5th
place obstacle course, 2001 Galaxy Nova North American (11th
overall);
8th place obstacle course, 2001 Galaxy Nova World Championship
(13th overall).
I
write for "Oxygen" magazine.
Recently
I had a photo shoot with Ralph DeHaan (see photos 1, 5, 6 above).
Appeared
in a March 2001 "Musclemag" photo.
Why
did you become interested in fitness?
I am a walking medical disaster -- I have to take five prescriptions
a day, and the side effects are killer! I've had genetic high
blood pressure and high cholesterol since the age of 17, and I've
had Bipolar II Disorder with severe depression my entire life,
including suicide attempts, a two-year bout with anorexia and
a lifelong terrible body image. If I didn't do something to save
my own life, I would be a couch-bound, pill-popping slug. Exercising
and eating right bring down my blood pressure, make me feel better
about my body, and give me the energy to conquer my depression.
When
did you first start working out?
My sophomore year of college, 1990, when I started doing aerobics
to bring down my sky-high blood pressure and overcome chronic
bronchitis. I became AFAA-certified in aerobics and then started
coaching Special Olympics and teaching aerobics to the mentally
disabled. I started serious weight training in 1998 when I met
my boyfriend, Pete, a former pro skier and football player, and
started training for the Galaxy after I met Danielle Edwards in
1999.
What
other physical activities do you enjoy to stay fit?
Wilderness camping is my favorite sport. Give me a knife, a tarp
and some Duck tape and set me free anywhere that's miles away
from people. I love to go for a vigorous uphill hike with my dogs.
I also love downhill skiing, horseback riding and kayaking.
What
are your goals within the fitness industry?
Since writing is my first passion, I want to become published
in all of the top women's fitness magazines. Helping other women
learn about fitness and nutrition -- and showing them how to avoid
making the mistakes I've made along the way -- is the best way
I can use my talent with words. I'd love to place in the top 10
at the Galaxy Nova next year, but it's going to be tough since
I'm built like a giraffe! Height may be an advantage on the obstacle
course, but it's a challenge to get those round, curvy muscles
like the petite girls.
Additional Notes
I never competed in sports throughout school. In fact, I was so
terrible at sports that I was always last-picked for the team
in gym class. But I never let that stop me from playing! I found
other ways of keeping active instead of doing volleyball and gymnastics.
The 2001 Galaxy Nova was the first athletic competition I've ever
done in my life. I come from a long line of mild-mannered piano
players and writers. So I'm truly a case of "if I can do
this, anybody can!"
