How did you get started in
the sport of competing?
I have always enjoyed working out and
living a healthy lifestyle, but was looking
for something to challenge and motivate
me a little more.
My sister in law, Grace [who is also my
trainer], had started to compete the year
before. I admired the dedication it took
to compete in the sport and decided that
I wanted in! Grace began my competition
prep by slowly editing my workouts and
nutrition over a 14-week period.
How was your experience
competing with the NPAA?
Wonderfully-thrilling. It was my first time
competing, so I really had no idea what
to expect. The organization did a great
job of informing through email, and sent
an itinerary for the weekend and show
day. During the athletes meeting the day
before the show, it was great to see the
faces behind the organization and hear
from them what to expect. There was an
opportunity to ask questions, which was
very helpful. Everyone was so friendly! I
truly have nothing but good things to say
about this experience.
What did you learn most
about yourself during your
contest prep?
I learned a lot about myself during prep…
most of all, I learned that I CAN do it! It
is easy to get distracted from your goals
with “life” going on. This taught me to
stick to a plan and see it through until the
end. Competition prep is accountability at
its finest. Only you can decide how hard
you want to work. If you put in the time
and effort, you will get results. The sense
of accomplishment is exhilarating.
Who are you biggest
supporters or fans?
My family and friends were very supportive
from the get-go, but my biggest fans
would have to be my husband, momma,
and trainer. The 3 people who I tend to
confide in the most.
What is the best advice
you can give a fellow
competitor who may be
stepping on stage for the
first time?
small carry-on-sized suitcase with all the
essentials such as a couple changes of
outfits, compact powder and lipstick for
touch ups, and a water bottle.
First of all, have fun! You have worked so
hard for this day and should be proud of
what you have accomplished. You’ll feel
the nerves creeping up… but understand
that that is natural and the athlete next to
you likely feels the same way. Relax, smile,
be mindful of your poses, and repeat!
Can you share your best
motivational quote, song
or “thing” that keeps you
inspired and excited to
keep training and living a
healthy lifestyle?
What new goals have you
set for yourself after
competing in your first NPAA
show?
Growing up, my dad would say to me,
“Why do tomorrow what you can do
today?” It is a simple mindset… whatever
the goal may be. It may not always be easy,
but it’s as simple as starting the first step
NOW.
a. Build more lean muscle mass - I will
compete again with the NPAA, and during
prep I would like to focus on building more
lean muscle. This takes time!
For me, listening to hip-hop music at the
gym is mandatory!
b. Limit all things artificial with respect
to food - During prep I sometimes used
artificial sugars to satisfy sweet cravings
through diet sodas and protein bars. This
go around, I would like to cut out, or at
least limit the use of these and find new
ways to satisfy those cravings with healthier
alternatives.
c. Document recipes – I came up with
some creative, delicious ways to still enjoy
favorite meals and I would like to share
these more!
How was your photoshoot with NPAA chief
photographer Tim Dardis,
can you tell us about the
experience, how did you
prepare for the shoot?
Tim was excellent to work with. His
professional and friendly manner is
just what I would expect from such a
photographer. He edited the lighting to be
just right throughout the entire shoot and
knows how to capture athletic features!
I was very impressed with the photos he
took.
To prepare for the shoot, I treated the day
similar to a “show day”. For me that meant
eating a light balanced meal a few hours
before and only sipping water as needed. I
wore lose fitting clothes the entire day until
I got to the set in order to minimize any
lines that may indent the skin. I had hair
and makeup done, and organized a few
outfits that I felt would work. I brought a
55.