Fatty Cakes, Fatty Cakes Let The Bulk Begin!
Ok as much as I hate to say this I’ve decided I’m not going to compete on Oct. 4th. I busted my ass and gave it a great effort but to be honest I just don’t feel that my body is contest ready and I am not about to step out on the stage and embarrass myself. It was a tough decision but for me it’s not good enough to get on the stage just for the rush of being up there. I decided right from the beginning that if I didn’t feel I could make a good showing then I wasn’t doing it. It makes no sense to me to put all that time in the gym killing myself…choking down nasty food I don’t really want, and spending hundreds of dollars on supplements just to finish last and say, “It was a great experience.” Screw that! Hard Core Muthas don’t train for second place. I really wanted to make this show and I’ve made some big time improvements but right now I look more like an aerobics instructor than a bodybuilder and bottom line is that just won‘t cut it. I don’t feel to bad about it though. I knew that it was going to be tough to get ready when I made the decision to compete with only 16 weeks to prepare so it‘s all good.
All is not lost though…I learned some valuable lessons about contest prep. I got to see how my body reacts to being carb depleted, I learned about posing without looking like a total dip shit, and I totally learned what it’s like to be completely dedicated to something heart and soul and to see it through to it’s conclusion. I also found out just how brutal contest prep can be and how freaking awesome it can be when you stand in front of that mirror and see the results of all your hard work. What a fantastic feeling. I mean why should I hang my head? I went from a chubby 248 to a lean mean 210 and actually had visible abs for the first time in forever. Nothing wrong with that. Besides I’m not through with competing I’m just shifting gears. I feel lack of size is what’s holding me back so starting today the bulk begins. I’m on a mission to gain as much quality mass as I can between now and January. Then in January I will look for a contest in March or April that will allow me 20 quality weeks of prep. That will probably be an NPC event in Northern Kentucky in March or a show in Toledo in April or both. So I don’t consider this a failure just a lesson learned. I’m not stepping on stage till I’m the absolute best I can be.
I want to thank everyone who stopped by to wish me well and who took an interest in my contest prep. It’s that kind of support from my BodySpace friends that keeps driving me on…this site kicks ass. I especially want to thank Susan for everything she’s done to help me train and for always taking the time to talk to me about bodybuilding and being my training partner…and my wife Maggie for cooking me special food and putting up with all my crap especially on low carb days. Without my support system I could never do this. I can’t wait till Spring! Bring on the bulk!
September 28, 2008 at 3:47 pm
you are the definition of Hard Core! I’m very proud of you!! Now lets get ready to kick some ass in 09!!
September 28, 2008 at 3:49 pm
We’ll both kick ass in 09!
September 28, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Droppin’ 38lbs is nothing to frown on at all! Good for sticking with it until the last minute. You have to feel confident walking onto the stage. My only suggestion now (based on a few unsuccessful bulks) is to keep the carbs in moderation from here on out. I know quality carbs are essential to bulking, but too many times I’ve gained a bit more unwanted mass in the process. Finish out the year strong (Hey, the bulk may fit in great with the C5 group, too!) and go at it next year! Here’s the C5 thread if you’re interested: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=110800491
September 30, 2008 at 7:49 am
I’ve also come to learn that it’s all just an ongoing learning process. Really, I hope that never changes.
Take what you’ve learned and add onto it!
September 30, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Hey bryan, guess I’m in this for the joy of lifting and feeling pumped, getting fantastic numbers back from my blood tests, keeping my blood pressure low and knowing I am healthy and have the energy to do anything I set my mind to do. There is a force that drives me, just not to compete against anyone else, but myself at this point. Guess I don’t care to come in last either, the force is greater than that, brother. Keep at it, enjoy the journey and know you are a better person for lifting and building your awesome temple. Peace, Rich
October 1, 2008 at 6:17 am
I disagree with you on that one. I was going to pull out of my show that week, but decided that it was better to do it and get dead last (and I did) and know if competing is for me or not than to give up. If I didn’t compete, then all those weeks of dieting and cardio and being a witch to the hubby was for naught and that wouldn’t be fair to him.
That being said, congrats on your transformation!
It’s an awesome change!
October 1, 2008 at 6:20 am
Oh, and I guess it helps if I finish reading before commenting (>.
October 1, 2008 at 11:46 am
Hey "B"
No Shame what so ever in doing what you feel is right!! You know if your ready or not…and only you can decide! Great deal on the 38 lb loss…. thats a victory in its self! I could go on all day with the congrats….. but to be honest I really wanted to be under Courtney’s post….^ She knows thats my favorite!…lmao Keep going strong….. Real Men Have Mass!
October 2, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Great job on losing the flab Bry. I know that come 2009 you are going to be a huge MF that will take the stage by storm. Keep lifting my hardcore friend
October 2, 2008 at 12:39 pm
wow that is tough awesome for keeping on my friend…you have done great and your transformation is impressive..great to evaluate and if your not ready keep on than ..you will be next time around. Just keep it going forward …
October 2, 2008 at 4:09 pm
No contest, no problem. I think you should take Trixter up on the C5 Challenge. I double bulldogz dare ya.
October 4, 2008 at 6:19 pm
LMAO at NB! I’m admittedly a bit surprised since you were so focused and had impressive improvements, but you definitely seem just as focused (if not more!) for the bulking session, and it seemed like you learned a lot just in these few weeks!! Congrats on the fantastic improvements you have made with yourself, physically and mentally - you undoubtedly ROCK like no other, my Hard Core Mutha WT!!!
October 7, 2008 at 5:33 am
I understand entirely Bry. Been doing the same thing. I now have my sights set on next May for a contest debut. If it doen’t pan out, what the he–, I’m getting stronger and in better shape than most 60 year olds. Besides I love just working out and setting new PR’s. we’ll both know when the time is right. We can’t change what God gave us(genetics), but we can be the best with what we have been given. Keep pumping my firend.