Nobody said this journey was going to be easy. I’ve accepted the the challenge to grind out the daily work, to sweat, to hurt, to rise early to train, to accept the various pieces of advice from my coach, Justin Dees.
However, in the midst of all this is the stark reality that the trek to the top is long and oftentimes lonely. It is during these times when everything we aspire to seems to be far, far ahead and unreachable that discouragement causes a bit of aimlessness. I find myself tempted to cut some corners by stopping short of total exhaustion in my workouts which is required for maximum gains. I begin feeling like I am the only dummy in the world pursuing dreams like this.
No matter what, I push forward for the “prize that is set before me.” I force myself to take much shorter looks at the path ahead. I make small mini-sets of plans and goals to keep me on track and motivated. In fact, I have divided up the year at the direction of my coach into 4 quarters (I just finished quarter #1) with very specific things to accomplish during each quarter. So far, he says I am way ahead of the pace. I’ve gained a pound or more each week for the last 13 weeks. I am hovering between 191 and 195 lbs. My body fat is 5.2%, my lean muscle has gone from 167 lbs to 181 lbs. My goal is to compete in the Nationals at 212 lbs in July 2015. If I make this weight and look lean, cut, shredded, and huge, I will step onto the stage and it will “TILT!”
The key to a “long and winding road” to the top is being able to break up the trip into bite size pieces and then pace yourself. For each segment set goals within each segment and construct plans to accomplish each small goal. The vector is set but the trajectory can change if we do not plan well.
Lastly, one of the chief things that will fog your mind is the chorus of naysayers and scorners who would steal your dream. If you listen to them you will fail. By listening to them you give them power that they would not have otherwise. So, as it says in the Bible, “and Jesus set his face like flint toward Jersusalem.” We must do the same. We must set our faces like flint toward our goal. In my case it is “Pittsburgh.”
Take the long look and know it will be lonely and hard. It truly will be “the road less traveled.” But!! This is your road because you chose it. Do not look back and do not give up.
This is OUR time! No matter how hard it is or unpopular it is, nobody can take it away from us unless we surrender it. So, finish well and set the pace for the others who also need some inspiration to do better and to be better than they are.
Until next time!
Douglas E. Graham
Six Pack and Senior 