THE UN-FUN DECISION

Let the bridges behind you burn and fall to the ground, in search of truly ever-greener grasses. The trail of smoke and dust will be a reminder of a path chosen, pursued, and committed to. It will not erase all sensation of pain, but it will allow the transition to truly greener, and ever-improving, pastures.

ITALIAN TURKEY BURGERS

Ingredients (we are somewhat liberal with spices and try to use an even amount of each)- 1 lb of ground turkey 1 whole egg 1/4 cup of gluten free Italian breadcrumbs dried minced onion minced garlic Basil Rosemary (can also use an Italian seasoning blend) Sea salt...

ALICIA WELLS – Warrior’s Corner

NAME: Alicia Wells AGE: 31 OFFSEASON WEIGHT: 159lbs CONTEST WEIGHT: 140lbs DIVISION: figure CONTEST HISTORY: 2009 OCB President Cup: 1st place novice figure 2010 OCB Atlantic Super Show: 3rd place figure 2012 NPC Max Muscle Virginia: 1st place figure 2012 NPC Jr....

THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY

You break your body in the gym. The calluses form, sweat streams off of your face, you stink. You look a mess. You eat boring, bland meals. You go without comforts others have daily. You go without relaxation. You go without calm. You long ago gave up on being comfortable. Comfort is for the dead.

RESULTS NOT TYPICAL

If you can’t tell, marketing isn’t my strength. A tad too much cursing, and far too blunt and honest—if marketing can best be described as “the subtle art of bullshitting people in order to scam their money”, well, ain’t a subtle bone in my body, and I’m not much for bullshitting either.

THANKS

Every year at Thanksgiving growing up, I was asked what I am thankful for. And I was baffled by the question. Why be thankful for that which is earned? Why be in awe of the law of causality? Why give special thanks in recognition of the truism that good things generally happen to good people?

CHICKEN BLACK BEAN TACOS

Healthy Mexican Recipe – With chicken breast, greek yogurt, black beans, lettuce and salsa these healthy Chicken Black Bean Tacos are a healthy way to add some zest into your meal planning.

FALL SPICES BAKED OATMEAL RECIPE

This is one of my favorite weekend or make ahead breakfast ideas. I’ve made this with apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice, plain cinnamon and even Cocoa powder. Top your baked oatmeal with Walden Farm pancake syrup, strawberry jam, PB2 mixed with a little almond milk to make a glaze, or even chocolate syrup if you dare.

WARRIOR’S CORNER – ETHAN PENDRY

During this prep, I learned that, in spite of distractions and disruptions, I’ll commit to my goals and still get it done. I give my best until I know I’m better, then my standard is raised, and I’m more of a man for it.

MY DAUGHTERS SUPERHERO

For years, my motivation was primarily the oversized chip that resided on my shoulder, a burning need to prove that I could work harder, work smarter, work longer, faster than anyone else. But times have changed. I’m older, wiser and perhaps a little more tired. I’m a parent now. Becoming a parent changes your perspective, or at least your orientation, regarding a few things.

EGG-CENTRIC EGG WHITES

If you’ve hung out with physique competitors for any stretch of time, you’ll notice that we often have some pretty eccentric eating habits, the little tricks and efficiency tips we have that allow us to stick to a plan and get through the day. Here are some of my favorite eccentric dieting choices.

HOLDING MY BREATH

That burn is akin to the feeling of holding onto a weight when your grip begins to give out—when you can feel it slipping out of your hands, out of your fingers, but it hasn’t yet fully slipped; and you know if you squeeze just a little harder, you can hold onto the bar for just a little longer; but it hurts, so you want to stop; but you want to advance, so you continue to squeeze; and you feel yourself being pulled in different directions, how long can you ignore the sensation, how long can you hold on.