When I was 14 I saw my first bodybuilding show on ESPN. I fell in love and my father bought me a used weight bench. I was in heaven! Over the years I worked out and spent 10 years in the military (Army, then Navy) and competed in different base competitions (e.g. bench press, 10k).

In 2004 I had low back surgery and gained 56 pounds. Luckily I was small enough before the weight gain that I just looked 'normal' instead of fat. However, over the years, I slacked off on working out. I did not gain any additional weight, but I wasn't in the shape I wanted to be in either.

Prior to back surgery I learned of figure competitions, but I had to deploy and put that on hold. I recently gave birth to my son (3 months ago) and decided it's time to get back in the gym and compete some time next year.

I feel like I can do anything when I run or lift!