My name is Peter Fitschen and I recently won my NGA Pro Card by winning the overall at the 2012 NGA Titan Classic. I have created this journal to document the next 2 years which will end with my natural pro debut in 2014.
I'm going to start off with a little background on myself. I started lifting weights in 2002 at the age of 16. I was a 125lb skinny kid who was too small and weak to be very good at high school sports. After about 1yr of training, I was up to ~150lbs. Here is a pic I found from the summer of 2003 when I was ~150lbs:
I got up to 170lbs by the end of 2003 and began dieting for my first contest:
I competed in my first contest, the NANBF 10,000 Lakes in April of 2004 where I took 2nd (out of 2) in teen and 4th (out of 5) in novice so I basically got beat by everyone, which is no surprise since I competed at around 145lbs.
After the contest, I asked the judges what I needed to do to improve so that I wouldn't take dead last the next time I competed and they said to put on size. Being an 18yr old naiive kid, I took this literally and spent the next 2 years getting as big as possible. By April of 2006 I was up to a fat 210lbs:
At this point I started prepping for my next contests. I hired Layne Norton, who was just an ameture bodybuilder starting his PhD at the time, to do my prep. He kicked my ass and got me in shape for my 2 contests. In September 2006, I competed in the NANBF Eagle's Wings bodybuilding contest. I took 1st in my novice class, 2nd in my open class, and won best poser. 3 weeks later I competed in the 2006 NANBF Best of the Midwest and took 2nd out of 8 in my open class. Here is a pic from a 2006 contest:
After the 2006 contest season, I realized that I could actaully do well in this sport. I set my sights on my first pro qualifier in 2008. I kept my weight more in check in the offseason and topped out at 190lbs in November of 2007:
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07-09-2012, 10:37 AM #1
- Join Date: Dec 2002
- Location: Champaign, Illinois, United States
- Age: 38
- Posts: 5,306
- Rep Power: 1017
Peter Fitschen - Journey To My 2014 Natural Pro Debut
Peter Fitschen M.S., PhD Candidate in Nutritional Science
NGA Natural Pro Bodybuilder
Fitbody and Physique LLC
fitbodyphysique.com
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07-09-2012, 10:38 AM #2
- Join Date: Dec 2002
- Location: Champaign, Illinois, United States
- Age: 38
- Posts: 5,306
- Rep Power: 1017
Once again I hired Layne for my prep, gave myself 6 months to prep, and ended up stepping onstage in April of 2008. I took 2nd out of 9 in my open class at the OCB 45th Parallel. 2 weeks later I competed in the NANBF Mr. Natural Minnesota, my first natural pro qualifer, where I won my open class. Here are some pics from 2008:
After 2008, I knew I could contend for a pro card and would hopefully get one in the future. I set off on a long offseason. I had a couple of injuries along the way, finished my BS in Biochemistry with a nutrition minor, started and finished my masters in physiology, moved to Champaign IL, began working on my phd in nutritional science at the University of Illinois, and got married. It was a very productive offseason. I topped out at 195lbs and was by far stronger than I had ever been:
Once again, I contacted Layne, gave myself 6-7 months to diet, and set out to do 3 super pro qualifiers. My goal was to take top 5 in my open class at all 3 contest because I felt if I could I would considered a top level ameture. On June 23 2012, I stepped onstage at the NGA Titan Classic and won my open class, the otherall, and my NGA Natural Pro Card. Here are some pictures and videos from that contest:
This past weekend I competed in my last ameture show, the NANBF St. Louis Natural where I took 5th out of 11 guys in a very stacked open class at a super pro qual. I have plenty of issues with how this contest was run and how I was treated, but it is what it is. Here is a video of my posing routine from this contest.
At this point I have accomplished my goal of becoming a natural pro bodybuilder and have set my sights on a 2014 pro debut. This journal will document all aspects of my preperation for that contest from now until contest day.Peter Fitschen M.S., PhD Candidate in Nutritional Science
NGA Natural Pro Bodybuilder
Fitbody and Physique LLC
fitbodyphysique.com
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07-09-2012, 10:47 AM #3
- Join Date: Dec 2002
- Location: Champaign, Illinois, United States
- Age: 38
- Posts: 5,306
- Rep Power: 1017
Since the show:
After the show on Saturday, I gave myself Saturday night and Sunday to enjoy some treats I had been craving. I split a small spinach alfredo pizza and order of cheese sticks from Papa Johns with my wife on Sat night. Sunday morning I had 2 doughnuts and a chocolate milk for breakfast, snacked on dorritos throughout the day, split some cold stone with my wife in the afternoon, and headed to Texas Roadhouse for dinner where I split an appetizer with my wife and had a burger and fries. I also had some peanut m&m's and more dorritos as a bedtime snack. Overall, I feel I did a good job of getting in some things I was really craving without going too crazy. I woke up this morning (Monday) at 162lbs which is up ~5lbs from Friday morning and ~1-2lbs from what I as weighing prior to the NGA Titan Classic. I'm right back on track today and have no desire to eat any junk food so I think I did the job with my free day.
The Plan Moving Forward:
My plan moving forward is to reverse diet over the next 2-3 months and get myself back to only 1 30-40min HIIT session per week and back up to 500g carbs/day without gaining a tun of weight.
Training: Modified 5/3/1
Monday: Squats/lower
Tuesday: Military/upper
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: Arms
Friday: Deadlift/lower
Saturday: Bench/upper
Sunday: Off
Cardio: 1 60min HIIT session and 1 45min LI session per week to start; however, this will decrease as I reverse diet.
Nutrition: 225gP, 275gC, 55gF
I plan to weigh in every Saturday morning. As a general rule, if weight is up 0.5lbs or less, I will increase food. If not, I will keep food where it is at; however, it will also depend on how I feel about my strength/appearance at that point.
That is about it for the intro to this log. I will be heading to the gym for my first workout of the offseason tonight. Thanks to everyone for following along.Peter Fitschen M.S., PhD Candidate in Nutritional Science
NGA Natural Pro Bodybuilder
Fitbody and Physique LLC
fitbodyphysique.com
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07-09-2012, 11:01 AM #4
- Join Date: Oct 2009
- Location: Tampa, Florida, United States
- Age: 44
- Posts: 2,335
- Rep Power: 3970
IN! looking forward to following along, hoping to pick-up some tips on making my own improvements.
Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it. ~Plato
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=143873931
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07-09-2012, 11:31 AM #5
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07-09-2012, 11:53 AM #6
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07-09-2012, 11:54 AM #7
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07-09-2012, 11:55 AM #8
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07-09-2012, 02:35 PM #9
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07-09-2012, 03:17 PM #10
- Join Date: Oct 2007
- Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
- Posts: 1,771
- Rep Power: 2855
in, in, in!
Talked to a buddy who competed in the NANBF STL with you, he says the exact same things as you. He said they we rewarded a more "full" look over conditioning. Which I think is ridiculous in natural bodybuilding. He placed 4th in the open and said there was quite a few upset competitors with how the show was ran and the placings.
anyways, congrats again on the season. incredible work! now time to improve on any weaknesses and get big again!*WetBreast is gonna make it crew*
3k+rep back. (pls leave link)
follow my 2012 natural show prep for free reps! updated daily!
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=142482161
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07-09-2012, 04:58 PM #11
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07-09-2012, 06:26 PM #12
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07-10-2012, 05:13 AM #13
- Join Date: Dec 2002
- Location: Champaign, Illinois, United States
- Age: 38
- Posts: 5,306
- Rep Power: 1017
Thanks! Funny thing is I follow your and Paul's journals to try to pick up tips in order to make my own improvements.
Thanks for following along! Keep posting up that food porn. I'm going to try to make some of my own creations this offseason and will try to post up some pics.
Thanks! I just wanted to show that a skinny kid with what most would call "normal" genetics can make significant improvments and hopefully over the next 2yrs I'll be able to build a pro level physique.
Thanks! A couple buddies of mine were looking through my progress on my bodyspace a couple weeks ago and commenting on my progress so I figured I'd start this journal off with some pics and history about myself. Thanks again for following along.
Thanks for following along Paul! I'm looking forward to seeing what you bring to the stage this season in your first round of pro contests. From the looks of it, this will be your most complete package by far.
I'll try to get something up on the club page. To be honest, I don't visit the club page near as much as I used to, but I can post some things up on there when I get a chance. Are you guys doing quad day again?
I'm ok with the fact they were looking for a different look. That is fine because everyone is entitled to their own opinion and this is a subjective sport. I just have a huge issue with the fact they spent ~5min on an open class of 11 guys at a super pro qualifier. When I came off stage I told my wife that I had no clue where I placed, but there was no way in hell it could have been right because of the pace we were rushed off stage. O well, its in the past now and all I can do is use it for motivation moving forward.
Thanks! I would definately not recomend the St. Louis show to anyone. I hate saying that, but after my experience I would not ever go back and I know for a fact I am not the only one who feels this way.
Thanks for following along! Looking forward to following along with your prep as well.Peter Fitschen M.S., PhD Candidate in Nutritional Science
NGA Natural Pro Bodybuilder
Fitbody and Physique LLC
fitbodyphysique.com
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07-10-2012, 08:26 AM #14
- Join Date: Nov 2009
- Location: Illinois, United States
- Age: 34
- Posts: 1,904
- Rep Power: 3195
Thanks! I know not many guys compete so it's an inspiration to see those few who do (like you, Brent, Ian, Joe, etc). We'd definitely be happy to support you along the way too.
Yes, we will be at Quad Day. I didn't get a normal table since I was too late for that, but we do have a demo area...not sure where that will be, but keep your eyes peeled for us. Of course if we can get a table on the day of, we'll try to do that, but tables are only made available if someone else doesn't show.†Italian Crew†
|Back Avi Crew|
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07-10-2012, 11:13 AM #15
- Join Date: Dec 2002
- Location: Champaign, Illinois, United States
- Age: 38
- Posts: 5,306
- Rep Power: 1017
7-9 Monday: Lower
Diet: 223gP, 280.5gC, 55gF
6:30am 4oz chicken breast, 1c steamed brocolli, 1oz fat free cheese, 4 pieces low carb bread, multi, 2 fish oils
11:00am 2 cans tuna, 7 rice cakes, 1/2oz almonds
3:00pm 1 1/2 servings whey, 1c oatmeal, 1 serving 80cal fiber one cereal
6:00pm Xtend
6:30pm 2oz extra lean ground turkey, 2 pieces fat free cheese, 2 fiber tortillas, 1/2c cooked peppers, 1 serving salsa, 1 serving fat free sour cream (quesidilla! pics below)
9:30pm 3oz chicken, 1oz almonds, 3oz romaine lettuce, 1 serving waldon farm's thousand island dressing, 1oz baked lays ruffles with 2 servings fat free sour cream for dipping
Water: 1.25 gallons
Sleep: 9hrs
Workout: Lower
Squats:
1. 215x5
2. 245x5
3. 280x7
RDL:
1. 315x8
2. 315x8
3. 315x8
Hack Squats:
1. 3 plates per side x10
2. 3 plates per side x10
3. 3 plates per side x10
Lying Ham Curl:
1. 60x12
2. 75x12
3. 75x12
Seated Calf Raise:
1. 3 plates +25 x10
2. 3 plates +25 x10
3. 3 plates +25 x10
Standing Calf Raise:
1. 180x12
2. 180x12
3. 180x12
Decent workout to start off the offseason. I still don't feel stable in the hole on squats and I think it will take gaining some weight back before that happens again. My strength really took a big hit the last few weeks of prep and I'm guessing it will take a few weeks before it starts shooting up again; however, I am doing 5/3/1 which should ensure that I keep progressing and continually adding weight to the bar. Overall, by the end of this workout I was pretty spent and I actually had a pretty solid leg pump, which is something I haven't had in a while because muscle pumps were hard to come by late in prep. This workout also gives me a place to progress off of. After my workout, I went home and made my version of healthy quesidillas. Here is some more info on those:
Healthy quesidillas:
Ingredients:
Extra Lean Ground Turkey
Fat Free Cheese
High Fiber Tortillas
Green Pepper
Red Pepper
Cayane Pepper
Chili Powder
Salsa
Fat Free Sour Cream
Recepie:
1. Season turkey with cayane and chili powder and cook in pan
2. Cut up red and green pepper and cook until softened
3. Place fat free cheese, turkey,and peppers between 2 tortillas
4. Cook on quesidilla maker until cheese is melted
5. Top with salsa and fat free sour cream
Macros: 55g Prot, 50g Carb, 8g Fat for quesidilla made with 2oz extra lean ground turkey, 2oz fat free cheese, 1/2c cooked peppers, 2 high fiber tortills, topped with 1 serving salsa and 1 serving fat free sour cream.
Tuesday will be upper. During my upper workouts I will only be doing chest/shoulders/back and will not be doing any direct arm work. I will do direct arm work on a seperate arm day. This will allow me to hit my arms with a little more volume and shorten the length of time I'm in the gym during my upper days. Thanks to everyone who is already following along with this log.Peter Fitschen M.S., PhD Candidate in Nutritional Science
NGA Natural Pro Bodybuilder
Fitbody and Physique LLC
fitbodyphysique.com
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07-10-2012, 12:26 PM #16
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07-10-2012, 12:55 PM #17
- Join Date: Nov 2006
- Location: Henderson, Nevada, United States
- Posts: 10,273
- Rep Power: 9487
Yes! You're going to start posting some food porn. Love it . Pics need to be bigger though... cannot fap to such small pics lol.
*Professional comic book geek* *semi-pro cartoon collector* *full time nerd*
My Journal: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=166076501
Contact me for coaching/contest prep/nutritional services: WRyan163@yahoo.com
IG: @Bnizzle163
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07-11-2012, 07:29 AM #18
- Join Date: Dec 2002
- Location: Champaign, Illinois, United States
- Age: 38
- Posts: 5,306
- Rep Power: 1017
I really needed it after the weekend. I got 6-7hrs Thrus night, 5-6hrs Fri Night, 4hrs tops Sat night so I needed it. In the end, I felt really refreshed.
thanks! I'm don't have a tun of free time, but when I do, I'm going to try to make some fun and healthy recipies that fit my macros and will post pics as much as possible. I'm not quite sure what is up with the small pictures. I linked the image just like did with the others of me, but they came up small. You were one of my motivations to start posting up the food porn.Peter Fitschen M.S., PhD Candidate in Nutritional Science
NGA Natural Pro Bodybuilder
Fitbody and Physique LLC
fitbodyphysique.com
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07-11-2012, 02:07 PM #19
- Join Date: Dec 2002
- Location: Champaign, Illinois, United States
- Age: 38
- Posts: 5,306
- Rep Power: 1017
7-10 Tuesday: Upper
Diet: 227gP, 270gC, 58gF
5:30am 4oz chicken breast, 1c steamed brocolli, 1oz fat free cheese, 4 pieces low cal bread, multi, 2 fish oils
10:00am 4oz chicken breast, 7 rice cakes, 1/2oz almonds
3:00pm 1 1/2 servings whey, 120g oatmeal
5:30pm Xtend
6:00pm 5 egg whites, 1 while egg, high fiber tortilla, 1oz fat free cheese, 3oz romaine lettuce, 1 serving waldon farm's thousand island dressing, 1 serving kashi cereal
9:30pm 4oz chicken breast, 1c steamed brocolli, 2oz fat free cheese, 1oz almonds
Water: 1.5 gallons
Sleep: 8hrs
Workout: Upper
Military Press:
1. 95x5
2. 110x5
3. 125x12
T Bar Row:
1. 3 plates +25 x8
2. 3 plates +25 x8
3. 3 plates +25 x8
DB Bench:
1. 90x8
2. 90x8
3. 90x8
Neutral Grip Pull Up:
1. 45x8
2. 45x6
3. 45x6
Seated Side Raise:
1. 35x10
2. 35x10
3. 35x10
Lat Pulldown:
1. 160x12
2. 160x12
3. 160x12
BB Shrugs:
1. 275x10
2. 275x10
3. 275x10
Had an early morning as I had to be on campus by 6:30am, was on campus until 4ish and then got to the gym for a solid upper workout. Strength is still terrible and energy isn't 100 percent, but I definately feel better in the gym now that I at least get a few more carbs and have a little less cardio. This workout wasn't anything spectacular, but it left me sore as hell today. My back is beat from the combination of the RDL's Monday and the T bar rows, neutral grip pull ups, lat pulldowns, and bb shrugs on Tuesday. Wednesday will just be early morning HIIT.Peter Fitschen M.S., PhD Candidate in Nutritional Science
NGA Natural Pro Bodybuilder
Fitbody and Physique LLC
fitbodyphysique.com
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07-11-2012, 11:34 PM #20
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07-12-2012, 04:35 AM #21
- Join Date: Dec 2002
- Location: Champaign, Illinois, United States
- Age: 38
- Posts: 5,306
- Rep Power: 1017
Thanks for following. I was amazed at some of the things people were saying about me after I won my pro card. I just keep my head down, bust my ass, and do my thing. It is really humbling to know that so many people are following and think so highly of me. Thanks again for following along.Peter Fitschen M.S., PhD Candidate in Nutritional Science
NGA Natural Pro Bodybuilder
Fitbody and Physique LLC
fitbodyphysique.com
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07-12-2012, 08:10 AM #22
- Join Date: Dec 2002
- Location: Champaign, Illinois, United States
- Age: 38
- Posts: 5,306
- Rep Power: 1017
7-11 Wednesday: HIIT
Diet: 224.5gP, 272.5gC, 51gF
5:30am Yoplay plain greek yogurt, 1c steam brocolli, 2oz fat free cheese, 2 servings fiber one 80cal cereal, multi, 2 fish oils
8:00am Xtend
9:00am 1 1/2 servings whey, 1c oatmeal
2:00pm 2 cans tuna, 7 rice cakes, 1/2oz almonds
6:30pm Quesedilla!! - 2oz turkey, 2oz fat free cheese, 2 high fiber tortillas, 1/2c cooked peppers, 1 serving salsa, 1 serving fat free sour cream
9:30pm 1oz almond butter, 2 pieces low cal bread, yoplay plain greek yogurt, 3oz romaine lettuce, 1 serving waldon farm's thousand island dressing, 2oz chicken breast
Water: 1.5 gallons
Sleep: 8hrs
HIIT:
Eliptical Sprints: 60min
5 min warm up
10x30 sec sprints with 3 min 30 sec recovery
15min cool down
Long day...was up early to eat and let my food digest a bit before heading to the gym at 6:30am for HIIT. Got my long HIIT session done and thankfully this should get shorter as I reverse diet. Got to campus by 8 and was there until ~5:30ish getting everything straightened out as I will be out of town Thurs-Mon because I was initially planning to do another NGA super pq in Alabama this weekend, but since I already won my NGA pro card and my wife has the days off, we are going to visit my parents in MN and have a mini-vacation. Spent most of the night cooking food and packing for the trip. Thursday will be early morning cardio, finishing cooking/packing, heading back to the gym for arms and then driving 8-9hrs to MN.Peter Fitschen M.S., PhD Candidate in Nutritional Science
NGA Natural Pro Bodybuilder
Fitbody and Physique LLC
fitbodyphysique.com
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07-12-2012, 08:49 AM #23
- Join Date: Dec 2002
- Location: Champaign, Illinois, United States
- Age: 38
- Posts: 5,306
- Rep Power: 1017
Pre-workout meal today: 56gP, 61.5gC, 12gF
Breakfast Burrito: 5 egg whites, 1 whole egg, 1oz fat free cheese on a high fiber tortilla
Salad: 3oz romaine lettuce with 1 serving waldon farm's thousand island dressing
Side of 1 serving of fiber one 80cal cereal
Desert: Layne Norton's protein brownie recepie topped with 1 serving of fat free cool whip and waldon farms chocolate syrup
Pic of the meal:
A close up of the brownie: 12.5gP, 12.5gC, 4.5gF including toppings
Now its back for the gym for the 2nd time today to go hit some arms and then make the 8-9hr drive to MN!Peter Fitschen M.S., PhD Candidate in Nutritional Science
NGA Natural Pro Bodybuilder
Fitbody and Physique LLC
fitbodyphysique.com
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07-12-2012, 09:05 AM #24
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07-12-2012, 01:13 PM #25
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07-12-2012, 11:52 PM #26
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07-13-2012, 06:17 AM #27
- Join Date: Dec 2002
- Location: Champaign, Illinois, United States
- Age: 38
- Posts: 5,306
- Rep Power: 1017
Thanks for following along! It really means a lot to have some I look up to in this sport following along.
Thanks for following along and for all of the support throughout my prep!
Haha yea...you would think someone with as much education as me would have known how to embed pics and videos; however, until ~1wk ago when I did some reading on the topic online, I did not. However, I think I have it down now and will do a better job of embedding pics (both of me and of food) in the future. Thanks again for the support and best of luck tomorrow! You are brining your best package to the stage by far this time around and that is the whole point of this sport.Peter Fitschen M.S., PhD Candidate in Nutritional Science
NGA Natural Pro Bodybuilder
Fitbody and Physique LLC
fitbodyphysique.com
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07-13-2012, 12:26 PM #28
- Join Date: Dec 2002
- Location: Champaign, Illinois, United States
- Age: 38
- Posts: 5,306
- Rep Power: 1017
Here is a link to my new interview with machine muscle.com: (remove the * and the link will work, bb.com is blocking my link)
http://www.machine*muscle.com/from-1...pete-fitschen/
Thanks again to Marc and Bob for the oppertunity!Peter Fitschen M.S., PhD Candidate in Nutritional Science
NGA Natural Pro Bodybuilder
Fitbody and Physique LLC
fitbodyphysique.com
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07-13-2012, 06:19 PM #29
- Join Date: Nov 2006
- Location: Henderson, Nevada, United States
- Posts: 10,273
- Rep Power: 9487
Awesome interview, Pete!
Those food pics are looking better and better lol*Professional comic book geek* *semi-pro cartoon collector* *full time nerd*
My Journal: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=166076501
Contact me for coaching/contest prep/nutritional services: WRyan163@yahoo.com
IG: @Bnizzle163
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07-13-2012, 06:32 PM #30
- Join Date: May 2011
- Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Age: 59
- Posts: 2,935
- Rep Power: 2964
Great interview Pete! Your journey and accomplishments over the last 10 years is very insperational and I know this is only the beginning.
You are a great representative of natural bodybuilding and proof positive of what hard work, dedication and consitency can accomplish."We all have great inner power. The power is self-faith. There's really an attitude to winning. You have to see yourself winning before you win. And you have to be hungry. You have to conquer."
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
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