Competitve bodybuilders begin contest dieting and training anywhere from 8-52 weeks out from a show. Most have a plan of action. Some are more experienced than others (knowing their bodies) and for some it's always a learning experience. I've competed in over 75 shows in my career and after each one, I officially proclaim retirement. And then I unretire :p . Preparing for one, creates a host of challenges which in turn helps you discover new qualities about yourself and the world around you.

The goal I have set is a lofty one, yet I must prepare and plan now. I've got to get the ball rolling. Since my diagnosis for this tumor, I have decided to lay low for a while from comp, to see if I can regain my health once again. In two years I will turn 50 years of age and this is when I will compete once more. Provided of course, that all my lucky stars are lined in a row. For this show, it matters not where I place, but to be up there knowing that I overcame the greatest obstacle of all will be enough.

Some of us want instant results. We want gratification immediately with our fitness endeavors. But, this is not how it works. One may not see any drastic results in several weeks. The secret though, is to forge onward. The cumulative effect of dieting, training, staying disciplined, not falling off track, or getting impatient or discouraged will pay off EVERY TIME. It also takes planning and perserverance. Quitting is not an option if you want it bad enough.

104 weeks to my next show. Believe it or not, the time will fly by. Got my new diet, and trust me when I say....how one eats NOW is just important as how one eats 1 week away from a contest.

I can also guarantee that once you reach your fitness goals, there is nothing else that you can NOT achieve in your lives.

Trained legs today at 4:30 AM after weighing in @ 156.8 lbs. Yippee!! I actually gained some weight.:D

Leg Press: 6 plates x 20 (warmup)
1 x 12 plates x 15
1 x 14 plates x 12
1 x 10 plates x 24

Squats: 1 x 135 x 20 1 x 185 x 10 (warmups)
6 x 315 x 3
1 x 225 x 22 (Olympic stance)

Walking DB Lunges: 85 lb DB's for 10 steps each leg (done for 2 rounds)

DB RDL's: 1 x 55 x 12 (warmup)
5 x 105 x 6

It's easy to quit. It's even easier not to get started. What goals do you have for the future? Get started on it today...:tu:

Great post! What's your new diet look like now, if you don't mind me asking?

104 weeks out baby! Good luck!! :)

Mastover you're a true inspiration. In 104 weeks you will dominate that stage. Please keep us posted as the weeks go by, I really want to see how you are going to look for the contest.

Great post! What's your new diet look like now, if you don't mind me asking?

104 weeks out baby! Good luck!! :)

Well, I had to toss out my last couple of boxes of Peanut Butter Cap'n Crunch and Count Chocula and as my appetite slowly returns, I hope to begin the following by next week. Going a little higher carb for the next 6 weeks before switching things up a bit.

M1: 8 egg whites, 2 servings instant grits, 1 scoop each Beverly's Mass Maker + Ultra Size in water, 3 EFA Gold caps

M2: 5 oz chicken, 5 oz sweet potato, 1 cup green veggie, 1 scoop Mass Maker + 1 scoop Ultra Size in water

M3: 5 oz chicken, 1 /2 cup brown rice (measured before cooking), 1/2 cup beans, 1/2 cup green veggie, 1 scoop Mass Maker + 1 scoop Ultra Size in water, 3 EFA Gold caps

M4: 5 oz chicken, 1 cup pinto beans, 1 cup broccoli, 1 scoop Mass Maker + 1 scoop Ultra Size in water

M5: 5 oz chicken, 5 oz sweet potato, 1/2 cup green veggie, 1 scoop Mass Maker + 1 scoop Ultra Size in water, 1 EFA Gold cap

M6: 8 egg whites, 2 servings instant grits, 1 scoop Ultra Size in water

I'll also be taking liver tabs and EAA tabs with each meal.

This will be the first time I've ever started a pre-contest diet at 104 weeks out LOL :lol: For the most part I only diet on average, for 6-8 weeks.

M1: 8 egg whites, 2 servings instant grits, 1 scoop each Beverly's Mass Maker + Ultra Size in water, 3 EFA Gold caps

M2: 5 oz chicken, 5 oz sweet potato, 1 cup green veggie, 1 scoop Mass Maker + 1 scoop Ultra Size in water

M3: 5 oz chicken, 1 /2 cup brown rice (measured before cooking), 1/2 cup beans, 1/2 cup green veggie, 1 scoop Mass Maker + 1 scoop Ultra Size in water, 3 EFA Gold caps

M4: 5 oz chicken, 1 cup pinto beans, 1 cup broccoli, 1 scoop Mass Maker + 1 scoop Ultra Size in water

M5: 5 oz chicken, 5 oz sweet potato, 1/2 cup green veggie, 1 scoop Mass Maker + 1 scoop Ultra Size in water, 1 EFA Gold cap

M6: 8 egg whites, 2 servings instant grits, 1 scoop Ultra Size in water

I'll also be taking liver tabs and EAA tabs with each meal.

This will be the first time I've ever started a pre-contest diet at 104 weeks out LOL :lol: For the most part I only diet on average, for 6-8 weeks.
Wow! I think you eat more than me! And I thought I was the only guy who liked pinto beans and grits. :)

Mass Maker is one I've yet to try. I like Ultra Size, Muscle Provider, and Ultimate Muscle Protein. I see MM's carbs are not just malto-based, pretty interesting.

Thanks for posting!

Wow! I think you eat more than me! And I thought I was the only guy who liked pinto beans and grits. :)

Mass Maker is one I've yet to try. I like Ultra Size, Muscle Provider, and Ultimate Muscle Protein. I see MM's carbs are not just malto-based, pretty interesting.

Thanks for posting!

No prob buddy. My only concern is, if eating this way will transport me to a "pig like lifestyle". :confused:

:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Mast, can you give us some insight on the liver tabs....I know it's old skool and alot of old-time lifters swore by it.

Also, have you ever used wheatgerm?

Thanks,
T

Mastover,...

The best of luck with your quest, however it obvious that you have the drive and dedication, to not only get there, but blow right past.

This should prove to be a very fruitfull learning experience for many,..I always look forward to your threads. To steel a little lingo from the TV watching crowd,..They are "Go To" threads,...:tu:

>>>--->

Mast, can you give us some insight on the liver tabs....I know it's old skool and alot of old-time lifters swore by it.

Also, have you ever used wheatgerm?

Thanks,
T

Yep, old school rules. Just as old school as squats, deads, and benches:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/bev/beef.html

Never used wheat germ...

Mastover,...

The best of luck with your quest, however it obvious that you have the drive and dedication, to not only get there, but blow right past.

This should prove to be a very fruitfull learning experience for many,..I always look forward to your threads. To steel a little lingo from the TV watching crowd,..They are "Go To" threads,...:tu:

>>>--->

Thanks my friend. It will also be a journey toward new knowledge for me. That's why I enjoy coming to these forums. I learn new perspectives on many issues pertaining to exercise, nutrition, etc. And even if I think I know the answer, another light bulb may go off in my head peaking my curiousity to do further research on something someone may have said which has never crossed my mind before. Getting a different angle on familiar territory, so to speak. We are truly involved in an activity of interdependence. So, even if I should disagree with someone's point of view, it makes for a positive impact on my own beliefs by forcing me to "think". :nod:

I just love reading your posts!! So motivating!!

My goals?
To compete June next year. I have about 6 months to go.
People ask me.... what can I win... hahahahha.....what can I win? I win with myself, I win satisfaction, i learn about myself, I get stronger (physicaly and mentally)... thats a huge prize!

Right now I´m not even thinking about placing, I´m thinking how to become the best I can be....

I´m learning to plan, plan my meals, plan shopping, plan my sleep (I need my 8 hrs)....
I´m learning how to eat as clean as I can and learning to enjoy it.

If by June I´m in the best shape I can be... I already won

Mastover,

I've read most of your posts on this forum and they are not only motivating but also insightful....I was wondering to myself - why do your posts sound so familiar???

Then, I realized today, it reminds me of Draper's book - Iron on My Mind...also a very inspirational/motivating collection of "essays".

Good luck.

Mastover,

I've read most of your posts on this forum and they are not only motivating but also insightful....I was wondering to myself - why do your posts sound so familiar???

Then, I realized today, it reminds me of Draper's book - Iron on My Mind...also a very inspirational/motivating collection of "essays".

Good luck.

Mast definately does write like The Blonde Bomber....or vice versa:nod: