81A bit of an update

I've been struggling with the internal issue of taking advantage of the rebound and wanting to stay lean (or leaner anyway). I have times when I think "I may do another show again and should push the rebound." I know this is a valuable time to do so as we don't make progress like this for the rest of the year.

At other times I think "I just want to be lean and healthy...I want clothes to fit, and to feel not bloated".

Last year I pushed everything and it was awful. I couldn't fit into my clothes, I felt like I was boarder line CHF with my inability to breath or perform daily tasks such as tying shoes, climbing stairs, etc. I also felt like I was extremely hard on my heart. My blood pressure was unreal. I had a slight case of depression, and it didn't help when I went into my sales accounts only to have them asked me if I needed another donut because I was spilling over my pants and the collar of my shirts.

I gained 9lbs over this past weekend. I had two cheat meals over the weekend with lots of salt and very high carb amounts. Monday I was struggling to breath all day. I also stayed dry this past week which is unusual for me. I knew my water rebound was going to happen soon. I cut my carbs to around 100g around training sessions and almost cut add sodium out of my meals. I did loose 5 of the pounds but I'm still a little bloated.

Training is going great. I've been killing it since the Monday after the show. I'm training one body part a day with a little more volume then I normally do. I'm getting insane pumps and it feels good to push myself a little. My body is still a little tired that's why I'm not doing my normal HIT training and will not start that till after my week off. I will be taking about a week off the second week in June. I'll be going back to Maine to see the family and will rest, regroup, and start training again when I get back.

I'm also doing 5 days of 30 min of cardio to stay a leaner and keep the appetite up. I'm letting hunger guide me right now for my meals and I'm eating 40-50g of protein per meal. My first two meals are with Pre and Post workout as I'm training at 6am now. I have carbs in both meals and then the rest of the day it's meats and 10-15g of added fats and greens. I do have cheat meals when I crave something, but for the most part I'm trying to stay in shape and don't want to add a lot of fat.

I'm currently sitting at 215lbs and I have shadows of veins still in my legs. After a salt meal or cheat meal I have crazy veins in my legs. Abs are not nearly as Sharp, but still there. I feel ok. Once I get a little normalized I'll be happy.
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Tim Rice
Tim Rice writes...
05/28/08
I think you just need to do the Junior Nationals with me man that will keep you tight LOL glad all is well Joe!
Joe Lyons
Joe Lyons writes...
05/29/08
Hey Tim good to see you on the board!!! Me do Jr. Nats...ha! I've got too much on my plate at the moment, but I wish you all the luck in the world bud. I know you're going to do very well!
Morecowbell
Morecowbell writes...
05/29/08
Interesting thoughts Joe. I'm sure MANY athletes in your shoes and in other sports go through this thought process all the time. Good read and hang in there.
Debra
Debra writes...
05/29/08
Wow Joe, this is an awesome post! I think you speak for a lot of athletes. The week off will do you good. It will be great to just relax and hang out with family, clear your head and return home rejuvenated (and ready to crush it). Keep it up Joe. Your time is coming :)
CindyMartinez
CindyMartinez writes...
05/29/08
Great Post Joe,
Yep we all go through this!!!
Sounds like you are being sensitive to your "post show blues" This will keep you from getting off track!!

BTW You look incredible in the picture above!!!
Looking forward to seeing you on stage again soon!

DannyStevens
DannyStevens writes...
05/30/08
Good read Joe. The most important thing is that you gave it your 100% all and came in looking absolutely awesome! You had a great placing amongst a top notch field. Keep your head up and keep tracking forward. A week off does wonders for us. I'll be taking one myself after my show.

Can't wait to see you on stage again bro!!! You're an inspiration to everyone!!!
Jendoe
Jendoe writes...
05/30/08
Glad to see you're taking a little break. Those post show blues are not fun, but im glad you are speaking about what we all go through. Have a good rest!
Joe Lyons
Joe Lyons writes...
05/30/08
Thanks everyone. This place has the most supportive group I've been around.

I wish you all the best of luck in your up coming shows. I'll be watching and rooting for you all! :)
Guinto101
Guinto101 writes...
05/31/08
look great in that picture bro, 9lbs doesnt sound that bad, buddy ben asman gained 20lbs lol, hope all is good with you bro.
Joe Lyons
Joe Lyons writes...
05/31/08
Since I was on stage I'm up 22lbs...I was up 30lbs! LOL

Last year, what I wrote about I gained 40lbs in less then a week. It was all water and carbs and complete misery!
Jeff Mccray
Jeff Mccray writes...
06/04/08
Good post, Joe! This is very useful information for me as well, considering I did another show the week after Jr. USAs.