Interview and Full Bio
PERSONAL BACKGROUND
I’m 60+ years old, born and raised in southern CA, about 30 miles east of LA. As a kid I remember open fields, orange and avocado groves, houses made of big oval rocks (that we called potato houses), tumbleweeds, blue skies, coyotes, and big mountains. You know you’re getting up there in years when you can remember the LA area like that!
I moved to Cincinnati in the 70’s to complete an internship in Dietetics. I got married (the 1st time), had a couple of amazing sons (Nathan & Alan), and ended up staying. My 2nd marriage gave me a beautiful daughter (Leah). I have 3 beautiful, entertaining, and bright grand children; Akasha (7), Ari (4), and Avi (almost 1). We are a multi-racial and multi-ethnic family. I love the diversity my family celebrates. If I go into any more detail then this will turn into a novel, so best to keep your suffering at a minimum.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
My career background is almost as diverse as my family. I was a registered dietitian for over 25 years. I became specialized in both clinical hospital nutrition and long term care consulting. Then I gravitated towards sports nutrition and esthetics, mainly because I was becoming disenchanted with managed health care and found more innovative applications and relevant cross-connections in those fields. I’m presently working in my 2 fields: 1. Personal Training & Diet Coaching, (specializing in body reshaping, competition, & event preparation). 2. Licensed Esthetician (specializing in medical skin care & treatments). I’m very blessed that over the 15 years I’ve worked in these professions I continue to be excited, learning, growing, and enjoying every moment of involvement in them.
HOW I GOT INVOLVED IN BODYBUILDING
While I was doing my endless cardio routines and circuit training in the gym, as I had been doing for many years, I noticed others in the gym making noticeable improvements while I was just looking more and more like road kill. I was underweight and over-fat. I didn’t realize that the problem was over-training. I was also following the dogmas of my dietetics profession so was pretty much vegetarian and against “excessive protein” intake. I thought my 40 grams a day was plenty. So there I was at 44, working with a vengeance to hit 50 with defiance. But I had to admit that what I was doing wasn’t working. Before resigning completely to the fault of my genetics I decided to hire an experienced personal trainer. I had no desire to look like a bodybuilder, though! That physique was appalling and unattractive to me! But the changes in training and diet that I (RELUCTANTLY) embraced resulted in such rapid improvement in my physique, strength, stamina and overall wellbeing that I was totally inspired. I’m competitive by nature and competing with myself was an interesting and fun challenge. I grew to appreciate muscle. I was intrigued with the art of biology. It’s an interactive learning process.
I decided to compete because I wanted to do something way outside of my comfort zone as the big 5-0 approached. I’m actually pretty shy so the thought of standing in front of all those people nearly naked, intentionally drawing attention and critique…well, OUCH, that would work! Yes, it was scary. But it turned out to be great fun and having that kind of end-point focus and goal pumped even more vitality into my training, diet, and many other aspects of my life.
REACTION OF FAMILY, FRIENDS, GENERAL PUBLIC
As long as I’m healthy my family is supportive. And for everyone else, well, I really don’t care…To each their own. . Also I’m still a little shy so don’t tend to notice the way people may or may not be looking at me. Lately I’ve been making myself take more notice and am amused by the looks of disapproval or fear or envy. Been there & understand. Bodybuilders choose to create a physical appearance that is different from most people. So reactions are to be expected. But most people are actually very interested, or curious, so it’s a great way to initiate contact and dialogues with people you otherwise may just pass by.
WHAT I ENJOY ABOUT THE SPORT OF BODYBUILDING
The camaraderie – There are so many unique and interesting people in this sport and competitors are very supportive for the most part. I appreciate the sportsmanship. Then there’s the accomplishment aspect, both physical and mental.
COMPETITION HISTORY
This isn’t complete but highlights most: My first competitions were in 1997 – 2nd place lightwt @ Northern Ky & Overall winner @ Cincinnati Championships / 1998 – Overall winner @ N. KY / 1999 – Overall winner @ Ohio State & 1st place lightwt @ Masters Nationals / 2000 – Overall winner Masters Nationals / 2001 – 3rd place lightweight @ Jr. USA’s (that was a rough year stress-wise!) / 2002 – tied for 10th place middleweight @ USA’s (I was pretty happy about that!) / 2003 – 6th place middleweight @ Jr. Nationals / 2006 – 1st place middleweight @ Indianapolis & 2nd place middleweight @ Jr. National’s (3 points behind Tracy Mason which I considered a serious accomplishment).
RECENT COMPETITIONS
I last competed at Masters Nationals and North Americans in 2009. That was after 3 years of working through injuries and a bad pneumonia 4 months before the first show. Frankly I wasn’t sure I’d be able to compete. It sure felt good, though! At Masters I won the 55+ division (which became a pro-qualifier the next year) and placed 4th in the 45+ heavyweight division. At the North Americans I placed 6th in the 35+ lightweight division. Considering all that happened and my doubts about being able to compete again I was really happy. I was, and still am, very inspired and motivated by 2 fellow competitors, Tracy Mason and Tammy Patnode, who both deservedly earned their pro cards there. Unlike previous years, they TROMPED me this time. I was so impressed!
FUTURE COMPETITIONS
Since my last competitions, I’ve been through a couple of serious life changing events as well as a couple more injuries. I’m basically starting all over rebuilding my life at 60. I did not think competing again would be possible. I thank Dr. Elliott Haimoff, CEO of Global Science Productions, for redirecting my attitude on this and “tasing” me with some much appreciated motivation. What I’m discovering is that I can redefine myself competitively at the same time I redefine my life. One feeds the other in important and empowering ways. I’m surprised to experience a greater level of gratification, progress, and energy as I prepare for this upcoming event in July (Muscle Beach). I plan to give Master’s Nationals another go-round as well. During this final month of prep I feel --- well, different --- this time. I feel really good!
COMPETITION DIET AND PREP
Usually, as soon as I’m off the stage I start preparing for the next event, whether it’s a month away or a year. I know what my weak points are and start working on them right away. (It’s “body-building”, not “body-staying-the-same”). Cutting diet usually starts 3 to 4 months out, after a month or two of some cycling diet strategies. I keep my body fat on the lower side during the off season. But this year I only had a 10 week notice till the first show. Due to the life traumas and physical injuries I hadn’t been training very hard…for a long time. So, this impromptu prep is a new experience! I’ve been training and dieting more intuitively…and with better results. I’ve been doing this for a long time. I know my body. And I listen to it!
TRAINING – OFF SEASON AND COMPETITION
With all of the injuries, my age, and my desire to keep training for the rest of my life, I’m becoming more strategy dependent rather than strength dependent. My training doesn’t usually vary for competition purposes. The only way it varies is when working around any physical limitations. I prefer to train in frequent short sessions. It’s more compatible with my crazy schedule, prevents “burnout”, and increases the focus and intensity of my session. I train 1 body part per week (I need the recovery time!). And I’ve been doing more volume sets with lower weights and “sculpting” movements.
FAVORITE LIFTS / EXERCISES / BODY PART
Simple - Whatever I’m trying to improve is what I enjoy training the most. Whatever works the best is what I enjoy doing the most.
FAVORITE THING WHILE PREPARING FOR COMPETITION
My late night protein pudding!
2013 DIET AND TRAINING STRATEGY (Muscle Beach)
Although I track carefully and calculate diligently, my diet has been less structured (set in stone) and more intuitive this time. I’m cycling calories and macronutrients (carbs and fats) more. I’m not using any fat burners or fancy supplements. The only drugs are in my HRT. The supplements I do take are more health and recovery related: Whole food concentrates, systemic enzymes, vitamins, fish oil…that kind of thing.
GUIDANCE
It’s impossible to see yourself objectively. So this time I sought the help of an IFBB Pro Bodybuilder (and my friend), Jimmy Canyon. Also a judge, he evaluates my progress, critiques my physique, and finesses my training. He’s helped me make improvements that were previously confounding to achieve before. It’s critical to have an experienced guide!
HEIGHT, WEIGHT DURING OFF SEASON AND CONTEST
I’m almost 5’ 2” – currently 122# (at 4 weeks out) – and typically around 132-5# off season.
BEST FEATURE
Although I usually only see myself critically (meaning whatever I want to improve on most), this time I can proudly say that my back and shoulders are my best features. They used to be my worst. I’m really happy with the improvement.
A TYPICAL DAY
I work various hours and days and have to train accordingly. I live a frenetic life, like most people. Planning and preparation are critical!
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
I like to read, make fine beaded jewelry, play with my critters (dog and 2 cats), hang out with my family, movies….I’m pretty low key. I’m also an officer in the Order Of The Eastern Star, a Masonic organization that focuses on community support.
FAVORITE MUSIC
I like many different kinds of music. But I mostly listen to heavier rock. Angry music makes me laugh for some reason.
TOP 5 FAVORITE MOVIES
My top 5 would turn into top 50 in no time. I can’t commit! And I’m TERRIBLE at remembering titles!!!
ADVICE FOR WOMEN WHO WOULD LIKE TO GET INVOLVED IN PHYSIQUE SPORT COMPETITION
Go for it! And don’t let age be an excuse! Just don’t confuse the process by taking on different advice or applying all kinds of different strategies. Pick a course of action (training and diet), follow it long enough to know how it’s working for you, and tweak it accordingly. Have a systematic approach and track your results. Like success in any endeavor requires, it takes dedication and commitment, strategy and preparation, focus and effort. But it does not take that much time!!!
FAVORITE BODYBUILDING ATHLETES
No favorites. There are so many who impress and inspire me!
I’m 60+ years old, born and raised in southern CA, about 30 miles east of LA. As a kid I remember open fields, orange and avocado groves, houses made of big oval rocks (that we called potato houses), tumbleweeds, blue skies, coyotes, and big mountains. You know you’re getting up there in years when you can remember the LA area like that!
I moved to Cincinnati in the 70’s to complete an internship in Dietetics. I got married (the 1st time), had a couple of amazing sons (Nathan & Alan), and ended up staying. My 2nd marriage gave me a beautiful daughter (Leah). I have 3 beautiful, entertaining, and bright grand children; Akasha (7), Ari (4), and Avi (almost 1). We are a multi-racial and multi-ethnic family. I love the diversity my family celebrates. If I go into any more detail then this will turn into a novel, so best to keep your suffering at a minimum.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
My career background is almost as diverse as my family. I was a registered dietitian for over 25 years. I became specialized in both clinical hospital nutrition and long term care consulting. Then I gravitated towards sports nutrition and esthetics, mainly because I was becoming disenchanted with managed health care and found more innovative applications and relevant cross-connections in those fields. I’m presently working in my 2 fields: 1. Personal Training & Diet Coaching, (specializing in body reshaping, competition, & event preparation). 2. Licensed Esthetician (specializing in medical skin care & treatments). I’m very blessed that over the 15 years I’ve worked in these professions I continue to be excited, learning, growing, and enjoying every moment of involvement in them.
HOW I GOT INVOLVED IN BODYBUILDING
While I was doing my endless cardio routines and circuit training in the gym, as I had been doing for many years, I noticed others in the gym making noticeable improvements while I was just looking more and more like road kill. I was underweight and over-fat. I didn’t realize that the problem was over-training. I was also following the dogmas of my dietetics profession so was pretty much vegetarian and against “excessive protein” intake. I thought my 40 grams a day was plenty. So there I was at 44, working with a vengeance to hit 50 with defiance. But I had to admit that what I was doing wasn’t working. Before resigning completely to the fault of my genetics I decided to hire an experienced personal trainer. I had no desire to look like a bodybuilder, though! That physique was appalling and unattractive to me! But the changes in training and diet that I (RELUCTANTLY) embraced resulted in such rapid improvement in my physique, strength, stamina and overall wellbeing that I was totally inspired. I’m competitive by nature and competing with myself was an interesting and fun challenge. I grew to appreciate muscle. I was intrigued with the art of biology. It’s an interactive learning process.
I decided to compete because I wanted to do something way outside of my comfort zone as the big 5-0 approached. I’m actually pretty shy so the thought of standing in front of all those people nearly naked, intentionally drawing attention and critique…well, OUCH, that would work! Yes, it was scary. But it turned out to be great fun and having that kind of end-point focus and goal pumped even more vitality into my training, diet, and many other aspects of my life.
REACTION OF FAMILY, FRIENDS, GENERAL PUBLIC
As long as I’m healthy my family is supportive. And for everyone else, well, I really don’t care…To each their own. . Also I’m still a little shy so don’t tend to notice the way people may or may not be looking at me. Lately I’ve been making myself take more notice and am amused by the looks of disapproval or fear or envy. Been there & understand. Bodybuilders choose to create a physical appearance that is different from most people. So reactions are to be expected. But most people are actually very interested, or curious, so it’s a great way to initiate contact and dialogues with people you otherwise may just pass by.
WHAT I ENJOY ABOUT THE SPORT OF BODYBUILDING
The camaraderie – There are so many unique and interesting people in this sport and competitors are very supportive for the most part. I appreciate the sportsmanship. Then there’s the accomplishment aspect, both physical and mental.
COMPETITION HISTORY
This isn’t complete but highlights most: My first competitions were in 1997 – 2nd place lightwt @ Northern Ky & Overall winner @ Cincinnati Championships / 1998 – Overall winner @ N. KY / 1999 – Overall winner @ Ohio State & 1st place lightwt @ Masters Nationals / 2000 – Overall winner Masters Nationals / 2001 – 3rd place lightweight @ Jr. USA’s (that was a rough year stress-wise!) / 2002 – tied for 10th place middleweight @ USA’s (I was pretty happy about that!) / 2003 – 6th place middleweight @ Jr. Nationals / 2006 – 1st place middleweight @ Indianapolis & 2nd place middleweight @ Jr. National’s (3 points behind Tracy Mason which I considered a serious accomplishment).
RECENT COMPETITIONS
I last competed at Masters Nationals and North Americans in 2009. That was after 3 years of working through injuries and a bad pneumonia 4 months before the first show. Frankly I wasn’t sure I’d be able to compete. It sure felt good, though! At Masters I won the 55+ division (which became a pro-qualifier the next year) and placed 4th in the 45+ heavyweight division. At the North Americans I placed 6th in the 35+ lightweight division. Considering all that happened and my doubts about being able to compete again I was really happy. I was, and still am, very inspired and motivated by 2 fellow competitors, Tracy Mason and Tammy Patnode, who both deservedly earned their pro cards there. Unlike previous years, they TROMPED me this time. I was so impressed!
FUTURE COMPETITIONS
Since my last competitions, I’ve been through a couple of serious life changing events as well as a couple more injuries. I’m basically starting all over rebuilding my life at 60. I did not think competing again would be possible. I thank Dr. Elliott Haimoff, CEO of Global Science Productions, for redirecting my attitude on this and “tasing” me with some much appreciated motivation. What I’m discovering is that I can redefine myself competitively at the same time I redefine my life. One feeds the other in important and empowering ways. I’m surprised to experience a greater level of gratification, progress, and energy as I prepare for this upcoming event in July (Muscle Beach). I plan to give Master’s Nationals another go-round as well. During this final month of prep I feel --- well, different --- this time. I feel really good!
COMPETITION DIET AND PREP
Usually, as soon as I’m off the stage I start preparing for the next event, whether it’s a month away or a year. I know what my weak points are and start working on them right away. (It’s “body-building”, not “body-staying-the-same”). Cutting diet usually starts 3 to 4 months out, after a month or two of some cycling diet strategies. I keep my body fat on the lower side during the off season. But this year I only had a 10 week notice till the first show. Due to the life traumas and physical injuries I hadn’t been training very hard…for a long time. So, this impromptu prep is a new experience! I’ve been training and dieting more intuitively…and with better results. I’ve been doing this for a long time. I know my body. And I listen to it!
TRAINING – OFF SEASON AND COMPETITION
With all of the injuries, my age, and my desire to keep training for the rest of my life, I’m becoming more strategy dependent rather than strength dependent. My training doesn’t usually vary for competition purposes. The only way it varies is when working around any physical limitations. I prefer to train in frequent short sessions. It’s more compatible with my crazy schedule, prevents “burnout”, and increases the focus and intensity of my session. I train 1 body part per week (I need the recovery time!). And I’ve been doing more volume sets with lower weights and “sculpting” movements.
FAVORITE LIFTS / EXERCISES / BODY PART
Simple - Whatever I’m trying to improve is what I enjoy training the most. Whatever works the best is what I enjoy doing the most.
FAVORITE THING WHILE PREPARING FOR COMPETITION
My late night protein pudding!
2013 DIET AND TRAINING STRATEGY (Muscle Beach)
Although I track carefully and calculate diligently, my diet has been less structured (set in stone) and more intuitive this time. I’m cycling calories and macronutrients (carbs and fats) more. I’m not using any fat burners or fancy supplements. The only drugs are in my HRT. The supplements I do take are more health and recovery related: Whole food concentrates, systemic enzymes, vitamins, fish oil…that kind of thing.
GUIDANCE
It’s impossible to see yourself objectively. So this time I sought the help of an IFBB Pro Bodybuilder (and my friend), Jimmy Canyon. Also a judge, he evaluates my progress, critiques my physique, and finesses my training. He’s helped me make improvements that were previously confounding to achieve before. It’s critical to have an experienced guide!
HEIGHT, WEIGHT DURING OFF SEASON AND CONTEST
I’m almost 5’ 2” – currently 122# (at 4 weeks out) – and typically around 132-5# off season.
BEST FEATURE
Although I usually only see myself critically (meaning whatever I want to improve on most), this time I can proudly say that my back and shoulders are my best features. They used to be my worst. I’m really happy with the improvement.
A TYPICAL DAY
I work various hours and days and have to train accordingly. I live a frenetic life, like most people. Planning and preparation are critical!
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
I like to read, make fine beaded jewelry, play with my critters (dog and 2 cats), hang out with my family, movies….I’m pretty low key. I’m also an officer in the Order Of The Eastern Star, a Masonic organization that focuses on community support.
FAVORITE MUSIC
I like many different kinds of music. But I mostly listen to heavier rock. Angry music makes me laugh for some reason.
TOP 5 FAVORITE MOVIES
My top 5 would turn into top 50 in no time. I can’t commit! And I’m TERRIBLE at remembering titles!!!
ADVICE FOR WOMEN WHO WOULD LIKE TO GET INVOLVED IN PHYSIQUE SPORT COMPETITION
Go for it! And don’t let age be an excuse! Just don’t confuse the process by taking on different advice or applying all kinds of different strategies. Pick a course of action (training and diet), follow it long enough to know how it’s working for you, and tweak it accordingly. Have a systematic approach and track your results. Like success in any endeavor requires, it takes dedication and commitment, strategy and preparation, focus and effort. But it does not take that much time!!!
FAVORITE BODYBUILDING ATHLETES
No favorites. There are so many who impress and inspire me!