THE TRIP: Lee's path to the Olympia 2005

[Yabuddy]

hrdcor, any more training or tattoo pics of Lee recently? Too bad about the flu...hope it doesn't take a big toal on his Olympia prep....

[pimp]

All good man,

sure Ali wont mind you being away a bit longer :-)

so you lovin livin the life of a american pro? eating, training, hangin, watchin movies and avoiding hurricanes?

nothing changes here. am going to nabba nationals next week. one of our boys from work is competing, 115kg and a natural boy too. be interesting to see how he goes.

will let ya know what the show is like.

how is lee?

how are you?

any decent movies out?

you talkin bout darryl?

[hrdcor]

We are off to California. Lee has his final drag race for the year where he has the very real possiblity of winning the year's championship. He already has the rookie of the year sown up but this weekend all he needs is 35 points to overtake the current leader (that's about 2 winning rounds).

Then on Monday and Tuesday Lee has photo shoots for Muscular Development, with Tue being with Luke Wood.

We are staying in a house Lee owns just out of LA which has a fully equipped gym in it, with DBs up to 140lb!!!

We have been sorting out Lee's promotional stuff that he will be taking to the Olympia. This year he has some real cool treats for his fans:

1st - Lee is going to raffle off his first ever racing helmet, autographed and all painted up with a superman emblem. You probably have seen him wearing it in the mags!!!

2nd - Lee has limited-edition hand-painted prints of himself done by this really cool artist that he will be selling. These are absolutely stunning, all numbered and certificated and they are one-off collector's items.

3rd - Lee has new new tshirts with "Lee Priest the Punisher" on the front and a pic of him and his dragster on the back.

Plus, specially for the Olympia, Twinlab are shipping in Lee's Dragster to be at the Twinlab display. We are hoping to start it up and roar it before we get told off by the organisers!!!

Should be cool, huh!!!!

N/B Lee's flu is still with him but we have started antibiotics. He is currently producing around 2.5 gallons of snot per hour!!!

[frogie2001]

wish i was there how have the training video names been received any hows

[deegee]

Sounds like it is going to be a good show !

[Growth]

I was thinking about the drag tacing the other day, does he find it a bit of a handicap that hes so damn heavy. I know alot of the other drivers you see on tv all seem to be pretty scrawny.

Weight plays a big part does it not?

[hrdcor]

Ok, here's the drama for today:

Lee wakes me up at 6.30am to get me up for the trip to California. Lee looks and sounds terrible but he still managed his cardio. I feel like crap and guess I am getting his flu.

On the way to the airport Lee and I feel all flu like, we check in and while waiting for boarding I feel like vomiting, so I do. Lee calls me a pussy!!!

On the plane, me and Lee have separate seats and whilst sitting in mine I start throwing up again. The plane starts to taxi out, but I can't stop barfing. I go to the front of the plane and tell the stewardess I am not good, then dive into the toilet to throw up again (and I am really really loud when I barf!!!)

When I come out, the plane is heading back to the terminal and they are taking me off the plane, I don't argue as I am feeling really crap!! When I get off they have 3 police men, 3 airport security, 2 airport doctors and, get this, a paramedic team there!!!!

They spend an hour doing all types of tests on me (right there in the terminal in front of everyone) and conclude I have a fever of 102, elevated blood pressure of 90/140 and I am badly dehydrated - conclusion: a real bad flu!!!! They give me drugs for the vomiting, the fever, and the flu, and make me sign around 4 different documents then send me home. I have just slept for 5hrs solid and woken up in a pool of sweat!!!

So I thought I would just full you in on my day... Oh, and Lee got to California alright, although he too is feeling crap - just not as bad as me obviously!!! And he thinks it's real funny!!!!

[Varven]

Hope you ok soon dude.

Hopefully the antibiotics and stuff should do their job and have both you boys on top of things soon.

[deegee]

Lee is feeling better, thats good news.

[hrdcor]

OK, feeling better today. Fever has broken and feeling a little hungry.

Lee's starting to feel better to as I spoke to him this morning. Haven't been able to get hold of him throughout the day though as he has been racing. I will let you know as soon as I hear if he has managed to snatch the driver's championship for this year - and it's only his rookie year, would be cool, huh?!

Oh and about the question on Lee's size and racing - there are actually a lot of bigger guys (fatter) racing than Lee but with over 1000 horses punching you along at 5.8 quarters there doesn't seem to be much advantage with bodyweights as far as I can see!!!

[deegee]

Glad to hear Lee is back into things hope the training is all back to normal, not long to go now, the weeks seem to be flying by

[BrooklynBB]

Hey Hdcr,

Glad you're feeling better bro, sounds like you had a bad experience there, they went a bit overboard with the police and paramedics, no??

As for Lee, I wish him the best in his drag racing tomorrow. When are those shirts going to be available? I'm definitely getting one. You should convince him to print more of those black "Priest" shirts from his Another Blonde Myth video ... very simple but cool design.

[hrdcor]

Lee just won the ROOKIE OF THE YEAR in the national drag competition, and ended up finishing 3rd in the place standings behind 2 guys whom have been racing for over 30 years!!!!!!

He also won the 2 races for cash in the weekend so got himself some dosh to keep me in the lap of luxury to which I am accustomed!!!

Lee's photo shoot with Luke Wood has been cancelled because Luke looks like crap apparently, but he is going to the race track for a photo shoot in and around the pits and the cars with Muscle Development. Should be cool.

Muscle Development are planning to release their next issue just prior to the Olympia with a special kick-arse interview with Lee in it. I was sitting with Lee when he did the interview and it is no holds barred - Lee Priest at his best!!!!!

[02flex]

Hi Mark,

Just wanted to say thanks for keeping us updated on Lees progress. it is really exciting to get updates every day, i really look forward to it.

keep up the great work and is it true Lee might come to NZ again??

Cheers 02Flex

[bucketarse]

Ok, here's the drama for today:

Lee wakes me up at 6.30am to get me up for the trip to California. Lee looks and sounds terrible but he still managed his cardio. I feel like crap and guess I am getting his flu.

On the way to the airport Lee and I feel all flu like, we check in and while waiting for boarding I feel like vomiting, so I do. Lee calls me a pussy!!!

On the plane, me and Lee have separate seats and whilst sitting in mine I start throwing up again. The plane starts to taxi out, but I can't stop barfing. I go to the front of the plane and tell the stewardess I am not good, then dive into the toilet to throw up again (and I am really really loud when I barf!!!)

When I come out, the plane is heading back to the terminal and they are taking me off the plane, I don't argue as I am feeling really crap!! When I get off they have 3 police men, 3 airport security, 2 airport doctors and, get this, a paramedic team there!!!!

They spend an hour doing all types of tests on me (right there in the terminal in front of everyone) and conclude I have a fever of 102, elevated blood pressure of 90/140 and I am badly dehydrated - conclusion: a real bad flu!!!! They give me drugs for the vomiting, the fever, and the flu, and make me sign around 4 different documents then send me home. I have just slept for 5hrs solid and woken up in a pool of sweat!!!

So I thought I would just full you in on my day... Oh, and Lee got to California alright, although he too is feeling crap - just not as bad as me obviously!!! And he thinks it's real funny!!!!

[hrdcor]

OFFICIAL NOTICE:

Lee has pulled out of the Olympia!!!

His decision is based on his disapproval with the way the show is run and handled. He believes he has to stick to his word.

The contract for the show is totally restricting and onesided all the way for the promoters, even to the point that it's disrespectful to the athletes in some instances.

The promoters' requirements of the Athletes prior to the event are totally unnecessary and show no compassion for the competitors.

The athletes have to participate in promotional products for the promoter, which have the potential to earn millions of dollars with not one cent being given back to the athlete.

The athlete has to sign away his rights to image and likeness for promotional and product endorsement with no financial compensation whatsoever, plus in most cases go against the obligations and rights of his own sponsors.

All the athlete gets in return for performing at the Super Bowl of Bodybuilding is their flight paid for, a room (with no cooking facilities, and no microwaves) plus a $50 meal allowance, and 1 ticket to the event. If the athlete chooses to stay at a hotel other than the one given to them (because of cooking requirements) no transport will be offered to them to get to and from the event.

The judging is not independently monitored.

The challenge round is a joke and takes away the anticipation of the top 5 plus the money offered in this round should be used to pay for athletes lower down the placings or should have been put to the Women's Olympia, which has been demoted to having their show held in the EXPO hall!

These issues are just some of the problems facing the Olympia, and are issues shared by a lot of the competitors. It's just that Lee is a man of his word - so he's out, but not done, by any amount. Trust me.

Regards, Hrdcor

[02flex]

that totally sucks man.

i was really looking forward to seeing him up there, as he is looking really good these past few shows. i know for a fact he gets ripped off in the olympia, as they have there top picks before it has begun. but i would like to say Lee, you are a great bodybuiler and you have freaky size for your height. ps you come in hard, big and your symetry is great. ps no extended stomach as well. hope you all the best and will allways support your discission with the Mr o as i think it is totally fixed any how.

hope you keep up your condition and see you in the following shows.

:cry:

[frogie2001]

bugger!

I hope some of the others do similar to five the IFBB the hint

[Pseudonym]

Bugger's right!

So what's the plan for Lee now?

[jono]

:cry:

[hrdcor]

Lee is doing photo shots for Twinlab and MD when we get to Vegas, as well as being at the Expo for his fans with the Dragster (note: Lee has talked in depth with his sponsors over this and he has their full support)

Then he is resting for a month, then starting his buildup for next year which will include the Arnold. Remember Lee is only 32 years of age with many years ahead of competing, and he believes in not over-taxing himself for the sake of a placing. That's why he is one of the longest pros on the circuit today, but yet still one of the freshest, with the most potential!!

[hrdcor]

Sorry guys haven't been on for a few days. Things have been busy as we are getting ready to go to the Olympia.

As you know Lee is out of the show, but he will be there at the Expo, plus he is handing out awards at the show so it will be a good time. Lee not doing the show has caused quite a stir over here, with website boards devoting most of their traffic to this subject, plus the phone has been running hot with people from all spectrums of this crazy industry calling to talk with Lee. Most (95%) have been supportive of Lee and accept his personal position on the matter. Some are a little pissed, most likely the show owners AMI.

What will be interesting will be the Competitors/Athletes meeting held before the show (which I can attend, being an IFBB Pro) where all things concerning the athletes will/shall be discussed and maybe acted upon. I say "maybe" because I can't see it happening as the so-called Athlete's Rep Bob Cicherillo was never voted on as the Athletes rep, but was duly appointed so by Jim Manion, and the fact Bob gets paid by AMI sort of doesn't allow him to have the best interest of the athletes at heart. His position is compromised, one could say, so I think finding a new rep with the true interest of the athletes at heart would be the first port of call, which could lend to a lively debate, I would think ........ cool

[02flex]

Hello Hrdcr,

I know this is totally of the subject.

but i thought you would be the man to ask.

what are your thoughts to sodium loading and depleting for a competition.

is this really needed. also what are your thoughts on getting rid of water for a competition without dieretics, what would be the best way to hop on stage shreded and water in the muscle but not under the skin.

i know this is way off Lee but your thoughts would be much appricated as everyone has a different oppinion on this.

thanks

[hrdcor]

02flex, I believe you can lose water well enough without the use of pharmaceutical diuretics, and with the aid of a good herbal base diuretic!!! In fact this is what most of our clients rely on for their shows (as well as I did).

The trick is to get your body passing water out long enough prior to the event so when you stop your fluid your body does not go into shock and store. So you would start your herbals on Tue prior to a Sat show 3x per day building up to herbals 6x per day on the Fri prior to the show!!

You would keep fluid very high Mon to Wed prior to the show then slightly taper Thur and again Fri - up until Fri night when you stop fluid all together. This allows the body to slowly dry out without too much stress. Sat morn you should be real crisp - I always was and so are our clients.

About the sodium loading unfortunately I would need to see you and know your body to make that call. Some it works for, some it doesn't!!!

Rule of thumb though: under 80kg mass don't try to get too technical as you will be doing a lot for not much change. Over 80kg, change can be noticed through carb loading and sodium loading but do not try it the night before a show, try it a week or so early to work it out.

Another rule of thumb: the more muscle you have the bigger the changes you can make over night, you just gotta know what you are doing!!

For a good herbal diuretic contact RNC and they will advise you on the best one to use!

[02flex]

thanks very much for that info, it is very much appriciated.

i will contact RNC today for a herbal directic. I am over 80kg and pretty lean and have heard of guys trying sodium a week before the show and then cutting it right out when carb loading and water depleting. then again on the day of the show they will have a high sodium meal a couple of hours before pre juding is this method correct?

I will do what you say with the dierectics and water deplete. could you please confirm if the sodium load and deplete sounds correct?

thanks for your help,

and enjoy the Mr O this weekend, that truly is a life time experience.

regards,