All..I just wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts from my recent contest preparation experience. First, hats off to anyone that does this madness year after year. Last year I was riding a "high" as I had just lost a bunch of weight and was thrilled with the new me. Anyone that can put themselves through the rigors of competing repeatedly has to be a very strong individual, without a doubt.

This was my second contest season and moreso than last year, I really feel good about getting back to some kind of normal life. I guess my total prep went on for about 20 weeks, and I did 2 shows 3 weeks apart. It really took it's toll on me mentally and physically. I did achieve my goals, and I learned a lot about myself - that's a good thing.

I have no plans to compete again in the near future. If I do decide to do this again, based on what I've learned, I need to move up to the HW class and compete around 205-210. I have some growing to do! Never say never, just not now.

That being said, however, I will continue training with the same intensity that got me where I am today. I am currently working on some ideas for a diet and am also looking into creating a 3 day per week training scheme.

Oh, and I will still be on the board

Dwayne

Brother Dwayne,
Competitive bodybuilding is an activity which very few people have the capacity for. It is truly "mind over body". Achieving what you have, sets you apart from 99.9% of the gym/fitness crowd. It doesn't make you "better" than anyone else, but sets you apart as a motivational ambassador for people who are having doubts and insecurities about themselves.

I am certain that not only have you represented bodybuilding to the highest degree, but your achievements will also serve as a stepping stone to successes in your personal life, as well as positively influence other's lives also.

Oh yeah, should you decide to compete again as a heavyweight somewhere down the road, let me know what show you're doing so I won't make the mistake of entering that one!

Aram

boy can i relate to this today!!! i am 2/4 weeks out from 2 shows, had a meltdown and ate like i was on death row! after my good buddy val calmed me down a bit, i figured im only human. 1 mistake wont kill all my progress. its true, its the hardest and most unrecongnized sport on the planet. hats off to all of us!!!

Dwayneont be so hard on yourself,if you put 110% into your diet and contest prep(like you did),and you show up looking the best you can possibly look at that time,then in your mind you have already won the battle.I can assure you that if you continue to train and diet with the same intasity some day you will be that tall person but you will continue to thicken up and muscles will mature and you will be able to be competetive with guys shorter than you.I am 5ft.8in. tall which is extremely tall for a bantamweight.I did my first show 3yrs. at 121lbs.,last yr. I competed at 141lbs.,this year I competed at 143lbs.,but the 2lb. gain I was much thicker and fuller than the year before.My point is I am basically in the same boat as you with the height disadvantage,I will continue to try and more muscle thickness and maturity over the next two years,because I can no longer compete as a bantamweight,so keep your head up high and keep plugging away as we are all here to support you.

Hey Dwayne.. yes.. it's a tough game! You should be so very proud of yourself and the continued progress that you have made! Being in the best condition of your life makes you a winner already! You are a champion. Keep training hard and enjoy your much deserved time off. Congrats on your success! Val

Kudo's to you Dwayne. It takes courage and dedication to do one show, real guts to do two. You should be very proud of your accomplishments. It is so true that the 20 weeks of prep is a learning experience. Bodybuilding is a lifestyle and whether you step on stage again does not really matter. It is one day, taking care of oneself, staying fit, is for life !!

Leslie

Big D, I'm with ya on the toll it takes on you. I did one show this sping and then two shows (back-to-back weekends) this fall. Talk about having to really dig deep within yourself. I think it is hard for anyone who never prepares for a show all the way thru to stepping on stage to really understand the aspects of this sport, especially the mental part. I've got to really wonder how someone like Aram can do it for as long and as much as he has. I'm certainly astonished. I've followed your progresses and you are certainly one who has proven to overcome the adversities. A big pat on the back to you, my man!!!

Hey Dwayne - Glad to hear that you are going to stay with us as a board regular. You have an awful lot to offer and contribute. There are many people out there - looking like you did two years ago and wondering if they could really embrace the fitness lifestyle, drop weight and look and feel better - you are a walking demonstration project that it can be done and on top of that you have successfully competed and improved! Stick around, stay motivated and set some realistic goals to pursue. You already know that you have what it takes to realize difficult goals.

Thanks for all the great words! I truly appreciate it.

Ya know, this post pretty much sums up all the reasons I like posting on here and enjoy getting to know some fellow athletes. This is a great group of people!

Have a great weekend everyone.

Dwayne