We are less than two weeks away from the Northern here in Cleveland,and was wandering whoever is competing in this event how is the diet and training coming along? Good Luck to everbody competing and will see you there.

Scott...I will be there. Things are going well, Mark R and I have tweaked my final week plan based on lessons learned. Training is as good as can be expected at this point.

See you there.

Dwayne

It will be my first bb show. I've began dieting at 17 weeks out. I'm learning a lot about my body and how it reacts to types of training and certain foods. LOL - the gal doing my diet said I have the most stuborn body she's ever worked with - LUCKY ME! So, I won't be nearly as lean as I should be, but this first one is a learning experience. I'm just gonna try to have fun with it, and hopefully my fat booty won't be laughed off the stage!

Hey Biker..ROck on !! You have the right approach for your first show, you don't exactly know how things are going to go until you do it! Be confident and proud of yourself for just getting up on stage, and you're right, have fun with it

Dwayne

Thanks Dwayne!

Looking forward to seeing you there! You'll know me - I'll be the fatty on the stage! LOL!

Biker Chick,If you think that you wont be lean enough you could always take two-twenty minute saunas on Friday and that will probably pull 5-10lbs. of excess water out of your body.I am not a big fan of the saunas,but if you are still a little fat the saunas will work well.

Biker Chick,

Just wanted to give you a word of encouragement. Keep pluggin' away... you're doing great! Just think of how far you've come since the beginning of your 17 week diet! Remember, don't worry about who else shows up or how they look... just focus on coming in to the show in your best condition. And then use that as a stepping stone for further improvement. That way you always win!

I participated in my first show last April in the Natural Northern USA in Lakewood, OH (same show as yours, but in the spring instead of the fall) and likely came in last place in my weight class... but compared to where I was 14 weeks earlier it was a personal accomplishment that was immensely satisfying!

I was hoping to be at the show to see you, Scotty and Dwayne rock the place... unfortunately, I will be out of town and can't make it. Best of luck to you, and keep bangin' away, and focusing on your continuing improvement. Anybody with the grit and determination to do what you've done is a major winner in my book!

Tom

PS We will want to see some pictures!

Hey Biker Chick - The last few weeks are always the hardest mentally. Everyone goes through it and no matter how good you are looking almost every competitor has some self doubts and feelings of anxiety.

The first time is the worst because you have never gone through a contest prep before and so you literally do not know what to expect. The good side of things is that it is and will be very interesting for you. You will learn so much about the sport and about yourself in many ways.

The best advice I can give is to take it one day at a time. The next scheduled meal, training session or supplement portion work together to become another positive day in a series of many positive days. Do the right things each day and you are guarenteed to accomplish your goals.

You hang in there and keep on truck'in on a day at a time. We are here for you so go ahead and ask your questions of just vent a little - it is healthy to do so and it will keep you balanced.

We are all excited for you, as we are for every competitor and especially for every first time competitor. Your mind set is perfect - keep doing the right things and be your best but at the same time take things in stride and try to enjoy the experience. Learn and have fun.

Wow - thanks guys - I REALLY needed that!!!!!

Scotty - I like your idea of the sauna - I'll definitely do that.

Tom - you are absolutely right. In fact, I was just telling someone this morning that I have not cheated once on my diet, I've given every workout 110%, there's really nothing more I could have done, so just reaching the finish line is a win for me.

VA - you ain't kidding about the mental aspect. I think that's the hardest part. And, my mind plays tricks on me. I look in the mirror, and I still see the gal that was 50 lbs. heavier 4 years ago. LOL!

Thanks again all. This time has been a learning experience. There's a lot of things I'll do differently next time - I actually am looking forward to getting it right next time!

Biker Chick,What is your real name so I know who you are at the contest? Make sure after the saunas on Friday you limit your water intake.Good luck and see you there.

Hey Scotty - I'm Michele Salimbeni.

Good point on the water! Good luck to you as well - you looked incredible at the North American a few weeks back!!!!! See ya there!

Hi Everyone.....I am new to the scene and noticed the forum. I have been training to do the competition in KY in March and I was wondering if anyone has heard if the natural will be going on again in the Spring? I saw on Joe Liberman's website that it will be held on Apr 2. I cant verify this on the NPC schedule online so that is why I am asking.....

I am also so excited to see that there are others locally around interested in the sport! Biker Chick-are you a harley girl???Southeast?

Jael

Hi Jael.

Yeah - the Natural Ohio is April 2nd in Lakewood.

And, yep - I got a 1998 Heritage Softail. Do you ride?

I'll probably go to the Northern Kentucky to observe - not competing again until the fall. I'll cheer you on!

quote:

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I saw on Joe Liberman's website that it will be held on Apr 2.
Jael

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I didnt know Senator Liberman promoted bodybuilding contests! Actually, it's Dave Liberman...great guy and a fantanstic show. Co-promoted by Todd Pember.

Hi...you are right...dave liberman...not joe...oops!

Does anyone know if 7-keto is a banned substance from this competition? I see for the Ohio Natural Bodybuilding Fed, it is.

Sorry biker girl, I plan to write you back, probably tues, i've been sooo busy, hope to see you at the northern KY!

Hi, I WAS WONDERING ABOUT THE 7-KETO TOO. i COMPETE WITH THE onbf SO I NEW IT WAS BANNED THERE, BUT NOT FAMILIAR WITH OTHER FEDS.

The 7-keto is not banned in any NPC event,therefore you are allowed to use it for the natural ohio.