Contest prep question......

[MaxRep]

Originally Posted by la_triathlete

Holy crap! I'm kind of speechless right now. I don't know what to say, but Thank you!!!!! That is an amzaing amount of information and support you just gave me, and for free!!!!

To let you know, my plan was to start my last mass cycle on June 1- August 31, and then start my cutting cycle on Sept 1 through the show date. My mass cycle was going to be somewhat similar:

1000mg Sus250 + 600mg Deca every 8 days (500mg Sus250 + 300mg deca every 4th day to keep the amount per injection day easier to manage). I did not think to put in the EQ, but will do so at your advise. I already have all the Sustanon and Deca, so at this point, I'll have to switch out the Test E for Sustanon250. Hopefully that won't break the cycle concept you laid out. As for the GH, I would love to take that, but at this point, my finances does not allow me. Might you recommend something in its place, or just do without it for now?

As for the cutting cycle, its sounds great. I Should be able to save up all the money needed for that cycle.

Given that it is my first show, my goal has just been to take one of the top three spots in the novice division and top 5 in the open. I'm certainly not planning on not making the evening finals. All that said, I am starting to work on my posing, and realize that my posing is what is going to make or break my goals- I'm sure my body will be in great shape, I'll just need to work on showing it off. I have help with that from two good friends, each of who have competed for some time and scored major victories.

I'll start taking picts so you guys can see my progress.

I really don't know how to thank you enough for this info.

LA

Hello LA,

Well, you made my day just by appreciating the info. Because the first time I got this kind of help was from a top 5 National level competitor and it cost me $500... and that was back in the '80's when $500 was a lot of money. What I've laid out for you is different than what we did in the '80's but the concept is the same... just the ingredients and quantities have been updated to today's standards.

From your existing plans... it looks like you're already on the right track and doing things right for a top finish.

As far as the Sust and Enan... just stay with the Sust... it's all testosterone and won't change anything so stay with what you have.

You can skip the GH but try to get the IGF and p-MGF. If not enough $ for both, just go with the IGF. PM me for that info.

Even without the GH you'll still need the T4 and other ancillaries but that stuff's cheap.

As far as your goals... your sole goal should be to take the top spot in your weight class. That should be your single minded focus. It makes a big difference when you get on stage. You can see it in the attitude of the guys that are just shooting to place versus the attitude of the guys determined to WIN.

I don't recommend for novices to also go into the open division. First of all, they usually get blown away. Second, it is hard enough just trying to peak for one prejudging, but trying to peak for two prejudging's just doesn't usually happen and you screw yourself for one or the other.

What weight class are you shooting for and how much do you weigh now? Also it would help if you post up a front and a back shot now... to gauge where you're starting from.

Good luck!
MaxRep

[la_triathlete]

Hi MaxRep,

Trust me, I very much understand not only the depth of information you provided, but the price of it! As for your request to put up picts, I will do so in the next few days- Front and back.

I stand 5'8 and am CURRENTLY ~200lbs, 8-9%bf. I was originally shooting for the top weight of the middle weight division (176lbs goal), but as I have put on more weight (and it is coming on pretty solid), I figure I will likely compete in the light heavy (right up against your buddy). Some people say that I should have a specific goal weight range, but again, since this is my first show, my goal is to look as big, lean, and symetrical as I can. As such, I have not set a particular goal weight.

As much as I plan on winning (otherwise, there is no point), I want to be realistic about going through the prep for my first show. I really want to do the contest prep right, but I also need the experience of my first contest to put things in perspective for my future contests. I guess a particular number for a goal weight is not as important to me as kicking ass in which ever weight division I compete in. If you think this is a messed up mind set, please, call me on it.

As for entering the Novice and open contests, I will take your advice to heart. I was figuring to see how good I looked when time came, and then decide if I would only do the Novice, or both. I honestly thought that it wouldn't be too tough to do 2 prejudgings a few hours apart. I also figured that since in the finals, you can do your final routine once, and have it count for both, I woudl do that. But again, I will take your advice seriously.

In regards to taking the T4, IGF and p-MGF during the June-Aug cycle, I will do so.

Anyway, again, thanks for your help and knowledge. I really didn't expect someone to take such an interest and express so much information and knowledge. I really do appreciate it.

LA

[Grizzly]

Hey, Max, I notice you advocate the ECAY stack. Years ago I know this was popular at Elite, but, according to my readings, E and Y are a nasty combination. Is that just scaremongering or what?

[MaxRep]

Grizz, it's funny you mention that. I do not recommend high dosages but at 25mgs of ephedrine and 2.5mg's of yohimbine, it's a very effective fat burner over time.

When I was experimenting with dosages one time I took 50mg's of ephedrine and 10mg's of yohimbine, downed with 2 cups of coffee. By the time I got to the gym 15 minutes later, my heart was racing. By the time my warmup was done, I was Done! I had the cold sweats and thought my heart was going to explode and felt like I was going to barf. I really felt like I could die from either a blood vessel or my heart bursting. All I could do was go home and wait it out.

Lesson learned is start low and go up slowly.

Best to you!
MaxRep

[Grizzly]

Do you suggest 6mos as the minimum(optimum?) amount of time to prepare for a contest? Now I'm thinking about training up for the Caveman Classic next year. That contest is the whole reason I started using steroids to begin with and, yet, I never did make it to it.

[MaxRep]

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Do you suggest 6mos as the minimum(optimum?) amount of time to prepare for a contest? Now I'm thinking about training up for the Caveman Classic next year. That contest is the whole reason I started using steroids to begin with and, yet, I never did make it to it.

Hey Grizz, yes, I do... for someone like yourself who's already been training a long time and already has a significant amount of muscle. Ideally the person has been training all along and then puts in a concerted effort the last 6 months, peaking for the contest.

As for your request to put up picts, I will do so in the next few days- Front and back.

I stand 5'8 and am CURRENTLY ~200lbs, 8-9%bf. I was originally shooting for the top weight of the middle weight division (176lbs goal), but as I have put on more weight (and it is coming on pretty solid), I figure I will likely compete in the light heavy (right up against your buddy). Some people say that I should have a specific goal weight range, but again, since this is my first show, my goal is to look as big, lean, and symetrical as I can. As such, I have not set a particular goal weight.

As much as I plan on winning (otherwise, there is no point), I want to be realistic about going through the prep for my first show. I really want to do the contest prep right, but I also need the experience of my first contest to put things in perspective for my future contests. I guess a particular number for a goal weight is not as important to me as kicking ass in which ever weight division I compete in. If you think this is a messed up mind set, please, call me on it.

As for entering the Novice and open contests, I will take your advice to heart. I was figuring to see how good I looked when time came, and then decide if I would only do the Novice, or both. I honestly thought that it wouldn't be too tough to do 2 prejudgings a few hours apart. I also figured that since in the finals, you can do your final routine once, and have it count for both, I woudl do that. But again, I will take your advice seriously.

In regards to taking the T4, IGF and p-MGF during the June-Aug cycle, I will do so.

Anyway, again, thanks for your help and knowledge. I really didn't expect someone to take such an interest and express so much information and knowledge. I really do appreciate it.

LA

LA,
I look forward to seeing a few snapshots. A few front/back/side if you can.

Yes, you're correct in that for now, you just want to focus on training and getting into the best possible shape without a lot of concern for your weight. The only time weight comes into it is if it looks like you'll end up around 5 pounds above the next lower weight class... in which case it makes sense to cut weight to be at the very top of the weight class, rather than at the very bottom of a class.

As far as doing the novice and open divisions, it can be done but it's tough. You'll see how much it takes out of you to do the prejudging, it's a lot more draining than people think, assuming you're in the top group and doing a lot of comparisons. For your very first show, I feel a person should just do the novice division. Unless you think you're so good you can win your weight class in the open division, then just do the open...

For your next show after the Dec 1 '07 Excalibur, you'll probably want to shoot for either the Orange County in April '08 or the LA in July '08. If you do the OC and do very well, you may then want to do the Cal which is 5 weeks later in May '08.

By the way, if you're not doing anything tomorrow (Saturday), this year's Cal is in Culver City, prejudging starts at 11:00am. Night show at 6:30pm.

www.lindsayproductions.com/index.shtml

Best regards,
MaxRep

[la_triathlete]

Originally Posted by MaxRep

LA,
I look forward to seeing a few snapshots. A few front/back/side if you can.

Yes, you're correct in that for now, you just want to focus on training and getting into the best possible shape without a lot of concern for your weight. The only time weight comes into it is if it looks like you'll end up around 5 pounds above the next lower weight class... in which case it makes sense to cut weight to be at the very top of the weight class, rather than at the very bottom of a class.

As far as doing the novice and open divisions, it can be done but it's tough. You'll see how much it takes out of you to do the prejudging, it's a lot more draining than people think, assuming you're in the top group and doing a lot of comparisons. For your very first show, I feel a person should just do the novice division. Unless you think you're so good you can win your weight class in the open division, then just do the open...

For your next show after the Dec 1 '07 Excalibur, you'll probably want to shoot for either the Orange County in April '08 or the LA in July '08. If you do the OC and do very well, you may then want to do the Cal which is 5 weeks later in May '08.

By the way, if you're not doing anything tomorrow (Saturday), this year's Cal is in Culver City, prejudging starts at 11:00am. Night show at 6:30pm.

www.lindsayproductions.com/index.shtml

Best regards,
MaxRep

Thanks for the advice. I will likely only do the novice. As for the Cal tomorrow in Culver City- yep, already going! I've seen plenty of evening finals, but never the prejudging, so I figured I should start attending prejudging events so I can see what the process is.

As for the timing of my second show- I will be writing up my disertation early next Spring and defending it around the beginning of May, 2008- then onto graduation; you can call me Dr. LA after that! So, after the Excalibar, I probably won't be in position to do another show until late in the summer, 2008. I'll definitely keep you posted as to how things progress. I'll put up the picts in the next few days.

By the way, you have a PM.

Again, thanks for your help! Its worth a million to me.

[MaxRep]

Originally Posted by la_triathlete

Thanks for the advice. I will likely only do the novice. As for the Cal tomorrow in Culver City- yep, already going! I've seen plenty of evening finals, but never the prejudging, so I figured I should start attending prejudging events so I can see what the process is.

As for the timing of my second show- I will be writing up my disertation early next Spring and defending it around the beginning of May, 2008- then onto graduation; you can call me Dr. LA after that! So, after the Excalibar, I probably won't be in position to do another show until late in the summer, 2008. I'll definitely keep you posted as to how things progress. I'll put up the picts in the next few days.

By the way, you have a PM.

Again, thanks for your help! Its worth a million to me.

LA,
You have a pm back.

Regarding shows in the late Summer of '08, the Tournament of Champions may be one to shoot for... it's usually in September. However, with everything going on with your schooling, you may be better off shooting for the Excalibur again, but in '08 you would most likely be competing in the open division.

What did you think of the competition at the Cal?

Best regards,
MaxRep

[la_triathlete]

Originally Posted by MaxRep

LA,
You have a pm back.

Regarding shows in the late Summer of '08, the Tournament of Champions may be one to shoot for... it's usually in September. However, with everything going on with your schooling, you may be better off shooting for the Excalibur again, but in '08 you would most likely be competing in the open division.

What did you think of the competition at the Cal?

Best regards,
MaxRep

Yeah, I'm going to have to sit down and plan out when I would do my next show after the '07 Excalibur.

As for the Cal State Championships, I went to the prejudging. I can see now what you mean regarding not doing more than one prejudging session. Some of those guys looked like they were going to fall over when they finished their poses. I know that when I practice my posing, I’m tired, but these guys also looked like they were going to pop some vains!

I have to say, the guys looked good, but I had a one continuing issue with a lot of these guys- they had poor abdominal control. I took some notes, so let me just tell you what I wrote:

1. rounded bellies
2. no real peaks or valleys in their abdominal structure
3. constant distention of their abdominal cavity
4. very thick waist lines
5. very muscular abs, but smoothed over due to distention

You could tell that these guys had strong, solid abs that were all muscle, but the inability to control their distended bellies showed poor form. Am I being harsh and naïve regarding what is going on?

I had a post about this last week, but what are these guys doing (particular exercises, types of steroids/ other supplements) that causes so many of them to have these types of distended bellies or poor abdominal control? Is there something that can be done to assure oneself of not falling into this pit?

I guess the other thing, which is purely subjective, is that a lot of these guys (the ones that will probably win) who were so big, there is little aesthetic to their overall proportions in relation to their general stature.

So like the good little cult movie guy I am, I watched Pumping Iron on Friday night. The aesthetic proportions of the current guys verses the guys from the Pump Iron era just can’t compare. Maybe I’ll get flamed for this, but look at guys like Ronnie or Jay, they are huge, but aesthetically, they can’t compare. Also, in the Pumping Iron movie (or from any other picts or movies of guys from that age of bodybuilding), there were few to no distended bellies. Those guys had great abdominal control.

I guess what I am saying is that I was a bit disappointed in the guys at the Cal. Lots of big, great, cut bodies, but just lacking what I consider a true aesthetic. But I guess i shouldn't copmment much, as that could be me in December!

[la_triathlete]

Originally Posted by MaxRep

Hello LA,

June 1 - Aug 31

T4 at 100 mcg/day

Arimidex at .5mg/day (he's susceptible to gyno)

Month of June only - as a kickstart:


Best regards,
MaxRep

MaxRep,

I could not get a hold of the T4 or the Arimidex. The only things I can get are Cytomel or Nolvadex. Might these be acceptable replacements? I know Cytomel is stronger than T$, how might I rework the dosage. As for Arimidex vs Nolvadex, what are your thoughts?

Thanks,

LA

[MaxRep]

Originally Posted by la_triathlete

MaxRep,

I could not get a hold of the T4 or the Arimidex. The only things I can get are Cytomel or Nolvadex. Might these be acceptable replacements? I know Cytomel is stronger than T$, how might I rework the dosage. As for Arimidex vs Nolvadex, what are your thoughts?

Thanks,

LA

Hello LA,
I'd stick with the arimidex as at this time, the prevention of excess estrogen is what we're looking for... not just blocking it from the ER in the breast tissue. This gets even more critical as contest time gets closer. You still will need nolvadex on hand in the unlikely event symptoms of gyno start up.

The conversion ration of T4 to T3 is roughly 4:1 so if you go with T3, 25mcg should be fine for now and kick it up to 50 mcg's/day for your final contest prep.

Good training and best to you!
MaxRep