Author: Doug Graham

70 years old. Bodybuilding for 9 years competing began four years ago. I want to be in the best shape of my life for each contest, hold my own, and move up each contest. Eventually, I want to turn pro.

25 June 2014 — 4 Days Post Contest

by Doug Graham, posted in General

Doug 23 june 14 front chestHad great meeting last night with advisors and coaches.  Will focus on 12 weeks of intensive training to pack on the muscle and size I will need for the next level of competition.  Lots to think about and do.  Christine is totally on board and supportive.  She waited patiently in the car while I met with the “brains” of my ascent. Afterward, we went for Frozen Yogurt and enjoyed some time together which is a bit of a rarity these days due to the level of stress that has inserted itself with this massive effort.  I could not do any of this without Christine’s blessing and being at my side. I figure, based on my conversations with multiple trainers, colleagues, and judges, that my quest for the national stage will take about a year of intense training and focus.  Along the way I will probably get a chance at a couple of lesser shows to prepare.  Let the journey begin!

I cannot help but add one of my favorite quotes of all time: ” Winning?!!  Hell, everybody wants to win!  But, winning belongs to him who “PREPARES” to win. —– Paul “Bear” Bryant, Hall of Fame Football Coach, University of Alabama

Until tomorrow!

Doug

23 June 2014, 2 Days Post Contest

by Doug Graham, posted in General

I will eventually learn how to find and upload Photos.  I know it’s insane, but I have spent zero time away from the gym like I promised myself prior to the contest.  I was so uncomfortable and hungry and thirsty that I swore I would eat my way to sleep and start over agin when I awoke.  I also promised myself that I would “eat clean” after the contest rather than stuff myself with all that I craved….which I have done and I feel great because of that decision.  I just ate more but not dramatically more.  Getting back to work immediately is sort of a panacea psychologically.  I get to bang away at my routines and I get to see my gym rat friends again.  Always a good thing.  Christine trains right alongside me so having my precious princess close by as well makes the effort at Golds Gym much easier.

I took some great photos in the backyard last night 2 days post contest. Still hard, vascular, thick, and defined.  Focus now is on getting pro trainer into place and setting my course.  Begins today in earnest and this evening.  This is between doing “money work”.

Another big thank you to my friends at “Twin Lab” who are always in the gym early in the morning when I arrive.  What a faithful crew. Another great Thanks to my wife, Christine who was instrumental technically and in providing the motivation for this blog. She is always at my side and thinking out ahead of everything.  What a woman!

To the gym in an hour. Work and Eat. Back to gym this afternoon. Work and Eat. Planning Session this afternoon

22 June 2014 (One Day Post Contest

by Doug Graham, posted in General

Spending today exhausted and hungry all the time.  Had a good breakfast with Granola, Oatmeal, Yogurt and 4 whole eggs with Blackberry Tea…..Then, back to bed for a couple hours.  Church and I could not keep my eyes open during the main meeting.  Went to local Village Inn and am now eating again with Oatmeal, Granola, Egg Whites, Yuppy (Oat Bran) Pancakes — of course Diet Coke.  

Beginning to think about next contest and how I have to  prepare….Tons of great feedback from colleagues and Pros alike.  Now, I have to set the bar higher and focus on the Nationals….Will do another National Qualifer probably in Loveland, Colorado just outside of Denver mid August 2014….It’s called the “Warrior Classic”….. Was encouraged (directed) by the judges to go directly to the National Championships in Pittsburgh.  

More later as more is discovered and decisions are made.  Thank all of you for your support and interest in a journey that I didn’t plan but has turned into a quest.

Doug

22 June 2014 Post Contest

by Doug Graham, posted in General

Well, it’s 4:30 AM and, as usual I cannot sleep despite being exhausted. Regarding the Contest, I was respectable, I held my own against competitors 1/2 my age in both categories.  Moved up…each category had 8 participants and I finished 5th in both divisions.  Got tons of great feedback from the competitors and coaches. I believe (bias) that I was higher and better than 5th in both divisions by a long shot.

Afterward, Christine and I went to eat at a local food place.  Ate lots of good food.  Did not eat junk. Then home to bed. I have tons of work to do to improve and move up.  Tentatively, will focus on a contest in Loveland, Colorado mid-August 2014.  I will attack the National Masters Championships in the fall in Pittsburgh, PA.

I will be hiring a world class trainer soon.  I have soloed long enough and I have done well, but it’s time to roll in the Architects.

Time to eat again now.

Will train this morning at Planet Fitness before Church —- Chest and back

Thanks for all the great support I got from my family, colleagues, and friends at all levels.

Doug

Show Time Here in Utah

by Doug Graham, posted in Competition, General

Last night registered, picked up competition numbers, weighed in (173.2 lbs), Did the Spray tan thing….Came home continued water restriction with some addition of some natural diuretics, ate some carbs, went to bed. 2:00 AM up starved and eating more carbs, more diuretics.  Feeling good.  NOT TIRED!  Will shoot some pictures in the morning.  Prejudging 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Evening show starts at 6:00 PM,  My routine will be to the music of Pink Floyd, “Another Brick in the Wall”  That’s all for now….Thanks for your support and hopefully I will improve and move up a little.  I’m in the Men’s Middle Weight Open and the Masters. Image