Prep for 2010 CBBF Figure Nationals, By ange_d...

[ange_d]

So, here I go again. Now just under 9 weeks out from Figure Nationals being held in TO on August 28th.

A little history for anyone who did not follow my hunsband and my last journal as we preped together for OPA regionals (sudbury) and provincials.

I competed with the OPA in 2004 and 2007 finishing 3rd (out of 6) and 4th (out of 5) respectively. The judges said I was too small and not lean enough. Looking back I totally agree. I then decided fitness modelling was more my thing and competed with Musclemania and FAME. I placed very well in these events and the judges seemed to like my look. I took 3 years off competing and we had our first child in summer 2008. Early in 2010 my husband told me he was going to compete with the OPA again and encouraged me to compete along with him, as we had never competed at the same show before. I jumped on board but suffered some set backs along the way. I have AS (ankolosying spondilitis - an arthritis that attacks healthy joints, eyes, and other things but no need to go into all that). At the end of March my knee swoll up so much I could not walk. I continued to prep for the shows as best I could (glad I did, many days I almost gave up). I could not do a lot of cardio and leg training was out of the question. My diet had to be spot on. Near the end of my prep I was able to do 30min to 1hour of cardio with only a little dsicomfort. I did start training legs 4 weeks out but was limited to mostly body weight exercise and very low weight, high rep machines.

So here's how things turned out:
At the regional show (Sudbury, Ontario) I placed 1st in Figure Med Tall!
At Ontario provincials I placed 2nd in Figure Med Tall!

I am still in shock for sure. Everytime I post on the board here and see "National Level Figure Athlete" under my name it seems unreal. I have been dreaming of being competitive at the national level ever since I learned of the CBBF. I follow the IFBB pro shows like a stalker and have since 2004. I idolize Erin Stern and past competitor Davina Medina.

I am always asked who trains me or coaches me. I train myself (with the help of my husband of course). We have learned what works for us by trial and error and learn new things all the time! We also research everything, well my hubby researches more, but I do my fair share. As for stage presence and coaching I watch the pro's, I have watched so many youtube videos of IFBB pro's most people would think I was nuts!

My goal is to hopefully break into the top 5 at Nationals in my height class.

My other goals include:
Gaining back my leg strength by squatting like a madwoman!
Getting a bit leaner overall...mostly to bring out more lines in my legs and tighten up my hamstrings.
I would love to add size to my calves and quads but realistically that won't happen in 9 weeks, especially when 6 of these weeks I will being dieting hard.

[natenator]

go get'em girl. I'll be following along!

[ange_d]

My training has been awesome in the last week. I feel big and strong in the gym and have great energy levels.

Today was leg day (the 2nd since the show). My squat is kinda sucky but I don't think it will take long to improve. It felt solid and I didn't want to push too hard too soon. Here's some detail:

Squat: 4 x warmup, 2 sets of 155 for 8 reps
Hack Squat: 4 sets
Single leg press: 4 sets each leg
Single leg extension: 4 sets each leg
Single leg hamstring curl: 3 sets each leg
Some step ups and lots of calves.

My diet is on and off for now. I like dieting hard all week and being less strict on the weekends. It's just what works for me psychologically more than anything.

I ate a ton on the weekend but ate very clean last week.

My stage weight (with A LOT of carbing up - dry carbs only) was 127.4 and I just kept eating my way back to that weight.
Two days ago (Saturday) I weighed 132.2 and looked pretty lean other than a reboundy looking stomache.
This morning I weighed 137.0 after my weekend piggyness, lol.

During the week my cal's will be around 1700 per day. I don't plan my diet. I know what to eat, and what not to, and how much. If I look lean and my weight is low next Saturday morning I will slack off the diet a bit for the weekend.

For now I will be doing 30 min's of moderate intensity cardio in the pm before bed. I am hoping I can eliminate this in the next few weeks after the rebound goes away and we really see how much fat I gained post show.

[natenator]

My training has been awesome in the last week. I feel big and strong in the gym and have great energy levels.

Food and a goal will do that for you :D

[ange_d]

Food and a goal will do that for you :D

You got it!
Pure carbs and pure excitement!
lol

[ange_d]

Couldn't wait to post today's workout...

am weight = 134

Back Day:

Deadlift: 4 warm ups, 2 sets of 235lbs for 7! No belt or chalk!

(The last set I would count as 6.5, I really jerked the last rep at my knees. If it wouldn't even come close to counting at powerlifting meets but still goes fully up I call it a .5)

One arm DB row: 3 sets 15, 12, 10 max weight 55lbs
Seated Cable Row: 2 sets
Wide Grip Lat Pull Down: 2 sets
Reverse Grip Lat Pull Down: 2 sets

DB Bi Curls: 1 set
Machine Curls: 4 sets, light weight, lots of reps

I'm still using those carbs from the weekend, feel big and strong, and loving it!

[metalchick]

Hey Ange!

Congratulations again! You really inspired me at the provincials, you look amazing! Great physique and stage presence!

I will definitely be following along! Can't wait to see how your prep progresses.

Great lifts!

:D

[steve_d]

I'll most definitely be following along as well...lol

[69challenger]

oooohhhh...I'm so glad you started this journal...I'll be following along too:)

[steve_d]

Posted under wrong user name.

[natenator]

You have no choice!
8.5 more weeks of putting up with me leaving my spoons in the protein powder buckets, lol!
they have these tthings now days called scoops. Just saying...

[steve_d]

posted under wrong username!

[ange_d]

Posted this under Steve's handle....

Chest Day!

am weight = 133


Bench: 3 warm ups, 1 set 135lbs for 10, 1 set 145lbs for 6
Incline DB Press: 2 sets high reps
Cable Cross Over: 2 sets high reps
Push up's: Good chest burn out and warm up for shoulders and tri's

DB Shoulder Press: 2 warm ups, 2 sets with 45's for 6 reps
DB Lat Raise on an angle for full range: 3 sets
Lots of cable shoulder work
Bent over DB lat raise: low weight, lots of reps

Tri Cable Push Down: 2 sets
Overhead tri ext: 2 sets
Machine tri's: 1 set to burn out

I always do a 10 minute cardio warm up pre workout, and today I ran a few sprints in the aerobics room interchanged with some step/jump ups post work out just to keep my cardio/plyo power up.

[steve_d]

:bch

[ange_d]

I'll most definitely be following along as well...lol

You have no choice...
8.5 more weeks of finding my spoons in the protein powder buckets!

[ange_d]

they have these tthings now days called scoops. Just saying...

That was my post. I keep using Steve's computer and posting under his handle! From now on I will only post from my computer. I think I fixed it above.

The spoon thing drives Steve nuts. When I am really hungry or cravey I eat the protein right from the bucket (saves me all the time) and from time to time I leave my spoon in there. When the powder mixes with saliva it leaves this crust on the spoon. I'm not sure if he hates finding it in there (it's kinda gross) or if he just hates trying to scrub it off before putting it the dishwaher, lol.

He can't complain too much. I never ate dry powder until I met him!

[Big D]

That was my post. I keep using Steve's computer and posting under his handle! From now on I will only post from my computer. I think I fixed it above.

The spoon thing drives Steve nuts. When I am really hungry or cravey I eat the protein right from the bucket (saves me all the time) and from time to time I leave my spoon in there. When the powder mixes with saliva it leaves this crust on the spoon. I'm not sure if he hates finding it in there (it's kinda gross) or if he just hates trying to scrub it off before putting it the dishwaher, lol.

He can't complain too much. I never ate dry powder until I met him!

lol..


i'm very impressed with your work outs, your pushing some heavy weight.
keep up the great work

[steve_d]

I just went through this and its been a bit confusing with Ange using my computer and posting under my name, and then deleting the post and re-posting etc. Hopefully its all cleared up! Anyway, Ange is really surprising me with her strength. Goes to show how a little carbs go a long way! It's not like she's gained a tun of weight either - still lean, and no more water rebound from what I can see.

She's out the door before I even wake up. 5:30am - no way in hell I could be breaking PRs at 5:30am with nothing but a scoop of protein powder and banana in hand. Ange, hopefully this keeps up, especially with the leg pressing / squating. Can't believe its almost been 2 weeks since our show - 8 more weeks will come fast!

"It's ripping time!"

BTW: Pics this weekend?

[ange_d]

I was a bit heavier this morning. I had some extra food yesturday and am holding water like mad. It may have been the carby/salty food (I didn't eat that much) but I also took Aleve last night for the first time. I tweaked something in my back squating at the gym so thought I would give Aleve a try now that it is available in Canada. My face feels swollen and I can't get my wed rings on! lol, won't take Aleve again for awhile. It didn't really help for pain much anyway, just made me drowsy.

Training = light legs yesturday, high reps, lower weight. Lots of step ups, and calves. Some sprints for fun.

Day off gym today, much needed to make sure this back tweak heals quickly. Feels like nerve pain. I get this quite often and a bit of rest does wonders for it.

[ange_d]

BTW: Pics this weekend?

Pic's will start at 7 weeks out (just like our Sudbury prep journal).

[japh]

Haha that saliva coated crusty spoon in the protein bucket is totally gross! lol

That just might be the definition of love. lol

[ange_d]

Haha that saliva coated crusty spoon in the protein bucket is totally gross! lol

That just might be the definition of love. lol

I think your right!

[ange_d]

I took Friday off the gym to recover from that little back tweak.

Saturday training was Back, no dead's b/c of above.
I don't usually do heavy deadlifts twice in a week anyway (although I always want to, it's my fav by far!)

Bent over Row: 3 warm ups, 135lbs for 12 and then 10
Bunch of machine pull downs, different grips, different angles...
One arm DB row: 3 warm ups, 60lbs each arm for 8 and then 7
Machine Row: 3 sets

Some biceps, I don't focus much on bi's as they are already kinda big, lol.

Today = Boobie Day!
am weight 135

I looked leaner today (abs are coming back). Steve actually said I look like a superhero, lol, I love it! We think our rebounds are almost gone and tomorrow am will give me a good idea as to my starting weight/fat level for this prep.

Bench: 3 warm up's, 135 for 10, 145 for 7
Incline DB Press
Cable Cross Overs
Bunch of wide grip push ups

DB Soulder Press: 3 warm up's, 40lb DB's for 8 and then 5
DB Lat Raise: 25lbs for 7 reps x 3
Lots of cable shoulder work

A few tri movements - again, not much focus here, I kinda have big arms, lol.

Leg day tomorrow and I decided to start my "real" diet this week.
Pic's next weekend...

[ange_d]

If I keep posting my workouts this thread will become very repetitive. I stick mainly to the same exercises. From now on I will only post my heavy lifts. Mostly so I can keep track of my strength.

Leg day today. Heavy squats are no where in my near future (stupid, friggin' knee). I have decided to do squats as a last exercise and burn out with low weight and high reps. I did that this morning and it was so hard to squat with tired legs. Well worth the suffering though!

I started my diet today, 8 weeks out...Steve has graciously taken over the planning of my diet. He's the greatest (thanks, baby!) I usually don't "plan" my diet but this is a whole new level of competition for me and I think following a plan will ensure consistancy, make results easier to gage, and give me a record for future, in case I ever decide to do this again.

I diet with low to moderate carbs, all coming from fruits, veg, (and condiments, lol). Cal's in the 1500 to 1700 range. This might be a little low but we will make adjustments if necessary.

30 minutes cardio per day this week.

This is going to be the easiest and hardest prep ever for me (and maybe Steve too, lol). Easiest in the sense that only 1 dieting parent makes life A LOT easier in our home, and hardest because I have to be (or plan to be) leaner than I have ever been.

[ange_d]

7 weeks out today...
Workouts continue to be strong and full of great strength increases.

Bench - 145 increasing reps
Deadlift - 235 today for 3 because I had no chalk and dropped the bar, easily would have had 6.
Squat - 135 increasing reps (15-20 range at the end of my leg workout righ now) and soon will be increasing weight as my knee continues to get stronger.

Diet last week was tough, first couple weeks always seem to be the toughest for me. Had a carb up meal last night. Steve's famous french toast made with sweetner and cinnamon, so good, and lots of watermelon. My stomache was HUGE from all the watermelon and I was up so many times in the night to pee, lol.

Avg weight for last week = 135

Here are pic's from this morning after breakfast and coffee:

[Hugheser]

I just went through this and its been a bit confusing with Ange using my computer and posting under my name, and then deleting the post and re-posting etc. Hopefully its all cleared up! Anyway, Ange is really surprising me with her strength. Goes to show how a little carbs go a long way! It's not like she's gained a tun of weight either - still lean, and no more water rebound from what I can see.

She's out the door before I even wake up. 5:30am - no way in hell I could be breaking PRs at 5:30am with nothing but a scoop of protein powder and banana in hand. Ange, hopefully this keeps up, especially with the leg pressing / squating. Can't believe its almost been 2 weeks since our show - 8 more weeks will come fast!

"It's ripping time!"


BTW: Pics this weekend?

This is hilarious haha, looking lean and mean. Good luck, Ill be in the crowd enjoying the show.

[Hugheser]

PS. Awesome Delts!

[69challenger]

Looking good Ang! What did you weigh at Provincials?

[gregdoucette]

Nice bench, ur soon gonna have to do a powerlifting comp. I think I read somewhere she weighed 127.4 on stage at the provincials. Dont stress the spoon situation I do the same thing.

[ange_d]

Looking good Ang! What did you weigh at Provincials?

I weighed 127lbs at provincials.
I am just under 5'6" (med-tall class).

I am aiming to be 125 at nationals.

[ange_d]

Nice bench, ur soon gonna have to do a powerlifting comp. I think I read somewhere she weighed 127.4 on stage at the provincials. Dont stress the spoon situation I do the same thing.

Powerlifting isn't really my thing. My squat sucks bad. Maybe I will do a local push-pull in the fall. Might be fun. I kinda wish Steve was still into powerlifting I used to like going to those meets and helping him out. Maybe one day he will lift again.

[GYMBRAT]

you look great, great work and all the best of luck to you :)

[ange_d]

Wow, do I ever suck at keeping up this journal!

I am now just over 4 weeks out...feeling good, well, feeling ok. If I was feeling good I would know I was doing something wrong, lol.

Cal's are cut back now and I am starting to feel that carb depleted anger brewing inside me. Steve and I once again sleep in seperate bedrooms, and once again I am avoiding neighbours and getting pissed off at fat people and food commercials.

My weight is dropping perfectly as per planned and the mirror is showing a leaner, sleaker me. My legs look 100% different than at provincials. I am so surprised how much bigger/better they look after a few weeks of hard leg training. I have not done any heavy squats (just a plate to burn out at the end of my workout - killer!) but do heavy leg extensions and 495lbs on the leg press.

Now I am doing an hour of cardio each day and will have no more major carb/junk up days. Last Saturday was the last one, my sons 2nd birthday party. The left over cake is in the freezer for post contest fat-up, lol.

The "magic" is starting to happen, it's ripping time!

I will post pic's 4 weeks out - this weekend.

[natenator]

go get'em ange!

[natenator]

oh and us fatties need love too. Don't hate!

[ange_d]

My "other" knee is messed up as of yesterday. I doesn't seem to be getting worse but it sucks huge! No cardio this weekend for me...I will be lying around starving myself, sucks!!!

If it blows up with swelling like last time I will for sure be out for this year...nothing I can do now but wait it out.

[steve_d]

My "other" knee is messed up as of yesterday. I doesn't seem to be getting worse but it sucks huge! No cardio this weekend for me...I will be lying around starving myself, sucks!!!

If it blows up with swelling like last time I will for sure be out for this year...nothing I can do now but wait it out.

Ange seems to be doing better today.
I have my fingers crossed.

I am trying to convince her to hold off on cardio a couple more days but we will see how things go.

[Delt King]

I hope everything works out for you Ange, it'd be a shame not to be able to showcase your physique on stage, i am positive you'll do better than you expect up there.

[ange_d]

I hope everything works out for you Ange, it'd be a shame not to be able to showcase your physique on stage, i am positive you'll do better than you expect up there.

Thanks, that means a lot to me coming from you.
I am doing much better now. Cardio again starting tonight.

PS: Stay on that treadmill, only 2 more weeks for you. You look awesome!

[ange_d]

Here are a couple of pic's from this morning. Excuse the mess in the background, lol.

I included one of Steve. For anyone who doesn't believe he practices what he preaches, so to speak, he does! He has made a fantastic on to off season transition. An inspriation for me! I am pretty sure I won't be that lean after Nationals!

So Nate... I won't be a fatty hater for long, as I will be the fatest of you all very soon!!! lol

[69challenger]

Damn, Ang! You look great! Hope your knee holds up....I also think you'll do great at Nats! Hope to see you there:)

[macka]

Take things easy on the knees. Can you do the recumbant cycle? Its not so hard on your knees when you are ready to hop on the cardio wagon again. I think you'll dial in just fine, you are progressing well and not pushing it too hard which IMO is the right way to do it.

[ange_d]

Damn, Ang! You look great! Hope your knee holds up....I also think you'll do great at Nats! Hope to see you there:)

Thanks!
I will see you there regardless...I really hope I am backstage with you (pretty sure I will as my knee seems much better) but if not I will be in the audience cheering you on.

Looking forward to meeting you.

[ange_d]

Take things easy on the knees. Can you do the recumbant cycle? Its not so hard on your knees when you are ready to hop on the cardio wagon again. I think you'll dial in just fine, you are progressing well and not pushing it too hard which IMO is the right way to do it.

Good suggestion, but I hesitate to do any new motion that my joints are not used to. The arthritis I have is so strange/unpredictable but it seems to flare up during stressful times or when I try something new.

Tonight I will use my eliptical machine on low incine very slow pace and see how it goes.

Diet is more important for me than cardio now. I will only burn about 400 cal's an hour doing the eliptical cardio as above. I'll just put in a movie and take it slow.

Your right, not pushing too hard and not getting stressed are key, especially for me.

[Dryvrgrl]

I can't believe I've missed this thread until now!.. Ang, you are smokin! it would be a shame if you don't compete.. plus, think of the photo op!! you, me, 69... (ok I just wanna stand between tall you and short 69! haha...)...
you look awesome! (plus its cheaper being a competitor than buying a ticket!! lol)

[mlm]

Angela, you look fantastic!!! 4 more wks, even if you have to lay off cardio, looks like you'll be ready for that stage!!!:a+

Michelle:)

[ange_d]

Here's a pic from this morning. Weight is dropping now! I can't hold onto water when carbs are really low.

My knee seems fine now. I am going to add a bit more cardio this week. My training is getting suckier and weaker but I take my time in the gym and make sure I get a good pump and exhaust my muscles.

I am getting really excited now!

Are we there yet????

[69challenger]

Clean up that room!!!! LOL...j/k:) Looking like you are right on track girl!!!.....we're almost there!!!

[Dryvrgrl]

Clean up that room!!!! LOL...j/k:) Looking like you are right on track girl!!!.....we're almost there!!!

That is an entirely appropriate 3 week out decorating technique which I also use!! lol

Looking amazing Ange!

[steve_d]

^ I have to admit, I should be pickup up the slack in the clothes putting away department, since half of those are mine - but I am just too lazy myself! Ah well, our boy has certainly been enjoying Daddy time a lot more lately! Ange is looking awesome is right. She'll be different than last show (for the better!). Biggest change is in her legs. Can't even believe the changes, although, if you think she basically didn't train her legs for 3 months prior to the other show - I guess it makes sense. Muscle memory is a great thing.

[macka]

Looking great Ange

[ange_d]

So almost 2.5 weeks now...and counting.

My workouts officially suck!
But the worst part is the not being able to sleep. It seems when my weight dips around the 130 or so mark sleeping more than a couple hours at a time is impossible.

Started warming up in the gym with posing. Everything seems to be happening right on schedule.

I am starting to get more "disgusted" type looks than "envious" from people in the gym, and I know this is a true sign I am doing things right. No average gym goer likes to see women in this lean of state. I don't even really like it to be honest, I just know it necessary to look good on stage.

I have a couple photo shoots arranged in the coming weeks and I am really looking forward to getting in front of the camera again.

[natenator]

go get'em girl.

I for one wouldn't be giving the disgusted look!

As long as it's not a bodybuilder woman who looks like a man I am fine!

[Delt King]

go get'em girl.

I for one wouldn't be giving the disgusted look!

As long as it's not a bodybuilder woman who looks like a man I am fine!

X2 !!!;)

[Aaron_37]

go get'em girl.

I for one wouldn't be giving the disgusted look!

As long as it's not a bodybuilder woman who looks like a man I am fine!

+3... the majority of the people in your gym don't understand what you're doing, how hard it is, or how spectacular the journey is. Stick to Steve and us... we have your best interest (crushing this show!) in mind! :) ;)

[macka]

ange, you hit the nail on the head. They are jealous you look great all year around and they can't get their shit together to even get close to your level.

[ange_d]

More pic's from this morning...2 weeks out! Weight still holding around the 130 mark.

Feeling good, still looking to get a little leaner in the next couple of weeks. I can see the difference in my legs from the injury but nothing I can do about that now. Lot's of posing practice in the next week.

[z83]

:sexy

[Brennylee]

Looking amazing Ange! :)

[koi]

You are beautifull! I agree that those looks must be ''envy''... definitely NOT ''disgusted''!

[St]

You look great how did you do...

[steve_d]

she's competing in figure, which is two weeks away!

[ange_d]

So the plan for this week has changed many times, lol.

I can coast in from now and not change anything too drastically or I can have a nutty last week and a half, do lot's of cardio and get leaner. The negative to doing all the cardio and getting leaner is that it will be hard work and may not make any significant difference in my overall look onstage.

If I get leaner it doesn't mean I get leaner in all the "right places". The right places being my legs (of course). I could do all the work and get leaner everywhere except my legs.

My decision is to go nuts as it can do no harm (except for the fact that it could potentially lead to an over use type of injury but that could happen regardless) and hope that the fat I lose comes from my legs.

Time will tell!

Thanks for all the support it means a lot.

[natenator]

haul ass Ange! Leave no stone unturned :)

[ange_d]

Less than 1.5 weeks now...

Steve came to the gym with me this morning to see how I "looked".
He told me I would likely be able to take it easy next week and that I could easily compete tomorrow at the best I have ever looked, woohoo! Steve doesn't candy coat things he tells me like it is. He has always predicted my placings in all my shows with 100% accuracy. So, next week will all be perfecting my stage look and presence and trying to find a way to not be so nervous on stage. I always think it won't be an issue but I always freak out in the moment I step on stage. If anyone has any suggestions let me know.

It hasn't come easy, these huge amounts of cardio drain me and I can't sleep well so I am pretty much a walking time bomb. Poor Steve. He says this is the moodiest and hardest contest prep he has ever seen me do. I guess it's paying off though, or at least I hope it is.

There will be a lot of emotion in the coming week as my dream unfolds...

[natenator]

good stuff Ange! Just keep on keeping on.

People who say this sport isn't emotional have no clue just how emotional it is. If you've never gone through a prep you don't realize what that journey means.

[69challenger]

[QUOTE=ange_d;394674]Less than 1.5 weeks now...



It hasn't come easy, these huge amounts of cardio drain me and I can't sleep well so I am pretty much a walking time bomb. He says this is the moodiest and hardest contest prep he has ever seen me do. I guess it's paying off though, or at least I hope it is.

[QUOTE]

Hahaha! My husband says the same:) This is the absolute hardest I've worked and I really just can't wait for show day! As far as feeling nervous, I still do as well, but when I step on stage, I just remind myself that I worked for this, I've brought the best that I can and now I've got to SHOW IT OFF!!

Hang in there Ang! See you soon:)

[steve_d]

Less than 1.5 weeks now...

Steve came to the gym with me this morning to see how I "looked".


Much improved even from just a couple months ago. I see her everyday so its hard to guage the changes. But I wasn't able to see her in the gym since a week before the last shows, so I sort of had a "memory" burnt into my mind of what she looked like back then. She is definitely looking like a superhero now. I find that is the look a figure girl should go for. Large delts, tiny waist, legs with some amount of definition, not too crazy ripped (bodybuilder). Although, she definitely made me look fat in the gym that day!

This last week shouldn't be too difficult, adrenaline will kick in for sure by Monday and then it'll only be a few days until we're back on the train!

[steve_d]

Much improved even from just a couple months ago. I see her everyday so its hard to guage the changes. But I wasn't able to see her in the gym since a week before the last shows, so I sort of had a "memory" burnt into my mind of what she looked like back then. She is definitely looking like a superhero now. I find that is the look a figure girl should go for. Large delts, tiny waist, legs with some amount of definition, not too crazy ripped (bodybuilder). Although, she definitely made me look fat in the gym that day!

This last week shouldn't be too difficult, adrenaline will kick in for sure by Monday and then it'll only be a few days until we're back on the train!

.

[ange_d]

Much improved even from just a couple months ago. I see her everyday so its hard to guage the changes. But I wasn't able to see her in the gym since a week before the last shows, so I sort of had a "memory" burnt into my mind of what she looked like back then. She is definitely looking like a superhero now. I find that is the look a figure girl should go for. Large delts, tiny waist, legs with some amount of definition, not too crazy ripped (bodybuilder). Although, she definitely made me look fat in the gym that day!

This last week shouldn't be too difficult, adrenaline will kick in for sure by Monday and then it'll only be a few days until we're back on the train!

Back on the train again! lol
Carbing up on a train, hopefully no cramping on a train!

Thanks for the superhero comment, I love that you think I look like a superhero...and thanks for all the support, it's been a tough week around this house. Soon back to normal, whatever that means.

[Dryvrgrl]

ange.. are you staying at the host hotel? I am there on friday and checking in around 3... if you get to athlete meeting early can we all get together for come pics? I know contest day is crazy.. especially with us all in different classes!...

Keep pushing Babe! just a few more days!

[ange_d]

ange.. are you staying at the host hotel? I am there on friday and checking in around 3... if you get to athlete meeting early can we all get together for come pics? I know contest day is crazy.. especially with us all in different classes!...

Keep pushing Babe! just a few more days!


Yep, we are staying host hotel.
Right before the athlete meeting works good for me!
Of course Steve will be with me and his brother Greg will be with us too.

[ange_d]

So here we are only a few more sleeps away from the big day I have been dreaming of since 2004. Hard to believe it will all soon be over and done. I am really struggling now. In the gym this morning I had a hard time walking let alone lifting!

I have never had so many food cravings in my life including during pregnancy. I am hoping it's a sign that I am leaner than I have ever been. Now I might understand how Steve feels for the last 6 weeks of his prep!

The scale is showing my weight at 128 fairly consistantly in the am these days. I am however eating large amounts of salt and salad veggies. I am assuming when I totally carb deplete in the next couple days I will weigh closer to 125 am weight.

We are trying a different type of carb up this time. All previous carb ups for me have included dry carbs only and mostly after cutting salt and water. This time I will start my carb up Thursday with wet carbs, water and salt. Then cut salt, then cut water, then come the dry carbs. Steve will of course be the boss here and decide if this needs altering by the way I look.

Steve mentioned taking pic's during the process and if he does I will post some as we go.

[69challenger]

^^^What are wet carbs?

[natenator]

^^^what are wet carbs?
chocolate milk :d

[ange_d]

^^^What are wet carbs?

Wet carbs = any carb up food with water in it = oatmeal, rice, potato, sweet potato, banana, apple, etc...

The idea behind this is to keep eating water filled food even after cutting water (sort of a way to gradually decrease water), then switch to dry, low fat, carbs like rice cakes, jam, candy, etc...to ensure all the water is out at the end.

I think I am going to keep it simple with my "wet carbs" rice and oatmeal, maybe a little fruit here and there.

I am still a little confused as to what figure girls really do (like the pro's) and how much dehydration and carb up is necessary in this sport. So, we are going to try this. I think all methods work as long as your lean enough.

[ange_d]

chocolate milk :d

Bahahahahaha...I wish!

[maxpower]

Good luck this weekend Ange! you look great!

Rick

[ange_d]

Good luck this weekend Ange! you look great!

Rick

Thanks Rick!
I think I am leaner than at provincials, but I can never really tell until I see stage pictures.
I love this last week...I complain about all the water and carb depletion but this is when all the "magic", as Steve would say, happens.
As you well know it is so fun to watch your body change by the hour.

[ange_d]

Here are pic's from just now...6 L's of water and a mountain of salt in me.
I weighed 127.2 this morning, was kinda surpised I was that light. I just have to be careful not to overdo anything. Very happy with what I see.
You can see my suitcases are out...counting down now! I still have a little work to do on that 1 piece suit, needs to be a bit higher on the chest I think...I'll be sewing tonight (yuck).

[ange_d]

I just started my carb up...I am so excited now I could have just continued to carb deplete but I am pretty sure I need this carb up. I weighed 127.2 again this morning - drank 2 L's of water throughout the night, but was still so glad to see the scale stay the same. Steve guesses I will be about 2 lbs heavier tomorrow am.

Safe travels for all competing and we will see you soon!!!!

[steve_d]

It's Sat morning 4:30 and I weigh 126.4 (1lb less than provincials). Did not sleep well at all...final tan and makeup at 5:00. Then its show time!

Thanks to everyone for their support!

This is Ange's post - used Steve's handle, again!

[St]

It's Sat morning 4:30 and I weigh 126.4 (1lb less than provincials). Did not sleep well at all...final tan and makeup at 5:00. Then its show time!

Thanks to everyone for their support!

This is Ange's post - used Steve's handle, again!

Thanks for the update steve,i wish here well at the show.

[steve_d]

Just got back from round 1 of post show pig out. I think I am just as hungry as Ange was. Such a long prejudging, and we weren't able to go back to the hotel between pre-judging since Ange basically was last to go on stage.

Ange is pleased with the weekend. She didn't place where I would have expected based on the way she looked, many were surprised at her not being in the first callout. But she seemed to be a clear winner in the 2nd callout. So if we had to guess, it would be a 7th place finish. Ange looked the best she ever has, perfect tan, perfect makeup, perfect stage presense. The whole bit! Now time to relax, enjoy some off-season, and decide what is the best move for her for the future!

[Adonis13]

Congrats to both of you on a great year. i hope you both continue this journey. cant wait to see pics.

[steve_d]

Couple pic's of her:

[steve_d]

here's a couple I took of her at night. The winner of the class was #177 in purple standing next to Ange.

[MuSuLPhReAk]

Simply put, you look fabulous. We all watched you prep for this for a good part of this year. You did great. Unfortunately figure is one of the hardest classes where you know at exactly what condition the judges want you in. You are still a winner and an inspiration to the CBB viewers. Thanks for this log.

[ange_d]

So here I am back on a train on my home. Couldn't be happier with my physique and performance this weekend. I would of course loved to be in the top 5...next time! I had a blast and of course learned a few things. I got over my "stage fright" and actually enjoyed every moment onstage (except the moment I knew I did not make that crucial top call out, just joking, lol). I also learned that jantana spray tan is the bomb. Special thanks to Pamela Bortmes and her Absolute Touch team for making tanning, makeup, and all the final touches so easy. Her teams professionalism and support made the weekend seamless and fun for many ladies in the show.

Glad it's all over. The goal now provincials in TO next year.


PS...Musclephreak you can officially demote my national level status now, lol.

Congrats to all...that's it for this journal but you haven't seen the last of me!

[St]

You looked amazing,did you talk with the judges to see what you need to do top place tops 5.

[ange_d]

You looked amazing,did you talk with the judges to see what you need to do top place tops 5.

I did not have the opportunity to do this...it was a very long day for us. We never left the venue the show ran so long into the afternoon and after the show I just wanted to go have dinner with my wonderful hubby and relax.

I did however speak to Ontario judges and other veteran competitors and I know what I can improve for future. I don't know that these improvements would get me into the top 5 nationally but this sport is about self improvement - so more hard leg training in my near future!

[Brennylee]

Sorry I didn't get a chance to speak with you... I've been sick & miserable all weekend.

You looked amazing. Your physique was my fav. :) I don't know about you having to change anything... just keep going to Canadians and due your time! This was your first Nationals and your class had women in the top 5 whom have been at every single Nationals for 4-5 Years.

Get your butt to the North Americans...somehow with your Ontario qualification. Jane Awad, placed like 12th at her first CBBF Nationals, went to NA's won pro card.

:)

[ange_d]

Sorry I didn't get a chance to speak with you... I've been sick & miserable all weekend.

You looked amazing. Your physique was my fav. :) I don't know about you having to change anything... just keep going to Canadians and due your time! This was your first Nationals and your class had women in the top 5 whom have been at every single Nationals for 4-5 Years.

Get your butt to the North Americans...somehow with your Ontario qualification. Jane Awad, placed like 12th at her first CBBF Nationals, went to NA's won pro card.

:)

Thanks Brenny, sorry we did not get to catch up and sorry you weren't feeling well. I am not qualified for NA's but it's an option for future years if things go well. For next year my focus will be on the Ontario provincials. It's going to be a fun show with the Pro show the same weekend.