Congratulations to Biker Chick aka Michele for a great showing at this weekends OCB Battle of the Sword in Pittsburgh. She looked fantastic in a very tough female division. She wants to be leaner next time, and I know that she will do it because this girl puts her heart and sole into her prep. She worked so hard this past season and she made some great improvments from last year. Her posing, symmetry and stage presence were top notch. Great job Michele!!!

I will try to post some pics later this week after I have time to sort through them. Over all it was a big show that was well attended with a lot of very good competitors.

Congrats to everyone who did what it took to get ready and to get up on stage - you are all winners!

I managed to to eeek out a 1st place win in the Mens Masters 45-54 class. Apparently we were tied after pre-judging and our evening performance was the tie breaker. It was the toughest Masters class that I have ever been in, a lot of great competitors. I think that they moved me no less than 5 times in the line-up during pre-judging. It was fun but I was tired by the end!

Way to go!!!!!!

Congratulations!

Just want to say how proud I am of VA and Michele for seeing things through and for their great showing at the contest. I had the privilege of establishing an ongoing line of communication with VA during his prep and through the magic of cyberspace, witness his incredible transformation to achieve his best ever condition. He is also a gentleman and scholar in every sense of the word, as well as a mentor to me,as to how one should conduct themselves in the everyday world.

My time with Michele was rather brief but there is no question regarding her tenacity and will when it comes down to improving the physical self. This success will only create more success. And BOY... did she look great!!!

On the down side, I stressed out more for VA's show, than any one of my own shows. My cortisol levels were so high that I lost 15 lbs. of muscle in 3 months. THANKS A LOT PAL!!

J/K

One more question VA... how did you manage to compete in the 45-54 age class, when we all know you are 68 years old?

Mike / Aram - you guys are way too kind. We all know I had my issues - but I'm determined to be leaner and meaner next time!!!!!

Mike looked incredible and absolutely deserved that first place spot!!!!!

Thanks guys for all the support!!!

As I recall Aram - you are much older than I am...so this must be the pot calling the kettle black. We have found the fountain of youth my friend - it is a healthy life style, a solid nutritional plan and working hard in the gym!

I'm just hoping that I might stick with this long enough to compete in the next Masters category (55-64 - yikes!!) When I look at the fine example that someone like Neal Grossman sets for us it makes me determined to keep trying to improve.

Aram I want to thank you once again publically, for all of your kind encouragemnt and your willingness to share your knowledge about the sport. I would not have done as well as I did without your help. Aram endured almost daily emails from me and was always kind enough to reply. He is probably sitting back now and saying "Man am I glad that VA's contest is over - now I can get on with the rest of my life!"

So what is it now buddy - 12 more days until your next PRO card right?

Congrats to the both of you. Well done!

Thanks JT - Here are a few pics from the show:
http://fitnessandphysique.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=7205&hl=

This message has been edited. Last edited by: VA MadDog,

MadDog- Congratulations to both you and BikerChick! You both look terrific!

Thanks for sharing your photos!

T-