Go easy !

[Has beens]

I am 44 and been away from the sport for over 4 years and got the bug to compete again. I did not touch a weight for three years and then get back into it 10 months ago. Needless to say, I did not have alot of time to put good size on before my diet.....but muscle memory is an amazing thing. I am wanting to possibly hit some of he bigger Masters shows here on the west coast. These are from last week. I feel I over dieted a bit, pulled a bit too much water and came in too light and flat....187 at 5-9....what do you think ? Good weight for me or should I come in bigger ? I know I need alot of work in back and legs.

 

[Big A]

I couldn't tell if you were lean enough until I saw the last pic, and you were.
But you screwed up your last few days. You were FLAT, and holding water.
As lean as you are, full and dry, aiming towards the top of the l/h, you should look really good, full, separated, lean and dry.

 

[Has beens]

I couldn't tell if you were lean enough until I saw the last pic, and you were.
But you screwed up your last few days. You were FLAT, and holding water.
As lean as you are, full and dry, aiming towards the top of the l/h, you should look really good, full, separated, lean and dry.

Thanks !

This is what confuses me. How to stay "full" without getting flat when pulling water. Here is what I did the last few days.
2 gallons a day up to Tues
Weds was 1 gallon
Thurs was 1/2 gallon
Friday was a quart and then pulled out about 3 lbs between 5pm and Sat am. ....I think I took in too much throughout the day sat by "sipping"

 

[Big A]

Thanks !

This is what confuses me. How to stay "full" without getting flat when pulling water. Here is what I did the last few days.
2 gallons a day up to Tues
Weds was 1 gallon
Thurs was 1/2 gallon
Friday was a quart and then pulled out about 3 lbs between 5pm and Sat am. ....I think I took in too much throughout the day sat by "sipping"

As a guide, the water schedule looks ok. BUT, it is an individual thing. You need to watch it almost hourly. And also it depends what gear you are on, what supps you are on, what diuretics you used, what are you eating those last few days, mineral levels, etc.

You need a contest prep guru to run you through it step by step, as he can watch you hourly and adjust things accordingly.