Haha, thanks for the off-season welcome!
Yes, I am officially done for the year. Part of me would love to compete again at the West Palm Beach, but in reality, I know that my body really really needs a break. I had an ankle injury during the prep for AC, and I need to give it some time to rest. I also had been dieting since February, and my body was not responding as well going into AC (which meant I had to diet even harder...especially after the abkle injury)...so I know it is time to rest.
I am taking this week completely off from training and any sort of dieting.....can you say major Water retention, LOL. But its ok, my body needs it and I will get back into a more regular and nutritious diet and some training next week. My off-season will probably not officially start until some time in late October or early November because my body does need a break from intense training. Sooo, the goal until then is to just try to stay in decent shape and not gain too much weight
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As for next year...I had originally really wanted to compete at the NY Pro, but I don't think it will give me enough time to make the necessary improvements to my physique. Competing at that show would mean beginning my contest prep probably in January, which does not give me a lot of time for off-season. Therefore, I think I will compete in the shows in the late summer next year (Europa, All-Star Pro, AC, West Palm). This plan would allow me more time to make improvements to my physique, and would allow me to diet for a shorter time (May-October as opposed to Jan-October) because all of those shows are a few weeks apart from one another.
Of course, nothing is set in stone, but that seems to be the best plan. I am actually anxious to compete again...I love competing and even prepping, but I also understand that if I want to do well, I need to take my time to make the necessary improvements.
Right now, I'm just enjoying some yummy "junk food," lots of rest, and some good old post contest rebound water retention
