Operation Emaciation: Slovations contest prep log

[Slovation]

Ok so instead of updating my thread in the open contest prep section I figured Id start a log to be a little more organized. Just to make things clear Im not as detailed as most of you guys in here. Ill try to update with as much info as possible but my crazy schedule doesnt really offer much time to sit down and document every little detail. So now that thats out of the way here are a few details....

Ill be working mainly with Berto (Father Flex) and the 3DMJ crew. The main show Im hitting is the 2011 NPC "Natural" Western in Mesa, AZ March 12. Im also planning on possibly hitting another NPC show in San Diego the following weekend and another in Culver city the weekend after that. Depending on how those shows go I might try to stretch it out and hit the NGA California in June.

I started dieting 25 weeks out from the Mesa show in order to get myself in a better spot and started working with 3DMJ 18 weeks out at 193lbs.

Training: I was doing a Power/Hyper split but have moved to a more conventional routine hitting everything once a week.

Cardio: Currently doing 350kcals MISS 4 times a week.

Diet: Currently 2050kcals (50f, 200c, 200p) This has slight fluctuations throughout the week due to changes in food selection.

Current status: Im a little over 8 weeks out and today weighed in at 174.8lbs

Lets do dis!

This pic was taken 10 weeks out at a weight of 178lbs

http://i51.tinypic.com/2mpicm0.jpg

[iversonmourning]

Sub me in bro! Lookin good, looks like you already made weight. As you know, doin the same show, you're way ahead of me lol. How are your energy levels throughout the day man? God your wheels are sick! I should start training legs w u haha!

[Slovation]

Sub me in bro! Lookin good, looks like you already made weight. As you know, doin the same show, you're way ahead of me lol. How are your energy levels throughout the day man? God your wheels are sick! I should start training legs w u haha!

Thanks Mike! Suprisingly my energy is pretty good throughout the day. I dont quite have that pump or explosive energy but Im also not quite in zombie mode yet. A little over 8 weeks to go bud!

[iversonmourning]

Thanks Mike! Suprisingly my energy is pretty good throughout the day. I dont quite have that pump or explosive energy but Im also not quite in zombie mode yet. A little over 8 weeks to go bud!

I'm playing catch up now sadly so I am not quite in zombie mode yet, but I get there at night. Just started morning cardio this week 30 mins, and upped post wkout cardio to 45 mins, both LISS/MISS. On my two off days gonna do some HIIT. 186.8 this morning. Thank god for pre workout though. Don't know what I'd do wout xPand lol. 8 weeks 2 days, I'm excited!

[ErickStevens]

In on this. I can't wait to see what dem wheels look like in a couple months.

[jaredmus]

Looking real good man, keep it going,

[bwelch1985]

you're a freak man! can't wait to see what the next 8 weeks will bring.

how's the badunkadunk fat coming along?:D i ask b/c i hold a f*ck ton of fat on my ass as well and even w/ 20 weeks to go I don't know if it'll all come off:eek:

[Slovation]

you're a freak man! can't wait to see what the next 8 weeks will bring.

how's the badunkadunk fat coming along?:D i ask b/c i hold a f*ck ton of fat on my ass as well and even w/ 20 weeks to go I don't know if it'll all come off:eek:

The double double cheeseburger animal style is slowly becoming a regular cheeseburger lol. I hold a ton back there so I know thats where its coming off last. I still got a pretty good handful. Im hoping these next 8 weeks is enough to turn it into a chunk of granite.

[FATHER FLEX]

Needs more sweep and delts :P

[DonPizza]

You look great at 10 weeks out.

[strebla]

Your looking awesome! It would be great to meet you if you came out for the Cali!

[wrkoutfrq]

DEM QUADS! :eek:... def in for this one, good luck with prep

[Slovation]

Needs more sweep and delts :P

u and me both ;)


You look great at 10 weeks out.

Thanks man


Your looking awesome! It would be great to meet you if you came out for the Cali!

Thanks! Yea Id love to meet all u guys. Hopefully things go well and I end up over in ur neck of the woods.


DEM QUADS! :eek:... def in for this one, good luck with prep

Thanks buddy

[Webber91]

IN IN IN!

Can't wait for this dude. Already looking sick.

[DREhova 87]

In for dis! Great physique...looking diced already

[Slovation]

8 weeks to go! Had a very large weight drop this week of almost 5lbs. Down to 172.8 this morning. We moved my cardio to first thing in the morning fasted (w/ aminos) and dropped carbs slightly. So after this week we decided to take cardio down to 3 sessions, lower the intensity a smidge and add 15CHO back in to slow things down a bit. Im just glad to see some progress because the last couple weeks seemed slow quite a bit. For some reason I felt like doing deads yesterday after not for over a year. Worked my way up to 405 for 5 reps but my hams failed FAST. Did a couple sets like that then dropped to 315 and hammered a few like that. Just felt like changing things up a tad. That explosive energy is slowly declining. All in all I think this was a great week progress wise even though I had a lot of other things going on. Just a couple pics.....Got to get me a new camera one of these days. Its like 4 years old and it was prob 40 bucks back then lol.

http://i51.tinypic.com/2vi4hok.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/rwubd5.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/166jc6b.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/28iw8xz.jpg

[bwelch1985]

holy phucking sh*t dude. wow.

that rear relaxed is straight up tarded.

you going after any pro cards this year? it's a shame to waste a talent like yours on the NPC.

[DREhova 87]

Is the fasted cardio + BCAA's something you prefer?

[Webber91]

Mind=blown at your new pics :eek:

[Slovation]

holy phucking sh*t dude. wow.

that rear relaxed is straight up tarded.

you going after any pro cards this year? it's a shame to waste a talent like yours on the NPC.

Thanks man. Depending on how the first few shows go I might try to drag it out to the NGA California in June where u can get ur pro card


Is the fasted cardio + BCAA's something you prefer?

I prefer NO cardio lol


Mind=blown at your new pics :eek:

Thanks

[Quelly]

looking HARD man, impressive! love the delt caps

[wrkoutfrq]

i think you should def go for the pro card, you look fantastic! you shouldn't have any trouble takin it

[Slovation]

Thanks guys. Heres a couple more....

http://i51.tinypic.com/2cwvpty.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/1z377sg.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/29ap8x2.jpg

[DREhova 87]

I prefer NO cardio lol



Thanks


Is the fasted cardio + BCAA's something you prefer?

LOL! I meant why did you guys move it to fasted?

[Slovation]

LOL! I meant why did you guys move it to fasted?

Im guessing that first thing in the am separate from training and being fasted is just more efficient and u can dip into the fat burning a little faster. Im sure it could be explained better by some of the guys.

[Warrior9]

strong aesthetics..

very impressive. keep up the good work.
in for the rest of this ride.

[Warrior9]

also, curious to know how long your off season was, judging by your avi, you already look like youve surpassed that.

[Slovation]

also, curious to know how long your off season was, judging by your avi, you already look like youve surpassed that.

I did the same show last year (March 13) and starting dieting October so maybe 6 or so months. Not much time really to make improvements size wise. What I did do was track my macros the whole offseason and ate about 500 over maintanence. I did induldge from time to time but I didnt make it a habit. Kept my weight under 200lbs and "casually" dieted to lower 190s before I really committed to the show and went into full prep mode, and Im glad I did it that way because I put myself in a WAY better starting point than last time. I have already surpassed my best conditioning and have 8 weeks to go.

[Eightpak]

Dang Steve you are looking show ready now. You should be pealed to the bone come show day. Freakin awesome progress brotha. Subbed.

[ErickStevens]

Question - What do you do for you delts? Those things are a thing of beauty. (no homo)

[Slovation]

Dang Steve you are looking show ready now. You should be pealed to the bone come show day. Freakin awesome progress brotha. Subbed.

Thanks man. If you end up doing the March Ill see ya there!


Question - What do you do for you delts? Those things are a thing of beauty. (no homo)

Haha. Funny you ask that....Ive always had shoulder issues (pain). For some reason when I start to get really heavy on flat bench it tends to get way worse. Actually if I like at pics from like 2 years ago they were lacking somewhat as I was having a hard time training them. The pain/discomfort kept me from really pushing it as I was too afraid to get injured so I neglected them. I stopped flat benching and stuck with dumbells as they dont bug my shoulders at all. Ive been doing mainly military hammer strength/DB pressing, lateral raises and front raises. Go heavier on the pressing movements and for the last 4 months or so have been including myo reps. To be honest I dont think Im really training them much different than anyone else, I just think my genetic makeup along with being able to train them with more intensity now allowed them to grow.

[Warrior9]

I did the same show last year (March 13) and starting dieting October so maybe 6 or so months. Not much time really to make improvements size wise. What I did do was track my macros the whole offseason and ate about 500 over maintanence. I did induldge from time to time but I didnt make it a habit. Kept my weight under 200lbs and "casually" dieted to lower 190s before I really committed to the show and went into full prep mode, and Im glad I did it that way because I put myself in a WAY better starting point than last time. I have already surpassed my best conditioning and have 8 weeks to go.

so basically, you gained at a very slow rate? seems like everyone tries too but they cant wait to indulge lol.
Did you ever raise cals in the off season or did you try to keep them consistent?

[co1e_train]

Holy Piss! you have an amazing physique (no homo) in for sure.

[Slovation]

so basically, you gained at a very slow rate? seems like everyone tries too but they cant wait to indulge lol.
Did you ever raise cals in the off season or did you try to keep them consistent?

Yes, I dont think I gained more than a couple pounds a month. I ate just over maintanance but did go out to eat from time to time. I had what I wanted but always go with the healthier choice. Even offseason when I go out to eat I keep it consistent. Dont have to eat garbage to enjoy yourself. So if I did make any gains they were very small due to such a short offseason. I think the main factor in my looking bigger this time around is starting out leaner and giving myself plenty of time to cut down so I was able to hold onto more muscle.


Holy Piss! you have an amazing physique (no homo) in for sure.

Thanks man

[Rsardinia]

Dude you are looking sick! You are going to look so good at the 2 weeks out mark. Then it's just a matter of peaking right.

[Slovation]

Thanks man. I cant wait to see what you bring to the table next time around.

So I nearly just smashed in my computer screen as I typed for about 15 mins and then the internet shut down so here we go again.....

Today is a refeed. Just finished training legs. Ill post up off the top of my head, going from my memory so it went a little something like this.....

Back Squat (not including warm ups)
395 x 3 (last one was really a grind)
395 x 2
Had to drop the weight a little
365 x 2
365 x 2
Finished it off with a set of front squats
225 x 12

Leg Extensions (myo reps)
200 x 12
200 x 6
200 x 4
200 x 3 FS1

200 x 6
200 x 3
200 x 2

Seated Leg Curls (myo reps)
210 x 15
210 x 10
210 x 6
210 x 4 FS1

210 x 8
210 x 5
210 x 3

Got my belt on the 5th notch for the first time although it was really digging into my sides. I think its mainly because I have less cushion there. I think Ill wear a hoodie/sweater from now on for the extra padding. With the belt off its hard to believe my waist fits in there lol.

http://i51.tinypic.com/5mloas.jpg

[bwelch1985]

lol at the belt. you do have a tiny waist though so i can believe it.

huge numbers as well. for some reason i thought i remembered you front squatting 405 at one point...troof?

[BaFtub]

You better hold off and do that NGA show.. So so so so much potential and you look like a Pro currently lol... Phucking nuts. Probably the only wheels Ive seen that Im envious of LOL

[Slovation]

lol at the belt. you do have a tiny waist though so i can believe it.

huge numbers as well. for some reason i thought i remembered you front squatting 405 at one point...troof?

Yea last time I measured it it was 29 something. Im suprised Im still able to lift somewhat heavy even though I feel pretty weak.

Yes I did manage 405 1RM on front squats. I was a little under 200lbs and at one of my strongest. I havent done them in a few weeks and lately havent taken them much further than 315. Heres the vid....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlrvYnkwBqY

Not sure if it would be considered a legitimaterep as the depth is hard to see but I think it was pretty close.


You better hold off and do that NGA show.. So so so so much potential and you look like a Pro currently lol... Phucking nuts. Probably the only wheels Ive seen that Im envious of LOL

Yea when I finish these few shows we will see. 2 months is a long time to just maintain conditioning I think.

And the legs, thanks, I just hope they dont end up stringy by the end of this diet lol.

[Quelly]

If you don't want to wait until June to do the NGA california, there are two NGA pro quals in Idaho coming up in april. Both are about the same distance as Folsom from you I believe.
Boise on the 30th of April, and then Idaho Falls on the 16th.
And then if you can make it until May there is an Ogden Utah show that is a pro qualifier on the 14th

http://nationalgym.com/national-gym-amateur-schedule.html

[BaFtub]

o/t but SEXY black camaro.

are you restoring it ?

[Slovation]

If you don't want to wait until June to do the NGA california, there are two NGA pro quals in Idaho coming up in april. Both are about the same distance as Folsom from you I believe.
Boise on the 30th of April, and then Idaho Falls on the 16th.
And then if you can make it until May there is an Ogden Utah show that is a pro qualifier on the 14th

http://nationalgym.com/national-gym-amateur-schedule.html

Cool thanks. Yea I havent really decided 100% yet. Can you get ur pro card at these shows in one shot as well?


o/t but SEXY black camaro.

are you restoring it ?

Thanks. I wouldnt say Im restoring it per se as its an 01 but definately did quite a bit of work to it. LS3 bottom end, AFR 225 heads, FAST 102, Kooks 1 7/8 headers blah blah blah. Makes just under 500 to the wheels on motor. Its kind of a hunk o sh*t though lol.

[Quelly]

Cool thanks. Yea I havent really decided 100% yet. Can you get ur pro card at these shows in one shot as well?
yeah all the shows I listed are pro card if you win the overall open, all the shows that are tier 3 or 4 on the schedule in the link i posted are pro quals

[AustrianOakJr]

Yup....next natural pro in here. :eek: Phenomenal development, aesthetics, symmetry, condition.....you have the whole package, man! Congrats.

[Slovation]

yeah all the shows I listed are pro card if you win the overall open, all the shows that are tier 3 or 4 on the schedule in the link i posted are pro quals

ok cool


Yup....next natural pro in here. :eek: Phenomenal development, aesthetics, symmetry, condition.....you have the whole package, man! Congrats.

Thanks but I wouldnt put myself at the same level as a lot of guys in here. Still have a lot of work to do. Bring up my string bean arms and some back thickness would be nice.

[fltallpaul]

Considering the Front Relax is the most common pose to hold on stage....your way ahead of the game. Amazing symmetry and structure going on, looks like your going to be completely shredded as well. Great physique...That outer Quad sweep is silly....give you a crazy illusion at your bodyweight of being much heavier!

Thanks for updating, really inspiring stuff.

[Slovation]

Considering the Front Relax is the most common pose to hold on stage....your way ahead of the game. Amazing symmetry and structure going on, looks like your going to be completely shredded as well. Great physique...That outer Quad sweep is silly....give you a crazy illusion at your bodyweight of being much heavier!

Thanks for updating, really inspiring stuff.

Thanks man. Yea everytime I tell someone I estimate ill come in mid 160s they say that's small. Everyone has that mindset if they lose 10lbs they'll be "shredded." Lol

[fltallpaul]

Thanks man. Yea everytime I tell someone I estimate ill come in mid 160s they say that's small. Everyone has that mindset if they lose 10lbs they'll be "shredded." Lol

Not those of us who compete shredded...we know the truth...30lbs is pretty common to lose. I got up to 245 this year and will be around 205 on stage next year. Honestly its all about the illusion, and being the leanest on stage is one sure fire way to get noticed on stage.

[Slovation]

Its been a really crazy few weeks. I have SO much going on right now I dont even know who I am anymore. Im working 1:30 to 10:30pm, doing side jobs in the am, dealing with house issues, and still trying to get my training done. Havent missed a beat with my diet, cardio, weight training which is good. We bumped things back up a little last week due to that large weight drop but by the looks of it it was probably just a whoosh. Kind of had me scared a little. It messes with your head a little seeing that much of a drop. This week I seemed to have made the same kind of progress as the previous with a very small weight drop so we are bringing cardio back up and carbs down again. Hopefully this week Ill see some nice changes.

[FATHER FLEX]

Its been a really crazy few weeks. I have SO much going on right now I dont even know who I am anymore. Im working 1:30 to 10:30pm, doing side jobs in the am, dealing with house issues, and still trying to get my training done. Havent missed a beat with my diet, cardio, weight training which is good. We bumped things back up a little last week due to that large weight drop but by the looks of it it was probably just a whoosh. Kind of had me scared a little. It messes with your head a little seeing that much of a drop. This week I seemed to have made the same kind of progress as the previous with a very small weight drop so we are bringing cardio back up and carbs down again. Hopefully this week Ill see some nice changes.

You have not missed a beat with all the distractions and such. Even the wet-lats calling up your phone and everything.

[Slovation]

You have not missed a beat with all the distractions and such. Even the wet-lats calling up your phone and everything.

Ha. Yea Im saving that voicemail u left me and reporting you to the INS! Better getchyo green card lol

[Slovation]

Figure Id give a little update. Today was a refeed (yippeeee) and leg day. Weight was 172.4 yesterday and 173.2 this morning. Might be because Im now eating a few spinach salads during the day and its sitting in my stomach. Had a majority of my carbs pre and post workout. Seems on refeed days I feel more satisfied having more carbs in the beginning of the day. If I try to stretch it out evenly thats all I think about is when I can eat next lol. Hope that doesnt really affect my progress....

Anyways.... The weak feeling is becoming more apparent, usually when going to pick something up, get out of a chair, walking up stairs etc. My right knee has been bugging me so I decided to take a little break from squatting and change it up a little.

Cybex Hack squat

4 PPS x 4
4 PPS x 3
4 PPS x 2
4 PPS x 2

It was the first time Ive used a cybex hack squat and I liked how it felt. I dont know if its just me but I was unable to do the weight I would normally. Not sure if thats just how the machine is or my strength has dropped dramatically. At one point I was doing 7 PPS for 2-4 reps, but then again was on another machine. I felt like a major vag so I followed it up with some front squats.

Front Squats

275 x 6
295 x 3
225 x 10

After that I felt a little better even though thats not quite the weight Im used to pushing and I understand I wont be able to hit the same numbers as offseason. It did give me a little boost knowing I didnt lose a ton of strength.

I followed these up with some myo sets of seated leg curls and leg extensions. The 24 hour I go to in the mornings sucks as far as equipement goes. Ended up using one of those air pressurized machines and the numbers kept jumping around so I wont bother posting those sets. Kinda threw me out of the groove.

[Slovation]

6 weeks out as of yesterday. The little chanhe we made seemed to get things rolling again. Weighed 169.8 this morning. It was weird seeing that on the scale and was kind of a mind f*ck actually lol. Havent weighed that since high school I think. Heres a couple pics. Im hoping 6 weeks is enough time to drop enough to look like I have a fatal disease, which is my goal lol.

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3268/img1379w.jpg (http://img62.imageshack.us/i/img1379w.jpg/)

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7122/img1385ha.jpg (http://img517.imageshack.us/i/img1385ha.jpg/)

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/8608/img1386q.jpg (http://img220.imageshack.us/i/img1386q.jpg/)

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2294/img1387t.jpg (http://img20.imageshack.us/i/img1387t.jpg/)

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/9104/img1389sc.jpg (http://img35.imageshack.us/i/img1389sc.jpg/)

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/5521/img1390t.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/img1390t.jpg/)

[bwelch1985]

you sir may very well have my "ideal physique"....just f*cking flawless dude. great work.

what are the macros and cardio at now a days?

[Diskd]

Wow great last set of pics man. Cant wait to see you come show time.

Great build overall, big shoulders, tiny waist, awesome vastus lateralis'...and with that conditioning you're gonna be pretty tough to beat

[FATHER FLEX]

You have a SCARY physique bro

[Slovation]

you sir may very well have my "ideal physique"....just f*cking flawless dude. great work.

what are the macros and cardio at now a days?
Wow dude, probably the best compliment I've received. Feelsgoodman. Macros are 50f/175c/200p and doing 4 sessions MISS cardio at 400 cals. We made some changes today so ill post those up later.


Wow great last set of pics man. Cant wait to see you come show time.

Great build overall, big shoulders, tiny waist, awesome vastus lateralis'...and with that conditioning you're gonna be pretty tough to beat
Thanks man.


You have a SCARY physique bro
Not as scary as someone else I know ;)

[BaFtub]

Nahhh you look phucking incredible. Would love to look like that. (srs)

[ErickStevens]

Looking nasty bro. Keep up the awesome work.

[Rsardinia]

I'm calling it now. You are winning your show's overall based on your front relaxed alone! That is such a great shot for you. The MM ain't bad either!

[DREhova 87]

DUDE! You have a crazy good physique. Small waist and joints make everything else look like cannons!

[Slovation]

Thanks guys. Weight jumped back up a little today. We decided to do a little carb cycling to see how that goes. Tomorrow is a refeed so Im definately looking forward to that even though its never enough lol.

[Slovation]

So we decided to try out some carb cycling.....something like this....

3 low days at 125
3 moderate days at 175
and lowered my refeed to 300

Hopefully this will get me into "full tilt boogie" mode.

[Bnizzle163]

My jaw just hit the floor. :eek:

You are going to own!! You look 1000000000000x's better than last go around. EXCELLENT work dude and a freaky physique.

[WhiteFiberz]

wow, you're gonna kill from the front and back

[Slovation]

My jaw just hit the floor. :eek:

You are going to own!! You look 1000000000000x's better than last go around. EXCELLENT work dude and a freaky physique.


Thanks man. Yesterdays workout was not easy to get through but I went as intense as possible. Weighed 170.6 this morning so I think by the end of the week Ill be in the 160s from now on.

Incline Hammer Strength

365 x 6
365 x 5
365 x 4
365 x 4
315 x 6

Pec Fly Machine (myo)

195 x 12
195 x 8
195 x 6
195 x 5

Strict DB curls

50s x 8
50s x 8
50s x 6
50s x 5
50s x 4

DB Hammer Curls (myo)

50s x 8
40s x 8
30s x 12
30s x 12

I dropped the volume a tad. i felt like I was maybe overdoing it a tad. We will see how things go.

[Slovation]

Was 168.8 this morning. Slowly chipping away still. Today I felt pretty decent in the gym. Ive been experimenting with meal size/frequency and having larger meals less often throughout the day seem to help. I also try to get a majority of them pre wo which helps. Todays went like this...

40f/175c/200p

400 kcal cardio in the am

Evening trained Shoulders/Calves

Military Hammer Mach.

325 x 6
325 x 5
325 x 4
325 x 4

DB Lateral Raises (myo)

40s x 12
40s x 9
40s x 6

40s x 8
40s x 6
40s x 4

DB Front Raises (myo)

40s x 12
40s x 9
40s x 6

40s x 8
40s x 5
40s x 4

DB Shrugs (myo)

120s x 12
120s x 10
120s x 8
120s x 6

120s x 9
120s x 7
120s x 4

Seated Calf Raises (myo)

3p x 8
3p x 6
3p x 5

3p x 6
3p x 4
3p x 4

Hoping to see some nice changed this week. 5 weeks to go.

[Quelly]

so 5 weeks out...what show you doing bro? BTW, last set of pics.....:eek:

[Webber91]

Nearly there now bro, keep on pushing! You already look a billion times better than last time, can't wait to see what you finish up as.

[Slovation]

so 5 weeks out...what show you doing bro? BTW, last set of pics.....:eek:

The main one I was originally hitting was the NPC Natural Western in Mesa since its local. Im planning on hitting 2 of Jon Lindsays shows the following weekends as well in Cali.


Nearly there now bro, keep on pushing! You already look a billion times better than last time, can't wait to see what you finish up as.

Thanks man. Yea getting on the homestretch.

[Quelly]

The main one I was originally hitting was the NPC Natural Western in Mesa since its local. Im planning on hitting 2 of Jon Lindsays shows the following weekends as well in Cali.

contra?

[co1e_train]

Sweet mother of moses dude. I saw the pic of your hand over the belt :O one tiny waste right there. Keep on obliterating!

[Jrich54338]

Your physique is like what everyone else has been saying simply jaw dropping, I cant wait to see you on stage keep it up!!!

[Slovation]

contra?

I think that ones in April. Looks tempting. We will see how these first ones go.


Sweet mother of moses dude. I saw the pic of your hand over the belt :O one tiny waste right there. Keep on obliterating!

Yea its weird seeing that. I got it on the 4th notch the other day OVER my hoodie and its a small.


Your physique is like what everyone else has been saying simply jaw dropping, I cant wait to see you on stage keep it up!!!

Thanks man. Bringing my best.

[Quelly]

I think that ones in April. Looks tempting. We will see how these first ones go.
methinks you'll do well friend

[RussellDaMuscle]

Great symmetry bro...GOOD LUCK!!!!

[gymratluke]

6 weeks out as of yesterday. The little chanhe we made seemed to get things rolling again. Weighed 169.8 this morning. It was weird seeing that on the scale and was kind of a mind f*ck actually lol. Havent weighed that since high school I think. Heres a couple pics. Im hoping 6 weeks is enough time to drop enough to look like I have a fatal disease, which is my goal lol.

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3268/img1379w.jpg (http://img62.imageshack.us/i/img1379w.jpg/)

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7122/img1385ha.jpg (http://img517.imageshack.us/i/img1385ha.jpg/)

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/8608/img1386q.jpg (http://img220.imageshack.us/i/img1386q.jpg/)

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2294/img1387t.jpg (http://img20.imageshack.us/i/img1387t.jpg/)

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/9104/img1389sc.jpg (http://img35.imageshack.us/i/img1389sc.jpg/)

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/5521/img1390t.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/img1390t.jpg/)

One of the most impressive physiques I've seen! Simply inspiring!

[TNT15]

Looking forward to seeing your on stage! Maybe I'll see you at the show! You look great man!

[woofman81]

Damn, just saw your last set of photo's. You're going to kill it man. Echoing what others said, that front relaxed is just sick nasty lol!

You quads remind me of a mini Jay Cutler version :)

[Slovation]

Looking forward to seeing your on stage! Maybe I'll see you at the show! You look great man!

Thanks man. You look really familiar. Where do you train at?


Damn, just saw your last set of photo's. You're going to kill it man. Echoing what others said, that front relaxed is just sick nasty lol!

You quads remind me of a mini Jay Cutler version :)

Haha thanks


Oh and a little update. We moved macros around a little. Dropped fats and brought carbs up. I definately feel WAY better, not sure if thats what contributed to it or its the ZYM electrolite tabs. Whatever it is I feel great and cant complain. Weight is still right around 170 and hasnt moved much but I feel this change with the increase in cardio will get things moving again. Oh and for breakfast........

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/7562/18417410150102417077337.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/i/18417410150102417077337.jpg/)

388cals (0f, 47c, 50p)

was craving pancakes so I made these. Soooooo good.

[martyr5]

Thanks man. You look really familiar. Where do you train at?



Haha thanks


Oh and a little update. We moved macros around a little. Dropped fats and brought carbs up. I definately feel WAY better, not sure if thats what contributed to it or its the ZYM electrolite tabs. Whatever it is I feel great and cant complain. Weight is still right around 170 and hasnt moved much but I feel this change with the increase in cardio will get things moving again. Oh and for breakfast........

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/7562/18417410150102417077337.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/i/18417410150102417077337.jpg/)

388cals (0f, 47c, 50p)

was craving pancakes so I made these. Soooooo good.

Whats the recipe?

[Slovation]

300g egg whites
100g FF cottage cheese
50g WW flour
cinnamon
vanilla extract

blend and make like regular pancakes.

[madmax95gtr]

in for awesomeness! Damn OP your gonna kill it!

[tagun]

Been lurking since the start and was so amazed at your physique (Dexter Jackson-esque aesthetics) that I didn't even want to come back! :P

Must be dat der Slovenian/Croatian genes... I hope to look half like you one day and as it seems, it just might be possible. :D

Seriously man, such an inspirational physique.

[Slovation]

in for awesomeness! Damn OP your gonna kill it!

Thanks man we will see.


Been lurking since the start and was so amazed at your physique (Dexter Jackson-esque aesthetics) that I didn't even want to come back! :P

Must be dat der Slovenian/Croatian genes... I hope to look half like you one day and as it seems, it just might be possible. :D

Seriously man, such an inspirational physique.

Haha yea its the euro blood Im telling you.

Little update. Havent been posting pics because to be honest I havent changed much. We kind of hit a wall and my progress has been at a crawl. I was feeling really confident at 8-10 weeks out but now feel behind. Hopefully I can tighten up a little bit this last little stretch. Still hanging right under 170lbs.

[wrkoutfrq]

Thanks man we will see.



Haha yea its the euro blood Im telling you.

Little update. Havent been posting pics because to be honest I havent changed much. We kind of hit a wall and my progress has been at a crawl. I was feeling really confident at 8-10 weeks out but now feel behind. Hopefully I can tighten up a little bit this last little stretch. Still hanging right under 170lbs.

no worries bro, i have the utmost confidence you are gonna kill it! this is the time when almost everyone hits the wall, you'll find a way through it

[Slovation]

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/7729/20110305003952729.jpg (http://img543.imageshack.us/i/20110305003952729.jpg/)

[Warrior9]

Legs are looking lean as hell man, nice job.. enjoy the peak week and good luck next week.

-Adam.

[Slovation]

Legs are looking lean as hell man, nice job.. enjoy the peak week and good luck next week.

-Adam.

thanks man. Hoping to tighten up some this last week.

[BaFtub]

Jesus christ!

[woofman81]

feathered quads are looking sick man!

[Webber91]

You've worked so hard for this and couldn't have put yourself in a better place bro, well done. Good luck for next week, whatever the outcome you should be extremely proud.

[Quelly]

friggin slow clap brother.....that is some top tier conditioning right there

[Slovation]

Jesus christ!

Coming from the kid with the most full looking quads Ive ever seen on a natty let alone someone your age lol


feathered quads are looking sick man!



You've worked so hard for this and couldn't have put yourself in a better place bro, well done. Good luck for next week, whatever the outcome you should be extremely proud.


friggin slow clap brother.....that is some top tier conditioning right there

Thanks guys. Its weird because they only look like that certain times of the day (late in the night/early morning). Body has been fighting me hard these last few weeks. Ideally I could be tighter from the back but thats always been my problem area. We found out that I do best on higher carbs. Brought them back up quite a bit and started making progress again. That also made the diet aspect A LOT easier :).

[_Machine_]

Quads look ridiculous! Can't wait to see the finished product on stage... Good luck down the homestretch.

[ErickStevens]

I can't wait to see the stage pics. GJDM.

[fltallpaul]

Good luck this weekend, enjoy being on stage at your all time best.

[Rsardinia]

I am so jealous of your legs its not even funny. Go kill it dude, you are looking amazing.

[Bnizzle163]

I just did a triple take when looking at that quad pic. :eek:

Isn't it funny how you feel ahead, then the closer you get, the leaner you get, the more you think you're behind? Gotta love the mind games of this sport! From an outsiders view, take it from me and everyone else in here, you are EVERYTHING BUT BEHIND.

You're going to kill it mayne!

[Slovation]

Thanks everyone. Im gonna give them hell Saturday.

[woofman81]

I'll be there Saturday man. What weight class are you in?

Also, they don't polygraph you guys for this show do they? There is a big, black guy from my gym that's doing the show that no way he's natty lol! He'll be in the light heavies.

[Slovation]

I'll be there Saturday man. What weight class are you in?

Also, they don't polygraph you guys for this show do they? There is a big, black guy from my gym that's doing the show that no way he's natty lol! He'll be in the light heavies.



Ill be in middles. Its random poly I guess. I know a few people last year for a fact (well, what people that know them told me) that they were full blown pinning. It doesnt really bother me, even if they do win. I couldnt stand on stage and accept a trophy knowing that. Feel bad for those that do that.

[jpfaherty]

Dude, I don't know how I just saw this log but your physique is ridiculous, and that quad shot, holy $hittttttt. Good luck this weekend.

[fltallpaul]

Come on post some pics for those of us off season fatties. A teaser if you will :)

[Rsardinia]

Come on post some pics for those of us off season fatties. A teaser if you will :)

Lol seriously, I want to live vicariously through the ripped.

[DRod]

looking great man, Keep up the good work! Then pancakes looked awesome btw

[bwelch1985]

Kill it today brother! Can't wait to see the pics!

[FB#35]

good luck bro. looking like a beast

[DREhova 87]

Get em! Look forward to seeing the show pics

[Slovation]

Thanks guys. It was a long night. 263 competitors making it the biggest show to date. 19 guys in my class as well. Got first callout and moved to center stage which felt good. It was pretty much between me and another guy that comes to find out is working with Layne. He was very cool and looked great. I ended up taking first in open middleweights and went out for the finals. I still cant believe it but I took home the overall.

http://img861.imageshack.us/img861/3808/trophies.jpg (http://img861.imageshack.us/i/trophies.jpg/)

Competition was pretty fierce. Ill try to get some pics up when I get ahold of them. Big thanks to Berto for makin it so easy. Back on track the the San Diego show in a week.

[strebla]

Congratulations!

[_Machine_]

Congratulations, well deserved!

[bmess]

congrats!! great job!!! can't wait to see the pics!!!

[Blazed]

Huge congrats!!!

[wrkoutfrq]

congrats man! in4pics!

[MovinFe26]

congrats brotha..lookin' forward to the contest pics

[Sean15782]

Awesome!!! You earned it! I've been following, you have big things coming your way!!!

[co1e_train]

congrats man! ive been lurking and your prep has been super motivating! now bring on the pics!

[bwelch1985]

F*ck yeh!

[jpfaherty]

Yeah Buddy! Good job bro!

[tonsti]

Stellar!!

[FATHER FLEX]

Dude congrats! That's a tough show, but its hard to deny symmetry like yours.

[BaFtub]

Forgot to hit reply last night! LOL. Great job man! Saw your pic on the 3dmj site and WOWZAS

[Paul_2_Oh]

Congratulations! Well done!

[woofman81]

Doesn't surprise me at all that you won. Way to go man, amazing job!

I ended up not going to the show but my trainer (Tyler) said he talked to you and that you looked awesome.

[Webber91]

Phucking well done bro!

[dlemaster]

Hey bro, I don't post on here much but I just wanted to stop in and congratulate you. I was the runner up in your class. You looked great and it was well deserved. It was cool meeting you and good luck on your upcoming shows in Cali.

[gymratluke]

Congrats brother!! Cant wait to see the pics!

[ShaneGesbeck]

You looked great Steve and it was well deserved. I'm glad to hear you won the overall too! I know it was close between you and David (dlemaster) but the great shape and fullness carried you through to the win. You made all the right improvements from last year and that is what it is all about. David is a tough competitor and you should feel even better about the win knowing you beat a top notch guy. If David reads this I hate to tell him but I did run into the head judge at Ihop (while I was scarfing down pancakes LOL) and he did say the lack of tan did hurt him. He was shredded and dry but it looked washed out from their vantage point. I'm not saying David would have won because Steve was on point but just know that the devil is in the details.

Good luck in the upcoming shows Steve and I hope to run into you again. You're a good competitor with a great attitude and we need more guys like you representing the sport.

Train hard.

[DREhova 87]

congrats! sick!

[ErickStevens]

Not surprised one bit. Congrats bro! On to the next one.

[bballbrett5]

1st time posting in here but had to say DAMN. congrats!

[Slovation]

Thanks so much everyone!


Doesn't surprise me at all that you won. Way to go man, amazing job!

I ended up not going to the show but my trainer (Tyler) said he talked to you and that you looked awesome.

I did speak with Tyler. Great guy and very sharp. Seems to really know his stuff.


Hey bro, I don't post on here much but I just wanted to stop in and congratulate you. I was the runner up in your class. You looked great and it was well deserved. It was cool meeting you and good luck on your upcoming shows in Cali.

Dude you looked awesome. I honestly thought you had me. Its always hard comparing yourself visually to others. It was a pleasure meeting/chatting with you. Looking forward to seeing you in many more future contests.


You looked great Steve and it was well deserved. I'm glad to hear you won the overall too! I know it was close between you and David (dlemaster) but the great shape and fullness carried you through to the win. You made all the right improvements from last year and that is what it is all about. David is a tough competitor and you should feel even better about the win knowing you beat a top notch guy. If David reads this I hate to tell him but I did run into the head judge at Ihop (while I was scarfing down pancakes LOL) and he did say the lack of tan did hurt him. He was shredded and dry but it looked washed out from their vantage point. I'm not saying David would have won because Steve was on point but just know that the devil is in the details.

Good luck in the upcoming shows Steve and I hope to run into you again. You're a good competitor with a great attitude and we need more guys like you representing the sport.

Train hard.

Shane, your the man. You have such a great outlook and positive attitude. People like you make this sport look great. Im always open to your judgement/critisism and really like how you give your honest opinion and suggestions. We need more guys like you backstage. I appreciate all the great feedback and am always looking to improve.

[woofman81]

Hey you went with liquid sun rayz for your color correct? If so, were you happy with your color? I think I might try them as well for my next show.

[Slovation]

Hey you went with liquid sun rayz for your color correct? If so, were you happy with your color? I think I might try them as well for my next show.

Ill have to get back to you on that but I will tell you it was an "experience."

[Slovation]

Working on uploading some videos from the show. Quality isnt the greatest but I cant complain. Heres awards for open middles.

WQkWEd7YOyg

[Resolutioner]

I'm calling it now. You are winning your show's overall based on your front relaxed alone! That is such a great shot for you. The MM ain't bad either!

Strong 6 week out prediction.

Congrats OP! Can't wait to see some pictures.

[woofman81]

Ill have to get back to you on that but I will tell you it was an "experience."

lol that doesn't sound good.

Just saw the video you posted. I could tell it was probably close between you and the guy who got second (he looked great too), but at least from just seeing the front comparisons, your smaller waist and better quad sweep in my opinion, gives you the edge!

[AustrianOakJr]

Congrats man!! OVERALL! That is so awesome.


......but whats with the sunglasses and weird stuff on stage?!?!?

[tsajdak]

Ill have to get back to you on that but I will tell you it was an "experience."

Do tell. I'm not using Liquid Sun Rayz, but I do plan on getting sprayed this weekend instead of using Dream Tan. I hope I'm not making a bad decision. Your color looked pretty good from what I could see in the video, alot better than the guy that came in second.

[Slovation]

lol that doesn't sound good.

Just saw the video you posted. I could tell it was probably close between you and the guy who got second (he looked great too), but at least from just seeing the front comparisons, your smaller waist and better quad sweep in my opinion, gives you the edge!

Thanks man. i was told by a few people it was my structure that really made the difference. David was no slouch Ill tell you that!


Congrats man!! OVERALL! That is so awesome.


......but whats with the sunglasses and weird stuff on stage?!?!?

Haha. Yea every year they decorate. Its usually pretty impressive but not so much this year. Wasnt quite sure what they were going for exactly. Miles does host a great show though.


Do tell. I'm not using Liquid Sun Rayz, but I do plan on getting sprayed this weekend instead of using Dream Tan. I hope I'm not making a bad decision. Your color looked pretty good from what I could see in the video, alot better than the guy that came in second.

Thanks. Ill explain a little later as to what I used.

[Slovation]

Im trying to upload the overall comparisons/posedown on youtube but its having issues. I guessing because its so long. In the meantime for your entertainment Ill post up my routine. Enjoy lol.

vfnu2h8cOsc

[EFLD]

The posing suit switch was hilarious....I think one of the judges freaked when they saw that LOL

[Quelly]

lol that posing suit switch freaked ME out...for a second in my head I thought "NO he didn't!" lol

[woofman81]

lol oh man, your routine had me busting up. That's some entertainment right there. You could tell the crowd loved it!

Great stuff man.

[Rsardinia]

Congrats dude, knew you'd take it home. Not surprised in the least. Hopefully you kill it next week as well.

[Flynn]

Congratulations!! Well earned.

[AustrianOakJr]

Havent seen that one before. Points for originality! Nice man.

And those wheels look ridiculous even from a distance!

[Slovation]

Thanks guys. I figure if my family/friends has to sit through the entire show, which can be super boring, I should put some effort into entertaining the crowd. Its funny because the tearaway trunks landed in the one female judges lap I guess lol.

[charlievanriper]

Hey steve just got back from the gym and saw some posts that led me to your Journal, I just found out you took it all. Way to go man Your routine was freaking awesome, and man I'm really glad it was you that won the show. Good luck in your upcomming shows in cali I hope you bring home a few more trophies. I just hope I do just half as good as you did this weekend on my next attempt.

[BigPicNut]

Hell FU%& yes!
Your hard work paid off brother. Damn fine package you brought to the stage.
I am so bummed that I missed the show. I heard it went late.
Congrats man.. You deserved it!


ANT

[Slovation]

Hey steve just got back from the gym and saw some posts that led me to your Journal, I just found out you took it all. Way to go man Your routine was freaking awesome, and man I'm really glad it was you that won the show. Good luck in your upcomming shows in cali I hope you bring home a few more trophies. I just hope I do just half as good as you did this weekend on my next attempt.

Thanks man. I hope I look half as good as you when I get to your age.


Hell FU%& yes!
Your hard work paif off brother. Damn fine package you brought to the stage.
I am so bummed that I missed the show. I heard it went late.
Congrats man.. You deserved it!


ANT

Thanks. I still feel like I can drop a few and come in much harder though.

[Slovation]

They started uploading some pics. Heres one. Sucks that they have the proof watermark.

http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/2756/mesilouette.png (http://img545.imageshack.us/i/mesilouette.png/)

[bwelch1985]

Ok, that pic is epic. That quad sweep is so sick.

[co1e_train]

Dude that pic is just SICK! Makes you look like some kind of terminator or something haha

[Slovation]

Haha thanks guys. Heres another one from pumping up backstage.

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/1922/20110312204823.jpg (http://img16.imageshack.us/i/20110312204823.jpg/)

[Bnizzle163]

A little late to the post contest celebration:( but CONGRATS DUDE!!!! That's awesome. Very happy for you.

[thighsclub]

Your quads are absolutly AMAZING....WOW!

[Slovation]

Just weighed in for the san diego show. Seems to be more or a "lower scale" show. Very small venue and quite a bit less competitors. They run things a lot differently so we will see how it goes.

[bwelch1985]

Just weighed in for the san diego show. Seems to be more or a "lower scale" show. Very small venue and quite a bit less competitors. They run things a lot differently so we will see how it goes.

Your shape, symmetry and retarded conditioning will make you a force on any stage. Can't wait to see some pictures of you in a prejudging lineup to finally get an idea of just how good you are.

[woofman81]

Just weighed in for the san diego show. Seems to be more or a "lower scale" show. Very small venue and quite a bit less competitors. They run things a lot differently so we will see how it goes.

Kill it Steve!

[Slovation]

Thx guys. Got first callout center stage in novice as well as open but in open they moved me around a bit so we will see. This show is ghetto compared to the last one and it is very unorganized/ run like sh*t.

[woofman81]

Thx guys. Got first callout center stage in novice as well as open but in open they moved me around a bit so we will see. This show is ghetto compared to the last one and it is very unorganized/ run like sh*t.

Nice! This another NPC show as well?

[Slovation]

Nice! This another NPC show as well?

Yep but untested so competition is a little more fierce.

[ShaneGesbeck]

Good luck today Steve! I'm sure you're going to do well. We get spoiled competing in Mile's shows...those are the best run and organized shows I've ever been in. Much better than even the team universe. Speaking of which, if you have the ability you should consider doing the show. You could go either welterweight or middles and do well in either.

[Slovation]

Thanks shane. Yea I didn't realize how nice miles shows were until doing a different one. I don't think im quite team universe material yet. Got to get more conditioned.

[Slovation]

Just got back to the hotel. Took first in novice and 2nd in open. It was a long night.

[Diskd]

Just got back to the hotel. Took first in novice and 2nd in open. It was a long night.

Congrats dude, I'm sure you showed the NPC guys a thing or two about conditioning

[co1e_train]

Just got back to the hotel. Took first in novice and 2nd in open. It was a long night.

Congrats man! That is sweet!!

[wrkoutfrq]

congrats man! really impressive showing, way to go...

In4pics!

[ShaneGesbeck]

Congrats Steve! You should be very proud of your accomplishment. Two down and one to go. Stay strong.

Don't sell yourself short. It is rare that anyone does well in their first outing at the TU and it usually takes a few visits to crack the top 5.

[Agostage]

Awesome routine brah!

[Rsardinia]

Great job this year steve. Are you done for the year or still competing later this summer? Either way great job. You brought a much better package than last time you competed and thats the name of the game.

[Slovation]

Great job this year steve. Are you done for the year or still competing later this summer? Either way great job. You brought a much better package than last time you competed and thats the name of the game.

I've got one more show next sat in culver city. Your right, as long as I improve each time im on the right track. From how this prep went I got a better idea of where I need to be as I got a bit closer to the conditioning that's needed to do well. Im thinking around 160 is where I need to be so another 6 or so lbs.

[B-Neva]

I know I'm late but congrats for yesterday and the other one before! I just saw the pics that were 6 weeks out and you got a crazy physique going on! lol

[Sean15782]

I've got one more show next sat in culver city. Your right, as long as I improve each time im on the right track. From how this prep went I got a better idea of where I need to be as I got a bit closer to the conditioning that's needed to do well. Im thinking around 160 is where I need to be so another 6 or so lbs.

I might be there to support a few guys and girls I know! Best of luck, I'll be cheering for you!!!

[Slovation]

Sorry for such the short updates. Doing all these shows back to back is taking a lot out of me. Feeling pretty worn out especially after going out of state.

Crazy weekend. I did the NPC San Diego show which was an untested show, making it a lot more competitive. Going out of state definately takes more out of me. Didnt get to the hotel till like midnight and got less than one hours sleep because the heater in the room wasnt working. It was pretty chilly out at like 45 degrees too. Anyways I went to weigh ins in the am and on that scale was 172. Their scale was off a good 4lbs and everyone seemed to think the same. Good thing Im well into the middleweights otherwise I could have been bumped up into light heavyweights. It was a loooong day and I competed in both novice and unlimited middleweights. They show was ran pretty sloppy and when they called my class to pump up, which is usually 10 mins or so before going on stage, we ended up pumping up for over an hour. So lets just say it was not easy holding a pump and I was getting a bit worn out. This show was on a whole nother level. Everyone seemed to be quite a bit bigger than the last show. I went out, hit all my poses and feel like I held my own I think. Long story short I ended up taking first in novice middleweights and 2nd in unlimited middleweights. Went to the novice overalls and the guyin heavies ended up taking it. I feel like the judging was pretty fair and all in all I cant complain. Came home with 2 more trophies. I got one more show next Saturday in Culver City then Im taking a break lol.

[fltallpaul]

Sorry for such the short updates. Doing all these shows back to back is taking a lot out of me. Feeling pretty worn out especially after going out of state.

Crazy weekend. I did the NPC San Diego show which was an untested show, making it a lot more competitive. Going out of state definately takes more out of me. Didnt get to the hotel till like midnight and got less than one hours sleep because the heater in the room wasnt working. It was pretty chilly out at like 45 degrees too. Anyways I went to weigh ins in the am and on that scale was 172. Their scale was off a good 4lbs and everyone seemed to think the same. Good thing Im well into the middleweights otherwise I could have been bumped up into light heavyweights. It was a loooong day and I competed in both novice and unlimited middleweights. They show was ran pretty sloppy and when they called my class to pump up, which is usually 10 mins or so before going on stage, we ended up pumping up for over an hour. So lets just say it was not easy holding a pump and I was getting a bit worn out. This show was on a whole nother level. Everyone seemed to be quite a bit bigger than the last show. I went out, hit all my poses and feel like I held my own I think. Long story short I ended up taking first in novice middleweights and 2nd in unlimited middleweights. Went to the novice overalls and the guyin heavies ended up taking it. I feel like the judging was pretty fair and all in all I cant complain. Came home with 2 more trophies. I got one more show next Saturday in Culver City then Im taking a break lol.

I was watching the Culver City show last year as a friend of mine competed in Bikini. That is a really busy show with so many people there. Being so close to Venice and LA you will see many famous faces from the bodybuilding scene. Also be prepared to be surrounded by more beautiful women than you have ever seen. They have the Bikini Pro's, Bikini amatuers, Figure Pro's, Figure amatuers and tons and tons of spectators.

Good luck!

[wrkoutfrq]

I was watching the Culver City show last year as a friend of mine competed in Bikini. That is a really busy show with so many people there. Being so close to Venice and LA you will see many famous faces from the bodybuilding scene. Also be prepared to be surrounded by more beautiful women than you have ever seen. They have the Bikini Pro's, Bikini amatuers, Figure Pro's, Figure amatuers and tons and tons of spectators.

Good luck!

never a bad thing :D

srs though, good luck with this last show, time to bring home an already awesome season

[dlemaster]

Nice job bro, 2 down 1 to go. Stay strong and go out and kill it on Saturday.

[Slovation]

Thanks guys. Yea doing all these shows back to back is definately taking its toll on me, especially dealing with going out of state. As far as the females go, there has been many great looking girls but at this point food > females to me lol.

On a side note: I feel kind of bad that I havent been following everyone else logs as much as Id like. Putting so much focus on these shows has taken up most of my time and by the time I go back to read through some logs pages have passed. I cant keep up. For those of you that have been following/supporting me I want to thank you, its made all the difference. I dont know how everyone does it with multiple updates every day.

[BigPicNut]

Just got back to the hotel. Took first in novice and 2nd in open. It was a long night.

Kickass Man!

Good luck with #3

ANT

[wrkoutfrq]

Thanks guys. Yea doing all these shows back to back is definately taking its toll on me, especially dealing with going out of state. As far as the females go, there has been many great looking girls but at this point food > females to me lol.

On a side note: I feel kind of bad that I havent been following everyone else logs as much as Id like. Putting so much focus on these shows has taken up most of my time and by the time I go back to read through some logs pages have passed. I cant keep up. For those of you that have been following/supporting me I want to thank you, its made all the difference. I dont know how everyone does it with multiple updates every day.

if i were you i wouldn't feel bad. if anything it shows the amount of focus you are putting on competing. you'll have time to catch back up after this last show

[Slovation]

Heres a vid from prejudging the first show I did. Starts around the 6:20 mark. Ill try to get more videos/pics up as I get them.

xURsz6rKV-E

[FATHER FLEX]

Seriously....after seeing that vid I hope you see how you had an obvious step or two on your competition. This considering the fact that those dudes around you were some serious studs bro. You got "it" and you should really pat your parents on the back for those genetics(:D) and yourself as well for working so hard bro. :)

[bwelch1985]

Really seperated yourself from the group on those back shots. Operation Emaciation--->COMPLETE. :D Awesome work brother. You deserve every last piece of hardware you're collecting this year.

[Bnizzle163]

Way to hold your own up there in an untested show. Very impressive stuff, indeed!

[Slovation]

Seriously....after seeing that vid I hope you see how you had an obvious step or two on your competition. This considering the fact that those dudes around you were some serious studs bro. You got "it" and you should really pat your parents on the back for those genetics(:D) and yourself as well for working so hard bro. :)

I got it from my mama.


Really seperated yourself from the group on those back shots. Operation Emaciation--->COMPLETE. :D Awesome work brother. You deserve every last piece of hardware you're collecting this year.


Way to hold your own up there in an untested show. Very impressive stuff, indeed!


thanks guys. I put a lot of work in and I think Ill be due for a good break after these shows.

[thepacman]

I've enjoyed stopping by your log and watching you and your freaky shape and symmetry get leaner and leaner. Congrats on your last win man!

[Slovation]

Found some pics online from the San Diego show last Saturday.

Novice Middleweight Posedown
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/779/sandiego1.jpg (http://img198.imageshack.us/i/sandiego1.jpg/)

Novice Overall Comparisons
http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/2841/sandiego5.jpg (http://img64.imageshack.us/i/sandiego5.jpg/)

Novice Middleweight Top 5
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/1584/sandiego6.jpg (http://img43.imageshack.us/i/sandiego6.jpg/)

Novice Middleweight Top 5
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3580/sandiego7.jpg (http://img339.imageshack.us/i/sandiego7.jpg/)

[DREhova 87]

Dude you very well held your own up there. 1 more to go! Then you can stop eating all that pumpkin ;)

[co1e_train]

Dude you not only hold your own but you belong up there! It is so encouraging to see natty guys do work at untested shows.

[Slovation]

At the culver city show. Doing unlimited middles. First callout center stage. Just relaxing in the hotel till thenight show.

[wrkoutfrq]

heck yeah man, way to go, finish strong!

[tonsti]

At the culver city show. Doing unlimited middles. First callout center stage. Just relaxing in the hotel till thenight show.
not surprised Steve!! Its all you :)

[DREhova 87]

thats what I'm talking bout! Thats whatsup!

[Bnizzle163]

Dude your freaking wheels leave me speechless!

[Slovation]

Took first in unlimited middles. Went to the overall posedown and gave it everything I got but the superheavy was just too damn big. I wanted that sword!

O we'll Im finally about to have my first sushi in 7 months. Thanks for all the support everyone. Big thanks to berto and crew.

[Quelly]

Took first in unlimited middles. Went to the overall posedown and gave it everything I got but the superheavy was just too damn big. I wanted that sword!

O we'll Im finally about to have my first sushi in 7 months. Thanks for all the support everyone. Big thanks to berto and crew.

nice work dude! overalls in non tested npc shows....no joke!

[dlemaster]

Nice job Steve.

[Slovation]

Pic morning of

[thighsclub]

WOW...great quads....volume, definition, separation, striations...Great work man!

[co1e_train]

Way to go man!

[wrkoutfrq]

great job man, you deserve that sushi! fantastic contest run this year

[Beast]

Took first in unlimited middles. Went to the overall posedown and gave it everything I got but the superheavy was just too damn big. I wanted that sword!

O we'll Im finally about to have my first sushi in 7 months. Thanks for all the support everyone. Big thanks to berto and crew.

Big time congrats man! Sushi FTW!


Pic morning of

Sick!!! :eek:

[ShaneGesbeck]

Great job this year Steve! The improvements from last year to this year are amazing. Enjoy that sushi!

[WhiteFiberz]

That quad shot is :eek:

Any other shows planned?

[Slovation]

Thanks so much everyone. I just got back home not too long ago and am so beat. I know I havent been very detailed but having 3 shows this month took a lot out of me but I promise Ill have a detailed update with details of each show and whatever pics I can get ahold of. But for now I need some rest. Heres a little post contest enjoyment for ya though :).

I had a large bowl of edamame and a huge salad as "filler" to take up space but I guess I forgot how large of an appetite I had lol.

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/9660/mesushi.jpg (http://img339.imageshack.us/i/mesushi.jpg/)



































http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/9346/mefinishsushi.jpg (http://img191.imageshack.us/i/mefinishsushi.jpg/)

It was soooooooooooo good but almost too rich. TO be honest I wasnt really that hungry since I was eating more on show day but man I felt like a bunny rabbit on crack after. My previous shows I got super bloated and soft after the show from a meal like that but this time not so much. Yes I was pretty damn full and getting to sleep was not easy but when I woke up in the middle of the night to piss my legs were BOOOM! lol. Felt like they were going to explode and were VERY vascular. I woke up and still had striations in my quads and was still decently sharp besides distention from the food. Pretty much fasted the rest of today which I was suprised and proud of myself because it was a loooong drive back home and I didnt snack at all. Time for bed, ill update in more detail shortly.

[Slovation]

That quad shot is :eek:

Any other shows planned?

theres a SLIGHT chance but Itll depend on how I look in the next few weeks.

[fltallpaul]

Congrats on an amazing season....I am more impressed with your Sushi skills!

Did you see alot of famous people from the bodybuilding scene in Culver City. I was there last year and it was packed with peeps.

[Slovation]

Congrats on an amazing season....I am more impressed with your Sushi skills!

Did you see alot of famous people from the bodybuilding scene in Culver City. I was there last year and it was packed with peeps.

Thanks Paul. Not sure if u would consider this guy as a celebrity but Wolf I think it is from American Gladiators was there. I did see Stan McQuay as well in the audience.

[xKyle10]

subbed! your wheels/overall physique are SICK. your old avi's did NOT showcase your physique as well as it is.

we seem to have a fairly similar frame, do you know your wrist/ankle measurements?
would be nice to resemble something like that in 4 or 5 more years!

your wheels give me hope to one day have a pair like those, seriously motivating stuff, subbed your channel btw

this pic is sick:

http://imagecdn.bodybuilding.com/img/user_images/growable/2010/03/11/20842812/progresspic/1p2Zr4S3QrXgos3uRokeQctt5GasD0353.jpeg

edit: newer one is even sicker:
http://i55.tinypic.com/30vivrp.jpg

and another edit that looks even more sick:
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/5521/img1390t.jpg


i think i found myself a new goal physique to accomplish in the next 6 years, seriously great symmetry/proportions/everything

[Slovation]

Thanks dude. When I get caight up with work this week Ill post up some details from all the shows.

[Bnizzle163]

You definitely had one heck of a season. Very inspiring!

[foodpr0n]

Lol, as creator of the sludge thread, I felt obliged to find this journal and give you MAJOR props on that 'cough medicine' trip :D

So awesome mate!

Share the bowls you create ;)

ON vanilla casein
Greek Yogurt
Vanilla jello
Eggo Maple cereal
Maple syrup (real or walden farms doesn't matter)

=Simple, but amazing.
I'm hooked on that one atm.

^Agreed on the above praises. SICK job on the physique front :eek:

[adamrochester]

dont know how i missed this !

will be watching in :) your physique is wicked !

also did you hand make the mix for Peanut Butter Banana Creme Pancakes or buy the mix ? they look amazing !

[Slovation]

Lol, as creator of the sludge thread, I felt obliged to find this journal and give you MAJOR props on that 'cough medicine' trip :D

So awesome mate!

Share the bowls you create ;)

ON vanilla casein
Greek Yogurt
Vanilla jello
Eggo Maple cereal
Maple syrup (real or walden farms doesn't matter)

=Simple, but amazing.
I'm hooked on that one atm.

^Agreed on the above praises. SICK job on the physique front :eek:

Thanks man. Tried the eggo recipe above this morning and it was bomb. Thanks


dont know how i missed this !

will be watching in :) your physique is wicked !

also did you hand make the mix for Peanut Butter Banana Creme Pancakes or buy the mix ? they look amazing !

I think with those I used flour I cant remember. The cream was FFGY with vanilla/splenda flavorings.

Still trying to organize all the vids and whatver pics I could get my hands on from the shows.

[BigPicNut]

I gotta ask man..
How did you look the morning after all that sushi?

ANT

[fltallpaul]

Request for more stage pics or anything contest related. You did such a great job you should pimp yourself a bit more!

[ehlisl]

Request for more stage pics or anything contest related. You did such a great job you should pimp yourself a bit more!

Yep! What Paul said! Saw some of them on FB, but throw some more if you have them! :D

[woofman81]

lol agreed with everyone else, get more pics up man. Tyler said you showed him a leg shot that was insane that I hadn't seen before.

[_Machine_]

Just stoppin in to give you props...just made your simple yet amazing pancake recipe subbing sweet potatoes for pumpkin and topped it with some PB... delicious!

[Slovation]

Ok, so I finally got some time to sit down and go over these shows. Doing 3 consecutive back to back shows took a lot out of me. I have finally caught up to a lot of the things that I was putting off this whole time and am feeling like Im finally transitioning back to what we would call "normal." Ill try to go over the 3 shows I did in as much detail as possible although they all seemed to be one big blur.

2011 NPC Natural Western (mesa, AZ)

This show was the one I originally planned on doing. I didnt commit to the others until later on as I felt dieting for 6 months for one night would fly by way to fast. The NPC shows here in AZ are ran by Miles Nuessle and he does a fantastic job. They are held at the Mesa Center of the Arts which is a very impressive venue. I didnt realize how well/smoothly/clean his shows were ran until I did ones out of state. After competing in his the other shows felt "ameaturish."

The show was on March 12th and turned out to be the biggest to date with 263 competitors. Im sure a lot of it has to do with the addition of the male physique class, which Ill get into more detail later lol. I competed in mens open middleweights with 19 total guys in the class. Prejudging seemed to fly by very fast. By the time each quarter turn was called I was barely in position before they called the next turn. I think since it was such a big show they were trying to move things a little faster. I got first callout and eventually moved to center where they continued to move us around a little bit. I felt that I was top 3 as the 2 other guys I was up against looked great.

Fast forward to the evening show. Everything started around 6pm and things seemed to be on schedule. Something Miles does is lays out a large itinerary which has estimated times and actual times for each class which REALLY helps. You can never predict when your going to be on but this definately helped give you an idea. I went on around 9pm to do my routine. It was what you might call a little too "scandelous" but I wanted to give my family/friends a little more entertainment than the usual generic routine most people go out and do. I try my best to set myself apart from others and some might think that I dont take it serious (which I really do) but who says you cant have fun and enjoy yourself at the same time.

Hours passed and it felt like eternity as they do all the awards at the end of the evening and mens bodybuilding was smack dab at the end. Finally at what Im guessing to be around 12:30-1:00 am I went out for top 5 mens middleweights. As they called the 5th and 4th place guys I got that feeling where you expect to hear your name next. They called out 3rd place and shortly 2nd after that. I was suprised as the guy that took 2nd (his name was David) looked awesome. We talked a bit back stage and turns out he was working with Layne, and you could tell as he came in shape. As a competitor its hard to tell how your going to place because you dont see yourself side by side and you always have that mindset of "he looks better than me."

Since I took first in that class I had to wait around for the overall. A majority of my family left already as they had younger ones in the group, but my sister hung around which meant a lot. I ran back to where I was setup to get some water/sodium in me as I figured they would really push us in the overall comparisons. I went up there and hit every pose the best I could. Having water/sodium in you makes a HUGE difference in stamina on stage. I felt like I could be up there all day. After the posedown took place I stood there waiting to hear them callout the overall winner. By this time it was well past 1am and there were actually not many people left in the audience. i dont blame them as it was a long night. When they called my name I couldnt believe it. I honeslty was not expecting it and when they had me do a little speech I pretty much stated that, which Im sure a lot of previous winners said the same. They took pics with the trophy and the judge told me to hit a front lat spread as he thought that was one of my better shots. I was still in awe and didnt smile much in the pictures which I regret now. Kind of made me look like I didnt appreciate the win so much.

I felt relieved/exhausted/anxious at the same time. I was so beat from being on my feet all day and it then came to my realization I had 2 more shows to do and both were out of state. I knew those would take even more out of me. I went straight home and went to bed. Suprisingly I wasnt really tempted at all to eat anything as I had a decent amount of food in me from carbing up and more shows to get ready for. I felt like even if I took a small cheat meal I couldnt enjoy it as my next show was only a week awway. I didnt want to risk anything.

Heres what I came up with as far as pictures/videos go. I had a hard time downloading/editing some of the vids because they were so long and I didnt want to post up 15 minute videos of all the other classes and what not. The site that sells the pictures put watermarks over all of them so I wasnt able to copy any from their site. I believe theres a minumum purchase to recieve the CD of all my pictures and since Ive already spent so much money for all these shows I passed for now. Maybe Ill eventually buy them but for now Im content with what I got.

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/4060/1jtihld0srccwwazxqqzqfu.th.jpg (http://img847.imageshack.us/i/1jtihld0srccwwazxqqzqfu.jpg/)http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/5718/18942710150117496254799.th.jpg (http://img687.imageshack.us/i/18942710150117496254799.jpg/)
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/1222/npc311openmid.th.jpg (http://img217.imageshack.us/i/npc311openmid.jpg/)
http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/4278/overallj.th.jpg (http://img708.imageshack.us/i/overallj.jpg/)
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/6541/overall2.th.jpg (http://img163.imageshack.us/i/overall2.jpg/)
http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/6461/overall3.th.jpg (http://img834.imageshack.us/i/overall3.jpg/)
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/8062/pj3a.th.jpg (http://img21.imageshack.us/i/pj3a.jpg/)
http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/7316/pj5.th.jpg (http://img854.imageshack.us/i/pj5.jpg/)

[Slovation]

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/2927/pj6e.th.jpg (http://img27.imageshack.us/i/pj6e.jpg/)
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/6456/pj7u.th.jpg (http://img21.imageshack.us/i/pj7u.jpg/)
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/1083/pj8j.th.jpg (http://img34.imageshack.us/i/pj8j.jpg/)
http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/2580/pj9x.th.jpg (http://img251.imageshack.us/i/pj9x.jpg/)
http://img814.imageshack.us/img814/8846/pj10.th.jpg (http://img814.imageshack.us/i/pj10.jpg/)
http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/7293/routine1.th.jpg (http://img818.imageshack.us/i/routine1.jpg/)
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/9610/routine2.th.jpg (http://img641.imageshack.us/i/routine2.jpg/)
http://img852.imageshack.us/img852/1663/routine3.th.jpg (http://img852.imageshack.us/i/routine3.jpg/)

[Slovation]

Eag6cOpoWNs
KQlYugdToGU
WQkWEd7YOyg
vfnu2h8cOsc

[Slovation]

2011 NPC San Diego Championships (San Diego, CA)

This was going to be my first show out of state so i didnt know what to expect. I wasnt able to leave town till a lot later than I planned and the drive took quite a bit longer than I expected. I didnt arrive at the hotel till after midnight and I still had to apply my tan. Got to the room and found out they gave me a king instead of a queen bed. I brought dark sheets for a queen so I had to kind of makeshift them to fit somewhat. Got my base coat on and went to bed. Turns out the heater int he room wasnt working and the temps outside were around 40 degrees. Its safe to say I maybe got a total of 1 hour sleep that night. At about 3 am I gave up and just stayed awake. Time went by soooo slow. Go my scheduled meals in and got to the venue on time for weigh ins.

The venue was what I could best describe as equivelant to an elementary school auditorium. Not sure if thats how most shows are or I was spoiled by the ones here in AZ. Everything seemed to be disorganized and confusing. Plastic taped everywhere, no place to set up/sit, and the mirrors were just some dirty hang up styles that were just propped up against the wall. The "pump up room" was pretty much right next to the vendor area and they had two double doors open to the outside right there, making it freezing. I could barely feel my hands/feet the entire day.

After being in a show with 263 athletes this one felt small with about 9 or so in my class. I had already signed up weeks in advance so I did novice and open middleweights. I probably should have requested to be taken out of novice but being so late I figured it would have been too much of a hastle. I waited after weigh ins in the lobby and tried to focus on meal timing as much as possible. They had couches there which was nice so i layed down to try to relax a little, even though it was very cold and wearing sandels didnt help any. For some reason they had quite a bit of "security" and one of the guys was giving us all a hard time. He said we could not eat in there and when I questioned him about it he said I couldnt lay down either. I asked "where do we eat then, ouside?" and he responded with "yes." For paying the amount we do to compete you would think we would get a little better treatment than that. I tried not to stress over it. Everyone else was in the same boat as me and we all just pretty much did what we wanted whether it be lay down or eat. I was not going to sit outside in the freezing weather I can tell you that.

After waiting for what felt like eternity it was finally time for me to start getting ready. I asked one of the guys backstage when middles was supposed to be on and he gave me an estimate of maybe an hour or so. Next thing you know they are called middles to pump up. I rush to get ready, get my last meal/sodium/water in me and try to pump up as much as possible. Im rushed thinking I wont be ready but tried not to stress over it. Im pumping up and 15 minutes pass.....then 30.....then 45. About an hour goes by before I get called up. Talk about frustrating. It took every bit of energy to keep cool. I couldnt believe how unorganized this show was ran.

Went up on stage and got first callout center stage. They kept me there ehich felt good. Not too much after I went up again for open and got center stage but they moved a couple of us around so I was thinkig maybe top 3 or so. After prejudging I went back to the hotel and tried to rest as much as I could but as most of us know thats easier said than done on show day.

Got back to the venue for the night show and as I expected it was ran very much like the day. I chalked it up to being out of my control and did my best to stay on track. The ONE thing I liked about this show is that after your routine they gave out awards for your class so you wouldnt have to wait till the very end of the show. Did the same routine as I did in AZ but this time they werent very amused with the tear away portion. They cut my music immediately after making my routine pretty short. The promoter approached me back stage and gave me an earful. I guess he wasnt too happy about my routine but I was so irritated about how the show was going I didnt really care. It sucks traveling out of state to compete in a show so mediocre compared to ones your used to.

Awards came and I recieved first in novice and right after went to the novice overalls. Posed my but off but the heavyweight was just too big to beat. These untested shows seem to favor size over conditioning I think. Shortly after I went out for open middleweight top 5 and recieved 2nd place which I believe was fair. A lot of people approached me giving compliments on my physique, mainly about my aesthetics/legs which is always nice to hear. I then headed back to the hotel room to try to get some rest as I had a long drive the next day.

As far as pictures go for this show.....since I didnt purchase them in advance they didnt post them on their website. I did manage to find a few from another site though. This is why its been taking me so long to aquire pics is because I had to pretty much go searching all over online for them. I couldnt afford to pay for them for all 3 shows. I had already spent so much on entry fees, hotels, gas, food, etc. I did buy the DVD but the way its formatted Im not sure if Im able to make a copy to post online. Im still working on that.

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/779/sandiego1.th.jpg (http://img832.imageshack.us/i/sandiego1.jpg/)
http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/5079/sandiego1.th.png (http://img860.imageshack.us/i/sandiego1.png/)
http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/2841/sandiego5.th.jpg (http://img545.imageshack.us/i/sandiego5.jpg/)
http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/1584/sandiego6.th.jpg (http://img855.imageshack.us/i/sandiego6.jpg/)
http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/3580/sandiego7.th.jpg (http://img862.imageshack.us/i/sandiego7.jpg/)
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/9302/sandiego9.th.jpg (http://img15.imageshack.us/i/sandiego9.jpg/)
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/5180/sandiego10.th.jpg (http://img62.imageshack.us/i/sandiego10.jpg/)
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/6834/sandiego11.th.jpg (http://img687.imageshack.us/i/sandiego11.jpg/)

[Slovation]

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/4312/sandiegonr2.th.jpg (http://img812.imageshack.us/i/sandiegonr2.jpg/)
http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/995/sandiegonr3.th.jpg (http://img694.imageshack.us/i/sandiegonr3.jpg/)

[Slovation]

2011 NPC Muscle Contest Championships (Culver City, CA)

This was my last and final show. At this point I was ready for everything to be over. To be honest I wasnt really looking forward to it as it was being held by the same promotor as the San Diego show and I already knew what I was in for as far as the long drive. I left quite a bit earlier and the drive this time didnt seem so bad. Got to the hotel, checked in, and just tried to relax a bit. Got a coat on early and got to bed suprigingly at a reasonable hour I actually slept very well this night, I guess having a heated room helps lol. Got up early and got my first meal in. Even though the venue was fairly close I left pretty early in case I was going to hit traffic since Id be taking the freeway. Good thing I left when I did because I BARELY made it.

It all started at the hotel. I waited for an elevator for literally 20 minutes. Everytime one opened it was either full of people or going the wrong direction. Id take the stairs but I was in sandels and on like the 14th floor. Besides I didnt see any in the area. Finally got an elevator and headed to the car. For some reason they locked the gate to the enterance that I arrived at so I had to walk around the entire hotel to get to my vehicle. As I tried to leave my "parking card" (dont even get me started on this one) didnt work. Even after paying for a room you have to pay for parking and need a card to even LEAVE the parking facility. I was stuck behind some stupid lift arm with no way getting out. I was so frustrated I just bent up the arm and left. I wasnt going to let some horrible parking system keep me from missing out on a show I drove across state to be in.

Parking at the venue was horrible. I had to park in some neighborhood a good 1/2 mile away and walk. It was cold and overcast this weekend as well. I got to the venue and suprisingly it was a little nicer than the last. They called up all the male phyqique guys to check in and my jaw pretty much dropped. There were at least 50 guys in that class. Checked the itinerary and they were ahead of mens bodybuilding. Finally checked in and went back stage. The best way I can describe it was a sardine can. The pump up room was about the same size as my bedroom with the same dirty propped up mirrors. They also again left the door open to the freezing weather. At this point I was just ready to be over with everything.

So as the time passed I realized after seeing how many people were ahead of me it was going to be a loooooong night. I contacted the pomoter a few days in advance to try to get refunded/drop out of novice. I feel like it wouldnt be fair since Ive placed well in the past. I was able to get refunded which was good as it put a little cash in my pocket.

To make a long story short I didnt get on stage till 2 hours past the time I was expecting. There were about 8 guys in my class and I was called center stage. I was told I had it but I didnt want to jinx myself.

After prejudging I went back to the hotel and gave them an earful about the gate. I heard from so many people they had the same issue. They looked at me as if I was their first complaint which I know wasnt true. Got to the room, rested a little and got a meal in. Left early again and guess what......same thing happened. Gate would not open and this time there were a good 6 cars sitting there trying to get out. Someone pulled the same move as me and bent the arm up so we could all leave. This issue alone kicked my stress level way up, not to mention all the other things at the show.

Got to the venue and snagged an ok spot backstage. Mens physique was placed right in front of mens bodybuilding, dont ask me why, which made the pump up room a compete disaster. I have no problem with adding another class to shows but 99% of these guys were "bros." They all thought they were kind dingaling and owned the place. They all "strutted" around trying to give the bodybuilders pointers and hogging all the equipment/mirrors. I had to really contain myself as I was tempted to choke slam every one of those d-bags. What pissed me off even more was that they were going to get out early enough to eat which gave them more options. The later I got out the more limited I was to eat something I wanted. I kept hearing all there stories of dieting for 6 weeks, cutting water, going out and partying the night BEFORE to celebrate, etc. Id just like to warn all you bodybuilders in advance. This class addition made competing almost not worth it. They should separate them into another show or something. Thats just my opinion. Anyways, Im gonna let that be for now. I could go on forever but Id rather end that rant now.

So FINALLY I got onstage and did my routine minus the tear aways as I didnt want to deal with the promoter again. Went up for awards and ended up taking first place. I was told to wait as they were doing overalls shortly after. I had to piss like a racehorse from drinking so much water but held it because I didnt want to miss the overall comparisons/posedown. I feel like I held my own but the super heavyweight was just monsterous. I could tell before even going up he was going to take it. He just oversized everyone by so much and had decent conditioning. As I expected he took the overall. Would have been nice to get that sword but i cant complain.

We left the venue and a pretty big sense of relief came over me as I knew I was done with all my shows and could finally indulge a little without stressing over it. Luckily we found a really nice sushi place just in time and I got my eat on. Woke up and had iHOP then headed back to AZ.

http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/8743/showdayleg.th.jpg (http://img848.imageshack.us/i/showdayleg.jpg/)
http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/1650/top5r.th.jpg (http://img824.imageshack.us/i/top5r.jpg/)
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[Slovation]

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http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/9346/mefinishsushi.th.jpg (http://img821.imageshack.us/i/mefinishsushi.jpg/)

[thighsclub]

Great work.. great body...Unbelievable thighs....You are a King of Thighs!

[Slovation]

Recap:

2011 NPC Natural Westenr - 1st Open Middleweights, Overall Mens Bodybuilding.
2011 San Diego Bodybuilding Championships - 1st Novice MIddleweights, 2nd Open Middleweights
2011 Muscle Contest Championships - 1st Open Middleweights

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9072/2011seasontrophies.jpg (http://img508.imageshack.us/i/2011seasontrophies.jpg/)


So all in all I couldnt be happier. I took home quite a bit of hardware and came in looking the best Ive ever looked. I do feel theres room for improvement but that applies to everyone. As long as I improve from show to show Im happy. BIG thanks to Berto and 3DMJ. I couldnt ask for more. Berto goes above and beyond. I learned so much from him, not just about bodybuilding, but all aspects of life. He truly loves what he does and it shows. His passion for the sport really shines through. Im sure I nagged him from so many emails/text messages lol. It takes a lot of patience/nerves to do what he does. He always had a plan and was one step ahead at all times. For anyone looking for a coach he comes HIGHLY recommended by me. Jeffs knowlege/experience in posing definately made a huge difference. The little adjustments we made I feel really contributed to making me look my best on stage. I feel that my posing had a lot to do with my success this season.

So as of right now Im 2 weeks post contests and am about 1lb up from stage weight. Slowly bringing cals up is not easy after being deprived of food for 6 months but Im so glad Ive taken this route. As most people know you can eat your way into offseason condition within a very short time post contest. Ive done that in the past and not only is it not healthy, its psycologically disturbing. It sucks to work so hard for something only to see it diminish at the fraction of the time it took you to get there. The food will always be there. Ive taken a more relaxed approach though to try to transition into offseason and not become obsessive. I felt that if I continued to be "too precise" Id never get out of that pre-contest prep rut. Ive been more lax on measuring food items. For example I used to weigh slices of bread, protein powder, condiments, veggies, etc. I still weigh certain things but Im not nit picking every little aspect of food prep. I feel that this move takes a lot of the stress off as well as having a few cals here and there that arent accounted for isnt going to make me blow up in weight. Im bringing cals up slowly anyways so having a little variance wont hurt IMO. I do enjoy bodybuilding and am a very committed person but I also have a life and other responsibilties to attend to which are more important to me. Im trying to find that right compromise between successfully reverse dieting and maintaining a normal/healthy/un-obsessive lifestyle.

Once I get my cals brought up Im going to try to focus a lot more this offseason. Some of my goals are....

* Have a more constructed training program - Ill most likely run PHAT again as I got some great results from that. Ill also be experimenting more with a wider variety of other programs to see what I respond best to.

* Be more consistant with diet - My past offseason I felt like I did pretty well. I ate pretty consistant and actually started my prep a lot leaner than the year prior. This time around Im going to follow a more detailed eating plan and try to stay within a closer shooting range so next prep will be even more successful.

* Focus on weaknesses - I think my posterior chain needs the most work. I have been neglecting dead lifts for some time now due to lower back pain. I switch to rack pulls which I like but I feel if I got back into doind deads again I can really improve my overall back strength. I also have been neglecting direct abdominal work, which I feel really showed this season. My abs dont have that "pop." I think that its because of lack of development. My arms are also something that have been hard to bring up and more focus will be put towards them. Also, even though my legs are my strongest body part, Id like to make them even more pronounced as I feel they really contributed to my success this season. I got so many comments on them and if I were to improve them even more that would give me more of a "wow" factor. Ill mostl likely take at least a full year off/even two maybe to put on as much overall size as possible.

So there it is. Im sure I left out a bunch of details and whatever comes to me later on Ill bring it up if its something of note. Ive been meaning to give updates but Ive been so busy and recovering from these shows has taken more time than I thought. I want to thank everyone for all their support. With the lack of support I have off the forums it really made a difference having all you on here behind me the entire experience.

[tsajdak]

I've been lurking for pretty much the whole prep. Great year, huge congrats. Wrap up was awesome.

[Agostage]

Dat's a lot of hardware! Congrats brah!

[bwelch1985]

Amazing write up Steve! I read every word of it and really felt like I was living it. The shows themselves are not what this sport is about, it's the journey leading up to it and you had a hell of a journey...more so than most on these boards will ever know about. So, major props to you for the incredible run you've had this year, all the hard work, the dedication, consistency...you earned all those trophies and then some brother! Your physique is among my favorites in this sport and I honestly believe you'll be an upper echelon natural pro in the very near future.

[TNT15]

You had an awesome run man! You should be very happy with your year. I wish I had the physique that you do. Glad to see someone from AZ really step it up and own the stage like you did.

[ehlisl]

Just awesome Steve! Great write up and those pics are great! Impressed all around and the legs are just sick! Thanks for sharing the journey! :D

[Quelly]

Just wanted to say I love your perspective and plans you've shared, and it was an honor being along for the ride Steve, fantastic job

[Slovation]

Thanks a lot guys it means a lot. I actually felt like I left quite a bit out of the whole recap but I was starting to get carpal tunnel from typing so much so I had to cut it "short" lol.

[wrkoutfrq]

nicely done man, you looked fantastic at all three shows... way to roll with the punches. thanks for the PM btw, i would rep you but on spread

[Slovation]

nicely done man, you looked fantastic at all three shows... way to roll with the punches. thanks for the PM btw, i would rep you but on spread

No prob dude thanks for tagging along.

[fltallpaul]

Awesome write ups. I have done the same thing after all my shows and you will be glad you did down the road. It's fun to look back and read it again after some time has passed and recall it like it was yesterday.

[Slovation]

Awesome write ups. I have done the same thing after all my shows and you will be glad you did down the road. It's fun to look back and read it again after some time has passed and recall it like it was yesterday.

Thanks Paul. Even though its only been a couple weeks I felt like I forgot a lot of the little details. Im glad I didnt wait too long to type all that out because the longer Id wait Im sure the more Id forget. Itll be nice to go back and read through that at a later date. Thanks for all the support and following along.

[Stoner90]

I followed since just before your shows. Very good write up/recap. You went through some long days. Congrats on all the success!! Time to shift gears and be a little more casual with things. We all need balance in our lives. I am always working on that myself.

[DREhova 87]

That was an awesome write up. I'm almost done dieting down to a bodyweight were I'm able to slowly add muscle on my frame. I'm going to try and approach it the same way u have been doing as well.

By the way... U try any Dixie Diner? :)

[Slovation]

I followed since just before your shows. Very good write up/recap. You went through some long days. Congrats on all the success!! Time to shift gears and be a little more casual with things. We all need balance in our lives. I am always working on that myself.

Thanks man, your right, just trying to get that balance.


That was an awesome write up. I'm almost done dieting down to a bodyweight were I'm able to slowly add muscle on my frame. I'm going to try and approach it the same way u have been doing as well.

By the way... U try any Dixie Diner? :)


Right on dude. As far as the dixie diner.....I still have all those sitting in my cart I just have yet to commit lol. I keep adding/removing things. Gotta stock up on davinci and torani syrups as well.


On another note........I keep forgetting to ask........for those of you that have followed my log, or whoever, what do you think I need to work on? I emailed the judges from my shows and they didnt have much to say.

One jusge said "you looked good thats why you won." I responded and asked if he could go into a little more detail but got no response.

Another judge responded with "bring up your legs and chest." Im not sure if maybe he confused me for another person or maybe he didnt care and just sent out generic responses to people since Im sure he was getting bombarded with questions. I was always told my legs were by far my strongest feature so not sure where he was coming from. i emailed him back and got no response.

So yea, just trying to get some input opinions. IMO I feel like I need to overall bring up everything. Just try to get thicker but mainly focus on my posterior. I feel like I not necessarily neglect back but I feel I dont hit it quite as hard as other body parts. Ill also put focus towards bringing up arms/calves. They are my weaker body parts so Im sure Ill have to give them extra attention. Just like anyone else we all have our weaknesses and we can only do so much.

As weird as it might sound Id really like to bring up my legs even more as well as delts. I feel they really contributed to my successful season so why not make them even more noticed :). I think bringing them up will only continue to improve my look as far as structure goes. I want that WOW factor.

[bwelch1985]

Honestly, you are pretty damn complete Steve. I think you've got the right idea focusing on getting stronger on compounds like deadlift and continuing to pound on your legs and delts. Those are some of the things that really, really set the top guys (like yourself) apart from everyone else up on stage. I know most of the top guys in the sport always say "you can truly never have enough legs and back" so I'd let that remain your primary focus.

If I'm getting nitpicky, I'd say abs and calves could use some thickness, but I'm sure you know those are tough bodyparts to drastically improve on unless you're just genetically predetermined to have them.

Other than that, just keep doing what you're doing and keep everything tight I guess. How high above stage weight do you plan to go this offseason, and how long will you take off before you start up another prep?

[Slovation]

Honestly, you are pretty damn complete Steve. I think you've got the right idea focusing on getting stronger on compounds like deadlift and continuing to pound on your legs and delts. Those are some of the things that really, really set the top guys (like yourself) apart from everyone else up on stage. I know most of the top guys in the sport always say "you can truly never have enough legs and back" so I'd let that remain your primary focus.

If I'm getting nitpicky, I'd say abs and calves could use some thickness, but I'm sure you know those are tough bodyparts to drastically improve on unless you're just genetically predetermined to have them.

Other than that, just keep doing what you're doing and keep everything tight I guess. How high above stage weight do you plan to go this offseason, and how long will you take off before you start up another prep?

Thanks dude. Im always looking to improve just like anyone else. You are right about the abs as well. I admit I completely neglect them. I thought if I got lean enough it wouldnt matter but now I see there are benefits to training them directly. I always thought they would be stimulated enough from stuff like squatting but I guess I was wrong. I wandered from that mindset most guys have that they need to train them everyday. So I think Ill meet somewhere in the middle. Goind to start hitting them twice a week and see how that goes.

As far as this offseason goes.....Id like to stay as lean as possible but still make decent gains. Im not going to stress putting on some fat but Im also not just going to let myself go. Ive always been my absolute strongest at 200lbs. Id like to maybe hang around 180 but Ill evaluate it when I get there and make changes if necessary. If I can move weight pretty good at that weight and it not be a pain to maintain Ill stick to that. I think I might take a solid 1.5-2 years off to really put on as much size as possible. My absolute long term goal is to compete at the top of middles with awesome conditioning, so thats gonna take me quite a while.

[Webber91]

Just got the time to read your write-ups Steve, nice work! It sounds like you guys seem to luck out with the way shows are run over there, I havn't had much of a problem here (apart from being given 5 minutes to pump up once lol).

I'll agree with Britt. A bit more thickness in your abs and calfs, as well as some mass on your arms will make you look so much more complete. Definitely see how crazy you can get your legs too, anyone can have a stand-out upperbody but when someone steps on stage with crazy legs it's always impressive. Might as well make them crazier!

You've got a very good outlook on bb'ing and for making improvements. If it's not getting too personal, what are some goals and aspirations you would like to achieve or work towards in life outside of the gym? This is one thing I had a thought about after my shows last year and I think it really helped me to get over the whole obsessiveness before it got unhealthy.

[FATHER FLEX]

Seriously, this dude is going to be a force to be reckoned with in years to come. He is literally a few tweaks in the back department away from being right up there with the best of them. Not that he could not at this point.

You are like the natural X-man :D

[Slovation]

Just got the time to read your write-ups Steve, nice work! It sounds like you guys seem to luck out with the way shows are run over there, I havn't had much of a problem here (apart from being given 5 minutes to pump up once lol).

I'll agree with Britt. A bit more thickness in your abs and calfs, as well as some mass on your arms will make you look so much more complete. Definitely see how crazy you can get your legs too, anyone can have a stand-out upperbody but when someone steps on stage with crazy legs it's always impressive. Might as well make them crazier!

You've got a very good outlook on bb'ing and for making improvements. If it's not getting too personal, what are some goals and aspirations you would like to achieve or work towards in life outside of the gym? This is one thing I had a thought about after my shows last year and I think it really helped me to get over the whole obsessiveness before it got unhealthy.

Thanks Webber. As far as life outside bodybuilding....I want to work on being more involved with fam/friends as I wasnt as much during this prep. When you put so much focus towards one thing it takes away from another. I dont know if it happens to everyone or maybe just me since I dont see my family as often but everytime during prep I think A LOT about growing up/the past. I end up really missing the simpler times and feel like I took the little things for granted. I feel like each and every show Im improving, not only physically, but as a person. Prepping for a show really teaches you a lot about yourself and although times get tough and can make you question your thoughts/decisions and such, I feel Ive became a much more "solid" person. I feel a lot more stable in making decisions and my confidence has dramatically increased. Im going to put more effort into having that balance with everyday like and bodybuilding.


Seriously, this dude is going to be a force to be reckoned with in years to come. He is literally a few tweaks in the back department away from being right up there with the best of them. Not that he could not at this point.

You are like the natural X-man :D

Means so much coming from you Berto. Im sure I gave you a few headaches here and there and I appreciate you putting up with me at those times. You are seriously the poster child for the perfect bodybuilder. You put so much effort into it but still manage to keep a somewhat normal lifestyle. I hope to one day become half the bodybuilder you are, not just physically but the way you carry yourself. Thanks for everything once again buddy.