Jstar's Precontest Prep Journal

[kim]

Hang on JStar with your cuts. While I have lost 40 pounds since January 2004, I know that all my worst set backs where related when I was not eating enough and was too strict with my carbs, I have had to readjust to find the right combo Carbs/protein for keeping my energy while working hard and loosing BF%. I know sometimes those set backs are tough sometimes to deal with but your gonna do it

 

[ncgirl21]

Morning

I hope your night went good!

 

[jstar]

Hi ladies!

Kim- you are so right about keeping calories and carbs at a normal level. I think I get in trouble when I try to cut them too low.

NC- Yes, I had a much better night. Did some cardio...I feel better.

Took new measurements today -
Weight: 149 <--this is freaking me out
Omron: 20.9%
LBM: 117.9
Fat: 31.1
Waist and hips still the same #s.

 

[jstar]

Fri, 12/3

I brought my gym bag to work so I could do some cardio on my lunch break. I also brought to eat: Atkins yogurt, broccoli, 1 package of Shortcuts and some carrot sticks. For breakfast I had oats, ews and protein powder mixed up like a batter. I'm going to hit legs tonight at the gym. They have been neglected

Oh- and I am bummed out about a job I was trying to get at Triple A. They posted it online saying the hours were 4-10 but I talked to the lady today and it is actually 830-5. The job is far away so I thought working the later shift would be a better commute. No way would I deal with rush hour traffic to a place already far away plus the pay was really bad.

M1
1/2c flax oats
1 sc protein
1/2c ew

M2
Atkins Yogurt

40 min cardio - elliptical at work

M3
1/2 package chx
carrots
broccoli

M4
1/2 pack chicken

M5
1 TBL PB
2 lc pitas
1 ff cheese
6.5 oz sweet potato

M6
1/2c flax oats

M7
Atkins Raspberry Yogurt <---they are on sale again
apple

M8
4 lc tortillas

1776
220.4C
185.7P
31.3F

 

[jstar]

Measured again today to see if the bloat went away and it did

Weight: 146.5
Omron: 21.1%
LBM: 115.6
Fat: 30.9
Waist - narrowest: 28.5" (same)
Waist - at navel: 30.5" (down .25")
Hips: 39.25" (down .25")

I really want to try to take measurements like this every morning, it is so motivating even if there is no change. I feel like when I wait a week between measuring my mind plays tricks on me and tells me one thing while the stats tell me quite another. I was 149 yesterday and if I didn't measure today I would just assume that was my true weight, not my bloated weight. I am going to try to take measurements every morning but I usually am running late to work so I emphasize the word "try." After the holidays it will be everyday.

 

[jstar]

Sat, 12/4

My iPods came yesterday from FedEx but because I wasn't there to sign for them they didn't leave them. I thought I wsa going to have to wait for Monday but they left a note saying I could pick them up at the post office. I am sooo excited. I am going to go do that in a minute. Today I will definitely be doing some cardio after my leg w/o. Although I don't know how I am going to get through a leg w/o...they are so sore, esp. my hammies. I haven't lifted for legs in 2 weeks so I don't see how they are sore. Might be from the treadmill the other day - my bod is not used to it. The front part of my ankles have been stiff and sore ever since I did the treadmill. Now you all see why I love the elliptical so much ....I also need to pick up some Xmas gifts. I have not started shopping yet and I am dreading it (except the iPod for my boyfriend but that was online). I will probably go to Home Goods and get my mom a gift card there, she looooves that store. Then I will probably go to Macy's because I have a 20% coupon (that I got from my gym!) and get her some clothes. Oooh and to the bank..whew it is going to be a busy day!

Happy weekend everybody!!!!

 

[jstar]

Sat, 12/4

M1
1/2c oats
1/2c ew
1 sc protein
1 lc pita

M2
1 oz chicken - it was nasty could only eat 1oz
1 ff cheese
4 lc tortillas
shitty meal

M3
Atkins Yogurt

M4
1/4c flax oats

M5
1 package chx
1 ff cheese
1c broccoli

M6
2 Atkins Yogurts

M7
2 lc pitas
2 lc tortillas

1680
173C
216P
34F

Workout:
Legs, calves
45 elliptical

 

[jstar]

Sun, 12/5

I am going to the fitness/figure competitor group today It feels scary I don't know why. Maybe because I haven't been since May. I have no idea what type of workout I am in for, hopefully the choreography is easy to follow, as I am so uncoordinated I avoid all aerobics classes just for this reason. Then walking in heels after the workout. I feel fat, I am definitely dressing baggy.

M1
1/2c flax oats
1/3c ew
1 sc protein

M2
Yogurt

M3
7 oz sweet potato
4.5 oz turkey
1 lc pita

M4
Atkins Yogurt
1/2c flax oats
2 lc pitas

TBC...

Workout:
Camp was sooooo fun. Intense? Yes We did some drills, we'll they did the drills I just attempted to do them . Using a step we did the following combo twice: step-ups, side to side pushups, squats, lunges, clapping pushups, L-press holds, straddle holds and exploding v-sit ups. Then we tried to do a bunch of moves I don't know the names of but something like: shoulder planches, crocodiles, a move where you go like you are going to do a handstand but instead your legs go out to the sides, some splits, leaps, twirls, high kicks, handstand pushups... yep I am wiped! I never felt so out of shape but my goal is to go each Sunday and get better and better at these moves. I will try to practice some at the gym during the week too. Everyone was trying to get me to do fitness but I am not even going to think of that possibility until I can execute these moves at least partially. Truthfully, I don't think I have the time or extra $ to compete in fitness, but maybe I could make that a long term goal who knows? We had 2 new ladies today (35 and 41) who are brand new to competing and want to do fitness. There were also 2 girls from last year who are going to do fitness (they only did figure last year). So we are all pretty new to the fitness moves anyways.

We also walked in our heels. I haven't put mine on since May. Apparently my toes look pretty yucky and smushed down in my heels so I tried on another girls shoes who had platforms and they looked much better from the judges perspective so I will have to get some new shoes. That is an unforseen expense but I hated my shoes anyways, they were so uncomfortable but I was used to them being that way. I am also thinking of getting a new suit. I am thinking purple for next year.

I am glad I went today because even though doing all these moves in front of a group of girls who are seemingly perfect, I am doing it for myself and to improve my own abilities. It is so motivating too. Totally kicked my

 

[jstar]

Can't update yesterday but diet was pretty good the rest of the day despite my feeling emotional. Had a few carbs to cheer me up- some lc tortillas and 2 PB/choc rice cakes.

Totals from Sunday:
1747
249.3C
168.5P
29.75F

 

[jstar]

Mon, 12/6

Sore today

M1
1/2c flax oats
1 sc protein
1/2c ew

M2
Atkins Yog.
1/2c flax oats

M3
1/2 pack chix
1+ cups broccoli

M4
1/2 pack chx

rest of night:
12 PB rice cakes, 3 lc tortillas

1985
258C
151P
35F

Workout:
40 min elliptical at work

Installed Windows XP on my PC (upgrading from 98) and lost my internet. I downloaded the Verizon disk but could not connect. It kept saying my phone line wasn't connected to the modem but it was

Threw computer out the window.

 

[jstar]

Tues, 12/7

M1
1/2c flax oats
1/2c ew
1 sc protein

M2
atkins yogurt
small apple

M3
1/2 package chx
2c broccoli

M4
1/2 package chix

M5
3 lc tortillas
1 ff cheese

M6
1c all bran buds
5 breadsticks

M7
3 lc tortillas

1690
244C
173P
29F

Workout:
40 min elliptical on my lunch break

 

[jstar]

Pants feel okay today. They were getting tight around the waist but now they fit comfortably

 

[Jill]

rest of night:
12 PB rice cakes, 3 lc tortillas

.

Are those the big rice cakes?? Or the minis???

Congrats on the results darlin! Loos pants are gooooooood!

 

[Paynne]

Installed Windows XP on my PC (upgrading from 98) and lost my internet. I downloaded the Verizon disk but could not connect. It kept saying my phone line wasn't connected to the modem but it was

Threw computer out the window.

Hey Jstar, just happened to check your journal and saw this. Comcast just started this new thing where they have to have a technician run some software on your computer before you can use your account. I wonder if the upgrade messed something up and you need to have someone come and run the softare. Just a thought

Looking good

edit: oops you said verizon not comcast. Sorry it's late in the day Maybe the same thing though

 

[jstar]

Are those the big rice cakes?? Or the minis???

Congrats on the results darlin! Loos pants are gooooooood!

Yep the big ones..ooops. But they are all gone now.

I'm definitely losing more now that I have upped the cardio! Thanks babe!


Hey Paynne
Comcast, Verizon, who can keep all these big wireless/DSL companies straight? The thing I notice about Verizon (and probably all the others too) is that when you have a problem they do not put an 800 number or any number on their manuals for you to call. All I could find was their website. Well, great, but I can't get online,

Luckily I went online at work today and printed out a couple of steps related to upgrading to XP under the troubleshooting page. Hopefully when I get homw it will work!

 

[jstar]

Wed, 12/8

M1
1/2c flax oats
1/2c ew
1 sc protein

M2
Atkins blueberry yogurt

M3
1/2 package chx
1c diced peppers

M4
Atkins blueberry yogurt

M5
*starving*
3 lc tortillas
1 TBL PB
2 ff cheese

M6
postwo:
1/2c oats
1 sc protein
1/8c ew

M7
2 lc pitas
2 serv garlic breadsticks

1860
231.5C
194.5P
42.5F

Workout:
45 min elliptical at lunch
PM: Upper body

 

[jstar]

Wearing pants today I haven't worn in a while. Last time I tried them on I couldn't button more than 1 or 2 buttons. Now I buttoned up all but one and they are a tad snug in the hips still but another couple lbs of fat loss and they will fit perfectly.

 

[Jill]

Wearing pants today I haven't worn in a while. Last time I tried them on I couldn't button more than 1 or 2 buttons. Now I buttoned up all but one and they are a tad snug in the hips still but another couple lbs of fat loss and they will fit perfectly.

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!

Its a great feeeling eh? I am continually buying new pants for work. I bought 2 new pairs about a month ago, and they already too loose!

 

[jstar]

Thanks awesome Jill!

I am just trying to get into pants that used to fit. I am not buying anymore clothes until I get down to where I want to be. That should be in the spring around the time of my first contest of the year and my b-day... perfect excuses to go shop for new spring clothes!

 

[jstar]

Thurs, 12/9

M1
1/2c oats
1/2c ew
1 sc protein

M2
Atkins/Carb Countdown Yogurt

M3
3 lc tortillas
1/2 package chicken

M4
2 lc tortillas

M5
2 lc tortillas
Atkins/Carb Countdown Yogurt
1/2 package chicken

M6
1/4c oats
1 sc protein

1485
148.5C
187.5P
33F

Day off from training

 

[jstar]

Fri, 12/10



Measurements Today:
Weight: 145.5
Omron: 20.6%
LBM: 115.53
Fat: 29.97
Waist - narrowest: 28"
Waist - navel: 30-30.25" (lil' bloat hard to tell)
Hips: 39.25"

I can't really compare to last weeks since some of the loss was water weight but it looks like a 1lb fat loss for the week.

Here are some of the previous stats:
12/3........12/4.......12/5........12/10
149........146.5.......146.5......145.5
20.9%.....21.1%......21.6%....20.6%
117.9......115.6.......114.9.....115.5
31.1........30.9........31.6.......29.97

Averages for the week:
1747
215C (49%)*
182.3P (42%)
33.5F (17%)

*Carbs include fiber and veggies so the %'s don't equal 100)

 

[kim]

Fri, 12/10



Measurements Today:
Weight: 145.5
Omron: 20.6%
LBM: 115.53
Fat: 29.97
Waist - narrowest: 28"
Waist - navel: 30-30.25" (lil' bloat hard to tell)
Hips: 39.25"

I can't really compare to last weeks since some of the loss was water weight but it looks like a 1lb fat loss for the week.

Here are some of the previous stats:
12/3........12/4.......12/5........12/10
149........146.5.......146.5......145.5
20.9%.....21.1%......21.6%....20.6%
117.9......115.6.......114.9.....115.5
31.1........30.9........31.6.......29.97

Great job girl and what a nice feeling getting into lower size pants.

 

[jstar]

Thanks Kim I still have between 15-20 lbs of fat to lose but I will get there!

 

[jstar]

Update:

I spoke to my manager yesterday and agreed to stay on this assignment until the end of Jan., possibly longer. She said I could take as much time off as I need if I have interviews, etc. so the schedule is flexible and I wouldn't be tied down. I am also trying to help my old manager get a job here. It would be so cool if they hired him & then he could hire me My current manager is really nice and said I could give her my resume too and she would see what she could do about getting me a perm. position. She knows the assignment I am in is not what I exactly want to do and I told her I really want to work in the area that I used to work in before I got laid off. I figured if I stick around another month or so maybe I would have a better shot at becoming perm. than if I screw out of here at the end of my assignment in a couple weeks.

The good thing about this job, as I have said, is that the fitness center is here for me to use during my lunch break. I can get my cardio done and do weights at night. Since I have been doing this my energy levels are much better than when I try to do cardio and weights both at night.

I am still going to take the ACE review exam course in January and probably take the exam in May instead of Feb. I haven't been studying at all (no time) but I will have time after this assignment is over. I think I will have a better idea on how to break apart the studying once I take the review course too.

Last night I sat down and figured out a new split. This week I only lifted twice so I need to plan a schedule out (at least tentatively):

Sun - yoga/pilates in am, abs/calves, fitness drills
Mon - 40-45 cardio; pm=shoulders
Tues - 40-45 cardio; pm=back
Wed - 40-45 cardio; pm=legs
Thu- 40-45 cardio; pm=chest
Fri - 40-45 cardio; pm=bi/tri, drills
Sat - OFF (opt: drills, make-up day)

 

[jstar]

Back Online...

Today I am back online after spending most of the day yesterday fixing my PC. I upgraded to Windows XP and didn't install the Norton Antivirus disk, that was the problem. I had the sasserworm (and the Trojan horse and seeker-something)..but now my PC is back to its healthy self I am downloading my CDS this morning into iTunes and then transferring them to my iPod later so that I can have some good music to listen to this week during cardio. I am so excited!

I need to update you guys on the past few days:

Friday -
Did 45 min cardio on the elliptical at lunch, great w/o
After work I did arms at my gym
Diet was good but I was hungry - it was about 2000 cals, My goal is about 1700 but as long as it averages out to 1700 I should keep losing.

Saturday -
Day off. Arms sore. Computer driving me nuts. Wasted time trying to Christmas shop but only got one thing. At least I didn't blow any money on myself today though. Diet good - 1700 cals about. Lots of oats today, and All Bran.

Sunday -
Today the fitness drill workout class is cancelled but will be back next week. There is a yoga/pilates class at my gym at 10:30 I am going to. I might do some cardio after (probably a short session though) and some abs/calves. My aunt is having a Christmas party at her house this afternoon which I thought was next Sunday so I am kind of messed up now. I am kind of glad it is today though because I didn't want to have to miss 2 Sunday fitness drill classes.

The week ahead:

Mon -
45 min cardio on my lunch break
PM: shoulders

Tues -
40 min cardio on my lunch break
PM: Back

Wed -
40 min cardio on my lunch break
PM: Legs

Thurs -
Day off work
Finish Xmas shopping
Bake cupcakes for work
Buy Xmas cards
Workout: Chest and 45 cardio

Fri -
Bring gift to work and cupcakes
40 min cardio at lunch
PM: arms

Oh incase anyone was wondering I do 45 min when my boss is out and 40 when she is there - incase I am late getting back to my desk.

Friday at work the company is having a "Christmas Feast" for the employees: turkey, gravy, etc (similar to Thanksgiving I guess). That is supposed to be at lunch time so my mgr. decided to have use bake breakfast treats or afternoon treats...so we can eat like shit all day long! I hate peer pressure and feeling like an outcast but why do I have to eat all this shit, I work hard as hell and only drop one pound a week. Why put it all back on in one day?