Today, I wanted to touch on a topic that I have yet to make
public regarding my pro debut. Before I do that, let’s take a step back to
2011.
For those that do not know, I was fortunate enough to win my
class at the NANBF USA PQ in November of that year along with 2 other
competitors – Juan Chavez & Brian Graf. I decided take a full year off from
contest to make improvements for the 2013 season. The offseason was a success
as I finished the 2012 year at 226lbs just under 10% body fat.
Despite the great improvements, my coach and I knew we had a
lot of work to do as I finished the 2011 season with a stage weight of 202lbs,
but was still not 100%. We both felt
that a more conditioned physique around the mid 190’s would make me a definite
threat for the pro ranks. We gave ourselves 36 weeks to prep for the IFPA Pro
International hoping that we would be ahead of the game and possibly increase
our calories heading into the show. Unfortunately, with my work schedule and
other stressors in my life, I wasn’t able to bring my best overall package and ended up
placing out of the top ten.I think most competitors would have taken it pretty hard, but I was the complete opposite. The IFPA Pro International is one of three top IFPA shows of the year bringing 5-8 of the best competitors in the sport. I was honored just to be able to share the stage with them. That being said, I reviewed the pictures of the show and realized that I was able to hold my own in 2-4 of the mandatory poses vs the top 8 competitors despite my poor genetics and unbalanced symmetry. I ended up sticking to the plan and competing in the KC All-Stars Classic 6 weeks after the IFPA Pro International and placed 4th in a very strong 198lb class. Again, I wasn't 100%, but it seemed to be like the body started making quality changes after we made some minor tweaks in between shows. Every show we learn something new on how my body responds to meal plan and training. Everything happens for a reason. Here is a progress pic about 4 weeks prior to my last show in 2013
A close friend of mine asked me if could go back to the
beginning of the 2013 season and change anything to receive a better placing
what would you do. I explained to him
that even though I learned so much during my prep I would not change a thing.
The simple reason for my response was this: placing dead
last has made me the hungriest competitor out there. As Dr. Layne Norton would
say, “They may beat me, but no one will OUTWORK me” as I have nothing to lose
and everything to gain.
I have still not decided if I will be picking a fall show
this year or waiting for the 2015 spring season. I will say that my offseason weight
will stay around 215 lbs. and I will continue to learn everything I can with
respect to nutrition and training so that I can have that edge for the next
contest prep.
Last but not least, I want to give a big thanks to all who
have supported me all these years. I can’t wait to show you all the progress I’ve
made thus far.
Chris Valentin, IFPA PRO
Team Gorman Athlete ( www.team-gorman.net)Powered by Complete Nutrition (www.completenutrition.com)
