NPC New Englands

[Sara]

I'm prepping to do my first figure show, the NPC New Englands (first weekend in May I believe). I have a thread about it over at Mayhem in the Girls section, but if you'd like, I'll start chronicling it here too....

I'll be working with a mod on this site

I was supposed to do this show last year, but re-injured my back (was hit by an 18-wheeler 3 yrs ago which did a # on my back...pulled it out and out of alignment again a couple of weeks before the show, had to pull out and take almost 3 months off from training).

[Tim Wescott]

Only an 18 wheeler ?

My God girl, it`s amazing you`re alive ,never mind training for your first contest!!

I for one would love to follow your journey!!

Thanks!!

[sockrocker]

bump to that...let's here about it

[Sara]

Yes Ski, you're right...I'm VERY lucky to be alive considering the truck rear ended me (I was at a stop sign), then proceeded to take out my driver's side and go over the hood of my car. Talk about seeing your life flash before your eyes Four months later, I embarked on my "transformation" once my back was somewhat back to normal.
I'm going to copy and paste some of my thread on Mayhem here to get y'all up to speed...then I'll start posting my prep regularly in here...thanks for the interest

[Sara]

OK...I've put off doing my first show long enough...some due to my own decisions others due to re-injuring my back from a bad accident a few years ago. But, a few recent events in my life have given me back my spark and desire to get my ass up there FINALLY...

So, as of tomorrow, I'm starting my diet very early to get me there. The show I plan on doing is the one I was one month out for last year when I reinjured my back and got discouraged, the NPC New Englands (first weekend in May). I'm starting extra early to give myself some leeway for the holidays but to also keep me on track during the tough holiday season also. I'm in a much better place personally now to get the job done. The past year has been a rough one for me between going through my divorce and other personal things. But, I'm MUCH happier and confident now, so I think it's due time I get up there. I've gained some weight over the past 7 months since I was prepping for that show, but I also think I've put on some muscle in my upper body that I needed at the same time (of course in addition to some bodyfat). I think this time around, I'll look more symmetrical than last year since my lower body has always overpowered my upper.

So, here goes...one more hour until it all begins LOL. I'll keep ya'll posted on my progress as I go along...

(you can see my pics on my home link here)

[Sara]

I'm posting a link to some recent pics since I haven't posted any in a long time...these are from about a month ago while coming off a mini "bulk" cycle...I'm a little leaner now...I'll take some updated pics next week:

pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sdior...iorio/my_photos

Here's a link to where I was about one month out from the show last year before I got hurt...I hope to beat this and come in harder and leaner...I have the tools to do it this time around too so I don't doubt that I will LOL:

pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sdior...iorio/my_photos

[Sara]

I plan on taking some pics sometime this week as my starting point. I'm in the process of working out a new diet, training, and supplement plan with someone which I'll discuss once I know what I'll be doing LOL.
For the next few days, it's cardio for me and some light training to get back into the groove...haven't trained in one month sad to say. Had some issues to deal with in my personal life which stressed me out and put me into a little depression. But, all the sh*t has been taken care of and I'm VERY excited to get back into high gear again, so LOOK OUT...IT'S ON!!!! LOL

[NOTE: THESE POSTS ARE FROM LAST WEEK...just wanted to bring y'all up to speed LOL]

[Sara]

I'm proud of the transformation I made, but also pretty upset with myself for letting myself slip back a little...some of the reasons were in my control, while others weren't. Honestly, the break I was forced to take as a result of re-injurying my back was what started the downslide and, frankly, put me into a depression for a couple of months. But, like all things in my life, I just had to chalk it up to a life lesson and pick myself back up and get back on track to make the changes I need and want to.
Staying out of the gym for a month was not all totally my decision. The past few months have been a roller coaster ride for me personally on many levels and for many reasons. But, I can DEFINITELY tell you that I missed it terribly. No more breaks for me until at least mid-May.

[Sara]

THIS STARTS TODAY'S POST:

Diet today:
Woke up at 6:15, had 2 cups of coffee (with 2 sweet n low and nonfat cream: "simply smart" 1/2 and 1/2) Needed it this AM..I'm SO tired
6:45- Glutamine and BCAAs before cardio
9:45- 5oz 99% lean ground turkey, green beans, 1 tbsp flax seed meal, 2 Udo's caps, vitamin
1:15- 4oz 93% lean ground beef, spinach, 2 Udo's caps
3:45- 1/2c oatmeal, protein powder, 1 tbsp flax seed meal (preworkout)
5:00- Lg coffee with 3 sweet n low and cream (I was literally falling asleep on my way home from work and need to train legs today so I needed this LOL)
7:30- 1 packet oatmeal (one with sugar LOL), 1/2c oatmeal, whey protein, glutamine, creatine titrate, vitamins E & C (postworkout)
9:45- 4.5oz 93% lean ground beef, broccoli, 1/2 scoop Yammits

OUCH OUCH OUCH...OMFG...Trained legs for the first time in 5-6 wks...YIKES...talk about pain! They are tight and sore already and I did TONS of stretching. That'll teach me to take that much time off again. It's funny how quickly you can lose a little strength. I hope I'm able to walk tomorrow...I have an interview!

Smith machine squats 4 x 16,15,12,12 (incl 1 warmup set)
Inverted leg press 3 x 13,15,15
Lying leg curls 3 x 12,10,10
Leg extensions 3 x 12, 12, 10
Abduction machine 3 x 25, 20, 25
Adduction machine 3 x 25, 20, 20

It's now 10:00 and I can honestly say I've never been so sore and in so much pain after a workout...especially RIGHT after a workout...OMG...HELP! OUCH...OWWWWIIEEEEEE I'm actually afraid to go to bed and wake up tomorrow...I can just imagine how I'm going to feel then.

[ifearnoman]

I think I am going to print out those recent photos and add them to my shrine..er I mean..

uh oh..damn outside voice!

you look great Sara....keep your head up, we are all rooting for you!

[Sara]

;D LOL...you're too funny, Chad! Thanks for the ongoing support, I appreciate it.

OK people...woke up in PAIN this AM...heating my quads as we speak and had to cancel my interview today and reschedule for a couple of reasons, one being that it hurts to walk LOL. ON top of that, I'm not having a very good AM...I'll tell you, it SUCKS and is SO stressful to have to worry about money! Let's just say you never realize how much you depend on your cell phone until it's shut off! LOL

BUT, I WON'T let any of the stress side track my diet. I know there's no way I'm going to gt my AM cardio in today as much as I want to, so I'm going to train back tonight and hope my legs are better tonight and I can do at least some light cardio then. If not, I'll take it as my cardio day off since I've been doing it every AM except Sat for 2 wks now.

Woke up at 6:30, had 1 cup of coffee with 2 sweet n low and nonfat cream, Liquid Clenbutrx
9:45- 1/2c oatmeal, 1.25 scoop protein, 1 tbsp flax seed meal, vitamin
12:45- 5oz 99% lean ground turkey, broccoli, 2 Udo's caps
4:15- 4oz 93% lean ground beef, green beans, 2 Udo's caps
6:45- 1/2c oatmeal, 1 scoop protein (pre-workout)
9:45- 3 plain rice cakes, 4 egg whites, 3oz 99% lean ground turkey, creatine titrate, glutamine, vitamins C & E (post-workout)

Trained back tonight:
Assisted chins- 2 x 12,10
Wide grip pulldowns- 4 x 12,10,8,10
Hammer lateral rows- 2 x 10,9 (wide grip) 2 x 10, 9 (close grip)
Barbell bent over rows- 3 x 12,10,12 (drop set)
Straight arm pulldowns- 3 x 15,12,8

No cardio today...legs needed the break

[Tim Wescott]

Good stuff Sara,I`ll be following with great interest!!

Isn`t it fun blasting legs after not having done them in a while? ;D

It`s hard to do almost anything ,never mind cardio....good move to skip it for sure.

Ease back into it slower....don`t get injured at this early point!!

Later,and don`t walk too much today....not that you`ll be able to !!

[sockrocker]

good luck tonight, but honestly don't be surprised if it takes you a few days, lol...that always happens to me if i take a layoff from legs...i can't walk for like a week

[GerryT]

Tim is right, just ease into it. Better to miss a couple cardio sessions than injure yourself.

Respect and admire what you're doing. Good luck.

[Sara]

Thanks guys! My legs are starting to feel SLIGHTLY better but I have to keep getting up from my desk and walking around every 15 mins or so I think. I sat for about an hour this AM without doing that and when I got up to go to the bathroom, I nearly fell over then was walking down the hall like I had a stick up my ass LMAO. I'm sure my co-workers were quite curious LOL.

Ski- YES, please keep and eye on me and my ass in gear! Hopefully, I won't need it, but I still have 5.5 months of dieting ahead of me I'm glad to know you'll be following my thread/prep. Now we just have to get you back to MA in May for the show!!!

Gerry- THANK YOU...that means SO much to me coming from you!

Sock- Yes, most likely I won't be doing cardio today...hopefully tomorrow though, but we'll see. I think I may have strained my hip flexor too...hopefully it's just sore like my quads!

Here's a quote I read in this month's FLEX by Tommy Thorvilson (sp)...a sweet guy I met in Venice last Feb when I was out there training at the MECCA:
"Pain is temporary, Pride is forever".....VERY fitting for me today!

[Tim Wescott]

nowwe just have to get you back to MA in May for the show"!!


I might do the Masters NE,but I`m much closer to Rochester,and they are around the same time.

I`ve done the NE 3 times,and the closest I got was second...a 3 foot beautiful trophy.

They give out the best awards I have ever seen at any contest bar none,and I`ve done a lot of contestrs!!

The first place trophy is 4 feet and I WANT it bad so I`m debating.

Who am I trying to kid,I`ll be there,I love the NE ,great and very tough contest.

See ya`there hun...stay focused,and don`t let life get in the way of 90 minutes a day of training,no matter what it may concern.

Deal with it later!!

Good luck!

[Sara]

Yes, Ski, you're SOOO right...1.5 hrs a day out of 24 is not much to ask. Thanks for your ongoing support! Can't wait to meet ya in May and for us to both bring home those gorgeous trophies.

Woke up feeling better today. Hip flexor and legs were too sore, and I debated putting off cardio until tonight, but I'm proud to say I got my ass up and to the gym this AM and did 30 mins on the elliptical...it actually helped me feel a little better.

Diet (woke up at 6:30 and had a cup of coffee with 2 sweet n low and nonfat cream, Liquid Clenbutrx...damn I wish I could get more of this stuff I'm almost out and it worked well for me )
9:45- 1/2c oatmeal, 1.25 scoop protein, 1 tbsp flax seed meal, vitamin
1:15- 5oz 99% lean ground turkey, asparagus, 2 Udo's caps, Liquid Clenbutrx
5:00- 1/2c oatmeal, 1 scoop protein (was stuck in traffic...should've eaten an hour earlier)(pre-workout)
7:45- 3 plain rice cakes w/3tsp of sugar free preserves, 1.5 scoops whey protein, glutamine, creatine (post-workout)
8:45- whole wheat wrap with spray butter (was hungry )

Trained shoulders tonight:
Lateral raises 4 x 15,12,10,12
Db overhead presses 4 x 12,12,10,9
Cable upright rows 3 x 12,12,10
Barbell upright rows 1 x 10
Reverse pec deck 4 x 12,10,10,8

Well, bad luck has struck me again...my mom just called me at work to let me know my nana (whom I'm very close to...well until she started rapidly declining with Alheimzer's/dementia) had a stroke and is in the ER. She's had a very rough year and I pray that she will be OK but at this point, she is not herself and hasn't been for a couple of years now. She turned 90 in August and my family, mostly my aunt and mom, take 24 hour care of her to keep her out of nursing homes (my aunt lives with her and quit her job to take care of my nana and her ill husband). It has been very hard on my family and although I'd hate to lose her, sometimes I think it may be for the better...she's in pain a lot, cries a lot, and has no idea where she is half the time.

[Sara]

Here's yesterday's report:
HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone!!!

My gym is closed today so I'm going to do some cardio at home (time to drag out my dusty stp and old videos..I have a HUGE collection from my days of teaching aerobics and from my pre-gym days). Today will be a true test in willpower as my aunt is a KICK ASS cook and makes the BEST sweet potato casserole on earth (might just let myself have a very small serving of this..I've been pretty good all week and most likely my new diet will start sometime next week). I'll be making my protein pumpkin pancake to take for my dessert since I know there will be a table of pies and cookies there to tempt me I can just imagine everyone's reaction when I pull that out (Italian family and all LOL).

Well, I'm happy to report that my mom let me use her cell phone until Fri so I got to talk to and see my man last night (on web cam...he drove to his parents' house last night so I could see him...bad day for me yesterday) My nana is now home from the ER but only b/c there isn't much else they can do...just have to pray she will be OK...

UGH...I weighed myself this AM...BIG mistake but at least I have a # to go by now...first time I've done so in about 4 months and it was a shock...but, weight is just a # not necessarily a TRUE measure of your appearance sometimes

AM cardio: 30 mins step

Diet (got up at 6AM...had my 2cups of coffee...needed it this AM):
8:30- 6 egg whites, 1 yolk, 1oz 99% lean ground turkey, broccoli, 2 Udo's caps, Liquid Clenbutrx, vitamin
11:45- 2 scoops Muscle Provider shake
2:00-4:00- not going to list quantities b/c I don't know...but, here's how I did at dinner:Turkey, scrambled canned pumpkin w/egg whites splenda and protein powder (my Italian family almost died when I pulled that out of my Tupperware LOL), green beans, pudding pie (made with sugar free fat free pudding, skim milk, graham cracker crust, and fat free cool whip...had 2 small slices...choc and coconut cream), small square of pumpkin cheesecake squares, small pumpkin dinner roll. Allowed myself a little cheat...it's Thanksgiving after all and hardcore diet starts Monday. Didn't do too bad considering my aunt is an AWESOME cook and there were about 15 different sides and about 10 different desserts...needless to say, I wasn't a happy camper LOL, Liquid Clenbutrx
9:00- 4oz top round steak, salad with vinegar

[Sara]

OK...I had a bad day yesterday emotionally for a few reasons, but I'm feeling better today. I'll admit that getting on the scale put a damper on my day, but it also was an eye opener and like I've said, it is just a number too. But, damn, it was a higher number than I expected LOL. It did make me wonder whether or not I'll be able to lose the weight I need and make the changes particularly in my lower body that I need to in the next 5 months or so. I'll probably make a decision in Feb or so when I've been on the diet for a while and training/cardio consistently. But, there is a possibility that I might need to put it off until June or July to give myself the time I need.

Woke up 6:30....1 cup coffee w/2 sweet n low and nonfat cream, Liquid Clenbutrx (running out wish I bought more before the ban)

AM Cardio: 45 mins on recumbent bike
PM Training: Arms (forgot to record exercises and weights...was in a hurry but had a good workout...nice pumps)

10:00- pumpkin protein scramble (3 egg whites, 3/4c canned pumpkin, 1 scoop protein, splenda, pumpkin pie spice), 3 tbsp sugar-free syrup & spray butter, vitamin
4:00- 4 egg whites, 3oz ground buffalo, 4oz yam, green beans, Liquid Clenbutrx (should've eaten a lot sooner than this but was out a lot longer than I anticipated shopping and running errands) (pre-workout)
6:30- 1 scoop Muscle Provider, 1/2 scoop Yammits, glutamine, creatine, vitamin C & E (post-workout)

I'm going to start putting some motivational quotes here for myself as they always help me when I need it, and I need it today LOL:

" No one is perfect. But if we walk on the road towards perfection, we may reach perfect."

" Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." (Churchill)

" When people say, "You are finished", it is time for you to stand up and "find" out why "I" failed. "Shred" the failure factor and start a new journey. Failure is confusing. You have the power to turn it inside out and start a new journey." (Fajimi)

[Sara]

[FRIDAY ENTRY] Playing catch up on some of my posts:

I reflected a little while at the gym tonight on what I accomplished before and what I know I'm capable of doing again and surpassing. I do struggle with feelings of guilt and anger at myself for letting my weight creep back up some and losing a lot of my definition, etc...but I did it before and I'll do it again...just have to keep reminding myself "one day/step at a time" and "good things come to those who wait".

I think I feel pressure right now to lose quickly b/c I'm going to my bf's XMas party in NC in 2 weeks and have a strapless dress that I want to look good in and impress him with...I know I'd look a lot better in it if I could just lose 10-15 lbs, but I know that isn't realistic either and if I did manage to lose around that amount, it would be mostly water and all anyway. Plus, luckily, he thinks I look good regardless...it's me I fight the battle with. But, today was a good day...I'm on track again and VERY focus...now...off to have some Maine lobstahhhhhh WOOHOO (don't worry...not buttah VG, although it just isn't the same without it...but it's the sacrifices we make that make the difference in the long run...going to have it over salad).

Went shopping at BJs and Sams which took a lot longer than I anticipated, then my buddy came over with 7 lobster tails which we ate then went to a house party. I did good there not drinking or eating, but we stopped somewhere on the way home and I didn't do that good...not bad bad, but not good either. But I woke up this AM looking fuller...
Right back on diet today...