Being Realistic About First Time Competition

[IrishPilot]

Looking for some insight. Bear with me here...

Ill spare you the lengthy details of my recent desire to step on stage, but Ive had some friends lately that have been encouraging me to do my first show in November. Each of these friends either currently competes, or has successfully in the past. They are being very supportive in pushing me as well as offering their help in contest prep, diet, etc.

I think doing a show is an awesome idea, and I want to make sure I do my competition justice and do it right the first time!

I can be realistic, but I definitely need a reality check. Im currently (after a bodpod) sitting at 160lbs and just under 12%bf. Over the past months Ive dropped from ~24%bf and learned many lessons about routines, nutrition, etc. As I mentioned, the show is in November, so Im planning to deload a little over Christmas, and then hit the ground running Jan 1.

For those of you who have competed, am I setting a realistic goal for myself? Should I be thinking longer in regards to prep and be thinking about a 2011 show? I have the desire and the drive to do what it takes to accomplish the most that can be between now and November, but Im wondering if thats enough time to create a physique worthy of entering a competition.

FWIW, I have about 45 weeks to get from 160lbs @ 12% to a competitive state.

My current mindset is that while taking a 1st place trophy may not be realistic, I really desire to prove to myself that I can accomplish what it takes to get to stage condition. Personally Id like to think I have plenty of time to become worthy of getting on stage...but I want to make sure Im not totally out to lunch!

Whats realistic for a person to really prep for a first time showing? Thoughts?

[co1e_train]

45 weeks is a long time for contest prep! I would do a short mass gain, put on some more solid mass and take like 20-25 weeks for contest prep. Time depends on how much you have to loose, what your metabolic rate is like, etc.

TRAIN WITH YOUR FRIENDS who you said compete! You are blessed to have friends you compete and who can show you the ropes. I don't have any friends who have the same passion that i can train with or the same goals so use them man!

[FATHER FLEX]

Pictures?

Firs time a 25-20 week diet is just right IMO.

[IrishPilot]

Pictures?

Firs time a 25-20 week diet is just right IMO.

Ill have to take some. Im hoping I can bulk cleanly enough to keep bf% increase to a minimum (dont we all!). Ive also got a wedding in August that I was hoping to be lean for, but not sure that it will fit in the plan or not. My biggest concern would be the comp. So you guys think this is a realistic goal for a first timer?

[Exa123]

Ill have to take some. Im hoping I can bulk cleanly enough to keep bf% increase to a minimum (dont we all!). Ive also got a wedding in August that I was hoping to be lean for, but not sure that it will fit in the plan or not. My biggest concern would be the comp. So you guys think this is a realistic goal for a first timer?

Set no limits, control all the variables you can put in 100% work and let the chips fall where they may.