7-Day Blitz...Conclusions

Well, now that it's all said and done, and the pictures, despite the lack of some definitive "befores", would seem to indicate a successful run, I figured I'd type out a few of my parting thoughts on the whole experience before getting back into the regular swing of things and then running this again in the middle of august.

*This was beyond a doubt the toughest thing I've taken on dietary wise (much tougher even than the big step of revamping my lifestyle diet, which quickly became habit while this did not). In fact, in terms of bodybuilding and its 'corrolaries', this was probably the most taxing experience yet. I've compared it to ED injects, dbol sides, PCT, massive soreness and CNS disruption from shock set programs and everything in between, and nothing quite matches up with the toughness that was required to get through those last two days...and i'm NOT embelishing for dramatic effect. There is no worse feeling than starting at a bottle of spring water and then feeling guilty about it becuase that would be 'cheating'.

*post-blitz fallout was, and I'm not sure how common this is and hope that swole chimes in, debilitating. I'm still, in fact, feeling the effects. My body has just sort of rejected everything and anything following this blitz. In a move that is NOT spurned by laziness but rather by an eye towards the most efficient totality of my cycle this summer (and those who know me know this is the case), I've elected to more or less take this week "off" from training, diet, etc, etc. My body did not like what I did to it, and these last few days have found me unable to kick that thirsty feeling, very lightheaded, *extremely* tired (I slept 16 hours last night) and just lethargic and sluggish all around. Mentally, the carryover has been just as tough as, after two failed attempts at a.m. cardio and two scrapped attempts at weight training sessions since the end of the blitz had me all but wanting to quit the cycle and training altogether at times. It was rough. Ultimately, however, I've elected to take until tomorrow or so (so about five to six days) just to break up the cycle/training and 'revamp'. I'm not making everyday a cheat day, and most of my foods are foods i would eat normally as part of my strict diet, but not having to watch the clock, measure my oats, and whatnot, though it seems insignficant, has really done a great deal to rekindle my motivation and mental outlook. I'm not saying that the net result of this blitz was bad, but, it being my first time undertaking somethign this extreme, I did not expect the 'fallout' to hit me like it did. In since talking to competitive athletes attempting to peak for events, i've heard it's not unusal for marathoners, sprinters and other "peaking athletes" (like bb'ers) to get quite ill in the 3-6 days following their 'peak'...particularly as they first acclimate to this peaking notion. So I will be running it again, for sure....

*Here's my shameless 'shout out' which I knew was inevitable after the first three days of results: I just really, really want to take this opportunity as I have people's attention to send a very big thanks to SwoleCat. I presume he makes his living this way, as I often earn money tutoring standardized testing, particularly the LSAT. When friends hear this, I am inundated with requests (most often of the 'no charge for a bud, right?' variety) and I realize first hand what a conflicting thing it can be to impart knowledge and advice for free upon which the somewhat limited availability of it is precisely what allows you to earn your living dispensing it. In that regard, what SC does here (and did for me...taking the time to answer my individualized questions) is all the more admirable. I mean, imagine reading an SI article by Peter Gammons and being able to contact him directly to ask for clarification or to argue a point....not a likely scenario. So, I'll say it openly and loudly, Swole, and the scores of others we have here like him (though I'm using him specifically as i utilized his program) have truly made this place a rare and unique (and, in my opinion, increasingly rare and exceedingly unique) place to exchange ideas and better yourself as a fitness enthusiast or bodybuilder. In the last two years, I've made more improvements to my physique than I made in those first two years of training, and I owe much, if not all of it, to the tidbits I came across here at AR.