My husband and I joined a gym in 1980 right after we got married. I learned the basics, but I never got very far. I was always captivated by the women that had managed to transform their bodies like Rachel McLish, Anja Schreiner and Corey Everson.

Over the years, I've had numerous gym memberships and worked with at least three (3) personal trainers. While I learned and grew from each unique experience, I only just now achieved real success during the last 12-weeks while doing Jamie Eason's LiveFit program. I attribute my success to learning and embracing the following concepts:

* I need to constantly vary my workout routine,
* I need to take control of my diet by making my own meals and eating whole foods,
* I need to consume a lot of protein (average of 160 grams) each and every day,
* I need to have several small complete meals throughout the day,
* I need to intake between 1440-1740 calories per day and resist the constant temptation to cut calories,
* I need to periodically play with HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) activities.

I am so immensely grateful to Jamie Eason and Team Labrada for developing the LiveFit program and to Bodybuilding.com for creating their mobile tracking systems. Tracking my workouts on my cell phone while I work out has been very motivating to me.

I have had a passion for weight-training since 1980. Nothing compares to the sensation of handling iron, learning a movement, and pumping out those repetitions. I love the rush of blood coursing through my veins, and I love the flood of endorphins running through my brain. And now, for the first time in my life, I really love my body, too!

A self-professed workaholic, I used to put all my time and energy into my job. Now that I'm retired, I'm putting all that time and energy into bodybuilding. I consider working out my new job.

Bodybuilding will keep me healthy and vital into my golden years and give me the energy and longevity to enjoy my family for years to come. The sport will also keep me fit for my other passion which is HIKING! My bucket list includes a second attempt at summiting Mount Whitney, some backpacking time on the Pacific Crest Trail, an adventure into the floor of the Grand Canyon, and a trek up to Machu Picchu in Peru.

MsStrider
October, 2014

PS "Strider" is the trail name given to me by my long-time hiking friends.