By Coki Cruz, My Journey and Journal to the Arnold’s
*This journal has multiple entries, please use the menu at the bottom to navigate between them*
8 days out: February 26th, 2020
TRAINING
Today had some frustration. I had Rack Jerks for a max effort single, and while I’ve done 295, I couldn’t get back there. I’m not discouraged though, I struggle with rack jerks so I don’t think it’s indicative of my ability to do 300 on the platform next week. Otherwise, Front Squats and Snatch Pull + Panda Pull went smoothly. My strained Vastus Lateralis is doing good. And I’m starting to feel pretty good in terms of recovery from a higher volume last week. Last max out session is Saturday at my old stomping grounds: Sarge Athletics. We’ll see how it all translates!
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NUTRITION
I was having this conversation today at my job: Food is fuel, but we can’t be mechanistic about it… we’re not cars. Here’s my advice:
You can (and should) enjoy food: There’s no morality around food so stop calling them good and bad food- just more or less nutritious. When we start to see food in this manner it makes it easier to make more nutritious choices over less nutritious choices. I can’t stress this enough. Food is involved in many celebratory feasts or when the family gathers. Your overeating for this one day, weekend, even WEEK will not destroy your weight loss, fat loss, body recomposition goals supposing, of course, you get back on track and not let it get to you. So please, enjoy the time with your family and friends, then get back on track.
Now if you’re me who has to be a certain weight for a competition… Well, unfortunately, I have to be much more strict. It’s not something I recommend for everyone. As I mentioned in the first journal entry, I enjoy the diligence and tenacity necessary to be successful. It’s great having family that support me in this. My wife of course always asking me how much I need of something, weighing it out for me, making sure I’m sticking to my diet. My parents this weekend, making sure they have the necessary foods for me to be successful without temptation (cookies are my weakness). I will end with this: I cannot WAIT until next Thursday night when I finish competing. What should be my first meal?
WHAT HAS BEEN ON MY MIND?
Tonight is the last night before my wife takes a massive exam. We’ve been praying consistently and fervently for 2.5 weeks for the Lord to do a mighty work in this situation. We’ve prayed for peace, wisdom, discernment. We’ve prayed against anxiety, doubt, frustration. Tonight as she continues studying, she’s the calmest she’s been before any exam. While she may not be 100% confident in herself, she’s 100% confident in God. We both know that this is where He’s called her to. For her to succeed here means her continuance in a field she’s very interested in: Emergency Medicine. I’ve had 0 doubts in my mind. I know she will succeed because I’ve seen firsthand God’s hand in all of this.
I’m sure she feels the same way about me and my pursuit of weightlifting. She’s never doubted me for a second and has always had my back. When I told her my end goal, she was in. I couldn’t ask for more from her. Today’s prayer is for her.
If you know of anyone that is like this for you, you can say this prayer for them, too. And if you don’t, understand that God is there. He’s a Father to the orphans (Psalm 68:5) and a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10). You need only believe.
Thank You Heavenly Father for the people you’ve placed in my life that have given me unconditional support. Bless them abundantly until they overflow. I pray they are invigorated by Your Spirit to continue on with supporting, not just me, but others around them. Amen.
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Here’s entry two, make sure to leave comments!
