Right now I'm 8 weeks out from the first of two shows I plan on doing in May. Have to say that the 8 week mark is an intense one. Significant changes have been made to the diet. Cardio has been added. Training pace is picking up. It's a totally new mindset. It's a challenge. Fortunately for me, I think I'm up to it.
For the last number of weeks I have been eating in the 220-230g range of carbs. Life has been good. Right now we've taken em down to right about 100g. Definitely a significant drop, but is definitely needed. All protein shakes have been taken out. We have substitiuted both of those meals with 6oz fish and asparagus. Luckily for me, I do enjoy fish, as I know a lot of people that want nothing to do with it. Protein has stayed the same. Taking in about 300g a day, sources being fish, egg whites, chicken, and for now steak. Fats are virtually non-existant, other than from the fish and the steak, nothing added. Cardio has gone from 40 minutes, 6 times per week, to 60 minutes 7 times a week. I really don't have a problem getting the cardio in, it's trying not to kill myself due to boredom for those 60 minutes, that is going to be the biggest challenge. As far as the training pace, I think that is the biggest change for me. I'm not one to just sit around and bullshit between sets, but I do take abotu 90 seconds and 2 minutes between sets. Today was the first workout that I limited myself to 20-40 second rest, and damn it showed. While the weights were down a bit, I did get a hellacious pump! I realize at this point, putting on muscle isn't my objective, so doing this is going to help me bring in the best package that I can.
I've spent the past few days uploading new progress pictures and really dissecting them. I've also found the pictures from last years show and comparing the two. There are some pretty significant changes that I can see already which is very promising. My legs for one, have come up quite a bit. And overall size is up from last year, which obviously was my main goal coming into this year. I have to say that I am definitely happy with where I am at right now. I believe that the changes that were just made, paired with the changes that will take place at 4 weeks out, will yield a completely different package this year.
Coming off the Arnold weekend, I have to say I am definitely more motivated than ever. Last weekend was a blast, and just the overall atmosphere gets you pumped up. I'm going to carry that motivation the next eight weeks and do my best to bring the best package that I can possibly bring.
I wanted to just make sure I took the time to say thanks to a few people for all their help so far. C.Coronato. My boy was backstage with me last year, and as soon as I told him what shows I was doing this year, he said that he would be there. I appreciate that a ton. Aggression. A true friend. Always down to help and give his opinion when I need it. B Con. The man that keeps me in line. Calls my ass out when it needs to be, and supports me every step of the way. We've been friends for 3 years, yet it seems like forever. BigAnt. Trainer, coach, mentor, and so much more. No better phrase to describe him than "has my back". We've gotten very close over the past couple of years. Kinda feels like a Kai and Oscar type deal (hopefully recent events don't transpire between us). Universal/Animal/SportPharma. The company has given the opportunity that I could only dream about. From the first time I logged onto the site, I knew I wanted to be a part of this. Now that I have been given the chance, I cannot thank you enough. Lastly, all of you that have followed my journey and followed me over the years. I couldn't do it without you. The motivation, the encouragement, and the sense of brotherhood. The RKs, the Firedrakes, the Phils, the Big Cs, and everyone else... Thank you. I won't let ya down.