May 2004 - 1st place in Fitness Skills, 2nd Overall - WTF Tampa
July
2003 - 9th place in Grace & Physique, 12th overall – WTF
Las Vegas
June
2003 - 2nd place in Swimsuit – Fitness Success
Challenge
April
2003 - 6th place in Grace & Physique, 5th
Overall - WTF Western Challenge
Why
did you become interested in fitness?
I became interested in fitness at an early age. My genetics
aren’t
the greatest, so I’ve always felt the need to fight against
being overweight and bottom-heavy. When fitness started becoming
more popular several years ago, I was inspired by the pictures
in the magazines and began working out with weights regularly.
I soon realized that I had found my true passion, and obtained
two fitness certifications so I could help others discover the
benefits of fitness as well. I became interested in competing
when I found the obstacle course competitions were something
I could actually participate in without the routine round. I
went to Cynthia Hill’s fitness camp in 2002 and was hooked!
When
did you first start working out?
I was a tomboy growing up and have been involved in sports – mainly
softball – my entire life. I first began lifting weights
when I worked for MET-Rx back in 1995-96, but I wasn’t
real serious. My diet was vegan/vegetarian, but I wasn’t
quite as healthy as I thought. After admiring Mia Finnegan on
ESPN, I adopted her weight training and eating plan. I learned
that I needed to have more protein in my diet and ditched my
vegetarian ways. Although I have been working out for many years
now, it wasn’t until last year when I convinced myself
I needed to set a goal and challenge myself to get to the next
level. My boyfriend at the time was my training partner and really
pushed me in the gym. I started seeing results I liked. He also
convinced me that I was sabotaging my progress with too much
cheating on my diet. Then I found the WTF and made a promise
to myself to compete the next year.
What
other physical activities do you enjoy to stay fit?
I enjoy playing softball & tennis, catching a baseball game,
reading inspirational books, relaxing at the beach, and just
about anything that gets me outside in the sunshine! I rollerblade
several times a week on beautiful San Diego bay, and I get fulfillment
out of volunteering for children’s groups and Special Olympics.
Other “activities” include eating Mexican food and
Cold Stone ice cream.
What
are your goals within the fitness industry?
My main goal at this point is to place in the Top 5 in my division
at the next WTF in 2004. But, depending on the size of the competition,
that could change to First Place! I have a lot of work to do
and I’m prepared to train harder this time around. In the
meantime, I’d like to find a few small shows to compete
in to keep me challenged and motivated. I also hope to find an
outlet to work with other girls on the obstacle course, and to
help motivate them to set and meet their goals.
Additional
Notes:
God has
blessed me with so much - health, athleticism, and the capacity
to do what I love. I am so fortunate to have a
wonderful support group who has encouraged me to compete -
Larry, Molly, PD & Rod, and all of the WTF girls who make
competing a group effort and a truly inspiring experience!
The encouragement and support of those around you is critical
to your success, but believing in yourself is the most important
thing.
“Always make a total effort, even when the odds seem against
you. Never feel you don’t have a chance to win.”
Thanks
to Conor and Fit Sights for hosting such a great site for
all of us!
