Dana Barlow didn't have a clue what to expect at the Saskatchewan Amateur Bodybuilding Association's annual novice classic April 30 in Saskatoon.
By the end of the day, the Estevan resident had earned first- and second-place finishes at his first-ever bodybuilding competition.
Barlow, 49, took top spot in the 40-and-over master division, as well as a second-place nod in the welterweight class.
Not bad for someone who only began bodybuilding training 20 weeks ago.
"I really didn't know what my expectations were. I did way better than I thought I would do," said Barlow.
He said he was more focused on the welterweight division, but he'll take the master victory and the trophy that came with it.
Barlow ran two marathons last year in Regina and Minneapolis and later hired Lyris Cappelle, a Swift Current-based pro bodybuilder, as his trainer.
"She started to talk me into (entering the event). I've thought about it for years."
Barlow said Estevan's Chris Yakimchuk, a former SABBA president, tried to talk him into competing about nine years ago but he didn't bite.
Cappelle had more than a dozen clients competing at the novice event in Saskatoon and most of them placed in the top three in their respective categories, including men's overall champion Trevor Koot.
Following weigh-ins on Friday night, pre-judging was held on Saturday morning. That's where the overall placings are decided, with the Saturday evening session being a show geared toward fans.
In the afternoon, a seminar was held with four-time Mr. Olympia champion Jay Cutler.
"He's a pretty down-to-earth guy. He took questions about almost anything and everything," said Barlow.
Barlow will now compete at the SABBA provincial championship on May 28 in Lloydminster.
Last week's bodybuilding story in the Mercury incorrectly stated that Estevan's Joel Pasloski finished fourth in the junior men category at the novice championship.
Pasloski finished fifth, with Carlyle's Adam Swanson taking fourth. The Mercury apologizes for the error.
