2012 Provincials - My Wife and I - East Coast Edition!

[steve_d]

Hi again everyone...many of you will remember our old sudbury / provincial log:

http://www.canadabodybuilding.com/showthread.php?17772-Sudbury-Provincials-prep-my-wife-and-I&highlight=sudbury+ange

Well, here we are again, East Coast Edition. We are now 14 weeks out for what will be Ange's debut competing in the NSABBA provincials, and it will be my return after over 10 years away from competing in this province. Originally I had my goals set out on doing nationals this year, but after a little thought, I think it makes more sense to start over - requalify in my home province, and eventually make my nationals debut when the contest is a little closer to home. I also look back to our old log, and I really enjoyed the process of dialing in to a show at the same time as Ange. I honestly feel it is easier to do at the same time because you both get into the same mindset and its easier to keep on track.

We are still quite far away from the show right now, and the next month or two will really be all about transitioning into a diet / cardio / training schedule that resembles contest prep.

As for myself, I enjoyed plenty of food over the holidays, but I really didn't put on any weight. I am anywhere between 188-190 with an empty stomach in the morning. I am not as lean as the 7 week out pics from the beginning of last thread, but I am hoping by the time I hit 183 that I will be close. This will mean a 10 pound increase in 2 years which I will be ecstatic about! With that said, the goals I've set out for myself are:

1. Equal or better conditioning then my last showing.
2. 10 or more pounds heavier on stage
3. Win my second provincial show as senior in this higher weight class
4. Most importantly, enjoy the process once again with my awesomely supportive wife and vice versa (be an awesome supporter for her)

Armed with a new sponsor, we both are looking forward to doing this once again.

This log will probably start out slow, as it really hasn't set in that I am actually dieting again already...but I am sure those same feelings, emotions, struggles, successes, will start flooding in in no time. In addition to provincials, we will likely be doing the Atlantics, which has always been a tradition to follow a week after the NS provincials and be a battle between the atlantic provinces. I heard this year they may be trying to add even more spice to the contest by making it a province vs. province showdown with points awarded by placing. In any case, enjoy the log! Pics / vids to follow...

[ange_d]

So here I go again...5 months post baby #2 and in a new city. I am prepping for the 2012 spring season.

Here's my last journal from 2010:

http://www.canadabodybuilding.com/showthread.php?17772-Sudbury-Provincials-prep-my-wife-and-I&highlight=sudbury+ange


For anyone who doesn't already know my history...I had my first baby in 2008 and the second in August of this year. I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight and am tightening up nicely. The goal is to compete in Nova Scotia Provincials, Atlantics, and then World Qualifier in April. The shows are all one week apart from each other. I am now 14 weeks out from the first show.

I live with a form of arthritis, ankolosying spondilitis, that causes me anywhere from mild pain to major inflammation in my SI joints, knees, and back. The major flare ups are unpredictable so all I can do is hope it doesn't interfere with my contest prep. In spring 2010 while prepping for Ontario provincials my knee had swollen up to the point it needed to be drained and shot full of cortisol just for temp relief. I could not even walk on that leg let alone do cardio or train legs for weeks. I stuck out the contest diet and did minimal training and still competed. My leg was slightly atrophied but I still managed to win the regional show and come second at provincials. So flare ups don't stop me but they sure make things harder!

Armed with a new sponsor Cygen Laboratories, a new baby, and a new home I am looking forward to this challenge. I will post updates with stats and pic's as things get rolling. I tend to ease into a contest diet/prep, I find it easier that way, especially after all the Holiday madness! I look forward to your input, it's time for me to get my rip on (it fits me well, lol)!

[mouth]

Good luck to both of you! I'm looking forward to following this.

[countrychic]

Good luck :) Great to be doing it together!

[Delt King]

Awesome guys! i'll be following along for sure. It's good to know Steve that you'll always have that one bye to Nationals for winning the Ontarios that you can use whenever you want regardless of this outcome. but i'm sure you'll kill it. Watch out light-middle...Another Doucette is stepping up lol.

[steve_d]

Awesome guys! i'll be following along for sure. It's good to know Steve that you'll always have that one bye to Nationals for winning the Ontarios that you can use whenever you want regardless of this outcome. but i'm sure you'll kill it. Watch out light-middle...Another Doucette is stepping up lol.

I think after competing in NS that bye will be up. I did a lot of contacting and found out from the president of the organizations that I could use that bye if I compete for Ontario. However, by returning to NS, I am now requalifying as a nova scotia athlete. I think that will effectively eliminate the ability to use that bye unless I move back to Ontario?! Too technical if you ask me! I understand the reasoning behind it, but just erases those last two shows in terms of moving up the ladder....No biggy - I would never have known I'd get the chance to move back East at the time!

I am not worried about that though. When I go to nationals, I want to be at the point where I am ready to WIN nationals (or lose to a freak of nature)...I want to be 176 and dry as a popcorn fart, so I still have a couple years before I hit that level. The rules are slightly different here in terms of byes since its a smaller province, but I am quite confident in being able to do a repeat performance in the middles here! (formerly known as light middle). The ultimate goal is to really improve the way I looked from last time. A win is icing on that cake (that I won't be eating until april) ....

[Evolution31]

As a fellow east coaster I will be definitely following along.

Any plans to do the Atlantics the following week in Moncton? I plan on attending and wouldn't mind the chance to see you compete.

[steve_d]

As a fellow east coaster I will be definitely following along.

Any plans to do the Atlantics the following week in Moncton? I plan on attending and wouldn't mind the chance to see you compete.

we'll both be there on stage!

[Evolution31]

we'll both be there on stage!

I should have read the last line of your initial post and I would have got my answer. I heard this year's Atlantics is going to have a pretty intense line-up, I'm pretty excited to watch it.

I like the point vs. point system too, makes things a little more interesting, too bad New Brunswick won't have a chance since I won't be competing hahaha :P (clearly a joke).

[aznaro8]

Definitely will be following along. Loved the last log from you two and can't wait to see the outcome of this one!

[steve_d]

Hasn't been more than a day, and I am already hitting my first set back!! I am typing away while lying down. I tweaked my lower back and I am pretty much useless right now! I am not sure if it was from the last heavy leg press day (2 days ago but pain only happened today), or if I simply bent over the wrong way this morning to pick up something. Either way, I had a very difficult day - even walking was a pain! Not the best way to start out my prep, but I am not concerned...I should bounce back in a day or two and back at it hard!

Dieting so far a breeze. Always is the first week or so, soon all glycogen stores will be pretty much depleted, and the real fun begins!

[DaveFinistauri]

Good luck to the both of you! A couple that diets together...will probably want to kill eachother once or twice in the next 14 weeks LOL. But the fact that you don't let obstacles like injury, parenthood, and living in a new city affect your goals is an excellent inspiration to anyone who aspires to compete.

[steve_d]

Lower back shows no signs of improvments. Basically no gym for me. It's been 5 days now. Going to the chiro in a few minutes. Quite sure a slipped disc / nerve compression injury here. Again, don't really know where this came from!! But this is the worst injury I've had to my lower back in basically ever. Sneezing is the thing I look least forward to. minutes to get out of bed, shoes on, etc....I was hoping things would have settled a bit by now but doesn't look good!

I am crossing my fingers to be able to do at least some light leg work soon. you know how people test flexibility by sitting down and reaching over to touch toes? I can't even do the sitting down part unless my knees are bent. Not the greatest start to a log - but I am still confident I will bounce back. It's funny, because 2 years ago, during my other prep I remember having a similar problem (but the pain was in the hip / glutes / hamstring). MRI ended up confirming a buldged disc. Just when that injury seemed to be 99% gone, I may have another repeat! BAH! Again...not concerned yet...This morning I was 184 and looking leaner than I have in a LONG time. I am thinking I should be able to easily compete above 170 on stage - perhaps even 175 if things go well from here on out!

[steve_d]

Update:

Chiro said it was a ligament sprain in my back effecting my left side. I also have a nerve compression / slipped disc problem. He says best case scenario though, is that the ligament strain is causing so much inflammation that it created a false positive for nerve issues. Basically, lying flat on my back, he could bring my right leg perpendicular before even slight pain. The left leg, he could not bring my foot even more than a few inches up before I couldn't bear with the pain. anything below 45 degrees is a bad sign. I basically hit 5 degrees. Anyway...regardless of the cause, I am still optimistic. As Ange has proven to me in the past, these types of setbacks aren't ideal - but they aren't something that will prevent me from accomplishing my goals unless they continue for months not weeks.

[JMP]

If the sport was without injury or something else to work through , this board would be pretty dry ....lol , Wish you all the best in your recovery Steve !

[GYMBRAT]

damn , all the best Steve!

[steve_d]

it's been 10 days since the back injury. The inflammation has gone down a fair bit...I actually got back in the gym for a chest workout on saturday. Felt good to train and I was able to train relatively hard. Wearing a belt to keep the back secure from little sudden movements that seem to cause pain still. But I think it is only pain at this point and the injury will slowly work its way out. I won't be messing around with anything that requires any stress on the low back (ie, squats, deads especially) or things like dumbell shoulder press where you really need a tight core to get the weight up to start the set...But I can do some exercises now. Leg extensions are still impossible as I can't lift my left leg up while sitting. But tremendous improvements since I saw the ART / chiro / electric / laser therapy.

I feel as though squats will be starting again in about 2 weeks with a little help of suit bottoms. Deadlifts maybe a couple weeks after that.

[DaveFinistauri]

You're a BEAST Steve...most people would have thrown in the towel on competiting at this point. Keep working hard!

[TT Eric]

Yes props for the high moral!

Do you take anti-inflammatory ? Put ice regularly ?

I had 3 compressed disks in the past, the last one being in 06, I often experienced those episode of 'lock-up' and been stuck in the bed, probably 50+ times, from a few days up to 2 months being unable to walk.

Eric

[steve_d]

ibuprofen has helped quite a bit, but didn't help the initial 2-3 days. THings just needed to settle. I've only had this happen about 3-4 times in my life. Each time is about 3-4 days to fully recovered. This time was about 7+lingering. Perhaps I am just getting old!

Ice has also helped as well. do it a couple times a day, but its been tricky getting the time at work.

Yikes! 2 months! I hope I don't ever get it that bad.

Aside from that, the diet continues to go well. Had my first little cheat meal on saturday. woke up 189 the next morning, but back to 185 today. I think I'll get some pics up this weekend. Just need to figure out my official photo taking 'spot' in our house to get the most consistent lighting, etc. I should be about 183 or so by then. Hoping to stay over 180 as long as possible.

[TT Eric]

If I may give an advice! This summer I locked-up 5 times (5-6 weeks lost total). But I keep going, since this fall I often put 10 min of ice after a training that involved my back, especially when I feel there is inflammation. I also touch my back after my training and sometime when I feel one side more inflated then the other, I take Advil (not often) and ice. So far I have not locked up, not even once since this summer!

Eric

[steve_d]

thanks! will definitely try...I usually gym during work hours, so it should be easy enough for me to pick up a cooling pack, keep it in my fridge at work and after I work out, just throw it on while I sit and work. Can't hurt right? People still noticing my limp in the gym, lol...I honestly thought I was walking normal! I geuss after looking like a total cripple for 7 days, 'feeling' like my posture is back to normal doesn't mean it is!

[BigGuns21]

Alright, lets get straight to the dirty family business LOL! Are you making a statement on CBB.com that you will beat your brother in the overall at Provincials? Anytime I talk to him he's not even mentioning Provincials, all he's talking about is winning at Nationals this year, he just assumes Provincials is a done deal...Haha and yes I love to stir the shit up!

[steve_d]

As far as I know, Greg won't be doing nationals this year. I asked him 100 times before making my decision to do provincials this year. His focus seems to be on doing some powerlifting stuff which is near the nationals in terms of timing, and since the focus for him is powerlifting, he doesn't want it to interfere. Part of my decision to focus on provincials also had to do with this fact. I want to be on stage with him at nationals when he does it. If it happened where he won nationals, it would be a cool thing for me to be up on that stage with him when it happened.

I will be in the overall with him at provincials...I can make that statement! Beating him is another story. We have the same genetics, similar shape, and with 5 more years of training and maturity under his belt it's going to be hard to compete with that. My only plan is to come in beyond lean, making my sudbury version of me look fat. If greg even slips up a bit, and the judges are biased towards conditioned , striated glutes, then yes. He will go down in the overall....And 1 thing I can say for sure is that if he doesn't win the overall, the only one in NS that will take him down will be me :)

[ange_d]

Here we go again, another Greg vs Steve discussion.
I think I can beat both of them!!! lol
Love this competitive talk!

[InkedSailor]

This year there is gonna be a lot of good competition. A guy from the valley who is looking very good right now.

[IronRobi]

I'll be in the crowd at the Atlantics. Best of luck to you both

[c24lamp]

great job guys!! got another follower ;) have a great prep, can't wait for updates

[steve_d]

We also have a wordpress for anyone interested. A few extra stuff we post there from time to time. Here are some recent pics from today (taken from video stills)

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[TT Eric]

Wow I dunno how tall you are, but you are massive for 185lbs! Congrats!

Eric

[Delt King]

You guys are looking great!. i can't believe Ange had two babies at all let alone a newborn 5 mths ago. and Steve yes big resemblance to Greg...kudos on your offseason work.

[aznaro8]

Looking great you two! Great set of wheels Steve!

[BigGuns21]

You've definitely been doing something right bud. Good overall mass improvment, especially the wheels. Ang rebounded real fast too!

[DaveFinistauri]

Lookin' huge Steve! And Angela, I'm pretty sure you have better delt development than I do! Nice work, both of you!

[gregdoucette]

Look its mini Greg. Yes showing some good good mass, legs are starting to pop out now. Just like me took till I was older for my legs to get strong. Injuries suck but as long as its not long term no big deal. I lost 5 months leg training from my knee injury last year so the legs are not overpowering right now but they are catching up Quikly. Im 205 lbs now so i suspect ill be 20 lbs bigger onstage. Its not improtant to worry about winning overall just looking ur best. If I were not in the show I think steve would steal the show without alot of hype going in just like I did in 2006.

[Hugheser]

Wow, nice work. Looking great guys. Will be following along for sure.

[steve_d]

Back injury is slowly going away! I did squats with 3 plates a side today and did slow controlled reps, and easily could handle that load on my back. It hurt a bit, so I didn't want to push it, but I think if all goes well, I should be getting 4 plates again in no time. 5 is a stretch, even though I could handle 5 in october, I just don't see it happening during the diet and what not. Deadlifts will be next on my 'to tackle' list. Hoping I can work my way to doing some deadlifts, perhaps rack pulls to make it not so hard on the lower back.

Otherwise, things are going well. I was sick over the weekend, but plowed through my workout without too much trouble. went from the kids to us. I think Ange is feeling it quite a bit today. It'll be my turn to wake up in the night with the baby while she gets a good rest! Decimate has been my friend throughout these past couple weeks. I am still having good sleep every night, but I know that will change in a few weeks. Looking forward to starting the cardio believe it or not! Ange and I don't have much time to watch tv, but its out tv time...time to catch up on some shows! Wait till you see our setup - I'll be posting pictures soon...But it will involve a 110 inch screen :)

[ubcpower]

Are you or Ange able to give us a look at your contest diet Steve? I think i speak on behalf of everyone here when i say we'd all love to get a glimpse at the food that helps get you in such great condition

[steve_d]

My contest diet is nothing ever set in stone. The unique thing about my diet is that it changes by the hour. For the most part, I listen to what my body (stomach) is telling me. I might eat 2500 calories one day, and 1500 the next. It really depends on how much activity I've done, how hard my workout is, etc. Plus, I believe by keeping your body in constant change you can never get used to anything. The foods I eat are typical of you're everyday bodybuilder - chicken, tuna, eggs, beef, steak, fish, protein powder, ground turkey.

Fats will come from the fats found in the above + cygen fish oil. I sometimes sneak some natural peanut butter, or almonds in the mix as well as olive oil in my salads later in the diet when I likely stop eating as much fats from things like beef, etc. As for carbs, I am quite low carb and centered around my workouts. I might have a protein bar before my workout as a 'tradition' or something to look forward to. But again, it really depends how I am feeling. I consume frozen veggies + salads throughout the day, especially the closer contest day comes.

Yesterday for example, I just needed a little extra during my workout, so I got another protein bar. I OFTEN sneak a little 'cheat' foods throughout my day too. Perhaps not the best thing to do, but it keeps me sane. For example, I might have a bite of my son's kinder egg. Or I might throw in 2-3 granola bars or I've often found myself opening up a package (or 2 or 3) of the sugary premade oatmeal packages and eating it dry on my way to the gym...

I think many people would actually be surprised by what I eat in a day. But again, I listen to how my body feels. I make sure I have great workouts for as long as possible because I think that is the most important part to keeping muscle fullness throughout the diet.

One more thing....Lots of salt, and lots of water...It helps keep you feeling WAY better. As soon as you start getting too dehydrated, that's when things get crazy.

[ange_d]

Steve is the most relaxed dieter for a bodybuilder I have ever met. When we first met I was weighing and measuring food while following a diet written on a piece of paper. This type of diet restriction lead to cravings and an inability to handle the transition back to "normal" eating post contest. Steve showed me how to diet in a better way by listening to my belly and body. He is not lying when he says he cheats a little almost every day....I see him raid the pantry before the gym on the weekends, lol. But, the only time he does this is pre gym.

An example of our relaxed diet: last night we met around 11pm by the glowing light of the fridge (our idea of romance these days, hehe) devouring steak, turkey, and proti powder. We hadn't eaten much in the evening (kids and stuff) so instead of suffering all night and not being able to sleep we went down and ate. No biggy, I'll just eat a little less this morning.

Steve is also a mathematical genius so even though he is relaxed in what and when he eats I am pretty sure his freaky brain is calculating all the cal's and nutrients, lol.

My fav part about Steve's dieting is that he is never the douche opening a stinky tupperware container filled with 4 hour old chicken and broccolli. When we have an event/party to go to we plan to eat what is there and incorporate that into our week. Or, if not ripped enough we just don't eat.

This is how we can handle both competing at the same time with kids. If I am having a really frustrating kid day I might eat a little more just to have a little more patience. Just means I eat less the next day. This is what works for us and no one can argue it doesn't work for us.

Cardio for us will start post Superbowl. Steve is busy turning a room in our basement into a cardio theater room, with 3D projector and all. At least the first few cardio sessions will be fun...we do cardio together before bed while catching up on TV shows and movies after the kids are in bed. It' s like a date for us, sad I know but it's fun for us.

[DaveFinistauri]

Wow...really interesting point of view on dieting. Would you say that genetics play a role in allowing you to approach your diet with more "feel", or is it simply a bi-product of doing what it takes in the gym to ensure that you're fairly lean all year round?

[TT Eric]

Haha! Nice! I like!

Eric

[JMP]

I think your approach in doing this together both eating , your cardio "Dates" etc is very cool , looking forward to watching this progress , looking great guys !!




Steve is the most relaxed dieter for a bodybuilder I have ever met. When we first met I was weighing and measuring food while following a diet written on a piece of paper. This type of diet restriction lead to cravings and an inability to handle the transition back to "normal" eating post contest. Steve showed me how to diet in a better way by listening to my belly and body. He is not lying when he says he cheats a little almost every day....I see him raid the pantry before the gym on the weekends, lol. But, the only time he does this is pre gym.

An example of our relaxed diet: last night we met around 11pm by the glowing light of the fridge (our idea of romance these days, hehe) devouring steak, turkey, and proti powder. We hadn't eaten much in the evening (kids and stuff) so instead of suffering all night and not being able to sleep we went down and ate. No biggy, I'll just eat a little less this morning.

Steve is also a mathematical genius so even though he is relaxed in what and when he eats I am pretty sure his freaky brain is calculating all the cal's and nutrients, lol.

My fav part about Steve's dieting is that he is never the douche opening a stinky tupperware container filled with 4 hour old chicken and broccolli. When we have an event/party to go to we plan to eat what is there and incorporate that into our week. Or, if not ripped enough we just don't eat.

This is how we can handle both competing at the same time with kids. If I am having a really frustrating kid day I might eat a little more just to have a little more patience. Just means I eat less the next day. This is what works for us and no one can argue it doesn't work for us.

Cardio for us will start post Superbowl. Steve is busy turning a room in our basement into a cardio theater room, with 3D projector and all. At least the first few cardio sessions will be fun...we do cardio together before bed while catching up on TV shows and movies after the kids are in bed. It' s like a date for us, sad I know but it's fun for us.

[ange_d]

Wow...really interesting point of view on dieting. Would you say that genetics play a role in allowing you to approach your diet with more "feel", or is it simply a bi-product of doing what it takes in the gym to ensure that you're fairly lean all year round?

I don't think it has anything to with genetics, I think it's just experience. Steve and I have both been in this game a long time. We know our bodies and we know calories. Staying lean all year round definitely helps and allows these "cheats" here and there.[/I]

[steve_d]

I don't think it has anything to with genetics, I think it's just experience. Steve and I have both been in this game a long time. We know our bodies and we know calories. Staying lean all year round definitely helps and allows these "cheats" here and there.[/I]

I personally think genetics play a role in what you look like - but not so much how one responds to a diet - give or take a little. I too often here the saying "all our bodies are different" or "this diet didn't work for me, I need to do ____ instead". I don't know one person who started eating like me who didn't see results. I am not saying my way is the BEST way, but it does work. My motto is more use an approach that you find easiest. If that is keto, go for it, but if keto is too hard for you, then its not the way to do it. Bodybuilding is one thing - yes, we need to get ripped, and no its not easy...but the whole lifestyle thing of staying lean etc should be done in a way that you are comfortable and not suffering. There is a reason that most dieters are yo-yo dieters...while they are losing weight, they are depriving, and they aren't eating in a way that they can sustain long term. The way I eat is easier to sustain mentally (at least for me)....

Honestly, in a lot of ways its similar to the weight watchers approach! lol...(as bad as I hate to admit it)...You know, the point system? Ie - eat the cake, but thats alot of points, etc.... Yes, throughout my prep I probably will have consumed an extra 100 calories per day on average of something the normal person would be shocked to see on a bodybuilder diet. But again, keeps me sane. Telling yourself you can't have something only means you want it more. 12 years ago, when I first started competing I didn't allow myself ANYTHING on a no-no list. What happened after? I am sure I am not alone here, but I started making mental lists of things I craved during the diet that I could eat after it was over. Didn't take more than a week to go through that list, but after the week was done I looked worse than I did 12 weeks out. Live and learn....now I don't restrict foods (well, I still do - I mean, I am not getting lean eating pizza everyday!) ... but I don't take it to extremes anymore, and funny part is, I get leaner every show and have an easier time with the diet each time. And not only that, I stay leaner long after the show.

[ironwill]

Good stuff guys......It is fun reading your journals as a couple, as countrychic and i are in the lifestyle big time and together through it all as well....I find it rewarding, fun, and even exciting watching your partner and yourself improving and killing goals in the process...It is good to read from some folks that have that commonality that is fairly rare these days....
It gives a lot of conversations and thoughts and reaching goals together, all very healthy IMO...Plus there is nothing more relaxing than snuggling in watching some good shows or movies after a long week of working very hard together!! And partaking in a well deserved meal together...
We dont put our BB life in front of social activities either, we eat what is there, and just make up for it the next day as you say....Nothing more annoying than someone cringing, and turning up their nose because they think they are curing world disease, when all they are doing is dieting....lol....
Keep up the great work...
Countrychic and i may do a log for fall contest....except we are the extreme west coast as far as geography....lolol:o

[steve_d]

Good stuff guys......It is fun reading your journals as a couple, as countrychic and i are in the lifestyle big time and together through it all as well....I find it rewarding, fun, and even exciting watching your partner and yourself improving and killing goals in the process...It is good to read from some folks that have that commonality that is fairly rare these days....
It gives a lot of conversations and thoughts and reaching goals together, all very healthy IMO...Plus there is nothing more relaxing than snuggling in watching some good shows or movies after a long week of working very hard together!! And partaking in a well deserved meal together...
We dont put our BB life in front of social activities either, we eat what is there, and just make up for it the next day as you say....Nothing more annoying than someone cringing, and turning up their nose because they think they are curing world disease, when all they are doing is dieting....lol....
Keep up the great work...
Countrychic and i may do a log for fall contest....except we are the extreme west coast as far as geography....lolol:o

would be interested in that log for the same reasons...do it up! West coast edition!

[Hugheser]

I like your approach.

[steve_d]

Holy crap. I have the worst friggen luck.

I was walking my 70 pounds front speaker accross the room, and it sorta slipped under my hand and fell on my bare feet. corner of it landed straight across my big toe. I screamed like you wouldn't believe...pain lasted a good minute or so of non stop moaning. Blood dripping, the whole bit. Ange was right there when it happened. Finally able to make it to the tub to clean out some of the blood and see what was up.

Cracked right through at the base of my big toe. Only attached one 1 side by the looks of it, and it seems like i've exposed about 1/4 inch of nail at the base that i never knew existed....like the skin pulled back??? Not sure if broken...feels as though it is. Set back # 2 already?

Will obviously be taking a little more time from squatting. I hope to be back in the gym at least doing somwthing. Short term goal. Maybe sleep an hour tonight?

[TT Eric]

FFFFFUUUUU, that really sucks!!!!!! :(

Ice time + anti-pain pills, keep it higher then the rest of the body time, you already know that obviously.

When you'll get a bit better your head is not there obviously, I have a HIT training (I got from Arthur Jone's) I can share, that I did after my second competition, only 2 set, minimal of time, but extremely effective, no squats.

Eric

[steve_d]

Had a difficult sleep, but Ange said I was snoring, so I at least got a couple hours in there I am sure.

Surprisingly it isn't very painful right now. Was at about 3am, when I guess my Ibuprofen's started running out. Haven't looked at it since the 2nd time wrapping it up, but I am sure it's not the prettiest thing. Hoping the docs just freeze the sucker, rip the rest of the nail off and let the healing begin. I am about 90% sure it isn't broken.

[DaveFinistauri]

Tough break, Steve. Glad to hear it doesn't sound as if it's broken.

Keep grinding!

[ironwill]

Doesnt it seem like that is the way.....Damn Steve...Good luck with the healing......
BTW, i had no idea you held so much mass in offseason, good on ya....I have only seen you looking like a ripped ,peeled human anatomy chart....Looks good bro, no homo!!:hu

[steve_d]

doc said the nail will fall off in its own for sure. She didn't think it was broken either but she was surprised what it looked like after taking off my sock, lol..

I will be back in gym tomorrow for some back, sunday shoulders triceps biceps, monday hoping I can get something in the way if legs. No squats this week, lol

[countrychic]

My goooodness I cringed reading that about your toe....I bet some prime words were being said. Goodluck with the healing.

Ang, you look fantastic....post baby to boot, good on ya girl, I look forward to watching your journey!! :)

[steve_d]

Just another check-in...Had no trouble getting into the gym once I could put the shoe on with no laces, lol...Each day is better, but each day I get more and more confused about whats going to happen to the toe. Thankfully, its only my toe. Doctor said I could have easily broken my foot had it landed a bit higher up. Didn't even think about that, but its true. I have to consider myself lucky. Anyway:

Lifts are going well, ange and I had a very intense shoulder workout. I've really been doing a lot more smith machine than I have in the past. I always been against doing them in favor of dumbells (ie stability, etc), but when you have injuries, I think its good to switch things up. I honestly never had a better pump in the delts ever just by doing this new movement. I've also been using smith for bench (incline and decline) and same theory there. Will be good to get back to flat benching fully though. The other day I tried my first flat bench in a while without the sling shot, and managed 275x12. I was quite pleased with that considering it felt awkward and was at the gym with the crazy bent and thick bars... I figure I will easily get 3 plates for a dozen in a couple weeks - as long as my weight doesn't continue to drop...

Today was the first time my scale showed sub 180...179.8! eek...A bit lighter than I want to be, and this after having a hefty cheat meal on the weekend. My scale IS 2 pounds or so light, so I am still not officially under 180, but pretty close. My brother measured my body fat on the weekend at 9.9%. He is quite strict too when he measures, and I find he's the closest I get to a true bodyfat reading. For example, most people who saw me in the gym would assume I am 6%, but that's just jokes. Honestly, I think I am closer to 12%, but who cares really! All I know is I have about 7-9 pounds of pure lard to shed before I look like I did in sudbury and I got about 1-2 more pounds to really come where I want to be. My goal (guess) is 170 on stage.

This puts me 10 pounds up in 2 years. Not shabby!

[mouth]

Tough break, Steve. Glad to hear it doesn't sound as if it's broken.

Keep grinding!

Pun intended? ;)

Good work Steve...keep it up!

[Hugheser]

What does a cheat meal for you look like?

Do you ever do the "everything you can get your hands on" cheat meal?

[steve_d]

I've done that type of cheat meal in the past, but only after realizing I was too lean too early and maintaining that level of leaness without re-feeding was simply a no no for me. I have never really been a fan of cheat meals, and favored more or less eating a constant supply of calories to keep myself always feeling "good" rather than have a few days of feeling great followed by some really hard days.

However, my contest prep approached seem to evolve and this whole cheating thing really has helped me feel 'normal'. With family life, etc, I find it too difficult to always be 'on target' so by allowing a normal meal here and there, it really helps when dealing with people who may not understand the whole diet. Basically allows me to feel normal rather than isolated! FOR EXAMPLE: superbowl party this weekend, I won't be eating salad and tuna :)

That said, my cheat meal was actually nothing crazy. I ended up eating about 1kg of extra lean ground turkey in the form of meatballs that Ange cooked up, 2 cups of cooked rice, and some peas/corn. Followed up by about 750 calories of brownies :)

I TRY not to cheat on things that are deep fried, etc, but some pizza or nachos here and there isn't out of the question! Again, I only cheat if I really think I need it. And I never overdo it. I don't feel its healthy to feed yourself to the point where you don't want more.

[ange_d]

This thread seems to be implying contest prep dieting is easy for us....so not true. Just because there are a few "cheats" here and there it doesn't mean we don't suffer. Most days are very little carbs, high fats, and protein. I go to bed hungry every night, not starving but empty feeling. Every afternoon now I get very cranky and having 2 babies around makes it tough.

I always forget how little I need to eat and how hungry I need to be to get ripped. I am eating 15-1600 cal's a day and that is starting to be too much (no cardio). It's funny how I could ever forget but every prep I go through the same realization process. My AS is attacking my hip this time around so cardio will have to wait until I have less inflammation and pain. So have to cut cal's back to the 1300 range and see what happens. I am right on track but have to step it up a bit if I want to compete close to as lean as I was at Nationals in 2010. My main goal in every prep is to improve on my past physique. Ideally I would like to be as lean as last time but a little smaller and less round looking in my upper body. Not much I can do about that though, we found my high school prom photo in which I weighed not much more than 100lbs skinny-fat and I even had capped delts then. Just my genetics I guess, not complaining though!

I will post pic's this weekend...exactly 6 months post baby #2.

[DaveFinistauri]

Thanks for the clarification Ange...I think the thread followers were secretly starting to hate you for your "easy" diet down haha.

[steve_d]

hahaha...yeah, easy is definitely not the word to describe the dieting feeling...Easy describes me knowing what I have to do. AS IN: it's easy for me to know what needs to be done to get ripped. Been doing it so many times now, it just becomes 'easy'... But yeah, dieting is never easy, lol.

So far I've had it pretty good though. Only a few odd cranky times, but I personally believe it has MUCH more to do with set backs (toe, back, etc) then it does being on a diet. I think Ange has it worse than me. Chronic pain is not fun. For anyone that feels pain non stop 24/7, you know exactly what I mean. Sure, sometimes we have a nagging injury, but when pain limits every day life (walking to the bathroom, down stairs, sitting on the toilet), it will accumulate to living a miserable life! Ange is a trooper - that is for sure. I feel bad because I complain about this and that, meanwhile she has it probably worse constantly.

SO! Here's hoping the pain symptoms can be controlled somewhat, and we can get to the next 10 weeks. I am confident Ange will look her best. Like she said, it's all about imporving.

[maxpower]

you guys are looking incredible! great improvements Steve. I look forward to seeing you on stage in April. I may test judge that show??

[ange_d]

Here are some pic's 6 months exactly post baby #2. Certainly not show shape but I think I am right on track. Time to step it up a notch...stricter diet and cardio starting this week!

[aznaro8]

Don't kill me Steve... but your wife looks hot! Nice work, can't even tell you've had a baby just recently!

[steve_d]

^ lol... yes, she's a looker!!

This is the part where it starts getting tough though I think, mentally / physically... Shifting from "you look insane for someone who just had a baby" to... "you look insane" period! :)

I think she's well on her way...Soon those abs will pop out, and I will be jealous every morning trying to flex mine next to hers.

I was going to wait until 7 weeks out to post official pre-contest in my underwear shots, which is what I did last time for sudbury...I feel as though I am apporaching that leanness now, which is good because I still have 3 weeks to go before I need to be comparable to that. The good news is as predicted, the initial water is out and now the minor changes is pure fat loss. I am still holding above 180, and in fact closer to 185 now. Here's one of me in the gym yesterday...I am puzzled as to why I see imbalance in my arm. I know I've had an injury to my right delt which has caused a lot of trouble in my workouts, but I am hoping its just lighting or the pose I am in ... I didn't notice until just now so most likely thats it - if not, no concern - muscle memory will do its work over the next 10 weeks because the injury is now at 98%, and I am having WAY better workouts now. EX: bench 295 for 12 with a major hamstring cramp on my 10th rep which made me do the last two reps with one leg striaght up in the air. I think in a few weeks I'll get the 3 plates for 15 that I had as a goal for myself for the last 2 years...

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[TT Eric]

Dude your arms are huge! They seems way bigger then in your avatar's picture! For the difference in size it might be the light, but to be sure put the tape on it and you'll see right away if left is bigger!

Eric

[ironwill]

I see what you mean Steve, but you are definitlely holding the shoulder in a different position, and delt is a bit smaller, or so appears......I am in the exact same boat, but left side, my frigging delt is bad injured as well for the past 6 weeks or so, and i am seeing it in my delt size and bicep size. Curling an 80 lb DB on right, and a 40 if im lucky on the left lately, can lift more, but it is brutally painfull and want it to heal up.......Not to hijack, just relating as it is a bugger...
As you said muscle memory will clear you up in the next while as you regain 100%.....

[ironwill]

I see the lady in blue in background trying to immitate you....The best form of flattery is imitation bro!!!lol...;^)

[steve_d]

Yeah, I was looking at again in the gym today just to see what was up...Must be holding the pose wrong...I remember getting a little cramp waiting for ange to take the pic, lol...Definitely no imbalances from what I saw in gym today. I am certainly equally strong on both arms.

PS: my avatar is 2 years ago, on stage dehydrated to the max at about 160 pounds. The other is at 185, so.... :)

[steve_d]

I see the lady in blue in background trying to immitate you....The best form of flattery is imitation bro!!!lol...;^)

HAHAH! I totally didn't even notice that... I think she's competition for Ange, no??

So, good news today - my first day doing legs since the busted toe. And essentially the first day doing legs since before I busted my back up and had to rehab that. What an amazing feeling to get back to the office and after sitting for about 30 minutes and needing to get up to pee, barely being able to get there. My legs are already intensely sore, contracting, cramping, the whole bit. I love it...A first sign to really knowing that these next 10 weeks are going to be awesome as far as working out and progressing. I didn't do squats, but I was able to do leg press, lunges, leg press machine, extensions, calf raises, hams curls with little to no issue. My toe feels weird now from more movement, but its only because the nail is slowly coming off. I can't stress how high the motivation level is after today.

[crysaunders]

Im looking to go watch a show, i live in Fredericton NB i would like to do a show in Nov of this year. I just wanted to go see one before to see whats its all about. Do you know the Date of the moncton show and where it is.

[MuSuLPhReAk]

Im looking to go watch a show, i live in Fredericton NB i would like to do a show in Nov of this year. I just wanted to go see one before to see whats its all about. Do you know the Date of the moncton show and where it is.

Here are the shows in your area this year.
The Moncton one on the 21st of April is at Mathieu Martin High School, Dieppe, NB
More info on the nbpfa.com website

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[steve_d]

So another very good workout. Got a chance to get a good chest workout in with my brother.

First, I have to say that a few months ago, when I first began taking the cygen supplements, I really felt as though decimate + toragen was having a very positive effect on my workouts. At the time, it was difficult to know for sure just how much each of them individually had on my workouts because I began taking them at the same time and it was a period where I had just recovered from injuries and was going to be making decent gains regardless. SO that brings me to now - I have only taken decimate consistently since then along with protein, etc. Just this past week I decided to give the toragen another go. I wanted to accurately guage just how much it impacted my workouts. I honestly believe toragen is responsible for all the strength increases I've been seeing this past week. Its just too much coincidence.

I am now doing 295 for 12 (flat bench) in the gym with the crap bar, which I have consistenly been 20 pounds weeker in. This means I am at 3 plates for 12 with a good bar. That is by far the strongest I have been. This at a bodyweight of about 182-183 in the morning.

We've both started our cardio sessions. 2 days in a row at 40 minutes. Treadmill for me at a very slow pace...just easing my way into it really for now. Pretty cool though doing cardio in front of a 110 inch screen! I'll need to get pictures of our setup.

[DaveFinistauri]

Thanks for the detailed feedback on the supplements, Steve. Happy to hear that you're noticing a difference. Keep it up!

[TT Eric]

Make wanna try the toragen! How much caps per day do you take and for how long do you take/recommend ?

Eric

[DaveFinistauri]

Eric,

We recommend taking 2 capsules (600mg) pre-workout on training days, and 1 capsule (300mg) 2x a day on non-training days. The clinical study conducted, used previously strength trained males at a body weight of approx. 180lbs, so Steve is right in that sweet spot. For someone over 200lbs, we've found that increasing the dosage to 900mg/day produces greater strength increases.

The clinical study was conducted over an 8-week period, so this is the amount of time we recommend people use the product for to get best results.

[steve_d]

I take 3 caps about 1.5 hour pre-workout. I pretty much train every day now, so I am going to stick with that dose from here on out. I don't always say that more is better, but you know how it goes...Sometimes you just take a little extra, lol :) - especially now that I am in pre contest mode!

[TT Eric]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y275/Eric21/bigup.gif

Eric

[steve_d]

Ange had a chance to come train with me yesterday, made for a way funner workout! We had family able to babysit for a few hours, and even though its a 35 minute drive for her to see me at the goodlife near my work, I think it was worth it! I was surprised how good she is looking. I guess you get used to seeing yourself in good lighting and you assume you are shredded...I see girls in my gym and always think, yep - they are lean, they are doing well...until Ange shows up and makes you think...WOW - they're way off!

I was just under 180 on my scale this morning...179.8. This means I am about 181 to 182 now in the morning. I was really dehydrated, but looking really good for this far out. Pics this weekend. We're just waiting for there to actually be sunlight when we wake up so we can take some morning pics.

[ange_d]

So, trained with Steve at his downtown gym yesturday. Steve is blowing my mind, he looks way different now than ever! He is so lean and hard it's bordering on rediculous for 9.5 weeks out. I always think I look lean and then boom, I train with Steve and feel like doing 5 hours of cardio, lol. If his progress doesn't motivate me I don't know what will.
Two days ago he trained with his brother Greg and he even made Greg feel not ripped enough.

This is a changing week for me for sure, I can tell already. Cutting cal's back and adding a little pre-bed cardio is working just as expected. Abs are starting to show and I feel leaner all over. Workouts are intense and I am sleeping a bit more at night now too! Baby slept almost 6 hours straight last night!

And, Dave F. if I am fat onstage I am blaming it on you because your protein powders taste so good and the NutriWhey mixes into the perfect "pudding" consistency that I can't stop eating it! Just joking, your whey's are saving me these days!

[TT Eric]

LOL you guys posted with only one minute interval between each other! Seems you inspire each other too! It's nice to see that! Keep going guys!

Eric

[DaveFinistauri]

Don't shoot the messenger! Do you know how hard it is to make a protein powder that women actually LIKE? haha.

Awesome work, both of you. You mutual inspiration is fantastic to see. I've talked to many friends who have told me that show prep is a strain on their relationship, but going through it together and supporting eachother clearly makes it easier.

[steve_d]

LOL you guys posted with only one minute interval between each other! Seems you inspire each other too! It's nice to see that! Keep going guys!

Eric

I know, and we're about 35 km away from each other. Pure coincidence! I swear it was within seconds...

[BigGuns21]

Lol, all you two are missing is matching NASCAR or Artic Cat Jackets and you'll be "that" couple. ;)

[steve_d]

9 week out pics. Sorry for the terrible quality. It's hard to find decent lighting in our house and are still experimenting. That said, we both had quite a little cheat yesterday and are both 4 pounds up from morning weight yesterday. Fuller for sure, but like I always say, the little detail cuts vanish! I am 185 in these pics.




28912289132891428915

Ange:

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[TT Eric]

Awesome guys! You both rocks!

No back pics, but seems you both are well balanced.

Eric

[steve_d]

Yeah, I forgot to take the back shots since these were just rushed pics - but if I had to guess, my back is my best bodypart after my arms. Although, oddly enough, I think my legs are starting to approach the list of best body parts. Would have never thought I would say that 5 years ago when I had stick legs!

As for Ange, well, her back is almost as thick as mine and she rows almost the same weight, lol...

[ange_d]

I think Steve posted 2 pics almost exactly the same of me, lol.
Anyway, leaning out well now. I was kinda dissapointed in the pic's but I think I always compare myself to 1 week out from contest Ange. I am starting to get more dirty looks in the gym and some compliments (on my delts of course) so I must be right on track.
I am making my own suits this year, thats why the half done suit in the picture. Turns out I really love beading suits...maybe a business for the future. For now its a great hobby to keep me out of the kitchen in what little free time I have.
Another good week ahead I hope. Steve is having some trouble with his back, hopefully he recovers quickly.

[ironwill]

I am starting to get more dirty looks in the gym and some compliments (on my delts of course) so I must be right on track.

Good on you folks...Keep driving!!!
Its funny how that works.....I get the odd dickhead in the gym, but for the most part guys are complimentary when im getting in shape....But the chix, holy, i find it absurd how catty they get and wont even hardly look at CC when she is dicing up...From friends to very weird ladies in a few short weeks....lol...
CC is always kind and humble.... always.... So its not her that changes the dynamic of the relationship....I just say it means things are going very well....
Next the "do you have an eating disorder questions come out...lol"
Then heaven forbid you forego a drink when out socializing......Now you are to good for them....weird some ladies are.....:D

[ange_d]

Good on you folks...Keep driving!!!
Its funny how that works.....I get the odd dickhead in the gym, but for the most part guys are complimentary when im getting in shape....But the chix, holy, i find it absurd how catty they get and wont even hardly look at CC when she is dicing up...From friends to very weird ladies in a few short weeks....lol...
CC is always kind and humble.... always.... So its not her that changes the dynamic of the relationship....I just say it means things are going very well....
Next the "do you have an eating disorder questions come out...lol"
Then heaven forbid you forego a drink when out socializing......Now you are to good for them....weird some ladies are.....:D

This is soooo true, I know I am on track with the jealous looks. When the jealous looks turn into disgust and people seem worried about my health I know I am ready. After the show they all turn into friends again, so weird how it all works but I have seen it over and over again in all my preps.

As Steve gets leaner more guys talk to him and ask him to spot them, ask for diet/training advice etc...As us girls get leaner other girls (in general) avoid us like the plague, lol.

I keep to myself while I train so I may come off a little stuck up but I am really the opposite. I just have limited time in the gym and have to make every moment count.

[mouth]

Good on you folks...Keep driving!!!
Its funny how that works.....I get the odd dickhead in the gym, but for the most part guys are complimentary when im getting in shape....But the chix, holy, i find it absurd how catty they get and wont even hardly look at CC when she is dicing up...From friends to very weird ladies in a few short weeks....lol...
CC is always kind and humble.... always.... So its not her that changes the dynamic of the relationship....I just say it means things are going very well....
Next the "do you have an eating disorder questions come out...lol"
Then heaven forbid you forego a drink when out socializing......Now you are to good for them....weird some ladies are.....:D

And there's the difference between most guys and girls! ;)

Steve and Ange, ya both look great! Keep it up...

[steve_d]

Good on you folks...Keep driving!!!
Its funny how that works.....I get the odd dickhead in the gym, but for the most part guys are complimentary when im getting in shape....But the chix, holy, i find it absurd how catty they get and wont even hardly look at CC when she is dicing up...From friends to very weird ladies in a few short weeks....lol...
CC is always kind and humble.... always.... So its not her that changes the dynamic of the relationship....I just say it means things are going very well....
Next the "do you have an eating disorder questions come out...lol"
Then heaven forbid you forego a drink when out socializing......Now you are to good for them....weird some ladies are.....:D'

100% agreed. More and more guys will talk to me each and every day. the leaner I get, the more friendly other guys get. Opposite is true when its women...I have a feeling a lot of it has to do with jealousy because most women deep down want to get into the kind of shape female competitors get in...the problem is because they don't know how, or have too much difficulty doing so, the only way they can boost themselves up is to somehow take away the credit from another hard working girl. When Ange popped into my gym, all I saw were up and down looks of like "who the hell do you think you are"...ESPECIALLY the ones on the cardio equipment trying to desperately burn off 200 calories so they can consume 900 when they are done.

There are always a few though who are really nice, and complimentary...But I dunno - it's like you say - women you find in the gym can get very competitive!

[DaveFinistauri]

'

100% agreed. More and more guys will talk to me each and every day. the leaner I get, the more friendly other guys get. Opposite is true when its women...I have a feeling a lot of it has to do with jealousy because most women deep down want to get into the kind of shape female competitors get in...the problem is because they don't know how, or have too much difficulty doing so, the only way they can boost themselves up is to somehow take away the credit from another hard working girl. When Ange popped into my gym, all I saw were up and down looks of like "who the hell do you think you are"...ESPECIALLY the ones on the cardio equipment trying to desperately burn off 200 calories so they can consume 900 when they are done.

There are always a few though who are really nice, and complimentary...But I dunno - it's like you say - women you find in the gym can get very competitive!

How appropriate the timing is on this post - had a really similar thing come up at the gym yesterday. One of the trainers at my gym is prepping for the Arnold Amateur Figure Competition in a couple of weeks, and scheduled at photoshoot yesterday at the gym. When she walked out of the changeroom in her outfit, I could not believe some of the comments coming from the Muffin-Top sporting ladies whon were half assing their workout next to me while I was warming up. To make matters worse, their personal trainer seemed to be ENCOURAGING their rude comments by contributing to them herself. I was embarassed for the three of them. Just because they don't have the drive or determination to get into that kind of shape, they make excuses and catty comments to justify their lack or results.

Keep up the good work, Ange! (oh...and you too, Steve! haha)

[ironwill]

How appropriate the timing is on this post - had a really similar thing come up at the gym yesterday. One of the trainers at my gym is prepping for the Arnold Amateur Figure Competition in a couple of weeks, and scheduled at photoshoot yesterday at the gym. When she walked out of the changeroom in her outfit, I could not believe some of the comments coming from the Muffin-Top sporting ladies whon were half assing their workout next to me while I was warming up. To make matters worse, their personal trainer seemed to be ENCOURAGING their rude comments by contributing to them herself. I was embarassed for the three of them. Just because they don't have the drive or determination to get into that kind of shape, they make excuses and catty comments to justify their lack or results.

Keep up the good work, Ange! (oh...and you too, Steve! haha)

Sorry, i dont mean to take away from the log here, but that is so true about the personal trainers....One lady PT is so anti- in shape women, it is scary....Only because ive seen a couple of her clients ask who CC was etc, and i couldnt hear the reply, but the body language sure spoke loud and clear, and then a few minutes later the muffin tops that were asking the questions were chatting and side eyeing and crumpling up their noses at CC.... I get it, probably asked why the PT doesnt look like CC, or, how do i get a body like that??
Then pt prob said do core exercises on the bosa ball.....
It is quite funny....i am glad to see we arent the only ones noticing, i thought maybe i was becoming judgemental in my old age....lol.wheew..
Keep on trucking you 2!!

[steve_d]

By all means, this is what I like about the thread! Wait till were both about 3 weeks out...then it will turn into a rant about others we can't tolerate anymore thread lol....

[vytis]

You look great for 9 weeks out! I would love to look that way at the day of my show....:)

[Evolution31]

Looking very forward to seeing you compete at the Atlantics Steve,

The welter category should be quite the battle between yourself and Mike Martin from New Brunswick

[ange_d]

I had a really great week. Here are pic's from this morning. Fat is dropping from around my waist and butt and legs are next. It's always the last place I drop fat and to be honest I was more worried about my stomach but my waist is really tightening up nicely. Should be an easy prep with no extreme measures if all continues this way. Cardio at 45 mins per day this week, cals around 1200-1300 with one major cheat meal per week. Training is getting more intense and I am almost back to my max's. Hip arthritis bothering me on and off, main problem is sleep. We are still awake with the baby through most nights and when trying to get back to sleep I get stiff joints and sometimes intense pain while trying to fall back to sleep. Hopefully that will improve soon. I am looking forward to the next couple work outs following this weeks cheat. Amazing how much energy a carb up can give you for a couple of days.

[steve_d]

Looking very forward to seeing you compete at the Atlantics Steve,

The welter category should be quite the battle between yourself and Mike Martin from New Brunswick

Mike is looking large at 180...I am right now 192 or so after a bit of a much needed cheat. should be 185 tomorrow morning. I believe welter goes up to 165 for atlantics. I will likely be top end middleweight at 180 or so. It's looking like provincials I will have to do some decent dehydration to get to 176 :)

[Hugheser]

I had a really great week. Here are pic's from this morning. Fat is dropping from around my waist and butt and legs are next. It's always the last place I drop fat and to be honest I was more worried about my stomach but my waist is really tightening up nicely. Should be an easy prep with no extreme measures if all continues this way. Cardio at 45 mins per day this week, cals around 1200-1300 with one major cheat meal per week. Training is getting more intense and I am almost back to my max's. Hip arthritis bothering me on and off, main problem is sleep. We are still awake with the baby through most nights and when trying to get back to sleep I get stiff joints and sometimes intense pain while trying to fall back to sleep. Hopefully that will improve soon. I am looking forward to the next couple work outs following this weeks cheat. Amazing how much energy a carb up can give you for a couple of days.

Lookin' great, my girlfriend is astonished. Can't believe you had a baby lol.

[ange_d]

Lookin' great, my girlfriend is astonished. Can't believe you had a baby lol.

I had 2!!!
lol

[Hugheser]

lol, "even more remarkable"

[steve_d]

I'm on the left, just trying to hang in there with the big bro!

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[BigGuns21]

I think you got the bigger arms now bud! Your waist tapper on the rear dbl is nicer...right now. He's still got you on the chest, back width and quads slightly, but conditioning wise your both pretty even and crazy for 8 weeks out now?

[steve_d]

yep, his quads are 3 inches bigger, his biceps are 0.5 inches bigger. I am leaner by about 1% according to calipers. He also outweighs me by 17-20 pounds depending on the day, or time of day. each and every year just trying to bridge the gap :)

It;s fun having an older brother to use as a 'crystal ball' so to speak. He's 5 years older - so this is what I aspire to - in 5 years.

[steve_d]

so just hours after taking those pics (yesterday) I started with a cough. I went from feeling 100% down to about 20% in a matter of an hour. I spent all of last night trying to catch a good sleep, and this morning felt like absolute hell. Skipped cardio last night, but because of feeling sick I couldn't stomach water last night and therefore was pretty dehydrated by the time I woke up. After a coffee and a little to eat I am starting to feel a bit better - but I ran out of sick days at work - so basically trying to plow through another day here and hopefully recover quickly.

Our son seemed to have the same thing, and he bounced back faster than ever - so here's hoping the same goes for me! An a positive note - a dehydrated 180 pound me this morning looked leaner than I did 1 week out from sudbury...so I am quite confident I am going to be looking pretty good at 176 on stage :) .... The motivation that keeps pushing me through is a quote from inside fitness magazine's report on the sudbury show:

"Steve displayed near perfect conditioning"...Yep, that was a compliment, but all I hear is NEAR perfect.... This can be improved. Striated glutes, here I come.

[ironwill]

Looking great Steve......Just got over that stupid 24 hour thing myself...wow....it was brutal..
Anyway, i cant believe how similar your builds are, even though you are brothers, it is still mind boggling..

[countrychic]

I had 2!!!
lol

very inspiring :)when I am not in the mood to get to the gym it would make excuses sound rediculous lol!! Great work Ang, can't wait to see the final result!!

[countrychic]

I'm on the left, just trying to hang in there with the big bro!

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That is a really cool comparison shot!! Looking great!

[steve_d]

So this lingering 24 hour thing has not kept me out of the gym, but it certainly has me begging for mercy during the night time cardio! 1.5mph on a full incline was basically too much to handle. Now that is weak! Obviously a little tiredness setting in, but nothing I would not have expected! Had a good leg workout yesterday - first time I had 4 plates a side since my back injury. I've found that what hurts it the most is leg pressing no matter how much I tweak the angle of the back pad or no matter how 'not deep' I go in the lift, I simply can't get the legs under the leg press without causing some serious sciatica problems for the next week or so. Squatting only moderately effects the sciatica apparently, so I am sticking to that. No complaints here! I love being able to continue to squat heavy. I think its key.

Not only that, I was able to get some decent conventional deadlifts in the other day too. I only made it to 3 plates a side, but it was simply another experiment to see how ready I was to start going back to my 'roots'. Should be good to go for the next few weeks at least - until the serious dieting takes over and limits those power movements more and more as things get closer. I expect to get a workout in with my wife again today in the city as I am pretty sure we have my sister in law stepping in for a quick babysit. Always makes training funner when she's around.

[razorsedge]

^^^^
Steve...do you know anyone or have access to an inversion table...or even gravity boots. Short sessions inverted will help dramatically with your lower back issue, in fact, it may alleviate it totally. You're obviously impinged somewhere and the gravity pull when inverted will help to stretch or open the impingement for temporary relief and aid in the healing process...silly as it sounds it works

[steve_d]

I'll have to look into it. I had this same issue during my last prep (on my other side) and one day it simply just got better. I am weird like that, lol. But you're right - even hanging from a chin up bar helps with it. Or laying on the hamstring curl machine with just a slight pull against the legs. It feels like I just need to pull the spine apart a bit.

ART definitely has helped quite a bit too - Otherwise I wouldn't be even able to walk to the gym let alone work out as hard as I do :)

[Andre Gregoire]

I'm on the left, just trying to hang in there with the big bro!

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Good job Steve, major props! Watch out Greg, it won't be long...

[aznaro8]

Great comparison pics Steve! Pretty neat how close in structure the two of you are

[steve_d]

Hey guys... I must say, this diet is REALLY taking its toll on my body. I would have to say this has been the hardest prep I have ever had and it's really hard to stay motivated at times. For the last 5 days now, I have not been able to sleep more than a couple hours at night. This has all to do with nerve pain that is running down my leg. 90% of the time I cannot feel my entire heel, and half of my foot. That's the good part. My hamstring feels as though its constantly being strained when I sit down. Needless to say, I can't work normally considering I have an office job in front of a computer. My solution is that I rotate 5-10 minutes sitting, 5-10 minutes standing while I am at work. It helps the pain a little. I've seen the chiro and this is not a disc issue. I have nerves trapped under scar tissue that has been built up in a few spots under my glutes and hamstrings. Getting leaner seems to aggravate it. My theory is I just don't have as much lubrication around all my tissues. It generally slowly goes from absolute hell in the morning, to barable by the time I go to bed - so I am thinking keeping my fluids up and not allowing myself to get too dehydrated will help alleviate some of my symptoms.

On a positive note. Work outs are not being affected by this pain. While I am moving, the pain is hardly noticeable. Sure, the workouts are tough simply because I am low carb, etc...Which is to be expected, but the gym time is still my favorite time of day! I will continue having cheat meals for the next few weeks as I am way ahead of pace. I basically could compete this weekend and be leaner and much larger than I was in my last 2 shows 2 years ago. I have come quite far and its hard to 'half-ass' it from here on out. So I will continue to give it my all and I am hoping it will all pay off in the end.

ALSO... On an even more positive note - both Ange and I have renewed our Cygen contracts! We are so happy to be part of the company. We literally go through a 30-day supply of anabolic link (BCAAs) between the two of us every 4 days now. 2 pounds of isolate lasts us about the same. So it is definitely a help to have a great sponsor help us along the way!! Will post photos very soon.

[vytis]

Sorry to hear about the nerve pain issue, it must make this whole prep that much harder.

Gotta love that sponsorship....I would be having my fill of whey and BCAAs too...:)

[razorsedge]

Hang in there...sounds brutal especially down the leg. I know some guys who had similar stuff go on and as they got a bit leaner (you aren't going too much more) it passed so like you it came on at a certain level bf and passed as he got leaner still...thats a best case....his was in upper outer lats though..

[steve_d]

I hope you're wrong about the getting leaner, because I can't really get much leaner :)

Pics to come...

[ironwill]

Good stuff Steve, look forward to pics!!! Keep driving man, and hope to see Anges update as well....Congrats on the continuing sponsorship!!

[Hosehead]

Great thread Steve. Both you and Ange look awesome. I am having some major injury issues myself right now and it is inspiring to see that with a little time and a good attitude things will work out. Best of luck to both of you.

[steve_d]

Pics from this morning: 180 am weight. 4 pounds to go! I am pretty dry particularly in the legs each day, but I know there is still a bit of water to lose. Rear double bi needs a little work in my stance...I have been really neglecting practicing posing this year as I am always so tired, but definitely going to keep up with the weekly picture updates from here on out!

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[TT Eric]

Dang Steve you are super rip!!! Where is the water ? Spit and your out of it! lol

You are what, 6 weeks before the show ?? Water would not be my worry but not loosing too much muscle till then.

Congrats!

Eric

[ange_d]

Steve is more ripped now than I have ever seen him. I think there will be striations in his striated glutes, lol.

I have been struggling a little as to whether I belong in figure of physique for provincials. Bottom line is I don't really like the physiqe style posing and my heart is really in the sport of figure (I like sparkly things and 5" high heel shoes) and has been for years. I have toned down my training, eliminated really heavy training (which I don't mind at all), and added some more cardio. I am actually really excited that figure in Canada might finally become more about long, lean physiques instead of the bulkier bodies we have seen on recent winners. So, it will be interesting to see what happens...

My pic's tomorrow am...last night was killer. Our 6 month old is teething and I was up all night with her. The last thing I wanted to do was have my pic taken this morning. Instead I drank a ton of coffee and Anabolic Link while lying on the couch, lol. Hopefully a better night tonight!

[Evolution31]

Oh boy am I excited to see the Atlantics.

My girlfriend is competing in the show, and I'm excited for her but I dunno I might be more excited to see the condition you come in Steve, looking good :)

[ange_d]

Oh boy am I excited to see the Atlantics.

My girlfriend is competing in the show, and I'm excited for her but I dunno I might be more excited to see the condition you come in Steve, looking good :)

What division? You should have her join the board, we could use some more ladies here!

[ange_d]

6 weeks out...
I was kinda dissapointed with this weeks pic's at first. Then Steve put the pic's beside the ones from 2 weeks ago and the changes can be seen. Slow and steady I guess.

Pic's taken after drinking a litre of water and coffee. I woke up so dry in my mouth I could not wait to drink, even to take a pic, lol.

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[TT Eric]

You hide pretty well that 1 liter + coffee! lol

IMO you are on schedule for 6 weeks out, Steve is ahead, like if he was 1 or 2 weeks out.

Eric

[ange_d]

You hide pretty well that 1 liter + coffee! lol

IMO you are on schedule for 6 weeks out, Steve is ahead, like if he was 1 or 2 weeks out.

Eric

I totally agree. Sometimes it's tough on me to see him so far ahead...but I am on track. Lots of time to tighten up that pregnancy butt, lol. The training/diet has been pretty easy for me so far. The tough part is when one of my kids are sick, or when Steve is injured or not feeling 100%. I have to work around them and we have had a pretty rough go so far. Here's hoping the next 6 weeks run smoothly.

[steve_d]

^ I can for sure relate... I have a tough time seeing other competitors ahead of the game while I am in the game. Call me weird, but its just the way my brain works. Back in the good old days, I use to play a lot of catch up and used to have a 'plan' that would always translate into "x pounds of fat can be lost in the last 2-3 weeeks". But since then I realized, I hate playing catch up - I hate feeling as though things may in fact be rushed in the last few weeks and particularly now, when you just never know what each day will bring (kids) I don't want to have to rely on those last few weeks of massive cardio. I want to make sure that in 5 weeks time I am READY. No need for 2 hours of cardio a day, etc. So far so good as I only do 40-45 mins every 4-5 days per week. The less cardio I do, the more productive my workouts can be. My motto this prep has been: we're bodybuilders, not marathon runners - lol...Don't get me wrong, cardio can be very important, but if I can get away without it (for now), then I am not going to complain!@

It worked for me last time, and in fact it trained me to understand that I can actually go off my diet once a week and still get shredded. The other side of the coin is that by getting too lean too early, you have to suffer longer or more than necessary at the end. IE - I could look like this a week out and feel fine, so that means 4 weeks of maintaining - seems hardly worth it. So moral of the story for me is I am not looking at my condition as being 'too lean' or 'ahead of the game'. I may be ahead of the game by some peoples standards, but for the way I want to look, I still need to come in a little sharper. There is a couple pounds to be lost, and since I do want to make middle, I still need to lose a couple pounds before that weight class won't be 'tricky' to make. I do have a tough time with cramping when severly dehydrated as some of you know, so the less drastic measures I need to take the better. I'd rather lose an extra pound of fat now then have to lose an extra pound of water later!! Plus, I've seen other national level competitors look far leaner than me at a month out for their respecitve shows- so there is room to improve! :)

[Evolution31]

What division? You should have her join the board, we could use some more ladies here!

She's doing the figure model division. I'll show it to her later tonight.

Might help encourage her a little, I know when I was doing the NBs all the kind words and encouragement on this board was awesome.

You guys are both looking great :)

[Hugheser]

Man your Hams are dry, and your sweep is killer Steve! Arms look great in the side chest as well.

[steve_d]

179 this morning. Weight slowly dropped from a high of 185 after my last carb up to now its lowest of the entire prep so far. I think I just have a little water to lose at this point, so its time to try to enjoy the remaining weeks as much as I can. I'll be the first to admit, once you've come this far, it's difficult to "ease up" so I think the best thing I can do is continue my 'refeed' days / meals in order to keep things on track. If for some reason at the end of the following week I don't feel as hard as the previous week, I think at THAT point it will be time to stop.

Workouts are still going relatively well. Mornings are tough for whatever reason. It feels as though it takes a while for the water to get into my system and therefore the first few hours of work I am quite light headed, dizzy, tired, restless, etc. Eventually though, I actually feel more myself, and at that point I usually make way to the gym!! Only 1 day this week was bad for working out, the others were decent, and 1 was actually one of the BEST workouts in months. Funny I can't figure out what on earth about that day I did different that would make the workout that much better. Food remained relatively constant, sleep is non-existant, so who knows! I guess I just hope for as many more of those days as I can :)

PS: the 1 day this week that was the worst workout, coincidentally was monday and I forgot my decimate at home. So not hard to figure out why that day sucked! Last time I try to workout without my pre-workout supps! I normally have a little bit of coffee each morning to get me going - Ange makes it, and I think she says its quite weak. But 300mg caffeine from decimate surely helps :)

I should also mention another thing...both our Isolate and Whey come in vanilla and chocolate. We had only tried chocolate because normally we're just not the 'vanilla type'...We just picked up some for a change, and holy crap...Who knew vanilla could be so good! This isn't a plug - seriously its by far the best tasting protein powder I've ever had. And its not even a fancy flavor. Have to thank Cygen!!

[ange_d]

5 weeks out now!
Steve looked at me last night before bed/after cardio and said "why do you look so nuts, what happened?". I heard a sort of jealous tone to his voice (in a good way) that I have heard in the past (lol, he gets a bit envious of my abs sometimes, hehe, I did have veins through them last night) so I know now I am a bit ahead of the game. I weighed 130 this morning, light for me as I weighed 127 onstage dehydrated at nationals in 2010. I seem to be dropping about 1.5 lbs a week consistantly even with a major junk up day every week. I guess the pregnancy hormones have finally gotten out! woohoo! In fear of looking too lean/small/hard or whatever I will eat what I want for most of today, have a wild workout with tons on energy (hopefully), and sleep well tonight. The carbs will last a couple of days and help my training. I would normally never cheat this close to a show but I think it will actually help me in the end. We made a video of my supplementation regimine and will hopefully have it posted to our blog later today.

Steve is wild looking as per usual. There is no fat left on his legs, I have never seen him this lean. His skin is starting to seem transparent. Hopefully his pain will subside and all will go smoothly from here on in.

[cog]

Ange,do you think this envy about your abs might get Steve to reconsider ab work?

[ange_d]

Ange,do you think this envy about your abs might get Steve to reconsider ab work?

I don't do any specific core training either, Steve just likes the the shape and overall look of my abs. He is WAY leaner than me everywhere but that's as it should be.

[steve_d]

Ange,do you think this envy about your abs might get Steve to reconsider ab work?

Ange just had the dryness in her abs that I wish I could get without suffering so much! I really don't think you can trick where bodyfat escapes from first. Every contest diet i've done so far has been radically different, and as I get older, my legs lean out way before the rest of my body. As a junior, I used to have the driest looking back and delts months before the show. Sharpness in the delts and tris that would make you hurt if you scratched it with your fingernail the wrong way, lol.... But at the same time, barely visible seperation in the quads.

NOW, the quads look like a thing out of a horror movie, yet the upper back and delts only slowly becoming shredded. One thing that has been relatively consistent all my life is my core (chest / abs) seem to be one of the last things to get to a level of "lean" not shredded, but the limbs basically the first. Makes for a perfect "in the gym look" because basically, I never look fat with a tanktop and shorts on :)

[TT Eric]

CP teach in his Biosignature courses that there is a relation between body fat placement and hormone levels. I didn't follow the course, but from a few grasp I could obtain triceps fat is a good indicator of testosterone levels, you'll never see a woman with less then 6mm of fat measured on the triceps but men with can get pretty lean there. Love handles are a good indicator of insulin levels (diet too rich in Carbs). Sub-scapula is a good indicator of blood sugar levels and tolerance about it. And compared to fat level of calves, you can have a good idea of natural GH levels production. Men doesn't have much fat in legs as women do cause high fat levels in the legs = high estrogen. Etc...

Eric

[cog]

I was under the impression that fat around our cores was because our ancestors lived in cooler climes.You two are lucky to not have to do any core work.

[steve_d]

4 week out update! well, almost 4 weeks... I was sick all week, but feeling good now. 180 pounds this morning so I still have another pound of fat and maybe 3 pounds of water to drop to get into middle. I might just go light heavy if it means less suffering the day before the show. I usually like not cutting water too soon, and 180 pounds is basically the flatest most dehydrated peeing all night feeling like poop in the morning type of weight. Carbs are basically non existent, and if my past contest experience says anything, I DON'T lose much weight the last week.

So, that said, I will see where the next 3 weeks take me. I'd love to be a light heavy, just because it sounds cooler - but it's scary going against guys 20 pounds heavier! I mean, in sudbury I weighed in full of water, which put me in the next class up, but that class only jumped 11 pounds at a time. With the new cutoffs, going from 176 to 177 puts me in a class against guys basically TWO classes up. In any case, here's my progress pics from this morning after drinking water, tuns of salt, eggs, brocolli...etc. about 183 here.

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[ironwill]

Looking good...Time to get a tan, you look like you,re from the east coast....lol..jk...Getting better and better....Time for Ange to post up...

[steve_d]

Started with the unlimited month tanning last week, but trying not to burn so taking it slow :)

Ange is looking really tight...I'll see what I can do to get her posting some progress pics :)

[Delt King]

Your back in the double bi is insane!

Assuming you don t lose anything more and you're a very (light) light heavy and Greg squeezes down to 196 are you going to take him down or what? lol.

[steve_d]

Greg is going heavy :) ....hes right at his own cutoff too, so he will probably be light heavy on stage, but weigh in 200+ !

I can't worry about greg, he has pro written ALL over his physique. Even if I can stand next to him without looking like a shrimp, that is hard enough! I am very sure middle is going to be my class... I keep forgetting about the sodium and salad my intestines are filled with... BUT... Going back to my original post, my goal was to come in 10 pounds bigger and just alean. I think I will easily surpass that! Looks like 15 and leaner!

[ange_d]

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4 weeks and so excited. Dropping the heavy training and replacing it with high rep and more athletic training has really helped me. I am not often hungry or weak and have quite a bit of energy for a month out. Weight is at 129 this morning. I am probably 5 lbs less muscle and think this is a better fit for my frame. Shrinking up nice. Bum smoothing out now, woohoo! Some carbs today (no junk). Oh and no tan, lol. I had some spots removed early this year and don't want to age my skin faster than nature is going to age me. Hopefully the spray tan will get me dark enough, people assure me it will.

[DaveFinistauri]

Looking great, both of you. Gonna need to make sure you leave room in the car for trophies!

[Delt King]

Greg is going heavy :) ....hes right at his own cutoff too, so he will probably be light heavy on stage, but weigh in 200+ !

I can't worry about greg, he has pro written ALL over his physique. Even if I can stand next to him without looking like a shrimp, that is hard enough! I am very sure middle is going to be my class... I keep forgetting about the sodium and salad my intestines are filled with... BUT... Going back to my original post, my goal was to come in 10 pounds bigger and just alean. I think I will easily surpass that! Looks like 15 and leaner! So 15lbs heavier (stage weight) in 2 years. I d say you surpassed the normal increases at your maturity level. Great stuff Steve.

[countrychic]

Looking fantastic BOTH of you!

Ang love your suit :)

[ange_d]

Looking fantastic BOTH of you!

Ang love your suit :)

I stoned that suit myself, I used my old plain black suit that is no longer required at Nationals. I actually stoned 2 suits but this one is my fav, looks unique IMO. Turns out I like stoning suits at 12 weeks out but not so much fun at 4 weeks out, lol.

[69challenger]

WOW! Both of you look great! And Ang...how long did it take you to stone that suit? BEAUTIFUL job!

[ange_d]

WOW! Both of you look great! And Ang...how long did it take you to stone that suit? BEAUTIFUL job!

I think it was about 6 hours total...I worked on it a bit at a time. I had to keep ordering more crystals, lol, and they take almost 2 weeks to get here. Now I have tons of crystals, so I'll probably sell this suit and make a new one the next time I compete.

Finally caught the cold going around our house, sucks! Hopefully passes quickly.

[Hugheser]

hammies are dry! i wish I had that conditioning from the back!

[countrychic]

I stoned that suit myself, I used my old plain black suit that is no longer required at Nationals. I actually stoned 2 suits but this one is my fav, looks unique IMO. Turns out I like stoning suits at 12 weeks out but not so much fun at 4 weeks out, lol.

lol at 4 weeks the mind starts to wander making any task a tedious one ;) You did an amazing job!! Hope you kick that cold bug.

[steve_d]

Quick back shot from gym today at the end of my leg workout.

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[JacktheThriller]

pretty savage definition man

[countrychic]

Quick back shot from gym today at the end of my leg workout.

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you train in those toe shoes? I forget what they are called. Do you like them?

Crazy definition, almost there!

[steve_d]

Vibrams, yeah... I like them! I had been training in them off and on for a while, and lately I find them more comfortable for cardio on the treadmill. Also, if you remember my little toe-nail incident a month or so back - my toe nail finally started falling off (side to side) and wearing socks and shoes was making it hard to walk around without pulling against the nail and ripping the entire part off. I've managed to clip 95% of it though now :), looks disgusting, but finally have my toe back!

[ironwill]

Damn!!, looking great, both of you.....Wicked back shot Steve, saran wrap skin...

[steve_d]

Thanks guys....I am feeling good too! This prep has had its share of ups and downs, but we're basically on the home stretch now. 3.5 weeks to go, and I feel as though things are starting to really come together. No more sick, no more sciatic pain (just slight numbness), back feels good - I am doing squats with 3 plates for loads of quick reps for multiple sets (no where near the strength of before, but I actually think I could still handle 4 plates no problem! - no risking it hehe)... I even did some conventional deadlifts today!

Workouts are I would say at 80-90% everyday! Some days I even feel at >100%. Usually if I eat just a bit more, or if I am doing an easy day (ex. bicep calf day).... whereas a few weeks ago, I've be lucky to hit 30%. being sick was what I would have to say the culprit. the 4th and last member of our household has it now, which sucks for Ange, because her workouts depend on having kids not sick, otherwise the gym daycare won't keep them in. I think she may hit up the gym early tomorrow am before I leave for work. She looks as good as ever. Shocked how she can do it after a 2nd baby. I am proud of her to say the least. More proud this time than last time even, and I`ll admit, I even felt some of the same emotions I felt watching her stick out in sudbury just the other day watching her do her thing in the mirrored room at our gym. She just belongs on that stage!

So here is crossing my fingers for another 3-4 good weeks! I am as lean as I want to be (sux its a bit early) but I guess I just have to try to enjoy it the best I can and not shrivel into nothing. The weight this morning was at 178 pounds. This is the lightest I`ve been. It also means I know for a fact I will be entering as a middle and doing my regular water deplete friday, etc. it won`t be easy, but it certainly won`t be hard to make weight. I should be able to eat some `dry carbs`as we called them in our old thread on friday and keep the weight hovering around 176 all day. All the while hoping to hell I don`t cramp up :)... so far so good though. At this point in basically ALL my preps I would have had at least a few middle of the night cramps in the legs. So whatever I am doing different must be right!

PS: I really am looking forward to some real food...I watched my son wolf down an entire bag of buttery popcorn today (he hadn`t eaten all day from being sick) and wow....I am really itching to eat! Last night I even had one of the first `sugar baked good food dreams`....up until now, I really hadn`t had too much cravings. But they are definitely here now!

[BigGuns21]

Let's be honest here Steve. You know you started training in those vibrams after you watched me crushing squats in them at AC that day and ran out right after and bougth some... ;)

Looking awesome dude!

[Hosehead]

178 lbs eh? You look 198. Must be nice to have some ****ing genetics. Would you say you have smallish joints? You project much more size than you claim to carry. Best of luck from here on in to you both.

[steve_d]

Let's be honest here Steve. You know you started training in those vibrams after you watched me crushing squats in them at AC that day and ran out right after and bougth some... ;)

Looking awesome dude!

lol...oh for sure! I think it was right after I saw the Ben P video wearing them and talking about how they helped his injuries at the time - because I had my hip/glute issues I had training for sudbury, but then I stopped using them from advice of my osteopath, but because my other hip/glute has the same problem (without the use of the vibrams) I figure that wasn't the culprit! I love the shoes... but you need to wash them regularly! They start getting nasty after a few cardio sessions, lol

[steve_d]

178 lbs eh? You look 198. Must be nice to have some ****ing genetics. Would you say you have smallish joints? You project much more size than you claim to carry. Best of luck from here on in to you both.

I think part of it is I don't lie about my weight, lol...I know lots of guys like the ego of saying high numbers. 178 is morning weight, but those pics I am probably alot closer to 188 with a full belly! Other part is that I am quite lean...This is basically the leanest I've been - and the funny part is those pics don't do justice. Camera phone just can't capture it all. I am a bit concerned about keeping fullness, and the last few days I have found myself for the first time saying I am scared of 'shrinking'...The weight is still there, so I guess that's good...but as soon as I see it drop 1-2 pounds out of nowhere I am really going to have to be careful! 3 weeks is still a long time, so I gotta make sure I slow it down (although, I've been using the slow and steady wins the race approach so far, so I think I should be ok just continuing the process!)

I was about 188 morning weight a few months ago, and honestly, 10 pounds of fat makes me look 10 pounds smaller! haha...

[natenator]

Let's be honest here Steve. You know you started training in those vibrams after you watched me crushing squats in them at AC that day and ran out right after and bougth some... ;)

Looking awesome dude!

Which would have been after you saw i had mine. Lol

[ange_d]

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Pic's of me yesturday evening. Full of food and water, don't really know where it goes!
Did some posing practice in the gym yesturday and steve says don't get any leaner or you'll be too ripped for figure. I knew he would say that. I am starting to look hard in my abs/shoulders/back. Just a bit too 'old lady hard' I call it, lol. It's a hardness that only comes with age - no way I could ever have looked like this in my 20's. I have to get this lean in my upper body so that my ass looks good, lol. My weight this morning was under 128. I am really happy with the way I look. I no longer carry the bulk in my back and arms I did in 2010. If I was competing today I would look perfectly the way I want. The struggle now is to maintain this condition for 3 more weeks....I have no idea how to do this other than less cardio or more food. Not sure what is best. I am following a pretty near keto diet and am loving it. It is so easy for me to diet like this. I really think us women do not need carbs. I have energy, am never hungry, I mean, I get moody but I think it's more the lack of sleep. So all is good with me.

[ange_d]

Oh, and Nate, it's about time you posted up here!

lol

[Hugheser]

mid section looking tight, huge changes.......so close!

[steve_d]

Approaching 2 weeks now... Things starting to get real! My weight has dropped, which I am not sure how happy I am about it. I was hoping to maintain low 180 / high 170 for as long as possible, but these past few days I seem to not want to hold onto water...I do think I am starting to look a little sharper, but I think the scale is just a little bit of a mind screw for me! I do think I will still be 10-15 pounds bigger than last show, and leaner - but certainly not 15-20! Although, can't be greedy right! Basically every morning I am about 177.5 pounds. It almost doesn't matter how much I weigh before bed, all that changes is the amount of times I pee before I start settling into a deeper sleep.

Speaking of sleep...YIKES...almost non-existent. Last night, took a sleep-aid before my 1 hour cardio. Usually 15 minutes and I will start getting drowsy. Not even close - the hour of cardio was a piece of cake, and I only got tired about 2-3 hours later. I do get at least 5-6 hours a night though, so its still on par with what I can expect at this point! No cramping still - BUT I am starting to feel as though the cramps might start coming on soon. If I flex hard in the morning, I can certainly get things to cramp, but the sodium is helping a lot still...

My workouts are pretty decent for the most part still. I am alot weaker though! I really noticed the other day on my chest workout. I may have lost about 10% of the strength in just 2 weeks! That's what happens at this point! No biggy, no one cares how strong I am on stage! I have a difficult time getting a decent pump, but carbs are non-existent. However I plan to have a moderate carb day soon, as a 1 last final kick start to my body before the final 2 weeks. Nothing crazy, just a slight shift in macros for 1 day - probably leg day, otherwise I may have a tough workout!

Ange is really impressing me. More and more each day. I truly feel whatever she has done for this prep is the right thing for figure. She's lean, but not too lean, muscled, but not excessive, and her presentation has improved a tun. I always thought she was fairly stand out in the way she presents herself before, but as I always have said, no matter if you compete in bikini, bodybuilding, figure, fitness, physique, there is always something that can be improved. A little tweak here and there, and WOW...night and day honestly. I am looking forward to seeing what she can bring to my home province! Again, couldn't be more proud of you!

[Hugheser]

Cramping is rough, especially during the late night cardio sessions ;)

[steve_d]

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Been avoiding cramping ever since that 1 night... crossing fingers that keeps up! Quick shot at night, this is at 2 weeks out! You can see in the background the 110 inch screen in the other room - ange was doing her cardio at the time. I've been with a funny ankle injury (which stems I think from walking on it funny the last month because of the lack of sensation on the outer foot)... I took some extra nights off cardio and just posed a bit instead. First time cracking out the posing suit!! I believe I am 183 in the pics, but closer to 176 in the am.

[mouth]

Lookin' good....can we get a better shot of the tv? ;) haha

[dan1977]

You are looking amazing. Like everyone said, you look a hell of a lot heavier than 178lbs.

[razorsedge]

All the best to both of you this week and on show day. Tough week but adrenalin will ride you in now...great to follow your progress and hear about your aches and pains along the way. It's a tough sport...an extreme lifestyle really...and lots of people don't realize it.

Don't forget to have fun there too...it has to be awesome to be able to do it together!! You are both champs in CBB eyes!!

[ange_d]

Steve sees me last night before bed and says "too ripped!" lol. Here are the pic's he took to prove to me how lean I am, I didn't believe it until I saw it, and I was shocked! So, I ate more cal's today (no carbs). Who knew getting too lean would be my problem 8 months after giving birth! Oh well, more food for me and no suffering, just the opposite I probably feel too good. We'll have to see what I look like on stage.

Oh, and as lean as I am Steve makes me look fat, lol.

[Delt King]

Holy heck!!!! now that's some conditioning Ange. of course you won't be flexing on stage so things will be smoother... but what a game this is trying to find the look the judges want. Time to coast in and see what happens.

[ange_d]

Holy heck!!!! now that's some conditioning Ange. of course you won't be flexing on stage so things will be smoother... but what a game this is trying to find the look the judges want. Time to coast in and see what happens.

You got it....see what happens. Not much I can change. It's all up to the judges now. I just want to requalify for nationals. Never been to Vancouver, would be nice to compete and do some sight seeing!

[69challenger]

Looking LEAN lady!!! But, like DK said, you won't be flexing on stage...just posing "softly". I'm strugging with not getting too lean also...I have under 10 weeks to go and am EATING and EATING so as NOT to get too lean...whole different approach this year, it'll be interesting, that's for sure....

[ange_d]

Looking LEAN lady!!! But, like DK said, you won't be flexing on stage...just posing "softly". I'm strugging with not getting too lean also...I have under 10 weeks to go and am EATING and EATING so as NOT to get too lean...whole different approach this year, it'll be interesting, that's for sure....

Yeah, the flexing was just to prove Steve's point, lol.

I was/am the same way with this prep. I am using a near keto approach but find it hard to eat 1500 cal's a day without many carbs. The toughest part is mental. I feel really good for 2 weeks out. I think we have been brain washed into thinking we have to feel like crap during the final stages of prep. We will see how it all unfolds.

[natenator]

you guys look fantastic!!!!

good luck with the final two weeks :))

[gregdoucette]

Ange too ripped time to eat. If too hard to eat 1500 calories start carbing up now and like just dont water deplete carb load or anythign just walk in the show looking like you would any day of the week. For sure lean enough for physique. Steve glutes and hamps all ripped all thats left is the lowere abs which will pop once water leaves ur system> Time to start thinking bigger on stage. I was 201 this morning and dry. 206-210 at night and usually 205 train weight. I expect to weigh in at 205 and probably be low 200's on stage. 25 lbs bigger then last provincials and alot leaner. Not bad for 3 yrs work.

[steve_d]

Being too ripped for figure is subjective. Figure is leaner then physique still. Physique is like everyone has been mentioning across many boards 'fat figure' or 'figure 8 weeks out'...Ange in my opinion is neither tooo ripped, nor not ripped enough. She looks perfect for figure.

I suppose I should post a morning pic of myself, lol...If you saw my abs in the morning you'd probbably start giving me the same advice as Ange...time to start carbing up now! And yeah, it is time to start thinking bigger on stage. although, honestly, I think we all have been thinking that from the moment we first pick up a weight. I have accomplished my bigger goal, AND my leaner goal. As mentioned in the start of the thread, one of my goals was to eliminate the word 'near' from 'near perfect conditioning' ...

Since I am in the lighter weight classes still, my goal is still on coming in bone dry. This has worked in the past, and I honestly feel a bodybuilder will look his best at his leanest, dryiest, no matter how much 'fullness' seems to be sacrificed. As long as you can get a good pump, you will appear full on stage. I am not concerned what the scale says anymore as I am sure making weight will only be a matter of cutting water at noon. If I am 170, great, if 178 even better... but I can guarantee you, no one will think I looked a pound less than 180 :)

[steve_d]

1 week out! I sold my treadmill yesterday since I wasnt getting much use out of it with the ankle, so now we take turns on the elliptical.... WAY easier on the ankle! Did my last leg workout today too and felt like a pretty good one. I'll probably still get another day of leg extensions and what not. I honestly think that bodybuilders invented the myth about not training legs the last week or two because it holds water because they wanted a break from training hard the last week, lol. Not that it matters either way...no one is packing on mass this final week! Can't wait to get this week done though!

[ange_d]

Last few days and feeling great!
My conditioning is even better than I ever could have imagined 8 months post baby #2. I actually think this is the best I have ever looked! Hard even for me to believe. My work is done and I have accomplished my goal. So hopefullly a restful week, hope it goes by fast though, the excitement is starting. I can't wait to get all tanned and prettied up! I am really looking forward to seeing some of the girls from Nationals 2010 and getting to know all the NS athletes and exec's.

Getting all salted up now...I wil post pic's at 3 days out (to compare to last prep). I am a little sad to see this prep end, As I always am...you get into such a routine it's takes time to return to "normal" - whatever that is. Hopefully I will be a few short months out from National's after next weekend...time will tell, it's out of my hands now...

[Hugheser]

1 week out! I sold my treadmill yesterday since I wasnt getting much use out of it with the ankle, so now we take turns on the elliptical.... WAY easier on the ankle! Did my last leg workout today too and felt like a pretty good one. I'll probably still get another day of leg extensions and what not. I honestly think that bodybuilders invented the myth about not training legs the last week or two because it holds water because they wanted a break from training hard the last week, lol. Not that it matters either way...no one is packing on mass this final week! Can't wait to get this week done though!

I hear yah Steve, if your still feeling strong then why not hit em like every other bodypart. And I would definitely rather be conditioned then full on stage. Can't look bad or out of place if your shredded but sure can if you big and bloated.

[steve_d]

4 days to go! I just did a full body workout, (legs / back ) mostly just got a good pump on and squeezed out some good reps. I actually feel better now than I have in weeks. I have officially elminated the sciatic pain 100%. I can sit for long periods of time, I have full feeling in my foot, ankle, hamstrings. It's as if there was never anything there! The only reminence to the injury is a lingering pain in the ankle from walking funny for a month without feeling on a foot. However, with the sale of the treadmill, and a switch to the eliptical, I think the ankle is well on its way to being 100%. Taking a break from cardio will surely fix it up within I'd say a weeks time.

I've never felt motivated for the post show up until this past 2-3 days because up until then I really just wanted it to be all done to heal up. But I think what has happened is that I've healed up already - imagine when I am actually getting some nutrition in me again, lol... Easter was VERY hard on me this year. I think it really had to do with having a kid old enough to appreciate the easter bunny, as well as all things that easter involves. I just wanted to sit down and enjoy a little bit of the easter bunny cupcake cake we got for the little dude! Any other week other than 1 week out, and I would have had no problem with it - 1 week out was the only week I didn't have a 'carb-up' or cheat day. The guy was practically (and still is) running up to Ange and I asking us to eat a chocolate with him... "here mommy, can you eat this with me?"... or "these are daddies favorites, do you want to share it with me?"... The joys of pre-contest dieting :)

That said, I am having an EASY time with this last week (aside from the easter day). Avoiding bad foods is not difficult when you know what needs to be done the last week to tighten right up. I am drying out like crazy, and making weight is not going to be an issue. Carbing up, and likely only cutting water a few hours before weigh in and shouldn't be a problem. Assuming when the sodium is dropped I start peeing like a madman which is usually the case! Not looking forward to possible cramping issues on friday, but I deal with it all the time - I know what to expect and am ready for it. I am also as white as a ghost right now, and can't wait to get tanned up friday...Look like a real bodybuilder lol... I was tanning in the beds, but unfortunately a mistake from the girl at the counter had me in a bed longer than I should have been...she thought it was the mild bed when in fact it was one of the strongest ones. Burnt and basically just stopped tanning and let my skin peal and heal for the last couple weeks, lol. All is good now.

PS: you know what is fun? Cardio on a 110 inch screen playing Uncharted 3 in 3D...Man, I love the whole series of that game, but playing it in 3d...just wow! Mind you, normally I put the setting to hard or hardest, but this time I put VERY EASY... a lot easier to focus while bouncing around with a remote in hand!

[DaveFinistauri]

Video games during cardio? I have NO sympathy for your "dietary restrictions" during Easter LOL

[Hugheser]

I play Madden 2005 on my old xbox, won the superbowl the day before the Maritime Bodies show lol. Thought it was a taste to things to come.

[steve_d]

2940129402

Couple quick shots of the legs. Front shot was from wednesday, glute shot was from today. 2 more days!

[JMP]

:welldone

GREAT JOB !!! Looking ready to go !



2940129402

Couple quick shots of the legs. Front shot was from wednesday, glute shot was from today. 2 more days!

[TT Eric]

That's nice Steve, you must be satisfied!

Eric

[countrychic]

Goodluck to you both!!!!!

[steve_d]

Thanks! Quick update... Weigh in was 172. Peed a bit more, but drank throughout the night... Not much, but enough to not shrivel to much. Feeling good. Should hit the stage in about 3 hours time. I am leaner than ever, accomplished goal o REALLY striated glutes. :)

[vytis]

Awesome. Have a blast today!

[MuSuLPhReAk]

Good Luck!!

[razorsedge]

As the famous BB quote goes "good luck is the result of preparation and hard work".....you both put the prep and work in so "good luck"...knock em dead and enjoy the day!!

[TT Eric]

GO guys! It's your day!

Eric

[69challenger]

Good luck today!

[Talo]

Good luck

[steve_d]

29409

As I posted on facebook, Win or lose, it doesn't matter...I've accomplished my goal of coming in more shredded then ever and this is the comment that proved it for me: "Dude, you looked like you got attacked by Wolverine"

I'd have to agree :)

SO yeah, the competition in nova scotia is unreal...I said it before, and I'll say it again. In ontario, the weight classes to watch at the provincial level are light heavy and up...and most often only heavy and up to be honest! In Nova Scotia, there are some freaks right from the low classes all the way up. And I got stuck in a class with 1 of them! The guy is honestly amazing. Full, round thick muscle bellies. Bit shorter than me, and a bit heavier. At first, you'd think I was way more conditioned too , but the guy can pose to just make himself appear ripped. Glutes popped, out, legs full, etc. Pics up on muscle insider... I've heard comments about basically it being whatever the judges favor. I'd have to say I am coming in 2nd, but you never know. Sometimes you got a few judge going for the dry to the bone look which I think I had a slight edge over.

Also, there are a couple poses I beat him in, a couple he beat me in..So it really is a toss up - but I am just going by what I've heard!

Ange on the other hand...I've never seen her look better. Perfect make-up, hair, the whole bit. Should be fun seeing how it all goes down tonight!

[aznaro8]

Steve you looked great! Just checked out the Muscle Insider pics. The most muscular looks just silly... those delts pop like crazy! Gonna be a tough battle between you and the other guy. Both look great!

[steve_d]

29410 29411

And a few of Ange!

[steve_d]

Ange took OVERALL!!! WOOO!

I took 2nd in my class to Keiva, the best competitor I've had to compete against in a class ever. I love competition and as I always said, I'd rather come 2nd in a class of great guys than come 1st against no one. He had the fuller physique of the day which put him over the edge.

This has been an awesome event, and I was proud to be able to be backstage to give my hunny a big hug when she came off stage with that kick ass trophy!! Winning provincials against 30+ figure girls in what would have been the largest provincial show competitor wise she's ever done. SO proud I will say it again. A lifetime bye to nationals is icing on the cake! we will post pics, as soon as we can get a couple, although I honestly don't think we have too much of the show! There is a bunch posted on a few links in facebook and muscle insider, but I am sure a few will be posted up sooner or later on facebook and what not.

Here's a quick one of me just before hitting the stage for prejudging....29415

[razorsedge]

Congrats to both of you...great work!

Just want to add a special thanks for taking the time all along to post when you have many competing interests....you allowed us all to come into your (both of you) prep and hear your trials and tribulations, the sleep issues, the injuries and so on....

[Delt King]

Awesome work guys!!!!! congratulations

[steve_d]

muscle-insider.com/galleries

[MuSuLPhReAk]

Congrats to both of you. Way to go Ange!!! :welldone

[vytis]

That's fantastic!

[69challenger]

CONGRATS to you both!!!!

[aznaro8]

Congrats Ang and Steve!

[TT Eric]

Awesome congrats Steve and Angela!

Eric

[reinforcements]

congratulations to both of you... you both looked fantastic... followed your log all along.. was very motivating!!!

[gregdoucette]

Great attitude Steve has. Hell take the overall in his next provincials count on it. Steve at 176 will be unbeatable.

[steve_d]

I plan on bringing a fuller physique to the Atlantics. I am pretty sure Keiva will not be there, but I think me being a little fuller, and a tad less dry will suit me nicely. An earlier carb up, and a little bit more experimenting with sodium etc, it should be a fun weekend!! I had debated skipping out on the Atlantics since it will be a little trickier this weekend being out of the city, and without my parents to stay at home with the little ones.

But after thinking about it a little more on sunday, I decided this is the perfect time to just do the show even if I don't put 100% effort this last week I still will be as lean as last week, and probably look even better. nothing can happen drastically in 1 week, to me its just making sure no crazy rebound happens, and making sure I can drop water on friday. this is the least rebound i've ever had in fact. And look just as good today as I have all week. I am excited for these last workouts this week as I have tuns of energy from our post show celebration. It involved a boat load of nachos, bacon cheesburgers, diet soda, and much needed water.

Sunday both ange and I passed out late in the afternoon. I tried my hardest to keep my eyes open to entertain my son. He was playing the wii, and couldn't pass a level, and here I was trying to play with him watching my guy fall off the screen over and over as I continued to fall asleep. First time I felt like that in ages. Usually sleep is almost difficult! Of course that meant he was up till near midnight with us because once I fell asleep, he fell asleep - and you simply can't have a 3 year old sleep 2 hours in the late afternoon and expect him to fall asleep before midnight...haha

Anyway, I'll try to post a few candid shots of us from this past weekend once I get a chance. I wish I didn't need to work this week though! I'd love to just be hanging out in the gym right now! I never looked better, and I have to hide behind a computer screen?! I want to be in front of a mirror at the gym!

[ange_d]

Geez....where to begin.

First thanks to Steve and all my family for their support leading into this show. I am still in shock I think. I finally caught up on some sleep last night and the reality is sinking in. Can't believe I now have a lifetime qualification to Nationals! I didn't even think of it until stuffing my face with nacho's after the show and Greg brought it up, lol.

I was thinking of backing out of Atlantics but I think more experience on stage can't hurt. I am excited and much more relaxed going into this show. We are bringing the whole family and spending Sunday at Crystal Palace. Can't wait!

All went perfectly this past weekend, with the exception of finding out our credit card had been blocked due to fraudulent activity when trying to check into the hotel, lol. The look I presented I feel best suits my structure and body type. I wasn't as lean or hard as past shows but had a more feminine and athletic appearance which I could not be happier with. I was happy to just compete 8 months post baby 2, but to win the overall was out of this world! It was great to meet ne NS athletes and see old friends. The show went very smoothly, hat's off to the NSABBA executive, officials, volunteers, and all staff. I was very impressed at how well run the show was considering the large number of competitors.

Now, just an easy few days. Not doing anything drastic. The "real" show is behind me, this weekend is for experience and fun. Can't wait to meet more great east coast competitors!

[TT Eric]

I was happy to just compete 8 months post baby 2...

This is freaking unbelievable, totally impressive!

Eric

[countrychic]

CONGRATS to you both!!!

Ang you look absolutely stunning :) and yes totally impressive 8 months post baby 2, good for you!!!

Steve, your conditioning was fantastic!!

Really enjoyed following your log :)

[steve_d]

Thanks everyone! So far this week is going great. I have cut cardio completely and using this time to fill out the best I can. I already feel as though I am going to look more impressive this weekend. I feel fuller in the gym, and just as tight. I am sure there is still a little glycogen left floating around from this weekends carb load, but I think I am pretty depleted. Weight this morning was where it was last week at this time, and absolutely no rebound water weight at all. This is the first time in the history of all my shows that I did not get an ounce of rebound water. I mean, sure, sunday I felt a little full and puffy - but I think the key was never cutting sodium out of the equation. I cut salt on friday only, and by cutting salt, I mean no longer adding salt and consuming soya sauce and high sodium garbage. I probably had 2-3g of sodium friday compared to 7-8 normal. On saturday I had a tun of salt throughout the day to ensure no more cramping. I suffered only 1 borderline scary cramp friday night when I hit the sack (quad), and another in the early morning (calf) but no where near what I experienced in past shows.

It was a success on that front. Each show is a learning experience and I've learned alot from this past weekend that I plan on fixing for atlantics. I believe weigh-ins are friday night, and I would guess I will weigh in 5 pounds heavier. This isn't 5 true pounds of muscle or anything, but the plan is to cut water later, and to carb up sooner... I dry up so fast, that it will be better for me to wait until the last minute to shed those last ounces of water. Worse case scenario is I am sharper at night then the morning, which is ok by me!

Today's workout I looked alot closer to what I was looking 3-4 weeks ago in terms of muscle fullness, but just as lean as last week. So already this is a good sign. Not heavier, just better able to get a pump. And this is the reason I've cut cardio and will be eating more all week and carbing up early. Crossing my fingers it all works as planned!!

[ironwill]

Just catching up....Great job you two....Kudos to you both.....I love your attitude Steve.....Glad to have followed along, and look forward to your next journey...As you said, a little more fullness on your shredded bod will bring you over the top bro...Its all work in progress for you, and i think you will be up there real soon....

[steve_d]

I just had a chance to see some pics of my class...I must say, I wonder why I would even chance doing anything different. I can't beleive what I looked like! I am going to have to put a little more thought into my plan for the next couple days. I know I mentioned doing things different, but after seeing what I look like, the whole phrase "if it aint broke, why fix it" comes to mind! When I get the pics myself, I will be sure to post some up. I was very very encouraged to see them to say the least!

If I can simply maintain and present the exact same package, I will be more then pleased. No matter what the plan, I know tomorrow will involve basically little carbs and lots of water... So it begins! one more time!

[steve_d]

So go figure... BEst luck on the planet - thrusday night at 5:30pm I fell down the stairs the entire way down...Pretty bad spill and total impact on the elbow. Nothing broken, but I have a bad bump. I been icing it like crazy, but nothing can stop that sucker. Its a lot of weird fluid built up, and my guess is the bursa basically got busted. I am modifying my posed to accomodate, and hopefully the tan will cover up the shades of color i can only imagine it will be tomorrow!! I think it looks worse in person, but as long as it doesn't get worse looking than it already is, I suppose it wont be so bad...just sux last minute like this! trying to enjoy the carb up process and take care of the kids at crystal palace, but i seem to be only able to use my one arm!!

2944329444

[JMP]

WOW that sucks !!! Doesnt look that bad though just FYI , it could have been much worse , good luck !

[steve_d]

WOW that sucks !!! Doesnt look that bad though just FYI , it could have been much worse , good luck ! Don't i know it! all i could think while falling...Close call...

[Delt King]

thats a hell of a elbow peak with cross striations lol. even with one arm you ll still win.

[steve_d]

Morning show down, feel great about how I looked. Weight is roughly the same... give or take a few pounds, but I feel fuller, able to hold a better pump and pose harder. I didn't cramp at all this week, and I in fact cut sodium an entire day earlier and cut water a little earlier. Strange how the body works sometimes, but I feel as though I timed everything perfectly once again. Got some excellent feedback from everyone I talked to about my posing, and hardness. THere are a few pics on muscle insider again, so have a look if you get a chance

muscle-insider.com

actually just checked and looks like they just added some of anges classes. She looked amazing as per usual, but I think she really looked a million times better than ever before. We cut her water early (actually she never cut last week) and went for a drier look this week. Atlantics has tended to favor a leaner physique. As much as figure is soft, I think ange really pulls off the lean look best. about 3 pounds drier and stomach as tight as possible. Somewhat biased, but I have her winning both classes! Stiff competition though...over 12 in each of her classes (masters + figure tall) and in fact, the 2011 provincial champ is in her class too. Look forward to seeing the results tonight!

[ange_d]

Wow, crazy couple of weeks for us!
These Maritimers sure bring it!
This show was my favorite show ever. I met so many great people and managed to pull off winning the masters (35 Nate not 40, lol) and tall figure classes! This was a big show with so many great athletes.
I dropped water this week and was 3 pounds lighter, Steve said it made a big difference. Thank godness I did dehydrate because they favoured the ripped girls in this show.
Congrats to all athletes (especially the NS ladies!)!
Steve won his class and was in the overall with Greg, I couldn't stay to watch the overall because we had the kids with us in Moncton but saw pic's and looks like they had a good time.

I guess that's it for another journal....until next time!
Thanks for all the support!

[steve_d]

Echo everything Ange said. Even though the provincials was the main show we were prepping for, I loved competing at the atlantics and I felt more relaxed all weekend and enjoyed the show / competition a little more. Perhaps just a little more distracted from "competing" with the kids around and having a nice king suite at crystal palace (an indoor playground amusement part for those of you not around the east coast). I am feeling the swelling in my elbow now though...wow! I think being dehydrated prevented the inflammation from going out of control. Hopefully I can lay low on the carbs for a few days and try to normalize a bit. Its gonna be tough though...wow, I know its the day after, but things haven't tasted so good :)

All and all it has been an interesting journey to say the least. From the first week tweaking my back and being out for a few days...Which then likely caused the sciatic issues that eventually caused the ankle issues. And can't forget the speaker landing on my tow... the nail still only 25% grown back! It will definitely be good to start the off-season process and hopefully get back to lifting heavy weights! I will definitely be VERY week for the next little while as I recover from the last couple weeks. Curious to see how my elbow even works as I get back into the gym!! The fluid that has built up makes me really think I should take a good week off the gym. I typically train the week after a show since I always have enery to do so...but this time I probably need the rest. Not to mention, I am so busy at work and had to take a few days off work at probably the worst time...

So anyway...thanks for following along. I certainly accomplished what I set out to accomplish. I got as lean as I ever have been and weighed a good 10-12 pounds more than last show on stage. A 2nd and first place finish... A special thanks to Cygen labs as well - I know I'll be needing some decimate this week to keep my awake, lol...maybe not as a pre-workout, but I am not much of a coffee drinker, so it's gonna serve as my morning cup to get me to work :)

[Hosehead]

Echo everything Ange said. Even though the provincials was the main show we were prepping for, I loved competing at the atlantics and I felt more relaxed all weekend and enjoyed the show / competition a little more. Perhaps just a little more distracted from "competing" with the kids around and having a nice king suite at crystal palace (an indoor playground amusement part for those of you not around the east coast). I am feeling the swelling in my elbow now though...wow! I think being dehydrated prevented the inflammation from going out of control. Hopefully I can lay low on the carbs for a few days and try to normalize a bit. Its gonna be tough though...wow, I know its the day after, but things haven't tasted so good :)

All and all it has been an interesting journey to say the least. From the first week tweaking my back and being out for a few days...Which then likely caused the sciatic issues that eventually caused the ankle issues. And can't forget the speaker landing on my tow... the nail still only 25% grown back! It will definitely be good to start the off-season process and hopefully get back to lifting heavy weights! I will definitely be VERY week for the next little while as I recover from the last couple weeks. Curious to see how my elbow even works as I get back into the gym!! The fluid that has built up makes me really think I should take a good week off the gym. I typically train the week after a show since I always have enery to do so...but this time I probably need the rest. Not to mention, I am so busy at work and had to take a few days off work at probably the worst time...

So anyway...thanks for following along. I certainly accomplished what I set out to accomplish. I got as lean as I ever have been and weighed a good 10-12 pounds more than last show on stage. A 2nd and first place finish... A special thanks to Cygen labs as well - I know I'll be needing some decimate this week to keep my awake, lol...maybe not as a pre-workout, but I am not much of a coffee drinker, so it's gonna serve as my morning cup to get me to work :)

A word of caution about the elbow : A few years ago a buddy of mine fell directly on his elbow and it swelled up with fluid. He iced it and after a few days it went down. Then all he did was push himself to get up out of bed and his tricep completely tore off the bone and rolled up to his shoulder. Surgery two days later and it was re attatched nicely. Hard to tell what goes on when you bump an elbow. You are likely right about the bursa being aggitated or burst BUT I'd have it checked out before I went lifting again. Congrats on all your success.

[countrychic]

WELL DONE all of you!!! It was great following your journal!! I am sure it has been quite a journey for all of you :)

[steve_d]

Got some pics back of the first show. Here are 3 of me with the top 3. Also, 2 pics of ange with her class as well as a shot of her with the other 2 class winners in the overall.

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[steve_d]

And finally, another pic from the week after - for my atlantic win!

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[aznaro8]

Awesome job Steve and Ange! Both looked great and was a great log to follow.

[TT Eric]

Stand like a pro.

Eric

[steve_d]

I still have a few tweaks to get all poses just right, but I like the way I changed a few poses this year to bring out my strengths, hide my weaknesses. As for now, my biggest weakness is simply overall size. I am 168 pounds in that pic!! I still could pack on 10 more pounds before I reaach my top potential as a middleweight. I hope I can do that in the next 2 years or so and compete at nationals 2014-2015 or so...

That said - it's off season time for me. I hope to open up a thread soon about my progress during the transition period from on to off season.

Thanks for following along everyone and for all your support along the way! Once again you guys at cbb helped keep me sane!