It's about to get more difficult.

[WireNWood]

Back in April when I started training I quit my 2nd job, leaving on very good terms. Now the new guy is leaving and they haven't found anyone to step in, so I've been offered the job on a temporary basis (more like they're begging me to help out) . I've had to accept the offer. Finances are bad right now and my wife is about to have surgery and miss some work, making them tighter yet.

So starting tomorrow I'll be working 9-5 Monday through Friday, and also 8 PM to 1 AM on Wednesday, Fri, Sat, Sun.

Right now I'm lifting on a 4-day split, and getting 2 good days of cardio & 1 total rest day (after leg day).
The 2nd job is gonna make 6 AM training more difficult for sure. The difficult mornings are Thursday and Monday - those are the days I'll have been working the night before.

I guess my weekly training/work schedule will hafta look something like this (best idea I've got right now):

MONDAY (worked late last night):
no training
work 9-5

TUESDAY:
6AM training
work 9-5

WEDNESDAY:
6AM training
work 9-5
work 8-1AM

THURSDAY:
no training
work 9-5

FRIDAY:
6 AM training
work 9-5
work 8-1AM

SATURDAY:
10AM training
work 8-1AM

SUNDAY:
10AM training
work 8-1 AM

I have a choice between 2 less-than-ideal plans. Two days per week I must EITHER:
train early after working til' 1 the night before
OR
train@6 AM and then work until 1 that night

I'd rather do the latter. Training in the evening doesn't seem to work for me, but I might hafta try it again.



By not training on Mon & Thu mornings I can get about 6 hours sleep. This work schedule doesnt' really deprive me of much sleep - 2 nights I'm down to 6 hours. What it does deprive me of is ROUTINE.

I'm open to any words of wisdom or stories from experience about training while working long hours.

But, THE BIG QUESTION IS.... about nutritional on my new schedule. How should I eat on those days that I'll be up before 6 AM and active until almost 2 AM?

Take in extra calories? (don't think so)
Eat 6 meals evenly spaced more than 3 hours apart through my longer day? (don't think so)
Eat 6 meals like normal and then just don't eat - I'll be OK? (doesn't sound right)
Spread out the same calories into 7 or 8 meals so they last the whole time?
Eat 6 meals like normal then take some BCAA sups on the late shift?

TIA

[Tim Wescott]

Good luck Ray,that`s gonna` be tough,but you gotta` do what you gotta` do to survive.

I would train early,as this ensures that you get it done, and after work,it`s sometimes easy to skip .

I would also go the 7-8 feedings route, with possibly a bit more calories, as your energy expenditure is increased.

Also, try to get as much rest as possible,which I`m sure you will with that schedule.

Good luck, and if I can think of anything to add ,since I`m my usual braindead self right now,I`ll add it as it comes to me.

[Troyster]

Yeah, I'm with Tim. Increase the cals a bit and spread them out more. It's a tough schedule but you know, an interesting thing might take place. You might find that the workouts become your only precious reprieve from stress and you might find you're managing to squeeze more in just to releive some stress.

Stay on top of your diet and you'll probably feel pretty good. Sometimes it feel good to be busy, as long as you feel you've got it "under control".

Best of luck, keep us posted. I hope all works out well with you and your wife!

T

[Tim Wescott]

Good point Troy!!

The body thrives on routine, and once you get used to this new regimen, you will be OK as long as nutrition is spot on.

Make all your meals for a few days, ahead of time, and freeze them in Tupperware containers to save time .

Speaking of the body thriving on routine,I kind of re-set my body`s clock before.

I was living in Florida , and I would get up early (4AM), do cardio at 4:30 for 30-45 minutes ,followed by abs,hit work for 8-10 hours,hit the gym for 60 minutes after work with my two animalistic cousins,go home and eat my 5th. meal,shower ,watch TV for an hour ,eat again,hit the bed and do it all over again for 6 days a week pre-contest.

I was so regimented ,I even went to the bathroom at the same time each day!!

My routine was flawless, and I won 1st. place in my first national level contest, against some really good competition.

I lost 5 inches on my waist for that show!

You can do it !!

Good luck bro!!