I would like to start off with explaining how fitness became my focus, my escape, and my passion. Growing up I was always very active and interested in nutrition. I strongly aspired a career in the health and fitness field. Where I live being fit isn't the first thing on everyone's mind. I live on the beach in a vacation area where people come to have a good time, including the local youth. After high school most of the people around me turned to partying and drinking. Which was not something I had any interest in and did not make me happy. So I just kept to myself and of course being alone you tend to begin to feel a little lost.
With no one to relate to and enjoy interest with, I was very lonely. While working and being a student, I started going to the gym, religiously. That became my outlet. I would go whenever I had free time. Sometimes hours at a time. I remember being low on funds and spending the last dime I had to renew my membership. You could say I was a little obsessed. I relished the physical pump and mental peace I got while working out, it reminded me of surfing. Like nothing else around me mattered but what I was physically doing at that moment and getting those reps in and just striving for one more. I loved the atmosphere and the people at the gym. One day while working out I was confronted by a coaching couple Rhian Knight and Michael Destafano. They asked me if I had ever thought of competing in an NPC competition and that they were interested in coaching me. I had heard of it but never thought of doing it myself! So I went home and did some research and was amazed at people's transformations. I found it all incredible and inspiring and I wanted so badly to accomplish something for myself and make myself proud. So I agreed to have Rhian and Michael coach me through my first NPC prep.
I started my prep February 1st 2016 and competed June 11th 2016. In that quick 18 weeks and 5 days I learned so much. Not only did my body change but my mind as well, for the better. I feel so much mentally stronger. I learned so much about myself and pushed myself to heights I never thought I could reach. I feel so blessed to have had the extraordinary coaches I did. They made this experience so enjoyable and taught me so much. This prep would not have been the same without them. Also having my family there supporting me through all my hard times and my loving boyfriend helping me prep all my meals twice a week. This has been one of the hardest, greatest, most rewarding, and life changing experiences I have ever had. With having a strict diet and hitting the gym twice a day can sometimes wear you out but staying focused is key and knowing it is all worth it in the end. Some days I had to look past motivation and force myself to do things I didn't want to. I know that doesn't sound to appealing but after those moments and I accomplished what I needed to and saw the changes in my body. It was an incredible feeling.
The day of the competition was a very eventful day. I was so anxious! But the second I stepped on stage all the nerves just melted away. Hearing the crowd yell, seeing the bright lights, and looking the judges in their eyes was such an exhilarating feeling. Showing everyone what you worked for and seeing all the other competitors hard work was phenomenal. It was great being around people that I could relate to. That shared the same passion as I did. It seemed like all the girls had an unspoken understanding for each other, we all wanted FOOD! Haha! But, sincerely the girls I spoke to were very genial. It was a magnificent experience that I will never forget. I was rewarded with 5th place in open bikini and couldn't be happier. I also qualified for nationals so I will be competing again within the next year. I'm hooked and can't wait for the future.
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