I am now 8 weeks away from the Excalibur on December 1, 2012. I am still pushing towards my goal. While I do not have an update picture, I am getting leaner and things are looking better and better on the training front. I will stay the course and keep doing what I have been doing because it is working.
Training
I am still using my instincts to train each week. I am focused on hitting my arms 3 times each week because that is my weakest body part right now. This type of training, using my instincts, is working well. I don't hit a typical split where I do a certain body part on Monday, another on Tuesday, etc. Instead, I hit what seems ready at the time. I trained my back on Wednesday last week, but it feels strong and ready to go, so I will hit it again on Monday. This is how I've made such good progress–hitting what is ready to be trained when it is ready to be trained.
Nutrition
We have switched me to basically no carbs. I am actually carb-cycling, but in a different way. My coach, Ken Turchek, wants me taking in my carbs right before training. Thus, I have a cycle that goes like this:
- Day 1: 150 grams of carbs
- Day 2: 50 grams of carbs
- Day 3: 50 grams of carbs
- Day 4: No carbs at all
Now let's avoid confusion here and I will explain that “carbs” are referring to the starchy variety (rice, etc.) and not veggies.
I am required to take in the carbs right before I train with weights each day. It is helping me to get extra lean.
Cardio
I am doing cardio 2 times a day for 40 minutes now (we increased it by 10 minutes). This is less than what I did during my last prep cycle yet I am leaner than ever before at the 8 week mark.
Motivation
I am motivated right now because I want to see my six pack and the definition of my newly developed muscles. I am excited to look better and to feel better.
Lifestyle
Bodybuilding has become a lifestyle for me. I am no longer just dabbling in it. I live it daily. I love to train in the gym and I love to feel stronger. I am looking better and feeling better. This is why when I hear the word “diet” I cringe because permanent changes only happen when you change your lifestyle. This is a choice for me–to live a healthy lifestyle–and I am sticking to it.
