other day I had a conversation with Jason Coker to help him with some of my weight loss techniques prior to Seniors. At this level we help each other out anyway we can. Then we started talking about why we do what we do. I guarantee that almost every one of us had to overcome something in our lives to drive us to succeed, to make us feel the need to become someone better, someone stronger. We all found that outlet with the iron. Call it ego, call it pride, call it what you want. No one outside of our sport could give two shits about what we do, yet inside the sport the weak try to break down the strong. As I've said before, I respect anyone who is willing to put the time in the gym, who is willing to have the guts to step on the platform, regardless of what federation they're in. It's sad that others don't feel the same.

The next day I was talking to one of the members of Orlando Barbell. He asked me for training advice and said "I don't have to pay you for that do I?" He wasn't joking. A lot of people in this field feel like they need to get paid for any advice they give. I of course told him that wasn't necessary. I was happy to help. Then he started looking at my MHP squat poster on the wall behind my desk and the stack of Powerlifing USAs with me on the cover and said "Well, you get paid for this right?" I explained that I was provided with equipment and supplements as well as travel reimbursement, but that technically no, I wasn't paid. He then asked "Why do you do it?" Then he paused, and answered his own question by saying "You just do it for the love of the sport, huh?" and continued "Well, some people don't do anything."

On Thursday I turn 35. No, I won't be celebrating. I won't be out having beers or birthday cake. I'll be driving to Palm Beach and dieting to compete once again. I don't know how I'll do. I may win or may lose, but I'll do it for the love of the iron.