Cassie's Figure Competition Journal

A place to hang with other members, introduce yourself and discuss practically anything.

Moderators: Boss Man, cassiegose

Post Reply
User avatar
Boss Man
SITE ADMIN
Posts: 15458
Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 3:27 pm

Post by Boss Man »

Drug tests often draw up false Negatives. A Diuretic and roughly a 10-14, possibly as little as 7 days abstinence from gear, should be enough to remove all traces from the system.

There was even talk of random testing in BB some time back. People required to give samples at any time, like a month after comps, or two moths prior etc etc, and Flex Wheeler actually said in an interview, he would endorse such actions, then apologised to a load of readers for admitting it.

I'm not getting into the whole, I think 12 people juicing is at least a level playing field, not a fake show thing again, as I've done that on other discussions here before, and it's Cassies journal, not another Steroids schmeroids disucssion.

At least that Coach had the wherewithall, to say you could make it to the top without drugs, though I would have disagreed if he hadn't.

I read this, and think back to what some Pro said to Cassie, when she went to watch a show, making her think she'd need something, to get that top level look, when progressing higher up the ranks, and it makes me think you know what, I hope Cassie proves that guy wrong. I hope she one day gets pro, without anything, not even anything you could call a Hormone, Steroid, Pro-hormone, or Endocrine manipulating substance, like IGF-1, T3, GH etc etc.

However, what ever happened, I wouldn't feel anything but immense pride for her, and in any situation like hers, I'd say to someone I really believed in like Cassie, I don't think you'll ever need anything "risky", to achieve a top level look, but I cannot stop that person from exploring such avenues and trying them, but it's the same for supplements too, even a Protein powder. You do your darn homework, don't trust any sites that looekd highly educational, but have offers, purchasing links, promotional codes etc etc, that might have a vested interest in not disclosing some downsides, for moneys sake, or that of the sites they link to or endorse, but use sites endorsed by unbiased bodybuilders, scientists and reasearch groups, or sites like B-net, Pub Med etc etc, that are not in a manufacturers pocket so to speak.

I don't disagree with use in BB and figure, as I've already said, but won't elaborate on the 12 juicers, is still an even playing field stance, but I DON'T and never will endorse it. I only don't agree with female bodybuilders having possibly 190lb, 17" Arm sized bodies, because by then, it's not just small doses of weak stuff, it's got to be hardcore stuff, that WILL force the body to change irreperably, and whilst I can respect they train darn hard, it's not the use by them that's the issue for me per se, it's the HEAVY use, and potentially life threatening long-term effects.

Cassie knows that I think she can go a long way, and NEVER have to take anything she wouldn't want to. I know she has no intentions to take anything, and as I said, to make it pro, and prove that Pro guy wrong, would be just a cherry on top moment in eyes.

Do I honestly believe Cassie can be a pro without anabolics, or endocrine manipulaters. YES!!!!!!!!!!! That's not a biased response. That's a straight from the gut response, as I have never told anyone who is looking to acheive a physical goal, something I don't think they are capable of. Nor do I believe outrageous things in people, only things I know are acheivable for them, not things only a gentically gifted one in a billion could do, so if someone doesn't live up to belief in them, it's almost certainly their approach at some point, that didn't make it possible.

If I told Cassie she's good enough to be pro in 3-4 years, and never lose to anyone along the way, I would expect her to make me eat a verbal turd pie.

I deal in honest straight talk, not B.S. or "what they want to hear" type answers, (unless a WTWTH answer, is the same as a straight talk response on some occasions), because giving false hope to people is wrong, and I never intentionally do it.

I am supremely confident, the truth about Cassies true ability and potential, will become clear, maybe as early as this year, but make no mistake, she doesn't need anything "risky" to be a pro, she just needs to focus on herself, keep investing the time to refine, develop and learn more about her physique, and keep investing time in practicing moves, and if she cointinues to do that, as incredibly well in the coming few years, as she has done thus far, then only some partially myopic judges, could deprive her of competing at a top level at some point.

In belief she has what it takes, and her champions style approach to this since day one, fully supports belief 10,000% :).
cassiegose
VETERAN
Posts: 2525
Joined: Fri May 09, 2008 6:06 pm
Location: Prineville Oregon

Re: Cassie's Figure Competition Journal

Post by cassiegose »

Less than 6 weeks now. Yikes!.. I mean YAY! :)

Awe... Thank you bossman for believing in me and abilities. I will try very hardest to prove you RIGHT on your belief that I could turn pro someday. When I first set out to train for this competition, I was thinking in the back of mind that it would be pretty cool to someday go pro. However, at that time i really had no idea of the time comittment, stress, pain, cost, and mental and physical strain that comes with training for a competition like this. I have never once doubted desire or ability to do this show, however after training for the past 16 weeks and looking forward to another 6 weeks of training, I now fully understand the sacrifices and dedication that it would take to achieve such an awesome accomplishment. In addition to that, when i first set out, I really had no idea of the whole drug scene that plagues the world of bodybuilding. I had no idea that most people who make it pro in this instrusty ARE on some form of steroids and have made it where they are today largly because of the 'supplements'. Don't get me wrong, steroids aren't some kind of majic pill that can transform a body instantly... Even those taking steriods have to work hard, put in the time, and endure the pain and sacrifices that come with the industry.. however it is the roids that give them that extra boost to the next level. I know that I am capable of enduring the mental and physical strain that can come with being involvded in this industry. I have the will power. I have the determination. I have the work ethic. And, having a dad who is a powerlifter, I believe I have some genetics that will help me out a bit as well. plan is to see how far I can go using just what God has given me. I have a pretty strong sense of what is right and what is wrong for ME, and I don't think that steroids are something that would benefit life in any way. If I get to the point where I need to choose whether or not to juice up in order to get to the next level, I believe I will choose the path less taken in this industry and go natural and just be ok with the results that I get. If I can't make it pro then thats ok. Atleast I would be able to look at myself in the mirror and know that i did the best that i could do.

With that said, HOLY COW TIME IS FLYING and I have less than 6 weeks to go now!

This weekend was BUSY and I spent 2 very long days putting the finishing touches on house so I can move in. Unfortionately, even though I did best to plan meals diet still wasn't quite on. I'm pretty sure I got enough protein over the past 2 days, however I didn't bring omega 3 pills with me so wasn't able to get any fats in. In addition, I did sneak a couple of Wheat Thin crackers over the course of the last couple of days. Not alot by any means.. but a couple. I believe calories for Saturday and Sunday were around 1300 per day... maybe even a little less. Another mistake that I made was not taking food journal to track diet. In addition, I had planned on getting in 2 workouts on Saturday, then taking yesterday off to recover. I got in one workout Saturday, then worked around the house until 11pm and honestly couldn't find 30 minutes to slip out to get in second workout. Yesterday i decided to make up for Saturday by sneaking off for 30 minutes to do sprints up some neaby stairs. This morning I woke up and felt like I had been hit by a truck. 2 days of not enough calories, pretty intense labor, and not enough rest have taken their toll! As a result, today I'm upping carbs a bit (i'll simply eat an additional bowl of oatmeal), drinking LOTS of water, getting in two solid workouts, and going to bed early. I also switched up workout this morning as I was getting pretty bored with the same ole routine. Gotta keep the body guessing!

Last week was a hard one for me and I was an emotional mess with all of the stress in life. Today I'm feeling much better. I feel like body has really changed with all of the painting and work that i've been doing to prepare for the move. Maybe this whole house remodel was just what I needed to keep body off the plateau!! I'm looking forward to this weekend SO MUCH as I will be meeting with new trainer and she will tell me if its realistic to do the October 3rd show. If I can't be ready by then, I've already picked another show November 7th. That will give me another 4 weeks to prepare. I will be ready for that without a doubt. I think I will plan to do the November 7th show no matter what as it seems like a good show.

That is all I know today. I hope everybody had an AWESOME WEEKEND! As always, if anybody has any questions or concerns or just needs a pick me up feel free to send me a pm. :)

Cassie
User avatar
Boss Man
SITE ADMIN
Posts: 15458
Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 3:27 pm

Re: Cassie's Figure Competition Journal

Post by Boss Man »

I admire your stance on things and I really would be ecstatic to see you make pro one day because of it.

I fervently believe it IS possible to get a pro rank without gear.

I don't want you to do this to prove me right though, I want you to do it, to prove YOU right about everything, and prove you have the mental, emotional and physical qualities to do this.

I don't doubt you have, but barring poor judges or politics, as long as you can look back knowing you gave your all, and did your best, you can be very proud, whatever level you reach.

Even if the unthinkable happened and you got stone cold last 2 times and quit, I would still be very proud of you, because right now you're a winner and always will be.

So just keep pushing, taking each day as it comes and just be strong, chin up and no worries yeah :).

This is a great chance to show how far you've come in the past few years. It will be your individual moment and I know a great springboard to greater things.

GOOD LUCK :).
cassiegose
VETERAN
Posts: 2525
Joined: Fri May 09, 2008 6:06 pm
Location: Prineville Oregon

39 days to go!

Post by cassiegose »

Awe thanks Brent. I like that quote. :)

Yesterday was a good day. It was a "carb up" day so I ended eating 4 bowls of oatmeal eggwhites (each bowl containes 1/2 cup oats, 1 cup eggwhites, cinnamon). I believe total carbs for the day were around 130... I probably could have gone for even a few more carbs but didn't want to eat any in the evening so switching to protein and veggies for evening meal. Oatmeal is pretty much favorite thing in the whole world right now and is what is keeping this diet managable. Plus, when you add in 1 cup of eggwhites and plenty of water and then cook it for a long time it really cooks up into a nice big batch of food with only 250 calories. I do love oatmeal.

Yesterdays workouts went well. Hit the gym twice and got in an awesome weight workout. This morning I had another great workout... all those carbs yesterday gave me lots of energy! biggest issue right now is trying to find enough time to sleep. I believe i've been averaging around 6 or 7 hours for the last week and a half. When I do actually get to bed early enough it seems like i try so hard to fall asleeep and the harder i try the more awake I become. Grrr!

Thats all for now. Hope everybody is well and having a great day so far! :)
User avatar
fitoverforty
VETERAN
Posts: 3543
Joined: Fri Apr 17, 2009 12:47 pm

Re: Cassie's Figure Competition Journal

Post by fitoverforty »

Well now Brent has started something with his Rocky quote :D ......

You are sounding stronger and more confident everyday Cassie

You're gonna eat lightening and crap thunder!!!!! - Mickey (Rocky 1976)

You go girl! Keep that "eye of the tiger"!!! You're gonna blow everybody away! :D
cassiegose
VETERAN
Posts: 2525
Joined: Fri May 09, 2008 6:06 pm
Location: Prineville Oregon

37 days to go...

Post by cassiegose »

Only 37 days now... 5 weeks and 2 days. Yikes.

weight seems to be stalling now and motivation is wavering. Only 5 weeks to go... I've been dieting HARD since March 30th and I'm pretty much tired of this damn diet. However I know that i've come SO FAR I just need to stay focused and get tired butt through this next 5 weeks. Its been extremely hard lately with remodeling house and now unpacking. I'm so exhausted by the time I hit the gym that its all I can do to get through workout. knee has been giving me hell so I haven't been running and I know I really need to go harder on HIIT training. I've been doing HIIT on the stairstepper.. which is a great workout but not quite the same as sprints. I guess I'll just buck it up and add sprints back in and see how knee responds.

Now for weight stalling... I really have no idea what is going on with body but i've been having stomachaches lately and feel like i'm retaining ALOT of water. I weighed in the other day and was down 2 pounds then weighed in this morning and was up two pounds. I know its water weight so i'm not too concerned about it, however it sure would be nice to see the scale continue to go down as I'm kind of at "crunch time" and really need to lose another 10 lbs or so in the next 5 weeks. I guess I'll just keep drinking lots of water and hope everything works itself out in the next couple of days.

I'm meeting with trainer this weekend and am really looking forward to getting her advice on what I should be doing with diet in this last 5 weeks. I know that i'm supposed to change up diet for this last stretch, however I keep getting different advice on what i need to do so it will be nice to be pointed in the right direction.

I'm planning on posting new progress pics this weekend... its been FOREVER since done pics (haven't had access to home computer for almost 2 months) so it will be nice to see how body has changed since I last took them.

Hope everybody is having a great week!

Cassie
User avatar
Boss Man
SITE ADMIN
Posts: 15458
Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 3:27 pm

Re: Cassie's Figure Competition Journal

Post by Boss Man »

It's all a learning experience. You will have plenty of other opportunities to compete, besides this one, so you mustn't worry too much about what is happening. Sometimes the best don't start off out of the blocks the best, they become the people they are with time, patience and increased understanding.

Some Champions almost explode onto any scene, but some don't, they slowly gain a reputation and a steady level of increased performance and achievement.

However you do in this comp, it WON'T affect your ability to be someone with a champions potential and the ability to be someone, who inspires others, and has the strength to go on and be what you're capable of being.

You don't need to be stressing out about anything. You're getting so close now to the end, so it's a matter of staying calm being focused, and just living each day, like it's a great opportunity to make a little more happen, and become a little more like the person you WILL be on that day.

So you keep pushing, and no worries okay :).
cassiegose
VETERAN
Posts: 2525
Joined: Fri May 09, 2008 6:06 pm
Location: Prineville Oregon

Re: Cassie's Figure Competition Journal

Post by cassiegose »

ITS FRIDAY!!!

Oh how I do love me some fridays!

36 days!!

I weighed in this morning and I'm 3 lbs down from yesterday!!! No wonder I felt so bloated yesterday! Today is a great day so far. I'm totally hopped on caffeine right now and pretty much feel like superwoman. workout this morning was awesome, had a ton of energy (thanks to the caffein and a few carbs last night) and did a killer chest/tricep workout followed by HIIT on the stairstepper.

I'm pretty much TOTALLY bored with diet right now so am planning on spending some time in the kitchen this weekend coming up with some recipes to get me through this next 5 weeks + 4 more weeks (for second comp) of dieting. I already have some ideas floating around in head of things I'm going to try... If I come up with anything spectacular I will post them.

This weekend I will FOR SURE take some progress pics and will also be meeting with trainer. Hope it goes well! I'm feeling a little more confident today as I was looking at pics of a friends last comp and came across some taken when she was 3 weeks out. At 3 weeks out she looked about like I look now at 5 weeks out. I thought this was definitely good news!

This past week I've received about 10 comments/compliments from people at the gym where I work regarding dropping weight. I've let most people know that I'm training for a competition in case people start wondering why i'm dropping weight so quickly. This morning I received a very interesting comment from a man... he told me that "nose looks thinner". Now thats a new one! Yesterday I was told that face is "more drawn in"... I hope thats a good thing? This morning a lady looked at me and said " goodness you do look skinny"! "Skinny" is not really the look that i'm going for so I'm not sure if that was compliment? If nothing else its good to know that body is still changing after the torture i've been putting it through for the past 5 months.

Well I guess thats all for now... As always, I'm here for anybody who has questions, concerns, or just needs a shoulder... feel free to shoot me a message anytime. :)

I hope everybody has had a wonderful week and enjoys a FABULOUS weekend!

Cassie :)
cassiegose
VETERAN
Posts: 2525
Joined: Fri May 09, 2008 6:06 pm
Location: Prineville Oregon

Re: Cassie's Figure Competition Journal

Post by cassiegose »

[quote]Try the salmon, cottage cheese and bean blend. You know you want to[/quote]

LOL! Brent... please don't take offense to this... but the thought of cottage cheese and salmon together kind of makes me throw up in mouth a little bit. Not sure I'm brave enough for that one. You're putting beans in it now? I thought you were putting some kind of cereal in it?

Lesplease... Awe... thanks girl. :)
cassiegose
VETERAN
Posts: 2525
Joined: Fri May 09, 2008 6:06 pm
Location: Prineville Oregon

33 days!

Post by cassiegose »

Wow is it just me or is time flying!?!?! Only 33 days until I get up on stage. I can't wait!

I met with trainer yesterday. She seems like a great gal and meeting with her really felt like it took a weight off shoulders. She says I'm definitely on the right track and will be ready to get up on stage on October 3rd! I'm very glad about this! She also told me that I need to add in a cheat meal once a week, add peanut butter and avacado BACK into diet, increase protein to 258 grams per day, and increase calories to 1750. Seems like a lot of changes to be making so close to the comp and I'm honestly a little.... no ALOT... hesitant to change diet so much this close to the comp. I did notice last week that energy levels were very low and a few of workouts (especially weekend workouts) suffered as a result. I've also had a very hard time sleeping lately (a sign of overtraining) and have been finding it difficult to focus as work. So I am planning on playing with diet a bit to see what I can get away with while still forcing body to continue giving up some of this fat. In order to be ready by the competition, I would like to lose 4-5 more lbs. abs are really starting to come through and i feel like a few more lbs lost would really bring out some definition. As I said... I'll play with diet a bit and see what I can get away with.

Another exciting thing to report.. I ordered suit this weekend and should be receiving it in 2-3 weeks. I can't wait to see it! I was going to borrow one... then just decided to order one as I know i'm going to be doing atleast 2 shows in the next couple of months and would need to buy one eventually any ways.

So thats all I know today. I feel like the meeting with trainer yesterday definitely gave me an extra jolt of much needed motivation.

I hope everybody had a great weekend!

Cassie
User avatar
Boss Man
SITE ADMIN
Posts: 15458
Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 3:27 pm

Re: Cassie's Figure Competition Journal

Post by Boss Man »

Keep your chin up and don't worry. So far and yet so near. The thought it's almost a month away, is a tantalising thing, and the likelihood that it will be that one, and that you will be able to do two this year, seems like a really great prospect.

Apotential chance ot really get a footing in the sport, and start making a name for yourself, and maybe even a few media opportunies, like Photoshoots, magazine articles etc etc. Not to make things seem more stressful, but these things can happen.

GOOD LUCK continuing to bash on regardless :).
cassiegose
VETERAN
Posts: 2525
Joined: Fri May 09, 2008 6:06 pm
Location: Prineville Oregon

31 days!

Post by cassiegose »

31 days... a little over 4 weeks.

I'm beginning to realize that this last 4 weeks is going to be BY FAR the hardest part of this whole journey. I've been dieting since March 30th now and doing the pre-contest diet for 18 weeks. Most competitors start the pre contest diet 16 weeks out from competition, however I started mine 22 weeks out as I wasn't sure how body was going to respond and wanted to make sure I was going to be ready. I now see why people only do the pre-contest diet for 16 weeks. Any longer than that and you become suicidal... Ok its not really that bad but it definitely isn't a barrel of monkeys.

Soooo after meeting with trainer, I've cut out the omega 3 pills and added peanut butter, nuts, and oils back into diet (against better judgement). trainer suggested I also add a whole avacado in once a day, however I'm a little hesistant to make drastic changes at this point so am taking baby steps. It is nice to be able to eat the healthy fat instead of swallowing a pill, however the omega 3 pills were WORKING and why i'm fixing something that wasn't broken is beyond me. Although, the trainer did make a valid point when discussing diet with me. She pointed out that the contest diet is meant to be hard, however it isn't meant to be torture. It should affect a persons life as its not easy to constantly feel like you're either, eating, waiting to eat, preparing food, or shopping for food... however a person should feel satisfied with the foods they're eating and shouldn't always be craving other foods... which I must admit I have been having some killer cravings lately so hopefully if i continue adjusting diet i should be able to find a way to continue losing fat while feeling atleast somewhat satisfied.

This brings me to next subject... CRAVINGS! Oh man this week has been ROUGH. For the past 2 days it has taken all effort just to get through the workday. I can't focus, I'm exhausted, and all I can think about is FOOD! To make it worse, I stopped sleeping a few weeks ago (I have a long history of insomnia) and can't seem to get more than 3-4 hours sleep at night. I've tried pretty much everything and last night resorted to prescription sleeping aids.. They didn't work. I'm exhausted. I would kill for a big fat piece of chocolate cake followed by a nice 8 hour long nap. As it is I just got to work about an hour ago and don't get to go home for 8 long hours. :cry:

I realize that i sound really negative in this entry... and I apologize. :) I'm really not crabby or cranky or in a bad mood. Just really tired.

In addition to all the other bumps in road, this weekend is going to bring a huge challenge that I am preparing myself for. I'm hoping this will be the last major "bump" before the competition... Next week is boyfriends sisters wedding so boyfriend and I will be leaving on Saturday morning do drive 7 hours to the Oregon coast so that we can help his sister prepare for her wedding... we will be gone from Saturday-Wednesday. This means that I get to prepare meals for 5 days... 30 meals and figure out how I'm going to store them while we are away. I should (hopefully) have access to a microwave and fridge once we get there... however we will be staying in one hotel room for 2 days then moving to a "lodge" and staying there for 2 days so i really don't know what to expect. Should be interesting. In addition, I will have to figure out how to get all of workouts in (weights plus 2 cardio sessions a day). boyfriend tells me that there is a gym in the town where we are staying.... I sure hope its decent! I know its going to be rude to just up and leave when boyfriends family will most likely be expecting me to help with the wedding, however I also know that I've worked a$$ off to get to this point and I really can't afford to start slacking off now. Hopefully everybody understands and the weekend goes well. I'm prepared to be flexible with workout schedule if i must, however I'm not willing to undo any of the progress that I've made over the last 18 weeks. Hopefully next time those around me will do a better job of planning their weddings AROUND figure competitions so i don't have to worry about them getting in th way of progress. :twisted: LOL! TOTALLY KIDDING!

I believe that is pretty much all that is going on in world. I hope this entry doesn't some across as "bitchy" or negative.... as I truly didn't mean to come across as such. Just a little worn down, sleepy, and hungry.... but otherwise in all honesty doing GREAT.

I hope all is well with EVERYBODY! Today is humpy day and we are halfway through this workweek! Friday is just around the corner!

Now that I have killed a good 45 minutes I suppose I should get back to work so i don't get hungry butt fired.

Cassie
bedazzeled
STARTING OUT
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Sep 02, 2009 10:05 am

Re: Cassie's Figure Competition Journal

Post by bedazzeled »

You go girl. What an inspiration you are.
User avatar
Nokie173
VETERAN
Posts: 2080
Joined: Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:41 pm
Location: South San Francisco

Re: Cassie's Figure Competition Journal

Post by Nokie173 »

You are doing so great & I’m very proud of your hard work and dedication! You’re an inspiration to me too… I totally feel you for being tired! But we cannot give up!
And NO, you do not sound “bitchy” but if others think so… who cares! You are free to express & I know it must be tough restricting from eating certain things for such a long time!
However, things will get better and when we look back and say… Wow… we made it through tough times… And then say…we can tackle anything that comes in our way! :D
User avatar
Boss Man
SITE ADMIN
Posts: 15458
Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 3:27 pm

Re: Cassie's Figure Competition Journal

Post by Boss Man »

I would think the sister isn't planning to do this again. Anyone marrying with the intention of someday intentionally having a second wedding, is possibly a little unhinged and shouldn't be married in the first place :wink:
Post Reply