Erin Stern finished in the runner-up position on Saturday night at the IFBB Houston Pro and here is an inside look from her. Erin continues to improve her placings with each show. She has a great deal of momentum going into next month’s Olympia and has positioned herself as a legitimate threat to the top 5.
AUGUST 29, 2009 – EVENING
The few hours between prejudging and finals are always interesting. There’s lunch, where I wonder if I should have a diet coke and something that will “stick to my ribs,” like a sandwich… or if I should go easy on the salt and carbonation, knowing that if it sticks to my ribs it’ll make my tummy stick out! We end up at H-E-B (surprise?), and have some sushi and an energy drink. We then proceed to roam around the store and take some random “action shots” in the aisles. After about 15 minutes, the energy drink seems to have worn off and we head out to drive around town, then go back to the hotel.
The night shows starts at 7pm and we were told that they would start the show with NPC figure. My sister and I arrived at around 6:20, and once backstage, I was told that we were the first to go on stage!! There were about 12 of us backstage, and we were frantically putting on suits, lipstick, oil.. etc. Girls started to file inmand were told the schedule. One of the girls found out on the way to the venue and put her suit on in the car! At about 5 minutes ’til 7pm, it became apparent that not all of us were present, so they changed the schedule… phew!!!
The atmosphere for the night show is more relaxed, we all stand in line and wait for our turn to walk out on stage. I am still a little nervous! I go through the poses in my head, and before I know it, I’ve gone through them and am standing on the side in the line up. We go through the call outs, which were similar to the morning’s. Schedules during shows are always hard to figure out.. I rush back to the dressing room to change into my two piece. I’m hungry again and reach for my cooler which is filled with rice cakes, boiled chicken and asparagus…yuck. The asparagus juice had escaped from the back and it stinks. My chicken smells like asparagus and my water bottle does too. So much for “yellow and blue makes green” seals!!! I had an energy shot in my bag and drink about half. I am feeling pretty good. Some of the girls have cameras and we take some pictures and goof off.
It’s time for the two piece and awards!! I feel nauseous. I think it was a combo of energy drink and asparagus stink. I’m about 30 seconds from stepping on stage and feel like I might pass out. I’m next to go, and the feeling passes…phew (again). We go through call outs, and then they announce top five. I’m toward the end numerically and am so excited to get that last call to join the other four girls!!! 5th… 4th… 3rd.. and then it’s Heather and me. We hold hands and wait. It seems like forever!!! They announce my name for second place! Congrats, Heather!! We all line up and and take pictures. Wow, what a show!! As we head backstage and start to pack up and change…I have one thought on my mind: pancakes. Ok, more than one thought: in just a few hours, I spent time with girls who I know I’ll be friends with for a long time, and got to hang out with girls that I don’t get to see, except for at the shows. It’s neat that we all pull for each other while shooting for the top, and when saying our goodbyes we all promise to keep in touch… and we will Good night.
Thanks Erin for the inside look of what it’s like to be a competitor in the IFBB and some of the things that take place. Most people never see or hear this side of the competition.
The results are in and Heather Mae French locks in another win. Heather has positioned herself as a top 5 threat at this year’s Olympia and potentially a top three spot after this weekend’s performance. She bested a very good Erin Stern by four points. Meriza slips past Krissy by one point for the third place spot. The top three were already qualified for the Olympia as was fourth place. Unfortunately for Katina Maisterllis, the rule doesn’t allow to drop down to fifth to qualify. Check out IFBBpro.com for the complete scorecard.
1. Heather Mae French
2. Erin Stern
3. Meriza DeGuzman
4. Krissy Chin
5. Katina Maistrellis
6. Tivisay Briceno
7. Nicole Pitcher-Scott
8. Rosa-Maria Romero
9. Petra Mertl
10. Michelle Craven
11. Hazal Nelson
12. Sherlyn Roy
13. Christina Vargas
14. Candice Houston
15. Laura Sutter
16. Sabrina Gibson
17. Jacqui Jarrett
18. Karen Mullarkey
19. Susanne Bock
19. Allison Jones-Williams
19. Denise Starling-Steele
Erin checks in one more time before the finals to share her thoughts from how things went this morning. This is a great look at what happens before, during and after prejudging. She shares what she was thinking and a few details most never know about… until now.
AUGUST 29, 2009 – Showtime
So, the internet is back on. Thanks goodness, my hands were getting tired typing on the micro-keyboard!
I was very nervous for my one piece. I have been trying to fix my back pose and don’t know if I got it right on stage. The call-outs went well and I think I’m in the top five!!! We all go backstage for the two piece. I feel so much more comfortable in my two piece and I’m starting to settle in. I get word that my make up looks dark and muddy on stage and I scramble to figure out how to fix it. I grab a wet wipe and take off all of the foundation and put it back on…still splotchy!! The girl there doing make up is awesome and even she can’t figure out what the heck I’ve done. She tries to powder my face and it gets muddier. OMG!!!! (Here comes the part where simple issues become bigger problems when you’re depleted). I just threw more bronzer on top and tried to focus on getting ready for the two piece round.
We’re all lined up and I’m excited again. All of the girls look so gorgeous and some of us giggle about trading abs, shoulders, etc. Before walking out, I take a deep breath and remind myself to walk slowly, turn slowly, and hold my poses…”it’s not a race..”
I got first call out! We turn and turn, and my left leg starts to fall asleep as we hold our poses on the side of the stage. I think, “what if my leg gives out when I start to walk.” Thankfully, it doesn’t I take a quick sneak peak at the other girlsand wonder what they’re thinking as they stand, smiling too.
Well, pre-judging is over, and I’m starving! Even though we’ve been here for a few hours, it went by so quickly. We all go backstage to pack up and head out to get a little rest until the night show. I meet up with my sister and we’re on the way to H-E-B for some sushi and caffeine!!!!
Talk to you soon!!
This gives you an idea of what it’s like to be a top contender at an IFBB figure show. Erin was excited to get some food in her tummy and shared her excitement in the pizza aisle of the grocery store.
Erin Stern was one of the favorites heading into today’s Houston Pro Figure show and she showed why. Erin is in the running for the crown, which will be awarded in a few hours. The contender checked in with the latest happenings from Houston.
SATURDAY – AUGUST 29, 2009 – SHOW DAY
I’m writing you from my verizon wireless internet 2.0. Apparently the internet is not going to be available until later tonight at the hotel.
I had a crazy morning – woke up at 6:15 am and started “putting my face on” right away…well, after oatmeal. Murphy’s Law was present, as it took me 20 minutes to get one of my falsie eyelashes on. In my depleted state, sometimes ordinary setbacks make me panic! I’m not sure if other girls feel the same but it’s frustrating! After conquering my lashes, the next minor mishap was my “tan face foundation.” It was splotching and wouldnt go on evenly. I finally got it right, four tries later and it was time to leave for the show. I hadn’t even started on my hair.
I woke up feeling like I could have carbed up more and started to second guess things. My sister is so great – she told me that I looked great and ready to compete. She put my mind back in the right place! We got into our 4 cylinder chariot of fire and drove the 6 miles to the venue.
Once there, I started to get nervous. I get that pre-track meet feeling and my stomach hurts! I should eat my second meal but only manage to eat a couple of rice cakes. It’s really great to see the girls, and you can see the levels of nervousness among us based on the amount of shows each of us have done. The girls who have done quite a few shows are methodical and pleasant. We have a few rookies, they’re wide-eyed and excited and the mix of the two is awesome – the show has a great energy! Even though this is my fourth Pro show, I definitely feel like a rookie still We take turns getting oiled, glued and start pumping up!
Erin will take the stage tonight and find out where she placed. Most at the show have her winning but it won’t come easy as it was a competitive line-up. Check back to see how Erin did and what adventures she embarked on in Texas.
Teri Turner has a front row seat for the action taking place at the IFBB Houston Pro. Checking in via her iphone, here’s how she breaks it down. Teri reports in saying it looks like the show is between Heather Mae French and Erin Stern. When asked which one she’d pick for the win Turner responded with, “I love them both. They both look really good.” I told her she isn’t running for political office and needed to pick a winner. When pressed for an answer she said, “I’d have to go with Erin then.” She also noted that, “Krissy Chin looks her best yet.”
Erin Stern front and center.
Second call out at the Houston Pro.
We’ll see how things play out tonight but the top spots belong to:
Isaac Hinds | houston pro, photos | Saturday, 29 August 2009, 8:34 am
Our roving photographer in Houston, Teri Turner snapped these pics of rookie Christina Vargas. Christina turned pro earlier this year at the NPC Jr. Nationals and is making her IFBB debut today in Houston. Check out the abs on her…
We continue to tail along with IFBB Figure Pro Teri Turner as she makes her way around Houston. Check out the latest photos.
Kristen Rice & Teri display the gunz at a nearby arcade.
My arcade never had this kinda player!
Tight Curves with a booth at the show.
Amy Peters & Teri at the show.
Teri tells me she is front and center for the show. The pros will take the stage this morning for the prejudging. Stay tuned to see how things shake out.
Isaac Hinds | houston pro, photos | Saturday, 29 August 2009, 7:56 am
Leave it to Erin and Dewy to find a blinged out armadillo. The duo continue to explore Houston and shared these pics.
White girl flash’n up the signs. That ‘dillo has a mean look to it.
Dewy & Erin posing under the armadillo.
Erin takes the stage today in hunt of her first win. We’ll see if posing with the blinged out Armadillo was good luck or a curse on the rising figure star.
Isaac Hinds | houston pro, misc | Friday, 28 August 2009, 6:33 pm
IFBB Figure Pro, Erin Stern checks in again to let us know the latest. Erin is on the eve of taking the stage at the Houston Pro Figure contest. She’s looking for her first pro win… Can she do it?
AUGUST 28, 2009 – DAY TWO The day is going well here – my sister and I are watching episode after episode of “Cash Cab,” and adding to the amount of useless trivial knowledge that already clouds our minds. This morning, between ProTan coats, we ventured out to see what downtown has to offer. We had a very (un)useful paper map from Avis. Some of the things we discovered:
• Houston loves flashing red lights. I haven’t figured out why, but quite a few times in the last 24 hours the traffic lights have gone from functioning to flashing red. This creates a ginormous four way stop. We’re underpowered in our Chevy Cobalt and almost got run over a few times.
• Also, while we never got technically “lost,” I was driving about 40 mph through the city. The speed limit is 30… no one goes anywhere near the speed limit.
• H.E.B. grocery stores may be the best store I’ve ever been in. A dieter can spend hours in here… and we did. It’s like a Whole Foods/Kroger/Walgreens combo! They even have calorie-free peanut butter spread. Who knew?
• There are tram crossings everywhere and we witnessed a Suzuki get samurai-chopped by the crossing arm.
I feel much better today, as I’ve had some carbs! My energy levels are good, and with the tan going on, I am feeling ready. I think at this point in the game, all fine-tuning will be in my head – just making sure I’m in a good frame of mind As for my food, I seared a fresh bison steak on my George Foreman grill.. and this is the first time I’ve ever used one. The thing went supernova, and charred the outside, leaving it very, very rare on the inside. I don’t know if it’s supposed to work that way and I just threw some Ms. Dash on it and ate it anyway! Other than that, I’m getting ready to boil more chicken for later and am loving the fresh veggies that Houston stores offer!! I never thought I’d miss oatmeal but it tasted soo good this morning!
Talk to you soon! Erin
Ah what a trooper. Even when she’s dieting she is still hilarious. Look for more updates from this figure rockstar through out the weekend.
Erin Stern is one of the favorites heading into tomorrow’s IFBB Houston Pro Figure event. She’ll be sharing a few of her Houston Happenings with ‘yall throughout the weekend.
Erin and her sister aka “Dewy” arrived in Houston last night and that’s where the happenings begin…
AUGUST 27, 2009 – DAY ONE
Dewy and I just got back from Whole Foods Market. I’m not sure why, but I love going to that store when I’m dieting. We spent over an hour in there, just looking at all of the different types of food. We’re going to grill up a bison steak and have some salad. Today was a lot of traveling, and while I’ve been doing the low-carb, I cut out sodium this morning. I guess between my sister and me, we have one fully functional brain
The trip wasn’t too bad until we arrived in Houston, we set out per Mapquest directions and overshot the exit by 30 miles. I saw a sign for “Kroger,” thinking we could just grab a quick salad and some water there, but it was Kroger Center, a mall with no food. We ended up going to Walgreens and getting water. I got some strange looks in the parking lot as I gnawed on a still-frozen chicken breast from my cooler.
I’m so tired right now! I feel a little flat, but I know it’s because of the carb depletion. Tomorrow morning I’ll have some oatmeal and will get some energy back, and start to fill out my muscles! Otherwise, I feel ready! I’ve been practicing opening my back more and looking more comfortable on stage. I’m also not going to flex as hard for this show… so, we’ll see how it goes!!
Tomorrow night we have our check-in meeting and tomorrow morning I’ll start the tanning process: ProTan mixed with Dyoderm, then a few coats of Jan Tana over it.
Erin
Check back as Erin reports in. Despite being carb depleted and low on energy, you can see she’s one witty character.
Teri Turner was roaming around last night and found new IFBB Figure Pro Candice Houston on a bike. Houston is appropriately making her pro debut in where else? Houston, Texas. Candice was finishing her last cardio session when Teri caught up with her.
The Get-A-Long Girls in Houston
Turner has dubbed her fellow rookie “Can Dance” for reasons unknown… maybe it’s because Teri dances like Elaine on Seinfeld and is envious of her skillaz. Speaking of… Turner does have an uncanny resemblance to Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Check back for more Turner Tailings from Houston. If you run into Teri ask her to do the dance.
The final competitor list for the IFBB Houston Pro Figure contest is in via IFBBpro.com. Twenty-one women will hit the stage this Saturday but only three will qualify for next month’s Ms. Figure Olympia. Who do you like for the top spots?
2009 IFBB HOUSTON PRO FIGURE LINE UP
Susanne Bock
Tivisay Briceno
Krissy Chin
Michelle Craven
Meriza DeGuzman
Heather Mae French
Sabrina Gibson
Candice Houston
Allison Jones-Williams
Jacqui Jarrett
Katina Maistrelles
Petra Mertl
Karen Mullarkey
Hazal Nelson
Nicole Pitcher-Scott
Rosa-Maria Romero
Sherlyn Roy
Denise Starling-Steele
Erin Stern
Laura Stutter
Christina Vargas
Post your top 5 in the comments below and if you get them in EXACT order we’ll ship you off a prize package with various supplements. All entries must be in BEFORE 8am (CST) Saturday morning. If there are identical picks for top five the first one to post wins.
No, there’s not a problem with this weekend’s IFBB Houston Pro show, in fact it is shaping up to be a very competitive contest. There could be a problem for those of you making predictions for this weekend’s event. One competitor many wouldn’t consider putting in their top picks has a little something to say and she’ll do it with her new streamlined physique.
Shortly after finishing outside the top ten at this year’s Orlando Europa show, Nicole Pitcher Scott contacted Southern contest prep man Tres Bennett. Under Tres watchful eye, Nicole is in her best shape since her Olympia qualifying 3rd place at the 2007 Colorado Pro-Am. Nicole made the long trek from London and is staying with Tres and Shannon to make sure she is dialed in for Houston.
Nicole looking good heading into Houston.
Tres knows the line-up is deep but he assures me Nicole will be in condition to battle for an Olympia qualifying spot. We’ll see how things unfold this Saturday in Houston. Good luck Nicole!
This weekend’s Houston Pro Figure contest marks one of the last chances to qualify for the Figure Olympia. Three women will qualify for the Olympia in Houston. The list continues to grow and I look for a couple more to jump in before it’s all said and done. As of August 21st, this is the official list from IFBBpro.com…
Susanne Bock
Tivisay Briceno
Krissy Chin
Michelle Craven
Heather Mae French
Candice Houston
Jacqui Jarrett
Katina Maistrelles
Petra Mertl
Karen Mullarkey
Hazal Nelson
Nicole Pitcher-Scott
Rosa-Maria Romero
Denise Starling-Steele
Erin Stern
Laura Stutter
Christina Vargas
Allison Williams
Candice Houston and Christina Vargas will be making their pro debuts, wasting no time jumping into the pro ranks. Christina turned pro at the NPC Jr. Nationals in June, while Candice achieved pro status last month at the NPC USAs. Stand-outs, at least on paper, have to be Heather Mae French and Erin Stern. Both women have been on top of their game lately but have completely different physiques. Krissy Chin has also steadily moved up her placings and will most likely be a contender at this show again. Another IFBB Figure Pro who has been in the mix lately is Rosa-Maria Romero. Don’t be surprised if you see her in the top callouts as well this weekend.
The numbers continue to increase for next weekend’s IFBB Houston Pro Figure contest. Tony Blinn from IFBBpro.com shared the newest list with me today. This is shaping up to be a solid line-up. Christina Vargas is wasting no time jumping into the pro ranks coming off her class win at the NPC USAs last month. I know more women will enter this contest and I look for it to be over 20 competitors come show time.
Official competitor list as of today:
Susanne Bock
Krissy Chin
Michelle Craven
Heather Mae French
Jacqui Jarrett
Katina Maistrelles
Petra Mertl
Karen Mullarkey
Nicole Pitcher-Scott
Denise Starling-Steele
Erin Stern
Christina Vargas
IFBB Figure Pro Erin Stern isn’t content with a runner-up position. While she was beyond ecstatic to qualify for the Olympia and place second behind a very good Jessica Paxson-Putnam, she wants more. Erin tells me she will be entering the Houston Pro Figure show with her sites set on the number one spot. You have to admire the competitive spirit Erin brings to the stage and the look she continues to refine.
Erin has to be considered a top contender going into this show but anything can happen. There are currently only 8 competitors slated to compete but look for his number to increase before show time.
I’d been hearing rumblings that the IFBB Houston Pro would not be keeping fitness in its August show and now I can confirm that is the case. Houston will NOT being having a pro fitness competition but will have pro figure. The event is slated for August 29, 2009 in Houston, Texas. That leaves two shows for Fitness pros to qualify for the Olympia: The Europa Super Show (August 14-15) and the Atlantic City Pro (Sept 11-12).
After this weekend at the California Pro show there won’t be another pro event until August. Leaving pro competitors and fans with a 2.5 month layoff from the action. Fortunately for the fans of the sport there will be plenty of amatuer action across the land to follow.
Check out this helpful article on Muscle & Fitness Hers Website. Elizabeth Ward shares 15 top foods for fit women.
Do you dash down the aisles of the grocery store, tossing only familiar foods into your cart because you’re too busy working, training and feeding your family to consider anything else? If so, you may be missing out on good nutrition. The best way to ensure that you perform optimally and recover fully—as well as keep your family healthy—is to stock your kitchen with these must-have items for the active woman.
My good man Tony Blinn over at IFBBpro.com has posted Houston Pro photos from the figure one and two piece competitions. Check out the competition from the lense of photographer, Mark Mason. Mark is a good guy out of the upper west side of the United States. He does work on his own as well as for bodybuilding.com.
Did you miss the action that went down earlier this month in Houston? Check out the photos on the IFBB web site to see a bit of what you missed. It sounds like we’ll be seeing another showdown in the heart of Texas next month when Tracey, Shannon and Erin (the top three in Houston) all return to the Europa Super show.
Isaac Hinds | houston pro, misc | Monday, 07 July 2008, 11:18 am
Thanks to Tom Richardson, Co-Founder BodyWell Nutrition, shared this video with me today. Lee Thompson along with BodyWell Nutrition shared their time with Healthy Kids Houston. They didn’t do it alone though. Figure competitors Kristal Richardson, Paola Almerico, Natalie Benson and Monique Minton also joined in the fun. Props to all of them for giving back to the Houston community.
The physique rounds in the IFBB Houston Pro fitness kicked things off this morning. My Houston attendees are telling me it looks like the two of the three stooges are battling it out for first. If you haven’t followed the talk here on hardbody, where the hell have you been?! Kidding, by stooges I am referring to Shannon, Tracey and Heidi. Oh ya and Trish Warren jumped in the mix as Stooge Shemp. It appears Shannon (don’t call her gramma) Meteraud is neck and neck with Dr. Tracey Greenwood. Who wins this battle? hmmmm. It sounds like it could be momma Meteraud leading the way after prejudging. Shannon always fairs well in the physique rounds but can her brittle bones hold up for the routines? I think so but Tracey and her stupid sic strength should put her in first for the rounds. Then who wins?
Shannon vs. Tracey… The epic battle will be decided tonight.
The figure pro women took the stage tonight in Houston and the competition was fierce.
Your top six in the show look to be: (in no particular order)
Felicia Romero
Heather Mae French
Lenay Hernandez
Paolo Almerico
Huong Arcinas
Jelena Abbou
Lenay Hernandez tells me she is on cloud 9 and couldn’t be happier. This is her pro debut and a dream come true for her to be on stage with her mentor and trainer, Paola Almerico. Paola was also in the first call outs. Felicia has established herself as a top pro this year and a threat for the top spot in every show she enters. Heather Mae French has also found a winning look and having a breakout year. Lil Houng Arcinas has one of the best physiques in the pro ranks and could find herself in a qualifying spot for the Olympia. Jelena has a super tiny waist and a beautiful look. She may be on the outside of a qualifying spot to the O but we’ll have to wait and see. All the prejudging is complete and the women will find out the results tomorrow at the finals.
The IFBB Figure pros will take the stage tonight in Houston. The ladies will start their own set of fireworks in the prejudging. Who will prevail? This is a very tough lineup and the top five could go a number of ways. Stay tuned to hear who burned out and who lit it up, later tonight. The pro figure will have one round of prejudging beginning at 5:30pm (Texas time).
This is a candid, behind-the-scenes shot from Memorial Day weekend of the reigning champ of fitness, Adela Garcia. Adela was trying to stay warm and cover her eyes from the sun when I snapped this pic. Those of you attending the Houston Pro Show will get a chance to meet Adela. Ask her what she’s doing for her routine this year at the Olympia.
Ms. Fitness Olympia – Adela Garcia trying to stay warm.
IFBB Figure Pro Jessica Steffens calls Colorado home. She’s an active lil lass who can be seen climbing walls, racing go-karts as well as dirt bikes and motorcycles. This weekend she’ll be doing no climbing of rocks and no racing of motorized things… Instead she’ll me making her IFBB Pro debut at the Houston show. I caught up with Jessica before she headed south for the big show.
Why did you decide on Houston for your debut?
My main reason was timing I really want to get three shows in this season and it just worked out that Houston would be my first.
What’s your goal for the show?
I would be so excited to be in the top 10 for my first pro show!
When you’re not training for a figure competition what do you do?
Seems like that is all I do…but when I do take a break I enjoy doing anything with my husband. We like to rock climb, travel and fly fish and of course eat more dinners out!
Plans to compete in any other shows this year?
Yes! My plan is Houston, Jacksonville and then NYC!
Have you been dirt biking lately?
No I haven’t. I have been rock climbing more though.
Good Luck Jess. There was no comment on who catches more fish and can eat more in the Steffens’ household.
IFBB Pro Jessica Steffens. Photo by Rob Hawthorne.
Thanks to Laura Johnson of POSEDOWN magazine for passing along the photo and new cover. POSEDOWN, a Texas based magazine, features IFBB Fitness Pro Trish Warren as the newest cover model. Trish has her own column in the magazine each month as well. Laura tells me Black Mamba plans on smashing the competition and did a little demonstration of her skills recently. Good luck to the Mamba of Darkness this weekend and congrats on the cover.
Trish Warren featured on the newest Posedown magazine.
Look who’s back, back again. Darlina Brown’s back. Back again. Wait! Hold up. Darlina is already qualified for the 2008 Ms. Figure Olympia, what in the sam hill is she doing competing this weekend? I pondered the same question and caught up with Harker Heights Texan to get the skinny on her Houston plans. Darlina shares the answer to this along with a few other things. Take a minute to learn a bit more about IFBB Pro Darlina Brown.
Darlina in the middle of a comparison at the ‘07 Sacramento Pro.
You’re already qualified for the Olympia, why compete in the Houston Pro Figure show?
Nobody knows who I am. I wanted the opportunity to be better known before the Olympia rolls around and to see if I could give a consistent showing and placing. Of course, it all depends on who shows up that day. Additionally, its keeping me busy as my husband just deployed. Its serving as a positive outlet for me and a distraction from my reality…so to speak.
You did fitness back in the day, right?
I did. I love the routines but I wasn’t sure what avenue to take this time around and I figured I’d start with getting my body up to par.
Why the long lay off and when you returned why figure?
How much time do you have? LOL. Okay – I passed out at my 2nd pro fitness show in Pittsburgh. I want to say that was around the year 2000 or so. As it turned out I was at risk of a stroke. In the next year I couldn’t really workout without being rushed to the hospital for feeling like I was having a heart attack. I went to every Doctor under the sun and two years later found out I have Hemiplegic migraines which often paralyzes one side of the body. One pupil dilates throwing off equilibrium. Further down the road we found the culprit. It was the birth control pill by way of too much estrogen. Seems I was part of the 1% who could suffer such side effects. By then I was managing a health club fulltime and personal training. I planned never to return to competing until a couple years later. After a divorce and sometime on my own, I met my current, wonderful husband who wanted to see me fulfill a dream I left behind.
What’s been the most challenging thing returning to the stage?
I’d have to say being confident and not too critical of myself. When you stand up there next to all these amazing girls, your suddenly a needle in a haystack and its easy to start with the self doubt. Above all I want to have fun and be an inspiration to those who are trying to make healthy lifestyle changes. All my clients know I’m no stranger to Papa John’s Pizza, IHOP or Dairy Queen. I just make exercise part of my life. In my opinion its finding balance. The challenge is staying balanced.
What is your goal for the Houston Pro show?
I would love nothing more than to improve my placing. I’m coming in tighter and I’ve managed to bring down my legs a bit. Honestly, I’ve dieted for only 18 days. I just couldn’t spend the last weeks with my husband not going places, doing things or just grabbing an ice cream together. I didn’t want him to sacrifice his last days at home and when you know its a very real possibility that you might not get the chance again, you just say to heck with it. So, my goal is simple…get on that stage, enjoy myself and present the best physique I could given the circumstance. Let me be clear on one thing. My work ethic is off the charts and I have busted my ass to do this show. I’m very pleased with how I’m looking and I’m psyched!
Good Luck Darlina and our thoughts go out to your husband for helping to defend the USA.
Good night.
