Last Visit: Jun 7, 2008 9:25pm Last Forum Post: Nov 10, 2007 7:55pm Last Photo Upload:Never Last Profile Update: Feb 24, 2007 1:37pm Last Blog Post:Never
As of 23Feb2007, I am no longer a competitive bodybuilder. I love bodybuilding more than most could imagine, but it is simply too much for me now. I want to be able to hold and play with my children without having to worry about shoulder and joint problems. I don't want to have to worry about high blood pressure and cholesterol from liver-toxic supplements and having to eat 5-6,000 calories per day. I don't want to have to worry about having different personalities depending on what type of training, diet, and supplements I am taking. But most of all, I don't want to think for a second that I am sacrificing any aspect of more important priorities for bodybuilding. A hobby is fine to have, but to compete at the national level and beyond becomes a life, rather than a hobby. I now have a wife, two stepchildren, and more on the way in the near future. They are now my top priority. I thought that doing well in bodybuilding would help me support them, but now I see that it isn’t worth it. I’ll have a master’s degree by the end of the year, and will use that for my income. From my experience, it takes a certain level of egocentrism and controlled anger to be a good bodybuilder. I am tired of bodybuilding defining who I am, and finally have the courage to leave it. I don't want to deter others from bodybuilding. On the contrary, I still plan on being actively involved helping others, including my wife, with the bodybuilding scene. Bodybuilding has taught me an immeasurable amount of discipline, among other positive skills and traits. However, it is not for me anymore. I have reached a level beyond what most bodybuilders ever get to, and I am happy with what I have accomplished in my career. I started out high school with a 95lb bar falling to my chest on bench presses, and reached a maximum of 385lbs for two reps by the end of it all. Couple that with a 465lb box squat for six reps and a 505lb deadlift, and I honestly believe that I have reached close to my maximum potential without using the harsh levels and types of drugs that others use. I realized that in order for me to be a good pro, I was going to have to do things that would not be good for me, and I refuse to force myself to do that. I know I would have to increase my bench, squat, and deadlift by another 100lbs or more, and would have to take harsh drugs to do that. I already need my shoulder scoped from what I have done so far, and know that it would only get worse. There is a chance that I may jump onto the natural scene down the road once I heal, but only time will tell. Until then, I am going to get into martial arts, and try to put my strength to use. I appeciate those who have read this, and even moreso, those who have kept up with my progress over the years and complimented what I have done. Good luck in all of your future endeavors.
V/r,
Richard
Why I Love It:
How I Stay Motivated:
BB Accomplishments:
Forum Signature:
Skin against skin, blood and bone
You're all by yourself, but you're not alone
You wanted in, and now your here
Driven by hate, consumed by fear
MY WEBSITE: www.RichardBobadilla.com
MYSPACE: www.myspace.com/richardbobadilla
Last Updated: Feb 24, 2007 1:37pm
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