Thanks for all the support!

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the support leading up to, after, and even at my first bodybuilding show! It was really a great experience, and like people have said would happen, I'm hooked!

I weighed in at 191 3/4, missing the middleweight cuttoff of 187 1/4 by 4 1/2 lbs. I wasn't aware that there were 3 classes till about 2 weeks ago (as this show is different than all the others throughout the year), so I wasn't too worried about the scale until the end

My body fat was 6.87% this wednesday, and I was definitely in the best shape of my life. dpsquat brought me in from 14% at 12 weeks out to this! And not only was I in my best shape, I think I was as dialed in as I could be, muscles were full (had a peak on my right bicep like I've never had in my life ) and I was nice and dry for the morning show!

I was about 2% higher than I would have liked bf wise, but I started dieting too late, and from too high, and was determined to do this show as my first regardless, so I can't be disappointed with that, I just know that I learned alot for next time!

The posing went well - I could have practiced more, that's for sure, but I think I did everything I was supposed to When it came time to do my routine, they played the wrong music (I had a Weird Al song I was going to pose to, of course... Trash Day (a parody of Hot in Here by Nelly)... Not sure what they ended up playing, but I had to pose to it. I also slipped a little (there was pam everywhere, lol), but nothing too bad. Nothing special on my routine, really - that's something I'm going to put alot more thought into in the future.

I REALLY appreciate all the kind words leading up to this, and all the support I've had since then. And Saks, bigshug and radical_p were all in the audience along with my family, and were probably the loudest people in the building! That's a great thing to hear when you're up there!

I have to say I never got nervous, I just didn't let myself think about it. I did about cry before hand when my wife gave me a really nice card! And she was so supportive it's not even funny - I know I was a real ass the last week or two. And she paid me a really great compliment saying that I really impressed her with my determination to see this through! Heck, I'm just about teared up now thinking about it, lol.

Anyway, I hope to have some pics to post before long. We didn't take any digitals, but we have some film to get developed, and I'm going to try and get some of the professional photos (I got to see them, and they turned out decent - you could actually see my abs in them ).

Like I said, I'm hooked!

Nice! That's awesome! I saw your pics from before the comp and you looked great~

Nice job Al

Nice job Al - Dropping 7+% BF in 12 weeks is no easy task, you did very well. Now you'll know better what to expect next time and that will help you refine your plan. It is definately a learning experience each and every time. Being part of a board like this, and getting the top notch help that you received can really speed up the learning curve. Takes some people 6 tries to do as well as you did on your first attempt. Your wife was right on the money - congratulations on walking the walk and demonstrating the committment and dedication that you did. That ability, my friend, transfers over to other parts of your life. Great job bro.

Prop's Bro.

Now go do another show while your in competition shape.

Good to hear that it went well for you and you enjoyed the whole thing. You know, one thing that really sticks out in this is what you said about how supportive your wife has been. Remembering the trials and tribulations you went through not so long ago, I'm really glad to hear that things between you and your wife sound so good. Again, congradulations and best wishes... couldn't be happier for a great guy.

It seems as though you really enjoyed yourself!
And it's really great that your family shared your excitement
Somehow it makes it that much more special when you're supported by the people you love.

How did you do?

You did us proud. You looked great in the photos and it paid off in the show. I'm also really impressed that you had the courage and self confidence to enter the show. Great job bro.