**

I guess the moment I begin to get emotional is the sign of prep when shit starts getting real. Yes, I still have 12wks to go, so this is mild lol
Sometimes, I have to stop and think..I'm VERY fortunate to share my life with the most amazing people. Those who push me, who believe in me more than I could even begin to believe in myself. Those who squash any doubts I have and help me keep my mind right. Thank you for listening to my ummm..hysteria lol and helping to give me another perspective that isn't always clear through my eyes.
Whew. Now with that shit out of the way....
Here we go!

  12 Weeks Out:
Stats:

 5'4"

157.2lbs
Training:

Power/Mountain Dog

Diet:

45g Fat/200G Carbs/165g Protein (4 days)
45g Fat/145G Carbs/165g Protein (3 days)

1-1.5gal water
Cardio:

3 30min Steady State/2 HIIT sessions
Supplementation:

Champion Nutrition's Multi-V, Omega 3 Fish Oil, Performance BCAA's, Liver Cleanse, Power Creatine, Power Glutamine, Pure Whey and ThermoGold

Glucosamine and probiotics

13 Weeks Out

Houston, we FINALLY have fuckin progress!

This weekends 13wk out check in was exactly what my spirit needed.
I saw progress in my pictures AND on the scale, the perfect storm. After my weight being stalled around 161-162lbs I dropped below 160 for the first time since.........eerrr, ummm.....October/November maybe??! Ok, it's only down to 159.4lbs but Imma take that shit and run, but not literally cause I can't run lol


My Saturday check in procedure typically goes...Scale, then pictures but I flipped the order this weekend. I could SEE the changes in my physique throughout the week so I knew there would be proof in the pictures and really that's where it counts. With that said, I was already in the RIGHT mindset prior to stepping on the scale, but finally seeing the 150-anything made me so fuckin happy. **Yes. I am well aware that the number itself doesn't mean anything but the scale is a TOOL and the reality is, if you're dieting and eating in a deficit, the number should be dropping pretty consistently. so please, save your breath with the "who cares about the scale" lip service. Thankyousoveryfuckinmuch**


Even though I've been in the game a while and sure they're are "markers" if you will as far as prep is concerned, the truth is that my body has responded differently with EVERY SINGLE PREP. No two have been the same so at times while I can look back to see what I was doing and how my body was responding at X-wks out last season, there really aren't any guarantees to do "this" and expect "that". This year, the 160's have been my sticking point..my body had fought like hell to hold onto that weight/size but having finally broke that plateau, I feel like I'm over the hump and things with be changing and progressing with more consistency.

Random prep tidbits

*Nailing my diet with ease! It's basically auto pilot at this point. Am I hungry?? Umm..yes! First of all, I'm ALWAYS hungry so that's a given but no my diet is that "hard" by any means. I'm not going to gnaw my own limbs...yet
*Cardio is easy...wait? wut?? I can tell I'm getting my "fitness" back lol I'm not as winded and my sessions aren't as labored which is an awesome feeling. As much as I loathe cardio, I do like feeling fit.
*I have been making slight tweaks with my training, while I'll always be power focused (Imma PR junky) I've started running a program with more volume, higher reps...taking my main lifts (squats, bench, deads) to failure which is unlike I've done in the past. It definitely kicks my ass in a totally different way, but I have to admit, I am digging it.
*I'm 100% decided on my music and once it gets edited (ahem, Jimmy) then I'll start working on that whole routine thingy. Who wants to volunteer to put it together and teach me??! Anyone?! Hello!?

13 Weeks Out:
Stats:

 5'4"

159.4lbs {happy dance}
Training:

Power/Mountain Dog

Diet:

45g Fat/200G Carbs/165g Protein
45g Fat/145G Carbs/165g Protein

1-1.5gal water

Cardio:

3 30min Steady State/2 HIIT sessions
Supplementation:

Champion Nutrition's Multi-V, Omega 3 Fish Oil, Performance BCAA's, Liver Cleanse, Power Creatine, Power Glutamine, Pure Whey and ThermoGold

Glucosamine and probiotics

14 Weeks Out

First things first...Thank you for all the messages etc..asking about my little girl. Beatrix is doing much better, still not 100% but definite improvement. Big wet, cold nosed thank you kisses from her <3

Now, onto business..........

I'm not quite sure where time is going but this prep is flying by and this weekend was one of THOSE weekends. Yeah, the crazy is in full mutherfuckin force. To say I'm a bit frustrated is a wee bit of an understatement..I checked in with pics and stats this weekend and that fuckin scale is NOT moving, it's damn near stuck. I never would have thought getting under 160lbs would be such a battle for my body. I also did a round of pictures for Joe, even though I think I look like shit I can SEE that there is progress from my last set of pics. Taking progress shots is only fun when you're in good shape, when you're still carrying significant fluff, it blows but the one positive thing is pics don't lie, so even when you're doubting progress, the proof is in the pudding if you will..Pudding! Yummy!


Anywho, since I was really upset at my lack of progress this week, I pulled my pictures from 14wks out during my prep LAST year and the progress that I've made was clear as can be. I'm not really sure what I was expecting when I took a look at the side by side, but I was surprised. I'm 10lbs heavier and it's not ALL fat lol so that's gotta count for something, right?!!? Maybe I will be able to bring a larger/fuller, more complete physique this season?? I've definitely increase size overall, width and thickness..brought up my legs, which have been a weakness so seeing my progress made me take a step back and relax a little. (yes, just a little)


This weekend, aside from the scale and picture catastrophe I also had to break out the tape measure to take my measurements for my suit! EEEK!!!! I finally put my deposit down, picked my color/fabric and things are underway! I have no doubt, Jodie Bruce is going to create something absolutely breathtaking. I don't get girlie about many things, but I am already excited to see what she puts together. I get giddy thinking about it.


Along with my physical struggles dropping fat, mentally Imma basket case :(
I'm starting to hit the panic button to be honest. 14wks is sort of that time frame where you have an idea of what your body comp should be, what areas hold extra fat vs what areas should be tightening up etc..I do feel like I'm behind as far as my conditioning goes. I am pleased with the size/shape that I have, but when it comes to being able to dial in the total package, I think I should be further along with only 14wks to go so I'm having a lot of apprehension that my body is just not going respond as I would like. UGH *bangs head*


As fuckin crazy as I am, I was happy that the boss made some changes to my program going forward. I'm confident I should see some progress this week. He dropped some of my carbs and added in an additional day of cardio, I cannot believe I'm happy about that but that's how bad I want to be lean...


So with all that rambled, here we go....

14 Weeks Out:

Stats:

 5'4" (ok, slightly under)

161.8LBS (STILL!!!!)

Training:

Power/Mountain Dog

Diet:

45g Fat/200G Carbs/165g Protein
45g Fat/145G Carbs/165g Protein

1-1.5gal water

Cardio:

3 30min Steady State/2 HIIT sessions

Supplementation:

Champion Nutrition's Multi-V, Omega 3 Fish Oil, Performance BCAA's, Liver Cleanse, Power Creatine, Power Glutamine, Pure Whey and ThermoGold

Glucosamine and probiotics

{sigh} Just because................

A slight updateless update :)

This really isn't much of an "update" post as much as just really a snap shot into where my head has been over the last week...

Life has a way of throwing up roadblocks along the way and those who are close to me understand that over the last week my prep focus has half assed at best. Long story short, one of my puppies has been in and out of the hospital..even when at home she's needed pretty much 24/7 care so the last thing on my mind has been contest prep, it's just didn't fuckin matter..NOTHING mattered but her. As far as I'm concerned, her care is first and foremost, regardless of costs etc..Fuck this show.

My emotions were really all over the place...
I felt guilty for even attempting to go to the gym. Who the fuck cares??! It's not important. Of course, sitting at home staring at the walls or killing time in waiting rooms wasn't exactly productive either. Through all the craziness and nearly running myself ragged, I did keep my diet 100% on point and got to the gym when I could. My training/cardio was basically get the fuck in and get out ASAP, but I did it more than anything to attempt to give my mind a rest from all the stress.

With that said, I didn't "check in" this weekend. I let Joe know I was doing what needed to be done but my mind and heart weren't in it. So, no official check in on the scale or pics this weekend, just getting back into the swing of things. While my baby isn't out of the woods yet, she is definitely on the upswing so Mama has been getting more than 2hrs of sleep the last couple of nights :) As I said, I did keep my diet on point and really couldn't tell ya if I was hungry or not, I was too crazy to notice..the lone bright spot, I suppose lol In addition to the lack of sleep, I was also running on energy drinks. As if I wasn't already having a tough time getting my water in, I probably had 1 liter a day and that was a good day.

It was definitely an unwelcomed reality check to say the least. If my biggest problems are bitching about hating cardio or whining cause my ass is too fat...I am pretty fuckin lucky and let's be real, it's bodybuilding, it's not that serious.
And on that note, let's keep the crazy train rolling cause there's shit to do..........

15 Weeks Out:

Stats:

 5'4" (ok, slightly under)

160.8LBS (as per last wk)

Training:

Power/Mountain Dog

Diet:

45g Fat/215G Carbs/165g Protein
45g Fat/155G Carbs/165g Protein

1-1.5gal water (not even fuckin close)

Cardio:

2 35min Steady State/2 HIIT sessions

Supplementation:

Champion Nutrition's Multi-V, Omega 3 Fish Oil, Performance BCAA's, Liver Cleanse, Power Creatine, Power Glutamine, Pure Whey and ThermoGold

Glucosamine and probiotics

Shit feels REAL now....

Ok, it's official. I now feel like I'm "prepping"..

16 weeks out and the changes are occurring, both physically and mentally.


My check in went pretty well. There was FINALLY a slight drop on the scale this weekend. I'm down a little more than a pound which was awesome to see, even if I am still in the 160's (bigmutherfuckinsigh). I can tell my body is tightening up, I have more separation and vascularity than last week which is why the scale was still a bit surprising, I was expecting MORE of a drop based on what I see in the mirror. I'm kinda at that point where the changes aren't significant yet so I'm getting anxious and start worrying that I'm further behind than I thought etc..Fortunately, I was able to avoid taking progress pictures since I was getting to see Joe in person for the first time this season. I will take an in person evaluation over pictures ANYDAY!


On Sunday, I had my first posing practice of the season...
Even though I was excited to let Joe look me over in person, I damn near had a panic attack trying to find a pair of shorts that fit me! I haven't even attempted to get in shorts since maybe Sept so this was a fuckin event. Thankfully, I did manage to get into a pair, but dammit quads rubbing together is so uncomfortable. I'm lucky I didn't catch fire :(  Stripping down to shorts and a sports bra was not the highlight of my weekend but on a bright side, I look better that I thought which was comforting. Running through my poses, I could see my body responding, conditioning improving and could start to really SEE the whole picture if that makes sense.


Now, As far as practice itself went...ummm, I am REALLY out of shape. I'm talking sweaty, cramping and winded lol Posing is MUCH harder than people realize. It's not fun posing when you're fat, it pretty much fucking blows so I don't do any posing in the off season whatsoever cause who the fuck wants to see that?? I hit my quarter turns and mandatories with relative ease but holding them and making my transitions smooth need work. I'm also playing with some variations to improve my presentation. 16 weeks is plenty of time for some fine tuning, but I should probably get to work on that whole routine thing....


After seeing talking with the boss in person, he made some changes to my program. Now, being the sick fuck that I am..I'm excited! WTF?!? Yeah, I want to be lean THAT bad, that I'm all "yay, take my food!" Sounds good now, but I'm sure I'll be kicking myself shortly. My macros went from being consistent, to a bit of a carb cycle..without a really low day. He also bumped up my cardio a little bit too, so I'm looking forward to seeing how my body responds over the next week or so.

16 Weeks Out:

Stats:

 5'4" (ok, slightly under)

160.8LBS

Training:

Power/Mountain Dog

Diet:

45g Fat/215G Carbs/165g Protein
45g Fat/155G Carbs/165g Protein

1-1.5gal water

Cardio:

2 35min Steady State/2 HIIT sessions

Supplementation:

Champion Nutrition's Multi-V, Omega 3 Fish Oil, Performance BCAA's, Liver Cleanse, Power Creatine, Power Glutamine, Pure Whey and ThermoGold

Glucosamine and probiotics

The crazy is well underway....

17 Weeks sounds like forever, but given the work I've got ahead, the crazy is already running full throttle...

I'm already beginning to have those panicked "will I be ready??!" thoughts, since I'm not really progressing at the rate I'd like to see. Am I making progress? ABSOLUTELY. While there isn't much movement on the scale the shift in my physique is obviously taking place. The scale is fluctuating around 161-162lbs, but I do see an improvement in my progress pictures (as does Joe) and the physical markers...face, chest and waistline are all noticeably tighter/leaner. Another positive is that I'm beginning to feel like I'm "in shape"..Cardio is a bit easier, less rest between sets etc..One of the shitty things about carrying extra fat is how out of shape and sluggish I feel so this is a nice change of pace.

In other prep related tidbits...

*I am 99.9% sure I've found the music for my routine. It'll need some editing of course, thankfully I only need 60 seconds lol and then I will start working on putting something together. Unlike previous years, I have ZERO interest in even attempting to wing this shit. I'm looking into getting help of course cause I ain't got a clue how to even begin choreographing this shit. I know all my best poses, I can hit them all...but yeah, transitioning, making it flow...Coordination is NOT my forte!

*THE suit is in the works! Most girls get excited about purses and shoes..IDGAF about that shit, but a posing suit gets me alllll types of girlie. Suits are the biggest expense of competing and I kicked around the idea of borrowing or renting etc..but having a suit that is custom for your body (especially for WP since I need to actually MOVE in it) is important. Jodie Bruce, Fit Wear Designs will be creating something amazing for this season and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with.

Now, even though the boss sees a little progress he did still make some slight tweaks to my program..a little increase in cardio, but didn't touch my macros.
Works for me..I ain't afraid to bust my ass, but let's not touch my food...yet :)

17 Weeks Out:

Stats:

 5'4" (ok, slightly under)

161-162LBS (GRRR!)

Training:

Power/Mountain Dog

Diet:

45g Fat/225G Carbs/165g Protein

1-1.5gal water (Struggling!!!!)

Cardio:

2 Steady State/2 HIIT sessions

Supplementation:

Champion Nutrition's Multi-V, Omega 3 Fish Oil, Performance BCAA's, Liver Cleanse, Power Creatine, Power Glutamine, Pure Whey and ThermoGold

Glucosamine and probiotics

And here we go................

The meet marked the official end to my off season and with that the switch has been flipped. I've been "dieting" if you will for a few weeks, keeping things tight and dropping the slop. Now that the meet is over, my blog and my life lol are in locked in full contest prep mode tunnel vision. GIDDY UP BITCHES!!!


Now, the plan of action....

While I had my fun navigating my own off season, I don't play that crazy shit during contest prep..so, as of the first of the year, I put my physique back in the hands (and mind lol) of Joe Franco. We had 4 successful years together and I'm confident that 2014 will be no different. If there's anyone who understands my brand of crazy combined with my work ethic, it's him. Joe is handling both my diet/nutrition and cardio. As far as training goes, I'll be taking a page from my off season and running a mix of power and Mountain Dog. I love the intensity and I feel like my physique really transformed with this approach so I'm looking forward to utilizing it with a cutting diet...as opposed to eating everything not nailed down, hey..I was growing ((eyeroll))

I'll be tracking my progress weekly with the scale (shoot me!) and pictures. Both of which make me want to play in traffic. I hit the stage at 125lbs last summer, I'm sitting a good 35lbs (give or take) above that. Of course, WP is by height, so the actual NUMBER on the scale doesn't matter but I am hoping to come in harder and ideally at 130+lbs. Is that realistic? I have no fuckin clue but in my head it is lol I had a fantastic off season, how much of that equates to bigger/denser muscle...we will see. On a positive note, I am carrying this weight better than I ever have in the past so while I definitely have my work cut out for me, I do feel like I'm in a decent place.

As things sit now, I'm currently  (just under) 18wks out from Team Universe. I'm kicking around the idea of  a local show in either Philly or Jersey a couple weeks prior, so we'll see about that but the goal is to peak and bring my best package to Teaneck, NJ on July 4th.

And onto the goods....

18 Weeks Out:

Stats:

 5'4" (ok, slightly under lol)

161.2LBS (UGH!)

Training:

Power/Mountain Dog

Diet:

45g Fat/225G Carbs/165g Protein

1-1.5gal water (which has NOT been happening ugh)

Cardio:

1 Steady State/3 HIIT sessions

Supplementation:

Champion Nutrition's Multi-V, Omega 3 Fish Oil, Performance BCAA's, Liver Cleanse, Power Creatine, Power Glutamine, Pure Whey and ThermoGold

Glucosamine and probiotics