Personal Info
How I Started
I stepped in the gym for the first time on April 1st, 2008 and haven't stopped since. I weighed 156 pounds at that time and wore a size 14 Mother of the Bride dress to our daughter's wedding in 2007. Today I weigh about 108lbs and fluctuate only a few pounds from that when not competing. I eat very clean and love cooking fresh, healthy food for my husband and I. I have embraced the sport of bodybuilding and consider it my second job. (I'm an RN when I'm not in the gym.) I love learning about the science of nutrition as it relates to bodybuilding as well as the anatomy and mechanics of training.
UPDATE January 2016: After competing 3 years in a row, I took last year off for me. My last competition had me in tears because I hadn't worked hard enough on diet and just wasn't lean enough. I left after the prejudge with the realization that I needed a break. That was in December 2014. Since then I've continued to work hard on my lifting, started running on a regular basis and have taken up pole dancing which I LOVE. The strength and flexibility required for pole fitness is unbelievable. My confidence continues to improve in the gym and in life in general. I'm starting to get the desire to possibly compete again in bodybuilding. But it has to be a fun experience for me, if the anxiety builds and the confidence starts to fade, I'll wait.
UPDATE January 2017: The desire to compete again continues to fade. Women's bodybuilding has taken a back seat to physique, figure and bikini. The fitness category is intriguing, but I'm just not there yet. I love finding new ways to work out and build muscle. Pole dance continues to be a big part of my fitness journey. Although I continue to want to learn new moves, I really love the dance element. Only problem is that I favor my left side on pole so my left arm, shoulder, lat, are all bigger and stronger than my right. Pole dancer problems! I have no desire to compete in pole. Don't need the pressure. Although I've done some half marathons, I really don't enjoy the sport of running. I love to walk, hike, stand up paddleboard, kayak and hula hoop to get in my cardio. Looking forward to another year of fun and fitness after 50!
Why I Love it
I have more energy than I ever have in my life. I'm now running half marathons and love to challenge myself with resistance training. I compete against myself every day. Last year I turned 50 and thought it was a perfect time to try competing. I was also drinking too much and knew if I committed to a competition that I would quit. I am very happy to say that I am now alcohol free and don't miss it a bit. My husband and I go out as much or more than we used to and enjoy hip hop music and dancing all night. I never seem to run out of energy! My first competition was in June of 2012. I am a natural athlete and have competed in both Non-Tested and Natural NPC competitions. I've met some great people in the bodybuilding community that I consider my good friends. I love the self confidence that my transformation has given me and look forward to many more years of competing
My husband of 29 years is my biggest fan and supporter. We have 3 grown children and are enjoying "our time" now that they are all on their own. We often work out together and enjoy cycling, kayaking and travel.
UPDATE Jan 2016: Alcohol free for 3 years! Had a little relapse back in the fall of 2012, but quit completely on Dec 31, 2012. Married 31 1/2 years and still having the time of my life. This is not to say that age does not rear it's ugly head every once in a while. Delayed onset muscle soreness only seems to get worse with each year although regular stretching and yoga help. I gotta say though, I can put a lot of strippers to shame with my pole moves at 53 1/2 years of age!
Update January 2017: Still 100% alcohol free