So, I'm off to Charleston, SC this weekend for the Junior USAs. By now the cat is out of the bag so people know that Noel is stepping up for her first national show. It's been known that she was doing the Junior Nationals in Chicago, but we've kept this one quiet until this week. We're doing this one as a warm up, as I'm looking to fine tune the last few days of the prep. Last year I felt we hit the timing perfectly, but she's significantly leaner this time around, so I am playing with a few changes.

Final week prep is really interesting and the effect tends to be magnified the leaner you get. Noel is very lean right now, so I'm expecting good things.

It's interesting though. I can't tell you how many times I've seen competitors (male and female) look awesome a week out or even a few days out, only to show up flat and without much of any vascularity. Then come Sunday? They look great again. It's the cookie cutter final week prep approach. If there's one thing that's for sure, the same prep week doesn't necessarily work for everyone. Experience plays a big role at this point. Oh, and if someone tells you to cut salt three days out? Find someone else to help you.

I love doing the prep week. It's a lot of fun to see how it all comes together, especially for someone that's lean enough and hasn't gone through it yet. Often I'll make some small changes to the timing of something in subsequent prep weeks if I feel it's necessary. Sometimes I change nothing. For example, I did Jen's prep week for five shows last year, and I believe we adjusted it 3 or 4 times. We were happy with the outcome each time but thought we could get it even better, and we did. Now take Ali. She competed in October and I felt we hit it perfectly right off the bat. No adjustments needed. One difference between those two just for the sake of an example? With Jennie, I cut her water. With Ali I didn't cut her water at all.

With Noel, well, we're in the midst of it and she's looking incredible, albeit flat right now (which is to be expected). I'm playing with two different ideas right now, but I have to make a decision today.

Everything has gone according to schedule this year - bigger back, smaller legs, better conditioning. She's ready.

See for yourself. These were shots taken this morning. And just because I know some people have wondered (given the drug usage in the sport, competititive side or not), you're looking at a natural competitor. Completely. Great genetics no doubt, and throw in some hardcore discipline and commitment, and solid training and nutrition of course, and this is the result.

Abs anyone?


Back relaxed


Front relaxed


And a comparison to a front relaxed taken the same time for the last show - same day in the final week as well.


Keep your fingers crossed for her.

Erik

Posted Apr 24, 2007 by Erik Ledin.
This entry is filed under Off Topic, and Contest Prep.