+ 2 Last pics 8 weeks out - Before quitting
These pics were taken for my coach 8 weeks out from what would have been my 1st show. It was during that week that I decided for a few important reasons that I was not going to do the show.
I never ONCE cheated on my diet or skipped a cardio session or workout. I was 100% committed to the work that needed to be done, and I did everything my coach told me. I never quit because I couldn't handle the prep.
Here's the story. About one year ago, I was a FAT 200 lbs. Probably around 22%. However, at 5'5" I was still holding quite a bit of muscle (check out my pics from a year ago if you want). I started dieting without intention of doing a show. I made it to about 175 lbs after cutting for 15 weeks, at that point I decided if I'm already getting lean, I might as well get my feet wet on the bodybuilding stage.
At that point, I hired a coach and started a 20 week prep leading into the show I was going to do. So keep in mind I had been cutting on my own for 15 weeks already, this would add up to almost 2/3 of a year of strict dieting.
Prep started great, I was feeling strong and looked the best I ever had. Eventually, however, things started to fall apart. About 11 weeks out I started feeling like shit. No energy, no desire to train, starving ALL the time. Worst of all, I hated the way I looked, I was flat, small, and my legs started to disappear it seemed. I knew the flatness and loss of energy was normal for dieting, I pushed through and had my sights on being totally shredded for the show.
Finally, there I was 8 weeks out, feeling like garbage. And even worse, I felt like I was pretty far behind for 8 weeks out, not nearly as lean as I would think someone 8 weeks out should look. I weighed about 163 lb the morning I took these pics. Again, for a 5'5" guy, its not terrible, but I hated being so small. I never imagined I would get on stage for my first show as a lightweight. I decided I would rather take a year to put on some quality size while staying lean which was something I've never been. My goals now, work my ass off and be able to do real damage at my first show in a year or however long that takes.
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I'm no bodybuilding judge and never will be but you've got a impressive body my friend, well done on accomplishing so much in such little time.
I wouldn't pass up on the show just yet, try giving it a go, I'm sure you'll learn something when you do that'll help you for your next one
You'll have no problems reaching your goals mate, you've come to far to turn back now!
Thanks for the kinds words bro, I really appreciate your input. But I'm totally sure of my decision. It does suck turning back after all this, but I know that I would much rather get on stage for the first time feeling 100% satisfied with the package that I'm bringing.
i think u made the right short term call. judging by pics and not much leg seperation id say u would need to shed at least another 10 lbs fat too to come in conditioned. ill let others chime in.
how about recomping a bit and picking a later show? nothing wrong with taking a break.
Yes i agree with the leg separation, that seemed to be the last thing to start to come in. I actually had a small infection in my right quad in this pic from a bad injection, so thats why that one isnt flexed.
As far as recomping, my body could use a break. I'm taking a couple weeks to ease off on things and let some nagging pains heal. After that, I'll see how things go from there