Sudbury / Provincials prep - my wife and I

[steve_d]

So were 7 weeks away from sudbury, 8 weeks from provincials. My wife has had a few set backs along the way. She has a rare form of arthritis, and about 5 weeks ago had a bad flare up and had been unable to bend her knee or put any weight on it for about 3-4 weeks. out of the gym, and away from cardio made it hard to progress, but she's back to the gym - still not able to do legs, but at least can work her upper. cardio is about 30 mins before the pain makes it unbearable...so don't be hard on her for having a small imbalance in her leg. I think by show time it won't be noticeable as long as her knee can start improving.

As for me, I am about 173 or so in these pics - no pump. Aiming for welter weight. My wife will be doing figure, maybe bikini as well but not 100% sure yet.

[Andre]

You both look great!!!

[Aaron_37]

You guys look fantastic! Best of luck to the both of you. :)

[Sean]

Great work! Good luck..

[btufts]

Looking great guys! You're both on your way quite nicely

[Mr Ontario]

Awesome you two :)

[MuSuLPhReAk]

As the rest said, you both look great. No doubt about it. Good luck to both of you in your upcoming competition.

[marino]

looking good you two and good luck

[Big D]

just amazing, your guys look great and good luck :)

[steve_d]

thanks everyone! We're hoping to add a few pics every week from here on in. I should also add that this is my first show in 4 years, and my wife's first in 3 years. We have a 1 year old, so had to take a little time away from the gym, but especially from competing. I found it hard at the start for both of us to get our gym and cardio time, but we've found a good routine.

We take turns at the gym, and do cardio at 8pm when he goes to bed. That + both full time jobs - basically not 1 second to spare in our day - but I think we're in the groove of things for now. I know another guy on this board (refinforcements) is probably in a similar boat as us with a 16 month old!

[natenator]

thanks everyone! We're hoping to add a few pics every week from here on in. I should also add that this is my first show in 4 years, and my wife's first in 3 years. We have a 1 year old, so had to take a little time away from the gym, but especially from competing. I found it hard at the start for both of us to get our gym and cardio time, but we've found a good routine.

We take turns at the gym, and do cardio at 8pm when he goes to bed. That + both full time jobs - basically not 1 second to spare in our day - but I think we're in the groove of things for now. I know another guy on this board (refinforcements) is probably in a similar boat as us with a 16 month old!
let's not forget JonnyO.

You guys look great.

Good luck on the rest of the way and esp. to her!

[bigtavi8]

Steve D. your muscle maturity and density and the sheer size of your legs is amazing. I wish ya all the best and youve def earned it. IT looks like many many years of hard training went into you and your wifes physiques. Good luck to booth of you and lets see both ya get top 3 and bring home the hardware!!!

[steve_d]

let's not forget JonnyO.

You guys look great.

Good luck on the rest of the way and esp. to her!

oh yes, I guess there are a few in the same boat! I know in the beginning she almost decided to take one for the team and let me compete while she did most of the "parenting", I am glad she decided to stick with it especially with all of the crap she's going through with her knee! It will be the first time we compete together.

[Delt King]

Congratz on the progress to date, you both look fantastic. I competed every year since my kids were in diapers and let me tell you, my wife really carried the load with the kids, i can't imagine both of us competing during that time period.

[JonnyO]

Oh man gonna be tough but doable. Hopefully your gym has childcare that will help a lot. My gym does but my son wasnt having any of that, lol, Id get half way thru a workout and get paged because he was crying. I guess youll have to split up the times you each go to the gym.

Best of luck you both look great!

[Korilon]

You both look awesome!!

I have a comment about your wife doing bikini

As we know LMBQ is doing bikini sow e talked to teh judges on sat to see what they were looking for in that catagory.
basically they want to see a very nice suit, sexyness without being slutty.
We asked about abs and if tehy are looking to see abs and their replyw as NO. if you can see them a bit that's ok but they do not want to see a 6 pack. We were kinda suprised at this. They want a nice feminine figure but not muscular.

I fear your wife may be a bit to muscular for bikini :(

But it's hard to tell.

Just wanted to pass along what the judges said

[steve_d]

Oh man gonna be tough but doable. Hopefully your gym has childcare that will help a lot. My gym does but my son wasnt having any of that, lol, Id get half way thru a workout and get paged because he was crying. I guess youll have to split up the times you each go to the gym.

Best of luck you both look great!

Actually, when we moved to our new house I bought about 3-4K worth of equipment and filled up the basement thinking that was the best option. It really wasn't working for us, so sold it all for a profit, and joined goodlife thinking it would be awesome to leave our son there while we workout. Like you said, he wasn't having ANY of that (and we weren't very happy with the people working at that daycare either)...so we started taking turns at the gym.

We tried again this year, and same as you, 15 minutes into my workout, right before I was about to do my main deadlift set, I had to go calm him down for about 20 mins (which i couldn't, so then my wife stayed with him while i worked out). So back to taking turns (at least until he is a bit older).

[steve_d]

You both look awesome!!

I have a comment about your wife doing bikini

As we know LMBQ is doing bikini sow e talked to teh judges on sat to see what they were looking for in that catagory.
basically they want to see a very nice suit, sexyness without being slutty.
We asked about abs and if tehy are looking to see abs and their replyw as NO. if you can see them a bit that's ok but they do not want to see a 6 pack. We were kinda suprised at this. They want a nice feminine figure but not muscular.

I fear your wife may be a bit to muscular for bikini :(

But it's hard to tell.

Just wanted to pass along what the judges said


thanks for the info! my wife does carry quite a bit of muscle. As for abs, she has them, but its easy to not flex them and I think they will look right. She really wants to stay away from bikini if she can, I think the decision will be based on how well she is able to get her knee back in full swing. If she can't she will end up a little less lean. Then of course she won't pump up backstage, and she'll come in flat and just see what happens! Although, her back has too much muscle, and when she turns around, there won't be anything she can do to hide it!

Personally I think she has a really good chance in figure if she can get it together.

[steve_d]

Here is a pic of my wife doing some fitness modelling and pic's of her onstage the next day. When she doesn't pump up she looks smaller. I think this is a good year for her to try both and see where the judges put her. In the past she has done way better fitness model events then in figure. Bikini is much different than fitness model though. She is told she isn't big enough and that her frame is too small for figure. Hopefully over the past couple years she has added some muscle mass because her heart is in figure. But we'll leave it to the judges to decide...

[Delt King]

So your baby's got some good genetics with jacked parents lol...
She looks great for figures IMO.

[steve_d]

She looks great for figures IMO.

That's EXACTLY what she wants to hear! Nothing against bikini, but she just feels that there is a little more sense of accomplishment in doing figure. Basically she loves working out as much as I do - and wouldn't want to stop working out just to fit a different look better.

[Talo]

Good luck to the two of you.

You both look great.

[countrychic]

Goodluck :) Great job on the physiques!!

[69challenger]

I think your wife has what it takes for figure....absolutely beautiful:)

[steve_o]

I am not hitting on your wife by any means but it does not even look like she had a child. She looks amazing and I am sure she will do extremely well with figure. Props to both of you.

You have huge muscle bellies, they are crazy dense. Keep up the great work.

[rubarb]

Good luck on the up coming show guys!
Not much longer...

[steve_d]

A few back shots for this week. My bigger change this week was a little tighter in the back shots. Finally...Still have a ways to go though, but getting there.

weight is about 171 or so morning fairly dehydrated / carb depleted.

Wife's knee is still not the greatest. She's been able to do about 30 minutes of cardio each day this week, but no leg workouts yet. Last night she was sort of able to contract her right leg, so perhaps there is some hope that she can stand a bit better on stage in 6/7 weeks. Its been about 5 weeks now that its been in a mess.

Anyone know if the sudbury show is supposed to be bigger than previous years? I was hoping more people would be thinking like me (ie, do two shows week after week rather than qualifying and holding condition for a long time) -but it seems like the sudbury show has always been the closest to provincials, but always a small show.

[CreatineAmonster]

So your baby's got some good genetics with jacked parents lol...
She looks great for figures IMO.

and after the last set of pics the baby is also the only one with any body fat left :)

Great work both of ya

[steve_d]

tweaked my back/shoulder doing deadlifts yesterday. Felt awesome until then - had to cut my back workout short, but was still able to do biceps. Slept horribly last night because of the pain shooting in my neck / back / shoulders. looks like I'll be attempting a nap when the little guy naps later this morning. Otherwise I'd be sleeping now - sooooooo tired.

[btufts]

get the wifey to rub that knot out steve!

[ubcpower]

good luck w/ the prep steve. Do you work with greg closely for your shows or do something completely different than him for prep. You guys look similar

[steve_d]

For those that don't know, Greg Doucette is my brother, he has a few pictures around here. he's 5 years older than me, so when I was younger, I watched greg pose and practice for his shows. That would probably account for our posing to be similar. And of course, my training style takes after his since we both did powerlifting, and what worked for him always worked for me. I've had to play catch up since he's always years ahead of me - It's a blessing though, because we're so genetically similar that it's like looking into a crystal ball to see what will happen with my body in the years to come. What I worked on the most this time was bringing my legs up. They were always my weakness - by alot. And since Greg's legs improved like crazy in the past years, I figured I better hit the squats until they start growing too.


We mostly diet the same and train the same. We have never really trained together because of the age gap (aside from our yearly christmas challenge).

I've been dieting a little different this time around but basically the same as always. I'll have to admit that every diet seems to be different though, as I learn something each time - but mostly I do things day by day, and if I need a bit more food, I'll know it. So I don't follow anything written. I just do what comes naturally...

[steve_o]

Hey steve,

Just wanted to see how things were going since you only have 5 weeks to go. How is your wife doing? Has she started to train legs yet or are they still giving her problems.

[natenator]

For those that don't know, Greg Doucette is my brother,

How the hell did I never put this together? Now it all makes sense!

Wicked family genetics dude! lol

[steve_d]

Hey steve,

Just wanted to see how things were going since you only have 5 weeks to go. How is your wife doing? Has she started to train legs yet or are they still giving her problems.

Yep! 5 weeks now. Things haven't changed much for myself. sort of maintaining for now since I have had trouble sleeping / cramping / dehydration. I don't want to feel like this for 5 weeks, so I am going to wait till a couple weeks out before I try to lose a bit. So upping the carbs, lowering the cardio.

Its all about improving, and since its been so long since I competed, I could step on stage tomorrow and look better than I did last time.

My wife is still having a hard time. No leg training, and she's literally lost a few inches on the one side. Its as if she's been in a cast for a month. But she's still plugging away. I am surprised how determined she is. We're both hoping that if she's even just able to get 1-2 weeks of good leg training in, muscle memory will allow the balance to come right back. Her good leg looks awesome though! Better than it ever has in my mind. I don't think she's lost actual muscle - I just think the glycogen/water has deflated it from inactivity.

[steve_d]

Oh, and my weight has gone down slightly, but strength is still there. haven't been this strong at this weight before, so thats a bonus. Was 168 this morning, and still benching 2 plates for 24 reps.

Deadlifts are still 485 for 7, and squats...well, not so great. I have an injury to my right hip thats been going for 5 months now. barely able to sit on the toilet...But after a proper warm up (10-15 minutes of progressively lower squats) I am able to domy workout without pain.

Getting an MRI friday - doc was 99% sure I have a problem in my back causing the hip/IT band / knee / ankle pain.

Needless to say, both my wife and I are looking forward to getting injury free and back to normal! Some days the patience runs very low. Imagine, my wife runs a daycare at home, and will be having 5 kids between 1 and 2 years old...I couldn't do it!!

[Talo]

Those are some amazing numbers , especially that deadlift.

Have you ever trainined useing briefs ? Those should help you squat with an injured hip. Worked for me anyways . Just a thin single pair that can go under a pair of shorts.

[steve_d]

Those are some amazing numbers , especially that deadlift.

Have you ever trainined useing briefs ? Those should help you squat with an injured hip. Worked for me anyways . Just a thin single pair that can go under a pair of shorts.

my deadlifts are my best. I've gotten 610 with a suit, 585 without. I weighed about 10 pounds more when doing that though, and its been a while since i've been able to really train deadlifts, so the deadlift numbers are actually quite a bit down. My record is 5 plates for 13, and i've done 585 in a meet at 165.

I had been training with suit bottoms until a couple months ago, but it actually doesn't help my injured hip at all believe it or not. Its just a much stranger injury than I've ever had before. But with the warm ups, I am almost 100% able to train without pain. prior to warming up, I can't bring 100 pounds even remotely close to paralel.

I was scared that my legs would be uneven, because when I was fatter, my right leg looked way smaller. But now that I am ripped, they both basically look even - contrary to my wifes poor right leg!

[steve_o]

my deadlifts are my best. I've gotten 610 with a suit, 585 without. I weighed about 10 pounds more when doing that though, and its been a while since i've been able to really train deadlifts, so the deadlift numbers are actually quite a bit down. My record is 5 plates for 13, and i've done 585 in a meet at 165.

I had been training with suit bottoms until a couple months ago, but it actually doesn't help my injured hip at all believe it or not. Its just a much stranger injury than I've ever had before. But with the warm ups, I am almost 100% able to train without pain. prior to warming up, I can't bring 100 pounds even remotely close to paralel.

I was scared that my legs would be uneven, because when I was fatter, my right leg looked way smaller. But now that I am ripped, they both basically look even - contrary to my wifes poor right leg!

Those are some insane numbers steve. I guess the genetics of powerlifting run in the family. Are you turning stictly to BB now or are you going to dable in powerlifting still.

[steve_d]

I haven't really had much success in powerlifting....I frequently get injured just enough to effect 1 of my lifts quite a bit. The 1 time I was injury free for a good stretch of 5 months I had a pretty good meet.

I'm also not a fan of lifting with suits etc, but you never know - I might do a powerlifting event down the road. I have nationals bodybuilding in the back of my mind for next year, but there's a whole lot that would potentially take priority over that so I am only going to be looking ahead to 5&6 weeks from now. Hoping my weight hangs in there and be as close to the top end of welter weight for provincials.

PS: just getting back from the gym. 5 plates for 8 on deads - had a little bit extra carbs this morning, but that same tweak from last saturdays deadlift came back in my back. Guess its deadlifts that are the aggravating factor so might bring the weight way down next week and go for a bunch of reps.

[gregdoucette]

U guys are looking good; Cant wait to see the contest pics when ur all shredded. Interesting to note also is that every show me and steve did in the past I always weighed exactly 17 lbs more then him. When dieting deads are affected the least. I can usually lift close to the same on deads when dieting. I know what u mean steve with getting injured it sucks. I was training wityh Mike M. today (he holds several deadlift records). I had 510 and could not pull raw as my low back was really bugging me. So Mike said jsut go put on the suit bottoms so I added loose bottoms thne pulled 642 for 6 quite easily until my grip gave out. When ur back feels good training is fun whne ur injured its jsut not the same.

[steve_d]

Few more pics from this morning. My weight is holding steady at about 170 or so in the morning. I thought I was 168, but found out my scale was about 1.5 pounds light when waiting for at the hospital for my MRI for my back last night. Was supposed to be scheduled for 10:30, but ended up not getting in until about after midnight. I got lucky because the guy in front of me decided to reschedule, and his would have taken an hour.

VERY tired this morning after not sleeping until about 1:30, and still waking up at the usual time.

Still feel relatively good - sleeping less, but eating a bit more.

My wife is having a little bit of luck with her knee. Cardio is now not really affected by it so she has no problem getting cardio in. Deadlifts have been strong for her, able to handle 2 plates for many reps...she is going to the gym now for a leg workout, so we'll see how it holds up. The only big thing is that her muscle has atrophied quite a bit from not being able to straigthen it. Hoping muscle memory works fast! 4 weeks to go - crossing our fingers all goes well.

Deadlifts for me today - lighter weights to see if my shoulder handles it better.

[steve_d]

I find the pictures all look the same from a few weeks ago. It makes no sense because Ange is especially leaner in the last 3 weeks. That's why I didn't bother posting the same lighting pics of her....they look the same. I am a little leaner, but I guess the lighting or the camera resolution can't capture the difference!

[ironwill]

You are looking real good Steve....Your wife is very lean as well, great back...Keep up the great work......You are very well proportioned....

[Adonis13]

i see a difference from the last ones you took. u look like u lost maybe another 2% or so and maybe sum water. good job you 2

[ubcpower]

your son must be thrilled to have two "superheroes" as parents :)
gluck rest of the way

[btufts]

great work steve and wife! you guys are both looking great keep it up

[gregdoucette]

Ur both in contest shape right now ur going to look rediculous with a tan on.

[gregdoucette]

I want a font double bicep shot

[countrychic]

Fantastic work! You both look great.

[steve_d]

I want a font double bicep shot

Here's a front bicep. feeling a bit smaller the past day or two...Still like the way my legs look since it had always been my weakness. I think right now what I don't like is the way the lats look in the front bicep shot...Although, when I get a bit of a back pump, it does bring a lot more flare to it.

[BDH]

If you don't like the way the lats look, bro, why not, instead of flexing your abs, inhale and inflate yourself... Ive always found lats and delts look better in that pose...

[ironwill]

great physique once again......Dang....good job dude!!!

[steve_d]

I was waiting for that comment (about inhaling instead of flexing abs)....I don't look as good doing it that way, neither does my bro. However, I do find that I look better doing latspread without flexing my abs. I've kinda gone back and forth...and since I am not very big, trying to make myself bigger ends up making me look smaller.

[steve_d]

just came back from trying to do deadlifts...was the first time in this whole diet that I felt like crap during my workout. I think either I needed a day off, or I was extremely tired from yesterdays ridiculous leg workout + cardio + mowing the lawn on a hot sunny day. Plus sleep is next to nothing these days.

[steve_d]

If you don't like the way the lats look, bro, why not, instead of flexing your abs, inhale and inflate yourself... Ive always found lats and delts look better in that pose...

Next time I take some pics, I'll post up a couple side-by-sides, and see what you guys think...The crazy part about posing, is that things change right up until the last second. The way you look best may be totally different once carbed up / sodium depleted / pumped compared to what looks good in the gym, or what looks good in the morning.

its all in the illusion, and ripped is usually good, so flexing abs gives the illusion of being more ripped (for some)...I know for example my brother looks 100 times better flexing his abs in all poses than trying for the inflated look. But his abs really seperates him from the pack in many lineups. For me though, I still haven't 100% determined what looks best. My abs aren't my strength, but they have improved. I am starting to get sharper in the obliques compared to before. Last time I competed, it was hands down way better to always crunch abs...But I was 152 pounds then. Perhaps the extra 10 pounds will have an impact on what looks best, but in the end, probably won't make too much difference what I do. 50% of it will be decided on standing relaxed pose. If you look good then, you've won over half the judges vote unless things are close - then they'll really pick apart all poses.

[steve_o]

Your front double bi shot looks good. I understand what you mean by saying it is better to looked ripped sometimes. I guess it all depends on what the judges are looking for that day.

[steve_d]

So i've been battling either a bad cold, bad allergies, or something...It all started this week when my deadlift day had to stop during my warm-ups. Just didn't feel right. Took the next day off as it was my day off. I felt crappy, and the next day still crappy. I haven't had a good workout since last weekend, and it has nothing to do with the diet, and everything to do with feeling ill.

It sucks because I've never been sick while dieting for a show. Now 3 weeks out, and I feel like crap especially because up until now my workouts have been AWESOME. I am hoping to bounce back fast, because my appetite is gone, my weight has dropped, and I don't feel anywhere near as good as I should. Last night the sinuses started to drain, so at least something is changing - whereas before it felt like I just couldn't breath and I was constantly dizzy and fevery. Here's hoping the draining sinuses is a progression for the better.

My wife is feeling good still. She's leaning up nicely, and I think her leg is starting to bounce back ever so slowly. Still an imbalance, but its improving daily, and she's able to do really high box squats with really light weights. Better than nothing!

Kinda depressed though, as I can't even enjoy thinking about 3 weeks from now when I feel like utter crap for the last 4 days.

[steve_d]

Few pics this morning. I was heavier from eating too much salad and salt yesterday trying to help recover from the cold. Feeling a lot better today, so hoping for better workouts for the rest of the prep.

I was 171 this morning, compared to 168 or so normal days.

Ange is feeling ok, both getting anxious especially with the missisauga show going on last night. We're jealous, want to be competing. Soon enough!

[Delt King]

Looking fantastic as always you two. You're going to kill it for sure. Watch out Sudbury!!!

[GYMBRAT]

awesome work you two!

[countrychic]

Look'n GOOD both of you! Your lady has some caps on her :)

[whiteknight]

looking good!!!!

[steve_d]

Post by Steve's avatar/wife:

I am feeling awesome and have never been this lean 3 weeks out. My knee is recovering very well now, started squats, and just pray the swelling doesn't return.

Patients are running low in our household now (as you can imagine with Steve and I both dieting with a 1.5 year old to entertain). Things like spring cleaning and gardening have been put on hold. You'll notice in our pic's it gets messier and messier, lol.

I already feel like I reached my goal so the next couple weeks will be better, less stress. After having a baby and all this arthritis nonsense that I have been battling I feared not being able to return to the shape I used to compete in. Hard work and dedication can beat anything! The only thing I would change would be that I could have added a bit more size to my legs or at least more definition. Having to take almost 2 months off training (or even walking properly) on one leg was quite a mental and physical struggle to overcome. The only thing that kept me going was that Steve was competing and the fact that we have never competed together before.

After seeing the Mississauga figure results I am a bit confused, as are many it seems. I may be too lean and hard for what the judging seems to be favouring but I look the way I want to look to compete and that's whats important. Figure is a very subjective sport. There is no clear guideline and every tier (OPA) seems to favour a different look. I wish there was a bit more consistency but all in all a lot of the sport of figure is presentation. It is hard to judge from pictures who should have won. It is in general a hard sport to judge as every girl looks so different from the next! I think one key is to wow the judges right off, look feminine and sexy, and learn the best way to display yourself including hair, makeup, walking, suits...it's all part of the sport and lucky for me I like that stuff!

My main goal for the next 3 weeks is to perfect my presentation. My goal is top 3 in Sudbury so I would be happy with that.

Time will tell...thanks for all the support!

[natenator]

hey lady! get your own handle and post! the board could really benefit from your knowledge and sharing :)

[steve_d]

I'll get her to sign up...She always logs in using mine, so I am sure she'd sign up.

[steve_d]

hey lady! get your own handle and post! the board could really benefit from your knowledge and sharing :)

Steve keeps saying the same thing...maybe I should, instead of hi-jacking Steve's handle, lol.

[steve_d]

Ange is right, figure is very subjective. That is why figure girls should try not to be too disapointed with placings when there were close calls. It could be a totally different result the next day. And a totally different result based on who is next to you...

Kinda like the sesame street song "one of these don't belong"...If you stand in a lineup where everyone is ripped and hard, usually the softer girl will be odd-woman out. If vice versa, and everyone is soft, the harder leaner (but not overly muscular) looking girl will look out of place - yet would have looked /placed better at a higher level show. This isn't always the case.

[ange_d]

I'll get her to sign up...She always logs in using mine, so I am sure she'd sign up.

Here I am!

[natenator]

it really does go to show you that the diet and cardio are most important (diet over cardio). With your wife not being able to train as she would like she is still getting leaner and leaner.

I have to remind myself of this that I don't have to completely kill it in the gym for contest results to come. Just work the muscle fully and thoroughly and you will progress. I think that has been my downfall the past few years. I try and do too much in the gym instead of just letting the diet its thing and have ended up getting injured (twice) or the flu (once - 3 weeks) whereas maybe if I had of eased up a bit maybe neither would have happened.

Gonna try to remember to be smarter next time! Problem is... I love lifting heavy shit lol

[ange_d]

Diet is key for sure! Lesson learned.

I like training heavy too...I said I started squating again but only a plate for reps. If my knee was 100% I would likely be lifting double that!

My deadlift came back fast. I am now pulling 2 plates for reps but should be able to handle a little more - not worht risking though. My bench has always been my best (IMO) I am pushing a plate for reps these days.

This arthritis may have in a way been a good thing - kept me from overtraining and also kept me from taking competing too seriously or at least not making it my whole life as I have in the past. Don't get me wrong I love to win and I will do what needs to be done to get into the best possible condition for these shows but I realize there is life outside and after competing - especially my family and my health! I am looking forward to summer backyard BBQ's and rehibilitating my joints properly. Carb depleting = not so good for joint rehab.

[steve_d]

it really does go to show you that the diet and cardio are most important (diet over cardio). With your wife not being able to train as she would like she is still getting leaner and leaner.

Gonna try to remember to be smarter next time! Problem is... I love lifting heavy shit lol

I've been sick for approx 1 week as of today. I've still gone to the gym for wimpy workouts because its too close to the show to avoid it altogether, but your right. diet is key. I've held onto my condition, even without killing it in the gym.

However, I do feel it is important to lift hard and heavy as close to the show as possible to maintain as much of that muscle density and fullness as you can. I know if I slacked off now, I'd still get ripped, but probably wouldn't feel as good as if I lifted hard leading into the show.

Today I just came back from squats and I feel like I had a really good workout. I was a bit more tired than normal, out of breath, etc...but I think the sick is on its way out. Crossing my fingers I don't pass it on to Ange...

[gregdoucette]

sick beats a mucle tear anyday!!!

[natenator]

sick beats a mucle tear anyday!!!
Tell me about it *sigh*

[gregdoucette]

going to the oc and chiro hoping its just a small tear and will onyl prevent me from doing back and deadlift training.

[steve_d]

when did you do this?

Better watch it...I think small muscle tears can also be beginning of sick. Before getting sick I been having little things come up more and more that felt like the muscle was going to fall off my bone.

Sickness is getting better. no fever yesterday. horrible sleep though from coughing all night and waking up with the worst mucous. But I guess that means its finally escaping me. Had an awesome leg workout yesterday and I am actually quite sore today.

almost 2 and then 3 weeks to go.

[gregdoucette]

Doc said its a smallish teaer of the latisumus dorsi at the insertion point on the humorous. HE just said 2 weeks no back training or using anything involvingf the lats should do it. So basically show up to nationals and pull without training. So no worries i'll keep training the left side of my back and still go in and bench the record, all is well.

[steve_d]

shitty deal if you ask me. just don't over do it. not worth it in my mind. although try telling that to me now after 7 days being sick I am still at the gym grinding it out.

Are we there yet?!

[Andre Gregoire]

Great progress Steve in the last 10-11 yrs. I saw you compete in 99 I believe at the Ottawa's. I was there with Pat Nault a coworker of yours back then I believe.

[steve_d]

must be wrong steve. The d in my last name is Doucette. I lived in NS until 2002 when I moved to ottawa for school. I did compete 10 years ago in the drug tested world qualifier. I was 20 and a junior and won the junior overall- but there was only a couple juniors.

I was actually 128 on stage then though - and as ripped as I could ever be. so 35 pounds in 10 years, pretty good if you ask me! I'll be turning 30 the night of the day after provincials.

[Andre Gregoire]

must be wrong steve. The d in my last name is Doucette. I lived in NS until 2002 when I moved to ottawa for school. I did compete 10 years ago in the drug tested world qualifier. I was 20 and a junior and won the junior overall- but there was only a couple juniors.

I was actually 128 on stage then though - and as ripped as I could ever be. so 35 pounds in 10 years, pretty good if you ask me! I'll be turning 30 the night of the day after provincials.

Sorry about that I assumed that you were Steve Duperre, as I know you are a natural and have competed as a lightweight in non-tested shows in Ottawa like he has plus you both have the name SteveD and about the same height. he he he My bad!

I don't know what you looked like before but you look damn good now. Congrats and nice to meet you.

By the way are you related to Greg Doucette?

[natenator]

Sorry about that I assumed that you were Steve Duperre, as I know you are a natural and have competed as a lightweight in non-tested shows in Ottawa like he has plus you both have the name SteveD and about the same height. he he he My bad!

I don't know what you looked like before but you look damn good now. Congrats and nice to meet you.

By the way are you related to Greg Doucette?
They are brothers.

[ange_d]

So Steve has passed his head cold onto me. I am so dizzy and my throat is killing me. So not only dizzy from low carbs but now this. I used every ounce of energy in the gym this morning (pretty decent leg day considering) and now I'm suffering through my day. Oh well, lots of water, salt, and vit C then hopefully I can sleep through most of the night tonight.

Because I feel like crap here are the things that I am hating on about dieting/preping right now:

Not being able to sleep through a night now ever! I probably would not have gotten sick if I could just sleep!

Not being able to sleep in the same room as my ripped, sexy husband or else we will wake each other up and be mad (plus we are both coughing, peeing, cramping through the night and all that).

Being in such a terrible mood that while we watch Wheel of Fortune (kind of a ritual at our house. Our little guy likes it because of the letters) at night I actually think I HATE to contestants, lol. I also hate the iHop commercials during the show. Cheesecake panckaes with fruit topping, come on!!!!

Not being able to enjoy this beautiful weather without worrying about stupid things like getting a sun burn or feeling so faint dehyraded and hungry that I have to go back inside and lie on the couch.

Driving to the gym every am in fear of hitting a deer - I have seen one every second morning or so on my journey. I gym at 5:30am and have to drive through conservation area land.

Purposely avoiding neighbours in fear of having to talk to them. Seems like too much energy expenditure most days, lol.

Oh well, 15 days and counting until show #1. The hard part is almost over, 1 more week and then it's an easy coast on in to show day.

More pic's to come this weekend. A little more carbs today and tomorrow for me, maybe that will help this sick go away quickly.

Ok, I'm done complaining. Someone tell me to shut up and look in the mirror, lol. Vain and insane sport we love!

[natenator]

LMAO!

Made. My. Morning! hahaha

Esp. loved the avoiding neighbours part lol

[countrychic]

So Steve has passed his head cold onto me. I am so dizzy and my throat is killing me. So not only dizzy from low carbs but now this. I used every ounce of energy in the gym this morning (pretty decent leg day considering) and now I'm suffering through my day. Oh well, lots of water, salt, and vit C then hopefully I can sleep through most of the night tonight.

Because I feel like crap here are the things that I am hating on about dieting/preping right now:

Not being able to sleep through a night now ever! I probably would not have gotten sick if I could just sleep!

Not being able to sleep in the same room as my ripped, sexy husband or else we will wake each other up and be mad (plus we are both coughing, peeing, cramping through the night and all that).

Being in such a terrible mood that while we watch Wheel of Fortune (kind of a ritual at our house. Our little guy likes it because of the letters) at night I actually think I HATE to contestants, lol. I also hate the iHop commercials during the show. Cheesecake panckaes with fruit topping, come on!!!!

Not being able to enjoy this beautiful weather without worrying about stupid things like getting a sun burn or feeling so faint dehyraded and hungry that I have to go back inside and lie on the couch.

Driving to the gym every am in fear of hitting a deer - I have seen one every second morning or so on my journey. I gym at 5:30am and have to drive through conservation area land.

Purposely avoiding neighbours in fear of having to talk to them. Seems like too much energy expenditure most days, lol.

Oh well, 15 days and counting until show #1. The hard part is almost over, 1 more week and then it's an easy coast on in to show day.

More pic's to come this weekend. A little more carbs today and tomorrow for me, maybe that will help this sick go away quickly.

Ok, I'm done complaining. Someone tell me to shut up and look in the mirror, lol. Vain and insane sport we love!

lol at your rant! Rant away you are almost there. It sucks that you are sick, makes it so much harder.

Keep on going you look amazing and I am sure you have made great progress since your last pics, look forward to seeing the next set.

[69challenger]

Not being able to enjoy this beautiful weather without worrying about stupid things like getting a sun burn or feeling so faint dehyraded and hungry that I have to go back inside and lie on the couch.

Purposely avoiding neighbours in fear of having to talk to them. Seems like too much energy expenditure most days, lol.



THIS!!!

[ange_d]

Just thought of 3 more:

Spending $10 a day plus on egg whites.

Using 2 rolls of toilet paper per day!

Our fridge so full of romaine lettuce and broccoli there is no room for anything else!

OK, for real, now I am done.

[steve_d]

Oh my god, these posts are awesome...Poor Ange. I just got back from MY leg workout, and I must say, I am quite the opposite. I am feeling awesome. I can still squat heavy and hard, and I am 2 weeks out. I've only been leaner than this 1 time in my life, and at that time I looked more like a starving ethiopian than a bodybuilder.

I guess I am so pumped to have finally shaken this cold that being dizzy from low carbs is a walk in the park. So at least Ange you have 1 more thing to look forward to. another couple days of sick and it'll be an easy last 10 days.

But yeah...I agree - our fridge situation is ridiculous. All there is in there is salad, brocolli, peppers, mushrooms and egg creations / egg whites.

Oh, and by the way: the neighbours are probably avoiding us as well...with the food in our fridge going through us on a daily basis, I am sure the neighbours can see the stink lines coming off our house when they drive up our street. You think pre-contest farts are bad. Do that times 2 people and exponentiate that 100 times when your sick.

[steve_d]

So as discussed, here is a side by side doing my front biceps in both ways. I think I look basically the same both ways, both has their own advantages, disadvantages...With a pump/time/dehydration I am sure one of those advantages and disadvantages will pop out and make me decide how to do it. What do you guys think?

I think my obliques look insane in the crunched over one (hard to see in this lighting/camera). I like my delts better in it also. I like the thickness of my ribcage in the expanded one. Legs are same, biceps are same.

[steve_d]

Here are some more pics. 168 in these - first thing in the morning

[steve_d]

here are some of ange. I can't comment about mine, but I find she looks way better than these pics show!

[Korilon]

wow you both look amazing!!

gonna kill this show!!

[Andre Gregoire]

So as discussed, here is a side by side doing my front biceps in both ways. I think I look basically the same both ways, both has their own advantages, disadvantages...With a pump/time/dehydration I am sure one of those advantages and disadvantages will pop out and make me decide how to do it. What do you guys think?

I think my obliques look insane in the crunched over one (hard to see in this lighting/camera). I like my delts better in it also. I like the thickness of my ribcage in the expanded one. Legs are same, biceps are same.

I like the expanded ribcage picture best, it makes you look bigger and still clearly shows the outline of your abs and obliques. I would save the ab crunching for other poses.

Looking great in that pic as well as the others posted after.

[ubcpower]

awesome pics, shitty lighting thats why

[maxpower]

looking great Steve and Ange!

Austin certainly passed along some great genetics to you and BIG brother! :)

Rick D

[countrychic]

Looking good! Better lights and once you get some tan on that definition will POP.

You guys are doing fantastic, it is so much easier when the two of you in the same house are going through the same thing :) IW and I found it much better, at least you know what the other is going through.

[steve_d]

You guys are doing fantastic, it is so much easier when the two of you in the same house are going through the same thing :) IW and I found it much better, at least you know what the other is going through.

The only thing there is that we've both been through this a bunch of times before - so we know what the other is going through. I think it would have been 100 times easier if 1 of us could eat!! Never again unless we have a babysitter to help out at least once in a while.

You're right though - if it wasn't for taking care of another person in the house, both of us dieting at the same time would be way easier. We'd eat the same, cardio the same, sleep the same. But with the little guy running around, it makes it way harder on both of us.

We've got my parents coming for 10 days which will cover both of the shows, so ironically the final week / week and a half will actually be the easiest. Can't wait til next thursday!

[natenator]

I admire those who have kids and compete. It's super hard as it is let alone doing it with children. That's true dedication in my opinion.

Steve and Ange: you guys look great and I am envious of your genetics (minus your height lol, I'll stick with 6'3 haha)

[ange_d]

The only thing there is that we've both been through this a bunch of times before - so we know what the other is going through. I think it would have been 100 times easier if 1 of us could eat!! Never again unless we have a babysitter to help out at least once in a while.

You're right though - if it wasn't for taking care of another person in the house, both of us dieting at the same time would be way easier. We'd eat the same, cardio the same, sleep the same. But with the little guy running around, it makes it way harder on both of us.

We've got my parents coming for 10 days which will cover both of the shows, so ironically the final week / week and a half will actually be the easiest. Can't wait til next thursday!

I think it's easier when 1 of us prep's for a show (even before baby_d came along!).

Not only will I look better in good lighting and with a tan but some make up and a hair brush wouldn't hurt either, lol. We take our pic's right out of bed. I kept telling Steve to crop my head out!

[countrychic]

Not only will I look better in good lighting and with a tan but some make up and a hair brush wouldn't hurt either, lol. We take our pic's right out of bed. I kept telling Steve to crop my head out!

Girl you definately have nothing to worry about if that's you right out of bed :)

IW and I don't have kids so thumbs up to the two of you!!!! Some couples prefer to do it opposite of each other, I do know it is easier for us when we are both dieting.

[ange_d]

So today is a mind game day and most likely a mind game week. One minute I feel ripped and ready, and the next I feel fat and feel like starting to "kill it with cardio", so to speak.

The goal is for me to hold onto my size the next couple of weeks. In the past I have gone too hard at the end and wasted away. It was ok to do this for fitness model but for figure I think I need to stay fuller.

I am 5'6" and trying to keep my weight over 130 these days. Hoping for a stage weight of 125 (but I have my doubts - I think closer to 120 might be more realistic).

Still have to shake this head cold but it is improving.


Steve...are we there yet????

[ange_d]

Girl you definately have nothing to worry about if that's you right out of bed :)

Your sweet, thanks.


IW and I don't have kids so thumbs up to the two of you!!!! Some couples prefer to do it opposite of each other, I do know it is easier for us when we are both dieting.

I can understand this for sure, especially for the dieting part.
I just find I can be way more supportive for him if it's just him preping and vice versa.

[ange_d]

looking great Steve and Ange!

Austin certainly passed along some great genetics to you and BIG brother! :)

Rick D

Hey Rick,
Thanks for the support!
We will have to pass your compliment onto Austin! lol

[steve_d]

So today is a mind game day and most likely a mind game week. One minute I feel ripped and ready, and the next I feel fat and feel like starting to "kill it with cardio", so to speak.
Steve...are we there yet????

I'll say...this moring I was going to go to the gym and do legs. But convinced myself I need just 1 more day off before this final couple weeks. And then I was convinced if I didn't do legs, I should do some cardio. I somehow convinced myself I don't need it, and left my shoes at home so there is no changing my mind.

Will stop in for a tan on my way home and that's it. If any "extra" cardio is to be done, it will be mowing the lawn this afternoon!

[steve_d]

I admire those who have kids and compete. It's super hard as it is let alone doing it with children. That's true dedication in my opinion.

Steve and Ange: you guys look great and I am envious of your genetics (minus your height lol, I'll stick with 6'3 haha)

Thanks Nate -

Let's hope "baby_d" gets some of Ange's genetics. Apparently most of the men on her side were over 6 feet. I think 5'6 is about the tallest a guy has ever been down our family tree so far!

[gregdoucette]

U 2 could both compete tomorow so dont worry about cardio or dropping fat. Just stay huge. Steve its simple jsut do every single pose exactly the same as I do. Go ahead and copy my routine even and everyone will just think its me 5 years ago with a shaved head. The oblickes and abs will pop out like crazzy on stage with a tan and after dropping the water and carbing up ull see. I look liek crap the week before the show but on stage thats where the majic happens. Don't change ur posses stick with what u know.

NOt trying to sound cocky here but we are basically twins so he may as well pose the way I do.

[ange_d]

So 8 days to go...seems like an eternity!

I had a great day yesturday, good sleep, good energy considering the low amount of carbs I consumed.

Today is another story...I slept good but feel really crappy! I feel the arthritis in my hip starting up with all this rainy weather. I also woke up 2 pounds heavier than normal. May be the arthritis or could be that I am consuming more salt than normal.

Steve keeps telling me to eat more and that I am approaching a leaness that may be too much for my body type in figure. This morning he said he would force feed me if he could, lol. I have never been this lean, ever, and I think it is a bit of an experiment. Some figure girls look great and win ripped to shreds while others appear to small and look better with a little more fat. I guess we wil find out what I look like next weekend. My brain keeps telling me to get leaner (mind screw!) but I think I need to listen to Steve and eat a few more carbs pre gym. Just enough to keep my workouts awesome or at least as good as they can get right now.

Patience are running really low around here now...it seems when I feel good, Steve feels shitty and when I feel shitty, Steve feels good. Oh well, a few more sleeps and we will have live in babysitters for 9 days! (Steve's parents are visiting). I think I am looking forward to a break from kids more than competing! Some days we talk about not competing and taking off to an all inclusive resort for a week instead!
No chance though, we have come this far we have to see how it all plays out or the wondering would drive us insane!

[Adonis13]

hey guys i have a question since you both will be there. is there no super heavy catagory? theres no super listed on opa website but the heavy is now listed as 220 or under hwat happens if you weigh over this?

[steve_d]

I am not sure, but I think there will be the same classes as both missisauga and stratford shows. With the new level system, I think they have all classes at all regional shows. worst case scenario is they combine classes to judge, but the rank them in whatever class they would have been in according to weight.

[natenator]

hey guys i have a question since you both will be there. is there no super heavy catagory? theres no super listed on opa website but the heavy is now listed as 220 or under hwat happens if you weigh over this?
Super heavies is only at the Provincial/Nation level otherwise you're lumped into the heavies.

[Adonis13]

ahhh ok thanx guys.

[natenator]

ahhh ok thanx guys.
there just aren't that many of us big boys around :D

[GYMBRAT]

true dat^^

[St]

You both look great best of luck at the show.

[Adonis13]

there just aren't that many of us big boys around :D

2-3 more years then ill be a big boy like you guys. i hope.

[natenator]

2-3 more years then ill be a big boy like you guys. i hope.
I need 2-3 more years too. Height takes long to fill out a frame!

[steve_d]

2-3 more years then ill be a big boy like you guys. i hope.

when you say you guys, I hope you don't mean me! or ange! lol...166 this morning, holding that weight everyday. So yeah, I am getting smaller. That's the plan though. Welter weight for provincials. sudbury will be light middle (if they have it) or whatever weight class they end up putting us in if they start combining.

Looking forward to this weekend. Did my last leg workout today until after the first show. took some melatonin last night - definitely a key for this last week!

[natenator]

looking forward to seeing the finished product!

[Adonis13]

haha no i meant the taller big boys (nate and gymbrat) but u both look great, and i look forward to meeting you both in sudbury. did u get the hotel that they offered?

[steve_d]

yep, we booked a while ago after hearing that there was a confernece the same weekend so the hotel was booking fast. We're all set to go!

[gregdoucette]

wow sleep on just melatonin good job. I ahve 2 extra strength nytol tonight and melatonin no sleep yet. Some nights are just bad, probably because I started dieting to make the 198 cutoff. Funny how I now have to struggle to make 198. not to long ago I able to cut to 181 without too much trouble.

[steve_d]

that is an addition to the diphenhydramine (50mg) that I have been taking for the last week, which was bumped up from 25mg for the last month before that. I have never slept this good on a diet before. last night melatonin was 6mg.

166 this morning after a big poop. I feel so weak and tired in the morning. Carb depleted to the max. But actually, even just drinking 2 litres of water when I wake up does a world of good. I just get so dehydrated at night. couple more days now. we picked up our carb up foods last night - watch out!

[steve_d]

I stepped on the same body fat scale as I did before the diet. Some fancy 10000$ scale that a local here uses for her business. Says I am 8.9% down from 16.2% about 18 weeks ago. Its a pretty acurate scale, goes into a lot of detail about intra and extra cellular water. I know the actual number is not 100% perfect, but it is good to compare pre to post.

[gregdoucette]

id jsut devide that # in 2 and thats probably what ur % is.

[steve_d]

well, the 16.2% is actually very close to what I would have guessed at the time. Perhaps I was about 13.5% or so...I don't really care what I am if this is what someone looks like at 8.9%, then 8.9% is exactly what I need to be at to get on stage!

[ange_d]

So just a few sleeps away now! Woohoo!

I am so looking forward to tomorrow evening when our babysitters arrive! I think I am looking forward to 2 nights in a hotel carbed up with my hubby(and no baby) more than anything else at this point!

Had my last workout this morning. Not much energy but a lot of emotion. I feel very happy with my accomplishment considering all the obstacles that were thrown my way. Happy to know I can still look great post baby too.

Some light cardio tonight and tomorrow the fun stuff, hair, nails, blah, blah.

Then Friday am we hit the road on our 6-8 hour journey full of peepee stops to Sudbury. Good fun, at least there will be carbs!

Thanks for all the support!
We will keep you updated and maybe post some pics as we start dropping water.

[gregdoucette]

Good luck the carbs start tomorow. Myself I still got 15 lbs to lose by tomorow night.

[steve_d]

carbs tomorrow, and boy do I ever need em. Was about 165.5 this morning as carb depleted as anyone could be. I still haven't officially decided to be welter or not. I am not cutting my water, so if I do happen to be welter at the weigh in, you'll know I will be well under 160 by night show.

Hoping to weigh in at 170, and be on stage at approx 162-165.

Ange is looking really good. She's dropped a good 3-4 pound in the last couple days just increasing water.

Sleep is hard. 50mg diphenydramine, and 9mg melatonin, and that barely got me from 11pm to 4am. Got my music on the discs, and now I have to look forward to shaving my hairy body, getting the tan on, weighing in, and getting it done!

[maxpower]

best of luck Steve and Ange!!

[natenator]

good luck Steve and Ange!

[Andre Gregoire]

Good Luck!

[steve_o]

Good luck guys! Post up some pics after the show when you get a chance. I am sure you guys are going to do great.

[Dragon1911]

Best of luck guys.

[69challenger]

Good luck you two!

[steve_d]

weigh in is done. was 170, but will be lighter by tomorrow. decided not to worry about weight. glad i did because now i am in the biggest class (only 5 guys). there are no lights, 2 welters, a few in all the other classes. 1 guy is gonna destroy, at this show and provincials if he goes to it. tall good shape, tiniest waist ever, ripped.

lots of figure girls. about 5-6 in each class. Ange made medium tall, probably 7-10 girls there. Was hard to tell because they were all getting ""heighted" in at once. should be a good show.

I had some troubles with cramping. sitting in the car was no good for me. was probably the worst experience of my life. almost threw up, saw stars and was really scared for a while. didn't cut salt until today, but had to eat some salt most of today to stop the cramping. I tend to cramp, always had...but for some reason today was the worst yet for me. will be a tough sleep, but once i get moving, Its way better....

[Adonis13]

u looked great steve, and yah that guy is a ****ing monster and its just him and i in the super heavies. i came in at 235 and he looked like he was 250 easy lol. at 6'2 235 im gonna look like a bitch compared to this guy. good luck tommorow bro ur gonan do really well in ur class and ul be in the overall im sure. not much anyone here can do about that guy though. see you tommorow.

[natenator]

I wwanna see some ****in pics damnit!!!!

[japh]

You guys could always hire someone to hit him in the knees with a baseball bat. lol

[Adonis13]

lol naah this guy obviously has worked hard and deserves what he gets but god damn i hope in 3 years when im 30 i can make some waves like this guy.

[btufts]

good luck steve and ange!! put the nuts to the other competitors! and post numerous pics

[steve_d]

this is us this morning... 4:30 am. I slept as good as I could possibly have hoped. take my same cocktail - didn't cramp too too much during the night. woke up with some crazy pains a few times, but nothing that lasted more than 10-15 seconds at a time, and nothing that got me concerned.

peed a bunch, am about 163 in these pics.

ange slept not the greatest, but i think we just need to get things rolling and we'll feel great by 5 hours (prejudging time)

[natenator]

you guys loook friggin awesome!

[Talo]

Both of you look amazing. Goodluck !

[MuSuLPhReAk]

Best of luck to both of you today. Let us know how it went when you get home.

[btufts]

you guys look great!!! great work both of you

[steve_d]

back from pre-judging. I was in the biggest class, 6 guys. I was the lightest guy, at about 162 or so in a 166-176 class. But I was the shortest dude, and I am glad I went light middle. I had some good feedback so far from everyone.

I watched ange's class, and all I can say is WOW. Ange looks so incredible. The audience even gasped when they turned around, and I knew why. Her back simply was out of this world. Of course I am biased, since I am her husband....When we get pics, I'll post some up. Here is her right now...

[natenator]

Steve: according to my buddy (Rob) he thinks you have a good shot at the overall. Yes not as big but the package you bring is as impressive as someone thats 200lbs+

Ange looks awesome!

Why so pale looking?? lol

[69challenger]

What class is Ange in? She looks absolutely stunning!!!!

[steve_d]

Wow...great to hear that someone would actually consider me to have a chance. It would be great to be in the overall, since I've never actually been in one as a senior, but I will really look small next to the heavy / super heavy. Plus I think he's not just big, he's the package deal.

Looking forward to tonight though, and next week as a welter where I belong!

[steve_d]

What class is Ange in? She looks absolutely stunning!!!!

med-tall, she's just under I think...around 167cm. Which is good, because alot of those tall girls can look really BIG!

[Testanabol]

damn good thread! :)

[steve_d]

^hey, for those that don't know, testanabol is at this show too. He is going to take welter with his striated glutes. Trains at our gym - We have 4 of us from our gym alone. And all 4 of use will likely place well.

[Korilon]

best of luck to you all.
you all look awesome!!

will you be doing the provincials next week?

[natenator]

best of luck to you all.
you all look awesome!!

will you be doing the provincials next week?
pretty sure Steve is and I'mn pretty sure my buddy in the LHW class will to although he may fall into the Middle weight category next weekend.

[Korilon]

Looks like angela gor first of course :)

Congrats!!!!


Figure Med-Tall (8)
1st Angela Doucette
2nd Pamela Bortmes
3rd Kim Salmon
4th Lisa McKay
5th Jenny Anderson
6th Jacqueline Gooderham
7th Sophie Morin
8th Julie Lincourt


And congrats to steve :)


Men’s Lightmiddleweight (6)
1st Steve Doucette
2nd Andras Szeri
3rd Levi Watson
4th Berny Lacombe
5th Matt Delorenzis
6th Jack Loranger

[natenator]

yup! congrats to both Steve and Ange!

[ubcpower]

wow awesome, powerhouse couple!

[steve_d]

we both got back just now...A long night, and I must say, Ange REALLY deserved the overall. I am biased, I'll say it again....but I know the look figure is going for, and the feedback was INSANE for Ange, and I think that was by far better than winning the overall for her.

Fouad was telling her she was insane, and people were telling her that if she doesnt win the overall it doesn't matter - because she'd place high on a national stage. So that was a reward in itself for her. I was certainly impressed by her - and I see her everyday, and she still blew me away.

When I saw her walk on stage in her class, I had to hold back tears because of how far she came and didn't just look good, she looked better than I could have ever imagined. She said to me after she didn't know how to reeact because she said I had no expression (she could see me in the crowd). I had no expression because I was stunned!

Yeah...probably the emotions of part 1 being over talking now, but I must say, I am totally impressed with my wife! Love ya!

As for me, I won my class, and the feedback was amazing. I had a few people tell me I was gonna take the overall. I kinda brushed it off, but then I actually thought, maybe I have a chance....so posed my heart out....The big guy won, as predicted, and he deserved it. He's awesome...he has weaknesses, but so do I....he weighed 65 pounds more than me. When we posed side by side from the back, the judges would see my biceps lining up to his glutes...So basically got overpowered.

But hey! We aren't here to win overalls....we both won big classes, at what I would say a pretty well ran big turnout show. Looking forward to provincials!

[steve_d]

Ok...last post from me. This is figure for you:

the overall winner came 3rd in masters. The girls who WON masters came 2nd to Angela in Angela's class.

Ange...Let's kick ass next week!

[natenator]

awesome stuff guys. You 2 represent this sport well.

[natenator]

Ok...last post from me. This is figure for you:

the overall winner came 3rd in masters. The girls who WON masters came 2nd to Angela in Angela's class.

Ange...Let's kick ass next week!
wtf? how is that possible?

meh

****ing judging!

[ange_d]

Steve is too sweet!

Steve should have won the overall. He was better conditioned and posed his ass off! I know bigger guys usually win in these shows but Steve by far outconditioned all. Amazing changes in his physique over the last 4 years!

After seeing my pic's and video's Steve took I am so happy with the way I looked and what I presented. (Oh, Steve also forgot to mention Ben Pakulski, who was guest posing, also said I was his vote for the overall, not to brag, ok, maybe I am bragging a bit, lol).

I must comment that the show was very well run and organized. All ran as smoothly as possible. The judging at these shows is always a bit unpredictable for figure but I got lots of positive feedback from provincial level judges and I am looking forward to next week. A top 5 finish at provincials would make me very happy.

Now Steve and I will enjoy these wins and head back to Ottawa tomorrow am and back in the gym asap.

Thanks for all the support!

[St]

Congrads to both of you,both look amazing.

[69challenger]

Congrats to you both!! WELL DONE:)

[CC79]

Congrats guys great work !!

[btufts]

Congrats steve and ange!!

[maxpower]

Very well done Mr and Mrs D...congrats!

[Talo]

Congrats to the both of you.

You will have to build a shrine for all the trophy’s you'll be sporting in that house of yours :)

[countrychic]

Congrats to you both :welldone

[Dragon1911]

Great job guys

[Delt King]

Good job both of you!!! Amazing conditioning.

Make sure to say hi next weekend at provincials to the CMT.

[steve_d]

Here is Ange winning her class, you can see why I am so proud!

[japh]

Congrats to the both of you. Your thread and success is definately an asset to this site and one of the reasons it is so great.

[gregdoucette]

Got some freaky arms going on, a win is a win, overalls are fun but just look farward to trying ur best to get aniother win next week. Should be fun in a few years when I am allowed to compete in bodybuilding again standing up there with steve like the old days.

[steve_d]

It was great meeting a couple of you guys from the board. Adonis, you really impressed me in the superheavies. Seeing the overall winner the day before I thought he would be unbeatable, but basically you were right there with him, and a little darker tan, and a tad leaner and I think you would have made him look like he didn't belong...If he wasn't there , you woulda had the overall.

Wrought was impressive too. He basically dieted for only a couple weeks, and had great shape and would have taken the division with only a bit better condition.

As for us, we ended up going to bed early last night. There was just no way we were going to be thinking of cardio - I could barely get up the stairs to our bedroom. Today we're going to the gym together (thank god for babysitters this week!). We both plan on being just a little tighter for provincials, but at this point its more about making sure we don't rebound too hard.

[Adonis13]

thanks a ton steve, i was defonatly intimidated on friday night but after i saw some pics in comparison i thought i could actually stand on stage with them and not look out of place. i learned so much from all you and the comrodorie was amazing. made some new friends and i ended up talking to fuad abiad fort about an hr on saturday, got alot of great feedback and cant wait to compete at the ontario super show next year. you both looked great amd had uncomparable conditioning, when ang turned around the whole crowd litterally gasped lol. great work and it was great meeting you.

[natenator]

thanks a ton steve, i was defonatly intimidated on friday night but after i saw some pics in comparison i thought i could actually stand on stage with them and not look out of place. i learned so much from all you and the comrodorie was amazing. made some new friends and i ended up talking to fuad abiad fort about an hr on saturday, got alot of great feedback and cant wait to compete at the ontario super show next year. you both looked great amd had uncomparable conditioning, when ang turned around the whole crowd litterally gasped lol. great work and it was great meeting you.
from the pics I've seen you def look like you fit in!

[Adonis13]

theres pics? where? and thanks nate i appreciate that.

[natenator]

OPA on Facebook.

[Adonis13]

damn dont have face book lol.

[natenator]

PM me your email and I'll send what I can find :)

[wrought]

Ang and Steve both owned their classes and all the respect in the world for the rest of the competitors who brought their best on the weekend. If anybody is going down to London be sure to cheer for these two because they're what bodybuilding is supposed to be about and I'm sure we'll be seeing both of them placing at the top at nationals in the next couple of years.

[ange_d]

thanks a ton steve, i was defonatly intimidated on friday night but after i saw some pics in comparison i thought i could actually stand on stage with them and not look out of place. i learned so much from all you and the comrodorie was amazing. made some new friends and i ended up talking to fuad abiad fort about an hr on saturday, got alot of great feedback and cant wait to compete at the ontario super show next year. you both looked great amd had uncomparable conditioning, when ang turned around the whole crowd litterally gasped lol. great work and it was great meeting you.

I heard that gasp while onstage and was worried maybe it was a bad gasp but Steve asured me it was a good one, lol.
It was great meeting you, you have great shape and size. Best of luck in future comp's.

[ange_d]

Ang and Steve both owned their classes and all the respect in the world for the rest of the competitors who brought their best on the weekend. If anybody is going down to London be sure to cheer for these two because they're what bodybuilding is supposed to be about and I'm sure we'll be seeing both of them placing at the top at nationals in the next couple of years.


Wow, thanks!
The caliber of the athletes in Sudbury was impressive for sure!
We are looking forward to London. If anyone is planning on attending the show and sees us be sure to say hi!

[natenator]

Wow, thanks!
The caliber of the athletes in Sudbury was impressive for sure!
We are looking forward to London. If anyone is planning on attending the show and sees us be sure to say hi!
I'm hoping to but the 6 hour drive... sucks! lol

[steve_d]

So here we are, tuesday. I had two of the best workouts in the last few weeks yesterday and today (thanks to a huge carb up on the past weekend). Managed 2 hours of cardio yesterday + a killer leg workout. Back today, with likely another 2 hours of cardio. Already leaned out to what I was last week at this time, and I should be a tad sharper this weekend.

Looking forward to it, and meeting anyone from this board that happens to make their way out there. Since I likely don't know what many of you look like, please come say hi to Ange and I while were there!

[steve_o]

Congrats to both of you for doing such an amazing job. And Angie you did amazing for having some problems during your prep. You guys are going to do awesome in London this weekend. Work hard this last week.

[ange_d]

So that's it, last workout complete!
So tired now...the countdown is on!

I am a bit heavier than last week this time and feel like I may be eating a bit too much but I think it has everything to do with the rebound from last weekend. I will know by tomorrow morning if I will do cardio tomorrow am or just skip it.

Now to go pack, and drink a ton of water!

We will keep you posted throughout the weekend!

[69challenger]

^^^Good luck Ange!!

[Andre Gregoire]

Like I have said previously you both looked great, congrats and good luck in the upcoming show.

Steve, I have a few questions. If you are up for it perhaps we can make this a Q & A type of thread in the Contest Prep section as it doesn't get much traffic and I am sure others would be interested and could learn from your answers.

1. In your 7 weeks out pics you look really lean at 173lbs, how fat did you get off-season during your 4 year lay-off and how long before the show did you start dieting?

2. When dieting what are your basic principles? Do you like Keto diets, Low fat diets or Carb Cycling? How much protein, carbs, fats, calories do you take in?

3. At which point do you start cardio? How high do you go? Low intensity vs. HIIT?

4. How many days did you carbup, how many grams of carbs?

5. You mentioned that you only dropped sodium a bit on the Friday, did you drop water at all?

Your competing in a few days so maybe you can tackle these questions after the Ontario's. Let me know if you want me to start a thread in the Contest Prep section or if you prefer to answer here.

Thanks,

Andre

[steve_d]

see below:


Like I have said previously you both looked great, congrats and good luck in the upcoming show.

Steve, I have a few questions. If you are up for it perhaps we can make this a Q & A type of thread in the Contest Prep section as it doesn't get much traffic and I am sure others would be interested and could learn from your answers.

1. In your 7 weeks out pics you look really lean at 173lbs, how fat did you get off-season during your 4 year lay-off and how long before the show did you start dieting?

In the 4 years I went up and down quite a bit, for a variety of reasons. In 2006 I competed in my last show. I then gained a bit in the off-season, got up to about 180 or so which for me was not so lean - perhaps 15-16%. In 2007 I got fairly lean since Ange competed, and I supported her by doing a little cardio by her side, and I wasn't about to be eating pizza while she ate salad. So basically I dieted along side her, but not as hardcore. Got down to about 8%. In 2008 my son was born, and basically the last couple months of pregnancy I slowed down on the gym, and once my son was born I took 7-8 months COMPLETELY off the gym. The only activity I did was biking to and from work, which further reduced muscle size. I started a home gym when I moved houses which didn't work well for us, but then when I got back to the gym (goodlife) I really had a good year of training. I never trained as hard or as consistent. I started dieting for this show in early february, when I was about 16% and lost about 0.5 pounds per week consistently for about 20-22 weeks. Slow and steady the whole way through right until show day.

2. When dieting what are your basic principles? Do you like Keto diets, Low fat diets or Carb Cycling? How much protein, carbs, fats, calories do you take in?

Started at about 3000 calories, eliminating the junk right away and basically dropped about 100 calories or so every 2 weeks until I got to the end where I am at now (about 2000 calories). This is on average. I eat way more some days (leg days), and less other days if I am not so hungry. Basically I never count calories, but I do know thats about where it falls. I was getting about 300-350g protein each day, about 75g fat, and the rest carbs. When calories went down, it was basically just carbs going down. Until the end where the fat was going down to.

3. At which point do you start cardio? How high do you go? Low intensity vs. HIIT?

I did cardio almost the whole way through from about 12 weeks out on. Avg about 30 mins per day in the begining, got up to about 60 mins at the end. Some days maybe 1h15, some days none.

4. How many days did you carbup, how many grams of carbs?

This is the only difference from all other diets. Since i started so early, and felt ahead of the game early, I started eating more 1 day per week at about 10 weeks out. It mostly just helped us out in being able to be "normal" - as in, going to family events, baptisms, weddings, birthdays, and not needing to explain why I can't eat just 1 peice of cake, etc. Each week I carbed up more realizing that by the end of the week I had still lost from the week before. 1 or 2 of the carb up days along the way I was getting about 6000-7000 calories. Trust me, the first 3 workouts of the week after that were intense!

5. You mentioned that you only dropped sodium a bit on the Friday, did you drop water at all?

I dropped water after weigh in. I drank about 9 litres friday. By about 5 hours before prejudging I was dried out. I peed still but, it was defintely starting to turn darker yellow by mid afternoon saturday. No problems getting rid of the water. Had I cut earlier, I would have just gotten smaller by saturday night - but no more ripped. I cut salt friday morning, but by late morning I basically had to eat salt again. I consumed about 2000mg friday, and close to 5000mg saturday to avoid cramping. This is way more than I normally do, but the sodium stopped my cramping.

Your competing in a few days so maybe you can tackle these questions after the Ontario's. Let me know if you want me to start a thread in the Contest Prep section or if you prefer to answer here.

Thanks,

Andre

[Andre Gregoire]

Thanks a lot for posting that Steve, I appreciate the time it took your to write that up. I enjoy seeing what other competitors are doing especially the successful ones. We seem to have similar dieting strategies.

[ange_d]

We're ripped on a train right now...On our way to London!

[natenator]

good luck you guys!!!

[steve_d]

here we go again! cramping on a train...

Not nearly as bad as last week in the car. Tried a bit different in terms of carbs and sodium and potasium that I am eating today, but basically its just in my genetic make-up to cramp when I start dropping water. One thing I take from all of this though is that I will always arrive to a non-local show on a thursday... This will make it easier since just walking around is the best thing for my cramps. Not sodium, not potassium, not water.

Few more hours til shave - down time, pro-tan time, and weigh in time. I will weigh in well below my limit this week. Last week was 170 weigh in (didnt drop water at all), today will likely be low 160s.

[natenator]

here we go again! cramping on a train...

Not nearly as bad as last week in the car. Tried a bit different in terms of carbs and sodium and potasium that I am eating today, but basically its just in my genetic make-up to cramp when I start dropping water. One thing I take from all of this though is that I will always arrive to a non-local show on a thursday... This will make it easier since just walking around is the best thing for my cramps. Not sodium, not potassium, not water.

Few more hours til shave - down time, pro-tan time, and weigh in time. I will weigh in well below my limit this week. Last week was 170 weigh in (didnt drop water at all), today will likely be low 160s.
wow, below 160????

damn. I am not sure you had anything more to loose!

[steve_d]

i forgot my weight scale last week, so i really have no clue what i was on stage...But I know that I drank 8 litres on friday right up until 8pm after weighing in. So the 170 was heavy for me. I am 1 pound lighter today than i was last friday morning - so all and all, I think i am a tad sharper. I was holding a lot of water in my skin in my abs all week, but every other part of me looked much drier. Rebound I guess.

I think i'll look close to the same, and weigh close to the same - which should be about 161 or so by tomorrow AM. I could still put on a few pounds and be a fuller welter by next year....or a very very light, "light middle".

This time I am carbing on wetter carbs (potatoes / etc) but only sipping water as of now. Perhaps a litre or 2 today

[countrychic]

Gd luck to the both of you !!

[wrought]

Good luck guys, hope things go well!

[steve_d]

4pm, just got in the hotel...brought my scale and am about 164.5 on it. 4 hours to weigh in and there ain't much pee left. Should be fine for weigh in unless the scale is way over.

[Delt King]

4pm, just got in the hotel...brought my scale and am about 164.5 on it. 4 hours to weigh in and there ain't much pee left. Should be fine for weigh in unless the scale is way over.

I find the Jamor scale to be at least 1 lbs under all the digital scales my clients and i have bben using throughout the last few years so you'll be GTG, a freaky welter.

[CMoney]

Well done, and good luck to you both!

[steve_d]

pre- protan pics. Weighed in at 163. Sweat about a pound or so waiting to get weighed in since it was so friggin hot in there. was pretty out of it by the time i left. Long day, very tired, but the best parts are yet to come.

Was some very freaky looking people in there. I saw a few masters that looked real good, real dry looking. Didnt see the bigger guys since most of them were waiting outside for all of us to get weighed in.

Lots of figure competitors. I think about 12 or so in Ange's class, probably the same in all classes. I think 150 - 160 totafor all the show. Biggest provincials every I think. Could be a LONG evening

[steve_d]

here we are, wolfing down our well deserved pizza - on my birthday! we couldnt be happier with the results. i took welter, ange got 2nd at provincials (3 years ago she didnt even PLACE at a local OPA show). All this after not being able to walk for 4 weeks, and barely having enough time to even balance her legs - let alone train them hard and heavy.

Sure, a win would have been icing on the cake, but its figure. The overall winner in stratford didn't even get in the top 3 at this show...Its all relative. And the fact that ange stood out enough in a subjective sport shows her potential.

I am pumped for her, and pumped for myself. Not sure what the next plan is, but I am sure it will involve me complaining about a bad rebound from 2-3 days of good eats!

[steve_d]

OH...and I got my 1st place trophy given to me by Melvin Anthony! he's my favorite pro!

[Big D]

awesome, great work :)

enjoy the victory you two !!!

[Andre Gregoire]

Congrats you two!

Happy Birthday Steve, what a great birthday gift.

Your conditioning is insane and you are definitely setting the bar for a what an ideal welterweight should look like.

We have another National Level competitor on the board, watch out Greg, Steve is coming...

[wrought]

Well deserved! Time to look ahead to Montreal....after a couple of pizzas, lol. :)

[steve_d]

Ange is thinking of looking ahead to Toronto August 28th!
10 weeks away - hmmmmmmmmmmm...

[Delt King]

Let me just say that Steve looked amazingly conditioned and freaky as a welterweight. Ange looked crazy too (holy back on you), Congrats you guys, you deserve the kudos for sure.

[steve_d]

It's been a few days now, I know I ate my fair share of carbs and junk. But nothing too crazy actually. Pizza after the show was done, nothing but chicken and fish pretty much all day sunday on the train. A BIG supper at 9pm when we got home - 1/4 of a Dairy Queen ice cream cake to top it off (was my birthday).

Monday was pretty good until night time, tuns of nachos, and topped it off with more ice cream cake, and regular birthday cake (it was Ange's birthday cake). Since then I've been eating just like when I was on my diet. Just no additional cardio.

So I guess that's it for me on this thread! Things are back to normal, and I am going to slowly get bigger and stronger. I may do nationals next year - hopefully as a low-end light middle. No sense trying to be welter again if it means getting too lean to hold onto muscle.

It was nice meeting the gange from CMT on the weekend. BigTav and Korilon - you both looked aweseome and look forward to being on the same stage as you guys in the future. DeltKing, good meeting you too! Stand up guy - helping out complete strangers in the pump up room (although one was my direct competition). Would be nice to watch you at nationals....Maybe we can stand next to each other in an overall at a national show in the future?! Sound like a plan?

[steve_d]

PS: I am hearing ange talk more and more about doing nationals this year. I had a feeling she wouldn't wait too long before she got pumped for it. At first it was "let's not talk about it for a couple weeks after the show". Wasn't more than 20 minutes on the train before she said "should I do nationals!?"

If she does, I am sure she'll open up a log very soon! I have a feeling she will look a million times better this time. Just imagine, she didn't work out her legs more than a few step ups on a bench in the last 3 months. Now that her knee has improved significantly ....Watch out!

[Adonis13]

Do it ange!

your for sure national level imo.

[Big D]

Do it ange!

your for sure national level imo.

YAAAA ! you only live once, do it up

[ubcpower]

hey steve, congrats on the contest.
question, did you do all your cardio in the evenings for the entire prep? train in the a.m., cardio in the pm?
if so, do you find any difference at all between cardio a.m. and weights p.m. and vice versa?

[steve_d]

weights in the pm would make it almost impossible for me to have a good workout. I was forced into doing morning workouts when I realized my gym would basically not allow me to have a decent workout. In the beginning I shifted my workouts to 2pm or 2:30pm, which was decent since the big crowd only got there at 4pm.

But my night time cardio was forced on me because it was the only time I could do it (once the baby was in bed). It just worked for us time wise. Since the cardio was at that time, I really wanted my workouts to be as far before the cardio as possible. So that's when I decided to do workouts at about 9am, and cardio at 8pm.


With that said, my workout schedule were basically decided for me. But I wouldn't change them. In fact, now that the contest is done, I decided to do my workouts in the am as often as I can.

Cardio at night I wouldn't change either. I think it was the most effective time for me. My theory is, if I ate a little too much one day, then I would have just a small tad more energy for cardio...Just enough that I would hold on to the treadmill a little less, and burn a little more calories. It was the only diet I've done it this way. I never did night time cardio before.

If I didn't eat much that day, cardio would be harder, and I would in the end burn less. So by the end of the day I was always depleted. Had I done cardio and my workouts during the day, it would have been alot easier to consume just a little bit extra between 4pm and 9pm without even realizing it, and had a bit too much energy to be losing as much fat as possible. even if it was just a little bit more salad, or whatever...

[ange_d]

I guess this is it for me on this thread too! Kinda sad to see it end...

I could not have asked for things to turn out better than they did. I am still in shock at being a nationally qualified figure athlete, what to believe! In 2004 I finished 4th out of 5 in an OPA regional show and 3 years later I finish 2nd at provincials in a line up of some of the freakiest-awesome girls out there! I was so nervous right before stepping onstage at prejugding. I looked ahead and behind me and all I saw was ripped, muscular, gorgeous women. Ontario is going to have a great showing at Figure Nationals this year!

Congrats to all and thanks for all the support along the way. It was great to meet some of you in person.

PS...I have officially decided to do Nationals...9.5 weeks out, here we go again, lol!

[steve_d]

Love the Avatar...Just so everyone knows how fitting this shirt is for Ange - the words say:


"Your workout is my Warm-Up"

[natenator]

go get'em Ange!

game on :D

[Delt King]

go get'em Ange!

game on :D

Give em heck at Nationals...it's like you can almost taste that ProCard...damn.

[A.C.P.]

You are going to do amazing at nationals. A pro card would suit you very nicely. Now that you can work legs you are going to be even better.

[ange_d]

Thanks for the encouragement!

I don't think a pro card is in my near future, but I would love to break into the top 5 in my height class. I think if I make the top 5, I will pass out with excitement and never find out how I placed, lol.

Game on for sure!

[natenator]

as they say, nothing succeeds like success.

[steve_d]

Thanks for the encouragement!

I don't think a pro card is in my near future, but I would love to break into the top 5 in my height class. I think if I make the top 5, I will pass out with excitement and never find out how I placed, lol.

Game on for sure!

Ange is right...As fun as it sounds, winning your pro card requires winning your height class at NATIONALS...and THEN, winning the overall. If Ange worked at it, there would always be a chance that it could happen in the coming years, but its I've always said its good to start with goals that you should be happy with.

I think that is the first mistake that many people in figure start out thinking they are the next pro. And they truly feel like they are ripped off when they place 3rd at provincials, or even 3rd at nationals. In my mind, the top 3 in each height class at nationals are basically all "equal". It is a subjective sport - and anyone who places well, and particularly those who consistently place well have what it takes in the sport. I think Ange is one of those, and I fully expect her to come in the top 5.

Besides, coming in the top 5 means being rejudged (in the fancy two piece). And when you're spending close to 1K on a suit, you hope your best to be able to show it off! Its similar to us guys spending hours and hours perfecting a routine, and then not being able to do it at nationals!

We know what to work on, and in 9 weeks it will be awesome to show the end result. The best part is, I won't be suffering in the diet, and i'll be able to be right beside her to make sure she has all the support in the world to get as good as she possibly can be.

I think she's made the right choice in competing this year!

[MuSuLPhReAk]

Congrats to both of you for your shows. You both look great. I also upgraded your user titles to something more appropriate.

[69challenger]

Thanks for the encouragement!

I don't think a pro card is in my near future, but I would love to break into the top 5 in my height class. I think if I make the top 5, I will pass out with excitement and never find out how I placed, lol.

Game on for sure!

You definately have a beautiful physique! I have a feeling you will do really well in August:)