bodybuilding is a unique sport in that there is no real “team effort”. For the most part, you are left on your own to eat your own food, do your own cardio, lift your own weights– and if you fail, that failure typically rests on your shoulders alone.

But that said, like anything else in life, to be as successful as possible in this endeavor, you need to seek support and guidance from any and all corners willing to provide it.

Dan Kelsey - Mr. Maryland 2007

To that effect, I would like to give special thanks to my and Nikki’s coach, Dan Kelsey. Dan has been bodybuilding for a very long time, and has a wealth of knowledge and an incredible track record of success with his clients. After viewing his winning shots from the Maryland State (he was Mr. Maryland 2007), I knew I would benefit immensely from his guidance during my contest prep. He graciously donated his time, both in person and via email, to help craft a custom diet and cardio plan for both myself and my wife (along with several other successful competitors at the Philly). Dan is not only my coach, but I am also proud to call him a friend, and I am very happy for him and his entire family (wife Bridget, and newest edition Isabella, only a few months old now!). To see more of Dan’s awesome accomplishments with his clients, visit http://www.lbs4lbs.com/Photos2.html.

I would like to thank my clients Jon Ross and Amy Schomberg. Jon and Amy have been working on various film projects with me during my contest prep, and I hope to have the finished product up on my site. Jon and Amy were kind enough to make the journey to Philadelphia to film the show, including the indulgent after-show feast. I look forward to all future projects that we can work on together!

Bruce McClellan, thanks for tirelessly working on my website to keep it updated and running smoothly. I know I’m very picky, but somehow, you always manage to make it look terrific.

Thanks to my mother, Wendy, and all of our friends who helped baby-sit in the weeks and months leading up to the show (Stephanie McClellan, Allie McClellan, Melissa Clark, Laura Gershen), so that Nikki could sneak in a cardio session or do some school work on occasion. Thanks to my friends and clients who came out to support us (Melissa Clark, Miles Rivas, Jon Ross and Amy Schomberg, Jaime Kline and her daughter Hannah, Daver Shutler, Tom Kane, Charles Smith, Rich Zwolinski, Bobby and Jackie Kimmel, and anybody else I have foolishly left off of the list). The best part of my night was being on stage while surrounded by friends.

Now, let’s tighten the screws and begin that prep for the next 8 weeks leading up to the Maryland State!

-David A. Johnston

6-30-10