4/28/2012 - The ONBF Mr. Natural Ohio, Newark, OH

I competed in the Master's (over 38) class and the Men's Open Heavyweight class (Over 194.24lbs).  The Master's class was pretty big, there were 10 or 11 competitors.  After filing out on stage and going through our quarter turns the judges split us up; calling out their top 5 and sending the rest to the back of the stage. I was relegated to rear of the stage which pretty much told me I wasn't going to be placing.  We eventually got our turn and were judged after the top guys left.  The top five for masters consisted of many of the best athletes from other weight classes. In fact two of them were in the final.

For the heavyweights there were five competitors so I was guaranteed to at least place in this class.  After judging my training partner felt like I had 3rd locked up.  The top two guys were 15 to 20lbs more than me and were shredded. Very impressive.

My individual routine got a little messed up when the DJ cut off the first 5 seconds of the song and I struggled to adapt.  I hadn't practiced enough and I think it likely showed, but the crowd was still very generous.  I definitely will be practicing my routine much more next time so that little miscues won't get to me.

RESULTS

Masters - DNP

HvyWeight - 3rd

TAKEAWAY

I should have started cutting further out and planned to get down into the light-heavyweights.  My symmetry and muscularity is competitive but I need to bring in the last part of the puzzle which is conditioning.  I looked too smooth compared to the top competitors.  The next competition I do I will be making sure that I get shredded or there is no point showing up. I want to take it to the next level!

The ONBF is a well run organization and I will certainly be competing in their federation again!

2/6/2012 - 1730 to 1930 @ The Iron Chamber Gym

BENCH PRESS w/Reverse Average Bands
185 x 8
225 x 8
275 x 6
315 x 6
365 x 5
405 x 0 + 1 w/help

Removed Bands
245 x 10 +1 w/help
225 x 11 +1 w/help
205 x 12
185 x 14
155 x 20

Some Cardio
20 tire/sledge hammer swings with each arm <ss> Step-Up on large tire - 20 starting with each leg

Did this circuit for 4 circuits with no rest to get in some cardio with the time I had left.