My Last Post as a Bodybuilder

[richie191]

I suppose I am posting this as a formal goodbye. I started serious bodybuilding when I was 14, so it has been a part of who I am for as long as I can remember. I'm not looking for replies: simply closure. As stated at the bottom, I appreciate everyone out there who knows who I am and has encouraged me during my journey.

As of 23Feb2007, I am no longer a competitive bodybuilder. I love bodybuilding more than most could imagine, but it is simply too much for me now. I want to be able to hold and play with my children without having to worry about shoulder and joint problems. I don't want to have to worry about high blood pressure and cholesterol from liver-toxic supplements and having to eat 5-6,000 calories per day. I don't want to have to worry about having different personalities depending on what type of training, diet, and supplements I am taking. But most of all, I don't want to think for a second that I am sacrificing any aspect of more important priorities for bodybuilding. A hobby is fine to have, but to compete at the national level and beyond becomes a life, rather than a hobby. I now have a wife, two stepchildren, and more on the way in the near future. They are now my top priority. I thought that doing well in bodybuilding would help me support them, but now I see that it is not worth it. I will have a master's degree by the end of the year, and will use that for my income. From my experience, it takes a certain level of egocentrism and controlled anger to be a good bodybuilder. I am tired of bodybuilding defining who I am, and finally have the courage to leave it. I don't want to deter others from bodybuilding. On the contrary, I still plan on being actively involved helping others, including my wife, with the bodybuilding scene. Bodybuilding has taught me an immeasurable amount of discipline, among other positive skills and traits. However, it is not for me anymore. I have reached a level beyond what most bodybuilders ever get to, and I am happy with what I have accomplished in my career. I started out high school with a 95lb bar falling to my chest on bench presses, and reached a maximum of 385lbs for two reps by the end of it all. Couple that with a 465lb box squat for six reps and a 505lb deadlift, and I honestly believe that I have reached close to my maximum potential without using the harsh levels and types of drugs that others use. I realized that in order for me to be a good pro, I was going to have to do things that would not be good for me, and I refuse to force myself to do that. I know I would have to increase my bench, squat, and deadlift by another 100lbs or more, and would have to take harsh drugs to do that. I already need my shoulder scoped from what I have done so far, and know that it would only get worse. There is a chance that I may jump onto the natural scene down the road once I heal, but only time will tell. Until then, I am going to get into martial arts, and try to put my strength to use. I appeciate those who have read this, and even moreso, those who have kept up with my progress over the years and complimented what I have done. Good luck in all of your future endeavors.

V/r,
Richard

[fnxdrgn]

Sorry to see ya go Rich. But yeah, I understand where you're coming from...Family is way more important than being a pro bb-er, so props for that bro. I wish you the best of luck in whatever direction you go next. See ya around bro.

Peace out

- Dan
[myspace.com/phoenixdragon]

Originally Posted by richie191

I suppose I am posting this as a formal goodbye. I started serious bodybuilding when I was 14, so it has been a part of who I am for as long as I can remember. I'm not looking for replies: simply closure. As stated at the bottom, I appreciate everyone out there who knows who I am and has encouraged me during my journey.

As of 23Feb2007, I am no longer a competitive bodybuilder. I love bodybuilding more than most could imagine, but it is simply too much for me now. I want to be able to hold and play with my children without having to worry about shoulder and joint problems. I don't want to have to worry about high blood pressure and cholesterol from liver-toxic supplements and having to eat 5-6,000 calories per day. I don't want to have to worry about having different personalities depending on what type of training, diet, and supplements I am taking. But most of all, I don't want to think for a second that I am sacrificing any aspect of more important priorities for bodybuilding. A hobby is fine to have, but to compete at the national level and beyond becomes a life, rather than a hobby. I now have a wife, two stepchildren, and more on the way in the near future. They are now my top priority. I thought that doing well in bodybuilding would help me support them, but now I see that it is not worth it. I will have a master's degree by the end of the year, and will use that for my income. From my experience, it takes a certain level of egocentrism and controlled anger to be a good bodybuilder. I am tired of bodybuilding defining who I am, and finally have the courage to leave it. I don't want to deter others from bodybuilding. On the contrary, I still plan on being actively involved helping others, including my wife, with the bodybuilding scene. Bodybuilding has taught me an immeasurable amount of discipline, among other positive skills and traits. However, it is not for me anymore. I have reached a level beyond what most bodybuilders ever get to, and I am happy with what I have accomplished in my career. I started out high school with a 95lb bar falling to my chest on bench presses, and reached a maximum of 385lbs for two reps by the end of it all. Couple that with a 465lb box squat for six reps and a 505lb deadlift, and I honestly believe that I have reached close to my maximum potential without using the harsh levels and types of drugs that others use. I realized that in order for me to be a good pro, I was going to have to do things that would not be good for me, and I refuse to force myself to do that. I know I would have to increase my bench, squat, and deadlift by another 100lbs or more, and would have to take harsh drugs to do that. I already need my shoulder scoped from what I have done so far, and know that it would only get worse. There is a chance that I may jump onto the natural scene down the road once I heal, but only time will tell. Until then, I am going to get into martial arts, and try to put my strength to use. I appeciate those who have read this, and even moreso, those who have kept up with my progress over the years and complimented what I have done. Good luck in all of your future endeavors.

V/r,
Richard

[yzrider400f]

I can't believe it, that's a huge decision to make and it is sad to see you turn away from bbing. It's a tough sport and all, but I don't think you should stop all together. Balance in life is undoubtedly very important, so letting bbing come 2nd or 3rd to other stuff is sometimes important, but If I were you, I'd try to stick with it as best I could. You have worked too long and too hard to just throw it all away like that. Just tone it down and find some more balance to things in life and I think you can still be satisfied while still being able to bodybuild.

[FitIs]

I respect you man, totally for your.. uhh.. decision. But seriously, as a martial artist, once you get kicked in the head, you may have a brain exchange and change your mind back into bodybuilding. In my opinion from your pics and all, with such a great body and all the attention you hit the stars real fast and then had a great fall. Nothing like a humbling experience! So much for the fast life. Still bodybuilding...whatever your goals are...is somethin good to fall back on. Peace, Ritchie..

[Dave(DBD)]

Like you said bodybuilding is a hobby. However, of all possible hobbies it requires some of the most dedication. You've definitely left your mark on bodybuilding. You'll always be able to look back on the current pictures of yourself and remember what you've accomplished even when you're old and grey. And everyones got to do what they feel is best for them. Good luck on your future endeavours.

[rippedmaz]

Hey Rich, it's sad to see you go. I think it's alright though, it's always good to try new things. Nothing lasts forever. Good luck with your future career path.

[fmrazoroller]

first off...that most muscular pic is insane. second..i respect your decision..bodybuildng isnt life...you should definatly dedicate yourself to your family and spend as much time with them as possible. hope all is well.

[dwasson85]

I haven't posted here in months but I'll come out of the shadows for this one. It's been a while since I've been in the James Gym, but I'm the guy Craig knows... about 5'10 190lbs with brown hair. We've talked a time or two; joked about Craig's eyedrops being eye-steroids (I have a mind like a steel trap).

First and foremost, congratulations on the marriage. AF girl?

I am sorry to see you go, though. You're definitely one of the best-built guys to come through that gym since I started going there in 2003. Bodybuilding is certainly tough even when you're single and don't have anybody else to be responsible for. Between that and your shoulder issues, maybe it's for the better that you've recognized it's time to get out instead of completely destroying your shoulders.

As for the master's degree, are you getting out of the AF to pursue another career? I'm sure this was brought up when you got them, but I'm curious as to your feelings know - any regrets on the forearm tattoos?

Best of luck here on out - marriage, kids, martial arts, and whatever else you decide to take on.

-Dave

[maffie2]

It's impossible to quit. Are you going to eat junk and eat 3 times a day? I tried and i couldn't do it anymore...

[twentyfive]

hey richie, yours is a tough decision but i guess as you've already found out, life's priorities do change as you move on to a new phase in life. nevertheless, all the impt lessons that you've learnt from bb, u'll take it with you for life.

all the best with your family and in your martial arts training. while u may be giving up hardcore bb training for competition, do stay fit, healthy and strong. best of luck!

[Mike71]

Very brave and very smart of you. Competitive bbliding is extremelly unhealthy and as you said egoistic way of life (it hardly could be named sport) Unlike many others, you know what your priorities are. Congratulations. Although, you definitelly should keep going in for sports. Wish you all the best for your future.

[SixOneNine]

Good luck to you

[richie191]

Originally Posted by yzrider400f

I can't believe it, that's a huge decision to make and it is sad to see you turn away from bbing. It's a tough sport and all, but I don't think you should stop all together. Balance in life is undoubtedly very important, so letting bbing come 2nd or 3rd to other stuff is sometimes important, but If I were you, I'd try to stick with it as best I could. You have worked too long and too hard to just throw it all away like that. Just tone it down and find some more balance to things in life and I think you can still be satisfied while still being able to bodybuild.

I am not completely stopping. I want to keep a lot of my strength for martial arts, so I plan on hitting the gym at least a couple of times a week. I just won't use the volume or intensity that I did as a bodybuilder, and I might just do full body workouts or a two day split (upper and lower body) with the three big lifts and a few other excercises. I will still be using fairly heavy weights though. I figure if I can keep a 300lb bench, 425lb DL, 405lb set of box squat, etc., I should be pretty good. I plan on getting down to 150-160lbs fairly lean and holding that. Like I said before, my strength and small size is a huge asset, so I won't let that go completely. But I cannot let myself just use bodybuilding as a hobby. It has been my passion for so long, and for me to just go back down to competing in local shows and screwing around is a disgrace to myself. It is similar to being deeply in love with someone and then breaking it off and trying to be friends; it usually just doesn't feel right. Thanks for the message.

V/r,
Richard

[richie191]

Originally Posted by FitIs

I respect you man, totally for your.. uhh.. decision. But seriously, as a martial artist, once you get kicked in the head, you may have a brain exchange and change your mind back into bodybuilding. In my opinion from your pics and all, with such a great body and all the attention you hit the stars real fast and then had a great fall. Nothing like a humbling experience! So much for the fast life. Still bodybuilding...whatever your goals are...is somethin good to fall back on. Peace, Ritchie..

I do not plan on fighting in the UFC or anything. I would just rather practice the technique and maybe sparr once in a while. More for fun than anything. I suppose I just have to be doing something with my body or I feel like crap. Have you guys seen the mixed martial artist Julien Greaux?

http://www.juliengreaux.com/page19.html

He's signed with BSN (like Ronnie), and is a great example of a holistic approach to fitness and well being. I do not believe that staying quite that lean is healthy, but I plan on getting pretty lean while retaining a lot of muscle. He does not really do fights either, but he definitely could. More importantly, we both have big noses, which sucks in fighting. So we are basically the same . Thanks for the support bro.

V/r,
Richard

[richie191]

Originally Posted by maffie2

It's impossible to quit. Are you going to eat junk and eat 3 times a day? I tried and i couldn't do it anymore...

I plan on eating more healthy than before. When I was choking down 5-6,000/day, a lot of it was fatty burgers and crap. That was the only way I could grow. I couldn't let myself eat lean foods like chicken or turkey because then I wouldn't get enough calories, and I know that did a number on my blood pressure and cholesterol. Now I can actually let myself eat more clean without feeling guilty. I know that sounds ass-backwards to a lot of people, but I really had to up my calories the last couple of years, and it was just getting to be too much. Without at least 5,000/day, I wasn't growing at all. My blood pressure is always in the 140s/80s, which is a lot higher than it use to be, and I'm only 22! So now I can eat less, do more cardio, and not have to worry about making sure that my stomach is always bloated and that I'm never hungry. I'm pretty excited!

V/r,
Richard

[richie191]

Originally Posted by Mike71

Very brave and very smart of you. Competitive bbliding is extremelly unhealthy and as you said egoistic way of life (it hardly could be named sport) Unlike many others, you know what your priorities are. Congratulations. Although, you definitelly should keep going in for sports. Wish you all the best for your future.

Although bodybuilding is very egotistical, it does not differ from other competitive sports. Do you think most pro basketball players are modest? I believe that being that best in any sport involves a degree of self-centeredness. You simply can't be the best while making the daily sacrifices that most people make. That's a big part of why I can't do this anymore. Thanks for the comment.

V/r,
Richard

[richie191]

Originally Posted by twentyfive

hey richie, yours is a tough decision but i guess as you've already found out, life's priorities do change as you move on to a new phase in life. nevertheless, all the impt lessons that you've learnt from bb, u'll take it with you for life.

all the best with your family and in your martial arts training. while u may be giving up hardcore bb training for competition, do stay fit, healthy and strong. best of luck!

Thanks for the support bro! You seem to understand very well.

V/r,
Richard

[samurai_mart]

After looking through your pics and having a look at your site.
It's quite sad to hear that you're quitting.
But you're definately making a good decision, in my opinion.

It's so hard to find time when you've got other commitments.
Hard enough when you're not with a partner, but when you have one, it's near enough impossible to keep up with it all (eating habits mainly).

I wish you every success and good luck for the future, mate! You've done well for yourself.
May aswell put that Master's degree to good use.

Which martial art do you plan on getting in to?


- Martin

[Quelly]

I hate to be cold....but its not bodybuilding that you got you to the point where you have decided to quit, its your decisions as a bodybuilder....at 5'5 there is no reason to be eating 5-6,000 calories, unless you just really like to diet forever, or you really like to diet fast and lose muscle with your fat....there is also no reason you HAVE to take liver toxic supplements, your decisions of where you want to compete and at what level, natty or not, is your decision, and you definitely don't have to train heavy and dangerously to get bigger, pleny of high volume programs have been shown to be just as effective as the yates, coleman, powerbuilding styles of training....also your motivation is totally under your control....you don't have to be negatively motivated by anger or egocentrism, that is your choice...put negative in, get negative out in the long run....I've experienced this first hand....Bottom line, if you really love bodybuilding, step outside of your comfort zone and change your mindset, training style, motivation and eating style to ones of sensible moderation (actually works better too in terms of gains)....no matter what you do good luck.

[trainTilfailure]

looks like u came a long way. great job, and goodluck

[richie191]

Originally Posted by Quelly

I hate to be cold....but its not bodybuilding that you got you to the point where you have decided to quit, its your decisions as a bodybuilder....at 5'5 there is no reason to be eating 5-6,000 calories, unless you just really like to diet forever, or you really like to diet fast and lose muscle with your fat....there is also no reason you HAVE to take liver toxic supplements, your decisions of where you want to compete and at what level, natty or not, is your decision, and you definitely don't have to train heavy and dangerously to get bigger, pleny of high volume programs have been shown to be just as effective as the yates, coleman, powerbuilding styles of training....also your motivation is totally under your control....you don't have to be negatively motivated by anger or egocentrism, that is your choice...put negative in, get negative out in the long run....I've experienced this first hand....Bottom line, if you really love bodybuilding, step outside of your comfort zone and change your mindset, training style, motivation and eating style to ones of sensible moderation (actually works better too in terms of gains)....no matter what you do good luck.

No offense bro, but you obviously haven't been doing this as long and as seriously as I have. Once you get to the state and especially national level, your perspective will change quite a bit. I know my body better than anyone, and eating at least 5,000 calories is a minimum at the point that I've reached. Just because I'm 5'5" doesn't mean I need less calories. On the contrary, I'll need more when compared to a taller person of the same weight. I have a small and light frame, so while 190lbs may not seem 5-6,000 calorie-worthy on your frame, it is on mine. At 190lbs, I have a LOT more muscle than you on a 6'1" frame. Not to mention the fact that everyone is different. Two people may be the same size, but one might grow off of 3,000 calories while one grows off of 4,500. I don't get very fat in the offseason, and a 9 week diet puts me right on the money without losing much if any muscle. You haven't even competed before, while I've dieted for a total of TWO WEEKS SHY OF ONE YEAR! I'm usually not rude, but you were rude to me. So don't tell me how my body works. Some people respond to high reps, some respond to low reps. I found out what worked for me. I was one of the most natural guys at nationals last year, and it takes a lot more than Superdrol to be a good pro. So don't talk about something that you don't know about. I mentioned possibly competing as a natural down the road, but I need to recover before that. But most importantly, do NOT tell me a damn thing about motivation and stepping outside of my comfort zone! I built my body from absolutely nothing! I was 110lbs without abs when I started. Even when I had gained 25lbs of muscle, people made fun of me for being so small when I won teen bber of the month in 2001 (go look it up). I am the epitome of going from **** to something to be proud of, and it took every ounce of motivation and dedication in my body to do so over a grueling 7.5 year period. Have you increased your bodyweight by almost 170% at the same height and bodyfat? Then who are you to speak the words that you have? Until you've reached a much higher level, you have no room to speak.

Richard

[ShortMonster]

Originally Posted by richie191

No offense bro, but you obviously haven't been doing this as long and as seriously as I have. Once you get to the state and especially national level, your perspective will change quite a bit. I know my body better than anyone, and eating at least 5,000 calories is a minimum at the point that I've reached. Just because I'm 5'5" doesn't mean I need less calories. On the contrary, I'll need more when compared to a taller person of the same weight. I have a small and light frame, so while 190lbs may not seem 5-6,000 calorie-worthy on your frame, it is on mine. At 190lbs, I have a LOT more muscle than you on a 6'1" frame. Not to mention the fact that everyone is different. Two people may be the same size, but one might grow off of 3,000 calories while one grows off of 4,500. I don't get very fat in the offseason, and a 9 week diet puts me right on the money without losing much if any muscle. I'm usually not rude, but you were rude to me. So don't tell me how my body works. Some people respond to high reps, some respond to low reps. I found out what worked for me. I was one of the most natural guys at nationals last year, and it takes a lot more than Superdrol to be a good pro. So don't talk about something that you don't know about. I mentioned possibly competing as a natural down the road, but I need to recover before that. But most importantly, do NOT tell me a damn thing about motivation and stepping outside of my comfort zone! I built my body from absolutely nothing! I was 110lbs without abs when I started. Even when I had gained 25lbs of muscle, people made fun of me for being so small when I won teen bber of the month in 2001 (go look it up). I am the epitome of going from **** to something to be proud of, and it took every ounce of motivation and dedication in my body to do so over a grueling 7.5 year period. Have you increased your bodyweight by almost 170% at the same height and bodyfat? Then who are you to speak the words that you have? Until you've reached a much higher level, you have no room to speak.

Richard

Very nicely said

[Quelly]

Originally Posted by richie191

No offense bro, but you obviously haven't been doing this as long and as seriously as I have. Once you get to the state and especially national level, your perspective will change quite a bit. I know my body better than anyone, and eating at least 5,000 calories is a minimum at the point that I've reached. Just because I'm 5'5" doesn't mean I need less calories. On the contrary, I'll need more when compared to a taller person of the same weight. I have a small and light frame, so while 190lbs may not seem 5-6,000 calorie-worthy on your frame, it is on mine. At 190lbs, I have a LOT more muscle than you on a 6'1" frame. Not to mention the fact that everyone is different. Two people may be the same size, but one might grow off of 3,000 calories while one grows off of 4,500. I don't get very fat in the offseason, and a 9 week diet puts me right on the money without losing much if any muscle. I'm usually not rude, but you were rude to me. So don't tell me how my body works. Some people respond to high reps, some respond to low reps. I found out what worked for me. I was one of the most natural guys at nationals last year, and it takes a lot more than Superdrol to be a good pro. So don't talk about something that you don't know about. I mentioned possibly competing as a natural down the road, but I need to recover before that. But most importantly, do NOT tell me a damn thing about motivation and stepping outside of my comfort zone! I built my body from absolutely nothing! I was 110lbs without abs when I started. Even when I had gained 25lbs of muscle, people made fun of me for being so small when I won teen bber of the month in 2001 (go look it up). I am the epitome of going from **** to something to be proud of, and it took every ounce of motivation and dedication in my body to do so over a grueling 7.5 year period. Have you increased your bodyweight by almost 170% at the same height and bodyfat? Then who are you to speak the words that you have? Until you've reached a much higher level, you have no room to speak.

Richard

I certainly didn't intend to be rude, and I certainly didn't belittle your achievements at all....I saw your amazing progress, the level you had achieved and then I read your post....I'm not trying to teach you anything I'm just saying that if something isnt working the way you are doing it....do it differently....youve come so far to stop now, your only 22 for god's sake...imho you made it sound like what you were doing was the only way to get to where you are, I was only saying that there is never 1 way to solve a problem, BECAUSE I hate to see you quit

and yes you've accomplished more than I have, that's obvious, this isnt a competition...and advice is something you can either take or not take....I hope no matter what level I get to I can listen to advice from anyone with an open mind....it can only help me....I certainly hope I never get in the habit of writing people and their advice off because they haven't achieved what I had....it can only help....really sorry to have offended you or came off rude, and I didn't tell you how your body works, I just brought up alternatives...I just want to see you keep succeeding, and I'm not sure if by your comments if you are natural (and I certainly respect you either way) but if you are, why not get your natural pro card and do some damage at top pro level shows! at 22 with that body naturally you could easily do it!

[richie191]

Originally Posted by samurai_mart

After looking through your pics and having a look at your site.
It's quite sad to hear that you're quitting.
But you're definately making a good decision, in my opinion.

It's so hard to find time when you've got other commitments.
Hard enough when you're not with a partner, but when you have one, it's near enough impossible to keep up with it all (eating habits mainly).

I wish you every success and good luck for the future, mate! You've done well for yourself.
May aswell put that Master's degree to good use.

Which martial art do you plan on getting in to?


- Martin

Thanks bro. I'm not sure which type I want to do. I'm currently deployed to Southwest Asia (Active Duty Air Force), and they have Tae Kwon Do and other classes. There's also six guys that practice Jiu Jitsu in the middle of the night, so I started joining them for practice. It's a lot of controlled grappling scenerios as well as practicing hits. I got two bloody noses the first night, lol.
It's a lot of fun. I took Kempo for three years when I was younger as well. I'll figure it out as I go along.

V/r,
Richard

[richie191]

Originally Posted by Quelly

I certainly didn't intend to be rude, and I certainly didn't belittle your achievements at all....I saw your amazing progress, the level you had achieved and then I read your post....I'm not trying to teach you anything I'm just saying that if something isnt working the way you are doing it....do it differently....youve come so far to stop now, your only 22 for god's sake...imho you made it sound like what you were doing was the only way to get to where you are, I was only saying that there is never 1 way to solve a problem, BECAUSE I hate to see you quit

and yes you've accomplished more than I have, that's obvious, this isnt a competition...and advice is something you can either take or not take....I hope no matter what level I get to I can listen to advice from anyone with an open mind....it can only help me....I certainly hope I never get in the habit of writing people and their advice off because they haven't achieved what I had....it can only help....really sorry to have offended you or came off rude, and I didn't tell you how your body works, I just brought up alternatives...I just want to see you keep succeeding, and I'm not sure if by your comments if you are natural (and I certainly respect you either way) but if you are, why not get your natural pro card and do some damage at top pro level shows! at 22 with that body naturally you could easily do it!

You weren't directly rude, but you basically told me that what I was doing was less than optimal. I know that I don't know everything, but the things that you speak of were issues that I dealed with years ago. I've worked with every set and rep range and diet scheme possible. I know my body very well, and figured out how to optimize my growth. I brought up your level because although you have obviously experienced the beginner's wall and probably other walls, you get to a certain point where the only thing that works is to do everything perfectly. If I didn't go down to 2-3 absolute failure reps every workout, I would not get any stronger or any bigger. Reps of anything above 8 did nothing but make me weaker. If I ate anything less than 5,000 calories, I would not gain a damn thing. If I didn't take all of my supplements everyday and keep my stomach completely full all the time, I felt less than anabolic. The first few years, you can slack on some things and still get gains. But now I have to fight to gain every pound, and I hate that every aspect of my life revolves around me. Once you get to that point, you can decide whether you are the center of your life, or whether you won't take one more second of being rude to your wife because your dieting, or 20 less minutes of Candyland because you have to sort all your food for the next day. I knew some people would give me **** by telling me how to get around my problems, but for me, it's either all or nothing. It's not too difficult for me to maintain what I have. But to push any further takes every ounce of energy that I encompass, and I feel that now I have a better use for it. Thanks for your concern and encouragement, but for now, I have made up my mind.

V/r,
Richard

[Quelly]

Originally Posted by richie191

You weren't directly rude, but you basically told me that what I was doing was less than optimal. I know that I don't know everything, but the things that you speak of were issues that I dealed with years ago. I've worked with every set and rep range and diet scheme possible. I know my body very well, and figured out how to optimize my growth. I brought up your level because although you have obviously experienced the beginner's wall and probably other walls, you get to a certain point where the only thing that works is to do everything perfectly. If I didn't go down to 2-3 absolute failure reps every workout, I would not get any stronger or any bigger. Reps of anything above 8 did nothing but make me weaker. If I ate anything less than 5,000 calories, I would not gain a damn thing. If I didn't take all of my supplements everyday and keep my stomach completely full all the time, I felt less than anabolic. The first few years, you can slack on some things and still get gains. But now I have to fight to gain every pound, and I hate that every aspect of my life revolves around me. Once you get to that point, you can decide whether you are the center of your life, or whether you won't take one more second of being rude to your wife because your dieting, or 20 less minutes of Candyland because you have to sort all your food for the next day. I knew some people would give me **** by telling me how to get around my problems, but for me, it's either all or nothing. It's not too difficult for me to maintain what I have. But to push any further takes every ounce of energy that I encompass, and I feel that now I have a better use for it. Thanks for your concern and encouragement, but for now, I have made up my mind.

V/r,
Richard

only got respect for you, and I was active duty air force for an enlistment, and I'm a married man myself but not with kids....I can't imagine how hard it is and don't get me wrong, I respect you and your decision...just wish you the best, and hope you can find a way to still do what makes you happy

[powrfrk]

22yrs old...thats when I turned away too! I think your making the right decision....I have watched a few guys I looked up too ruin their lives chasing trophys. hope you make it back on stage in the future, Im just getting back in with a different approach...I have 4 kids myself, had the 1st at 19 but watching my "Idols" destroy everything around them scared me away for a while...alot of people dont know what it takes to compete at the natl. level I decided at 22 with a wife 2 kids weighing 235-240 at 5'6/5'7 to compete in a regional show at 198.....Its time for a break! GOOD LUCK!

[zaxx19]

Whats so hard to understand here....

The kid is small guy frame wise and is exceptionally short.

He has to fight his genetics tooth and nail to artificially inflate his weight to 180 uber lean.....

He isnt pro material at all(this isnt a dig at all) and has pretty much maxed out as a natural bber.

He now has other responsibilities and a family to support.

Time to move on.....

Im not a bber for the record. I agree with the OP that competitive type bbing is unhealthy at times and stressful on your body.

Good decision, gl with your life.

[richie191]

Originally Posted by Quelly

only got respect for you, and I was active duty air force for an enlistment, and I'm a married man myself but not with kids....I can't imagine how hard it is and don't get me wrong, I respect you and your decision...just wish you the best, and hope you can find a way to still do what makes you happy

Thanks for understanding. Good luck in powerlifting and bodybuilding.

V/r,
Richard

[madmardigan]

Well if you don't want it, I'll take your physique off your hands