|
|
Post by masterschamp on May 28, 2007 12:28:45 GMT -5
As you know I have been hesitant to post pictures before...I aways felt a little funny as in "who the hell cares what I look like x number of weeks out from a show?" Well, over the last 2 weeks I finally gave in and decided to post pictures, first, 6 weeks out, and then 4 weeks out, as I prepare for competition this year. I have to tell you guys that I was honestly overwhelmed by the responses and reactions those photos got....you guys ( and girls!) are great...the support and encouragement you have provided has meant so much to me. Nearly every single person here commented in such a positive manner. I have been on other boards where someone would post pictures and it was jumped on by alot of "wannabes" as time to do nothing but criticize or out of indifference or jealousy, not to reply at all. You people here are so different from any group I have come across on any other board. Like I said, I did not post pictures for a "pat on the back," or to hear "how good I looked." Nor was I trolling for compliments...I really did not know what to expect as I have never been one to post many pictures other than those from contests.....in fact the primary reason I did so was to get some feedback as to where I stand competively from those who have competed recently, like Hoops, and especially from those who have been on the National stage like Eric, Tim, etc.,.... From you folks all I wanted was the truth, warts and all, and I got so much more.....I feel like when I get up on that stage this season I will have all of you behind me. Your support means alot to me and I just wanted to thank all of you.
Keith
|
|
|
|
Post by Intensity on May 28, 2007 14:07:11 GMT -5
Keith… it's not about "how this bodybuilder looks" but about "How keith, the guy we care for, the guy who helps and encourages us on a daily basis looks? We want to know because we are proud he is here and we are enthousiam about being part of his contest story!"
By the way, I respect you and would never lie, so in all honesty, you look good Keith!
Mo
|
|
|
|
Post by Tim Wescott on May 28, 2007 14:28:02 GMT -5
Keith,you look great, and probably have no clue as to how much you inspire me, and I`m sure the rest of us on board.
Where else,after all this time posting here, could you post pics and feel comfortable about posting them?
WOTW members are like a family....no other board like it, and most of us compete or aspire to,so feedback,encouragement,and kudos, can only help another WOTW family member both physcologically and from a motivational standpoint.
That being said,dude you rock !! #arockon6ha#
May sound corny,but that`s the feeling on this board.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rich on May 28, 2007 16:37:57 GMT -5
Years ago when I first got into the internet bodybuilding scene, I saw and was saddened by the fact that most of the big boards (well, Getbig anyway, which was the biggest by far at the time) seemed to lack a true core of camaraderie.
I was just a novice bodybuilder at the time (maybe I still am?), and I was very happy with the progress I was making - the changes I could see in myself were monumental, and I was so proud I wanted to share. I was a regular at Shawn Ray's board at the time, and there were quite a few really good people there, many of whom I am still friends with. Shawn was a pretty aggressive moderator and managed to keep the place pretty cool. I finally did post some pictures.
At the time I was very VERY scrawny - just not as scrawny as I was when I started out - and I didn't look anything like a bodybuilder. I looked like some pathetic wannabe who thought he was something he wasn't, to be honest. That's not what I was though. What I was was a guy just starting out who thought some of the experienced bb'ers would see what I saw, which was the improvements I had made. So I guess I was hoping that I'd get some good feedback, maybe some congratulations on the progress I'd made.
What I got was more than a few flames, and a bit of half-hearted positive feedback, but not much else.
Then I got a hugely supportive PM from a guy who competes nationally. He took the time to analyze my fledgling physique, compare it to my picture from before I started lifting, and point out where he noticed improvements, and where he saw potential. He gave me pointers on training and diet. It really motivated me to keep going.
That guy knew what bb'ing is really about, and is the reason why I eventually decided to offer a free place for people to post pics of themselves on my site (this was a bit before it was easy to upload pics directly to a forum like it is now). I always made sure to look carefully at the pics - as carefully or more so than they would themselves. Then I'd find the things that were strengths for those individuals, and point them out. Why? Because that's what bb'ing IS. We all look at ourselves and see the minor, yet great, changes. Are my triceps bigger? Do I have good delts? Is there some shape to my teardrop where there wasn't before? When you take the time to do that for someone who has the courage to post pics, it generates great karma all around.
How could anyone NOT want to do that?
On this board, people understand that.
Oh yeah, Keith .... you REALLy are a FREEEEEEEAAAAK!!!! #arockon6ha#
|
|
|
|
Post by Tim Wescott on May 28, 2007 17:15:41 GMT -5
Rich was nice enough to post some of my pics on his site when I first discovered the boards................thanks Rich,you`re a great guy,and your passion for the sport is evident in a big way,and yes Keith is a true freak!  |
|
|
|
Post by beckie on May 28, 2007 17:39:41 GMT -5
thats what this board is all about-a great group of friends-yes we are honest but I've not noticed anything get really out of hand,we seem to know how to 'self regulate' quite well!  |
|
|
|
Post by Karrie on May 28, 2007 19:10:52 GMT -5
Keith,
We are all behind you 100%!!! That is what is so cool about this board. The support, whether stepping on stage or not, is just AMAZING! We all get involved, even for some of us if it is a sentence here and there, we support each other b/c we truly care and want each one of us to succeed no matter what the goal is!!!! You have been a HUGE encouragement to me and support me and I appreciate when you do pop into my journal now and then!!! We are all proud of you...we have read your wo's and know you have been busting butt in the gym and your dedication is paying off...you are an inspiration!!!!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by QuietBob on May 28, 2007 19:34:44 GMT -5
When you step on stage, Keith, we will all be backstage and in the audience in spirit cheering you on. We truly want you to succeed. You have a passion for the sport that is infective--you sacrifice, work hard, motivate others, and stay true to yourself--all admirable traits. What I respect most is that you also seem to be a family man and work hard at your "day job." Your pics show what you have put into yourself--how can we not commend and be proud of you!?
Of course, we will all be waiting for constant updates on your shows... we thrive on that stuff!
Bob
|
|
