Thanks! Yes, I do compete nationally. I placed 3rd last year at the nationals and won the 2004 N.A. Championships. Funny you ask that question. I began competing in 1992, basically on a dare. I was young and accepted the challenge. After doing well in my first few shows, I never would have imagined becoming a pro or a top level amateur. I trained in some gyms with some HUGE guys!! That being said, I never felt I would be or could be, big enough. Through the years I took time off to establish my business. In the process I kept training when I could. There were times were I would be out of the gym for months because my schedule did not allow it, as a matter of fact I once took off for 11 months. In 2000 I competed at the Jr. USA's after a 4 year lay-off and finished 3rd. I felt at the time that I got screwed, many thought I had won. Now, 6 years later I look at the video and realize that the judges probably weren't all that wrong. I can see how they placed me 3rd. I had decided after that show that I would train to improve my physique, not to compete. That's what I did, concentrating on all my weak points. In 2002, after not taking any layoffs, I began preparing for national level shows. I placed 2nd at the Junior Nationals and 5th at the USA's. This was rewarding, but I still did not believe I could be a pro, or even close. Since then, my physique has improved every year, however, it was not till last year that I realized I could in fact be a pro!! 13 years of training and many, many contests later, I realized that I had the potential to be a pro. I've always been honest with myself. I analyze my physique in comparison to others. I try to understand why a competitor like Jose Raymond beat me last year and not be bitter that he did. I try to make improvements so that every time I hit the stage, less people have the opportunity to beat me.
It's taken me a long time to get here. For someone just starting out, just set your goals and go get em. Be realistic however, this way you will not be disappointed if you fall short. Just having competed is a great accomplishment, every time you move up a level, it's a bigger accomplishment. Being a pro isn't for everybody, as a matter of fact, for many years I wouldn't even discuss it, I just wanted to be amongst the best in the country. There is nothing wrong with never having made it to the national level or become a pro. BUT..... if you've never been onstage, please do not believe for one second that it is easy.
Sorry to be lengthy.
Carlo
btw, my rude awakening came in 2003 at the junior nationals where I did not make the top 15, after having placed 2nd and 5th at 2 national shows the year before. However, that being said, I did not look good enough nor was I big enough to place in the top 15. A shitty feeling nonetheless, but, I worked harder because of it.
Thanks for concise, honest answer. We need that around here, instead of individuals blowing their own horn, can learn something this way, instead of ego-massaging.
At what point in your competitive career did you decide you were gonna step up a level, in terms of AAS, meaning, how do you know its worth the risk/financial outlay? Its obviously a consideration, as a guy training for recreation/appearance and a competitor will have different goals, and require different cycles?
I'm obviously assuming you use anabolics, although its understandable if you do not wish to discuss the subject.
