This weekend I competed in the
super heavyweight division with the NPC, and I wanted to run through my post-show thoughts and reflections on the weekend, peak week, and the prep as a whole.
Peak Week Recap
- Depletion phase:
- 4 days of full-body depletion training (Mon–Thurs).
- 3 sets per muscle group per day.
- Macros: 285 protein / 205 carbs / 60 fat.
- Added an extra ~85g carbs over those days because I was so flat, even after two high days the weekend prior.
- Fluid & sodium: escalated intake by ~⅓ every couple of days.
- Loading:
- Friday: 800g carbs → barely touched the sides, still flat.
- Saturday: 700g carbs (cut off carbs, water, sodium by 4pm).
- Still flat, posing connection was off, and a dodgy primo shot in my right shoulder from the week prior made hitting poses awkward.
- Added a final 150g dry carbs Saturday night with no fats and minimal fluid.
- Show day: another 300g carbs spread out over ~8 hours before stepping onstage.
Show Day Issues
Unfortunately, a
tan mishap backstage threw things off:
- I was pulled aside before I could carb, sodium and pump up to redo my tan.
- By the time I returned, the tan was still wet → I couldn’t down my 1L water, 3g salt, electrolytes, and 100g carb powder as planned.
- Missed most of my pump-up besides a couple of bicep reps.
- Went onstage for comparisons super flat, matte, and without oil.
- I was able to oil up and finish my drink before my routine, which looked better, but honestly still not my best.
- Physique finally started to come to life after we came offstage — frustrating timing. I have included pics from 10 mins post stage below.
Overall, it was a slightly
disappointing stage showing for me if I’m being blunt. But I learnt a lot, and it will make the next peak far better and it motivates and drives me harder and only gets me more excited to take on the next show. Looking back at the photos from ~10 minutes after stage, I’m much happier with that look but upon reflection I think we could have pushed food much harder or potentially even just kept sodium and water in (low even but still present).
Reflections
This weekend made something very clear:
- I have the shape and structure.
- If I came in truly bursting full, I may have held my own better and even pushed into a placing.
- But the reality is, I just need more muscle density, especially through the upper body. My long limbs need more filling out.
With that in mind, I’ve decided to
pull out of Nationals and start my offseason sooner. I just need more time and muscle to chase a pro card either in
Season A 2027, or possibly even in 12 months depending on how the next year goes.
Coaching Transition
I am no longer working with my coach from this prep — not because of issues with prep/peak (prep was flawlessly executed and absolutely awesome; peak was simply missed due to show circumstances and exercising caution to ensure I didn't spill), but because he is stepping away from coaching to focus on his other businesses. I will always love and respect that man more than I could ever possibly explain and there is no part of this that is in any way his fault and had I stuck to doing Nationals I think we could have brought a far, far improved package but the reality of needing more muscle is just too apparent.
Moving forward:
- Nutrition will now be managed by @Poprox
- Training, pharmacology, and health monitoring I will map myself (training was all I maintained during prep), while keeping Poprox in the loop for perspective and feedback, since I hold his opinion in the absolute highest regard and am beyond excited to have him overseeing my progress and decision making moving forward.
Looking Ahead
I am
so fucking excited to start this improvement season.
- Locked in, motivated, and ready to make every single day count.
- I’ve already mapped out my training and pharmacology for the next 12 months (pending bloodwork review).
- The plan supports a pivot into prep earlier if we decide to.
This is just the beginning. We will be working hard to ensure the package I bring next time will be
undeniable.
Some pics below from the days leading into show and some from 10 minutes post show and a gym and leg shot from the following day post injection of post show burgers fries and a tonne of water and electrolytes, potentially arguably a bit harder, drier and fuller.