Competition date, Be flexible.

[stayfit2008]

I read alot about people dead set on a competition. Maybe for some that is the only competition in their area at that time. Something my trainer advised me,..Be Flexible! Especially for your first time. I approached my trainer aprox. 4 weeks out after preparing already for 20 weeks and told him I wanted to do a show Sept. 6th. After striking a few poses and his initial consultation he said this, "Do you want to do a show just for the experience, or do you want to win"? I said "Win of Course"! He advised me I would not be in my best shape I could be by Sept. 6th and if I wasnt dead set on that date to try to find another show down the line. Yes I was a bit distraught. I left with my tail between my legs and went home thinking about what he said. I put soo much effort for this show. But I did as he advised and searched for another show,..I realized there are so many natural BB shows it wasnt too hard to find another one. I sent him an email and picked one aprox. 11 weeks away. He said the later the better. It was a slash toward my ego but it was the smartest piece of advice I followed for a long while. Training for another 11 weeks I felt would really dial me in! It was well worth the wait. Even tho I wasn't at my 100% I was in very good condition. I competed in a much larger show than what I initially picked out and ultimately won the Novice Overall!! I value this trainer and his blunt straight forwardness! To me this is a true trainer, a virtue i have taken and adhered to in many aspects of life. So,..dont hurry your training, sacrifice muscle and nutrition if you dont have to,..you will be ready when you are ready,..thats it.

[scoobysnacks]

Although I agree that trying to do a show in 4 weeks is not wise, I dont agree that you should keep pushing a date back. What I believe is you should plan ahead and give yourself ample time, but set a firm date. I have found that people that dont committ to a date and have the mindset of ah, if Im not ready, Ill do such and such a date, dont buckle down as well as they should because the date isnt real. Maybe your idea works for you, but not everyone Ive come across.

The REAL idea here is to honestly assess your level of conditioning and pick the PROPER show x months away that gives you the proper time to be in shape.

Your failure was underestimating how out of shape you were. I dont agree to keep pushing back show dates. Assess the amount of fat honestly, pick a show that gives adequate time to be ready, and DONT waiver.

Just my two cents. Im sure opinions will differ on this one.

Ss

[stayfit2008]

Although I agree that trying to do a show in 4 weeks is not wise, I dont agree that you should keep pushing a date back.
Ss

I should clarify myself on this,...I have been preparing for 20 weeks already,..I had 4 weeks left to go and realized I was not ready. I'll edit this in my initial post. :)

[MattyH7688]

september 6.. were u gonna do the Erie show?

[njmuscle66]

The REAL idea here is to honestly assess your level of conditioning and pick the PROPER show x months away that gives you the proper time to be in shape.

Ss

Looks like it is 2010 for me..........I kid I kid :)

[stayfit2008]

september 6.. were u gonna do the Erie show?

I should have, but I was going to do a show near State College, it got cancelled anyways,..haha,..so all worked out well!!