New direction

After almost 15 years with the State Legislature, I decided it was time to pursue a new - albeit related - career. Professionally and personally, it was the right move...but definitely not one taken lightly. I am expecting a change. In my new role as a lobbyist, I am certain to have many busy nights that may interfere with my training. And since many of those nights will be attending social affairs, my diet could easily take a hit as well. My goal...stay on track.

Right now, my training schedule is Monday mornings, Tuesday nights, Thursday nights, and Saturday morning. Monday...no problem. Why? Few work requirements at 6 am. So if this is the case, why not Saturday? For the most part, Saturdays are safe...but there are times, such as a weekend in April, that will require my attendance to out of town events.

As for the evenings, Thursdays should be fine since Members are gone and few events happen that late in the week. But Tuesday - one of the busiest nights of the week - is another story. So what to do?

First, I just need to plan ahead. Few events happen without notice...so for those weekend events, I will train on Friday. I have a few training partners that can make themselves available on Fridays; all I need is to give a little notice. For Tuesdays...and while it may suck...it looks like another morning workout. Deadlifting is tough enough but in the morning, its a whole new element. But what's worse: training in the morning or missing it all together.

Look, no matter what change in my life, I will continue to do what I do. On April 15, 2009, my daughter was born. On May 24, 2009, I entered a meet on a whim and pulled 650 lbs, which to date, is my best competitive deadlift. My bench and squat weren't too bad either. My point...life changes are inevitable...but it should never be used as an excuse to quit training.

Trust me, I have heard it all...but all I heard...were excuses. Keep on and good times follow.