April 4th marks Day One of the 16 week contest preparation. I can remember the days and weeks leading up to this time. I was nervous and excited. I spent some time figuring out a last meal, but in the end I was ready for everything to begin. It was surreal to sit and wait for 4-6 months planning and suddenly the day was here. I did have a few cokes, some cookies and a meal at McD’s, so hopefully that fix keeps me sane for 16 weeks!
So yesterday…I woke up at 5:45am, threw on some clothes, cooked my first meal, and headed to the gym for my fasted cardio. Forty-five minutes on the bike. I showered and headed upstairs to eat my eggs and protein shake. By the time I finished the first meal I was warming up some chicken and broccoli for the second. I should mention that most of my days consist of protein, protein and more protein. Some green veggies are thrown in, but if it’s a protein I eat it.
Training on Monday was tough. High reps with a focus on squeezing each rep. We did back and biceps…the kicker was 3x30 on the back extension with a 25lb plate. It was the first time I thought, ‘What am I getting in to?’
To be honest, there is so much to remember and plan I’ve barely had time to think about anything not prescribed. No more days where if you forget a meal at home you improvise or go grab something similar. I have a strict meal plan and there is no deviation from it until the contest is over. It took me 4 hours on Sunday night to cook my food, package my food, set each day’s food in the fridge, and double check and triple check that I didn’t forget anything. I was a nervous wreck just hoping that I didn’t forget anything.
Tuesday was the same meal plan. I cooked several chicken breasts and top sirloins on Sunday, so it was easy to pack my food. Everything else is grab and go style. Training was shoulders and triceps. My training partner, we’ll call him WC, is on the same training program. He will be competing in the same show. His eating plan is a little different as he needs to cycle carbs more often to hold his size. It’s much more tolerable to bust my tail in the gym when someone else is there. Plus we can complain about cravings to someone that is going through the same thing.
