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I was born on New Year’s Day in Chicago, IL and am the middle child with one
younger brother and sister and two older sisters. My parents divorced when I was
very young therefore my mother raised all five of us on her own.
I graduated from nursing school in 1995 and am currently in my graduate studies.
I first began weight training when I was 35 years old. It was very difficult as
I would tire very easily and didn’t know why. Several years later at a routine
gynecological visit I found out that I was severely anemic and required monthly
blood testing for a year once I began iron supplementation. What a difference
that made in my energy levels! I was able to begin training again and would stay
for two hours at a time in the gym.
I also learned
alot about proper nutrition from the dieticians I worked with when I worked as a
diabetic nurse educator.
I began to body build as a result of regular weight training. People in the gym
asked if I competed as a bodybuilder and some told me I should so I decided to
do it. I read books on how to train and diet. Of course, there were those in the
gym who always gave advice on the do’s and don’ts of contest preparation. At the
time I didn’t know of anyone who was a good trainer, so I had to work a little
trial and error. From my Internet searches I was able to find posing suits, a
video to teach the mandatory poses, and some information on nutrient intake. I
competed in my first show on April 12, 2002. It was alot of fun and I learned
much from the other competitors and their trainers. This was just the beginning for me and I had a desire to improve my body as I
continued.
In October 2003, I allowed a great disappointment in competing prevent my
continued ventures in the sport until 2006. I felt that until I could make
drastic improvement in my physique, I would no longer continue. However my deep
desire was to compete and to be my very best at it using what God gave me
naturally.
I have still faced many disappointments within bodybuilding and outside of it,
but I keep moving forward. Even today, in my mid-forties, I press on, taking the
sport where it takes me. I have met and work with a great trainer, who saw my
potential and worked with me throughout 2006 and I have and continue to meet
success. Success for me doesn’t necessarily mean wins, but continued improvement
in my physical body as I age.
I am in awe as I continue to meet some great people in competitive sports, those
who are new as well as seasoned competitors. You are all inspirations to me. |
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Before bodybuilding:1998 Kaw Vulcan 1500!! Many miles
of pleasure and adventure
My first love is motorcycling. I've owned and driven seven bikes more than
50,000 miles in my lifetime, my last being
a 1998 Harley Sportster with an S&S
carb (one SWEET ride!!). My schedule no longer allows me the time to spend
riding, but I hope to get back back to riding once my graduate studies are
completed. Motorcycling is one of the greatest experiences I've had in life! |
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