There are times when you have done all you can do and there is nothing more that can be added to enhance your performance. Shadows grow long, regrets are acutely felt, nostalgia occupies every thought, and closure is sought after. These emotions and events must each be dealt with ASAP so I can refocus and turn all engines down range in the direction of my next set of goals and targets.
Goals Met
Going into the Nationals in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania my objectives were to 1.) Hold my own. Do not embarrass myself. I needed to be in the best shape of my life. I totally accomplished this. My body fat was only 2,4% and my weight was 189 lbs. my skin was thin, veiny, and I was hard as a rock. 2.) I needed my posing to be right on the money—-which they were. 3.) I had to de-emotionalize and let the chips fall. I wanted to worry only about me and my performance. I can say that after the Nationals in Pittsburgh I met my goals. I am most proud of my physical shape and my posing which was right on the mark. Getting into competition shape and tweaking your posing until it flows seamlessly from one compulsory pose to the next is tedious work.
Going into the “Warrior Fuel Championships” in Utah 15 August 2015 I had a few specific goals. 1.) Get my legs into the game and keep them there (Usually, I flex my quads and then forget about them as I move to other poses allowing my legs to go unflexed—costly mistake) 2.) Keep my abs vacuumed and high in all poses) I previously would bend over too far and a small bit of loose skin would give the impression of deconditioning in my abs) 3.) Keep my posing “spot on.” 4.) Have my music routine perfect. All these were met despite not placing very well. I got a 2nd in the Masters and I got blown off the stage in the Lt Heavy Weight Open Division. I was in superb shape but I could not keep up with my colleagues. I need to be bigger by 10 lbs. with larger quads with deeper cuts. My posing must always be my calling card.
I want to say thanks to couple of people who have given much to get me to this level: My wife Christine and my Coach Justin Dees.
Christine has been my constant companion, fan, cook, lover, friend, and training partner who assumed the unique role of Executive Officer to keep me online and in place. Christine, provided meals that were great tasting when I burned out on one type of food after another. This woman took my Coach’s admonition to make me flexible by sitting on my chest and pressing my legs down hard across my body so as to give me greater flexibility to be able to twist during some of the compulsory poses. She is truly a “sadist.” I would not trade this woman’s enthusiasm for my success for anything in the world.
Justin Dees has been my coach for the last year and he has guided me to a brand new and larger physique which saw me gain 23 lbs. of new muscle. He set the bar high and kept me in bounds. He knows that I over train to a fault. He kept an eye on me and pushed me to accept nothing less than what’s required to be good at what I do. But, above all else he has become a multi-faceted task master. Sometimes he is my friend and other times he is my personal demon to make me better. Honesty and integrity are his hallmarks. He never held back on praise or criticism depending upon which was needed. I consider him to be the “Maestro” to whom I play and whom I must please. If I do this, I will be better and I will progress.
Thank you also to all of you who have encouraged me to be my best always. Special thanks to the 69’ers of MASON CITY HIGH SCHOOL for collectively cheering me on.
Remember! This is “OUR TIME.”
Until next time I remain Douglas E. Graham
Six Pack and Senior 