Means a lot. I'll post a recap after the show - good or bad, might help the next nervous first-timer who finds this thread.

Already got a list for exactly that. Tan booked, packing the cooler the night before, trunks and music sorted.

Starting from a number but adjusting by the mirror. We carb up gradually and check fullness each morning. If I'm filling out we hold, if I'm flat we add a bit. Adjust to the look, not blindly to a spreadsheet.

I've been doing it every evening. It's exhausting but I can feel it getting easier to hold the poses.

Yeah he was clear that I keep lifting, just lighter and less of it near the end to stay full without adding fatigue.

That was my instinct to do, honestly - the big cut. Glad the coach talked me out of it.

Following up from my prep thread - I'm two weeks out and my coach sent me a clean peak week checklist. Sharing it because so many first-timers (me included) overthink this. Peak week priorities, in order: Train as normal until 3-4 days out, then reduce volume, keep intensity light Water - keep it ...

Use lifting straps on heavy pull days to give your forearm extensors a rest.

This is exactly what I needed. Scheduling a practice peak, posing daily, no crazy water cut, packing my own food, proper tan. Thank you all, feeling a lot less panicked.

Good call, I'd probably have just eaten whatever was at the venue.