Whats going on everyone. It has been a tough road to this point for many different reasons but things seem to be coming together nicely. This week was one of reflection and refocus. After the Houston Pro Show I realized I hadn't dealt with my poor performance. This week I took some time out to think about what happen and how I can make it better in the future, I also took some time to let it go!
I am two weeks out from the Tampa Bay Pro Show now and I am tighter than I was for Houston already. I weighed in this morning at 245lbs and plan on dropping more if I can. One of the mistakes I made leading to Houston was playing the size game but not trying to catch any other athlete but more so with myself. I wanted to come in as big as I could and still be in shape, the problem was I didn't have my shape that I was recognized for last year.
So what am I doing differently you ask? When it comes to training in the gym with iron I have tried not to change anything. That is one equation that I will not mess with. I still am lifting as heavy as I can and trying to keep the volume as high as possible without over doing it.
Cardio has gone a drastic overhaul and if someone asks me after the show what I did differently, cardio will be the main culprit. I have gone back to basics with my cardio, in the past I have never been a treadmill or bike kinda guy. I always stuck to my old companion the Stepmill or Gauntlet, that's the moving stairs for those of you who don't know. For the Houston Chad and I had my cardio set up at 45min once a day first thing in the morning. I was on the treadmill the entire prep because I was seeing my weight drop so I thought it was all the same. Man, do I stand corrected. Being on the Stepmill the last couple weeks has really etched in some of the lines in the lower body I am really known for, it burns like a bitch especially when you trained legs the day before but it has to be done. The second change to my cardio was splitting my cardio into two sessions which is also something that I have always done. I am doing two 30min sessions instead of one long 45min session. The extra 15min isn't really whats doing the trick, its more the timing. First session is done on an empty stomach in the morning and the second session is done just before my last meal, which has no carbs in it by the way. So essentially I am burning most of the small amount of carbs I have had during the day and going to bed with my metabolism cranked. Welcome to the world of no sleep...
Now, there is some good news. Like I said I am refocused and am void of distraction. For the Houston I was always looking for food, I just wanted to eat all the time and I don't know why because I am not that kind of dieter. I generally flip the switch and then there is nothing left to do except follow the plan. For this show, I have gotten that militant attitude back. My girlfriend came here this weekend and I even cooked her my famous Penne with Blush sauce (which if you didn't know I would kill anyone of you for if it wouldn't hurt my show prep...lol). So as far as food goes it has become more for fuel again and less for fun, I guess getting mopped at a show will help you realize whats important.
On the same not my girlfriend has become more understanding of my situation and she actually doesn't hate me this week so it has been a little easier to focus on the task at hand. I know it has to be hard on them dealing with our cranky asses, so I have been doing the best I can also to make her life less miserable. Its a two way street I guess but either way you look at it, if we are okay I can think more clearly about the things I need to be doing.
I have also been trying much harder to be nicer to the people around me, be it, close friends, family or just the dude in the gym who was in the wrong place at the wrong time...lol. Its a tough thing to do but a conscious effort has to made or I will drive everyone crazy.
On the crazy side of things, I have also curbed my craziness into one corner I think. I used to be on the net buying anything and everything I could get my hands on. Lately though it seems to be all directed toward my car. This I don't feel so bad about. My car is like my hobby or my release and since I can't go out and have a few drinks then I might as well enjoy modifying my car. I have an 05 Mustang GT and this past week I had it lowered, this coming week I am adding a few more goodies to it. When its done I will give you guys a good shot of it so you can email me some of your opinions.
Anyway, now I am rambling. The Tampa show is going to have the like of Dennis James, Darrem Charles, Toney Freeman and Mark Dugdale to name a few so I guess you guys see what I am getting at. If I stand a chance against these Olympians I better show up at 100% or else I will just be another fan but with a better seat than most. To all of you getting ready for the North Americans or the Canadian Nationals, keep slammin that weight and to my peers in the IFBB, its all good, have that piece of pie, no ones lookin...
Sacrifice Without Regret!
Fouad Abiad
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4 comments:
Thanks for posting about the changes in your prep for the Europa. It's good for me to read how low intensity may drop the weight but not provide the same cuts as something a little more intense...that's the sort of stuff you can really only learn from the pros. Good luck with your remaining prep...all that being nice to people will no doubt build up some great karma for you.
Good read.. I feel like I'm there following along.. Keep up the good work. Look forward to seeing the final results ...
Great Read.. Keep it up and can't wait to see how you do. I'm a fellow mustang owner, can't wait to see your ride. I have an 06 V6, just had the CAI and Tuner done.
You didn't have a poor showing at the Houston Pro, the judges had poor eyesight. Keep it up. You're a good writer, maybe start writing bodybuilding fiction!
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