This week and maybe for the next couple of weeks I am traveling. First to Dallas on business and a little time with my daughter’s family and the grand kids. I am sooo looking for the great moments with them. I think I’m going to stop along the way from Love Field in Dallas to their residence and pick up some toys for the kids and a small gift for Lizzy, my daughter. It will be a riot to see them excitedly open the gifts and play with them. I love getting gifts for my wife and my family members. It just lights up my day!
Training on the Road
Just because I’m away from home and out of sync with my training regiment does not release from the “PLAN” to get ready for competition this summer. I have promised my Coach, Justin Dees that I would train everyday while away and to stick to my diet, supplements, posing, stretching, and the most hated Cardio for at least an hour per day. This promise will be met. During our last meeting together (yesterday) at his gym in South Jordan, Utah a few things emerged that will help propel me to be in the best shape of my life.
1.) My day of testing yesterday revealed that I have lost another 1/2% body fat down from 6.5% to 6.0%. My lean body mass was 178 lbs. and my weight was 190 lbs. Interestingly, my highest lean body mass reading was 187 lbs. in April 2014 when I weighed 202 lbs. Justin in very happy that I have remained lean and I am happy if he is happy.
2.) Justin, told me that “when I return from travel that he is going to really push me and that we will train together twice per week to get the most out uof each training session, e.g. Proper form and effort. I am really looking forward to this time of push to be better and to learn from the best Coach in the world.
3.) Justin, is going to redo my pre-contest diet, supplementation, cardio, training regimen (as noted in #2 above), and posing. Each of these components cannot be neglected or underestimated in importance. All of them taken together make me better and enhances the look I desire on stage.
4.) My precious and most magnificent wife stays closely at my side during my gym training each morning between 5:30 am and 8:00 am. She is the best training partner I could ever ask for. She is always in my ear demanding that I push harder, do another rep, to not stop. This is her contribution to my training and she is my motivation when I feel like quitting. Christine, also cooks the most delicious and nutritious food. She is always experimenting with maximizing the protein content while limiting the carb and fat intake and yet providing food that is scrumptious. She helps me pose “correctly” just as Justin has directed. She is a critics critic and I’m better because of her. She puts me on the floor and stretches me so I can enhance my ability to twist while doing the compulsory poses. A true Sadist has never been born that can out do her enthusiasm to cause my body pain. Lastly, Christine believes in me. She really believes I can beat anybody if I put my mind to it — believe me!, she is “all in” and she expects me to act like a pro, carry myself like a pro, and to work like there is no tomorrow. She is a real guiding light.
Dallas
As soon as time permits, I will be in the gym. I will train daily and will incorporate cardio into all sessions after finishing the weights. This will keep my body lean by burning off excess and unwanted fat. I truly hate Cardio because it is boring but I have racked up a mountain of Grade B movies watched during my Cardio work. Nothing can get in the way of training while I’m with my family or conducting business.
Washington, DC
After Dallas I will be in Washington, DC for a week or so. Again, the daily regimentation in preparation for competition will continue. I have several gyms near where I will be staying and they will be visited often.
Provo, Utah
Upon my return home I will submit myself to my Coach and the precision work on my physique will ensue. Nothing can be left to chance and my will to win must be molded, perfected, and directed by Justin.
Even When Away — I Push!
Nothing is accomplished in this life without being “intentional” and driven. Each of us has something we want to accomplish, finish, or win at before we croak. Now, is the time to make that something a destination by beginning the journey. Besides, along the way we may actually make a bunch of cool friends and we may truly learn something about ourselves that we never knew before. So, get going and don’t look back. THIS IS OUR TIME!
Until Next Time!
Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, (ret), MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 