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I entered my first NPC-sanctioned Fitness competition in 1995 and decided that I didn't have the gymnastics skills necessary to progress successfully as a Fitness competitor. Fast-forward 15 years later - five years after being diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer - I decide to train, diet and compete in a Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure & Bikini show. My reason to compete? It gives me the motivation to adhere to strict dieting and training for a specific period of time to attain my physical personal best. On April 3, 2010 I competed in my first Figure show wherein -- unlike the Fitness Division -- gymnastics routines are not performed. Instead, Figure competitors are judged for their overall physical shape (defined shoulder caps, lean muscle definition, proportion and symmetry) while doing quarter-turn pivots. Figure competitors are not as muscular as the female Bodybuilders but are noticeably leaner and more muscular than the Bikini competitors. I attained my leanest physique at this competition since I completed my last chemo treatment in 2006. I felt I could do much better with the help of a personal trainer/nutritionist. And so, upon my trainer's guidance, I switched from the Figure Division to the newly formed NPC Bikini Division. Nov. 2010 was a busy month for me. I attained my latest personal best for the All-South show in St. Augustine, FL. Then I was nominated and featured as BodyBuilding.com's Over-40 Amateur of the Week. Finally, I received 5th place in the Over-35 Bikini short class division at the 2010 Ft. Lauderdale Cup Fitness, Figure & Bikini show where I also met a new friend, IFBB Figure Pro Tina White and my figure idol, IFBB Figure Pro Ava Cowan. Three shows
in one year is a lot of work, considering I diet and train intensely
12 to 16 weeks prior to each competition. I did not compete in 2011
to give my body and soul some time to rejuvenate and recuperate through
physical therapy for a torn rotator cuff, herniated L4-L5 disc, and
peripheral
neuropathy especially to my left foot. Today, I do not plan to compete
any time in the near future, but I will continue to work-out regularly
and be consciencious of my diet. Fitness (diet and exercise) has - and
always will! - play a big part of my life.
JANUARY: *
12/14/11 - 01/03/12: Travels from Brisbane to Sydney, Australia FEBRUARY: * 18th - 26th: Snow-Skiing at Snowshoe Mountain, WV MARCH:
APRIL:
MAY: * Annual May Day Celebration JUNE: *
Travels of ancient ruins, Athens, Greece JULY:
AUGUST:
SEPTEMBER:
OCTOBER:
NOVEMBER:
DECEMBER: |
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