Although I'm not a competitor, but just from observing others I think it's a mistake to do "warm-up shows" where you're not trying to hit your peak because the first shows aren't that important, because it pretty rarely happens that a competitor improves by a lot as the competitive season advances. And think about the mental impact of say placing 5th instead of winning or placing 2nd... it will wreck your confidence, even if the placing was mostly due to conditioning. But if you won that first show I think the high from winniing can carry you through the competitive season much better. IMHO. I don't know how joswift or other competitors here feel about this but I feel you should aim to hit your absolute peak for the first show! Lol.
My placings were varied, I won the UK final in 22, I won my area qualifier in 23, I placed 4th in an open classic class, I was unplaced at two organisations finals, I placed 3rd in the Mr England which qualified me for the Universe where I was unplaced, my last show was the UK final again in 23 where I placed 4th
I could have enetered my age group in a PCA show but did the classic because I wanted to stand with some classic guys to compare myself.
I have no delusions about my limitations, Im an area qualifier win standard, Britain maybe top six , Universe maybe top 6 depending on the standard
My main aims were to win the UK , win the qualifier and place at the Britain and qualify for the Universe
I did three out of four.
By the Universe and the UK in 23 I was burned out, I didnt even tan properly for the last show
I forgot why I started this now
