T-N-T (Trish (Wood) n Training) Journal: Finding MY (inner) Strength!
Who would of thought that putting on the off-season pounds would be so challenging? Of course physically putting on weight isn't hard, but the mental side of it has been my biggest challenge in a long, long time. For years I've been so scared to let myself put on weight for fear of putting on too much body fat and then having a terrible time getting it back off again in my next competition season. But I've realized that there is a line to be drawn here- between putting on too much weight (or fat) and not putting on enough.
So then the question becomes how much is enough? I'm actually still trying to figure that one out. Every 2 weeks my husband tests my body fat to ensure that I'm putting on muscle with a minimal amount fat. I understand that since I'm a natural competitor I'll have to put on body fat while gaining muscle, but to me its worth it to stay off the "gear". Meanwhile, my mind is playing games with me daily telling me that I'm getting fat and squishy and that I need to get back on my leaning out plan. I deal with clients everyday who are going through these types of emotions. Its an inner battle that I'm in the process of resolving by changing my focus and then hopefully my attitude.
I used to judge my progress by the new cuts I could see or the veins that were starting to peek out from under my skin, but now I've got to find a new way to visualize progress. I definitely don't want to take progress photos so instead, I've decided to focus on my strength gains. I think its a great way for me to see progression without focusing completely on my vanity. Looking down at my belly just now, I see a little pooch forming but those abs s
upported my back during the 270 lbs hack squat the other day! And these arms with considerably less definition pushed 55 lbs dumbbells on my incline chest press this week too. I couldn't ever imagine pushing utilizing that kind of weight while sitting at 99 lbs like I was during my last contest!
So that's where my focus has gone and that's where I think my focus should reside for the rest of my newly named "growth season". It's no longer an off-season by any means...just ask my shoulders when they pressed 50 lbs dumbbells last week! Take some advice from me, finding a new focus will help you find a peace within your competitive mind!
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