Kathleen Tesori competed in her first figure show last year and took home top honors. She went on to compete in the 2009 NPC Nationals and left with her pro card. A pretty impressive, albiet short, competitive career. This weekend Kathleen will compete in the Phoenix Pro show where she’ll not only go against a number of other rookies but also her mentor and friend, Felicia Romero. I caught up with Kathleen on the heels of her first show and she was kind enough to share a bit more about herself.

HB: You were debating between figure and bikini last year. What made you choose figure?
One of my prizes for winning the 2008 FLEX model search was a chance to participate in the FLEX swimsuit shoot. After seeing the physiques of the figure girls in person, I was hooked. Felicia, Jessica, Erin, Monique, Nicole and Jen are very beautiful and have been a huge inspiration.
Since 2006, I have maintained a healthy athletic look for both bikini and spokes-modeling opportunities. For the most part, I maintained what I thought was a clean diet. After seeing them.. their physiques were on another level. In my mind, these girls were ROCKING THE PHYSIQUE I had wanted to achieve.
HB: Obviously the decision paid off. What’s your favorite part of prepping for a show?
I enjoy living a healthy fit lifestyle and preparing for a show only requires a little additional effort. I enjoy having events to look forward to and the people I have met in the industry have been great.
Another favorite part: After a good off season of building I enjoy leaning down. It is like unwrapping a present…it is always a nice surprise to see what changes have been made.
HB: What’s your least favorite part?
The Non-Fat days…having to go without Peanut Butter and Cashews. No after work cocktails in the bathtub. I also miss being able to do Yoga, aerobic classes or cross-fit on days I do not want to lift or do cardio.
HB: How did you hook up with Felicia to start training with her?
I met Felicia at the FLEX Swimsuit shoot in 2009 and was hooked. She is so smart and very positive. After hanging with the Pro Figure girls for the weekend and seeing their physiques in person I knew I wanted to compete. I contacted her after the shoot and she was so positive about the experience and made me feel so comfortable with my decision to compete.
HB: Is it going to be weird or cool to compete against your trainer?
I say COOL – Felicia and I are friends and the show is something we both have in common. Damian, her fiancé, takes care of my training and diet which allows Felicia and I to focus on other fun things plus we will have each other backstage which will make things fun.
HB: Why the Phoenix Pro show for your debut?
It was a financial decision. My athlete sponsorship fell through and the Orlando show which I originally intended doing is just not going to be possible because of money. I am able to stay with Felicia and the place tickets from Salt Lake City were inexpensive. The more I think about my decision the more reasons I think it was a good idea. The weather is going to be just right and I might as well kick off my Rookie season as soon as possible. Also, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and Felicia has a great spot picked out for us on Sunday morning.
HB: You’ll be at the Bodybuilding.com booth for the Arnold. Are yous ponsored by anyone or looking for sponsorship?
I am NOT sponsored by anyone at this time. I am currently looking for a company to build a long term relationship with – I want to build my face with a brand.
HB: Favorite supplement you’d recommend for other women?
Fiberlyze powered by Species
HB: Favorite part to train?
Legs – once I get past the squats or deadlifts everything else feels good. I always feel accomplished after a great leg day and it is one of the areas I am determined to control.
HB: Least favorite part to train?
I do not have a least favorite body part to train but I DO NOT enjoy long sessions of slow cardio… I like HIT type cardio and sprinting up hills.
HB: Any goals for the 2010 competitive season?
I want to have an active and successful rookie year. I would love to make it to the Olympia, place in the top ten at the Olympia and maybe be in the running for the Weider’s” Rookie of the year award.” I think it would be so neat to accomplish all this after winning the FLEX model search and being inspired by the Pro Figure Physiques.
HB: When you’re not eating or training what do you like to do?
I enjoy shopping, traveling, hiking, camping, being involved in the community and spending time with family.
HB: Any pets?
No I wish…. No fenced yard.
HB: How do you stay balanced in your every day life when preparing for a show?
Time Management, Preparation and Prioritization skills are key to my survival. I make the most of every hour, accomplish what NEEDS to get done first and fit anything else I WANT to get done after. Separating what needs to get done from what we want to get done can be a challenge for many women. There are certain things in life that are nice to get done but that do not need to get done. I really try to prioritize everything based on deadlines and importance. If I don’t get something accomplished I push it to another day of the week.
HB:You have a “day job” – able to share a bit of what you do and how you got into it?
I work full time with the US Air Force as a civilian and manage the logistic functions for a portion of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). I am involved with a variety of activities that help keep this weapon system on alert 24 hours a day 365 days of the year. Keeping this weapon system on alert provides deterrence and safety for the United States and our allies. I was recruited out of college using the career service center at Weber State University.
HB: What brought you and keeps you in Utah?
My dad was in the military and at the age of 5 we moved from Germany to Hill Air Force Base in Utah. My parents have since then moved to Tennessee to retire but because of work and my husband I remain in Utah. I am looking to move to California but it will take time to line up a job with the Federal government.
HB: How did you overcome being sick and stay the course for this show?
All of sudden on a Thursday Afternoon toward the end of January my throat started to feel like razor blades and I was feeling achy. I immediately gargled with Warm Salt water and went to the store to get Zinc and Vitamin C. The next day when I work up I felt pain in my ear and nasal area so I made a Dr. Appointment right away. My Dr. said I had an infection and I got on antibiotics that day (Friday). I am the type of person who hates the hospital and self medicates by eating right, drinking lots of water, making sure to blow my nose and relax as much as possible. Because of my commitment to the show I wanted to exercise all options and get better ASAP.
It was hard to stay focused. I felt my sugar levels go low while on the cardio machine and just did not feel like myself. I felt like I did not have an option to slow down and take a break. When there are girls determined to do well who are training hard you do not have an option to slow down if it is still possible for you to get around. So I took it day by day and just told myself I was going to get a good workout in and ended up feeling accomplished after each workout.
Hardbody Hotseat:
I prefer a shot of
tequila
Pink! Is
not my favorite color
Someone who owns 3 or more cats
is a nurturing person
Celery
great for dipping
Orange Roughy
have some in my freezer but have not tried yet
I’m craving
my homemade carrot cake
I can’t live without
friends and family
Favorite actress
Julia Roberts
TV show I’d like to be on if given the chance
any show on HGTV
Thanks Kathleen! Good luck in your pro debut.
Anyone you’d like to thank?
B-training for keeping the gym fun while pushing me to my limits. Arizona figure DIVAS for helping me achieve my health and wellness goals. Master D for checking in on me and making sure I was doing the right things at the right time. Sylvia Tremblay for sponsoring my suits this year.