Training opportunities opening up

[sabrinamari]

Over the last year, I've written occasionally about John, a trainer at my gym, who once held a spot on the U.S. powerlifting team. He showed up a year or so ago, and I did not notice him because he's quiet, calm and doesn't have showy presence. I met him while doing three sets of barbell squats, and he gave me some good advice on cleaning up my form.

I've been wanting to work with him him since that time, because I'm *sure* he could help me increase my strength, get a lot more definition and move me back into right relationship with my body. He would be a great coach for me: he's old school, smart, incredibly experienced and he has taken excellent care of his body over the last five and a half decades. All in all, a good role model with excellent teaching instincts. Just what I'd like in a coach.

But working with him would be a serious investment that I can't make until Michael's business gets off the ground, so I've been biding my time until I could afford this guy. And I have to say I've been a major slacker in the gym in the interim. I am not proud of this.

I know exactly what to do. I know how to eat, how to sleep, and how to set up a plan that would get me pretty damn far along the way on my own. And dammit, I have not done it.

The biggest reason is that I haven't had access to all of my inner reserves of energy and attention. Since last fall, I've basically been working on opening up to new possibilities in my heart and in my life, and because I'm so damn cautious I've been on emergency alert since then. Seriously, I think I've been operating as if the sky could fall in any minute since the end of last August.

I think it's time for me to integrate the changes I've made, relax into them, accept and enjoy the new additions to my heart and my life, and take back all that energy that's been focused on trying to keep me safe. The truth is, I'm pretty damn safe. Now I want to use my reserves for something else, something less defensive and much more proactive. I would love to strengthen my body, improve my mind-body connection, and really enjoy myself in the way I did in my twenties, when I was strong, cut and buff.

So, anyway, I've been talking to John on and off, and he has been very encouraging. He's always quick to complement me on my form, tell me I'm looking good and praise me for working hard. I love that praise, but I don't feel like I deserve it, because I've failed in one very important area: I have not been consistent. And in physical training----really, in anything---you can fumble plenty and still make progress, as long as you're consistent. And I have NOT been consistent at all. When John praises me, all I hear is my own quiet inner voice saying,"Yeah, you came in maybe twice last week? Who the hell is he talking about? 'Cause it sure isn't you."

Today I ran into him after doing a little work on the Arc Trainer. We talked for a long time. Really, I listened. Then, to my surprise, he started telling me that he could see I was strong, and he's been watching and could tell that I've got some good experience. Then he pointed out that he works on Sundays doing re-evaluations, and they come with the membership every eight weeks. He told me about several of his other clients and the progress they've been making (meanwhile, I am feeling deeply appalled at my own slackerdom). He suggested that I schedule my next re-evaluation with him in order to pick up a few pointers and move in the right direction.

I've made it sound a bit like he was marketing to me heavily, but really, that wasn't the case. I'm convinced he's just looking to train someone who is really dedicated to making serious progress.

Anyway, we walked over and scheduled an evaluation in a month. It's four weeks before I have a free weekend in which to do this. This means I have four weeks to work both consistently and with dedication, so that when we do the evaluation, I feel worthy of it, and ready to benefit from whatever coaching he can offer.

I really don't want to screw this up. Most people don't understand the incredible value of a coach. I do---I really do. I understand the tremendous leaps in progress that come with another focused, experienced mind dedicated to helping you move forward towards your dearest goals. I really want to take advantage of this opportunity.

So that means the following:

I need to get to sleep by around 10:30, no matter what's happening, unless it's Friday or Saturday. After 40, training success hinges largely on getting adequate sleep, and I need to prioritize sleep if I am going to meet my dearest desires in this area. I need Michael on board for this, as well as all the people around me who care for me. It is way too easy to be derailed by friends!

I need to get up and go to the gym immediately 4-5 times a week. This will not work unless I am consistent.

I need to eat clean: lots of clean protein (white meat chicken, fish, tofu, light on the dairy), plenty of vegetables and easy on the carbs, which should be whole-grain.

I need to drink water---a small thing for most, but huge for me.

I need to refrain from refined sugar whenever possible and not eat late at night.

I need to focus on my training and my health, and not on worries that steal my effectiveness.

i need my friends and dear ones to help me stay on board with this.

I'll talk to Michael about it when he gets home. Hopefully, I can put this together and stick to it.

Comments

[the-smith-e.livejournal.com]

Best of luck!

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

: )

[angiedub.livejournal.com]

Sounds as if YOU have a lot going on too, lady. It IS hard to 'let go' in the new things and let them be so that they're enjoyable and not a chore. The old thought habits want to take over.
Sounds like you have a plan, though. Blessings!

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Angie. You rock.

[pagandelight.livejournal.com]

Excellent! Cheering you on, and let me know if you need anything else! Happy to send accountability emails ;-)

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Grinning...

[mage-imbroglio.livejournal.com]

Consider me on board. This will actually be a challenge, mostly letting you go to sleep by 10:30. You're just so cute curled up next to me, can you blame me for keeping you up?

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Thank you, love. You are so good to me.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Hey love, you wanna sign up for this? NJWAN is important to me, and it fits with our training:

http://www.njwan.dojiggy.com/

[mage-imbroglio.livejournal.com]

Yes, it can be your pre-zombie challenge with the same name!

[arielmn.livejournal.com]

Thank you for this. I know it is your work, but seeing a possible path for me, makes my road a bit easier. Michael, if you could post a bit about your training also...I would find that very helpful.

Love to both of you

[mage-imbroglio.livejournal.com]

I will post my training program on my LJ since a few people have asked me at this point. I'll get it up there in the next day or 3.

[arielmn.livejournal.com]

Sincere thanks, Michael!!