I haven't experienced much pain worse than being truly hungry. The kind of hungry where you lie in bed awake in the middle of the night unable to go back to sleep because your stomach is in knots, growling, and the 6 Tums you've chewed over the past hour aren't doing a damn thing to settle things. That's how my nights were going by the end of last week. It was by far the worst peak week I've experienced yet and for just that reason I don't think I'll ever do a Summer show again. It happened to be the hottest week so far this year with insanely high humidity levels which completely drained me of all energy even before the usual effects of carb-cutting kicked in. Hats off to all the bodybuilders who had to dehydrate themselves in that heat - I don't think I'd be strong enough to get through it! I knew I was in trouble when I was already feeling lethargic during my workout Monday night, the first day of my cut, when I typically can go a good 3 days before I turn into a zombie. My workouts basically sucked all week but I still pushed through them as best I could. This also means that I was extra miserable all week long at both work and the gym and ready to rip someone's head off with no advance notice LOL. For the sake of being completely honest here and admitting that sometimes even the strictest of people need to break the rules, I cheated on my proposed diet plan every day. That's right, not once or twice, EVERY FREAKING DAY! Now I don't mean I had a chocolate bar or anything like that but I did, every evening, have an extra off-plan serving of carbohydrate (usually oatmeal) simply because I honestly felt like I would die if I didn't.
Somehow I made it through the torture Monday through Thursday. Friday felt like I imagine being let out of prison after 50 years of solitary confinement would feel. FREEDOM! I had planned a carb-load on Friday anyway but seeing how the week had gone, I upped it even more. Fantastic move on my part! Friday was a whirlwind day of driving to Massachusetts and back to get checked-in, polygraphed, and spray tanned but suddenly I had energy again and was ready to rock it! It also helped my motivation seeing other competitors again. How did I forget how many studs there were in this sport? Seriously, I think all the hotties in the OCB were at this show. I wasn't even the slightest bit annoyed with having to wait an hour in line in an un-airconditioned hotel for my polygraph when there was so much deliciousness to look at! ;)
Anyway, I ended Friday night with a delicious post-dinner PB & banana snack and hit the sack to try to get some rest before the big day. My bedroom however was about 150 degrees and after realizing that the only way I was going to preserve my tan would be to go downstairs into the A/C and spend the night on my itty bitty sofa, I think I got about a max of 2 hours sleep for the night. At 5:30 AM I got up, made breakfast, put on my suit, did my makeup, and hit the road. Despite the lack of sleep, my carb-load had done wonders for my overnight. Abs were popping and I just couldn't refrain from taking a little photo shoot to document the occasion LOL.
Finally, the day had arrived to show off what I had busted my ass for over the past 3 months. Off to the Yankee Classic!
The Yankee was held in a very nice high school in Newburyport. Upon arrival all competitors set-up their things in the school cafeteria which was great because not only was it huge but it was airconditioned! Around 10:00 all competitors got together for the usual pre-show meeting and then around 10:30 the show began with bikini. I was feeling great in my new suit, had nearly inhaled my lucky Cadbury Cream Egg, and went out there for both the novice and open classes with more confidence than I felt I had at either of my other two shows. The auditorium was quite small which made it more intimate and less intimidating. The classes were a much better size this time, about 10-12 girls each, and the competition was great. I felt like the girls I was up against were much better conditioned than at the SOA and everyone really brought their best to the stage. Feeling like I did well but having no idea how I looked to the judges who kept their stone cold stares facing the line-up the whole time, I had to be patient for the next few hours after all the other categories went through their judging segments.
Around 3:30, after a short intermission, it was time for our solo walks. I swear, no matter how many shows I do, I will never get used to the walk. I absolutely DETEST getting up on stage by myself, knowing all eyes are on me as I try to pop my hips at unnatural angles, tighten my abs and quads to the point of pain, hold a fake smile, and chant silently in my head "don't fuck up, don't fuck up, don't fuck up" over and over again. Seriously, I would pay double the entrance fee if I could get out of having to do the walk! About halfway through I could feel my lips starting to involuntarily quiver, my legs getting weak and I knew I had to speed it up before I passed out on stage. Phew! I made it off just in the knick of time as my toes started to spasm; one of the negative effects of wearing way-too-high heels for any length of time!
The next couple of hours were spent going through everyone's individual performance and then it was time for awards. This time the top 5 placings were not posted backstage so all contestants were huddled up backstage hoping to hear their number called (I was competitor #4). It's always a bit nerve-wracking waiting to find out the results but the wait was well worth it this time. I placed 2nd in both my novice and open categories!
You always hear people joke that getting 3rd is better than getting 2nd since 2nd is so close to being 1st but I have to say I disagree. I am extremely happy with my placings yesterday. The competition was fierce, the classes large, and I felt like I brought my best physique to the stage yet. The only problem now is that while before the Yankee I was thinking this may be my last show this year, now I want to give a shot at 1st one more try. I haven't had a chance to get any judge feedback yet but that pro card is so close I can taste it. I want it so bad and I feel like it's finally within reach. A few more tweaks here and there and I may just nail it! I'm not committing to anything just yet. My body definitely needs a break and I want to enjoy the rest of the Summer before I think too much about it. Come September though I have a feeling I'm going to be getting antsy for a new challenge. 'Til then though, time to build!
If you saw my macros today you'd probably shudder in disgust but I want my energy and full strength back so I'm going to eat clean but pay less attention to my macros this week to hopefully kick start my body back into normalcy. I returned to the gym this morning for a weights-only session and I felt like my strength was starting to come back already. I can't wait to hit it again tomorrow. Dreading my return to the office but at least I have something to look forward to at 5:00 pm! Anyway, I'm burning out here so that's it for my recap of the Yankee. I feel like I left out a lot of details but at least you have all the major events laid-out here.
I hope someone out there reading my blog posts finds inspiration to tackle their personal fitness goal be it competing or some other activity. Just remember to do it for you. People will try to talk you out of it or tell you you can't or tell you it's a bad idea. Who knows their reasoning. In all likelihood they mean well but are just ignorant on the subject. Bottom line is though, as long as you enjoy it, that's all that matters. If they can't handle it fuck 'em. You don't know how long you will have to go after your dreams so what better time than now to get started?
May you rest in peace, Carlos. I didn't know you well but in my short time competing, I have seen and heard the wonderful impact you had on so many competitors. The sad news seems surreal as I just saw you yesterday and you were your happy, energetic self, eager and excited to help so many competitors achieve their dreams. A truly kind, compassionate, strong, caring man. You will be missed by many.
Somehow I made it through the torture Monday through Thursday. Friday felt like I imagine being let out of prison after 50 years of solitary confinement would feel. FREEDOM! I had planned a carb-load on Friday anyway but seeing how the week had gone, I upped it even more. Fantastic move on my part! Friday was a whirlwind day of driving to Massachusetts and back to get checked-in, polygraphed, and spray tanned but suddenly I had energy again and was ready to rock it! It also helped my motivation seeing other competitors again. How did I forget how many studs there were in this sport? Seriously, I think all the hotties in the OCB were at this show. I wasn't even the slightest bit annoyed with having to wait an hour in line in an un-airconditioned hotel for my polygraph when there was so much deliciousness to look at! ;)
Anyway, I ended Friday night with a delicious post-dinner PB & banana snack and hit the sack to try to get some rest before the big day. My bedroom however was about 150 degrees and after realizing that the only way I was going to preserve my tan would be to go downstairs into the A/C and spend the night on my itty bitty sofa, I think I got about a max of 2 hours sleep for the night. At 5:30 AM I got up, made breakfast, put on my suit, did my makeup, and hit the road. Despite the lack of sleep, my carb-load had done wonders for my overnight. Abs were popping and I just couldn't refrain from taking a little photo shoot to document the occasion LOL.
The Yankee was held in a very nice high school in Newburyport. Upon arrival all competitors set-up their things in the school cafeteria which was great because not only was it huge but it was airconditioned! Around 10:00 all competitors got together for the usual pre-show meeting and then around 10:30 the show began with bikini. I was feeling great in my new suit, had nearly inhaled my lucky Cadbury Cream Egg, and went out there for both the novice and open classes with more confidence than I felt I had at either of my other two shows. The auditorium was quite small which made it more intimate and less intimidating. The classes were a much better size this time, about 10-12 girls each, and the competition was great. I felt like the girls I was up against were much better conditioned than at the SOA and everyone really brought their best to the stage. Feeling like I did well but having no idea how I looked to the judges who kept their stone cold stares facing the line-up the whole time, I had to be patient for the next few hours after all the other categories went through their judging segments.
Around 3:30, after a short intermission, it was time for our solo walks. I swear, no matter how many shows I do, I will never get used to the walk. I absolutely DETEST getting up on stage by myself, knowing all eyes are on me as I try to pop my hips at unnatural angles, tighten my abs and quads to the point of pain, hold a fake smile, and chant silently in my head "don't fuck up, don't fuck up, don't fuck up" over and over again. Seriously, I would pay double the entrance fee if I could get out of having to do the walk! About halfway through I could feel my lips starting to involuntarily quiver, my legs getting weak and I knew I had to speed it up before I passed out on stage. Phew! I made it off just in the knick of time as my toes started to spasm; one of the negative effects of wearing way-too-high heels for any length of time!
The next couple of hours were spent going through everyone's individual performance and then it was time for awards. This time the top 5 placings were not posted backstage so all contestants were huddled up backstage hoping to hear their number called (I was competitor #4). It's always a bit nerve-wracking waiting to find out the results but the wait was well worth it this time. I placed 2nd in both my novice and open categories!
You always hear people joke that getting 3rd is better than getting 2nd since 2nd is so close to being 1st but I have to say I disagree. I am extremely happy with my placings yesterday. The competition was fierce, the classes large, and I felt like I brought my best physique to the stage yet. The only problem now is that while before the Yankee I was thinking this may be my last show this year, now I want to give a shot at 1st one more try. I haven't had a chance to get any judge feedback yet but that pro card is so close I can taste it. I want it so bad and I feel like it's finally within reach. A few more tweaks here and there and I may just nail it! I'm not committing to anything just yet. My body definitely needs a break and I want to enjoy the rest of the Summer before I think too much about it. Come September though I have a feeling I'm going to be getting antsy for a new challenge. 'Til then though, time to build!
If you saw my macros today you'd probably shudder in disgust but I want my energy and full strength back so I'm going to eat clean but pay less attention to my macros this week to hopefully kick start my body back into normalcy. I returned to the gym this morning for a weights-only session and I felt like my strength was starting to come back already. I can't wait to hit it again tomorrow. Dreading my return to the office but at least I have something to look forward to at 5:00 pm! Anyway, I'm burning out here so that's it for my recap of the Yankee. I feel like I left out a lot of details but at least you have all the major events laid-out here.
I hope someone out there reading my blog posts finds inspiration to tackle their personal fitness goal be it competing or some other activity. Just remember to do it for you. People will try to talk you out of it or tell you you can't or tell you it's a bad idea. Who knows their reasoning. In all likelihood they mean well but are just ignorant on the subject. Bottom line is though, as long as you enjoy it, that's all that matters. If they can't handle it fuck 'em. You don't know how long you will have to go after your dreams so what better time than now to get started?
May you rest in peace, Carlos. I didn't know you well but in my short time competing, I have seen and heard the wonderful impact you had on so many competitors. The sad news seems surreal as I just saw you yesterday and you were your happy, energetic self, eager and excited to help so many competitors achieve their dreams. A truly kind, compassionate, strong, caring man. You will be missed by many.
Congratulations! I love reading your posts. I just started competing (figure) and I can totally relate to the ups and downs. But at the end of the day I am only doing this for myself, and it feels great. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
ReplyDeleteThank you! How was your first show?
ReplyDeleteMy first show was amazing. The experience was like no other. I placed 1st in Novice-Tall, 2nd in Open-Tall and 2nd in Masters. My next show is 7 weeks away.
DeleteWow, that is fantastic! Great job and good luck in your next show. Let me know how it goes :)
ReplyDelete