Segansational's Motivation Log

[Segansational]

He did a good interview w Todd Lee recently

Looking good….you’ve made some great progress. Sounds like you guys are going to have a blast.

Looking good, and solid progress!! this is always the hardest part for me, your speedos will look great on the beach.

View attachment 259886



I'm super excited to hear about this, what hotel did you pick? I've looked at Punta Cana 100 times but its so hard to get there from Seattle. I'm still super excited in the island overall. at one point I had a whole itinerary going to santa domingo, then taking the ferry over to puerto rico but just never could pull the trigger on the flights.

You pull a pretty good vacuum

He did a good interview w Todd Lee recently

I'll definitely look it up!

Looking good….you’ve made some great progress. Sounds like you guys are going to have a blast.

It's really a much needed reset for me at least. This year (hard to believe we're already a quarter of the way through 2026!) has not been easy in any aspect. So will be happy to see some sun, sand, and just enjoy life!

Looking good, and solid progress!! this is always the hardest part for me, your speedos will look great on the beach.

View attachment 259886

I'm super excited to hear about this, what hotel did you pick? I've looked at Punta Cana 100 times but its so hard to get there from Seattle. I'm still super excited in the island overall. at one point I had a whole itinerary going to santa domingo, then taking the ferry over to puerto rico but just never could pull the trigger on the flights.

Haha, no speedos thankfully - better for all involved!

Hyatt - they have two adjoining properties - Ziva Cap Cana and Zilara. One is for families and one for adults only, but you can go to restaurants at both. Will let you know how it is!

You pull a pretty good vacuum

Thanks, still no real abs tbh so I have to vacuum to look half decent.

 

[Segansational]

M4, W2, D3 - continued, leg focus

Since I've slacked on hitting my prescribed leg exercises, decided to just stack them all today.

Working sets,
Seated leg ext, 1 set
BB Squats, 2 sets
SLDLs, 1 set
Resistance band cross-body lateral raises, 3 sets

1 hr, 170 cals.

Pre: 3/4 scoop Doomsday, 1g Choline Citrate, 2.5mg Y, 2 pumps L-carnitine gel, 4 caps Alpha Dry. This has 30mg GBB in it, so has a hefty dose.
Intra: Same as usual.

Notes
Lower back didn't love squats today. Almost pulled the plug on SLDLs, but decided to keep them in and just go very slow tempo and controlled.

Been using the SnoreRx lately and have had two nights in a row keeping it in fully throughout the entire sleep session. Too early to tell whether it's having an effect I think, but at least I'm getting used to wearing it. Took me about 1.5 - 2 weeks to adjust before I could keep it in for long enough stretches of time.

 

[Dustin07]

Hyatt - they have two adjoining properties - Ziva Cap Cana and Zilara. One is for families and one for adults only, but you can go to restaurants at both. Will let you know how it is!

yeah dude definitely do, I think I looked at that one. it's right next to the Cap Cana Marina to the north and a golf club to the south, I remember one that we looked at was right in that vicinity. The flights are really hard from Seattle and when its just my wife and I we tend to go adults only. we have been to a couple family AI resorts and we typically strike out, we had some nasty experiences in Cancun, lol.

When we took the kids we stayed at the Buenaventura in Puerto Vallarta though which is all ages AI and it was like half price from other places we stayed at but it was super clean, the food was great, and the "all ages" aspect still felt very "proper". I'm not sure how to put that exactly but the kids just seemed respectful and not out of hand. Whereas one we stayed at in Cancun we decided that if after a couple days we knew all the other kids names because their parents were constantly yelling at them, it probably wasn't our idea of a perfect resort/hotel lol

 

[MrKleen73]

Best I have seen you look in a good while. Congrats on all the progress!

 

[Segansational]

Best I have seen you look in a good while. Congrats on all the progress!

Thanks brother. Feeling pretty good generally about where I'm landing physique-wise. Could always be bigger and leaner, but that's for another day!

In any case, 37 mins of cardio on the bike while watching the Peacemaker series this AM, 238 cals. Last cardio session before the trip. Will hit one more weight session tomorrow morning (back) and then we'll play it by ear while in the DR. They supposedly have a pretty decent fitness facility and even some group classes like TRX, plus pickleball courts, so at minimum I'm bringing gym clothes - but might just relax at the pool / on the beach, we'll see!

Mid-week weigh in: 151.0#
BF: 13.6%

Had actually dipped below into the 150 range yesterday - almost there!

 

[Dustin07]

Right on dude, you definitely worked hard to prep for this beach trip. those vacation gym sessions hit different. feels so good to knock out a little morning pump work when you know you're "on a break" and just doing it for FUN! Hope you guys have an awesome trip!

 

[akboom87]

Man looking great seg!!

 

[Segansational]

Right on dude, you definitely worked hard to prep for this beach trip. those vacation gym sessions hit different. feels so good to knock out a little morning pump work when you know you're "on a break" and just doing it for FUN! Hope you guys have an awesome trip!

Man looking great seg!!

Thanks fellas! Last workout before the trip started off with some deadlifts.

M4, W2, D4

Working sets,
Deadlifts, 2 sets
Lat Pulldowns, 2 sets
Inverted Rows, 2 sets
Machine Preacher Curls, 3 sets

56:08, 210 cals.

Pre: 3/4 scoop Doomsday, 1g Choline Citrate, 2.5mg Y, 2 pumps L-carnitine gel. This was the end of my tub of Doomsday.
Intra: Same as usual, plus 25g Karbolyn for deads!

Notes
Lower back on the right side felt a little twinge-y warming up so I made sure to really keep my core tight. Kinda insane to me how much I can now tighten my weightlifting belt since dropping weight. Not doing anything too heavy right now, just keeping the movement in rotation for when the time comes to push again.

Noting that I think it's the inverted rows that are causing the left forearm trouble, as I could feel a bit of strain towards the end of my last set.

 

[Segansational]

Goal achieved!

Official weigh in: 149.4#
BF: 13.4%

Won't measure from this week since I spiked high from Easter dinner Sunday, but here are the starting and ending totals.

Start of cut phase:
Weight: 166.2#
BF: 15.4%

End of cut phase:
Weight: 149.4# (-16.8#)
BF: 13.4% (-2.0%)

I still don't look anywhere near ripped (probably would need to drop another 2% BF, but at this point I'm not willing to sacrifice that much size / weight), so I have work still to do, but for now I'm going to celebrate the win and enjoy the upcoming vacation!

 

[Resolve10]

Congrats and enjoy the trip.

 

[MrKleen73]

Goal achieved!

Official weigh in: 149.4#
BF: 13.4%

Won't measure from this week since I spiked high from Easter dinner Sunday, but here are the starting and ending totals.

Start of cut phase:
Weight: 166.2#
BF: 15.4%

End of cut phase:
Weight: 149.4# (-16.8#)
BF: 13.4% (-2.0%)

I still don't look anywhere near ripped (probably would need to drop another 2% BF, but at this point I'm not willing to sacrifice that much size / weight), so I have work still to do, but for now I'm going to celebrate the win and enjoy the upcoming vacation!

While i doubt either of these BF readings are accurate, I would think you probably lost more than 2% bodyfat with that 17lb weight drop. Those things just read how fast electricity flows through your body. If you have more water and electrolytes one day it will read a lower bodyfat. I am willing to bet you dropped more. Do you have a picture from the beginning we can compare because I bet you lost more than 2% with a 17lb drop.

 

[Segansational]

Agree on the readings not being "real". I use them as a reference though for trends. I think I might do a DEXA at some point just for fun to see how off it really is. @Jimbabwe 's log made me want to do it, plus a family member also recently had one done.

Here's the closest I have side by side, similar type of pose. Shouldve taken more photos at the beginning of this. Nothing really good in flexed positions though. This was October vs today.

Also restocked on @sns8778 products!

 

[Dustin07]

Agree on the readings not being "real". I use them as a reference though for trends.

totally agree. I don't put any weight (haha, punny) into the extra stats I get from my renpho, but I do still look at them as a goal or target to try to beat/manipulate for fun.

Here's the closest I have side by side, similar type of pose. Shouldve taken more photos at the beginning of this. Nothing really good in flexed positions though. This was October vs today.

solid progress!!! Looks like the before and afters a coach or supplement company would post.

 

[Dustin07]

funny how people always look sad in their befores and are smiling in their afters lol

 

[Jimbabwe]

Subbed

 

[gphagan1]

Agree on the readings not being "real". I use them as a reference though for trends. I think I might do a DEXA at some point just for fun to see how off it really is. @Jimbabwe 's log made me want to do it, plus a family member also recently had one done.

Here's the closest I have side by side, similar type of pose. Shouldve taken more photos at the beginning of this. Nothing really good in flexed positions though. This was October vs today.

Also restocked on @sns8778 products!View attachment 259960View attachment 259961

Yeah I agree with Kleen….it definitely looks like you lost more than 2% bodyfat, and your abs are starting to show a little. Great job, and I hope you guys have a blast.

 

[Hyde]

funny how people always look sad in their befores and are smiling in their afters lol

I thought the same thing. But it makes sense: “Here I am, in my shame & dissatisfaction” then, “I feel sexier AND it’s time for a diet break - LFG!!!”

 

[Jimbabwe]

I thought the same thing. But it makes sense: “Here I am, in my shame & dissatisfaction” then, “I feel sexier AND it’s time for a diet break - LFG!!!”

Or just be like me and be sad in before and after photos.

 

[Dustin07]

Or just be like me and be sad in before and after photos.

nothing is more satisfying than being able to maintain consistent discontentment after high level accomplishments.

 

[MrKleen73]

Yeah man, for sure you dropped more than 2% here. Major differences, congrats on such great progress!

 

[Segansational]

Thanks fellas, got back late last night after a flight delay. But immigration/customs was a breeze and the trip was great!

Spent the entire time essentially at the pool (our kids are fish!), but also hit the waterpark on site and did get out on the open water for some kayaking too. Ate whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted - so full on treats (ice cream, pastries, in-room M&Ms and oreos), plates full of meat (see steak night photo) and a sushi luncheon. Didn't bother weighing myself yet as I know it'll be at least 5+ lbs, but I did also get in two workouts while there!

Did my normal Week 3, Day 1 - 0 RIR session plus some extra machine work one day, and took a TRX class another afternoon. Plus with all the walking we did I got my steps in daily:

13k - Fri
16k - Sat
18k - Sun
16k - Mon
11k - Tues

Here are two quick photos I snapped of the gym too. Separate rooms for weights - even had Olympia broadcasts on rotation - spinning, TRX / functional training, and cardio. Plus had to take a triceps photo in the good gym lighting. And one photo of the actual resort itself.

 

[Segansational]

Here's the resort photo since I couldn't attach all of them at once.

 

[Dustin07]

sick hotel gym and that pile of meat looks awesome!
glad you had a good trip!

 

[Hyde]

Sounds like a perfect trip! So much to like about all of that. I’m happy it went so well. You’re looking good in that photo; bet you’re happy you put in the effort to lean out ahead of this trip.

 

[gphagan1]

Glad you guys had a great trip…photos are great, and your tricep looks shredded.

 

[Segansational]

sick hotel gym and that pile of meat looks awesome!
glad you had a good trip!

Honestly wished I had gotten in more workouts since it was well stocked and kept up, plus good lighting!

Sounds like a perfect trip! So much to like about all of that. I’m happy it went so well. You’re looking good in that photo; bet you’re happy you put in the effort to lean out ahead of this trip.

Thanks! Definitely was a great trip. We're already trying to figure out if/when we could go back!

Glad you guys had a great trip…photos are great, and your tricep looks shredded.

Thanks GP. I finally have a beach photo that I can be proud of so when my kids look back they'll be able to say - "Man, Dad was jacked!"

They won't remember it was only for about a 5 day span that one year

What actually struck me was how full my muscles looked there. I think being so depleted for so long, my body just soaked up the glycogen and carbs when I released the valve.

 

[Segansational]

A few other random thoughts this AM. Feel free to skip if all you care about is workout stuff:

1. I was off all supplements during my vacation, not even a multi or anything. No pre-WO, etc. I didn't notice any impact. Now, I'm sure a lot of those things build up over time - but interesting to note. I also worked out at like 4 PM both days, so didn't need any energy boost really and was in a fed state.

2. I ended up not wearing my mouthpiece - and saw no difference on my oxygenation at least according to my fitbit. I wore it last night and had my deep sleep higher, but that I believe had more to do with having the bed to myself last night since my daughter was not feeling well and my wife was in her room.

3. Sun and sand and a mental reset was definitely needed. I always say how being near water has such a positive effect on me. But with no anxiety meds, supps, etc. I felt great - I really think there is something about this modern day environment that we're in that really has negative effects on us. Yes, I was on vacation, but it does have me reflecting a bit on how my life is structured, the career, the goals I chase - and whether reexamining some of that is worth a hard look.

4. Left forearm and right shoulder are bugging me a little bit this AM. Plan rest of the week is to get my weight back under control - using XPG Naplam Xtreme and low level caffeine (Ignition Switch) - before changing course in the gym.

 

[Segansational]

M4, W3, D1/2

Warm up exercises
Standing DB Press, 4 sets
Dead Hangs, 2 x 15 secs
BB Rows, 2 sets - had to pull the plug early due to my left forearm pain.
Neutral Grip Pull Ups, 2 sets

1 hr, 171 cals.

Pre: 1 scoop Ignition Switch, 1g Choline Citrate, 1 pump Napalm Xtreme, 1 pump L-carnitine gel
Intra: 1 scoop EAA9, 1 scoop R1 Lytes, 1.5g Creatine HCl, 25g Karbolyn.

Notes
Not much to look at on paper, but just getting a few reps in and trying to get back on my normal schedule. Will hit legs tomorrow.

 

[MrKleen73]

Great pics, triceps looking juicy!

It's funny how breaking away from the rat race can make you introspective.

 

[Resolve10]

Glad you had a great vacation, looks like it had everything you could have needed.

Taking a step back and reflecting is great. I think it can help to put things in perspective. I think often we live in an age of doing things to do things, but so much of it doesn't actually serve a purpose (just helps us stay distracted).

 

[Dustin07]

1. I was off all supplements during my vacation, not even a multi or anything. No pre-WO, etc. I didn't notice any impact. Now, I'm sure a lot of those things build up over time - but interesting to note. I also worked out at like 4 PM both days, so didn't need any energy boost really and was in a fed state.

I could be wrong here but I do think this is where guys like you and I need to be careful and dilligent because I sometimes notice the same thing, so then its easy to get a little sloppy. All the sudden I'm raw dogging workouts for a couple months, next thing nutrition gets a little loose, cardio disappears and I'm +10lbs lol. I think some build up of supplements can last a while and make you think they don't do anything when you stop, your cortisol is down while on vacation so we can get a false sense of how "little" we need to do, etc.

Layne is really big on caffeine as supplementation, and more people are celebrating the various studies that do show accute strength increase, but tbh I love the occasional session without it. taking a preWO has been a ritual for decades for me but personally I have had many good sessions without added caffeine where i personally felt I performed just as well. being fed and rested IMO are bigger contributors than a double scoop of pre...

3. Sun and sand and a mental reset was definitely needed. I always say how being near water has such a positive effect on me. But with no anxiety meds, supps, etc. I felt great - I really think there is something about this modern day environment that we're in that really has negative effects on us. Yes, I was on vacation, but it does have me reflecting a bit on how my life is structured, the career, the goals I chase - and whether reexamining some of that is worth a hard look.

100%

 

[MrKleen73]

I could be wrong here but I do think this is where guys like you and I need to be careful and dilligent because I sometimes notice the same thing, so then its easy to get a little sloppy. All the sudden I'm raw dogging workouts for a couple months, next thing nutrition gets a little loose, cardio disappears and I'm +10lbs lol. I think some build up of supplements can last a while and make you think they don't do anything when you stop, your cortisol is down while on vacation so we can get a false sense of how "little" we need to do, etc.

Layne is really big on caffeine as supplementation, and more people are celebrating the various studies that do show accute strength increase, but tbh I love the occasional session without it. taking a preWO has been a ritual for decades for me but personally I have had many good sessions without added caffeine where i personally felt I performed just as well. being fed and rested IMO are bigger contributors than a double scoop of pre...



100%

I think a big part of the top paragraph is that when not spending the money on the supplements you don't have the same urgency to stick to things. When supplementing non-staple items most of us put our best foot forward not to waste the supplements but without it there is not that worry of wasting things. That being said, I haven't used many of these products, having used gear, and it being so much cheaper than natural anabolics I can't justify $50+ on a natural anabolic that I need to double the dose on for effect when $50 covers a vial of test easily. So it becomes a question of budget vs efficacy for me.

 

[Dustin07]

I think a big part of the top paragraph is that when not spending the money on the supplements you don't have the same urgency to stick to things. When supplementing non-staple items most of us put our best foot forward not to waste the supplements but without it there is not that worry of wasting things. That being said, I haven't used many of these products, having used gear, and it being so much cheaper than natural anabolics I can't justify $50+ on a natural anabolic that I need to double the dose on for effect when $50 covers a vial of test easily. So it becomes a question of budget vs efficacy for me.

dude that is so true. I've probably said 100 times over the years that even if the supplements off me a 1/2% improvement, my discipline and output are probably 99.5% more on point.

although you've seen any PED use I've ever had which in my opinion has been pretty insignificant, it makes me think I still respond really well to natty stuff. like right now I'm running anabolic XT, Phosphatidic Acid XT, M-Test, 1 x 300mg epiandro cap, and xpg carnitine. like clockwork, right around 3 weeks I notice that A XT and PA XT hit HARD. you're right though, the combination isn't cheap, but man it feels like it works so well for me. I'm going to probably hit Steve up for one more of each: Anabolic XT, Phosphatidic Acid XT, and M-Test. they feel like a really well balanced combination for the pump, the improved gym sessions, and the overall good vibes (M-Test). I can usually run these honestly at 1/2 dose and feel great, hitting full doses on big lifting days.

 

[akboom87]

Looks like a great vacation and an awesome gym!! Hopefully you got some rest time and get back in tune and feeling great again!!

 

[Segansational]

Well, not going to lie gents. It's been a rough go of it since being back.

One, as mentioned my daughter was sick with the stomach bug on something she picked up, so that naturally just threw our schedules out of whack. So didn't feel like we really got back into the normal rhythm of things. She's better now, which is good - as they are having another birthday celebration - this time with friends. But that also means getting things ready last minute. Not going to lie, it all seems a little overboard this year!

I just felt really off yesterday. Slept in and had a LOT of deep sleep over my normal average, but felt like I never woke up. Just really physically dragging. Maybe some rebound from the trip, even though my fitbit showed high readiness, etc. I sure didn't feel like it.

Also been really unnecessarily hungry. This is totally because I had become accustomed to eating huge meals and basically whenever I wanted mid-afternoon. But my body is unhappy I'm back to normal eating. I did snack on a little cheese & crackers pre-dinner just to stave off the beast, and avoided the ice cream truck that came to our kid's school event yesterday. I probably should slightly dial up cals though now that I'm officially "off" my cut. Thinking I may level out maintenance for the next week or two for my body to readjust to whatever "normal" is around this weight (probably low 150s) before kicking into high gear again come May.

Mentally too I'm just a little more irritable. Maybe it's the DHEA/pregnenolone/ZMA back in the mix, maybe just the general life mental load of normal responsibilities weighing on me again. I've also got to buckle down to get prepped for a job interview next week - so far I haven't found the motivation - so need to get back into the right mindset.

Last, missed two days in a row of planned workouts. Not going to dwell on it, but did end up doing a decent bit of yard work in the AM yesterday planting a few new bushes my wife bought, so at least some hard work put in there digging up the ground.

Got in a short leg WO this AM though:

Warm ups,
Foam rolling / stretching
Scap Push Ups
Bird Dogs
Cat Camels

Working sets,
DB SLDLs, 2 sets
Squats, 1 set
Seated leg extensions, 2 sets

38 mins, fueled by 1 scoop of Total War.

Weight Check: 152.4# (+3.0# since start of vacation weight)
BF: 13.8% (+0.4%)

TL,DR: Need to get back in the game. WO this AM complete, deload week mid-next week coming then will reassess goals.

 

[Hyde]

My brovice is try to add in more veggies or low cal foods on top to raise satiety. You’re not going to get fat munching on some extra baby carrots, broccoli, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes. Maybe toss a big apple and potato into the daily diet (high cal & nutrition for very low calorie addition). You can microwave a russet or sweet potato in 6 minutes, mash it up with a fork, and hit it with some salt, ketchup or G Hughes bbq sauce for a nice satisfying extra boost.

 

[Hyde]

And don’t sweat the missed workouts like you said, just do what you can to get back on the course & try to roll with life as you can.

 

[Jimbabwe]

Agree with everything Hyde said. Even berries are super high fiber and low calorie to volume. I personally like blackberries, but most any berry would be ok.

 

[gphagan1]

I agree with Hyde and Jim….munch on some carrots, broccoli, maybe an apple or some blueberries or blackberries. That should give you a nice clean boost without gaining fat.

 

[Segansational]

Thanks for the advice fellas. Always appreciated.

And don’t sweat the missed workouts like you said, just do what you can to get back on the course & try to roll with life as you can.

Yeah. Sometimes for me vacation is a double-edged sword. It's such a big build up, that the let down after can kind of mess with me head. Back in the saddle tomorrow!

Agree with everything Hyde said. Even berries are super high fiber and low calorie to volume. I personally like blackberries, but most any berry would be ok.

Glad to have you in here Jim! Yeah, I forgot that I was starting to do a combo of mid-afternoon snack consisting of nonfat Greek yogurt, 1 scoop of whey, and 1/2 cup of blueberries. That was a good high protein and satisfying meal in between. Will have to pick up some more blueberries again.

I agree with Hyde and Jim….munch on some carrots, broccoli, maybe an apple or some blueberries or blackberries. That should give you a nice clean boost without gaining fat.

I do tend to eat baby carrots with lunches. Raw peppers too. For some reason I've never gotten behind raw broccoli. I'll eat it cooked just about any way, roasted, steamed, etc.

Oh, also I apparently was off by a week so I'm still on 1 RIR currently, so next week will need to be balls to the wall 0 RIR. Then I'll get a deload. So I'm adding in Pepti-Plex back to the mix starting tomorrow. May also add PrimeXT, we'll see.

 

[Dustin07]

One thing I notice with almost every one of us here in AM is that after a really big hard push, there is a period of struggle bus, be it mentally, or CNS, or injuries. You've made massive progress in 2026 and it doesn't seem like a horrible situation to let yourself find a more neutral ground to rebuild your mental as well as physical stamina. ebbs and flows baby. Unless you have a date on the calendar for a competition, only thing you gotta do during the slow periods is not go so off the rails that you undo all your hard work. nothing wrong with a period of mainentence while you get your gas tank refilled.

Mentally too I'm just a little more irritable. Maybe it's the DHEA/pregnenolone/ZMA

that one is interesting to me. I can see that in myself with high doses of epiandro, but when I started taking Steves DHEA it was more of a balancer for me during the normally hard winter months. the preg I can't really speak to though since I don't think I respond well to it so I don't dabble there often. I think I still have like a half bottle of dermacrine thats gotta be around 5 years old at this point lol.

You’re not going to get fat munching on some extra baby carrots, broccoli, celery sticks,

4lbs a day!!

 

[Hyde]

that one is interesting to me. I can see that in myself with high doses of epiandro, but when I started taking Steves DHEA it was more of a balancer for me during the normally hard winter months. the preg I can't really speak to though since I don't think I respond well to it so I don't dabble there often. I think I still have like a half bottle of dermacrine thats gotta be around 5 years old at this point lol.

Estrogen is one of those things where the right amount adds tremendous well-being and balance to every aspect of health. But if it gets too high, you will be irritable and have issues. So it depends entirely on the current user environment it’s being introduced to.

 

[Dustin07]

Estrogen is one of those things where the right amount adds tremendous well-being and balance to every aspect of health. But if it gets too high, you will be irritable and have issues. So it depends entirely on the current user environment it’s being introduced to.

that might be why just that little bit of xpg dhea seemed to serve me pretty well with no noticeable sides. it wasn't that I felt something, it was more that I just noticed even keel balance during normally difficult periods.

 

[MrKleen73]

You have already had lots of good advice in here, so I can say just keep your head up, and don't dwell to much on the why, but focus on positive things, while you keep doing what is needed and I bet you can shake the edginess.

 

[Segansational]

You have already had lots of good advice in here, so I can say just keep your head up, and don't dwell to much on the why, but focus on positive things, while you keep doing what is needed and I bet you can shake the edginess.

Thanks Kleen. I'm somewhat just operating on autopilot tbh. There are so many deadlines hitting all at once at work that I'm having to really pull "overtime" (I'm salaried though, so no benefit for me!) but at the end of the day it is what it is - the work has to get done either way. So I will get it done. But to give you an idea of how crazy things are, I'll be traveling the next 3 weeks in a row - Mon to Thurs the next two weeks, and then gone the 3rd Tuesday in a row from the family the following. It's honestly too much.

What I really don't like though is I was so mentally burnt yesterday by the time my kids got home that I felt genuinely disconnected. I knew I couldn't give my all and my attention to them. That's when I know it's a problem. I was physically there, but mentally elsewhere. Only "positive" if there is any is that I have so many examples of how I don't want to be when I lead a team - if that opportunity comes to fruition.

Woke up at 5 AM thinking about work. But at that point it was close enough to my alarm that I just got out of bed, wrote down my thoughts, and started my day. Mixed up some pre-WO and here we are.

M4, W3, D3 - 1 RIR

Working sets,
Bench Press, 2 sets - last set was more like a 0 RIR tbh.
Incline DB Press, 2 sets - conceivably could move up or more reps on these.
Machine Press, 2 sets - just right.

Was spent after this one!

1 hr 11 mins, 317 cals.

Pre: 1.5 scoops Mr. White, 1g Choline Citrate, 2 pumps L-carnitine gel, 3 caps PrimeXT, 2 caps Pepti-Plex.
Intra: Same as usual, plus 25g Karbolyn.

Notes
Trying to optimize supplementation with the workout needs. Given today was primary (heavy) bench day, high stims and my natty supps back in the mix. Will be running PrimeXT/Pepti-Plex stack again.

Still having trouble getting back into wearing my mouthguard at night. Woke up coughing on my own spit again halfway through the night, LOL. Maybe it's having the opposite of intended effect!

Left elbow really bugging me lately. So wore my elbow sleeves and put on my brace just above the elbow joint and that at least helped during lifts this AM.

 

[Dustin07]

Where do you apply your carnitine? by default I had historically always used shoulders/arms but lately have been using torso and I think I like it.

Sorry the travel is beating you up so much, I understand that very much. I used to love it and tried to fly as much as possible, never as long as you lately, but 2-3x per month for a day to 3 max. I'd look for customers in regions I wanted to fly to even, lol. But over time when your heart is at home it gets harder and harder... hope you can find some enjoyment in it, its sorta a double edged blessing to be able to (and have to) travel so much.

 

[MrKleen73]

Everything you are saying makes complete sense, trust me, I was on the burnout train there for a bit. The last 3 months of last year and the first 3 months of this year was pretty ridiculous for me as well. Luckily I get the benefit of the OT, but it doesn't change that you are running the rat race. Also, I do not have young children, so that is a major difference. Being away from them when they are growing, or feeling too tired to be present when you get a chance to be with them is very hard, and makes you feel inadequate. So let me assure you that you are in no way inadequate, and your children are learning a valuable lesson about work ethic, and what it can take to be successful. Don't think this is wasted time, you are still parenting in your actions, and teaching in your absence. All of it will be valuable to them when they become adults.

You are doing a great job Dad, just give yourself the grace your children do!!!!

 

[Dustin07]

Also, I do not have young children, so that is a major difference. Being away from them when they are growing, or feeling too tired to be present when you get a chance to be with them is very hard, and makes you feel inadequate.

Its true, but then once the kids are grown every time I travel I think "boy, my wife should be here".

 

[MrKleen73]

Its true, but then once the kids are grown every time I travel I think "boy, my wife should be here".

Facts!

 

[akboom87]

Thanks Kleen. I'm somewhat just operating on autopilot tbh. There are so many deadlines hitting all at once at work that I'm having to really pull "overtime" (I'm salaried though, so no benefit for me!) but at the end of the day it is what it is - the work has to get done either way. So I will get it done. But to give you an idea of how crazy things are, I'll be traveling the next 3 weeks in a row - Mon to Thurs the next two weeks, and then gone the 3rd Tuesday in a row from the family the following. It's honestly too much.

What I really don't like though is I was so mentally burnt yesterday by the time my kids got home that I felt genuinely disconnected. I knew I couldn't give my all and my attention to them. That's when I know it's a problem. I was physically there, but mentally elsewhere. Only "positive" if there is any is that I have so many examples of how I don't want to be when I lead a team - if that opportunity comes to fruition.

Woke up at 5 AM thinking about work. But at that point it was close enough to my alarm that I just got out of bed, wrote down my thoughts, and started my day. Mixed up some pre-WO and here we are.

M4, W3, D3 - 1 RIR

Working sets,
Bench Press, 2 sets - last set was more like a 0 RIR tbh.
Incline DB Press, 2 sets - conceivably could move up or more reps on these.
Machine Press, 2 sets - just right.

Was spent after this one!

1 hr 11 mins, 317 cals.

Pre: 1.5 scoops Mr. White, 1g Choline Citrate, 2 pumps L-carnitine gel, 3 caps PrimeXT, 2 caps Pepti-Plex.
Intra: Same as usual, plus 25g Karbolyn.

Notes
Trying to optimize supplementation with the workout needs. Given today was primary (heavy) bench day, high stims and my natty supps back in the mix. Will be running PrimeXT/Pepti-Plex stack again.

Still having trouble getting back into wearing my mouthguard at night. Woke up coughing on my own spit again halfway through the night, LOL. Maybe it's having the opposite of intended effect!

Left elbow really bugging me lately. So wore my elbow sleeves and put on my brace just above the elbow joint and that at least helped during lifts this AM.

Man I feel for you that is not easy and makes it so hard on us men. We have to work and provide so we stay the course but man it sucks all the sacrifices.


A great looking session to get back into it !!