Prep Files #03
Another week down.
This week was interesting because it reminded me that progress and perfection are not the same thing.
If you asked me how closely I followed the plan, I'd tell you it wasn't great.
If you asked me whether progress happened anyway, I'd tell you yes.
That's one of the reasons prep can be mentally challenging. It's easy to focus on everything you're not doing perfectly and completely miss the fact that you're still moving in the right direction.
For now, I'll take the win.
Current Status
Division
- Men's Physique
- Classic Physique
Weeks Out
16
Current Weight
214.0 lbs
Starting Weight
216.4 lbs
Weekly Change
-1.2 lbs
Phase
Pre-Prep
Weekly Check-In Photos
Front
Side
Back
What Changed This Week?
Honestly, the biggest thing I noticed this week is that I'm still not fully locked in.
If I had to guess, I'd say I was around 60–65% compliant this week.
Not terrible, but definitely not where I need to be.
The good news is that even with that, things seem to be moving in the right direction. My weight is down, my abs feel a little tighter, and overall I look a little better than I did a week ago.
Whether that's actual fat loss or just the result of cleaning up my food and adding cardio, I'm not really sure yet.
Either way, I'll take it.
More than anything, I feel like I'm starting to get back into prep mode mentally.
The first couple weeks are always the weirdest part for me. You're not fully committed yet, but you're also not in the offseason anymore.
This week felt like the transition between those two.
This Week's StageLab Recommendation
Recommendation
Hold
The recommendation was to hold again.
Honestly, I agree.
If I was executing everything perfectly and progress had stalled, that would be one thing.
But that's not what's happening.
The scale is moving.
I look a little better.
Energy is still good.
Training is still strong.
The reality is I probably have a lot more progress available just by doing a better job following the plan before I need to start thinking about cutting calories or adding cardio.
As much as part of me wants to push harder, I think the recommendation makes sense.
My Thoughts
I think this week was probably more important mentally than physically.
There's always a little anxiety at the start of prep.
You look at the timeline, look at where you're starting, and start doing the math in your head.
Do I have enough time?
Am I lean enough?
Should I be pushing harder already?
I've been through enough preps to know those thoughts are normal.
Right now I'm trying not to get ahead of myself.
The goal isn't to be stage ready today.
The goal is to be a little better next week than I am right now.
So far, I think that's happening.
Current Plan
Calories
2725 kcal
Protein
227 g
Carbs
285 g
Fat
76 g
Cardio
2 × 25 min
What Happens Next
The focus for next week is simple:
- Improve overall consistency
- Continue daily weigh-ins
- Keep training performance high
- Stay consistent with cardio
- Continue collecting data
At this point, I don't think the limiting factor is the plan.
I think it's me.
The plan is working.
Now the goal is to work the plan better.
Current Snapshot
Weight: 214.0 lbs
Starting Weight: 216.4 lbs
Weeks Out: 16
Phase: Pre-Prep
Current Recommendation: Hold
Current Focus: Improve consistency and continue building momentum.
Next Update
Prep Files #04 — 15 Weeks Out