[Kate Collins]

Hope you’re feeling better soon Rhea- sorry to hear about your migraines ???????? x

@katiecshallbe_

[Kate Collins]

Very excited to follow this!

@katiecshallbe_

[Kate Collins]

Hey Katie. How’s it going? Have you made any decisions as to what the plan is going forward? I don’t think any of us know whether our shows will go ahead this year, so the best bit of advice I can give you is to be prepared to change the plan and don’t set your heart on any show in particular. I’m prepping with a view to competing in July, but I highly doubt that will go ahead, so I’m completely accepting that this may just become a mini cut ready to grow again.
Remember why we do this.. the process and the progress is our drive, the stage is simply a land mark along the way and not the end goal. Stay positive x

_________________________________________

Instagram @ClareBarksPT | http://www.trainedbyjpclothing.com – The most anabolic clothing ever! |

http://www.trainedbyjp-nutrition.com – highest quality supplements on the market.

Good morning Clare ☺️ things are ok! What about you?

We haven’t set an exact date in stone yet- but I’d love to do the Amateur Olympia in Alicante in September… but like you said- whether that goes ahead or not is questionable. It’s so hard to guess/predict what is going to happen; especially when other major sports have been totally cancelled for the entire year and the ease on the lockdowns doesn’t seem to be in near sight.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m enjoying seeing the changes day to day, week to week, and the challenge that this time is presenting me- progressing lifts on a deficit, trying to hold down my current job (for however long it lasts), driving an hour an a half to a private garage gym and hour and half back, (being stopped by the police every time asking where I’m going ????) prepping meals etc. But some days are just more mentally taxing than others.

But just trying to remember a quote I heard a while back that said, “Time is going to pass anyways, so you might as well make something of it..” I know I’d be very unhappy if I wasn’t doing any of this.

I guess not having the support network that I’m used to either isn’t helping either, but I’m doing this for me and only me at the end of it all.

Thank you for your advise- it so so appreciated. “Stay ready..” I love it.
How are you finding everything during all of this?

@katiecshallbe_

[Kate Collins]

Thank you for sharing this Tim. It’s a very scary place to be in- and you feel at whits end and totally out of control when all of these things start piling up. I find myself doing it too. Just tying to “deal” with things that are going on in my life on my own, which never helps.

It’s lovely to hear that you have such a strong support system around you, and that you do indeed have many people who care about you and your well being. And seeing how much everyone on here cares too. It brings joy to my heart.

Glad to hear you’re doing better and I’m very sorry to hear about your uncles passing and I hope your mother is doing ok too.

@katiecshallbe_

[Kate Collins]

Moooooorning ☺️

Took a week to just relax the mind a bit and not worry about certain things which included a lot of social media.

Took some photos this morning.

Holding the same weight despite a 3 days rest up and slight diet break.

Went back into my first leg session hitting pbs across the board so well happy!

Not sure how much longer I’ll be dieting for – I don’t think it’s wise to be on such high cardio and low food for 12-16 weeks and 20+ more to go. We will see.

Knees were absolutely battered after the last leg session so doubled up on join in and cure coming and opted for walking instead of spin bike to try ease the pains in my knees as even walking or being still was extremely sore!

@katiecshallbe_

[Kate Collins]

Hey @katiecshallbe_
Recovery is getting much better!! First full week, i was really beat!! But now getting into it and recovering better!! I must admit though im really missing my CURE COMING and Join In supplements!! I can really feel the difference with out them – my knees feel a bit sticky!
So Australia is talking about 6 weeks until lifting the Lockdown! I really hope it is sooner though!! Cases here seem to have slowed down and the number of deaths is still quite low! Still such a surreal situation right now
hehe its so good having a camera for check ins hehe but iphone is equally as good, i think im going to wait to get a new one xxx

Hope everyone had a lovely easter xx

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Instagram – @rheagpt

I can imagine with higher volume of the at home equipment. And honestly, I feel the same way when I run out mine too- I feel it in my knees and elbows especially as soon as I run out!

Oh my gosh another 6 weeks I’m so sorry Rhea ???? and still no way sight of any flights home for you? I feel for you so bad during this time but at least you have sunshine and family on your side.

Hope you had a lovely Easter too ???? x x

@katiecshallbe_

[Kate Collins]

Good morning and HAPPY EASTER!!
This morning I went for a nice big walk to get the majority of my steps in before it started to get busy later this afternoon!! Today I am training upper!! I mentioned to Corinne about the pullover niggling my back and we have changed it to another exercise but one that is still going to target my lats!! So all is well!! I’m feeling really good at the moment!! we have made a few changes to my diet yesterday, to keep things in check so we are ready to jump into a show when the opportunity presents itself!! My split is still Upper, Lower, REST which is really working well at the moment and my step goal is still at 12k ????
I hope everyone has an amazing day!! and stay safe xxx

_________________________________________

Instagram – @rheagpt

Good morning Rhea ☺️ I’ve recently been having trouble with my back/shoulder and my sports therapist said (when we could go to one????) that the niggle was originating in my chest/pec too! So thank you for sharing your experience about your niggles on here as I’d still be suffering very badly otherwise. X x

How is your recovery with this new split and training from home?

Here in Ireland we are on further lockdown until May 5th ???? have you heard what it’s like Australia?

Also- you’ve made me want to get a camera for check ins now ???? I need to behave and not spend money right now ???????? x x

@katiecshallbe_

[Kate Collins]

I’ve always used my iPhone! I wish I had a camera but then again I’d have to upload/import the photos and I usually don’t have the time to do so ???? usually do a video and screenshot the video as I go through my poses ????

What camera did you have Rhea? X x

@katiecshallbe_

[Kate Collins]

So, rest day today. Currently on the spin bike getting the protocols done.
But…. woke up to my next show being postponed. No dates yet as to when but alas.
Right now I don’t know what to do. I have been dieting since before Christmas. Ideally, I think readjusting plans for a show in September/October would be best at this stage as I don’t want the disappointment of a show in July being postponed and wasting more time dieting.
So, the Amateur Olympia in Alicante September 5/6th would see me 21 weeks out. Finish my cycle at the 6 week mark as I have been on for 3 weeks I think now. 10 off. 8-10 on leading into the show.
Would really appreciate anyone’s thoughts here. ????

_________________________________________

@katiecshallbe_

Hi Kate, to be honest I don’t think there will be any chance for a show in July but please don’t be too much frustrated about that! As you said September/October is totally realistic !

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Instagram @lara_lein89

[/quote]
Thank you Lara ????

Yeah we’ve decided that getting ready for a show in July wouldn’t be the best idea. But we are going to continue to push for a bit more condition for now and then try hold out until September/October.

I had a good check in with Corinne. I’ve been ordered to take 3 full rest days. No cardio, no training. ???? and a slightly refeed/diet break. Very minimal but I’m sure it will fuel the tank engine to keep on going for the rest of this prep for a while anyways.

So trained upper yesterday and I was stopped by the police 7 times asking where I was going ???? luckily I have a letter from work saying that I’m an essential worker so they let me off but damn!

Today, I’m going to do some grocery shopping, if there’s anything left in the shops and travel home to see my dad and the puppy and help out on the farm.

@katiecshallbe_

[Kate Collins]

This is the type of excited I expected to see with someone waiting for the arrival of weights and a barbell while taking 3 scoops of stim pre workout ???? delighted for you Clare!!

@katiecshallbe_

[Kate Collins]

Hi Emma,

Firstly congratulations with overcoming your anorexia nervosa! That in itself is a HUGE accomplishment that you should be VERY proud of.

As someone who has also suffered from anorexia for years too, I would say to definitely be very mindful of the fact before you try competing. Fall in love with training first, and become truly comfortable with the idea of gaining weight. Not fat. Weight. Muscle. Because muscle has mass.

I understand how frightening it can be to do this but you seem to be very strong minded and willed. As everyone else is saying, I think a good improvement season where you focus on building muscle all over would be hugely beneficial to you, before you even think of starting to “diet” again. You have a beautiful shape that is well suited to bikini.

Wishing you all the best ????

@katiecshallbe_

[Kate Collins]

So, rest day today. Currently on the spin bike getting the protocols done.

But…. woke up to my next show being postponed. No dates yet as to when but alas.

Right now I don’t know what to do. I have been dieting since before Christmas. Ideally, I think readjusting plans for a show in September/October would be best at this stage as I don’t want the disappointment of a show in July being postponed and wasting more time dieting.

So, the Amateur Olympia in Alicante September 5/6th would see me 21 weeks out. Finish my cycle at the 6 week mark as I have been on for 3 weeks I think now. 10 off. 8-10 on leading into the show.

Would really appreciate anyone’s thoughts here. ????

@katiecshallbe_

[Kate Collins]

Oh my goodness how annoying! That would drive me insane Clare ???? hopefully everything arrives soon

@katiecshallbe_

[Kate Collins]

Thank you @kamara-graham !! That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking too, but thank you for reminding me ☺️????

Love following along your log daily btw- and I hope you’re safe and healthy throughout all of this ???? x

@katiecshallbe_

[Kate Collins]

Looking fantastic Kate. Good to see that training is still progressing too. It’s tough prepping for a show without knowing if the stage will be there at the end, but the challenge of the process is just as rewarding. Keep focused x

_________________________________________

Instagram @ClareBarksPT | http://www.trainedbyjpclothing.com – The most anabolic clothing ever! |

http://www.trainedbyjp-nutrition.com – highest quality supplements on the market.

Clare that means the world to me- thank you. ????
It’s incredibly difficult, but I’m trying to be as delusional as possible to the situation as I don’t want that negativity to any influence my work ethic toward this prep. I’m not oblivious but I just don’t want it to to effect my output, of that makes any sense?
At the end of the day it’s small worries. I have my health. And at this moment in time, it’s less about getting on stage and more so finishing out a goal that I set out for myself that means so much to me that world can not describe.

I know that you more than likely understand ???? thank you so much for your kind words. Your Instagram stories and daily updates on your logs keep me going on the daily too ☺️

@katiecshallbe_