The Yorkshire: Taking Home The Novice Lightweight Title

I awoke at 4.30am and knew straight away that there wasn't a chance in hell that I was ever going to get back to sleep.

This was it.

This is what I have been working towards for the past god knows how many years.

I've been talking about it for nearly as many years as well.

So hadn't put any pressure on myself whatsoever...

In the weigh-in room I was nervous as hell as first, then, seeing some of the guys in my class, I relaxed a great deal, I knew I was in better shape than many of them, I wasn't going to come last anyway, which is always the fear in the back of anyone's mind!

I weighed in at a crazy 60.2kg, 14kg lighter than the heaviest in my class! This had my slightly concerned, but I certainly relaxed a great deal.

I was then drug tested, which was a great joy, forcing a treacle like piss out in front of a very helpful tester, and thank god, I just about managed enough to get an acceptable sample!

Once that ordeal had finished so commenced the waiting game....

After what seemed like an age it was time to start pumping up and preparing to go on stage for the quater turns and compulsory poses.

Back stage despite feeling ridiculously bloated I seemed to be looking pretty good and received lots of positive comments from many people backstage.

Just about ready to go on!

 Then the brutality began. They really worked me hard. By the end of my time onstage I thought I was literally going to pass out!

The quarter turns I was happy with.

All but two of the compulsory poses went according to plan, but I will seriously have to work on both the rear and front lat spread.

Here are three of my favourite shots from compulsory posing:

Then they sent us off stage to await our turn for the individual posing round.

https://www.facebook.com/Kersh123?ref=tn_tnmn#!/photo.php?v=4396495245471

Before going on for the individual I had no idea if I would even be able to bend my legs, let alone remember my routine. It was far from perfect and I didn't breathe correctly on a couple of the poses, but I have lots of time to perfect things in time for the britains!

Then, we were brought back for the results.

Even after 2nd place had been announced I still didn't think I had won.

Everything after my name was called out as Champion is all a complete blur!

Hours and hours...and hours of waiting later it was time for the overall. I had NOTHING left to give. Thinking back to it now I should have had a pre-workout supplement or caffeine or something, because I could barely even pump up. Definitely a lesson learnt for the Britains!

It was an honour to be on stage with these guys. I'd place myself 5th, which isn't good enough for me!

So what must I improve for the Britains?

• Overall Conditioning- the more I look at the pics, the more I think it just wasn't good enough
• Rear lat spread
• Front Lat Spread
• Breathing during individual posing
• Pumping up
• Chest, traps forearms and biceps weren't up to scratch
• Leg placement on a rear double biceps

But I was pleased with my legs :)

Thankyou to ALL who came to support me, it was an absolutely amazing feelng to see you all cheering me on throughout the day, you really carried me through.

I just hope many of you can make it to the Britains, where we must go through all the stress again!

I've caught the bug now, I just want to get back on stage!

See you at the finals!!!!