I learned from competing in my 40's for 7 years naturally that its very difficult to add lean mass and maintain it thru 12 weeks of brutal dieting and cardio. At first I always tried to convince myself that 'next year I'm coming in bigger'
In actuality I placed lower coming in heavier. Took me 4 years to win my class at an NPC event but eventually I did.
Plus Mike is like 6'2" ....if he was 5'2" he could probably pack it on faster.
If I did it all over again with what I know now I would have just done a few shows and got out.
Competitive body building takes up your whole life...I had little time and energy to do anything else like work on my house,work on my vehicles,visit family and friends etc.Hardcore competitive bodybuilding is for guys in their younger years with very little going on in their lives.
But I understand Mikes mindset cuz I too had the same desire...I was goin all the way to the masters nationals!!!
Then I woke up....Don't get me wrong....being on stage ripped and hearing the MC call your name and getting the big trophy is an experience that I will never forget....its like a drug.
Then theres the judging

Sometimes you are the best but you get second for some political reason.....
If I was Mike I'd do another show or two but then I'd workout just to stay healthy ...
SHit...me and Mike will be in our 60's in another 20 years...which isn't a long time.
If I was him I'd get married or have a kid or buy a house or really crank up my personal training business and visit my mom more often.
I admire Mike and what he has done....he walked the walk......he's ME in many ways
~For what its worth
-peace