Linda Cusmano 2009 Off/Pre and ON Season

[gYmgIrL]

Originally Posted by Italianangel

I don't know about dropping in a class where people have been going and all know each other and know the stuff, maybe I will.......I don't know- its an open class....I can try one. I used to be confident to be able to do that but now I never know what my back/glute will let me do and I do not want to look feeble.

You'll fit in easy in no time! Even if they've already 'formed their bonds' hehe. I reckon go to one and see how you feel. I'm sure you most definately wont look feeble not that it matters what anyone who would judge you for looking feeble think anyway But I dont think feeble and you really fit in the same sentance.

[Italianangel]

Training has been good depending on who is looking at it, in my eyes I feel weak even so I lift strong still.....compared to before its not, compared to most in the gym it is, I still mourn my loss of heavy lifting, still working on getting over it but at least I am still doing something.

this morning I was in early because I was up all night in pain and could not sleep so the gym opens at 5:30 and my first was not til 6am so with my back I figured some ROM work on light cardio will help loosen the bugger up and at this point I was ready to cry and not sure wft to do, popped advils too! It did help a bit, as did the advil.....my dr says to take more but I am already using the migraine formula, blue gel caps and rather not depend on them, then I will feel super feeble.

I also am sad I cannot give more for my routine, I am able athletically and in my training yet unable due to my restrictive back so for now I am trying to rack my brain on how to really make my music pop in a routine without having to do anything which will cripple me although those are the moves I so desire to do!

Diet has been okay, not best, my tummy has still not fully recovered that incident of the nasal spray thing but at least I am not constantly nauseous anymore and no strong headaches so that's a good sign. Its a good thing this show is in Aug so I can work slowly. I am not ready to stop yet, so my back will have to work with me on this! Man I cannot wait to be in the zone again where you feel good and look forward to getting the training in etc rather than dreading it due to the pain all the time, I am in pain all day, all night for most days and it is so hard to ignore sometimes but whatever, it is what it is and I have to deal with it.
Linda

[lizzyb]

Aww....sorry your back's being a b1tch today! I remember when I was recovering from having a c-section, the pain regime they had me on was to combine Advil with Tylenol (both reg. strength...no codeines, blah) and I really found that quite helpful......I didn't even require their narcotic pain meds with this regimen......it's not intended for long term use though, as it is hard on the liver and kidneys for extended periods......ask your dr., if you would be o.k to try this first if interested......I know I was up and mobile in a relatively short period of time without any grogginess or tummy issues either......but like I said, if you do want to try that regime ask your doc if you'd be suited to give it a go, it may come in handy for you, esp pwo.

[Italianangel]

I have not been doing yoga, been training minimally, no cardio, some weights, no routine work, just some weights.
This year I am going to have to be simplistic with routine, relative to me that is………
Still great with strength so have to focus that and try to make it creative to this theme I have for this year (middle eastern) and see what types of jumps and ballistics I can do without any injury tweaking.

Still only trained 2 days per week - pro, good for rest and recover and have been having progressively worse issue with the back but ironically more so during daily activity, functional stuff……
con is I did not really get to build any size for this show.

I think the plan for this year will be this, since I lean so easy I will focus on healthy eating for now, minimal cardio and really focus on a good hour or so of weights per day.
Not heavy, not crazy….just simple, basic lifting. If I hurt, I use machines, my strength is still there for many movements so this will keep me in line and help fullness and hardening of muscles. I need to get consistent and more days in.

I have been focused on arms, lats, back….and just conditioning and maintaining the rest.

Show is Aug 15th so attention to diet modifications for slow leaning can begin anytime from April to May. I have been eating okay actually, some rich dairy on occasion, salt in and on my foods but I use pink salt which is for healing, some sugar but not a ton……been pretty good laying off typical crap food from corner stores…..you know chips, chocolate…..oh but into the pepsi though, not super crazy, I don’t think I gained back any if much weight that I had lost a bit ago before the whole nasal spray incident - I mean I would not take pictures but I surely have a soft 6 pack….blurred lines so speak….hahahahah!

I can prob look at a similar 9 week process as I had in 07 with diet progression. I lean easy with some cardio and dieting so if I decide to start earlier I can prob do shorter cardio but for a longer period of weeks, otherwise the 9 wk avg will be 30-90 min cardio session, most of which are moderately intense.

On a personal note I have been slacking on paper work, its tax time…..I need a secretary! I am not one, and it shows as I procrastinate the work….filing, I have so much to file………..pc and hardcopy, and backing up time…..and cleaning pc time……I have also a bunch of dvs to get on dvd, pics I had compressed of Mini I need to find to print a few for her memory board……that one will be emotionally tough.
I have my tear sheets from 04 to now, to scan and put with the other stuff……..and then there are my book projects, painting and reading which I have just all let go on the way side…………wow, not a big deal I guess when I read it all, not the end of the world and I know I can tackle this and get er done but its a matter of finding my way of scheduling and to do tasking …..mentally wrapping my brain around it and I think the back issue has taken up too much of my mental time………….I need to get back to positive thinking and mental healing and I am going to get a spine specialist if I have to chain myself to a doctors office door knob!
My music is done, although I am thinking of listening to slumdog millionaire soundtrack to see if i can find a fast song there to add some of it to mine although mine is pretty done………I am also going to do this routine in bare feet, since I think this fed lets you! Much easier for me, used to it from gymnastics.
I was looking at a cool idea or 2, they do not allow props but one of the ideas I can prob work in anyway…..we will see. its an illusion….
I am going to work 3 muscle groups per day, 3 on 1 off 3 on….I work well with that but won’t be working massive weights, no heavy lifts so this is doable, I can go as light as I need for sore days/areas and push a bit harder on other days. I will list my muscles per day but maybe leave the actual exercises til I do them, so I can see how I feel……this way I can also do it at home or gym on the fly…..right now with work, I am training clients in gym and travel to homes all in the same day so I have to fit it in where I can when I can. This plan should leave me the flexibility I need.
I have taken the mental stress off myself about all the things I normally stress on……by writing this above, I am allowing myself to do the things I said, and am obligated a bit….makes me stick with both being consistent but also in not letting me go overbaord or overdo, or cause further pain because in writing this it helps me let go of those expectations I put on myself to train a certain way, certain exercise, certain weights………
It is kinda like going back to the beginning when I first started to train just to look good and be healthy - except better. Keep it real, simple and stress free.
In having an anorexic eye,, half of my pressure is that I will see in the mirror something different so then compile that with my expectations and back pain……..bad combo. some days I see a very fat girl, with no muscle…..I know its not truth, but that is why this disease exists……I have control and never purge or starve on purpose BUT the eyes sometimes come back…..then the next I may have a good day and see myself and realize I do not look that bad and realize how silly my eyes were the day before……its crazy.
Linda

[A1food4U]

Be carefull and trust your body, but cut yourself some slack. Your desire and past success can play tricks on you. Many of us, see a driven, fit and lovely lady struggling against herself.
Your absolutely gourgeous, believe that!!!!

[lizzyb]

I get what you are saying about the 'eye'. Been there done that too.......silly thing for me now is I don't worry about looking fat anymore. I worry about looking too scrawney....it's like opposite swing of the pendulum I guess, all in a healthy manner though......I'm only susceptable to fallback during emotionally stressful times....but even still, I go beat up one of my cardio machines......I find that to be quite a nice cathartic. I don't think the eye ever goes away, but we do get alot stronger than the eye that's for sure!

[ProfGumby]

Hang in there Linda. You have the right idea about not stressing. Keep the main thing the main thing, do what's important next and be sure you meet your body's needs.

I try to run everything I do through 3 filters - in this order -
1) W.I.N. (what's important next)
2) K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) (I say stupid to me, not you.... )
3) P.D.C. A. (Plan Do Check Adjust)
It works really well!

A book that might help you is "What To Say When You Talk To Yourself" It helped me greatly. I'll send you a copy if you'd like....

And "the eye" is not just a feminine thing. I see fatty in the mirror too.....and it usually follows a step on a scale. If I don't use the scale and do appreciate the fact that the tale of the tape shows progress I am generally much happier.

Again, hang in there, if your body is healed and ready in time for the August competition, so be it. Do not rush your healing and do damage that might end up being permanent.

And as it is right now, I can guarantee you, you are the kind of woman, that when you walk down the street, guys desire you and women hate you!

[6-Pak Girl]

Hi Linda,

I hope your back starts feeling better. Chronic pain can be so debilitating even to the most optomistic of people. I like how you set out your intentions and then use them as a platform to move forward. The anorexic eye never goes away but as long as we recognize it for what it is we can move beyond it.

Remember to take extraordinary care of yourself. Whenever I'm caught up with too much stress I ask myself what taking extraordinary care of myself would look like. Once I get clear on that, I do it!

[Italianangel]

Mentally doing okay......been sore though, minimal exercise, just to move, stretches and walking............pathetic, but something.
I am looking at 2 treatment ideas, teh rolfing massage thing I mentioned which I still need to get a referal for and a microstretching guy who works with athletes at a very high level.........
Lastly a drug I read about which helps those who suffer bone and muscle pain due to osteoperosis, which is essentially my problem. Minimal side effects and has been used on children so its mild. It is not pain killer or narcotic but more like a mild steriod.
Apparently those with pains similar to what causes mine, found that it did help with pain, the drug actually helps with hardening of bone, calcium absorption and bone strength which some steriods like the prednisone I took most of my life is actually one which causes atrophy and calcium leaching.....how I got here to begin with! Irony.
Anyway, this prospect has me excited.
Linda

[vanessa40]

Hi Linda..
I went back and started at the beginning of your journal.
I love your haircut . It is looks great.
Sorry to hear about the nasal spray and your back.
I hope you are able to get the treatment...

[lizzyb]

That is exciting! I'm glad you have a few options available to you too......that must give your spirit a bit of a rise!

[vanessa40]

Good Morning Linda
Hope you are feeling better today

[Italianangel]

Well, I got a weekend full of paperwork in last weekend, and even some general spring sorting - making space for the new wonderful events and things the universe has in store for me!!
My hair is cut, taxes are ready to go, organizing is 88% done and I am ready to start cold turkey again to drop pepsi.
For march I was bad, I had a ton of pepsi when I wasn’t drinking 7up for IBS etc.
So the only way for me to kick this and stick with it for a while is to avoid it all together and drink water everytime I crave it.
My eating has been okay, but I need to get back into the 30 mins of yoga per day, fit in a bit more cardio.
Time is counting down and my show is in Aug.
I won’t have any or much new muscle for this show as far as I can tell but on the good side of things I may have found 2-3 other options for helping my back out so I am very excited about that.

On the weird side of things…………I was looking at our weather network to see the next week has in store………they are actually calling for rain mixed with snow for Thurs and Fri!??!!!!??? with 8 degrees celcius to boot………….wtf????
Who stole our summer???? Who ever did better return it or else! By the time Summer TIME hits it better be returned back where it was found!!

[Italianangel]

Cutting my hair shorter!!! - ladies??
Here is the link to show my hair cut, just got it yesterday and here is the link to 2 treatments I may try.
What Is apparently these guys get flown out to work with athletes and such and are well sought after.
Then there was a suggestion from dh who mentioned he heard of this idea, I never really heard of this or thought of googling this so this was a great idea. I do have access to gravity boots but think I would prefer this and just looking at the little vid of how it works made sigh in relief! My acu had done some minor manual traction on my lower back and it was such a relief to me so this may be a great option especially being its only been 2-3 yrs of pain so I am hoping my nerve is still not dead or causing other damage or that I will get some regeneration out of it, a concept I did not even realize possible.
http://www.vanspinaldecompression.com/
Linda

[vanessa40]

The weather has been crazy here also..it will be so nice and warm..then cold..freezing cold.
I think it's finally going to stay warm
I do love your new haircut..
It looks so cute on you...

[lizzyb]

Yeah, I think our planet isn't rotating smoothly on it's axis anymore....I think it's just wobbling about......and that's what's causing all this stoooopid weather! Yesterday was close to 20C and today it was -1 with the windchil and raining....awful stuff!

You hair looks fab woman, but I just knew it would!

Nice that you are finding some interesting options close to you as well, for your back....that's great!

[vanessa40]

Good Morning Linda..
Just wanted to check on you and make sure you are ok
You didn't get hurt did you..

[Italianangel]

oh yeah, I forgot, I had a rear ender last Monday.........tightened me up and really got the ibs going again........it was a big bump but I think the square on hit and me sitting square on made it a clean hit and other than the tightening and a few headaches I am not as bad as I thought and when it happened I was in shock, which is not normally my style so it was a big bump.
So I think I may have a few options for my back now as i mentioned.
I had a great training session today and went in deciding that I would go easy, all body 8-9 exercises, compound work and I found I was stronger for my set point of weight for your avg sets of 10, than I used to be. So pleasantly when I backed off and submitted to lifting a bit easier, I found that I am lifting more than I thought I could for a light or easy load with sets of 10.........so it does show I have made some gains over the past 2 years of back h...e double hockey sticks!
I found 2 treatments I have not tried yet, one called microstretching which athletes swear by, who have worked with this guy.....he if flown in all over to help athletes with his service so I am going to try it, although I will need to adjust my present treatments because its costing me more than my wages soon..........
next is decompression which will allow my pinched nerves to be saved......they are dying, they are not getting o2 from lack of blood flow to the area hence my pain, its a dying nerve.....if this or these nerves die, I will suffer so much more internal damage to areas which at present are not or are mildly affected. I already feel pulling more often now the past 2 years under my ribs at the ab attachments near the liver, this could also be liver but not just there, also my hip flexors and hams are tighter and I am finding my whole body slowly shifting and tightening, like my pec attachments which are prone to this are bad plus with cold air I tend to scrunch shoulders, been doing it too much so all this changes your body, its freedom of function and pain.
There is also a drug used for osteo which may help me so I am going to try to get a hold of some with or without my doctors help!
so I plan to do a 30 min namaste yoga later, have to go train a client now so later days babe!!!
btw, my hair is now shorter, go to my figureteam.com forum in the lounge area and look for my thread if you wanna see how short I went!!!!

Linda

[Italianangel]

So I have to compete in the BCs first and get top 5 in order to get back into nationals.
I forgot you need top 5 at nationals in order ot come back.
So I am now competing in about 12 weeks or so, a month sooner than I expected. Oh well, I am ready.
Linda

[A1food4U]

That's a great attitude, keep it up. we're pulling for you!!!!