Cabel kept my spirits up all the way, coaching me every step of the way...

I started training with Cabel McElderry in early 2005, figuring out that in order to take my training to the next level, I’d have to do it with the help of a professional. On and off, for 2 years, I made the necessary trips to Red Deer from Calgary to meet with him with the thought in mind to compete in bodybuilding one day.

Time passed and finally I made up my mind. I expressed my interest to Cabel that 2007 would be the year to compete and we began to plan out for it right way. Not knowing really what to expect, I had to wait and figure out how it all would reveal itself feeling a bit nervous but knowing I had what it took to get onstage for the first time.

Dieting started the last week in February 2007, sixteen weeks out from the show. My weight was 186lbs (5’8” height). The diet/training package handed out to me was very specific so it was easy to follow. Following it every day was a different thing, though. As time went on, I found out that the easiest part of it all was actually training compared to dieting, which was 24/7. Also meal preparation proved to be a big challenge as my approach was to cook large amounts of food, measure them into portions and freezing them for later consumption. Adding to the fact that my work is away from home (4 days a week at a construction site), I had to face a number of extra challenges that made things difficult, from carrying food with me when away from home to flying in-out constantly, to staying in a camp during my shifts (and avoiding readily available home-made cooking) to squeezing in workouts at odd times. It all forged a dedication in me overtime which I am thankful for up to this day.

As the time of the event got closer, adjustments to diet, training plus practicing of poses and the posing routine indicated that I’d have to deliver soon. Cabel kept my spirits up all the way, coaching me every step of the way, right until the end. The last 10 days were both the toughest and the most rewarding as changes in my body were phenomenal and made me realize I was ‘there’, I was competition ready! I found it hard to believe it, but I’d made it.

I competed in the Southern Alberta Bodybuilding Championship on June 16/2007. My weight had dropped 47lbs sitting, at 139lbs which qualified me for the bantam weight category. As one of the event organizers pointed out, on contest day pretty much the journey is over and before it ends, it’s time to go all out and show all the hard work put into it in the months leading up to it. He was absolutely right. The show was a blast. Backstage the camaraderie between competitors was evident and encouraging; the volunteers did a great job of cheering up, helping out and attending to our needs. Getting onstage was one big achievement. I knew that no matter the place I would get, just for sticking out I’d made myself a winner. My body condition was at its peak and it was all because of Cabel. Sure, I’d done the work but he was the mastermind behind it all.

I won a very well deserved second place in my category. The level of some of the competitors is so high it makes me realize I’m barely a beginner in this discipline. However, it’s given me the inspiration to continue working hard to make progress for I know I’ll be getting onstage again one day. It’s expected anyway, since now I am an amateur competitor!. And it’s with the help of Cabel that I’ll accomplish that when the time comes.

Ulises Amador

June 2007