Keep at it dude. I don't know why, But seeing someone completely outlift me never bothers me. I just kind of laugh and work harder, I'm a wierd guy though! I'm tall and have some fat on me, 6'5 and 192 as of friday. I don't know if carbonation is bad for you muscle wise, but a while a go I used to drink sparkling water with fruit flavoring. It was pretty good and had no sugar (no artificial sugar either) and that might be an alternative to water. I've never had a problem with water though so sorry!