Today I'm exactly 12 weeks out from competition. Whoop! I feel like i'm getting more excited every day!
I had first posing lesson today. It went really well. I didn't even fall down in 5 inch heals one time! goodness those things are painful and hard to walk in. I know now that I definitely have some work to do in the posing area... but am more than happy to tackle this challenge. Boopster you were right! It does totally kill your back! chiropractor would shoot me if he saw me arching back like that!
On another note... trainer told me that I really need to make sure that i'm getting cheat meals atleast once every two weeks or so. This is something that i really have a hard time with as i feel like i'm throwing hard work down the drain. However, she is a professional and I have a lot to learn.... soooo I'll be eating a big fat steak for dinner with strawberries for dessert. Poor me. :) I would still prefer the m&ms that I was craving all last week but I'm afraid I might lose all self control with the m&ms and regret it in the morning. So strawberries it is.
I took progress pictures today and was so excited to see how hard work is paying off! I did not have a chance to get body fat measured as I had hoped. goal is to get that done in the next couple of weeks.
Thats all for now. I hope everybody is having a lovely weekend!
Cassie :)
Cassie's Figure Competition Journal
Moderators: Boss Man, cassiegose
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cassiegose
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Steak would be a good enough choice of meal, as some of Fat content in Steak is actually pretty good. presumably this was mentioned to kind of flummux the Metabolism a bit, and stop you possibly hitting a metabolic brick wall at some point.
The other thing that I have read has been done before with people like you, is when someone is having around 1,000-1,200 calories a day on the diet, then gets a 2,000 calorie blast around 6-8 weeks in to the process, to kind of shock the metabolism.
The other thing that I have read has been done before with people like you, is when someone is having around 1,000-1,200 calories a day on the diet, then gets a 2,000 calorie blast around 6-8 weeks in to the process, to kind of shock the metabolism.
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cassiegose
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82 days to go
Yes steak is actually a part of regular meal plan... I'm allowed to have sirloin (very lean cuts) a few times a week so usually do so if i have some in the house. Its a nice break from the chicken and eggs. I also bought a bunch of tilapia over the weekend and will be eating more of that as opposed to so much chicken (suggested by trainer). Yes, I am a firm believer in upping calories to shock the metabolism. I actually alter calories every day... going from 1200 (no carb day) on Sunday, to 2 days at 1600 (medium carb days), then 1 day at 1700-1800 (higher carb day), then two more days at 1600 (medium carb days), then Saturday is around 1800-2000 (high carb day). Sunday is biggest training day so it works well to have that big training day right after biggest calorie day. Whatever i'm doing seems to be working as body is changing immensly (posted progress pics in profile for those interested).
As of today i'm less than 12 weeks out. body has changed immensly over the past 12 weeks since I started and I'm expecting it to change even more over the next 12. This morning while I was working out at the gym a guy approached me and asked if I was a bodybuilder!! I wanted to give him a big fat kiss for that comment as it truly made day!
I've also decided to switch up training for this next 12 weeks. I was doing Legs on monday, then back and chest on Wednesday, and biceps and triceps on Friday. Tuesdays and Thursdays I teach spinning at 5:30am, then do shoulders after (which stinks as I would much rather do weights before cardio but don't really have a choice so i do what I can). As of today I've changed it up so Monday is back and chest, Wednesday is legs with plyometrics instead of weights (trying to lean legs out as they are getting a bit too muscular), then Friday will be arms again. Sunday is BIG workout of the week where I go to the track and run sprints and do bodyweight exercises. I decided to move leg day to later in the week so legs are more fresh for that workout (I don't know why I didn't think of that before!). We'll see how this works!
As of today i'm less than 12 weeks out. body has changed immensly over the past 12 weeks since I started and I'm expecting it to change even more over the next 12. This morning while I was working out at the gym a guy approached me and asked if I was a bodybuilder!! I wanted to give him a big fat kiss for that comment as it truly made day!
I've also decided to switch up training for this next 12 weeks. I was doing Legs on monday, then back and chest on Wednesday, and biceps and triceps on Friday. Tuesdays and Thursdays I teach spinning at 5:30am, then do shoulders after (which stinks as I would much rather do weights before cardio but don't really have a choice so i do what I can). As of today I've changed it up so Monday is back and chest, Wednesday is legs with plyometrics instead of weights (trying to lean legs out as they are getting a bit too muscular), then Friday will be arms again. Sunday is BIG workout of the week where I go to the track and run sprints and do bodyweight exercises. I decided to move leg day to later in the week so legs are more fresh for that workout (I don't know why I didn't think of that before!). We'll see how this works!
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cassiegose
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81 days to go
Nothing new today. Its another lower carb day for me. 
Got to have oatmeal (and eggwhites) with breakfast and will have two small servings of quinoa with next two meals... other than that its tilapia, eggwhites, chicken, and veggies for me today.
Heading to the gym on lunch break to work on posing and get in more cardio.
Ho-hum. I need some caffeine.
Got to have oatmeal (and eggwhites) with breakfast and will have two small servings of quinoa with next two meals... other than that its tilapia, eggwhites, chicken, and veggies for me today. Heading to the gym on lunch break to work on posing and get in more cardio.
Ho-hum. I need some caffeine.
Photos show that you have made great progress in "sculpturing" your body. You already look like a winner.
When you have a rest period, even of only ten minutes, close your eyes and visualize, on an imaginary screen, being at the actual competition. See yourself walking on stage full of self-confidence, energized and focused entirely on what you need to demonstrate to the judges. Then on the day of competition, it will all come together easily, because, you've been there before.!!
When you have a rest period, even of only ten minutes, close your eyes and visualize, on an imaginary screen, being at the actual competition. See yourself walking on stage full of self-confidence, energized and focused entirely on what you need to demonstrate to the judges. Then on the day of competition, it will all come together easily, because, you've been there before.!!
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cassiegose
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79 days to go!! Whoop whoop!
79 days to go... 11 weeks and 2 days... Whoop! I cant wait!
I was down another pound today. Lately it (almost) seems like body is changing every day. Very cool. I've also noticed that I've become VERY in-tune with body and muscles. Its a great feeling. two upper abs are really starting to come out... but lower abs still need lots of work as they are still hiding behind a layer of fat. I have no doubts that they will be showing quite nicely after the next 11 weeks though so am not too worried about them.
I am having so much fun with this contest preparation that I am already planning next show. I'm definitely hooked!
Did anybody watch the show "610 lb Virgin" last night on TLC? AWESOME show! It was kind of a documentary about this guy (I think hes around the age of 27?) who had some stuff go on earlier in life and when through life dealing with his troubles by eating. He eventually ate himself up to like 610 (or maybe it was 650?) pounds. So this guy gets help from another guy (a personal trainer) and he ends up losing all of his weight without the help of gastric bypass. Pretty freaking amazing! Now the guy is personal trainer and is best friends with the trainer guy that helped him lose all the weight. It was a touching show. I don't watch much television but was pretty much glued to the tv. If you ever come across the show I definitely recommend watching it. It inspired and motivated me greatly! I'm not sure why i'm going on about this... just thought id share. ;)
I hope you all are doing well and continuing to work hard to meet your goals. :)
PS: Thank you everybody for your inspiration and kind words. :)
I was down another pound today. Lately it (almost) seems like body is changing every day. Very cool. I've also noticed that I've become VERY in-tune with body and muscles. Its a great feeling. two upper abs are really starting to come out... but lower abs still need lots of work as they are still hiding behind a layer of fat. I have no doubts that they will be showing quite nicely after the next 11 weeks though so am not too worried about them.
I am having so much fun with this contest preparation that I am already planning next show. I'm definitely hooked!
Did anybody watch the show "610 lb Virgin" last night on TLC? AWESOME show! It was kind of a documentary about this guy (I think hes around the age of 27?) who had some stuff go on earlier in life and when through life dealing with his troubles by eating. He eventually ate himself up to like 610 (or maybe it was 650?) pounds. So this guy gets help from another guy (a personal trainer) and he ends up losing all of his weight without the help of gastric bypass. Pretty freaking amazing! Now the guy is personal trainer and is best friends with the trainer guy that helped him lose all the weight. It was a touching show. I don't watch much television but was pretty much glued to the tv. If you ever come across the show I definitely recommend watching it. It inspired and motivated me greatly! I'm not sure why i'm going on about this... just thought id share. ;)
I hope you all are doing well and continuing to work hard to meet your goals. :)
PS: Thank you everybody for your inspiration and kind words. :)
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fitoverforty
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I would definiutely echo that last comment about being a winner.
Yes, your fat will go, but be aware, even pro BB's don't get any relaxed defintion in the Legs, until about 3 weeks out. Not from past observations. By that I mean definition that doesn't require flexing to see.
Then around 2 weeks out it seems to really come out, but that's when you're aiming for between 3-6%.
In your case at around 10%, maybe 12%, depending on the criteria of the organisation, you would get a similar scenario, but I think you'd probably get a bit of relaxed def, roughly around the Quad / Hamstring split, where the Gracillis is, but nothing like serious Quad striations, or anything like that.
So you'd have to be prepared for a waiting game with some of the fat, and not worry too much when you're in the last 4-6 weeks, about not being ready, this won't happen, it's not looking good enough, as you WILL be ready, and WILL look good enough.
I'm glad you are really liking the changes you see, and I do have every confidence in you, that you can walk out there, look sensational, be sensational, potentially win, yes I did say potentially win, and prove what sort of Athlete I think you can be.
I also think you could potentially become someone who rises up the ranks, and can make it, without using methods you wouldn't want to, despite what some pro suggested to you.
After all what quite a few stage athletes with a pretty big rep might do, doesn't necessarily have to be the case. I say it's their choice to try and be the best, not something they need to do, to make it big.
Keep going, GOOD LUCK and WELL DONE thus far.
Yes, your fat will go, but be aware, even pro BB's don't get any relaxed defintion in the Legs, until about 3 weeks out. Not from past observations. By that I mean definition that doesn't require flexing to see.
Then around 2 weeks out it seems to really come out, but that's when you're aiming for between 3-6%.
In your case at around 10%, maybe 12%, depending on the criteria of the organisation, you would get a similar scenario, but I think you'd probably get a bit of relaxed def, roughly around the Quad / Hamstring split, where the Gracillis is, but nothing like serious Quad striations, or anything like that.
So you'd have to be prepared for a waiting game with some of the fat, and not worry too much when you're in the last 4-6 weeks, about not being ready, this won't happen, it's not looking good enough, as you WILL be ready, and WILL look good enough.
I'm glad you are really liking the changes you see, and I do have every confidence in you, that you can walk out there, look sensational, be sensational, potentially win, yes I did say potentially win, and prove what sort of Athlete I think you can be.
I also think you could potentially become someone who rises up the ranks, and can make it, without using methods you wouldn't want to, despite what some pro suggested to you.
After all what quite a few stage athletes with a pretty big rep might do, doesn't necessarily have to be the case. I say it's their choice to try and be the best, not something they need to do, to make it big.
Keep going, GOOD LUCK and WELL DONE thus far
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cassiegose
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Awe thanks bossman!
I'm hoping to potentially win. :) If I don't win this one... or atleast place... I know there will be more in the future. I sure hope I can rise up in the ranks!! Thats ulimate goal! It will be a lot of hard work, but also VERY rewarding!
Thanks for the kind words friend! You always make day with your words of inspiration!!!!
Cassie
I'm hoping to potentially win. :) If I don't win this one... or atleast place... I know there will be more in the future. I sure hope I can rise up in the ranks!! Thats ulimate goal! It will be a lot of hard work, but also VERY rewarding!
Thanks for the kind words friend! You always make day with your words of inspiration!!!!
Cassie
There's always a chance for you to progress, there is no question. There are people even older than Michelle, who have done this sort of thing, and gotten to a high level as well, and not just people who have been around since the 80's / early 90's, but people who have gotten into this around Michelles age or older.
You have to be prepared, that some judges will potentially interpret the rules in their own way, so that even if you think your look is as per required, they might decide differently.
Your future in the sport is still an unproven thing, but if you really want to go further, and do more than just the one, then there is no reason at the moment why you couldn't do it, and certainly whatever shows you wanted to do, I would support you every time, and I will be here for you to hurl abuse, grouch, complain and moan at when you just have one of those days, where the dieting and heavy training just seem to be getting a little too much at times.
You just need to keep that belief, and keep focusing on the day.
By the way, how's the posing and routine practice going? Are you able to fit it in on a daily or fairly regular basis?
You have to be prepared, that some judges will potentially interpret the rules in their own way, so that even if you think your look is as per required, they might decide differently.
Your future in the sport is still an unproven thing, but if you really want to go further, and do more than just the one, then there is no reason at the moment why you couldn't do it, and certainly whatever shows you wanted to do, I would support you every time, and I will be here for you to hurl abuse, grouch, complain and moan at when you just have one of those days, where the dieting and heavy training just seem to be getting a little too much at times.
You just need to keep that belief, and keep focusing on the day.
By the way, how's the posing and routine practice going? Are you able to fit it in on a daily or fairly regular basis?
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cassiegose
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77 days!
Today I'm offically 11 weeks out from the competition!
I can't wait!
The posing practice is going really well. In gym, there is a little room upstairs that is completely secluded from the rest of the gym. It doesn't have any windows or anything and has mirrors all along 2 walls...and has a door that locks from the inside. :) I've been going to this gym for 9 years now and didn't even know this room existed. Sooo I've been using this for posing room and have been going up almost daily to work on posing/walking. Last week I was able to practice posing for about 15-30 minutes a day. I feel like I have improved immensly and confidence in the heals is really improving. In addition, I purchased a dvd called "The Art of Posing with Tanji Johnson". Tanji is awesome and the film has been a great help! If anybody else is planning on entering a contest I highly recommend this dvd. I am also meeting with figure coach tomorrow to work on posing with her and make sure i'm on the right track. Because it is extremly expensive to have her coach me on a regular basis, I think tomorrow is going to be last meeting with her for a while, then as I get closer to the competition I will meet with her again. I'm planning on having her take pictures of me in proper posing form so i can study the pictures and use them when i'm practicing to make sure i' posing correctly.
One of next steps in this process is to decide where I am going to have posing suit made. I've heard of 3 ladies in area who make posing suits. One charges around $70 for a plain suit that i would need to decorate myself (by gluing crystals on it). Another lady charges $60 and again I would need to decorate it. The last lady that was recommended to me charges $185, and I would need to decorate it. I'm wondering why the last lady is so much more expensive than the other two? I'm also wondering how badly I would mess suit up if i decided to decorate it myself? I have absolutely NO creative abilities so it might be pretty ugly if I decorated own suit. Another thing I'm trying to decide is what color of suit I want. I was originally going to go with a light blue or teal as those are favorite colors. However, posing coach suggested that I go with red because "75 percent of the girls who win figure competition are wearing red suits". Kind of an odd statistic but if wearing a red suit is going to help me win then i'm definitely going to be getting myself a red suit (even though i truly don't even like the color).
Bossman... thanks for the motivation and inspiration. :)
I hope all is well with EVERYBODY! You guys are all a constant inspiration to me as you continue to work towards your goals!
Cassie
I can't wait!
The posing practice is going really well. In gym, there is a little room upstairs that is completely secluded from the rest of the gym. It doesn't have any windows or anything and has mirrors all along 2 walls...and has a door that locks from the inside. :) I've been going to this gym for 9 years now and didn't even know this room existed. Sooo I've been using this for posing room and have been going up almost daily to work on posing/walking. Last week I was able to practice posing for about 15-30 minutes a day. I feel like I have improved immensly and confidence in the heals is really improving. In addition, I purchased a dvd called "The Art of Posing with Tanji Johnson". Tanji is awesome and the film has been a great help! If anybody else is planning on entering a contest I highly recommend this dvd. I am also meeting with figure coach tomorrow to work on posing with her and make sure i'm on the right track. Because it is extremly expensive to have her coach me on a regular basis, I think tomorrow is going to be last meeting with her for a while, then as I get closer to the competition I will meet with her again. I'm planning on having her take pictures of me in proper posing form so i can study the pictures and use them when i'm practicing to make sure i' posing correctly.
One of next steps in this process is to decide where I am going to have posing suit made. I've heard of 3 ladies in area who make posing suits. One charges around $70 for a plain suit that i would need to decorate myself (by gluing crystals on it). Another lady charges $60 and again I would need to decorate it. The last lady that was recommended to me charges $185, and I would need to decorate it. I'm wondering why the last lady is so much more expensive than the other two? I'm also wondering how badly I would mess suit up if i decided to decorate it myself? I have absolutely NO creative abilities so it might be pretty ugly if I decorated own suit. Another thing I'm trying to decide is what color of suit I want. I was originally going to go with a light blue or teal as those are favorite colors. However, posing coach suggested that I go with red because "75 percent of the girls who win figure competition are wearing red suits". Kind of an odd statistic but if wearing a red suit is going to help me win then i'm definitely going to be getting myself a red suit (even though i truly don't even like the color).
Bossman... thanks for the motivation and inspiration. :)
I hope all is well with EVERYBODY! You guys are all a constant inspiration to me as you continue to work towards your goals!
Cassie
I'm sure you'll look great in whatever you wore. Red sounds like a good option, although you could go for Maroon possibly, as it's kind of like Red, but more of a sort of slightly browner Red. Or go for a more sort of Wine Red.
Maroon has been a good look for some too.
This could be a compromise if you don't like Red that much.
The main thing you'll have to get used to soon, will be the routine, but I'm sure you'll be fine with that.
Maroon has been a good look for some too.
This could be a compromise if you don't like Red that much.
The main thing you'll have to get used to soon, will be the routine, but I'm sure you'll be fine with that
.