Thanks guys! I'm still working out really hard. I've been up and down over the years with my weight. Mostly due to injuries. Now, I'm more focused than ever. I may have surgery on my shoulder in Aug. I've had some serious pain on and off since 2005. I have decided instead of laying off. I will just crush my legs, calves and abs until I have fully recovered from the surgery. You can read all about that in my "vent" post I made yesterday. As far as using gear while doing this 10wk contest.... This wasn't my first rodeo. Just a different one. I knew with hard work along with the proper diet, I could do it. I just didn't expect to make that big of a change. Once, I seen the results... It drove me to work even harder and made staying on the diet even easier. Anyone that wants to change their body composition... Can do it!!!!! The gear just gets yo their a little, well.... a lot faster.