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Steve’s Journey Month 2

Posted on by Steve Sharkey
05
May
Welcome back to the 2nd addition of my journey to compete in Sept.
 
Have gained 2.5 kg in the last month and although I haven’t measured, I know my body fat has reduced. This is mainly due to eating ‘cleaner.’
 
Daily Macros are:
 
400 g of Carbs. 200 g of Protein & 90 g of Fat. I do this for 3 consecutive days. Then simply half the carb intake for 1 day – This keeps the body guessing……. Rinse and repeat!
 
The goal at the moment is to build a firm foundation of strength and build back some size…..adding an additional 1 or 2 kg of pure muscle before stripping down body fat.
 
I previously mentioned my two reasons for getting back on stage. If you missed it, here it is: Steve’s Month One Journey
 
Let me explain why. I’ve competed five times. The first one was back in 1987. That comp, plus the three after that, were all against guys on the ‘gear.’ Basically, didn’t stand a chance of placing, let alone winning.
 
For many years, it really tainted my idea of competing which resulted in taking a 25-year ‘holiday’ from flexing the old biceps.
 
Then 10 years ago (aged 50) decided to go for it again. This time entering a natural show (no steroid competitors). Worked like crazy to ‘hone the bod’. Then four days out from the big day ended up in bed for three days with diverticulosis. Basically, I over-trained and exhausted myself (yes, even your trainer Cocks up).
 
The big day
 
The big day came and I was willing to get better. It didn’t happen and I felt as weak as a kitten. Then I gave myself a pep-talk – ‘You can’t waste the last six months of hard slog.’ So, I got out of bed…… three hours later, was on the stage.
 
There were six men in my over-50s category. I gave it my all. I wasn’t as big as some of the guys but was ripped.
 
It then came to decision time. The comparison called out the placings……… I got second……
 
How did I feel? Disappointed! Especially when I looked at the winner. He was bigger than me, but he looked like he’d just eaten 10 Mars bars (smooth).
I accepted the Judge’s decision and all I was looking forward to, was climbing back into bed.
 
Mistake
 
Unlike other bodybuilding organizations, you can request feedback from the judges. So, first thing Monday morning I called the head judge.
 
Here’s how the conversation went:
 
(Steve) – Hi Sam – I don’t know if you remember but I got second place on Saturday. Just asking for feedback.
(Judge) – Second place….. (There was a pause over the phone): Steve, I need to call one of the other judges.
Five mins later……
(Judge) – Steve – we’re really sorry, but the compare calling out the winners gave you the wrong placing – you actually got first place.
 
It was a bittersweet moment. First place – fantastic! But didn’t get the glory in front of friends and family on the night.
 
So, this is why I’m going to give it one more shot.
 
Thanks for reading and for all the previous supportive messages.
 
Next month I’ll be revealing my training techniques and nutrition intake.

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