Nationals....

[SZona]

Well guys after 10 years of competing and 12 attempts at a pro-card, I am going to do something I haven't done before and that is take an extended break. I have come to realize that I have been pushing it too hard for too long and have not allowed my body the time it needs to rest, recouperate and grow to continue to compete at the level I know I should be in the NPC. Somehow I have still managed to put on 30 + lbs of lean mass over that time frame....but its not enough to hang with the current crop of competitors. I was happy with my conditioning but placing 9th is just not acceptable to myself personally.... just getting outsized I think. I need some time to rest re-evaluate and decide if this is a path I want to continue on and if so....how can I make myself better?

Thanks to all here who have supported and encouraged me over the years. It did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Thanks Guys!

SZ

 

[BuffD]

Best of luck bro, Taking a break may not be a bad idea. It will be real interesting to see how you look after a decent a break. You'll come back bigger and better than ever. Keep us updated on your progress.

 

[K1]

Best of luck bro, Taking a break may not be a bad idea. It will be real interesting to see how you look after a decent a break. You'll come back bigger and better than ever. Keep us updated on your progress.

Bump this, you will definately be coming back badder then ever bro!!! Keep us posted bro........

 

[BOOMSHAKER]

Take the time you need to get your head and body in a good rested mode. Then come back and kick A$$. Best of health to you bro.

 

[bulldog21]

Take all the time you need buddy, the NPC and bodybuilding isn't going anywhere.......All the best to you man, you know you will be back bigger and better than ever.....TAke Care....

 

[chris250]

BEST OF LUCK AND HAVE FUN GROWING...

CHRIS250

AT FIRST I THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO SAY YOUR DONE COMPETING...

 

[edge250]

good luck sam. keep us updated, it would be interesting to watch your progress in straight offseason mode after a well deserved break.

 

[PHIL HERNON]

SAMMY

YOU LOOKED FANTASTIC. YOU MUST BE PROUD OF HOW FAR YOU HAVE COME. BOWING OUT NOW FOR A WHILE MAY BE A GOOD IDEA. RELAX, SPEND TIME RELAXING WITH YOUR FAMILY AND LETS GET TOGETHER REAL SOON, OK???

 

[Vander_V]

SAM

Youve done exceptionally well with BBing and have had a great run at your pro card, Now the time comes where you have to decide if its all really worth it? is it worth pushing yourself past its limits and are you willing to use and do what these other guys dont even slightly hesitate to use and do?

Lets just say you get this procard ....Then what? you would have to pretty much start all ove from scratch to compete with the pros on stage . Its a life making decision it really is and for somebody who has children and needs to help support them at all costs and spend as much time with them I personally think BBing would be a waste of time. You got to ask yourself whats it all really for is is really worth it? best of luck with what ever you choose and I totally respect your decision to move on with life its what we all need to do BBing is for fun not a lifestyle when it becomes our life we lose sight of the most importamt things that truely matter , peace bro.

 

[SZona]

AT FIRST I THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO SAY YOUR DONE COMPETING...

That is a possibility. Just dont like to make rash decisions based purely on emotions. Need some time to think....

Gonna dedicate the next year to trying new things, challenging myself in ways I never have....perhaps find a new outlet. I have lots of ideas...just need to dedicate some time and energy in that direction.

Thinking back I have never taken more than 1 week straight off from training since 1992 and that was only the week following a comp. That cant be a good thing!

SZ

 

[edge250]

take 3 months. lay on the couch and eat twinkies and fart on your wife. after 3 months you'll both be ready for you to start hitting it again.

 

[Big Danny]

I am impress bro, you are def. looking as a pro. Good thinking with the brake, you will come fresher, ready for a new level. Don't forget to show us a photo some three months after resuming the new campaign.

 

[pumpputnam]

I like you a lot bro. You are a stand up guy. I wished I had seen you following prejudging. I never saw you after Friday. My hat is off to you. Just know that your placing has nothing to do with how you are perceived as a fine man and excellent bodybuilder!

 

[Kane]

Sometimes it's good to take a step back and reevaluate things. Personally, I think you looked great!! Best of luck to you S in whatever you decide to do..

 

[SZona]

Hey Pete

I like you a lot bro. You are a stand up guy. I wished I had seen you following prejudging. I never saw you after Friday. My hat is off to you. Just know that your placing has nothing to do with how you are perceived as a fine man and excellent bodybuilder!

I looked for you on Sat night....thought we could grab a bite or something, but they had already broken down your booth and you were no where to be seen. Wanted you to meet my family. Sorry I missed you bro.

SZ

 

[jmcbride]

Being that we started out pretty much in the same gym, you before me of course, I would love to train with ya sometime. Maybe at Phil's? You are a stand up guy and I def. look up to u and Phil. Best of luck with what you decide.

 

[PHIL HERNON]

Ummmmmmm excuse me!!

Being that we started out pretty much in the same gym, you before me of course, I would love to train with ya sometime. Maybe at Phil's? You are a stand up guy and I def. look up to u and Phil. Best of luck with what you decide.

J, you are like 6-9 ,400 pounds and as wide as my walls, Sammy and I look UP TO YOU!!

 

[Gavin Kane]

Everything happens for a reason. Like you I could not play the size game anymore and retired from the National scene never having reached my goal of a pro-card. But with that in mind, there is more money on the other side of bodybuilding than by competing and becoming a pro. I am glad I made the decision when I did and I have never looked back. There is life after competing and there is a lot of money to be made in this industry. Use your talent to make it work for you. Whatever you decide, you obviously have the support of this board.

 

[JETHRO TULL]

I THINK YOU'VE GOT A TERRIFIC PHYSIQUE!

I ADMIRE YOUR DEDICATION AND YOUR INTELLIGENCE. YOU SEEM REALLY WELL ROUNDED AS A PERSON. I'VE ENJOYED YOUR POSTS...THE DOG, THE KIDS, THE FAMILY!

YOU'VE NEVER...IN MY RECOLLECTION POSTED SOMETHING NEGATIVE HERE. I THINK YOU ARE A GOOD GUY.

IT MIGHT JUST BE INTERESTING TO TAKE SOME TIME OFF. LIKE YOU I'VE TRIED....AND I MANAGED TO TAKE FOUR DAYS OFF RECENTLY! LOL...

I LOOK FORWARD TO THE PICTURES OF YOU FISHING AND KICKING BACK!

 

[Matte220]

I've been a fan of yours for some time and wish you all the best bro.