Road to the Delaware

I awoke at 5:30 am, ate my 2.5 cups of unflavored cream of wheat, 6 eggs and 2 pieces of bread. I weighed myself, and, to my horror, tipped the scales at 177 pounds. Nerves started to set in. My weight class was 176.25 pounds, and I was almost a pound over. I headed to the show with the feeling that I wouldn't make weight. The feeling never left me the entire ride.




I entered the registration room and was waved to the end of the table. The head judge said "Get on the scale." I stepped up --  gingerly --  and saw the numbers 178.4. Anger set in. Damn those rotten eggs! When you're hungry and dehydrated, it's hard to control emotion. I wasn't going to let a measly 2.2 pounds keep me from my goal.

I got into my car and drove to the YMCA. I'd decided to get into the sauna and sweat off the pounds. Ten jumping jacks. One hundred punches. I had to keep moving to expel the water as quickly as possible. I emerged 40 minutes later and returned to the show. I walked into the lobby, approached the scale and stepped on. This time the numbers 175 popped up. It was as if a small floor safe had been lifted off of my shoulders. Time to eat!

I only had an hour to "carb-up". This is where you consume carbohydrates, proteins and essential fats to help fill out muscle depleted by the months of intense dieting. I shoveled in chicken and cold rice and chicken -- the toughest meal I've ever made myself swallow! But I did swallow. Time was precious, so I switched to rice cakes, peanut butter and jelly. This repast was the most amazing I've ever tasted (LOL); I ate four every 20 minutes, racing to be as sated as possible. By the time my group was called, I felt as if I were the embodiment of the Chinese proverb about the perfect meal -- "Eat until you are eight-tenths full." It was time to pump up and give my best showing.
One hundred and fifty push-ups were followed by 150 rows. I walked backstage, got in line and got set. I'd never been so nervous, but I'd come this far couldn't turn back now. I eased onstage and peered into the crowd. Then I took my place in front of the judges. It took every ounce of strength to stand up and pose. The judges went through the mandatory poses. I stood tall, flexed hard. Within five minutes it was all over. The months of sweat, pain and intense dieting -- over. Everything was in the hands of judges.

Hours later the results were announced. I'd placed second in the novice class; fourth in the state. This had been my first show, and it taught me a lot about what I need to improve to win next time around. I'll train hard and rededicate myself to improving my mind and body. The only direction to go is up. I have gained new respect for the sport of bodybuilding, which is more than lifting weights and flexing onstage. Much more. A ton of technique, mental toughness and dedication is packed into every performance. I'm eager to compete next year in the Philadelphia show, where I surely will improve on my showing. Thank you all for your support -- my clients, my family, my friends. It really meant the world to me.

Stay positive, stay motivated, stay dedicated and you, too, can reach any goal! It really does come down to How Bad You Want It.