Craig's "It's GROW Time!" in '09 Journal!

Chapter 2 starts today!  Actually it started Monday with off-season macros starting at 200/300/50-60 and a strong back/traps and bi's workout.  Looking right now to go with a 3-day split on my training with emphasis on chest, legs and delts.

* Please visit the training part of the forum under off-season feedback requested to help me with this plan!

As of right now, I'm not planning on another competition although deep down it feels like there is an itch that will have to be scratched.  Several things will have to happen though before I would consider it.  The obvious (and thus the name for this thread) is that I will have to grow...but ONLY in the chest, delts, arms, back and legs!  Everything else is fine the way it is (Ha!).  The other obvious at home is the fact that I will need to better control my moods during the diet.  I cannot, and will not, put my family through my crap again.  They were right, I was wrong...they will always come first.  That.is.all!

Craig - congrats on Chapter 2! Taking time to eat and grow will definitely help Donna and your family with your moods. I know that if I'm low carbed I'm irritable as hell, and everyone knows it! Maintaining and staying relatively lean can help keep the next diet (if you do consider competing again) shorter and less painful on you and the family. Keep up the good work and keep us posted!

(Remember - I can hook you up with implants if needed. As soon as I get Sean hooked up, you'll be next! )

Craig looking forward to following your upward progress.

I understand about the pre-contest moods.  It's normal; as much as you want to control your moods and keep yourself fully balanced, it IS a rollercoaster ride; there will be ups and downs.  You may have to give yourself some slack on that.  If you don't, Team K will.

...and speaking of family first.  Exciting news.  I have finalized our 25th anniversary trip plans and can't wait to get there.

Turks and Caicos (Turtle Tail) September 6 - 13.  We are renting a house right on the ocean about 15 minutes from civilization.  It is gorgeous and secluded and tranquil...I love that combination.

http://www.vrbo.com/137468

Craig, just wanted to say congrats on your first show .  I know the journey is a tough one.  I really try and make it a point not to let it effect my family at all. I am very in tune with keeping my attitude in check and place no food restrictions on the family in terms of what can be in the house or where we can go out to eat.  We have to remember like you said the family comes first and for most of us this is just a fun hobby .

Glad you'll be joining me in buiding.  I like Graig's advice, not to get fat .  I am working very closely with Joe to make sure we are sticking with the goal for me of 2lbs/month.  I am doing a pretty long build and if I'm not careful I could end up at 150 pounds.  Many of the questions you asked in the training section, I asked Joe as well.  He can really give you some good feedback on a good off season plan for training, especially for NLP, I am doing that as well, I would shoot him that post in a direct e-mail.

I am jealous of those starting macros, mostly the protein, I always feel shorted in that area for some reason.

Best of luck!

Craig,

Lets get you Huuuuuuggge!

Craig, I will be watching your progress closely... I believe I will follow in your footsteps for chapter 2 after contest in November... I think we have many similar challenges, and other similarities as I've stated before... best with your plans!