o.k. beverly readers...if you qualify for nationals...should you go? I am not sure that I should???

If yes...I need to put on 5-7 pounds of lean mass before September through my quads and shoulders (per the judges)!

I have been so focused on losing fat that I don't know what to eat now. I don't want to bring the same package to a national level show. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks for everyone's help and advice! There were about 30 ladies total in the figure division at the NPC Indianapolis this weekend. I placed 2nd out of a class of 5. This brings me to my original questions, that just because I qualify, am I qualified to go? That was my first show?!! YEAH FOR ME!!

I would say make that decision after a few weeks. This being your first contest, you may want to try a couple of other contests just for stage experience. I think 5-7 pounds of lean mass would make you quite large. I'd bet 1/2 of that is all you'd need and a more reasonable goal for September.

The bigger question is whether you do contests and suffer a slower gain or concentrate on the Nationals by striving the gain of 3 pounds of lean mass, lose the contest experience.

Did you smile and maintain your pose? You must have!

Frank

PS. CONGRATULATIONS!! 2nd? Not bad for the first time out!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Frank,

I go back and forth with what I want to do. I have been eating clean except for and working on my goal of putting on muscle. I have answered my own question, though. Looking at pictures on fitvideo.com I have some work to do. The stage experience would be good, but I think I should take the rest of the year off to add "size." I am thinking of shooting for the Northern Kentucky in March, then see where next summer takes me. I can only improve from here.

I will have to say, this post contest water rebound SUCKS!

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I will have to say, this post contest water rebound SUCKS!

It is a major combination of things. More carbs, sodium, less water, AND are you eating breads? The other thing that may be hurting you is still the lower body fat.

Cut back a little on the carbs for a few days, then slowly introduce them back into the diet. FLAX OIL? Need some of that and up your water intake. What is it at this point? You should be drinking at least 1.25 gallons. It's summer.

Give yourself 6 weeks to find yourself then make that decision. Even though you say you're not going to compete, you (woman) have the right to change your mind.

Whatever decision you'll make, you should know we're here for ya.

Frank

I have posted a pic at www.myspace.com/janearcher I would appreciate input as I prepare for another show in 6 weeks!

Hi Jane!

Congratulations! Placing so well at your first show is a great accomplishement. As far as competing at Nationals, you pose a great question. The national level shows are HUGE with many seasoned competitors (30+ per class). Not to say that you could not do well, just that should really do some research first. There are several sites that post photos from National shows and you can compare your current conditioning to the top women at those shows. The best advice I received from a judge was after I won my 3rd show in a row (the Northern being the 1st). They said, you have a lot of potential, but really need to give yourself a year to develop, gain a little more muscle everywhere and get more experience on stage. A year later, I not only felt more experienced on stage, I understood what the sport was all about and did turn pro.

I would highly reccomend competing at the Northern in March. It is one of the best shows in the country. If you place well there, then by all means, go for a national show. In my opinion, it would be best to 'work your way up' with bigger and bigger shows.

Best of luck & you look great in the photo!
Julie Lohre

www.JulieLohre.com

Great advice Julie! I would suggest to look at previous National contest (www.hardfitness.com) pictures and try to evaluate where you would fare in the competition and what you need to work on.

Looking at pictures from previous National level competitions made my mind up quickly. I am definitely not ready to stand next to a national level competitor. I have decided to take the year off and add some size. I have been working with some really knowledgeable people who have convinced me that what I eat now will determine my placing next year! I spend all this money on supplements, but I have been wasting it because my diet was not up to par. It is cliche, but you are what you eat. Thanks for all the support from the beverly readers. And a HUGE congrats to Julie on her placing this weekend!!!

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I have been working with some really knowledgeable people who have convinced me that what I eat now will determine my placing next year!

A wise decision. Do a few contests next year, then jump in!

Frank

jane congratulations on your first show placing. I placed second in my class at beverly's northern show in march and had the same thoughts. I decided to seperated myquads a little more before going to a national level show.. anyway I looked at your myspace pic and you looked good. good luck!

joe daniels

Jane - I just did a "friends request" so hope you will add me. I checked out your pics - I think I have back-envy. Great V! I'm working on mine but I've still got a ways to go.