CRAIG PRODUCTIONS LLC

Hi everyone! Yes, I'm still alive and kicking! I haven't blogged in forever (sorry Elaine...I'm slacking!) My latest challenge to blogging is a computer that isn't cooperating with me! I think I may have to trade in my MAC for a new PC. The reason I would do that is because, #1 it is obsolete, and #2 my kids understand PCs but not MACs so when I have a problem they could help me. Anyway, for now I will have to blog on my office computer, which means I have to be at the office longer...not fun! So, until I get things squared away with my computer, the blogs will probably be shorter than normal...but I promise to blog more frequently as we are nearing the Ironman...

 

So what have I been up to the past month? Well, let's see...training with Dave to bring up my delts. Wow, I couldn't believe how fast they improved just lifting heavy! With Dave spotting, I can go heavier than I can by myself and I'm beginning to see definition in my delts. Still working on rear delts which are weak. I'm also working on my back, as it needs to come up as well.

 

The last month was very challenging for me as I wasn't sure (almost on a daily basis) if I was going to be ready for the Ironman. As I've said previously, I was never an athlete when I was in school. I didn't develop the discipline and focus that being an athlete requires. So, fast forward to my later years...and how do I approach this bodybuilding lifestyle? The only way I know how. Problem is, the only way I know how...wasn't working well for me. I was beginning to freak out, realizing that my dream of being onstage at the Ironman was slowly slipping away from me if I didn't make a change.

 

So what was I doing wrong? Well, for starters...not eating on schedule like I should. Talking too much in the gym. Yeah, I got my workout done, but it took longer than it should. Not pushing on each and every set...as hard as possible, and not getting enough sleep. Facebook...I've decided it is evil! lol! It sucks me in every night....when I could be sleeping! I also was putting the cart before the horse, so to speak. I was practicing my routine and trying to learn how to pose before I needed to. If I don't have the body to place in the top 5...then there ain't gonna be a routine! My friend Julie ratted me out to Dave...she told him I wasn't focused on my goal. Dave spent a whole training session having a heart to heart talk with me about my reason for doing bodybuilding. Was I doing it for someone other than myself? Was my heart really in it? Did I really want this more than anything? We literally didn't train that day, Dave just talked and I listened. I'm thankful Julie ratted me out...even though I got "in trouble" from my coach...it more than likely kept me in the game!

 

I'm learning more and more each day about how bodybuilders really live. It's a lifestyle that isn't easy for sure, but very rewarding. I now know the importance of eating the right foods, in the right amounts, at the right times. It's alot more important than I thought. I know the importance of pushing as hard as possible on every rep of every set...until the muscle is on fire! That's when the growth begins. I also know the importance of sleep to repair and grow the muscles, and cardio must be done like you mean it! Every part of the equation needs to be in place to achieve great results. When you hear the saying "Eat, workout, sleep and repeat"...it's true. That's what the bodybuilding lifestlye is all about. Your life revolves around food, training and sleeping. Work, of course, needs to be part of that saying... to pay for all the supplements! lol

 

I'm now 8 weeks out from the Ironman. The last month I didn't believe in myself. I didn't think it was going to happen. Now I know I'll be onstage. I know this, because Dave said I'll make it if I keep doing what needs to be done each day. I believe in myself now, and realize that the hard part is yet to come. I feel as if I'm getting ready to go to battle. Actually, I am in a way. I will be doing battle with myself. I will soon find out if I have the mental toughness...the mind of an athlete. I will need to stay focused on my goal and push through the hard stuff. Right now I'm feeling pretty good, but I know that's going to change in the next few weeks. In a way, I'm excited to see what I'm made of...can I handle it? Will I do just one show and be done? I don't think so...I want to compete! It keeps me focused on my goals. I know it's going to be hard. Probably the hardest thing I've ever done....but I'm up for the challenge. To date, I've lost 85 pounds. I want to come into the show losing 100 lbs, that's been my goal all along. So I need to lose another 15 pounds in 8 weeks. I'm putting on my blinders...only focusing on the competiton and what needs to be done each day. I feel more focused than ever. I realize that it is only 8 weeks....the time is going to fly by. Each day counts!

 

The mind of an athlete...focused, disciplined, determined to do what is necessary, to achieve the goals set out before them.

 

Bren