Thanks, for the words, people! I hope there are more competitors out there in the forum - could use this area to post placings, etc.
Anywhoos: British Lifter: well, I think when you look at a lineup and you see a BB with "decent" leg developement but a great torso, and he's standing next to a BB with unbelievable leg developement but a decent torso - the one with upper bod is gonna place higher. Due to I think "visual" symmetry. It's a bummer I know, but sometimes I thank the high heavens my legs don't overshadow my upper bod. It's wierd, though with women competitors, it's the other way around. I lost out on a Overall to a chick with HUGE legs and a pretty blocky upper body (horrible symmetry)- and I believe she won due to her freaky legs.
Wild phenomenon. But I STILL don't want "overshadowy" legs. You know Tom Platz early in his competitive career had the same problem. Have you looked into what his earlier training was like that remedied this issue for him?
Mufasa, I can do that; provide either a weekly or monthly update. It'll be rather cathartic for me, too. Oh, and since I'm NPC (National Physique Committee, seems to have the tougher competitions around here), I look at www.getbig.com for contest updates. Plus they've got a TON of links and info. As for Ko, he thanks his lucky stars that I don't have to resort to the low to zero carb diets. That I have to actually eat red meat (and more calories) during a dieting stage (but I do have to cut out my daily box of Mike-n-Ikes - so sad). However, my "stress" of contest prep is mostly from wanting to get it the hell over with. Maybe he can start a thread for spouses/sig others of competitors to "vent"?!
Hey, Jodi: are you in the UK or Australia. Those are the primary locations of the NABBA, right? Oh and good luck! Good job on your qualifying for your Nationals!
I've already started the "prep". I've begun the mental focus necessary for any competitive endeavor. By August, I'll begin the "dieting". I like to diet slowly so that I can maintain heavy training up to a show. I'll be using, of course, Biotest products. Especially MD6 and/or Methoxy 7. Oh and will maintain using GROW, Surge. I just feel that after all that I have learned from the fine T-Mag forum regulars (as well as T-Mag in general), that I'll be ready come November. I've just made our hotel reservations, too. Man, I will be SO ready.