Jeff,I did 7 contests one year IIRC,the first few I got harder and drier as the shows went on............nearing the end I couldn`t hold my condition.....I never had trouble sticking to a diet though..... actually at that point, I really think I should have been eating more.
Also, near the end of the 7 contest run I ran out of gear and just used Test for the last 2 shows.
I did OK,but but it was draining as I always over-dieted in a huge way.
Congrats buddy,stay on point and kick ass in your last outing.