Journal Entry # 2/ Nov. 20 -12 weeks out

It's officially 12 weeks out from the Ironman on February 17th, 2007 in Pasedena. I decided to unofficially start my diet 2 weeks ago to get a bit of a head start and hopefully come in better the day of the show. These 2 weeks were pretty easy except I am relativley lower carb then I have been in the past this far out. I have a bit less energy, but I think as my body adjusts to using more fat as fuel I should be feeling more energetic.
This week is Thanksgiving and I will be bringing my own rendition of turkey and sweet potatoes to the table. Thanksiving isn't going to be as bad as Christmas because I can modify some of the same foods everyone else is eating to fit my needs. I am just a tad bit bummed that I will not be sampling the pumpkin pie this year. :(
I have been feeling a little weaker during weight workouts but I am still able to get through them. I am eating enough but I just think, again, it has to do with my body trying to convert it's glycogen stores into energy. Cardio is still managable and overall I am feeling good. More to come as the weeks leading up to the competition draw nearer.

Jounal Entry #1/ Week 1/ Nov. 14

I stated in previous posts that I would be journaling my diet leading up to the Ironman on February 17th in Pasedena. I started my diet last Thursday but it wasn't "official" until Monday because I went out to dinner on Friday for my boyfriends birthday and even though I still ate pretty clean I let myself have one more glass of wine before the long 14 weeks began.
Every time I start dieting for a show I have a different feeling and a different form of motivation. This time I was ready and I wasn't as scared as I have been in the past because I have a better idea of what to expect. I actually couldn't wait.
This time I started off a little leaner then in the past but still at around 135 lbs. So I hope that means I have put on more muscle which was my goal during the off-season. I also tried to tapper down my cardio during the months leading up the contest prep and mainly just tried to eat a little cleaner without depriving myself. So this time I don't have to start off doing SOOO much cardio. I know it will increase as the weeks go on but it is definatly bearable now.
I also find that lower carb diets work better for me. (That doesn't mean NO carbs) I carry a lot of excess water weight so right off the bat I lose that when my carbs are lower. I also think I have become a little more efficient at utilizing stored fat for energy with this method. I do, however, start to feel a little weaker and not as mentally sharp. But that could just be the decreased calories, or maybe I am just not that smart. ( No, that can't be it :0) )
I am hoping that starting out a little earlier and with a little bit more mucsle, I will come in looking a little more dense. But we will see as these weeks progress. Feel free to ask me anything else that you would like me to cover or that you are curious about. I will be writing a journal atleast once a week to chart my progress and changes. -V

New Poster!

If you are a fitness model or competitor you should contact Joe. He did an awesome job putting together this poster for me. Come on everyone should have their own poster! :) -V
Contact him by clicking on the link below.....