Ok. I just now happend to come across these reviews almost a year later. You guys may never even see this and that is fine, but I would like to at least respond since there are some "strong" opinions. Man, I'm glad I didn't read this before my contest when I was carb depleted and paranoid! LOL (I am assuming that all of you "experts" have gone through a contest diet and know what I am talking about).
As far as the cocoa puffs go, I think the reasoning for taking in the high glycemic carb source during the post-workout time-frame was explained well by EricS (I believe it was week 15 or 16) so I won't go into detail there.
Yes, my calories were very low during the final few weeks before my contest in order to get into the best condition possible, but obviously I do not keep them that low for an extended period of time, and YES I use a lot of supplements during contest prep. The reason is that they are very nutrient dense so that you can get the protein you need without a lot of excess calories.
You are absolutely right that I follow the practives of AST and Jeff Willet and Skip LaCour. These guys are the top drug-free bodybuilders, so why wouldn't you want to learn from the best? Following these training and nutritional practices allowed me to win my class in the AST World Championships.
I do realize, that I obviously have a different body type and genetic potential compared to Jeff and Skip, so I will need to do some things differently. I can always learn more and improve and I am always striving to find what works best for me. Aren't we all?
I have NEVER plagiarized anyone's work! Jeff and AST have been a very big influence on me, and I do follow the same training and nutritional practices so, of course, some of what I write about will be similar to Jeff's journal. On the other hand, if you just don't like my articles then you are entitled to your opinion just like everyone else.
As far as if I was "ready" for the contest. Well, if my only goal was to win then no I was not ready. Is anyone ever REALLY ready for their first contest? For a lot of us, if you wait and wait until you are "ready" then you just may never get around to competing and understanding what an awesome experience it can be regardless of how well you place. Again, I am assuming you all have stepped on stage)
I think Ron Harris sums it up pretty well when he says something along the lines of "waiting to compete until you are 'ready' is a great excuse for a bunch of fat asses on an extended 'bulking' phase.
Sure, there is plenty I can improve on! More size being the number 1 thing, but isn't that what bodybuilding is all about... Improving yourself year after year. I KNOW I am tall. Hell, 6'6 is not the ideal height for competitive bodybuilding, but EVERYONE has their challenges. All you can do is the best with what you got.
I am taking this year off to put on size and I have gotten up to about 255 and the abs are even still hanging around
. I am planning to compete again in the future. Maybe, I will do well, and maybe I will never place well, but again, its all about improving each time around and competing with yourself.
Can you HONESTLY tell me that it is worth dieting for 12, 16, 20 or more weeks for a trophy?
I guess I should have expected the negative comments. Any time you put yourself out there (especially on the internet) there is ALWAYS going to be an "expert" to tell you what you need to work on, and it often comes accross in a very negative way. Hell, I see it happening everyday on these boards to people with a HELLUVA LOT better physiques then myself, so I guess I should not take it so bad.
For everyone who offered constructive criticism, I appreciate it. For those who offered really nothing but negative comments, well to each his own. At least, you didn't rub it in after I did so poorly in my contest
.
Alright, I'm finished. Don't tell me I ramble because I know I do.
Peace Out!
Russ
Linear Mode
