• Some background information on my preparation for the 2001 Natural Olympia competition in Hawaii and what I hope to accomplish with this Training Diary.

• With 14 weeks to go, I begin cardio exercise and increase the intensity in my training. Includes first set of assessment photos.
  Go to Week #1

• Best week yet! My strength increases as I continue to lose bodyfat
  and get harder. Assessment photos included.
  Go to Week #8

• Back from New York City and back on track. I begin taking a new product from Muscle Link called Creasol. Second set of assessment photos taken.
  Go to Week #2

• With 6 weeks to go, I push the intensity through the roof by training 
  heavier than ever. I continue to lose bodyfat and my waist is shrinking!
  I end the week with a bodybuilding seminar in Ottawa, Canada.
  Go to Week #9

• With 12 weeks to go, I pump up the intensity by increasing my workout poundages. The amount of cardio work comes into question.
  Go to Week #3

• My bodyweight reaches a new low but I continue training heavier than ever. I make adjustments in my diet to account for my changing metabolism. Assessment photos included.
  Go to Week #10

• I cut back on my caloric intake in order to speed up the fat-burning process. The workout intensity increases as I pump up the poundages in my workouts.
  Go to Week #4

• With only 4 weeks left, I make the decision to cut back slightly
  on my calories and carbs. I also begin taking a new MuscleLink
  product called Recover-X, a post workout drink that will help with
  recuperation and growth.
  Go to Week #11

• With 10 weeks to go, my strength and size are increasing as I continue to lose bodyfat. However, I encounter a slight setback when I am laid up with a headcold at the end of the week.
  Go to Week #5

• My reduced caloric intake takes it's toll on my workouts and my physique. I make dramatic improvement in both definition and hardness in only a few days time. Assessment photos included.
  Go to Week #12

• Fully recovered from my cold, I start the week out strong. However, mental pressure and physical injuries threaten to take their toll.
  Go to Week #6

• I really lean out on my last full week of training. I notice a big difference
  in my hardness as the end of the week approaches. I finish off the week in Las Vegas as I attend the Mr. Olympia competition. Assessment photos included.
  Go to Week #13

• With 8 weeks to go, I struggle to stay focused as our nation goes
  through an incredible tragedy. My strength actually increases as I
  continue to lose bodyfat. Assessment photos included.
  Go to Week #7

• One last workout before I leave for Hawaii. I plan out the week before getting onstage on Saturday.
  Go to Final Workout

Final Installment - Contest Review