Classic Kleen - The Road To Competition Fall 2024

[Dustin07]

Dude all of your responses to this showing, and this entire thread is pure leader ship / role model material. I love the way you have grinded it out, rolled with the punches, made adjustments, and kept doing battle. I can't wait to see where you take it from here!!

So along with some other things I intend to start doing some coaching.

I know some people feel like it can be a slipper slope if coaching starts to get in the way of your own training but I was taught, and firmly believe, that coaching makes you a better athlete. I really believe it has a positive effect on how you process the information, and drives you to be a leader/example.

went to bed at 217,8 and woke up after a night of crazy sweating 199.8 lbs.

WTF, are you sure your pecker wasn't hanging on the toilet paper roll or something making the scale look lighter?

 

[akboom87]

Awesome job man and congratulations on making it all the way! It was a pleasure to follow along and see the progress. The shots on the NPC site are amazing, you look massive and peeled!

you looking to do some coaching, you can hit me up I’d be willing!

 

[MrKleen73]

I just demolished 2 more pieces of pizza, and am taking down a whey shake right now. YUM!!! Check out this Pizza, is AMAZING! So FIRE! it is a place called Caliente and it is fire for damn sure.
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Told you bro: Dbol, Pizzas & GOMAD every day last week of prep would have brought you in full, tight, cut, dry AF

I’m glad you enjoyed the show, actually going to the comp & that process. You did a great job getting into very good shape; as you said, you belonged up there. I’m happy for you

But of course! Yeah, I was very happy when I saw the pictures that I looked like I belonged there. First thing in the morning I doubt anyone would have said that. Coach did an amazing job of bringing a sh!t show into a very respectable look.

Dude all of your responses to this showing, and this entire thread is pure leader ship / role model material. I love the way you have grinded it out, rolled with the punches, made adjustments, and kept doing battle. I can't wait to see where you take it from here!!



I know some people feel like it can be a slippery slope if coaching starts to get in the way of your own training but I was taught, and firmly believe, that coaching makes you a better athlete. I really believe it has a positive effect on how you process the information, and drives you to be a leader/example.



WTF, are you sure your pecker wasn't hanging on the toilet paper roll or something making the scale look lighter?

Thanks Dustin! Means a lot, I feel how people handle adversity shows their true nature. My responses to the adversity are honestly the biggest thing I am proud of here. I have proven to myself how strong of an individual I can be and also learned where my weakness and prioritization of importance of things were lacking. I have good size, I have good shape, and great symmetry. My body is more aesthetic than most of the guys I saw on stage. I was missing conditioning and polishing of the pageantry side of things.

The biggest surprise for me which my posing coach woefully forgot to prepare me for was standing in Front Relaxed for long periods of time. While first call outs were out there and doing their thing, I was standing in Front Relaxed for probably 7 minutes. By the time I was able to walk to the posing position the outside of my ankles were just gone from spreading the flor as hard as i could to keep my legs popping. Totally on fire, and no stability. Once I started walking to the posing square my ankles were weak wobbly, and on fire which made firing my legs so hard. Plus keeping balance when the outside of your ankles are gassed is almost impossible. I lost my balance once or twice while setting up poses due to this. So we will be working up to 10-minute-long drills of standing in front relaxed as well as making sure I stay in the "relaxed position" while transitioning between poses. Pat told me I have a sleeper body, when relaxed I look much softer and smaller. So when I would relax even for a second or so between a pose, I would lose that shape and size.

As mentioned previously, we know what to work on now. We have a little bit of a map there and we plan to stay leaner this year throughout. One for ease of prep, and 2 a leaner body will help me attract clients on instagram. By the way since I will need a following starting anyone who can start following me there and commenting or getting a little traction on the page that would be awesome. My handle is @OldManKleen. Not much up there, but I will start posting some more pics up soon.

Awesome job man and congratulations on making it all the way! It was a pleasure to follow along and see the progress. The shots on the NPC site are amazing, you look massive and peeled!

you looking to do some coaching, you can hit me up I’d be willing!

That would be awesome, I will reach out to you tomorrow. Just kind of taking a down day today.

 

[akboom87]

I just demolished 2 more pieces of pizza, and am taking down a whey shake right now. YUM!!! Check out this Pizza, is AMAZING! So FIRE! it is a place called Caliente and it is fire for damn sure.
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But of course! Yeah, I was very happy when I saw the pictures that I looked like I belonged there. First thing in the morning I doubt anyone would have said that. Coach did an amazing job of bringing a sh!t show into a very respectable look.

Thanks Dustin! Means a lot, I feel how people handle adversity shows their true nature. My responses to the adversity are honestly the biggest thing I am proud of here. I have proven to myself how strong of an individual I can be and also learned where my weakness and prioritization of importance of things were lacking. I have good size, I have good shape, and great symmetry. My body is more aesthetic than most of the guys I saw on stage. I was missing conditioning and polishing of the pageantry side of things.

The biggest surprise for me which my posing coach woefully forgot to prepare me for was standing in Front Relaxed for long periods of time. While first call outs were out there and doing their thing, I was standing in Front Relaxed for probably 7 minutes. By the time I was able to walk to the posing position the outside of my ankles were just gone from spreading the flor as hard as i could to keep my legs popping. Totally on fire, and no stability. Once I started walking to the posing square my ankles were weak wobbly, and on fire which made firing my legs so hard. Plus keeping balance when the outside of your ankles are gassed is almost impossible. I lost my balance once or twice while setting up poses due to this. So we will be working up to 10-minute-long drills of standing in front relaxed as well as making sure I stay in the "relaxed position" while transitioning between poses. Pat told me I have a sleeper body, when relaxed I look much softer and smaller. So when I would relax even for a second or so between a pose, I would lose that shape and size.

As mentioned previously, we know what to work on now. We have a little bit of a map there and we plan to stay leaner this year throughout. One for ease of prep, and 2 a leaner body will help me attract clients on instagram. By the way since I will need a following starting anyone who can start following me there and commenting or getting a little traction on the page that would be awesome. My handle is @OldManKleen. Not much up there, but I will start posting some more pics up soon.


That would be awesome, I will reach out to you tomorrow. Just kind of taking a down day today.

No worries I figured as much. Enjoy the day and that pizza looks da bomb!

 

[Dustin07]

I have good size, I have good shape, and great symmetry. My body is more aesthetic than most of the guys I saw on stage. I was missing conditioning and polishing of the pageantry side of things.

Totally agree. I read Pats notes on the image he posted on stories yesterday and I thought it was awesome the way he put it, something like "couldn't quite solve the puzzle on time for him", he gave you massive kudos, said you totally brought it, and that he needed to tinker more or something like that. I love the approach you and him have in this process! I did go through the other competitors in your class and I agree with you 100%. I really think any given day, based on how someones looking that list could be flipped inside out and upside down. You definitely fit in with those competitors.

While first call outs were out there and doing their thing, I was standing in Front Relaxed for probably 7 minutes. By the time I was able to walk to the posing position the outside of my ankles were just gone from spreading the flor as hard as i could to keep my legs popping. Totally on fire, and no stability. Once I started walking to the posing square my ankles were weak wobbly, and on fire which made firing my legs so hard. Plus keeping balance when the outside of your ankles are gassed is almost impossible.

you know what's funny is I saw that in the comparrison photos and I saw you holding your pose and I literally was thinking holy hell how long does he have to hold that for?!


on a side note I was going through the physique classes as well out of curiosity. When you look at those pictures compared to your class it's almost like physique is just a "skipped leg day" meme. The guys are fit as hell, they look great, but man your class holds much more mass in the legs.

 

[gphagan1]

I did the same as Dustin and compared the other competitors’ photos and that’s why I said no doubt that you belong. That’s actually part of why I thought you took second when I saw the list, because I could totally see you taking first or second, and your group was very impressive, so I’m sure it was tough on the judges. But I thought your size, condition, and symmetry had you at the top. And I agree that your symmetry actually was the best in my book. I need to be a judge, I would be fair and objective.

 

[Dustin07]

Agreed, I'd love to see you hit this one again especially on a day where you and Pat feel like you have the formula dialed. You definitely belonged on that stage.

 

[MrKleen73]

Totally agree. I read Pats notes on the image he posted on stories yesterday and I thought it was awesome the way he put it, something like "couldn't quite solve the puzzle on time for him", he gave you massive kudos, said you totally brought it, and that he needed to tinker more or something like that. I love the approach you and him have in this process! I did go through the other competitors in your class and I agree with you 100%. I really think any given day, based on how someones looking that list could be flipped inside out and upside down. You definitely fit in with those competitors.

Agreed, some were in amazing condition though in person but had some aesthetic issues and a lot of HGH guts. I would guess I was on the least gear there in the open bodybuilding at least for people in light heavy weight and above. I think if I were this full and as dry as in most of my fasted check ins recently I would have made first call out regardless of my novice errors.

you know what's funny is I saw that in the comparrison photos and I saw you holding your pose and I literally was thinking holy hell how long does he have to hold that for?!

Yeah and it is brutal if you haven't trained for it. My outer ankles, and soleus were on fire!

on a side note I was going through the physique classes as well out of curiosity. When you look at those pictures compared to your class it's almost like physique is just a "skipped leg day" meme. The guys are fit as hell, they look great, but man your class holds much more mass in the legs.

Facts that is the stepping stone to open by for most. When they make the jump the really push legs.

I did the same as Dustin and compared the other competitors’ photos and that’s why I said no doubt that you belong. That’s actually part of why I thought you took second when I saw the list, because I could totally see you taking first or second, and your group was very impressive, so I’m sure it was tough on the judges. But I thought your size, condition, and symmetry had you at the top. And I agree that your symmetry actually was the best in my book. I need to be a judge, I would be fair and objective.

Yeah coach said I had better condition than most from the front, but my back being a bit soft and then seeing it relaxed and smaller looking during transitions was a big factor. Relaxed I look a lot softer. He said I lost points there for sure. So we just have to keep me tight, wide and tall at all times. It will take work but I plan to work on it throughout the year until it is natural for me.

Agreed, I'd love to see you hit this one again especially on a day where you and Pat feel like you have the formula dialed. You definitely belonged on that stage.

Yeah me too but we will probably do Masters Nationals for the next big one after a local practice show. It will be a slightly easier show but still a big one, and could earn pro card there if I won. I think almost a year of additional practice on all of the pageantry stuff, and coming in 2% leaner we will be a force to be reconned with in any Masters competition. If we can add 1-3lbs lbm in the process I will look insanely impressive.

 

[dapack]

You did one insanely good considering where you started and how you looked at the end. Took tons of hard work and dedication to get up on the stage with that level of competition. You will only build from this experience and if you choose to continue on will come back even bigger and leaner. Congrats on everything you accomplished!!!!

 

[gphagan1]

Agreed, some were in amazing condition though in person but had some aesthetic issues and a lot of HGH guts. I would guess I was on the least gear there in the open bodybuilding at least for people in light heavy weight and above. I think if I were this full and as dry as in most of my fasted check ins recently I would have made first call out regardless of my novice errors.


Yeah and it is brutal if you haven't trained for it. My outer ankles, and soleus were on fire!


Facts that is the stepping stone to open by for most. When they make the jump the really push legs.



Yeah coach said I had better condition than most from the front, but my back being a bit soft and then seeing it relaxed and smaller looking during transitions was a big factor. Relaxed I look a lot softer. He said I lost points there for sure. So we just have to keep me tight, wide and tall at all times. It will take work but I plan to work on it throughout the year until it is natural for me.


Yeah me too but we will probably do Masters Nationals for the next big one after a local practice show. It will be a slightly easier show but still a big one, and could earn pro card there if I won. I think almost a year of additional practice on all of the pageantry stuff, and coming in 2% leaner we will be a force to be reconned with in any Masters competition. If we can add 1-3lbs lbm in the process I will look insanely impressive.

I think you‘ll do good in the Master Nationals. The more you get conditioned to the prep , posing, and day of the show pageantry, the more natural it will become and everything starts flowing easier. I’m amazed at how quickly you were able to compete at this level of show and were right there with them at the end, and guarantee that group was tough for the judges. I know you were drained.
My old workout partner, in the 90s, took about a year of serious prep for his first show. He won a local regional then in the 45-49 age group they had out of 10, but looking at you and your group, all you guys would have beat him, but don’t get me wrong he did good. That’s why following your journey what you have accomplished has impressed me even more, because of helping him back then. I’ll never forget, after the show, me and our wives went to get pizza and beer. He was so exhausted that he stayed at the arena. We all set in the back of my truck eating pizza, drinking beer, and having a good ole time. He thought he was in heaven.
Anyway he went on to win some more regionals, and finally went to a National event in Vegas, took 7 out of 18. But he got discouraged and just quit everything. Sad because he quit working out and got fat.
That’s why I was glad to hear you view this as a stepping stone, because it really feels like with a few tweaks you’ll be on top.

 

[Dustin07]

I think you‘ll do good in the Master Nationals. The more you get conditioned to the prep , posing, and day of the show pageantry, the more natural it will become and everything starts flowing easier. I’m amazed at how quickly you were able to compete at this level of show and were right there with them at the end, and guarantee that group was tough for the judges. I know you were drained.
My old workout partner, in the 90s, took about a year of serious prep for his first show. He won a local regional then in the 45-49 age group they had out of 10, but looking at you and your group, all you guys would have beat him, but don’t get me wrong he did good. That’s why following your journey what you have accomplished has impressed me even more, because of helping him back then. I’ll never forget, after the show, me and our wives went to get pizza and beer. He was so exhausted that he stayed at the arena. We all set in the back of my truck eating pizza, drinking beer, and having a good ole time. He thought he was in heaven.
Anyway he went on to win some more regionals, and finally went to a National event in Vegas, took 7 out of 18. But he got discouraged and just quit everything. Sad because he quit working out and got fat.
That’s why I was glad to hear you view this as a stepping stone, because it really feels like with a few tweaks you’ll be on top.

After a lifetime of building I am often surprised that people can just stop and give it all up, there must be a level of depression at play. "The lion likes the hunt". We all need and take breaks but it's hard for me to understand how a guy can walk away for good. I often wonder if there is a day I would do that, but my dad still lifts every day. Maybe he's just setting the standard for me. Hopefully I'm doing the same for my boy!

 

[Dustin07]

I just can't imagine not "training". Some train to compete in strength, others to compete in aesthetics, endurance, skill, but there is also the simple act of training to build a better life. I just can't imagine life without that.

 

[MrKleen73]

You did one insanely good considering where you started and how you looked at the end. Took tons of hard work and dedication to get up on the stage with that level of competition. You will only build from this experience and if you choose to continue on will come back even bigger and leaner. Congrats on everything you accomplished!!!!

Thanks Brother!

I think you‘ll do good in the Master Nationals. The more you get conditioned to the prep , posing, and day of the show pageantry, the more natural it will become and everything starts flowing easier. I’m amazed at how quickly you were able to compete at this level of show and were right there with them at the end, and guarantee that group was tough for the judges. I know you were drained.
My old workout partner, in the 90s, took about a year of serious prep for his first show. He won a local regional then in the 45-49 age group they had out of 10, but looking at you and your group, all you guys would have beat him, but don’t get me wrong he did good. That’s why following your journey what you have accomplished has impressed me even more, because of helping him back then. I’ll never forget, after the show, me and our wives went to get pizza and beer. He was so exhausted that he stayed at the arena. We all set in the back of my truck eating pizza, drinking beer, and having a good ole time. He thought he was in heaven.
Anyway he went on to win some more regionals, and finally went to a National event in Vegas, took 7 out of 18. But he got discouraged and just quit everything. Sad because he quit working out and got fat.
That’s why I was glad to hear you view this as a stepping stone, because it really feels like with a few tweaks you’ll be on top.

Yeah prep is one of the hardest things I have ever done. We had to go hard in the paint on this one too get weight down quickly. We won't be in such a big hurry next time because l will stay in better shape this year.

After a lifetime of building I am often surprised that people can just stop and give it all up, there must be a level of depression at play. "The lion likes the hunt". We all need and take breaks but it's hard for me to understand how a guy can walk away for good. I often wonder if there is a day I would do that, but my dad still lifts every day. Maybe he's just setting the standard for me. Hopefully I'm doing the same for my boy!

Yeah, it is easier than you think to end up on a break if life interrupts and some are too proud to come back and be humble enough to start again for a while or ever. I have had periods of a 1-2 years I didnt.

I just can't imagine not "training". Some train to compete in strength, others to compete in aesthetics, endurance, skill, but there is also the simple act of training to build a better life. I just can't imagine life without that.

 

[gphagan1]

I just can't imagine not "training". Some train to compete in strength, others to compete in aesthetics, endurance, skill, but there is also the simple act of training to build a better life. I just can't imagine life without that.

Yeah, exactly….my buddy was 47 when he quit training, but like you said he got depressed and just gave it all up. We actually trained in Kenpo Karate together, when we were younger, and he did stay with that, and would play football, basketball, and softball with us, but he gave up weightlifting and now at 67 he uses the Chuck Norris I think it’s total gym or something, and lost his beer belly, but he tells us giving up and leaving the gym was one of his biggest regrets. Man through all my injuries I still can’t give it up. That’s another reason you inspire me Kleen, is you’re just a little younger than me, and seeing you navigate around injuries and life and then actually compete just shows what we can do when we truly dedicate ourselves. Sorry Kleen wasn’t trying to derail with my buddy’s story, just thought he was a good example of the opposite end of the spectrum in giving up and how you pushed through and actually made this a growing opportunity in your life. And I think it’s really cool you coaching on the side, because when you can make money doing something you love, then that’s the best you can hope for.

 

[MrKleen73]

Yeah, exactly….my buddy was 47 when he quit training, but like you said he got depressed and just gave it all up. We actually trained in Kenpo Karate together, when we were younger, and he did stay with that, and would play football, basketball, and softball with us, but he gave up weightlifting and now at 67 he uses the Chuck Norris I think it’s total gym or something, and lost his beer belly, but he tells us giving up and leaving the gym was one of his biggest regrets. Man through all my injuries I still can’t give it up. That’s another reason you inspire me Kleen, is you’re just a little younger than me, and seeing you navigate around injuries and life and then actually compete just shows what we can do when we truly dedicate ourselves. Sorry Kleen wasn’t trying to derail with my buddy’s story, just thought he was a good example of the opposite end of the spectrum in giving up and how you pushed through and actually made this a growing opportunity in your life. And I think it’s really cool you coaching on the side, because when you can make money doing something you love, then that’s the best you can hope for.

Agreed on that last point, and never a derail in my thread it is open to all conversations. We are all friends here , and it is a great point. Maybe you should point out to him what I did and tell him that it ain't over if he ain't over. Get back to it. I did from a pretty out of shape person after injury and depression induced 18 to 24 months layoff 2-2.5 years ago and if I hadn't torn my shoulder could have been ready in about 12-15 months. He can do it to. Look at the 60 and up guys at the show, some of them were beasts!

 

[gphagan1]

Agreed on that last point, and never a derail in my thread it is open to all conversations. We are all friends here , and it is a great point. Maybe you should point out to him what I did and tell him that it ain't over if he ain't over. Get back to it. I did from a pretty out of shape person after injury and depression induced 18 to 24 months layoff 2-2.5 years ago and if I hadn't torn my shoulder could have been ready in about 12-15 months. He can do it to. Look at the 60 and up guys at the show, some of them were beasts!

That’s a good point….it’s been about 5 years since I’ve even tried to talk him back to the gym. I’ll try and get him to the gym and on this forum too. Last time I talked to him about it he said I just wanted him there so I wouldn’t be the oldest guy at the gym, he’s 7 years older than me, and then laugh. Actually your log would be totally inspirational to him, and I know he would love this forum .

 

[MrKleen73]

Still being moderately responsible. Saw a Cinnabon in the airport today and had to get myself one. So I was responsible and got some protein bars to go along with it. I went for full send and got the caramel pecan covered cinnamon roll. I had beef fajitas and got a piece of tres leches cake for dinner, but only took a couple bites and put it away for tomorrow. I was a starting to get a little full and saw no reason to push it. Getting my Hippo Burger and Cajun fries tomorrow, finishing my tres leches and then calming it down after tomorrow. I will still eat some good meals over the next two weeks but will keep a lot of things relatively clean.

I am taking off the week from training maybe two and do some active recovery. I will likely take walks at lunch or something. Maybe do some mobility drills and core work. Let my lower back ready and heal a bit do we can push things when I come back and we rebound it off this prep. I will check in once a week still but he told me to relax and have some fun, be social, get some drinks if I want them but keep the rest of the time clean to limit damage and clean up. He said go wild if I want the first week but I am going to play it smart while still having some well deserved freedom of choice in food and quantity.

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[MrKleen73]

That’s a good point….it’s been about 5 years since I’ve even tried to talk him back to the gym. I’ll try and get him to the gym and on this forum too. Last time I talked to him about it he said I just wanted him there so I wouldn’t be the oldest guy at the gym, he’s 7 years older than me, and then laugh. Actually your log would be totally inspirational to him, and I know he would love this forum .

Do it!

 

[gphagan1]

Still being moderately responsible. Saw a Cinnabon in the airport today and had to get myself one. So I was responsible and got some protein bars to go along with it. I went for full send and got the caramel pecan covered cinnamon roll. I had beef fajitas and got a piece of tres leches cake for dinner, but only took a couple bites and put it away for tomorrow. I was a starting to get a little full and saw no reason to push it. Getting my Hippo Burger and Cajun fries tomorrow, finishing my tres leches and then calming it down after tomorrow. I will still eat some good meals over the next two weeks but will keep a lot of things relatively clean.

I am taking off the week from training maybe two and do some active recovery. I will likely take walks at lunch or something. Maybe do some mobility drills and core work. Let my lower back ready and heal a bit do we can push things when I come back and we rebound it off this prep. I will check in once a week still but he told me to relax and have some fun, be social, get some drinks if I want them but keep the rest of the time clean to limit damage and clean up. He said go wild if I want the first week but I am going to play it smart while still having some well deserved freedom of choice in food and quantity.

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Glad you’re getting to enjoy some good food. I’ve got to admit, I got hungry reading this….may have to go out and get me and my wife a Cinnabon now..
Man enjoy taking a little time off with some active recovery, you’ve earned it, and you’ll probably come back primed and stronger.

 

[Dustin07]

That’s another reason you inspire me Kleen, is you’re just a little younger than me, and seeing you navigate around injuries and life and then actually compete just shows what we can do when we truly dedicate ourselves.

yeah for me it's guys like you, Kleen, Rocket (RIP, homie), @dapack who I know are all a few years older than me, still setting the bar for expectations. Guys like my dad who are on the treadmill knocking out his 3 miles every morning and his weight circuit, getting great physicals in his 60s. To me these are now the minimum expectations of myself in my 50s, 60s and beyond. I honestly get a bit salty when I see guys younger than me talk about age like it's an impact on their life. I'm like dude, if you're throwing up the white flag that's on you, not life or age.

 

[MrKleen73]

Glad you’re getting to enjoy some good food. I’ve got to admit, I got hungry reading this….may have to go out and get me and my wife a Cinnabon now..
Man enjoy taking a little time off with some active recovery, you’ve earned it, and you’ll probably come back primed and stronger.

Definitely going to enjoy the freedom but already feeling the funky foods and ready to cut back a bit. Looking forward to that Hippo burger meal. I will likely just eat my Tres Leches today, and have my Hippo burger and keep most other things relatively healthy choices. So far today has been pretty simple clean and easy. A shake when I woke up to watch my team mate in Master's Wellness at 7AM, and just had 1.5 servings of cream of rice with one serving almond butter and 2 scoops chocolate whey isolate. So trying to do some caloric management and keep other meals decent.

It looks like she may have got 2nd-3rd place but I think she looked better and definitely posed better in my opinion. So not sure what exactly they were looking for. Then again, I am not exactly sure what they really look for in that division, I never really had a lot of interest in it until I new someone doing it.

I already want to go work out but am keeping things on downtime and low activity this weekend to regain some strength and get completely rested. Hoping to squeeze in a few naps the next 2 days. Sleep has been limited for the last 6 weeks in one way or another and the rest I have gotten in the last week or so have been poor quality. So, I am just going to let my body rest regardless of what my mind is saying we should go do.

yeah for me it's guys like you, Kleen, Rocket (RIP, homie), @dapack who I know are all a few years older than me, still setting the bar for expectations. Guys like my dad who are on the treadmill knocking out his 3 miles every morning and his weight circuit, getting great physicals in his 60s. To me these are now the minimum expectations of myself in my 50s, 60s and beyond. I honestly get a bit salty when I see guys younger than me talk about age like it's an impact on their life. I'm like dude, if you're throwing up the white flag that's on you, not life or age.

Agreed, it ain't over until it is over. Just have to keep pushing and do it more intelligently! Never Give Up, Never Surrender!!!

 

[Hyde]

Enjoy the momentary reprieve! It will scratch some old itches and simultaneously eventually ready you to be all the more excited to get back into a groove.

 

[MrKleen73]

Enjoy the momentary reprieve! It will scratch some old itches and simultaneously eventually ready you to be all the more excited to get back into a groove.

Oh I definitely am. I attached a pic of me enjoying that Hippo Burger I have been talking about for months!

Also I am dry now if course, legs definition is back and vascularity too. The one with my leg relaxed was right when I woke up and went to get out of bed I saw it. LOL


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[akboom87]

Oh I definitely am. I attached a pic of me enjoying that Hippo Burger I have been talking about for months!

Also I am dry now if course, legs definition is back and vascularity too. The one with my leg relaxed was right when I woke up and went to get out of bed I saw it. LOL


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Some reason only the leg vascularity pic worked, damn that is vascular! I have heard so much about this hippo burger I wanted to see it

 

[MrKleen73]

Some reason only the leg vascularity pic worked, damn that is vascular! I have heard so much about this hippo burger I wanted to see it

Ah damn this tapatalk app! I am on my computer now and will upload them.

You know it is damn good when it makes you close your eyes with enjoyment!!! I had already cleared an order of jalapeno chili cheese cajun fries too.

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This is what my legs looked like after resting an hour after the burger and fries.

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Ab and oblique area is looking pretty dicey again too. If I were this dry and full on show day... First callouts would have definitely been a good possibility. Looking better after the show is actually pretty common. Especially if someone spills over. However this is also probably a sign I need to increase my water intake as well.

 

[SkRaw85]

yeah for me it's guys like you, Kleen, Rocket (RIP, homie), @dapack who I know are all a few years older than me, still setting the bar for expectations. Guys like my dad who are on the treadmill knocking out his 3 miles every morning and his weight circuit, getting great physicals in his 60s. To me these are now the minimum expectations of myself in my 50s, 60s and beyond. I honestly get a bit salty when I see guys younger than me talk about age like it's an impact on their life. I'm like dude, if you're throwing up the white flag that's on you, not life or age.

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[gphagan1]

Ah damn this tapatalk app! I am on my computer now and will upload them.

You know it is damn good when it makes you close your eyes with enjoyment!!! I had already cleared an order of jalapeno chili cheese cajun fries too.

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This is what my legs looked like after resting an hour after the burger and fries.

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Ab and oblique area is looking pretty dicey again too. If I were this dry and full on show day... First callouts would have definitely been a good possibility. Looking better after the show is actually pretty common. Especially if someone spills over. However this is also probably a sign I need to increase my water intake as well.

Looks like the Hippo Burger hit the spot, and the jalapeno chili cheese cajun fries sounds like the bomb….legs look chiseled.

 

[Dustin07]

Ah damn this tapatalk app! I am on my computer now and will upload them.

You know it is damn good when it makes you close your eyes with enjoyment!!! I had already cleared an order of jalapeno chili cheese cajun fries too.

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This is what my legs looked like after resting an hour after the burger and fries.

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Ab and oblique area is looking pretty dicey again too. If I were this dry and full on show day... First callouts would have definitely been a good possibility. Looking better after the show is actually pretty common. Especially if someone spills over. However this is also probably a sign I need to increase my water intake as well.

Zero doubt, your legs are looking absolutely sliced there

 

[MrKleen73]

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Now that is a beast!

Looks like the Hippo Burger hit the spot, and the jalapeno chili cheese cajun fries sounds like the bomb….legs look chiseled.

Oh yeah, it was amazing and so were the chili fries. I hit a wall last night, we let me get my sweet tooth out of the way with a candy fix and I woke up not wanting candy at all. Didn't even want anything unhealthy. So I am having quite the breakfast. Somewhere right in between a cheat and a perfectly healthy respectful macro meal.

Meal 1 - 4 slices butter bread, 12.5g of carbs a peice. 2 whole eggs, 366ml of liquid egg whites made into french toast. No butter. Topped it off with 2 servings of Ms Butterworth's No Sugar Added Syrup, and 1 serving walden farms zero calorie syrup.

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Here is a look at this yummy concoction.

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Definitely ready to clean things up more. The junk foods have me feeling some kind of way. I truly enjoy the flavors but my gut is ready for some good foods so I decided to give it something closer to what I need while still allowing for some good yumminess as well. As you can see probably lots more food porn to come over the next week or so. Going to bring in some of my older recipes from before I started working with Pat. Still all good choices but just so,mething different before we get back into a more strict diet plan. Then I will add in some free meals throughout the week.

I have half of a Potbelly Double Meat Wreck sandwich to finish today. It is very salty and high fat with all the different deli meats, and oil soaked peppers. I will probably just let that be my free meal today to keep things in check. This breakfast soothed my sweet cravings for the day.

Also, even with having too much candy yesterday I woke up at 199.8, so 1lb gained but I have already crapped more than that out since then and before I got to eat this meal. LMAO!!!! Apparently Sage decided since I wasn't eating the no sugar added syrup for a while she would finish it off so I prepped everything, got my pan hot went to pull out the syrup and had to turn everything off, put the bread back in the bag and go to the store for some more low calorie syrup.

FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

Zero doubt, your legs are looking absolutely sliced there

Gracias Senor Dustin!

 

[Hyde]

Meals looking

I think cortisol from the comp would definitely be a factor compared to being relaxed at home, no weighin or prep peaking.

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I don’t know who this guy is but I already like him! 617 raw is totally insane. Nevermind being nearly 2 decades older than me! I would be excited to bench that in an Unlimited band shirt.

I think Bill Gillespie was around that age when he set the Unlimited ATWR at ~1,114 or so. He could bench about 600 raw then too, totally nuts. He was a very big dude.

 

[MrKleen73]

Meals looking

I think cortisol from the comp would definitely be a factor compared to being relaxed at home, no weighin or prep peaking.



I don’t know who this guy is but I already like him! 617 raw is totally insane. Nevermind being nearly 2 decades older than me! I would be excited to bench that in an Unlimited band shirt.

I think Bill Gillespie was around that age when he set the Unlimited ATWR at ~1,114 or so. He could bench about 600 raw then too, totally nuts. He was a very big dude.

Since I didn't really get too many calories in today I went ahead and had an Arby's half pounder with cheese for dinner, no fries. Going to cap the night off with a protein shake before bed to get my protein in and round out my calories about where I want them. I may nibble on some of the leftover candy tonight too, but it won't be gluttony like last night. LMAO! My sweet tooth got the best of me since it had been so long and my daughter bought my 4 favorite types of candy in smaller but still multi-serving bags. I probably ate almost half of each of them in my blissful glucose induced trance. I mean the wife and Sage had some too but not as much as I did. I am guessing current maintenance is around 3000-3300 so I have some wiggle room doing much if any damage with what I have had to eat today.

I would like to keep my rebound weight under control and not ruin the rebound going too far but also eating enough for me to recover quickly from all the stress from prep and steady abuse on my body without a true deload in a long time. This resting is killing me though. I promised to rest over the weekend, but tomorrow is Monday. So at a minimum, I am going to the gym to do some planks and some bracing work with some mobility drills tossed in to improve recovery and start building strength in my lower back so we can work some of the heavier work back in for my yoke, legs and lower back.

I should get my feedback from the North Americans Wednesday. I already know they will say I need to work on my conditioning, posing, and stage presence but curious what body parts they want me to bring up.

 

[Hyde]

Since I didn't really get too many calories in today I went ahead and had an Arby's half pounder with cheese for dinner, no fries. Going to cap the night off with a protein shake before bed to get my protein in and round out my calories about where I want them. I may nibble on some of the leftover candy tonight too, but it won't be gluttony like last night. LMAO! My sweet tooth got the best of me since it had been so long and my daughter bought my 4 favorite types of candy in smaller but still multi-serving bags. I probably ate almost half of each of them in my blissful glucose induced trance. I mean the wife and Sage had some too but not as much as I did. I am guessing current maintenance is around 3000-3300 so I have some wiggle room doing much if any damage with what I have had to eat today.

I would like to keep my rebound weight under control and not ruin the rebound going too far but also eating enough for me to recover quickly from all the stress from prep and steady abuse on my body without a true deload in a long time. This resting is killing me though. I promised to rest over the weekend, but tomorrow is Monday. So at a minimum, I am going to the gym to do some planks and some bracing work with some mobility drills tossed in to improve recovery and start building strength in my lower back so we can work some of the heavier work back in for my yoke, legs and lower back.

I should get my feedback from the North Americans Wednesday. I already know they will say I need to work on my conditioning, posing, and stage presence but curious what body parts they want me to bring up.

I think it’s good to get back in the actual gym faster; this makes it a lot easier to actually not train seriously. Just do some mobility, prehab, LISS, chit chat with people. But it still gives you something to fill your usual gym time with you’ve grown accustomed to.

 

[MrKleen73]

I woke up over 200 for the first time since the show at 200.1, and am treating this is my cue to reign things in a bit more. Weight gain 2 days in a row now which I want to rebound, not mess up my physique. So for now, no more candy, and will bring water consumption back up to snuff because I have been slacking a little there. I would prefer not to be over 200 when I check back in with coach this weekend. He didn't give me a weight limit or anything but I don't want to mess up my rebound out of this prep by gaining a bunch of fat right here at the beginning.

Also, I can't take it anymore and will be taking my happy ass to the gym today for some light work. As mentioned before probably some core and bracing work maybe touch a body weight movement or just some very light weight pump work just enough to improve insulin sensitivity a little. Nothing challenging at all, just basic movement to refresh me a bit. I feel like I am getting a little stiff. Plus working up a little sweat in the gym will allow me to push a little of the extra water I am holding out.

I also found a super bad ass bodybuilding gym about 25 minutes away, it has Prime, Panata, Arsenal, Legend, all the top players equipment. However it appears to be like 875 a year and no monthly option other than a one month at like 150 1 month at a time purchase. Although that isn't a ridiculous price for a top level gym, it is 25 minutes from the house, and not convenient to either home or work location. So it is unlikely I will go that route. I found another one about 8 minutes from my work near downtown I could go to as well but again not so sure I will make tons of use for that one unless I go right after work all the time. It is only 59 a month. I am probably going to sneak over there during lunch tomorrow and try to see what all specialty and nice equipment they have there and if it would be worth the inconvenience of driving the opposite way from home to the gym and being in full on rush hour coming home from the downtown area. I get off at three so by the time I got out of the gym it would be peak rush hour.

I am just a bit frustrated with my current gym since they put in the basketball goal and have nothing to separate it from the weight area. I have already been hit in the head hard after a missed shot bounced off the rim and hit me hard in the head still airborne from 30 feet away at high velocity. Then another time a near miss during a work set on the arsenal chest press machine. I keep thinking, what if I get hit mid-set and got injured...

 

[PolishHamm3r77]

I keep thinking, what if I get hit mid-set and got injured...

Or……Capt Airball gets injured. No judgement!!!

 

[MrKleen73]

I think it’s good to get back in the actual gym faster; this makes it a lot easier to actually not train seriously. Just do some mobility, prehab, LISS, chit chat with people. But it still gives you something to fill your usual gym time with you’ve grown accustomed to.

Completely agree, will be fun to just be there among those with the same interests and goals. Just to do something and be in that environment and be doing something a active. Plus movement and circulation will help improve recovery, and insulin sensitivity, giving any more free foods a little better place to land.

Or……Capt Airball gets injured. No judgement!!!

Oh, the kid (early 20's) who hit me with the airball didn't even apologize or say heads up or anything. I looked to see who did it and the other guys pointed at him. So I looked over at him for a second and he didn't even apologize he just put his hands up and said it just bounced of the rim. I told him "Well you couldn't have f*cking said heads up or apologized. Little f*cking punk!

I could see his body language cave in, and his lip quivering a little from 30 feet away so I dropped it and just turned to the guy I was talking too and started talking about how these dumbass kids need to learn some respect and consideration for others. I mean mugged the kid once or twice after that well because I was on a lot of gear and was pissed that he never apologized. I think I mentioned it in here about 3 weeks back or so. I bet he apologizes to the next person he hits on accident though. I have to admit it took a lot of restraint not to walk up and check the ball in his face, it was honestly my first impulse but I kept my composure as best as possible or I wouldn't really be any better than him in that situation.

 

[PolishHamm3r77]

Completely agree, will be fun to just be there among those with the same interests and goals. Just to do something and be in that environment and be doing something a active. Plus movement and circulation will help improve recovery, and insulin sensitivity, giving any more free foods a little better place to land.


Oh, the kid (early 20's) who hit me with the airball didn't even apologize or say heads up or anything. I looked over at him for a second and he didn't even apologize he just put his hands up and said it just bounced of the rim. I told him "Well you couldn't have f*cking said heads up or apologized. Little f*cking punk!

I could see his lip quivering a little from 30 feet away so I dropped it and just turned to the guy I was talking too and started talking about how these dumbass kids need to learn some respect and consideration for others. I mean mugged the kid once or twice after that well because I was on a lot of gear and was pissed that he never apologized. I think I mentioned it in here about 3 weeks back or so. I bet he apologizes to the next person he hits on accident though. I have to admit it took a lot of restraint not to walk up and check the ball in his face, it was honestly my first impulse but I kept my composure as best as possible or I wouldn't really be any better than him in that situation.

I would have just kept the ball fawk him. But the cameras come out fast and the headlines would have involved “Unprovoked Toxic Alpha Male Attacks Young Vegan”

 

[Hyde]

That’s a pretty solid price for all of that equipment, $73/month. But you better plan to be going 1-2x a week, or the dollars just don’t make sense pretty quickly.

I would have just kept the ball fawk him. But the cameras come out fast and the headlines would have involved “Unprovoked Toxic Alpha Male Attacks Young Vegan”

Kleen the next time the kid hits him with the ball:

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“This is my ball now!”

 

[MrKleen73]

That’s a pretty solid price for all of that equipment, $73/month. But you better plan to be going 1-2x a week, or the dollars just don’t make sense pretty quickly.



Kleen the next time the kid hits him with the ball:

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“This is my ball now!”

Yep that is the reaction I wanted to have. Proud of my restraint there. I had a headache for like 2 hours after that.

 

[MrKleen73]

I just downloaded the Scott Stevenson : How to be your own coach book to learn a bit more about prep and the things to look out for. If I am going to do this, I am going to take it seriously and dive in the deep end. Get my knowledge refreshed on a lot of these topics and undoubtably learn something new. I have heard many great things about this book.

Also, I haven't gotten around to it yet, but I came home to this beautiful package waiting for me from @delsolrob . I plan to do a bit of logging on the All Out Ultra Edition in here until I move threads to a more home base thread that will be static similar to @Hyde's log he has kept up for a few years now. Then of course I will discuss this stuff in the new log as well. Rob and I discussed my current situation coming out of prep and going back on TRT and he suggested I go ahead an run a low dose of Dermacrine to assist with getting my hormone levels back at a more balanced level. He said he has been working with some TRT clinics using it with great success in the 2-3 pumps a day range. Since I need to bring my test levels back down to normal ranges to go do some bloodwork for my TRT, and will be using Masteron for the rest of the anabolics to get me to about 200mg a week I will need an external source of estrogen which should come from the DHEA here. The plan for now is to run about 120mg test a week, and 80-100mg of Masteron unless coach wants it a little higher but we need to make sure bloodwork looks good for my upcoming physical. So, I will also be talking about how this is working out for me and if it is a success or is causing some sort of estrogen rebound, which is my only real concern here.

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[MrKleen73]

Alright Boys and Girls, we are changing over to this more permanent log: please continue to follow at the link below. Thanks for all of the support and input in this log it has been tremendous and all of you have helped me reach my goals this last year!

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[love2liftkat]

I know I’m way late (I hate this app) but I’m finally caught up on everything. I’m not the best with words but I completely agree with what everyone was saying! ALL you have overcome and accomplished this year is simply incredible!!! Your attitude, approach, and determination are truly inspiring!!! I will happily vouch for you any way I can as a coach! I know you’ve helped me so much over the years! I’m glad you’re taking that up again! Hopefully you can get some good clients and that business takes off for you!!

 

[MrKleen73]

I know I’m way late (I hate this app) but I’m finally caught up on everything. I’m not the best with words but I completely agree with what everyone was saying! ALL you have overcome and accomplished this year is simply incredible!!! Your attitude, approach, and determination are truly inspiring!!! I will happily vouch for you any way I can as a coach! I know you’ve helped me so much over the years! I’m glad you’re taking that up again! Hopefully you can get some good clients and that business takes off for you!!

Thanks Kat! I really appreciate the kind words and support!