Birthdate: February 7th (Aquarius)
Home: Central Illinois. Grew up here. I have also lived in Clearwater, Florida (3 years) and Asheville, North Carolina (3 years). Came back to Illinois in 1991.
Occupation: Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Lending
I carry 4 overall championship NPC titles from 2002. My first contest was in April 2002, I won 2 overall titles in the Mid Illinois NPC contest, Ottawa, Illinois. Then in November 2002, I won 2 overall championships in the Midwest Ironman contest in Chicago, Illinois. This qualified me for Nationals, so 3 weeks later I competed in the NPC Nationals in Dallas Texas. This is where a revelation took place, and I decided to pursue the Fitness arena vs. Bodybuilding. I wanted to maintain the feminine athletic look I had worked so hard to achieve…and I realized that Fitness/Figure would be my appropriate choice. I have been training intensely for the past 8 months, making transitions to meet these goals. This is the most difficult challenge I have ever known. I am a highly motivated athlete, and although I am 44, I am listening closely to my body, not my mind, as I overcome one obstacle after another. I have to deal with limitations, but the changes and improvements that I see inspite of this are highly motivating. My drive is still strong, and I am confident that my strengths and talents can create an excellent routine! It’s all in the attitude! I hope to also gain recognition in the fitness industry along the way, and to be an inspiration to others.
I began lifting seriously in 1990, but was always athletic. My background includes primarily Volleyball and Softball. Growing up I was truly a Tomboy, so I was always active in some sport or another. In 1998, I took my training to new intensity levels, and as a result, dramatically transformed my body to what it is today.
A typical day in my life…some days I start with a cardio session, I have a full set up of weight equipment and 2 pieces of cardio equipment in my basement. I then work approximately 9-5 for a large bank in Central Illinois. My workout at the gym usually begins around 5:30. I am typically at the gym at least 2 hours. This is due to the tremendous time involved with not just the workout itself, but also cardio, stretching, or sauna. I always have my food with me, so that I can eat immediately after the workout. I often don’t arrive back at home until 8:00 p.m. Usually in bed by 11:00. My food regimen is usually 90% clean all the time. But when I cheat, I really cheat! I love White Chocolate Bread Pudding, Cheesecake, homemade cookies, and ice cream. I do have a sweet tooth!!!
I usually train 6 days per week. This includes anywhere from 3-5 cardio sessions. When preparing for a competition, my training is still 6 days per week, but usually split mornings and evenings. The intensity level must increase, and my social life is pretty much shut down. My favorite body part to train is legs. I love how I feel afterwards. The easiest body part to develop for me was my shoulders/arms. I was always genetically gifted in this area. The most stubborn to respond were my legs/glutes. I always struggled with a more slender muscle line in my lower body, so it took years to bring them up to par. My favorite body part is my legs, I think they are nicely proportioned, and finally see the rewards of all the hard work to get where they are now. My least favorite exercise: pull ups…I love them when I feel really strong, but they are SO draining to me. My favorite exercise in preparation for fitness has been the straddle toe touch. I have watched great progress over the past several months, and I feel it is the most beautiful display of strength and flexibility! I feel resilient when I watch the movement, especially because I lack any gymnastics or cheerleading background.
Outside of fitness and my career in banking, I love a chance to travel, and to experience good cultural events/dining. I love to visit big cities. I’ve not been too many places, but to name a few…Chicago, New York, Atlanta, New Orleans, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Seattle, St. Louis, and Dallas. I hope to travel abroad in the near future, especially Europe and New Zealand.
I credit my friends and admirers first and foremost for any of my success. Because of so much encouragement from others, I decided to finally compete. Some say I waited too long and should have started sooner, but I cannot dwell on the evolution process. I can only set my sights on tomorrow, and continue in my quest. 3 years ago, I could only look at the girls in the fitness magazines, and dream of their accomplishments. I now feel confident to walk the same plank. However, what I have learned most profoundly is that competitions and trophies don’t make winners…it’s the transformation of attitude and self esteem that makes winners. This creates a positive influence for others to set new goals and reach for the stars. All trophies aside, there is no greater reward than to hear someone say they want to look just like you.