Finally a weigh in under 165 and at age 59, down to my 24 year old weight. While many competitors are coached and are part of a team, I do it all on my own. My programming, my nutritional plan, my meal prep, my posing prep. All in all an awesome learning experience.

“Don’t give up on your dreams or your dreams will give up on you.”

~ John Wooden

I’m trying to improve my emotional intelligence. Learning who I am and trying to figure out how people work. I did a body transformation so why not an emotional transformation? Shouldn’t our heart, body and mind speak the same language? Are you able to listen in multiple emotional languages?

I’m still too fat around the middle and will have to decide within ten days whether to compete or not, it’s going to be close. If I can’t compete, I will continue my prep until I’m at 155 and then hang out at 155 until it becomes my new fat set point. Strange how confidence fluctuates when you’re in a caloric deficit and you’re bouncing between being Superman or being mortal!

“It’s not who I am underneath but what I do that defines me.”

~ Bruce Wayne

Today is a rest day but I should call it an “active recovery day.” A day to recover both physically and mentally.

Something to ponder: Partnerships, whether they are personal or business imply a 50-50 relationship. Are you fully engaged or maybe only giving 80%? Think about it, if you are only giving 80% of yourself to a relationship that should be 50-50 then in essence it’s really a 70-30 partnership. Take away point: Give your all in everything you do!

“Most people, when they reach a certain age, let down and talk about what they used to do. Well, who gives a damn about what you used to do? It’s what you’re doing now.”

~ Jack LaLanne

If I could only do a single exercise, it would be deadlifts. Deadlifts work more muscle groups than any other movement as the deadlift is a full body movement. Deadlifts keep me young and there is a synergy between physical strength and mental strength where they feed off of each other.

“I don’t believe in using steroids. If a man does not have enough testosterone to create a nice hard muscular body, he should take up ping pong.”

~ Steve Reeves

Good night’s sleep, great early morning workout! Thought for the day: When we build walls in our life, are they to keep others out or to keep us in?

“Somethings you learn over time, but sometimes you have to be kicked in the face.”

~ Al Hidalgo

Today was a rest day, nice dinner at Pelicans and a single Pinot Noir! In the midst of any struggle, find time to take a breath and remember what’s important and what’s not.

“Sometimes you learn over time, sometimes you have to be kicked in the face.”

~ Al Hidalgo

The scale moved downward at last! Need to get to around 158 – 155 by July 14th. Lost a step sister to cancer a couple of days ago and have lost many to cancer the past 20 years. I can’t help but wonder how many would have lived a longer life had they exercised and followed proper nutrition???

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Still no movement on the scale but I have to trust my programming and stay consistent. Pounded chest and triceps today and added 20 minutes of cardio. Feeling strong and looking jacked even though my daily calories are less than 1700! 💪🏼🏋🏻

“Being weak is a choice, so is being strong.” ~ Frank Zane