Bean's 1st contest prep (Lecheek last 8 weeks)

[Danb2285]

Bean, you're my hero! I wish I had the balls to do what you did bro! A+ physique my friend!

Agree with this whole statement dude

[IrishSoldier]

Haha I'm decades away from even thinking of competing. Good for you man, first of many!

[fumoney]

Nice frame to work with and good solid base to build from. Looking well conditioned bean. I am sure you picked up enough experience there to destroy the next contest.

[bean5er]

Alright sorry for lack of updates been down a bit this week. Turns out I should've listened more but my three days of free eating went horribly wrong. I know everybody is diff but I want to share this to anyone competing for the first time or thinking about it.

Sat, sun and Monday I ate whatever I wanted, I literally ate all day. I didn't think 2-3 days would make a huge diff, well boy was I wrong. I woke up mon a bit bloated and watery no big deal I thought and continued on eating. Well ties morning I woke up and my wife didn't even recognize me. Neither did I. I didn't think it was possible to hold this amount of water.

I weighed in say am b4 show at 180-182 can't recall exactly by tues I was up to 208. Problem was I cleaned it up tues and have been on track since but the water wouldn't budge not even a little. My arms legs were so tight they hurt to bend. Honestly it freaked me the fock out. Talked to my coach who said he's never seen someone react this way who wasn't on a bunch of drugs. Considering he didn't put me on a diuretic and overall he said the approach we took was fairly mild considering so he was worried and told me to jump on Benadryl ASAP and if that didn't help by the end of weds to go to the hospital. It helped a bit but not much . My doc gave me lasix which I started today and very slowly it's coming off. The reason they put me on lasix is my BP was sky high from holding all that water for so long. I'm pretty sure I'm allergic to gluten now or not far off. Being sodium depleted and dehydrated then just consuming a bunch of both I believe my body just took it all in and was hanging onto it for dear life. This has given me a new respect for eating healthy and clean and has motivated me to stay under 12-13 % in the off season so my preps can be shorter and so I don't feel so deprived after a show.

My point is this, give yourself a few meals 24 hours after then jump right back on the clean wagon or you could end up like me. I had my best physique ever not 5 days ago and although it may be temporary, it's gone for now. If post pics but I'm too embarrassed. I feel like **** and its taken every ounce of discipline to make myself hit the gym the last few days. My motivation is back and I'm determined to get back ASAP. Sorry for the downer but I want people to learn from my mistakes. If any of you competitors have similar stories please share with me.

[Danb2285]

Wow dude so sorry to hear that. Hopefully everything starts lookin up soon

[Wilpit]

Wow man, that sounds rough. If you get a chance post those pics. I'm interested to see what 20+ lbs in 3 days looks like. Hope everything settles though. Good luck

[PalmFist]

I like the new plan better. Way easier on the body and metabolism. Check this shyt out if you haven't already>>> http://www.biolayne.com/videos/

When's the new log going up buddy?

[bean5er]

Actually I didn't take pics as I was in shock lol. I woke up this am looking a lot better.

Palm fist I've watched all his videos and love layne norton. I wish I could pick his brain about prep as mentions how he doesn't manipulate water or sodium during peak week. Thanks for posting it bud. I'm hopefully going to do a final review and go over all these shops I was on and how I liked them then ill be starting a long term thread in the training section and ill be starting my Xgels log next week in this section. Ill throw links up when I get them started.

[804]

Glad you're alright bro!

[aceroni]

Alright sorry for lack of updates been down a bit this week. Turns out I should've listened more but my three days of free eating went horribly wrong. I know everybody is diff but I want to share this to anyone competing for the first time or thinking about it.

Sat, sun and Monday I ate whatever I wanted, I literally ate all day. I didn't think 2-3 days would make a huge diff, well boy was I wrong. I woke up mon a bit bloated and watery no big deal I thought and continued on eating. Well ties morning I woke up and my wife didn't even recognize me. Neither did I. I didn't think it was possible to hold this amount of water.

I weighed in say am b4 show at 180-182 can't recall exactly by tues I was up to 208. Problem was I cleaned it up tues and have been on track since but the water wouldn't budge not even a little. My arms legs were so tight they hurt to bend. Honestly it freaked me the fock out. Talked to my coach who said he's never seen someone react this way who wasn't on a bunch of drugs. Considering he didn't put me on a diuretic and overall he said the approach we took was fairly mild considering so he was worried and told me to jump on Benadryl ASAP and if that didn't help by the end of weds to go to the hospital. It helped a bit but not much . My doc gave me lasix which I started today and very slowly it's coming off. The reason they put me on lasix is my BP was sky high from holding all that water for so long. I'm pretty sure I'm allergic to gluten now or not far off. Being sodium depleted and dehydrated then just consuming a bunch of both I believe my body just took it all in and was hanging onto it for dear life. This has given me a new respect for eating healthy and clean and has motivated me to stay under 12-13 % in the off season so my preps can be shorter and so I don't feel so deprived after a show.

My point is this, give yourself a few meals 24 hours after then jump right back on the clean wagon or you could end up like me. I had my best physique ever not 5 days ago and although it may be temporary, it's gone for now. If post pics but I'm too embarrassed. I feel like **** and its taken every ounce of discipline to make myself hit the gym the last few days. My motivation is back and I'm determined to get back ASAP. Sorry for the downer but I want people to learn from my mistakes. If any of you competitors have similar stories please share with me.

Hey buddy, don't worry.
I went thru the same thing after my first show.
Like you said, your body is in extreme rebound mode.

Your body is like a sponge right now. You'll level back out it'll just take a week or two.

If you clean it up, get back on your diet, start hitting the weights and cardio again, and up your water to 1.5-2 gallons you'll be back down maybe ten pounds in a week.

I did the same thing my first prep. So bloated I looked completely different..
It was crazy going from that high of looking the best you've ever had to the point of having cankles.

I also am drug free but I didn't have Any bp problems.

[MrKleen73]

Bean, you looked great, I agree with everyone here. You were plenty lean but as already said a tad flat. Now this bullsh!t of having your ass handed to you. That is fugging ridiculous. You stood on stage with the top .001% of physiques around, and you came in in the middle of the pack. Sounds like you were in damn good company. I will take the middle of the top .001% any day over #1 with a bunch of average Joes. You have to remember that like you everyone else there had their best physique some of them had probably been in many shows. Some were probably judge favorites. That is just the way it is. However now you are on their radar, and stage presence will be amplified next time by a new found confidence and calm on stage.

I know how easy it is to beat yourself up over this stuff, but here in a bit after the sting goes away the appreciation for the experience, the entire process will sink in. When it does you will be more proud of yourself for sustaining the discipline and dedication through your entire prep. YOu have tested your metal and found that you were forged into a stronger being when the heat and pressure is applied. Many people go through life never experiencing a challenge like you did. Not only that but even more people try and failed. You succeeded and did so with both class and style.

As far as a tested show, if you have your prescription for your TRT and they are not raising your test up over the high end of what is considered normal then you can compete in that show. It is a medical condition and being treated, they only frown on that when you are being enhanced above what is considered normal. At least the shows I have looked at state that pretty clearly.

[snagencyV2.0]

mentions how he doesn't manipulate water or sodium during peak week.

well sure layne does, just not to the extent that most do..he cuts back on water (just not entirely, and only for a short time) and he eliminates added salt and salt-containing foods..there is no BIG carb load, just gentle sensible carb uptake as water is decreased

and unless you are using srs pharma, or you are not lean enuff to begin with and have to try to pull out some tricks, it is simply the best way to go..even the slightest tweak to get a "leg up" so to speak, can throw things off balance
took me a couple times to figure that out myself: my first show, my coach had me spinning and twisting so much with all these adjustments and tweaks in final week..i looked good, but now that i'm a lil smarter I realize he just got lucky. literally - I could do the exact same things again today, and it would be a miracle if I looked halfway as good as I did then

give yourself enuff time to diet properly, be ready 2 weeks outs, and guide things in with small adjustments as needed
it seems ridiculous that it should be so easy, but it really is just that

[bean5er]

Bean, you looked great, I agree with everyone here. You were plenty lean but as already said a tad flat. Now this bullsh!t of having your ass handed to you. That is fugging ridiculous. You stood on stage with the top .001% of physiques around, and you came in in the middle of the pack. Sounds like you were in damn good company. I will take the middle of the top .001% any day over #1 with a bunch of average Joes. You have to remember that like you everyone else there had their best physique some of them had probably been in many shows. Some were probably judge favorites. That is just the way it is. However now you are on their radar, and stage presence will be amplified next time by a new found confidence and calm on stage.

I know how easy it is to beat yourself up over this stuff, but here in a bit after the sting goes away the appreciation for the experience, the entire process will sink in. When it does you will be more proud of yourself for sustaining the discipline and dedication through your entire prep. YOu have tested your metal and found that you were forged into a stronger being when the heat and pressure is applied. Many people go through life never experiencing a challenge like you did. Not only that but even more people try and failed. You succeeded and did so with both class and style.

As far as a tested show, if you have your prescription for your TRT and they are not raising your test up over the high end of what is considered normal then you can compete in that show. It is a medical condition and being treated, they only frown on that when you are being enhanced above what is considered normal. At least the shows I have looked at state that pretty clearly.

Thanks bud. I'm over it now and motivated and anxious for the next one. Not sure if ill get one more in this year with my attempt in career change. Either way I learned a lot and am thankful for this experience. Currently back on track and killing it both in the kitchen and gym.

As far as the tested shows as far as I've looked it's a no go (not that I really feel right about anyway) was more curious.

well sure layne does, just not to the extent that most do..he cuts back on water (just not entirely, and only for a short time) and he eliminates added salt and salt-containing foods..there is no BIG carb load, just gentle sensible carb uptake as water is decreased

and unless you are using srs pharma, or you are not lean enuff to begin with and have to try to pull out some tricks, it is simply the best way to go..even the slightest tweak to get a "leg up" so to speak, can throw things off balance
took me a couple times to figure that out myself: my first show, my coach had me spinning and twisting so much with all these adjustments and tweaks in final week..i looked good, but now that i'm a lil smarter I realize he just got lucky. literally - I could do the exact same things again today, and it would be a miracle if I looked halfway as good as I did then

give yourself enuff time to diet properly, be ready 2 weeks outs, and guide things in with small adjustments as needed
it seems ridiculous that it should be so easy, but it really is just that

Great info as always snags. My only gripe would be that I honestly felt if I would have been 2 weeks out at the 6-8 week mark I would have looked much better. I'm just disappointed at how flat I was never filled out till after my show when I ate a big ass burger and sweet potatoes fries :-) srs tho I tried asking him If I could eat some more simpler foods the days of and he said no that's not what I teach so it is what it is.

[bean5er]

Thanks bud. I'm over it now and motivated and anxious for the next one. Not sure if ill get one more in this year with my attempt in career change. Either way I learned a lot and am thankful for this experience. Currently back on track and killing it both in the kitchen and gym.

As far as the tested shows as far as I've looked it's a no go (not that I really feel right about anyway) was more curious.

Great info as always snags. My only gripe would be that I honestly felt if I would have been 2 weeks out at the 6-8 week mark I would have looked much better. I'm just disappointed at how flat I was never filled out till after my show when I ate a big ass burger and sweet potatoes fries :-) srs tho I tried asking him If I could eat some more simpler foods the days of and he said no that's not what I teach so it is what it is.

I'm not saying I'm right he's wrong I'm just trying to learn is all. I did some practice re-feeds leading up using burgers and granola PB etc and looked awesome for almost 24 hours. We added steak and white basmati rice the night b4 (12oz and 4 cups) then it was back to fish and rice cakes all show day. I know it's a learning experience for us both but I feel I was in close enough shape all prep and that we experimented a ton so in my eyes it shoulda been done differently. I have a lot to learn so I'm happy with that show in general it was a blast and like I said can't wait for that next one. For now time to grow

[MrKleen73]

Yeah water and sodium manipulation is not really needed when you are in shape and you were in shape. SOunds like you may not have introduced sodium back in in time. You need some sodium to hold the water in. Messing with electrolytes is a rough one because everything can seem like it is exactly the same but your body responds differently. If you are planning on looking into what Layne prescribes, he does a "pre-fill" earlier on in the week then just eats to maintain glycogen levels the rest of the week so he stays nice and full. He only adjusts his sodium if he is actually holding onto water otherwise why mess with something that is already squared away.

I am a believer in the pre load, earlier on in the week keeping hydrated and stepping on the stage knowing you are not going to be flat. If you are in shape and not flat you are going to look good no matter what. However I am not sure how MattyS4 will have me do peak week. I do know we will at least have one exact replica peek week to see how my body responds. Hell If I get in shape soon enough I would like to have time for 2 of them, one as a test run and another with any improvements he thinks may help.

[bean5er]

Yeah. When I walked off the stage after the first round, I felt like I had a fever and a headache. Felt like shyt tbh. I'm curious to see what he does with you! They're doing good things over at boss body for sure!

[MANotaur]

still alive...just thought id let you know if you wtren aware lol

[aceroni]

Yeah water and sodium manipulation is not really needed when you are in shape and you were in shape. SOunds like you may not have introduced sodium back in in time. You need some sodium to hold the water in. Messing with electrolytes is a rough one because everything can seem like it is exactly the same but your body responds differently. If you are planning on looking into what Layne prescribes, he does a "pre-fill" earlier on in the week then just eats to maintain glycogen levels the rest of the week so he stays nice and full. He only adjusts his sodium if he is actually holding onto water otherwise why mess with something that is already squared away.

I am a believer in the pre load, earlier on in the week keeping hydrated and stepping on the stage knowing you are not going to be flat. If you are in shape and not flat you are going to look good no matter what. However I am not sure how MattyS4 will have me do peak week. I do know we will at least have one exact replica peek week to see how my body responds. Hell If I get in shape soon enough I would like to have time for 2 of them, one as a test run and another with any improvements he thinks may help.

The guy that dialed me in had me eating extra carbs all week, basically eating high carbs Monday thru Friday with some pizza Fri night.
I did cut water though and it worked for me. No drugs no diuretics just drinking 2gal a day the final week, cutting it out Friday evening.

It worked like a charm

[aceroni]

I'm not saying I'm right he's wrong I'm just trying to learn is all. I did some practice re-feeds leading up using burgers and granola PB etc and looked awesome for almost 24 hours. We added steak and white basmati rice the night b4 (12oz and 4 cups) then it was back to fish and rice cakes all show day. I know it's a learning experience for us both but I feel I was in close enough shape all prep and that we experimented a ton so in my eyes it shoulda been done differently. I have a lot to learn so I'm happy with that show in general it was a blast and like I said can't wait for that next one. For now time to grow

Also wanted to know how you're doing now bud

[bean5er]

The guy that dialed me in had me eating extra carbs all week, basically eating high carbs Monday thru Friday with some pizza Fri night.
I did cut water though and it worked for me. No drugs no diuretics just drinking 2gal a day the final week, cutting it out Friday evening.

It worked like a charm

Yeah I was at <70g/day with one high day around 175-200 a week for last two weeks or so.

Just committed to a sept 21 national qualifier here. I just don't want to go through the same thing again.

[aceroni]

Yeah I was at <70g/day with one high day around 175-200 a week for last two weeks or so.

Just committed to a sept 21 national qualifier here. I just don't want to go through the same thing again.

Dang man. No rest. Try to do a few practice peak Weeks with your guy Few Weeks out from the show.
I agree with everyone else abut bring consistent, but you also need to know how much carbs your body can take in before spilling over

[classic34]

Thanks all. Much appreciated. I've enjoyed this ride and definitely look forward to another one. Your support was more than I ever expected to have and I'm honored to have you all in here. I'll put pics up as soon as I get some back. I'll admit I went into this wanting and expecting to win. I'm by no means a cocky or arrogant guy but from feedback from my coach and all you I was very happy with what I accomplished this expecting a diff outcome. Having aid that I have zero experience in this game and found that our very quickly and it was a lot to take in. Doing everything I was told to do for 20 weeks then completely getting my ass kicked was hard to swallow. I'm a fighter, and a competitor and I fcking hate losing so I let it get to me. After reflecting though I'm happy with the experience and realize how subjective this sport really is. I finished what I set out to do and did it well and that's what matters not a trophy. I can tell you this I'm amped to get this off season started (legs on tap tomorrow) diet will slowly clean up throughout the week. As far as plans for competing I'm honestly not sure. I'm halfway through my real estate classes so that is my number one concern right now. There's vomit two shows around here left and one is tested and with me being on trt that leaves me one show. So time will tell. Things I will be focusing on are my legs (they suck) and just clean growth in general. Whether that means bbing or physique again who knows. These kids I was against were def bigger than me so may a little growth won't hurt me for another physique competition we shall see.

We are happy to be here. You know what's funny is that everyone in this thread thinks you looked awesome and I bet you have more people looking up to you after that than you think. Shows are a serious dose of reality, and combine that with the warped view of someone who's closing in on a show and you're never going to be good enough, there will always be more that you want to change. Srs though, congratulations.You might want to read what I posted in my log on the home board today, because I think you'll relate somewhat. I pretty much laid out in full honesty what happened throughout the end of prep and show day, anything significant, and what became of it all. You don't have to of course but in case you're interested. Not sure if I'm allowed to link to it from here, but its on page 10 posts 194 and 196.

Yeah I was at <70g/day with one high day around 175-200 a week for last two weeks or so.


Just committed to a sept 21 national qualifier here. I just don't want to go through the same thing again.

It's confirmed, you're hooked lol!

[bean5er]

Thanks Classic! I appreciate your support, help and kind words. If you don't mind you can PM that link if you want if not ill head over there at some point and check it out.

I'm actually still trying to let my body normalize after my all out free for all post competition :-). It actually sucks as I cannot figure it out but something I'm eating isn't agreeing with me and as soon as I ditch some water weight it's back.

[classic34]

Thanks Classic! I appreciate your support, help and kind words. If you don't mind you can PM that link if you want if not ill head over there at some point and check it out.

I'm actually still trying to let my body normalize after my all out free for all post competition :-). It actually sucks as I cannot figure it out but something I'm eating isn't agreeing with me and as soon as I ditch some water weight it's back.

Cool, I will in a bit. I actually re-wrote and expanded it, and will be posting it in my old log from 2009 on another board so ill link you to that version.

It may take a little while to normalize. Everyone is different but I think most people are done with water fluctuations within a couple of weeks. As long as it's not uncomfortable or at a dangerous level I wouldn't even worry about it.

[bean5er]

Cool, I will in a bit. I actually re-wrote and expanded it, and will be posting it in my old log from 2009 on another board so ill link you to that version.

It may take a little while to normalize. Everyone is different but I think most people are done with water fluctuations within a couple of weeks. As long as it's not uncomfortable or at a dangerous level I wouldn't even worry about it.

Lol it was actually pretty bad almost had to go to hospital cause I couldn't bend my arms past 90 my ankles looked worse than my wife's did at 8.5 months prego. Went on a diuretic for 3 days yada yada. Lesson learned and the more I delve into my last two weeks I'm learning he sort of had me crash dieting. Luckily I logged it all in my fitness pal there were days I was l ly taking in like 1600cals and that's not even considering my expenditure with two a day cardio and weights. I'm putting on weight (fat) still after getting back on a consistent diet so I'm I'm the process of getting this all figured out. I've asked for new help with this so to speak.

[classic34]

Lol it was actually pretty bad almost had to go to hospital cause I couldn't bend my arms past 90 my ankles looked worse than my wife's did at 8.5 months prego. Went on a diuretic for 3 days yada yada. Lesson learned and the more I delve into my last two weeks I'm learning he sort of had me crash dieting. Luckily I logged it all in my fitness pal there were days I was l ly taking in like 1600cals and that's not even considering my expenditure with two a day cardio and weights. I'm putting on weight (fat) still after getting back on a consistent diet so I'm I'm the process of getting this all figured out. I've asked for new help with this so to speak.

Oh gosh... Well as long as you're healthy now it's all good.

Story time. Last prep I was extremely dizzy all day was because I was drinking 3 gallons of water a day, sweating like mad (cardio + summer), and not adding salt to my food. Once I realized what was wrong it was like DUH! So obvious.

I had a bright idea: Pedialyte. I drank a half bottle and felt better, then kept drinking more and feeling better. I drank maybe 1 and 2/3 bottles, and drank more water with it. Ahh all better, problem solved. Then came the water... Within about an hour everything swelled, even my throat swelled to the point that breathing was difficult. I almost decided to go get professional help, but then it started getting better. After a few hours everything was alright.

I decided to check my weight a couple hours later, after I had used the bathroom and the bloating had gone down... 8 pounds up from normal mid-day weight. I must have gained about 10 lb. water in 1 hour...not cool!