Post by QuietBob on Jul 9, 2007 16:38:29 GMT -5
This Saturday I'll be competing in the INBF Capital Cities Bodybuilding Contest. It is the show I've had my eye on for a year now, since competing in it last July. It is by far the largest, most competitive show I've ever done and a Pro Qualifier for the WNBF. My dream for a long time now has been to become a Pro Natural Bodybuilder. I have this chance and will also do an OCB show in mid-September for this year (I've qualified to compete as a Pro in the ABA/INBA but will be unable to do so because of my schedule).
Lately I've received new motivation; an extra "kick," if you will. My wife's step-dad, Dave, died this last Friday. First, this wasn't a tragic death; rather, it was expected. Dave smoked too much and drank too much. He visited us this past Christmas and I gave him about 6 months to live--terrible emphysema, he sounded like a steam locomotive while just sitting still. He had to bring along his nebulizer and couldn't go longer than 4 hours without doing a treatment. Dave knew he was sick and understood his own mortality.
Despite his self-destructive habits, Dave was an absolutely great guy. He was a phenomenal businessman, a man who could take over a fledgling business, turn it around, and make it very successful yet you'd never know it. He was humble, gracious, and non-materialistic (I think he was still driving a 1972 Toyota Corolla when he died). We'll miss him but we're not sad; I think we all knew it was time--quality of life outweighed quantity, and he had no quality left.
My wife left Saturday to go help settle things in Idaho where he lived and since then I've been solo Daddy. I've realized how much my girls sacrifice for my Bodybuilding dream, without them even really knowing it--weekend "vacations" spent in a hotel room or at the contest venue; going to the gym nearly every day, having to wait until I'm done on the treadmill in the garage to solve whatever new crisis that's arisen, the food... They've put up with it and actually help me now: "Daddy, that's not supposed to be your bodybuilding food, is it?" and "Daddy, your tan is smeared." And the best, "Go, Daddy," while up on stage. They really are remarkable.
So, as I try not to screw things up this week, try to figure out how many carbs to eat and when to start, how much water to drink, if I should cut sodium, and what to eat on show day, I'll be thinking of and dedicating this to Dave and my girls.
Thanks all for reading and for the support and encouragement you've always shown me here.
Bob
Lately I've received new motivation; an extra "kick," if you will. My wife's step-dad, Dave, died this last Friday. First, this wasn't a tragic death; rather, it was expected. Dave smoked too much and drank too much. He visited us this past Christmas and I gave him about 6 months to live--terrible emphysema, he sounded like a steam locomotive while just sitting still. He had to bring along his nebulizer and couldn't go longer than 4 hours without doing a treatment. Dave knew he was sick and understood his own mortality.
Despite his self-destructive habits, Dave was an absolutely great guy. He was a phenomenal businessman, a man who could take over a fledgling business, turn it around, and make it very successful yet you'd never know it. He was humble, gracious, and non-materialistic (I think he was still driving a 1972 Toyota Corolla when he died). We'll miss him but we're not sad; I think we all knew it was time--quality of life outweighed quantity, and he had no quality left.
My wife left Saturday to go help settle things in Idaho where he lived and since then I've been solo Daddy. I've realized how much my girls sacrifice for my Bodybuilding dream, without them even really knowing it--weekend "vacations" spent in a hotel room or at the contest venue; going to the gym nearly every day, having to wait until I'm done on the treadmill in the garage to solve whatever new crisis that's arisen, the food... They've put up with it and actually help me now: "Daddy, that's not supposed to be your bodybuilding food, is it?" and "Daddy, your tan is smeared." And the best, "Go, Daddy," while up on stage. They really are remarkable.
So, as I try not to screw things up this week, try to figure out how many carbs to eat and when to start, how much water to drink, if I should cut sodium, and what to eat on show day, I'll be thinking of and dedicating this to Dave and my girls.
Thanks all for reading and for the support and encouragement you've always shown me here.
Bob
