Summerset's log...Going for the Gold

Hi, everyone.  I've been lurking for several weeks now.  I have enjoyed reading many past posts and journals.  This is the kindest, most supportive board I've ever seen.  You guys  have the best sense of humor around.  I've never laughed so much reading in my life.  I thought I would start posting a journal for the same reasons everyone does...to keep me honest and just to have people to bounce ideas off of.  It's a lonely world, this bodybuilding.  I know no one in my town who bodybuilds or understands what I do and why I love it so much.  I know you guys do.

 Here's my story:

I'm married, 21 years  with 4 children.  I am a part time personal trainer.  I love bodybuilding and reading anything there is about diet and exercise.  My oldest is a senior in high school this year.  I also have one graduating from junior high and preschool.  The 3rd child is in 3rd grade.  They are very busy with sports and other activities so they keep me hoppin'.  I have exercised since my oldest was a baby....18 years.  I have only in the past 4 years been serious about bodybuilding.  I did my first competition the year I turned 40.  That was my gift to me.  It was the best feeling of my life!  I had never felt like I had accomplished so much.  I felt great just getting on stage half nude.  It was a blast.  I didn't place well.  Last place actually.  I wasn't lean enough and I lost a lot of muscle while dieting down.  Then, I decided I needed to do it 'just one more time' and do it better.  I decided I would do another show.  I got a different trainer and started working for the next show.  Again, not lean enough.  I did manage to place 5th out of 6 in submasters, so at least I wasn't exactly last of the last.  But, still not lean enough and not happy with myself.  I felt like a duck out of water at that show.  I need more muscle and I need to be leaner.  I've worked on gaining lean mass this past year, but my diet has been off, again.  I've managed to gain 1% fat and lose about 3 lbs of lean mass.  WT...!   So, here I am.  Dr. Joe was recommended to me by a fellow cyber friend and I decided to give it a try.  I am on week 2 of his program and my goals are to lose some fat (about 8% at least) to maintain a leaner off season and to gain some mass.  I want big shoulders!!!  I decided to hire Sean for training after just a few days with Dr. Joe.  I'm really excited to work with these guys and am hoping they can finally help me reach my goals.  The people on these boards look amazing.  I read once that to be successful you need to surround yourself with the people who have accomplished what you want.  Well, here I am! 

Summerset,

You'll have the best season of your life.  Welcome aboard.

Welcome, you're going to love working with Dr. Joe and Sean.  They're wonderful!  Hopefully Sean will remember these words of kindness for tonights leg training.  I have a feeling he won't have any sympathy for me at all.

Where do you live?

Hey Summerset,

Good to have you here and starting your journal.  I'll be looking forward to your progress and journey to the stage.    Can't go wrong with Joe & Sean. 

Welcome aboard Summerset!  Great to have another newby that is 40+ (I'm 48 and working toward my first show in August!).

You obviously have taken a very huge step in hiring Joe and Sean as others have reconfirmed...you will obtain your goals with their help and your diligence.  This is a great group of people to help keep you motivated and positive...post often and keep us up to date on your progress.

Welcome Summer!

Dr. Joe and Sean will definitely help get you to where you want to be! Keep up the good work and keep us posted!

Welcome  Summerset.  You've picked the right place to be to attain your goals.  Joe & Sean are the best, along with everyone else on the forum.  They will keep you going when the going gets rough!

Nice to have you on THE team Summerset.

 Welcome to the family Summerset.

Thanks for all the warm welcomes.  I wasn't expecting that!  You guys/gals are great!!

 Patti, I'm in central Missouri. 

 Now to get in the habit of posting my daily info and progress.... Sean smoked my quads Tuesday.  I still can't walk.  I have never been this sore and I must say it's a (strangely) great feeling!  lol  Back was today, but it needs some tweaks to feel good about that one.  My grip was giving out so bad it really affected my workout.  I used straps, too, so not sure what's going on there, other than just higher volume that what i normally do.  I can see more definition in my shoulders/arms.  I'm going through a dimpling phase, so to speak, so that's a good sign.  I'm losing the desire to pop bad things in my mouth and am feeling pretty good diet wise.  I love having to only do about 20 minutes of cardio right now.  That is very manageable. 

 I have book club meeting tomorrow night and I typically enjoy some of the food and about 2 glasses of red wine.  Dr. Joe just informed me that a glass of red wine has about 32g of sugar!    Now I have to figure out what to do. 

 What do some of you do for a moderate cheat meal?  Do you prefer to just do a clean carb up or do you actually cheat?  My big carb up is Saturday this week.  I get 200-225g carbs.  That seems like a lot, but I'm sure I'll manage. 

My macros as of now are 150/100/25-30.  I do one moderate carb up day mid week with one big carb up day on the weekend with a cheat meal.  I haven't done this properly yet since last week was my first week and Easter was the cheat.  That only made me sick. 

Tomorrow is bis/tris so we'll see how mean Sean is on that.  I'll take Saturday and Sunday to do cardio.  One day I'll run and the next I'll do sprints/HIIT.  Nice mix to keep me interested.  I already did my steady state for the week. 

You have no idea how motivating it is to have the 'big dogs' to chat with.  Talk about surrounding yourself with success!  I was just looking at some of the forum members. Simply amazing....all of you! 

I'm jealous....you get a moderate cheat meal.