happy easter to you, too.
glad to hear your kettlebell can’t complain of feeling neglected.
Glad things are getting more “normal” for you, Veg! And I’m more happy to hear that you bro has been discharged from you care, that he’s well, and that you’re sorting through the emotional/mental stress that’s been placed before you. You got it, girl!
Training is looking good, mama! The fact that you can do 12 WG pullups is impressive! I feel ya tho, and added weight and those bitches get hella hard! lol.
Hope you had a great Easter!
4 weeks of GVT
139.8 which is + 6.6 lbs. I’ve said more than once that I am underimpressed by scale weight, but I’m honestly surprised to be brushing up against 140. This is by far the heaviest that I’ve ever been. Sometimes I go months without stepping on a scale, so I’m not sure exactly what my previous high was. But I know that I’ve never had this much muscle mass. Too many people in my daily life: family, friends, patients, etc. have made comments about it. The fat gains are there too, but pretty minimal. I’m happy with that. Leaning out for summer will be no problem. Once the weather starts to get warm I have trouble eating enough.
I’m going to continue the GVT for another week or so… Still haven’t decided exactly what my next program will look like. Many different things that I want to incorporate. I also want to go work with my sometimes coach a bit and talk to him about maybe training for some type of event, maybe. I can be very indecisive. Once I make up my mind, forget about it. I’m totally determined. Just takes me a while to figure out what I want to do.
We’ll see 
Happy Monday. Looking forward to bench/shoulder session tonight after work.
Flippin’ through my archives recently and I found this photo.
It is from roughly a year ago, early-May 2010. A little background: I had recently returned from 10 days in Jamaica with my bestie. Pretty much lived on eggs, fruit, rum, and occasional seafood while I was there. I didn’t lift, but did serious deep-water ocean swimming and lots of bw stuff, not to mention hiking around the ‘countryside’ of Jamaica.
Probably no more than 120 lbs, but more than 115. Not sure.
I have gone up and down, as far as muscle mass is concerned, quite a bit over the years. Even at that size people still commented on my muscles. This body was partly due to my last (EVER) effort to look ‘toned’ but not get too big. Lots of yoga, HIIT, still lifting too. That was inspired by my 30th birthday in June 2009. Last May-June I decided that it was an effort in futility and just started lifting heavy again. Which lead me to where I am today.
I’m never going back.
I can understand how the 2nd pic would be more “socially acceptable” and popular but damn Veggie there are enough fans around this site (me included) that have repeatedly mentionned how much they admire your current physique.
I’d rather please a special few than the masses especially now that the masses prefer to see their men and women weak with hunger. Be the lion in the jungle - not the prey.
What I love reading in your log is the strong numbers and the fact that you enjoy eating (albeit vegetarian - your one flaw ;P) and drinking the occasional brew. I honestly believe this type of balance will find you lifting for many years to come.
Now do a powerlifting meet and crush my punny numbers 
Wow Veg! That is quite a powerful transformation. I know you were beautiful then, just as you are now, and the increase in muscle (while still staying lean) is astounding! Girl, you hit it on the head. And you look so amazing!
I often walk the line between muscle gains and staying lean (not toned though, i actually don’t really understand what that means tbh) so I’m curious as to what prompted you to switch up your training?
ps. that GVT ain’t no joke!
great transformation right there! Very impressive work ethic also
WORD UP VEG!
I prefer your recent picture to the other-- both are outstanding, but you look incredible now! Very powerful!!
You’ve listened to those hungry muscle of yours! they said we got lots to offer, and you totally succeeded.
Hope the post gvt training still guides you to the volume…i feel a kindship to you:)
Super strong training in here.
I really love your fearlessness in making your body into the form YOU want it to be. My respect for that.
I can’t wait to see what’s in store after GVT BabyCakes.
The new muscle is sexy <3
I can’t imagine going back to the mentality of being skinny and trying to get back to the 130s either. Seems like that’s the motto of PW lol
rocking the gvt in here!
and the craft brew.
a combo for the gods!!
looking amazing as well.
sorry to hear about grandpa’s diagnosis. =+(
Frenchie- Yeah, I’m happier with where I’m at now. I enjoy being bigger, stronger, and hungrier than the average woman. It works for me. A PL meet may be in my future. Just need to make up my mind about that and get to it. And you’re totally right about the balance thing.
Masch- Thanks! I don’t really know what ‘toned’ means either. I was just attempting to look leaner, balanced and lose some of the bulk in my legs at the time. I have since come to the conclusion that it is impossible for me. I had been pretty big before that and it is just easier for me to be strong and muscular. I worked really hard to get that skinny. Some of it wasn’t very healthy. It was a constant struggle and I came to believe that it was pointless. Just got sick of fighting my genetics.
Brute- Definitely happy with my current physique. Thanks! Not sure exactly what I’m doing next, but volume always will have a place in my programs. Volume sisters forever!
KImba- Thanks. I’m not sure where this journey with my body will take me. Fearless and determined to be strong, healthy, and able to do my somewhat grueling, but utterly satisfying work until I die. Training hard helps me do the service that I love to do… keeps me physically and mentally tough so that I can face anything.
Cutiepie- Yup, the muscle is sexy, at least to us (and many others apparently!) I’ll probably drift back down to the mid 130’s after I stop stuffing myself and start doing sprints during my next program. We’ll see. I’m not too worried. I just want to keep getting stronger and my weight will go to wherever it needs to be. I trust my body implicitly.
deja- Thanks! You’re are so right about GVT and beer. A match made in heaven. Especially since the weather is heating up. Drinking a Victory Hop Wallop while I type and eat after a mean chest/shoulder GVT session tonight.
Warning: Reading about the volume tonight might make you feel tired or cringe or maybe feel inspired. To each their own
Monday training: chest/shoulders GVT
Warmup: shoulder mobility drills; pullups (bench grip width) 5, 3, 4; bradford presses with the bar, incline pushups on the bench
BP @ 80: 10, 10, 10, 8, 9, 6, 7, 10, 10, 9; 89 reps
Still getting comfortable with my improved set-up. I like it a lot, but sometimes I don’t get my body position exactly right… especially since I’m working with 60 second rests. Hard to write down the reps, drink water, catch my breath a bit and get reset in that short time. My form is really improved. The last 3 sets felt as good as the 1st 3. Weird.
MP @ 60: 10, 10, 10, 8, 7, 6, 8, 9, 8, 9; 85 reps
Felt good considering I’m still battling with that ribcage thing. Fine all weekend, but went back to work and bending over tables and it re-emerged. My boss and I dreamed up a k-tape scheme which he applied this afternoon. Noticed a difference with the MPs feeling more balanced. Hope I’m on the right track with that one.
Here comes the craziness! I did a ridiculous amount of accessory work tonight, but I felt like I wanted more. Didn’t stop til I felt done.
Waiters’ walks: 1 each side @ 45, 55 for ~ 250 ft, 225 ft (Have you put up the 55 yet Frenchie? Can’t remember. Challenge is still on!)
Decline pushups (feet on bench): 3 x 10- rolling med ball, 2 x 10 regular decline
Mixed front/lateral raise with 20’s: 12, 10, 8
Cable rear delts: 3 x 10, each side
Pushups: 5 x 10
Spent
fuck - haven’t tried the 55’s. I’ll do it on wednesday. Most I’ve done is 50.
[quote]nlmain wrote:
fuck - haven’t tried the 55’s. I’ll do it on wednesday. Most I’ve done is 50.[/quote]
LOL! I fucking love it.
Veg, totally understandable and I’m so happy you came to this conclusion. Beauty, brains, braun. Can’t beat that.
Awesome upper sesh, girlie! I miss pushups…
yeah!!..the volume = inspiration!
You…should …do a pl meet…
Fearless and determined to be strong, healthy, and able to do my somewhat grueling, but utterly satisfying work until I die. Training hard helps me do the service that I love to do… keeps me physically and mentally tough so that I can face anything.
I find that really inspiring. That you decided that that was more important to you than what other people thought of your physique.
Of course you do look AMAZING!!!
But who cares about those who don’t think so. You could probably crush them with your little finger if you chose… And they will be grateful of your strong hands if they ever need some soft tissue work done lol.
Both pics back there are looking good, Veg. You have packed on a significant amount of muscle! I’m just amazed given your height, our collective lack of T here in PW, etc… That’s a pretty impressive gain!
Oh, and I’m glad your bench form is still rocking along since you got some coaching. You are making me want to add back some KB swings. It’s been awhile.
Veg: The possibility of a comp for you is exciting. Hope you find something that lights you up. And I think you look great in both pictures.
Mainie’s a nut lol
[quote]
maybe feel inspired.[/quote]
This, seeing volume gets me hot <3
Getting back into position does take a long time, must be tough with the 60 second rest. I take forever; gotta arch back, position my hands, get my lats and legs ready… there, 70 seconds right there.
But if anyone can do all that in 60 seconds, it’s you MoonPie.
Is it still cool over by you? It’s only April and it’s hotter than Satan’s ass over here. This summer is going to be tough, I might have to get over my beach thing and make a couple trips… a week.
But yeah, as much as I wanna do sprints, it’ll have to be early in the morning when it’s at least 75. Don’t want Cocoa Espresso shriveled up like a coffee bean on the sidewalk under the sun.