Dusty's Just Getting Started

Almost time for a break

2009-12-23T16:32:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, sorry it has been a few days since my last blog but between the holiday hustle and dealing with my quad injury I haven't had much motivation to get on here. Fortunately my quad is starting to feel better and I am hoping to be back in the gym training legs next Thursday. This injury has been brutal because not only has the leg been throbbing for a week but it also caused my hips to be out of alignment which sent me to the chiropractor for spinal and soft tissue work. Fortunately I have a great chiro by my Phoenix House of Fitness store who had me squared up in just one visit.

Other than the obvious inconvenience of the quad injury training has been going great this week. I was forced to change my training style this week due to the injury and have actually enjoyed hitting my body in a different way. The short term change in style has been a nice break for my mind and gets me really excited about getting back to my DC training as soon as the leg is feeling better. The key for now is to listen to my body's needs and be patient.

On a more personal note I am really looking forward to celebrating Christmas with my family before heading off to Tahoe with some friends to relax and celebrate the new year. Besides just enjoying the trip with my friends I look at this mini vacation as an opportunity to gather my thoughts on the many business ventures that have been coming at me over the last few months. I swear I have so many great options that are on my table it is sometimes hard to decide which ones I want to run with firs and this vacation will give me the chance to make those decisions. Another plus is that my financial advisor and agent will be there so I am sure we will be bouncing ideas back and forth until our ladies force us to stop.

Until next time...

It's only a matter of time...

Dusty

Ups and Downs

2009-12-18T04:36:00.000-08:00

It's been far to long since my last update here and a ton has gone on. This last week was slammed with fun stuff. First our close friends Mark and Terri did the Tucson marathon with a bunch of their running buddies and then we all got together to celebrate both how well they all did and Terri's 29th birthday(again). Because I am always fascinated with what the human body and mind are capable of I was amazed when I heard how well Mark, Terri, and Ariana did in the race. These people are amazing athletes and although I don't share the passion that they have for running I do appreciate all that they do to be at the top of their game.

Up next was Evian's birthday which was great. We are saving the celebration with friends until late December when we are all up in Tahoe but I did get the chance to take Evian and my Mom out to celebrate her special day. Evian isn't a big birthday person but I love using her birthday as an excuse to spoil her. This year I took her to Fashion Square Mall here in Scottsdale for a little shopping spree and then we had dinner with my Mom at our favorite restaurant Houston's. Another great night that also reminded me that we need to make more time to take my Mom out and have fun.

As far as training goes everything has been going great and I am very confident with how my body is shaping up. I am feeling stronger every day and I can see changes to the way I am looking with each set of pictures that I send Chris(my nutritionist) Everything seemed to be going perfectly but I woke up Wednesday morning feeling very tight in my hips and glutes from Tuesday's rack deadlifts. I contemplated postponing Thursday's scheduled leg day but after stretching a ton on Wednesday I woke up Thursday feeling ready to go.

All was going great during the workout and I had just finished a warmup set of squats with 495 lbs that felt really light. I contemplated what weight I was going to use for my working set because Dante always warns me to listen to the body when it is tired. I decided to play it safe and only go to 545 lbs for my working set. When I got started I couldn't believe how light it was feeling. After completing my tenth rep it was obvious I had a lot left in the tank so I kept going. I was cruising until I powered out of the hole on rep thirteen and felt a sharp pull in my upper right quad. I somehow was able to stand the weight back up and hobble it forward onto the rack. Immediately I knew the workout was done and it was time to start figuring out how bad the injury was.

Since then I have been icing my leg for fifteen minutes out of every hour and have been enjoying 800mgs of ibuprofen for the pain. I was really pissed/worried last night after it happened and have to admit I was mentally down knowing I would be losing some time on leg training but after a good talk with Evi I turned my mind from negative to thoughts of a speedy recovery. Fortunately it hasn't bruised and doesn't appear to be torn, so it is just a bad strain. I am sure if I keep up with the icing and take it easy I will be back to blasting legs in a week or two.

It's only a mattter of time...

Dusty

One year ago today...

2009-12-08T20:41:00.000-08:00

One year ago today was the day that my Dad took his own life. Sadly at the time we were not close due to differences in opinions combined with being so much alike that neither of us was willing to budge. When I heard of his suicide it hit me that I hadn't told him that I loved him in years. We had grown so far apart that when we would see each other it was akward and forced.

Well now that he has gone and I have forgiven myself for not being closer to my Father I am able to reflect and see all of the ways that he is alive and well in my life. My Dad was never one to give out compliments and no matter how good I would do he was always quick to remind me how I could have been better. It wasn't as if I didn't know that he was proud because he was, but I did know that the bar he set for me was much higher than most would even see as possible. He gave me the tools to achieve all things that I ever attempted while he was alive and now that he is gone I see his influence throughout my life. i thank my Dad for all of the success that I have in my life and more importantly I thank him for believing in me. Never once did he use the word: can't. His life was a true story of rags to riches and he showed me how to follow in his footsteps. The only difference between me and him is that i know that without keeping the ones you love at the top of your priority list you will never find true happiness.

Dad, i think of you everyday and you drive me to be a better son, husband, person, business owner, and athlete. I didn't say it enough when you were alive but i love you and am proud to be your son.

It's only a matter of time...

Dusty

Just thirty four weeks out

2009-12-07T06:46:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I was looking through my calendar and realized that I only had thirty four weeks until I would be onstage at the NPC USA Championship. Just realizing how close the show is got me going. I mean, this is an event that I have been training for over the last four years.

I can still remember my first trip to the USA's as a fan. Seeing all of these freaks lined up on stage living their dreams was what truly motivated me to want to get serious about bodybuilding. I had no idea if I had the genes to get to the top but I did know I had the desire and the discipline. So now just a few years later I will be stepping on that stage knowing that I can hang with the best out there. It is an honor to be onstage with so many great athlete's that have been rocking the National shows for years but I have no intention of going for "the experience". I will be there to upset the apple cart and see where I truly fit in. This show drives me to be perfect on my eating and training everyday because I know if I slack I'll get my ass handed to me.

Today is back day and I can't wait to get there to blast it out. We are hitting rack chins today as well as T-Bar rows. These are by far to of my favorite movements as I can actually feel my back growing with every rep and stretch. I have already been through the workout mentally so beating my log book is going to happen as will new growth.

On a personal note I am trying to come up with what to do for Evian's birthday. She is not a big fan of birthdays but i love to blow them up and have a great time. I feel it is very important that we celebrate her special day and remind her all that she means to me and how much i appreciate all of the sacrifices she makes so I can live my dream.

It's only a matter of time...

Dusty

Whole body hurts

2009-12-05T06:28:00.000-08:00

Well, I woke up this morning and it was officially a great training week because i swear i am sore everywhere. More than anything my hams and quads are killing me from Thursdays leg blasting. Being sore is not the best way to gauge how good a workout was but I have to admit that my mind is at ease when I am sore like this.

I feel like I have really found my bodybuilding groove over the last few months. It has become completely effortless to eat all of my foods, do all of my stretching, train my ass off, and get to bed ontime. I'm not saying that I haven't been doing these things in the past but it was a constant struggle to get everything in and I was always craving some type of cheat food. Now it is as if I am so focused that all I want to do is eat things that will keep my body heading in the right direction.

As far as a progress update Chris has me eating a bit more to fill me back out and slowly start adding some size. Like I believe i mentioned in an earlier blog we spent the first four months working to get me to a much lower bodyfat level while not losing any size. Now that we have accomplished that we are working on bringing up overall size without adding to much bodyfat. This is a whole new approach for me but one that I have to admit is working very well.

As far as training I am on the same routine that Dante wrote for me months ago but now I am paying very close attention to the speed of my negatives. I think this one change deserves more credit than any other change I have made in this offseason for my improved bodyparts. I am still focused on beating my log book but now the negatives are really slow and I am exploding through the positive portion of the movement all while maintaining strict form.

That's all the updates for now. Keep training hard and MAKE all of your goals reality.

It's only a matter of time...

Dusty

Time to Change

2009-11-30T17:35:00.000-08:00

Well guys, as you know I have not been on here for a bit. In the beginning I thought it would be best if I only got on here when I really felt like I had something interesting to say but just yesterday it hit me that this is not an exciting sport. What separates the best from the rest is the consistent grinding day in and day out. From now on I will be posting on this thing a minimum of three times a week just to say how my offseason is going and what kind of changes are being made.

As of right now I am at a lower bodyweight of 285 lbs with much lower bodyfat than I had at 306 lbs which was my highest weight. I am feeling great and now Chris (my nutritionist) has informed me that it is time to grow. I will be sending him pictures every five days and he expects to see noticable differences with each set. What that means is that I can not yield from my diet at all. Some guys would not like this drastic plan, but for me it is perfect. It gives me a way to stay focused each and every day to ensure that I come in at my best this July at the USA's.

The way I look at it you have about forty guys all planning on doing the USA's as Super Heavy Weights and at least ten of those guys have a legitimate chance of winning. Obviously I believe that I am one of the ten with a chance at winning but the only way i could possibly pull off such an amazing feat is if I am at my absolute best and even then I may not win. So with the odds stacked so far against me the only way i feel that I can leave Vegas satisfied no matter what the outcome is if I know I did everything in my power to be at my best. If I am at my best and am perfect between now and July there is no way I will have any regrets. There are a lot of amazing athletes headed to Vegas in search of an IFBB pro card so all i can do is be sure that not even one outworks me.

That's all for today and I hope to be updating you next time with increased size and strength.

It's only a matter of time...

Dusty

Confidence is soaring

2009-10-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

Wow have things changed since my last blog. Over the last few weeks it is as if a switch was turned because I feel like I am improving faster than I ever have. My weak points are getting stronger, my strengths are improving, and most importantly my mindset is truly locked in.

Typically I am successful as a bodybuilder because I have an iron will and although I am known for having an absolute love for unhealthy foods I just battle through with desire to overcome my cravings. This year it's different, it's as if someone flipped a switch in my brain because the thought of eating anything other than what is on my diet doesn't even cross my mind. I have finally reached the highest stage of mental focus which is when you are making good choices 100% in the subconscious mind. Before this year I was in the stage where I would have a desire for items that were not on my diet but through conscious thoughts and decisions I would stay clear of mistakes that would hold me back.

I am taking progress pictures and sending them to my nutritionist about every four days and amazingly i can see positive changes in every set. My eating is clean but the calories are sufficient to make progress. Currently my weight is in the high 280's but very lean compared to most of my offseason looks. By staying a bit leaner I am able to constantly watch my body change and see where I am improving.

As far as my training that also could not be better. Although I have dropped about twenty pounds I am still getting stronger week in and week out and feeling great. Due to staying leaner I can actually see that my abdominal training is already starting to pay off so that hopefully come next July they will no longer be a weakness. I think this along with my hamstring development has really helped improve my strength on deadlifts which is easily one of my favorite movements.

All in all I couldn't be happier than I am with how I am improving and coming together. I made solid choices to have as leaders in my camp and that will show itself the moment I hit my front relaxed next year at the USA's. The pic I posted on this blog is me two weeks before my last show and I plan on destroying that version of me. I need to thank Evian, my Mom, Dante Trudel, Chris Aceto, Ryan Hummiston, and my sponsor IForce Nutrition because without their support none of this would be possible.

It's only a matter of time

Dusty Hanshaw

Motivation is through the roof

2009-09-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

Now that the Olympia is over I can say that my motivation is higher than ever. Something about watching guys who are living your dream really gives you a kick in the ass in the motivation department. We had a great weekend and the IForce Nutrition booth was slammed for both days of the expo. We also shot some video footage while i was there that I think will turn out great. Due to the lack of sleep and my training partner not being there I decided to take it easy and not blast away with my DC training but I still had a great time and know we have some great shots.

As far as my training and diet goes I have been perfect with my meals and feel great. Chris is actually bringing me down a bit so that once I start putting some size back on he feels I am still where he wants me to be as far as conditioning goes. I have dropped somewhere around fifteen pounds and in all honesty look much better. With my body if I let the fat creep up to high my physique loses its shape as well as roundness of the muscle. Also since being on the new diet my strength hasn't dropped and in some places is getting better which is always a plus. We have decided which two shows I will be doing and as the show dates creep up on us I will be sure to let you know what the first show will be. For now I am just keeping that to myself and blasting away in the gym. I have been visualizing my final look and can't wait for you guys to see it on stage.

As far as my personal life things are going great as always. I have been extremely busy with my stores and have been fortunate enough to also have some fun with friends and family. Just yesterday I spent the day in Payson because Evian was doing a half marathon. She has obviously run longer courses but I don't think she has ever run a tougher one. I swear about nine miles of the course were up steel hills. As always she did awesome and I was so happy to be there. We took a ton of pictures and had a great time with all of our friends who also competed.

It's only a matter of time

Dusty Hanshaw

MY TEAM IS IN PLACE

2009-09-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like I finally have everything in place to move forward with confidence as I approach the 2010 NPC USA's. I signed a two year contract extension with IForce Nutrition, trueprotein.com is taking care of my protein needs, Dante Trudel's offseason DC training program is working wonders on my weak bodyparts, and I now have Chris Aceto taking care of my nutrition needs. With this great team behind me I feel very confident that I will hit the 2010 USA's at my all time best.

One thing that may have confused some of you is that I am now working with Chris Aceto rather than my good friend Scott who I had originally planned on working with for the upcoming season. The reason for this change is simply because I felt that I would be better served working under someone who I have only a professional relationship with. This is to ensure that no matter what, I know that I have nothing to do but follow my diet as the show grows nearer and my mind starts playing games with me. Some people have great success working with those who are closest to them but this time around I felt it best I work with someone who has a great professional track record but that I have never met on a personal level.

So far working with Chris has been great and he has proven to be a total pro. We have only talked about my prep through email and he answers every email I send quickly. What he wants from me is black and white which makes it easy to follow and fits right in with the DC training program that Dante has put together for me. I will keep you up to date after we have been working together longer than the week it has been so far.

Other than the usual grind of eating, sleeping, training, and working, Evian and I are looking forward to heading out the Vegas for the Olympia in two weeks. It is always awesome to work the IForce Nutrition booth and get a chance to meet all of the people who are supportive of the brand and me. I hope to meet a ton of the great guys and girls that I have developed friendships with on the various bodybuilding boards that I frequent. I also need to thank IForce Nutrition for not only taking care of all of my expenses but also being kind enough to bring my better half out to Vegas so she can be part of the fun. I really appreciate that IForce understands that my success would not be possible without Evian's help and they prove that by offering to pay her way to join me in Vegas. I hope to see you all in Vegas.

It's only a matter of time...

Dusty Hanshaw

Doubt

2009-08-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, sorry for the delay in getting a new post up here on the blog but I want to be sure that I am not wasting your time with a blog that will have little to no impact on your personal goals both in life and in the bodybuilding world. Like always my life experiences have lead me to the topic, which this time is doubt.

While talking with a close friend about bodybuilding and all that it takes to reach professional status it became very apparent to me that he quietly doubts that I will be able to achieve this goal.Although I do understand that I am shooting for a very lofty goal I have to laugh when someone says or thinks that I cannot do something that I am striving for. Does it bother me? Not in the least bit. In fact this doubt just fuels the fire even more. You see, this is not the first time someone has doubted one of my lofty goals nor will it be the last time. I have been making lofty goals since the day I was born and have grown accustom to people doubting the odds of my success. It is these doubts in greatness that sadly make so many people settle for mediocrity. In my mind the only way to fail is to give a goal less than 110% effort. Sure along the way there are going to be some snags but the only way to achieve a lofty goal is if you are already convinced in your mind that it is possible. I live by the saying "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you are right."

Training is going awesome and I am happy to say that I am seeing all over improvement. The only slight change is that with the amount of weight I am using now getting completely warmed up before my working set is key. I used to just do some warmup sets before each movement but now I am noticing I need to get blood flowing throughout my body with about five minutes of cardio, some light stretching, and the warmups. While I am doing all of those things I am focussed on the numbers from my log book and visualizing what it is going to take to beat them. After all of the warming up is done I am completely focussed and have already mentally beat my log book so that just leaves letting my body acheive what my mind has conceived.

Until next time, stay focussed and don't let doubt get in the way of achieving your dreams.

It's only a matter of time,

Dusty Hanshaw

Reflection

2009-08-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, hard to believe it's already Friday. I swear the days, weeks, and months just seem to fly by in my life. Here I am just under a year out from the 2010 NPC USA's in Las Vegas and I'm already starting to feel the show sneak up on me. I remember when a day felt like a month and a school year felt like a lifetime. Now I live by the motto "Don't blink." It seems like a long blink could cost you some of the best moments in life.

Living under my new motto has given me the opportunity to become a much more well rounded person which has lead to great success in all avenues of my life. I have the best friends in the world, I wake up next to my dream girl every day, my business is booming, and I have become a much better bodybuilder. I focus each and everyday to keep the healthy balance in my life which enables me to relax and be present in each waking moment. Sorry to get up on my soap box but I think it is important that young bodybuilders understand that bodybuilding needs to remain what you do, not who you are.

It really hit home to me what mattered in life the last time I stepped on stage at the NPC Border States. The place was jammed with people front to back but it wasn't until I walked out from behind the curtain that I realized that almost half of the auditorium was filled with people who had traveled to California to support me. The energy of my friends and family screaming blew my mind. I remember everything about that day and winning was completely overshadowed by the support I felt from those who matter most. Bodybuilding is a passion but friends and family are my life.

Now as far as training all is well. I am feeling great and currently am not training around any injuries. My hamstrings have always been a lagging body part but I am excited to say that they are growing...quickly. Last year my arms were my biggest weakness but Dante was able to come up with a way to not only bring them up to par but make them a standout body part. Now after only a couple of months on my new training that Dante had put together it looks as though he has worked his magic yet again. My hams are finally starting to drop and i still have eleven months to push them to a new level.

I know that a lot of you have heard me say this before but once again I have to thank Dante Trudel for all that he has done to help me along the way. When I started working under his guidance I was a decent bodybuilder that nobody had ever heard of and now I have a completely different physique and have been fortunate enough to have worked with some of the best photographers in the business to promote both myself and DC training. It has been life changing to work with him and more importantly to add him as a friend. Thanks for all that you do for bodybuilding Dante. So many of us are in debt to you and thank you for your time, knowlege, and friendship.

It's only a matter of time,

Dusty Hanshaw

The Beginning

2009-08-03T19:16:00.000-07:00

About five years ago I started telling people that I was going to be a professional bodybuilder. At the time I am confident that not a single person actually took me seriously but for some reason I just knew I could make it. Why? I honestly have no idea. At that point the best I had done on a local stage was placing third in my class which put me a far cry from my goal. But as the years have passed by and I have remained focused on my goal it has crept closer and closer to reality.

This blog will be my place to stay up to date with anyone who is interested in following my journey up the ranks of the bodybuilding world. I understand that this could be a long road but it is no longer a journey I go at alone. Through sacrifice, consistency, and determination I have convinced some people that my pipe dream just may come true. I now have a slew of people that believe in me now which include my better half Evian, sponsor IForce Nutrition, trainer Dante Trudel, and most likely anyone who keeps up to date with this blog.

It's only a matter of time...

Dusty Hanshaw