What a year it has been getting ready for Master's Nationals in Pittsburgh. My competitive year almost came to a screeching halt in early March when I tore my left quad while leg pressing. It was a wait and see game, as the doctor wanted to wait for the swelling to go down before determining if surgery was needed. Fortunately it was only a partial tear and did not require surgery, but it did keep my leg training very light for almost 2 months. Being limited in how I could train legs, actually may have worked to my benefit. I was forced to focus and maximize every rep with minimal weight. It seems to have paid off, as my legs came in faster during my prep for Masters, and the judges must have seen the improvements in my physique they were looking for.

So how did Masters go?

GREAT! I competed in both the over 35 and the over 45 divisions. Both divisions offer a pro-card to each overall winner. In the over 45 heavyweight class, I placed 3rd. But in the over 35, I was surprised when my name was called as the class winner, moving up a place from my 2009 placing. After all these years, I finally had the privilege of competing for an overall at a national show. Unfortunately it wasn't to be, as the overall and pro-card were presented to another competitor. To be so close, has only fueled the fire that much more, my training will intensify, and I'll be back on stage in 2011 showing off another year of hard work, as I take another stab at the elusive pro card.

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