ED HARDEN

EH: Once I got over the self-denial of not being able to prepare the way I wanted to I actually focused on the areas I could control more. I also began to change my focus for Destin. I dropped from Bodybuilding into Sports Model. And since this was going to be my first show actually competing in divisions other than Inspiration & Transformation, I decided to relieve some of the stress and treat it as a walk through.

     I had no idea what I was doing on stage, so this would be an opportunity to see how it’s done, do it, and make adjustments for the future. I wasn’t going to skip going to Destin and there was no reason to skip competing other than my own nerves. I think this relieved a lot of stress off of me because I did not feel I would be ready whatsoever and I was stressing out too much. I talked about this strategy with my wife and as always she said whatever I wanted to was fine with her. Then I spoke about it with other friends who have competed and they told me I didn’t have anything to worry about and I’d be fine and encouraged me to get on stage.

     Once I took this approach, it helped change my mindset some. In the Maryland Show I got to meet other competitors in the Inspiration & Transformation category who had great and amazing stories and I thought if I get on stage and one person hears my story and thinks they can make the changes they need to, then it would all be worth it. I stopped putting so much stress on where I place at and decided to enjoy the process.

IM: What was your training and nutrition regimen like leading up to the Destin show?

EH: My training and nutrition stays pretty consistent due to my diabetes. I train 5 days a week with about 30-40 minutes of cardio each day. My diet is pretty much the same with a light breakfast, lunch consisting of chicken or tuna, cauliflower rice, and vegetables. Dinners are adjusted based on what my family is having. Cauliflower rice is usually a go to for me with how cheap and quick it is to add to a meal. Every night I always have a bowl with sugar free Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and mixed berries as a dessert.

     It’s rough to train and find things that will work with my diabetes and the medication. I can’t cut carbs like the average athlete or I risk hypoglycemia, so I have to find that balance where I don’t go too low but still make progress in my training. As I get closer to competition, at about 4 weeks out, I change some things in my diet.

     The sodas I do drink are eliminated along with any other carbonated drink. I began to reduce my calorie intake. I usually eat 3,500-4,000 calories a day, and as I get closer to the show I drop it down each week. Since my knees were feeling better I was able to incorporate cardio and would do my regular cardio in the morning along with some in the evening after work.

     Usually for dinner I eat what my family does and make adjustments, but in this period I have a completely different meal than everyone based on my calorie intake.

IM: Congratulations on your recent success in Destin! How did it feel to achieve such significant milestones in your journey?