Took some time to adjust after Yorton and our extended vacation thanks to hurricane Sandy. Here we are roughly 6 weeks post-show, Bill's weight is settling in along with his nightly hot cookies and milk. What happens now? Both he and I are asking ourselves. Usually I have a plan in place....for whatever reason I think it was time to hit the pause button and let his body heal. The downside to not having a plan puts Hubby in a little of a tail spin, trying to find the purpose in training and working through the mental/physical pain of uncertainty.
Yorton Cup 2012 ranks as Bill's most difficult show, placing 3rd was a sweet sigh of relief....in my book he will always be numero uno! Heading into the new year and training comes back into the forefront, we will start to make adjustments and decide where/when/what show should come and in what order.
2012 was an amazing year as we settled two of our girls in new colleges, 1st/Overall and 3rd place finishes in our first year of pro competing, a daughter completing a marathon. Looking back on 2012 I am pleased with the outcomes, challenges, struggles, victories, laughter, and most of all our teamwork. Stay tuned for 2013, you never know where Team Body Shop will show up next!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
6 more days till showtime!
It's Sunday morning, Bill is moving at a snail's pace.....eating even takes longer. Packing hasn't begun, more importantly, getting the travel meals into the freezer. Hardest part of traveling for shows would be the food prep/organization, there may be slight adjustments in carbohydrates based on how he looks each day.....We need to pack roughly 12 meals to cover 2.5 days of his eating (oh and I will try not to forget about feeding myself, so another 8+ meals). His house chores are about complete so killing time in between meals will seem like an eternity, I'm sure he's wondering how long before bed so he can tick off this day!
Two training days, 3 posing sessions, and 3.5 days of work left until we board our flight late Thursday morning. I enjoy the count-down of body parts being trained (i.e. last heavy squat day etc.), Hubby does not enjoy it, but it helps me bring the stage closer. Mon/Tues will be 1 light set per body part for both days, with the main focus on posing. We believe that we've gotten much closer this show to complete glycogen depletion so carbohydrate re-loading may start a day earlier (he will start to increase his carbohydrate intake Tues/Wed).....hooray for more calories!!
There is a box of Jello No-Bake Oreo Cookie dessert sitting on the counter that Bill has been eyeballing since JMU Family weekend, a slight deviation from his prior post-show wants, he normally wants plain Oreo's and a 1/2 gallon of milk. Mini Reese's made it into the mix along with the usual payday bars. First thing when we get to Phoenix.......a six pack of beer (first thing he wants after a show)!!!
Two training days, 3 posing sessions, and 3.5 days of work left until we board our flight late Thursday morning. I enjoy the count-down of body parts being trained (i.e. last heavy squat day etc.), Hubby does not enjoy it, but it helps me bring the stage closer. Mon/Tues will be 1 light set per body part for both days, with the main focus on posing. We believe that we've gotten much closer this show to complete glycogen depletion so carbohydrate re-loading may start a day earlier (he will start to increase his carbohydrate intake Tues/Wed).....hooray for more calories!!
There is a box of Jello No-Bake Oreo Cookie dessert sitting on the counter that Bill has been eyeballing since JMU Family weekend, a slight deviation from his prior post-show wants, he normally wants plain Oreo's and a 1/2 gallon of milk. Mini Reese's made it into the mix along with the usual payday bars. First thing when we get to Phoenix.......a six pack of beer (first thing he wants after a show)!!!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Around the world and a ping pong frenzie
Thank you Kline's Dairy Bar for providing a serious craving for my Hubby and an amazing sugar rush that Tess and I enjoyed during our stay at Parents Weekend at JMU. It also spurred a lifecycle race, ping pong tournament, and a game of Around the World (basketball), and lets not forget the race to the car, Bill did not participate in some of these activities due to his caloric intake. What a trooper he was as we walked through the dining hall (ranked #4 in the nation) with his egg white omelet, strawberries, two pieces of bacon, and a few slices of pork loin (this weekend will have a re-do so he can really enjoy E Dining Hall!). Together we have 3 daughters.....never did I ever think that I would be in the boys department in Target (Bill forgot a belt on our trip), he is so lean that adult belts are too big, LOL!!!!
Training has been going well, up until last week he was squatting 405 for his top sets now he's finally made the drop to 365 for his final two weeks of heavy training. This time he was able to hang onto his strength for an extra week (mental note to retrace)....on a personal note, Bill know's I enjoy getting close to his weights - albeit for a short time at just 3 weeks out!!
Training has been going well, up until last week he was squatting 405 for his top sets now he's finally made the drop to 365 for his final two weeks of heavy training. This time he was able to hang onto his strength for an extra week (mental note to retrace)....on a personal note, Bill know's I enjoy getting close to his weights - albeit for a short time at just 3 weeks out!!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Finito Completo!
The Yorton project is complete! I can't begin to tell you how relieved we are - 8 months and two expansions, time to focus on the show...for real. Legend Fitness I can't say enough about the company, what a great process from beginning to end. The bottle of champagne supplied by Frank and Nancy Sharp, that was emptied on Saturday evening, was well worth the wait (thank you Frank and Nancy!). Our week of celebrating will come to a close tomorrow evening as I check off one more year...I've never felt better physically with the exception of my eye site, hello forties!
4 weeks out and roughly 3 weeks left of training (final week will be light, mostly posing), this brings solace to my hubby. The butterflies in my tummy start now and flutter until he's done competing on 10/27, the excitement builds daily, and sleeping will be nonexistent as his body readies for the show. Carbs will be cut a little bit lower this week along with posing time increasing...hopefully he decides on his music soon!
Now we just have family weekend at JMU and the Baltimore Marathon before Phoenix!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Refridgerator Challenges
Less than 5 weeks now.......this is where the fun begins. It was a big sign that Hubby was getting leaner when I found the opened jar of grape jam in the pantry (yes refrigerate after opening) ...no biggee just odd since he is so detailed oriented and through all the show diets I have never seen him do this. He was down to 153 last week, me I'm up 1.5! Our fridge is empty, which I blame on Tess for going off to college.....there are no fun foods to even stare at. So that means more food shows.
Arlington Gold's should pay Bill a salary because when he is dieting clutter bothers him more. It starts subtly, I was getting ready to mount 60lb dumbbells (which he had to hand to me) on a flat bench when he decided to re-align the bench, then he'll put random attachments away, unload plates, and on occasion will straighten large pieces of equipment i.e. leg extension machine. Training sessions have gotten longer as he fights to remain focused, it's always best if I don't sing!
Yorton project is almost done! Ceiling fan up, rubber mats have been delivered, mirrors to arrive on 9/29, and we got word last week that the equipment is nearing the end of production. This week we will go another year of non-cake birthday's/wedding anniversary, although champagne is always worked into the diet! Happy Birthday and Anniversary to Us!!
Arlington Gold's should pay Bill a salary because when he is dieting clutter bothers him more. It starts subtly, I was getting ready to mount 60lb dumbbells (which he had to hand to me) on a flat bench when he decided to re-align the bench, then he'll put random attachments away, unload plates, and on occasion will straighten large pieces of equipment i.e. leg extension machine. Training sessions have gotten longer as he fights to remain focused, it's always best if I don't sing!
Yorton project is almost done! Ceiling fan up, rubber mats have been delivered, mirrors to arrive on 9/29, and we got word last week that the equipment is nearing the end of production. This week we will go another year of non-cake birthday's/wedding anniversary, although champagne is always worked into the diet! Happy Birthday and Anniversary to Us!!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Really only 7 more weeks......
A lesson in patience. Growing up I used to help my daddio with his other job of custom decks/fences, my brother and he would build and I would clean up and seal them. Last weekend was just such, cleaning up and sealing. Hubby shows such calm as he methodically seals our deck with a sprayer, I on the other hand, hand paint for what is to total 15 hours over the course of three days. It's like a bad scene in Karate Kid...... This is all good for Hubby's mind to remove him from the angst of dieting along with a marathon of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives wtf I'm starving and I'm not dieting (He becomes obsessed with the food network at this point up till show time.....I should start gaining weight any day now)!
7 weeks means adding another day of training.....and just one more to go before posing begins and the late nights run into one another. Staying focused within the workouts starts to get tough for both of us - I get more excited as the show approaches as he can think of nothing but the muscle contraction within each rep and how it will transpire to the stage. Bill's diet has seen another calorie cut, although minor but important, instead of an ounce of 2% cheese in his morning egg whites, he gets 1/2 ounce and his pure protein bars have been cut in half.....literally!
Keep up the positive thoughts for Bill, this is where the separation between wanting to be number one and training to be number one reigns.
7 weeks means adding another day of training.....and just one more to go before posing begins and the late nights run into one another. Staying focused within the workouts starts to get tough for both of us - I get more excited as the show approaches as he can think of nothing but the muscle contraction within each rep and how it will transpire to the stage. Bill's diet has seen another calorie cut, although minor but important, instead of an ounce of 2% cheese in his morning egg whites, he gets 1/2 ounce and his pure protein bars have been cut in half.....literally!
Keep up the positive thoughts for Bill, this is where the separation between wanting to be number one and training to be number one reigns.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Working through the pain 9 weeks out...
The dorm paraphernalia has been moved to JMU and we're trying to fill the void in our empty house......Saturday brought a long time coming project, painting the garage a calming shade of french gray (now the floor needs to be done, maybe in the winter!). I find solace in painting as where my calorie depleted hubby would say anything but! It was also my way of getting some cardio in for him, nothing like 7 hours of rolling a two car garage ceiling and walls!
His body is transforming almost daily at this point, new cuts and vascularity becomes more evident. Glycomaize was cut from post-workout shake this week, just a small change to keep his metabolism in check. Training.....that's another story. We have been frequenting several gyms in the area to keep focus up and have some variety. Old injuries can make the workouts incredibly challenging, it never ceases to amaze me how Bill works through an enormous amount of joint pain while still pushing pre-show diet strength. His strength should start to decrease within the next 3-4 weeks, and where I begin pushing drop sets and negatives to really ramp up the intensity for the remainder of show prep.
Our Yorton project is at a standstill for the moment, thanks to Legend Fitness! The new equipment is being manufactured and should arrive late September/early October. We also marked a landmark anniversary, the studio turned 5 on August 27th! A huge thanks to our dedicated clients who continue to spread the word!
His body is transforming almost daily at this point, new cuts and vascularity becomes more evident. Glycomaize was cut from post-workout shake this week, just a small change to keep his metabolism in check. Training.....that's another story. We have been frequenting several gyms in the area to keep focus up and have some variety. Old injuries can make the workouts incredibly challenging, it never ceases to amaze me how Bill works through an enormous amount of joint pain while still pushing pre-show diet strength. His strength should start to decrease within the next 3-4 weeks, and where I begin pushing drop sets and negatives to really ramp up the intensity for the remainder of show prep.
Our Yorton project is at a standstill for the moment, thanks to Legend Fitness! The new equipment is being manufactured and should arrive late September/early October. We also marked a landmark anniversary, the studio turned 5 on August 27th! A huge thanks to our dedicated clients who continue to spread the word!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
12 weeks - ready, set, begin
The beer fridge is empty, I'm ready for this - Bill let's do it! There was a party in our garage Saturday night, which involved a great merlot accompanied by several cookies. Pre-show diet always seems to add a good 3lbs, sorta like when a man puts on pregnancy weight, preparing myself for the show prep. His starting weight 166.5, mine....137!
Today marks 12 weeks to Yorton 2012, all flight/hotel arrangements are done so it's time to get back to the bodybuilding workout today and where I will switch to "Coach" mode. Training has been challenging the past couple of months, training heavy sure does bring the weaknesses to the surface.....
Olympic junkies, no sleep, addicted to the television. Pairs diving, syncro swimming, medley's, I understand these things and gives a visual to how Hubby and I work together, seamlessly, especially in the bodybuilding arena - seeing him on stage is the byproduct of many years of "putting it together". Push each other, sacrifice and then sacrifice some more.
The studio expansion, or Yorton project, is coming along nicely...now if only we can find the equipment, who knew Life Fitness doesn't sell a few pieces at a time rather than a whole line - if anyone has a connection please call!
Today marks 12 weeks to Yorton 2012, all flight/hotel arrangements are done so it's time to get back to the bodybuilding workout today and where I will switch to "Coach" mode. Training has been challenging the past couple of months, training heavy sure does bring the weaknesses to the surface.....
Olympic junkies, no sleep, addicted to the television. Pairs diving, syncro swimming, medley's, I understand these things and gives a visual to how Hubby and I work together, seamlessly, especially in the bodybuilding arena - seeing him on stage is the byproduct of many years of "putting it together". Push each other, sacrifice and then sacrifice some more.
The studio expansion, or Yorton project, is coming along nicely...now if only we can find the equipment, who knew Life Fitness doesn't sell a few pieces at a time rather than a whole line - if anyone has a connection please call!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Weber Genesis and Phoenix flight arrangements!
Flights and most hotel arrangements have been made for Phoenix, check. Now to get his mind set. Diet will begin August 6th.....where I will lose him until December. It amazes me how he keeps the bill's paid and keep up his tireless efforts for his clients through the "show diet". Through this month we will set a plan in place for our 2nd expansion of the studio, to begin within the next two weeks. Heads up for an "Open House" celebration at the studio late September!!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Who uses the side-burner anyways?
Who knew it would take 5 hours to dig 3 post holes in 90 degree weather and what felt like 110% humidity.......after months of planning our deck is nearly complete, check. One of the keys to Bill's competitive season is "projects". We will begin the 2nd expansion to the studio as his diet ramps up for Yorton. Our second child has graduated, we will have two in college in the fall......with a 10 year break for the final bear to leave the den.
Bill has been in search of the perfect grill to don the deck, which brings the question "who uses the side-burner"..... I will keep you posted as to the final outcome.
Comment of the week "what off day", the hobby takes the forefront as training became more challenging due to the deck building recovery process.....sore joints and the grip began to give. Next week will certainly be better as the push for the big weights starts!
Bill has been in search of the perfect grill to don the deck, which brings the question "who uses the side-burner"..... I will keep you posted as to the final outcome.
Comment of the week "what off day", the hobby takes the forefront as training became more challenging due to the deck building recovery process.....sore joints and the grip began to give. Next week will certainly be better as the push for the big weights starts!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
The Beat Goes On
It's Monday, first day of the training week two-weeks post show, the comment from Hubby, "I'm not used to doing abs"......after I picked my jaw up off the ground and began to giggle on the inside (don't wanna mess up our flow) "exactly" was all that I could come up with. Mr. Matthews has been blessed, as the girlie's (two eldest kids) like to say, by the 12 pack gods. I believe he just likes to humor me and my religious ab repertoire......one word, genetics. Yes he does train abs, 6-8 weeks out of contest he will throw in 4-6 sets of abs in any given week - yes I did say 4-6 sets. Seriously. After all these years I can only say "whatever" and just suffer weekly consequences of knee raises, planks, rope crunches, etc.
The envelope also arrived on Monday.......after roughly 8 years of competing Bill has crossed the threshold and has earned money for his hobby, or what I like to call our lifestyle. We can finally say, yes he does make money at the sport. He is shopping this weekend for a new gas grill, his Sunday past-time, and perhaps a new air compressor!
The envelope also arrived on Monday.......after roughly 8 years of competing Bill has crossed the threshold and has earned money for his hobby, or what I like to call our lifestyle. We can finally say, yes he does make money at the sport. He is shopping this weekend for a new gas grill, his Sunday past-time, and perhaps a new air compressor!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
First week back in the gym....
This past week has had as many challenges as there have been highs. It's been six months since the end of Yorton Cup, let's just say enough time passed to where I forgot just how difficult the re-entry is. Not sure of Hubbie's weight........but the cuts are all coming back into view. Patience in the gym is key, the weights seem a little heavier than two weeks ago and somehow a change in scenery becomes necessary. The outpouring support from the members of Gold's Gym Arlington helped keep up the mood despite the stop-watch ticking off breaks in-between sets too quickly! One particular member, whom we call Jack (82 years young), sent us this email that I just had to share:
Thanks for the informative Fitness Newsletter. I will look forward to future issues. Along with more happy congratulations on winning FIRST PLACE in Richmond here are a few Biblical references to high respect for our “body”: Philippians 1:20 My deep desire and hope is that I may never fail my duty, but that at all times I shell be full of courage so that Christ would be magnified in my body. (Body here refers to our “whole being” including the physical. The early non-Greek Christians did not always follow the Greek concept of mind, body, soul.)
It never ceases to amaze me how the universe sends you messages, even though we are not highly religious, I've learned to stop and appreciate the random act/gestures that shape our souls, thank you Jack.
Thanks for the informative Fitness Newsletter. I will look forward to future issues. Along with more happy congratulations on winning FIRST PLACE in Richmond here are a few Biblical references to high respect for our “body”: Philippians 1:20 My deep desire and hope is that I may never fail my duty, but that at all times I shell be full of courage so that Christ would be magnified in my body. (Body here refers to our “whole being” including the physical. The early non-Greek Christians did not always follow the Greek concept of mind, body, soul.)
I Corinthians 6:15 ....your bodies are parts of the body of Christ.
I Cor. 9:24-27...every athlete submits to strict discipline...hard body to win the prize...
Romans 12:1...by the mercy of God present your bodies a living sacrifice to God.
Paul also talks about our having a new body following the event of death..
Best wishes for a good day.
I will see you at the gym,
JT
It never ceases to amaze me how the universe sends you messages, even though we are not highly religious, I've learned to stop and appreciate the random act/gestures that shape our souls, thank you Jack.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Time for some R&R!
8 days post contest, Bill's weight is hovering around 165 but should drop back to 155ish by end of this coming week (contest weight 149).......After all these years of competing we're pretty close to getting him dialed in for peak performance at shows.
This past week has gone by so quickly it doesn't even seem like there was a competition last Saturday. A mandatory week of rest (from the gym) makes for a not so happy Team Body Shop, however, this is the time where we re-group and do our game plan.........we are 24 weeks out of Yorton, time to hit the weights with a slow progressing conditioning program that will hopefully put a couple of pounds of muscle on him.
The biggest compliment Bill could ever receive, is that of his peers. He has received an over-whelming show of support and props from his fellow competitors, I have never seen him so content and have such a sense of belonging to a sport that he still hails as his "hobby".......
This past week has gone by so quickly it doesn't even seem like there was a competition last Saturday. A mandatory week of rest (from the gym) makes for a not so happy Team Body Shop, however, this is the time where we re-group and do our game plan.........we are 24 weeks out of Yorton, time to hit the weights with a slow progressing conditioning program that will hopefully put a couple of pounds of muscle on him.
The biggest compliment Bill could ever receive, is that of his peers. He has received an over-whelming show of support and props from his fellow competitors, I have never seen him so content and have such a sense of belonging to a sport that he still hails as his "hobby".......
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Extreme Dieting.....
The beginning......it's been 101 hours since Bill won his first IFPA Show (Richmond Pro Bowl 2012). He is still floating and trying to put it all into perspective, I, as always, begin preparations for the next show as he exits the stage. We are a team and together we strive for perfection.
As I was getting ready to train a client this am, I received a text from my hubby with a picture of a McSkillet wrap with a hash brown in his lap (and a side of ketchup).....seriously, and is the inspiration for this new blog. Since Saturday I can account for the following food consumption done by him not in any particular order:
1/2 payday candy bar
several brownie's (his daughter's contribution)
crackers
2 beers
1/2 bag of Garden Sun Chips
Carnitas Super Burrito at El Paso, along with chips and a mondo Cadillac
one slice black forrest cheesecake
6 slices of pepperoni DiGiorno pizza
pecan turtle
a row of oreos and milk
Starbucks Lemon pound cake
Belgian waffle w/strawberries, 4 slices of bacon, 3 eggs over easy (real butter and real syrup)
banana with a large helping of almonds
3 Nathan's hot dogs with buns and a side of pringles
home-made lasagna, garlic rolls, salad with chunky blue cheese dressing
large chocolate shake from Jo Jo's
2 chicken biscuits from Chick-fil'a
Payday candy bar
Stuffed beef potato at Dixie Bones, pecan pie a'lamode
finished off cheese cake
By Tuesday he is starting to taper and get back to his regular meals, although there will be several additions to his "in season" diet for the next couple of weeks. Now to start prep for Yorton Cup, to be held this year in Phoenix, AZ October 27, 2012........
As I was getting ready to train a client this am, I received a text from my hubby with a picture of a McSkillet wrap with a hash brown in his lap (and a side of ketchup).....seriously, and is the inspiration for this new blog. Since Saturday I can account for the following food consumption done by him not in any particular order:
1/2 payday candy bar
several brownie's (his daughter's contribution)
crackers
2 beers
1/2 bag of Garden Sun Chips
Carnitas Super Burrito at El Paso, along with chips and a mondo Cadillac
one slice black forrest cheesecake
6 slices of pepperoni DiGiorno pizza
pecan turtle
a row of oreos and milk
Starbucks Lemon pound cake
Belgian waffle w/strawberries, 4 slices of bacon, 3 eggs over easy (real butter and real syrup)
banana with a large helping of almonds
3 Nathan's hot dogs with buns and a side of pringles
home-made lasagna, garlic rolls, salad with chunky blue cheese dressing
large chocolate shake from Jo Jo's
2 chicken biscuits from Chick-fil'a
Payday candy bar
Stuffed beef potato at Dixie Bones, pecan pie a'lamode
finished off cheese cake
By Tuesday he is starting to taper and get back to his regular meals, although there will be several additions to his "in season" diet for the next couple of weeks. Now to start prep for Yorton Cup, to be held this year in Phoenix, AZ October 27, 2012........
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