fighting40's BodyBlog

Another Show in the Books

fighting40 — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:44:49 +0000

I would have to say that the 2009 INBF Washington State Natural show was a resounding success for me. No, I didn’t win either class I was in, but achieved my goal of bringing a better me to the stage than the last time. Thanks to Scoobysnacks, I came to this show in my best ever conditioning. The best part for me was how easy the prep came this year. Jason has a simple and effective program that fit my style and took a lot of the stress away. I still got crabby and ill-tempered near the end, but contolling the diet was much easier than in years past.

My only complaint with the show was with a couple of the competitors. This show has always been a very friendly and supportive (but still very competitive) show, but this year a couple of JACKASSES had to go and ruin the atmosphere for all of us. It started when one of the competitors in my class was spouting off about how he was only worried about 1 guy in the class and that neither me nor one of the others was much of a threat. Now, in my book, even if you think something like that, you should never be an arrogant ass and actually share that out loud…especially when those "non-entities" are within ear shot. But the sweet revenge came when I actually beat his sorry ass. Unfortunately this sent him into a tirade wherein he threw his plaque, berated the judges and other competitors, and really just acted like a spoiled brat. Whether I win or lose, I appreciate the hard work of the other competitors and respect the opionions of the judges….this was a local show….not a pro show and no money was on the line. It just amazes me how selfish and utterly disrespectful some people can be. I was pleased to hear however, that this competitor was told not to return next year by the promoter….a great move in my opinion.

Well, it’s time to put this show behind me and start focusing on the task ahead…busting butt to add some mass. I am pleased to have Scoob’s continued nutritional advice and have a plan for the workouts. I am excited to hit the gym with renewed vigor and a never say die attitude. Good luck to all of you. Thanks. Mark

Gettin’ Ready for Prepp’n

fighting40 — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:05:33 +0000

Two weeks until the beginning of contest prep for the August 8th INBF Washington State. I am looking forward to this prep more than I have in the past. I have some help in my corner this go around and from the looks of his competitors, I am in great hands. In the few weeks I have been working with Jason, he has made some small changes that have yielded some pretty cool results. I haven’t been as full nor with as much strength as I have since Jason took the reigns. My strength has improved noticeably, and I feel great. Like I have written before, when I compete, I compete against myself. I truly believe that I will be my best ever come August.

Is it unfair?

fighting40 — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:30:43 +0000

Ok, so it’s been a while since I’ve posted a bodyblog, but I have an issue and I am hoping a few people will weigh in with their opinion. I competed last summer in the INBF Washington State event promoted by Kevin and Denise James. I competed in both the Masters and Open (Heavy) classes and placed 2nd (out of 7) and 3rd (out of 3) respectively. Due to the number of competitors in the Masters class (minimum of 5) a WNBF Masters Pro card was awarded to the guy that finished 1st. However, the class winners are piss tested (all competitors are polygraphed) and the guy that placed first was DQ’d (had seen a doctor about an issue not long before the show and he didn’t know that he’d been given a banned substance that was included in the medicines). Because I finished 2nd, I was then awarded the pro card (a month after the show). My feeling is that I was beaten that day, and that I have a long way to go before my physique is "pro" worthy. Here is my dilemma: I found out recently that until I win money in a pro show, that I am still eligible as an amatuer and can therefore compete again in the masters class. I am more competitive in the masters class than in the open (I am going to do the open in the same show this August anyway) and would really like to do it again….but……How silly would it look to lose an amatuer masters class when I am already a "pro"? Is it fair to the guys that competed last year in that class who would like their shot at a pro card (not that I would win again - see last sentance)? I am not into competitive bodybuilding for any reason other than to have some fun and see how far I can take my body. For this reason, and the fact that I didn’t actually win the card on stage, I would like to compete in the masters class again. However, I want to be a gentleman and not be greedy, therefore, should I just do the open and skip the masters? I may try a WNBF pro masters show that comes up in October out in New York, but I am certain to get my ass handed to me. It might be fun to try it just to say I’d done it…Thanks for reading, and please leave a comment with your opinion. Have a great day. Mark

2007 INBF Washington Naturals

fighting40 — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 09:45:13 +0000

Just returned from the 2007 INBFWashington State Natural show in Arlington, WA (just north of Seattle) produced by Kevin and Denise James. This show was a total blast. I couldn’t believe how nice everyone was….the competitors (not a single arrogant ass in the bunch), staff (very helpful and fun), and the audience (totally into the show). The venue was a new perfoming arts auditorium that was absolutely fantastic. If you are a natural competitor, and want a fun and competitive show….come to the 2008 show. The James’ are fantastic folks and will help with any arrangements necessary for you to enjoy the show. I just can’t say enough great things about this event. This show is now the standard for what I will expect in any show.

Another quick word about the competition. This show was full of great people with some terrific bodies. I wouldn’t have wanted to be a judge at this contest because there were a lot of really sharp bods, but in my opinion, the judges got the scoring right. It’s a lot more fun when there aren’t a lot of easy winners and I don’t think there were any "easy" wins this year.

Now, how did I do…I felt great going into this show. I had more size than before and still maintained a good degree of conditioning. I was hoping my night routine would improve over my last attempt and made myself proud. The routine went off without a hitch and I think it showed what I had pretty well. I think I will start working on a new routine now so I’m ready for next year (it’s the part I’m the worst at). I’m pleased to say that I finished 2nd in the open heavy weight and won the 40+ masters. I am excited to get back into the gym and start improving my weak spots…maybe I can make an improvement in the open category next year (some more size would really help). Good luck to everyone I got to meet at the show this year, and I can’t wait to see you all again next August.

Final Countdown

fighting40 — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 02:06:11 +0000

Well, last few days….feeling good. I am pleased with the way I am looking and feel like I’m a bit bigger than my show in March, but I’m only a few pounds heavier. One place I think I have improved is in my posing. I am convinced, that the more you do it, and see it being done, the better you get. The posing just feels a lot more natural this time. I still don’t like the evening show part…I am not very artistic and don’t feel like my presentation is as exciting as I would like. However, I feel that my routine for this show is far superior to the one in March….music is a ton better and it’s pace and beat allow for better transitions between poses. I need to develop (or steal) a few more poses that look good with my body that aren’t run of the mill stuff. Unfortuately, my balance sucks and I won’t be doing any kneeling ar squating type poses….the last thing I need to do is fall over on stage. I am starting to get the butterflies; funny part is, that’s what I like. I like the anticipation the most, thinking and dreaming of glory. Anyway, I’m off to my last tanning bed appointment before the show (wish I was this dark all year long….I am a redhead, so compared to most, I’m still not that dark). Later

Getting Ready

fighting40 — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 01:45:25 +0000

Officially 9days out (not including today) from the INBF Washington State Naturals. I’ve entered both the masters and open heavyweight classes of the contest. I’d like to say that I do not care how I place, as long as I come in my best shape, but that’d be a lie. I have worked a lot harder preparing for this show than I did my other (only other) and have learned a lot since then. But, there are always guys out there that are bigger, stronger, fitter etc. and you have no control over who shows up. I would rather lose in a big contest than win as an only competitor….so maybe I should quit worrying. I guess this competition or the fear of competition helps keep me motivated…gives me a purpose for pushing an extra rep or skipping that cheat food. I won’t write "I want to win" on my profile, but I sure am going to push myself hard in hopes that my doubts turn out to be just that…..MY DOUBTS. Just in case, if you’re planning on competing in the above referenced show, I heard candybars help build muscle.

Almost there!

fighting40 — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 01:05:21 +0000

Well, I’m currently inside of 2 weeks to the Washington State Naturals in Arlington, Wa. I feel much better about this contest than I did the first time I competed. I have learned a lot and had some great help getting conditioned. The biggest improvement in this training effort has been the carb cycling. I just dropped carbs in chunks last time and by the time the contest arrived I had no energy. My energy level is still up considerably and my training poundages have stayed a lot higher. I think my contest day prep will be much improved (learned a few of the tricks) too. I am definately coming in as ripped as last time, but with an extra 4 to 5 pounds. For me, that is what matters….I am better than I was last time.

PS Thanks to everyone who has left positive and motivationg comments, it really does help.

More Calories?

fighting40 — Sat, 19 May 2007 01:06:51 +0000

This morning’s scale read 205. That’s down a couple of pounds from the other day and not much movement in the last few weeks. I may not worry about it for the time being because I was going to start a cut in June for an August contest. But, when I start a mass program on the other side of that contest, it looks like I may have to hit the 5000cal mark. In the meantime, I am going to keep my cals, foods, and ratios the same but start in with a bit more cardio. The goal would be to start trimming the fat but keeping enough cals to maintain the muscle. I know I over dieted going into my only other contest, I would like to hold a bit more size for the second. Currently, I am using only 1 serving of weight gainer, providing 600cals of my current 4500. I am eating about every 2 to 2.5 hours and keeping it clean. I won’t be able to get in another meal, so I will most likely have to up the cals in each meal slightly. I am already eating just over 2 grams/lb of protein and would probably make the extra cals complex carbs. I know it sounds kind of corny, but I actually like thinking about and tweaking my diet in search of better results. Mentally, I have never been as stoked for the gym as I have been in the last month. However, this soreness in my right shoulder is putting a huge hamper on my workouts. Chest work and anterior shoulder work is causing a bunch of pain. Pullups bother it too, but I can make up for the back with more rowing movements (they don’t seem to hurt as much). Since I am taking next week off work (my daughter Lauren is coming to town - We are going to go see her favorite band….My Chemical Romance) I may try to get to the doctor. I am not a believer in see the doc’s for this kind of thing, they never seem to help, but my shoulder has been bothering me since February and I am getting tired of it ruining my workouts.

Weight Watching

fighting40 — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 23:17:02 +0000

I stepped on the scale this morning and found myself at 207lbs. That is up from my March 31 contest weight of 195 and down from my pre-contest prep of 220. Going into my first contest I really didn’t think I was going to lose that much weight. I was however, very pleased with my conditioning at the contest and now consider that my benchmark. I am preparing for my next contest in Aug and am trying to put on just a bit of size before I start my cut again. I have been consuming about 4500 cals in a ratio of 45%carbs (whole wheat bread, oatmeal, yams, complex carbs in a weight gain product), 40% protein (96% lean beef, nf cottage cheese, egg whites, whey shakes and weight gain) and 15% fats (misc qtys in shakes, weight gain and 1/4 of all fat grams in an ounce of raw almonds). I get nervous as the weight increases that along with that is going to come fat. I know that’s what happens, but I just want to delay the start of my cut as long as possible before the show, so don’t wan’t the layer of fat to get too thick. Compared to my contest, I already feel like a fat pig, but I can still see the obliques and the serratus so maybe I’m still ok. I guess my goal would be to come into the Aug show 3-4 pounds heavier. It doesn’t sound like much, but I bet it will make a big difference in the way I show. If anybody has comments on the diet, let me know. Thanks.

Tough Competition

fighting40 — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 02:34:52 +0000

WOW! When I start looking around at all the profiles, I am just amazed by the shape some of you are in. Just when I think I am working hard and looking good, I see some of the dudes that are just huge and ripped and I know I am not working hard enough. And the gals…pretty incredible. I know it’s not about what others are doing, but how much am I improving. However, on the bodybuilding stage, you have to stand next to others and allow yourself to be judged. As they say, it’s not the destination, but the journey. I admire the dedication and hard work invested by all of you. Keep smiling!